Heating tube, instant group, water treatment device and control method thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of water treatment equipment, and discloses a heating pipe, an instant heating assembly, a water treatment device and a control method thereof. The heating pipe is applied to the water treatment device and comprises a pipe body, an electric heating film and at least two electrodes. The inner diameter of the pipe body is 3mm-7mm. The electric heating film is arranged on the outer periphery of the pipe body. The electrodes are arranged on the side of the electric heating film opposite to the pipe body and are electrically connected with the electric heating film. The heating pipe can be arranged in the water treatment device in any way, the application scene of the heating pipe is expanded, the water outlet temperature is more uniform, and the water flow is heated faster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water treatment equipment technology, and in particular to a heating tube, an instant heating component, a water treatment device, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Instantaneous heating elements can instantly heat water or other liquids to the required temperature, with no time limit on the amount of hot water produced. They also do not require the heating function to be turned on when not in use, offering advantages such as high thermal efficiency and fast heating speed. Therefore, they are widely used in heating equipment (such as instant water dispensers, instant electric water heaters, and faucets). However, in related technologies, to facilitate the expulsion of gas from the heating element, it is usually installed vertically in the water treatment device. This greatly restricts the installation of the heating element, and the uniformity of the water temperature output from existing heating elements is not high. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a heating element, an instant heating component, a water treatment device, and a control method thereof, aiming to solve the technical problems of limited installation conditions and low uniformity of outlet water temperature in existing heating elements.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, some embodiments provide a heating tube for use in a water treatment apparatus, comprising: The tube body has an inner diameter of 3mm to 7mm; An electrothermal film is disposed on the outer periphery of the tube body; At least two electrodes are provided, each electrode being spaced apart on the side of the heating film opposite to the tube body, and electrically connected to the heating film.

[0005] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the tube is 4mm to 6mm; And / or, the power density of the electrothermal film is 40W / cm² to 140W / cm².

[0006] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the tube is any one of a circle, ellipse, racetrack shape, rectangle, or regular polygon.

[0007] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the tube is 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0008] In some embodiments, the tube body is made of silicon nitride ceramic material; Alternatively, the electrothermal film is a metal oxide semiconductor film made of doped and modified tin oxide-based semiconductor material, wherein the doping element includes at least one of antimony, fluorine, or indium; Alternatively, the electrode may be made of at least one of Ag, Cu, and Ni-Cr alloys.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this application, some embodiments provide an instant heating assembly including the heating tube described in the first aspect.

[0010] In some embodiments, the instant heating component further includes a temperature control device, which is spaced apart from the heating element; And / or, the instant heating assembly further includes a conductive connector, with each of the electrodes electrically connected to one of the conductive connectors.

[0011] In some embodiments, the instant heating component further includes a conductive metal sheet electrically connected between the temperature control device and the conductive connector; And / or, the conductive connector is a conductive clamp, the number of which is the same as the number of which is an electrode, and they correspond one-to-one. The conductive clamp is clamped to the outer periphery of the electrode, and both sides of the electrode protrude from the conductive clamp.

[0012] According to a third aspect of this application, some embodiments provide a water treatment apparatus, comprising: The main body of the device; and The heating tube described in the first aspect, or the instant heating component described in the second aspect, wherein the heating tube is arranged laterally within the main body of the device.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of this application, some embodiments provide a control method for a water treatment device, used to control the water treatment device described in the third aspect, wherein the water treatment device further includes a control module and a flow detection device, and the heating tube and the flow detection device are both electrically connected to the control module; the control method includes: The control module acquires the water flow rate in the heating tube detected in real time by the flow detection device; The control module controls the working state of the heating element according to the water flow rate; Specifically, when the water flow rate is greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold, the control module adjusts the operating power of the heating element according to the water flow rate to maintain the outlet water temperature at a preset temperature; when the water flow rate is less than the preset flow rate threshold, the control module controls the heating element to be powered off.

[0014] The heating tube, instant heating component, water treatment device, and control method provided by this invention feature a smaller inner diameter of the tube (2mm-9mm) compared to existing solutions. This reduces fluid velocity and wall shear force, causing bubbles generated on the heated surface to be detached and carried away by the water flow before they can grow larger. Furthermore, it shortens the radial distance from the wall to the main flow area, and combined with high turbulence intensity, reduces the likelihood of gas accumulation at the top of the tube, thus improving the smoothness of exhaust and heating stability. This facilitates gas discharge, allowing the heating tube to be installed in any configuration within the water treatment device, such as horizontally or at an angle, expanding its application scenarios. The smaller inner diameter and cross-section of the tube result in more uniform heat exchange, reducing water temperature stratification and improving the accuracy of water temperature detection. Additionally, the smaller inner diameter leads to less water flow per unit length, resulting in a faster water heating rate at the same power compared to existing large-diameter heating tubes. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first heating tube provided in an embodiment of the present invention from one perspective; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The front view of the heating element shown; Figure 4 This is a front view of the second type of heating tube provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the instant heating component provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the instant heating component provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a right-side view of the assembly of the heating tube, conductive connector, temperature control device, and conductive metal sheet provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the water treatment device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which is a faucet.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 1000 Water treatment device; 100 Instant heating component; 10 Heating tube; 11 Tube body; 12 Electrothermal film; 13 Electrode; 14 Buffer layer; 20 Conductive connector; 21 First conductive connector; 22 Second conductive connector; 30 Temperature control device; 31 First temperature control device; 32 Second temperature control device; 40 Conductive metal sheet; 41 First conductive metal sheet; 42 Second conductive metal sheet; 50 Housing assembly; 51 First housing; 52 Second housing; 60 End cap assembly; 61 First end cap; 62 Second end cap; 200 Device body; 201 Rocker arm; 202 Support arm.

[0018] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0021] It should also be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component present. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component present.

[0022] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the heating tube 10 provided in this embodiment of the invention is applied to a water treatment device, including a tube body 11, an electrothermal film 12, and at least two electrodes 13. The electrothermal film 12 is disposed on the outer periphery of the tube body 11, and each electrode 13 is spaced apart on the side of the electrothermal film 12 opposite to the tube body 11 and is electrically connected to the electrothermal film 12. The inner diameter d of the tube body 11 is 3mm to 7mm. The inner diameter d of the tube body 11 can be 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, or 7mm, etc.

[0024] In use, at least two of the two electrodes 13 serve as positive and negative poles for electrical conduction with the power source. In specific applications, when the electrodes 13 are energized, the heating film 12 generates heat, which is conducted to the pipe body 11. As the water flows through the pipe body 11, it absorbs the heat to generate hot water.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the inner diameter d of the tube body 11 is set to 3mm to 7mm, which is smaller than that of existing solutions. On the one hand, this increases the fluid velocity and wall shear force, causing bubbles generated on the heated surface to be stripped off and carried away by the water flow before they grow. On the other hand, it shortens the radial distance from the wall to the mainstream area, and combined with the high turbulence intensity, it reduces the probability of gas accumulation at the top of the tube cavity, thereby improving the smoothness of gas exhaust and heating stability of the heating tube 10. Therefore, the gas is easily discharged, allowing the heating tube 10 to be installed in any way within the water treatment device 1000, such as horizontally or at an angle, expanding the application scenarios of the heating tube 10. Due to the smaller inner diameter of the tube body 11, the cross-section of the tube body 11 is reduced, resulting in more uniform heat exchange in the water, reducing water temperature stratification, and improving the accuracy of water temperature detection. In addition, due to the smaller inner diameter, the water flow per unit length of the tube body 11 is less, resulting in a faster water heating rate at the same power compared to existing large-diameter heating tubes.

[0026] Preferably, the inner diameter d of the tube 11 is 4mm to 6mm. With this arrangement, regardless of how the heating tube 10 is placed, the gas inside the tube can be well discharged, which helps to prevent the heating tube 10 from burning dry, and the water temperature rises quickly and the outlet water temperature is more uniform.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tube body 11 has a circular cross-section. The circular cross-section tube body 11 serves as a standard profile, with readily available and mature processing technology, which helps reduce manufacturing difficulty and mold costs. Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the circular cross-section tube body 11 is relatively smooth, without sharp corners or edges, which facilitates the placement of the electrothermal film 12 and the electrode 13 on the outer periphery of the tube body 11. Of course, in other embodiments, the cross-section of the tube body 11 can also be set to other shapes, such as elliptical, racetrack-shaped, rectangular, flat, or regular polygonal, etc.

[0028] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the tube 11 is polished. This configuration reduces the surface roughness of the inner wall, minimizing the formation of scale.

[0029] In some embodiments, the wall thickness t of the pipe body 11 is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. This configuration provides the pipe body 11 with a certain structural strength while also reducing material usage. If the wall thickness is too low, the structural strength is low, and the pipe body 11 is prone to plastic deformation or fatigue fracture when subjected to internal water pressure and alternating stresses from thermal expansion and contraction; if the wall thickness is too high, it increases the material usage and manufacturing costs.

[0030] In specific applications, the wall thickness t of the tube body 11 can be 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm or 2mm, etc.

[0031] Preferably, the wall thickness t of the tube body 11 is 1.3 mm to 1.7 mm. This configuration not only provides the tube body 11 with better strength but also helps to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0032] In some embodiments, the pipe body 11 is made of insulating material, thus forming an insulated pipe body 11. This prevents the water flowing through the pipe body 11 from becoming electrified, improving the safety of the product.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pipe body 11 is made of silicon nitride ceramic. Silicon nitride has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and relatively good thermal shock resistance, resulting in a relatively low tendency for cracking of the pipe body 11 under alternating hot and cold conditions caused by the switching of water through the heating pipe 10. Simultaneously, silicon nitride retains a high volume resistivity at high temperatures, and its electrical insulation properties show minimal degradation under high-temperature conditions, which helps reduce the risk of water becoming electrified. Furthermore, this material possesses relatively high mechanical strength and fracture toughness, which helps improve the strength of the pipe body 11.

[0034] In some embodiments, the power density of the electrothermal film 12 is 40 W / cm² to 140 W / cm². The electrothermal film 12 can operate continuously for at least 500 hours at a power density of 40 W / cm² to 140 W / cm² without cracking, peeling, or burning on its surface. In specific applications, the power density of the electrothermal film 12 can be 40 W / cm², 45 W / cm², 50 W / cm², 55 W / cm², 60 W / cm², 65 W / cm², 70 W / cm², 75 W / cm², 80 W / cm², 85 W / cm², 90 W / cm², 95 W / cm², 100 W / cm², 105 W / cm², 110 W / cm², 115 W / cm², 120 W / cm², 125 W / cm², 130 W / cm², 135 W / cm², 140 W / cm², etc.

[0035] Preferably, the power density of the electrothermal film 12 is 60W / cm² to 100W / cm².

[0036] In some embodiments, the electrothermal film 12 is a metal oxide semiconductor film made of doped and modified tin oxide-based semiconductor material, wherein the doping element includes at least one of antimony, fluorine, or indium. Tin oxide has good high-temperature chemical stability, which is beneficial for reducing the performance degradation of the electrothermal film 12 during long-term high-temperature use. By using doped and modified tin oxide-based semiconductor material to prepare the electrothermal film 12, its resistivity can be adjusted to adapt to different operating voltage and power requirements.

[0037] In some embodiments, the electrothermal film 12 is formed on the outer periphery of the tube body 11 using a vapor deposition process. This process allows for atomic-level bonding between the film layer and the tube wall of the tube body 11, resulting in strong interfacial adhesion. This helps reduce the risk of peeling or flaking of the film layer under alternating thermal stress, extending the product's lifespan. Furthermore, vapor deposition technology offers superior thickness control and non-planar coverage, allowing the electrothermal film 12 to be more uniformly disposed on the outer periphery of the tube body 11, improving product uniformity. It is understood that in other embodiments, the electrothermal film 12 may also be formed on the outer periphery of the tube body 11 using other processes.

[0038] In some embodiments, the vapor deposition process can be a physical vapor deposition process (such as magnetron sputtering) or a chemical vapor deposition process (such as PECVD or MOCVD).

[0039] In some embodiments, the tube 11 is configured to rotate during the vapor deposition process. This allows the different sides of the tube 11 to alternately face the main airflow, which helps to reduce minor differences caused by the directionality of the airflow and improves the uniformity of the electrothermal film 12.

[0040] In some embodiments, the thickness of the electrothermal film 12 is 80 nm to 120 nm. In related technologies, the thickness of the electrothermal film 12 is typically greater than 200 nm. By setting the thickness of the electrothermal film 12 to 80 nm to 120 nm, on the one hand, the amount of electrothermal film 12 used can be reduced, which helps to lower manufacturing costs. On the other hand, compared to an excessively thick electrothermal film 12, it helps to control the internal stress level of the film layer, reducing the risk of film cracking or peeling caused by excessive internal stress, thereby improving the bonding reliability between the film layer and the tube body 11. In specific applications, the thickness of the electrothermal film 12 can be 90 nm, 92 nm, 95 nm, 98 nm, 100 nm, 102 nm, 105 nm, 108 nm, or 110 nm, etc. Preferably, the thickness of the electrothermal film 12 is 90 nm to 110 nm.

[0041] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The heating tube 10 also includes a buffer layer 14, which is sandwiched between the tube body 11 and the electrothermal film 12. Due to the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between tin oxide and silicon nitride, the shear stress is concentrated at the interface during thermal shock, increasing the probability of cracking of the tin oxide film. By providing a buffer layer 14 between the tube body 11 and the electrothermal film 12, the buffer layer 14 can absorb the shear stress during thermal shock and reduce the probability of cracking of the tin oxide film.

[0042] In some embodiments, the buffer layer 14 is made of amorphous silicon dioxide or silicon oxynitride, i.e., the buffer layer 14 is an amorphous silicon dioxide layer or a silicon oxynitride layer. The coefficient of thermal expansion and lattice constant of silicon oxynitride are between those of tin oxide and silicon nitride, and the oxygen atoms in silicon oxynitride can form strong Si-O-Si bridging bonds with the silicon atoms on the surface of silicon nitride. This chemical bonding not only enhances the interfacial bonding force, but also helps to convert some of the strain energy into elastic deformation of the interfacial region.

[0043] In some embodiments, the thickness of the buffer layer 14 is 50 nm to 200 nm. In specific applications, the thickness of the buffer layer 14 can be 50 nm, 80 nm, 100 nm, 120 nm, 150 nm, 180 nm, or 200 nm, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, electrode 13 is made of at least one material selected from Ag, Cu, and Ni-Cr alloys. Silver, copper, and nickel-chromium alloys all have low resistivity, which helps reduce the resistance of electrode 13 itself and the heat loss when a large current passes through it. They also have relatively good oxidation resistance, which helps maintain low contact resistance during long-term use, thereby maintaining the stability of the electrical connection performance. In this application, electrode 13 is a silver electrode.

[0045] In some embodiments, the thickness of electrode 13 is 10µm to 200µm. By setting the thickness of electrode 13 to 10µm to 200µm, while maintaining good conductivity, the thickness of electrode 13 is reduced compared to solutions with excessively thick electrode 13. This reduces the amount of electrode 13 material used, helps lower manufacturing costs, and helps reduce internal stress in electrode 13, thus reducing the risk of cracking or peeling caused by excessive internal stress, thereby improving the reliability of electrode 13 connecting to the electrothermal film 12. In specific applications, the thickness of electrode 13 can be 10µm, 20µm, 50µm, 70µm, 80µm, 100µm, 120µm, 150µm, 180µm, or 200µm, etc. Preferably, the thickness of electrode 13 is 30µm to 60µm.

[0046] In some embodiments, two electrodes 13 are respectively disposed near both ends of the tube body 11. In specific applications, when the electrodes 13 are energized, the electrothermal film 12 located between the two energized electrodes 13 generates heat. By disposing of two electrodes 13 near both ends of the tube body 11, the length of the electrothermal film 12 between the two electrodes 13 is maximized, thereby maximizing the length of the effective heating area, increasing the heat exchange area, and improving the instantaneous heating efficiency.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heating tube 10 includes three electrodes 13, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the tube body 11. In specific applications, depending on different usage requirements, any two electrodes 13 can be electrically connected as positive and negative poles, thereby changing the heating length of the electrothermal film 12, which in turn changes the heating rate and thus achieves the purpose of regulating the heating water temperature.

[0048] It is understood that in other embodiments, the heating tube 10 may also include two, four, or five electrodes 13, etc. It should be noted that this embodiment and the accompanying drawings do not limit the number of electrodes 13.

[0049] In some embodiments, the three electrodes 13 are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the tube body 11. It is understood that in other embodiments, the three electrodes 13 may also be arranged at unequal intervals.

[0050] In this embodiment, the heating tube 10 is provided with three electrodes 13, two of which are located near the two ends of the tube body 11, and the third electrode 13 is located in the middle of the tube body 11.

[0051] In some embodiments, the electrode 13 is formed on the side of the electrothermal film 12 opposite to the tube body 11 by screen printing, electroplating, or sputtering. Using these processes, a tight bond can be formed between the electrode 13 and the electrothermal film 12, resulting in relatively low and stable contact resistance, which helps reduce interface heating when a large current passes through. It should be noted that screen printing, electroplating, and sputtering are all existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0052] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 This application also provides an instant heating component 100, including the aforementioned heating tube 10. By employing the heating tube 10, the application scenarios of the instant heating component 100 can be expanded, and the heating speed and heating uniformity of the water flow can be improved.

[0053] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7The heating assembly 100 also includes conductive connectors 20, with each electrode 13 electrically connected to one conductive connector 20. By providing the conductive connectors 20, a conductive path can be provided for the electrodes 13.

[0054] In some embodiments, the conductive connector 20 is a conductive clamp, the number of which is the same as the number of electrodes 13 and corresponds one-to-one. The conductive clamp is clamped around the outer periphery of the electrode 13. By providing a conductive clamp around the outer periphery of each electrode 13, the conductive clamp mechanically fixes the electrode 13, improving the stability of the electrode 13 on the side of the electrothermal film 12 facing away from the tube body 11 (i.e., the outer surface of the electrothermal film 12), and also provides a conductive path for the electrode 13.

[0055] In some embodiments, the conductive clamps protrude from both sides of the electrode 13. Thus, in the axial direction of the tube body 11, the size of the electrode 13 is larger than the size of the conductive clamps; that is, the width of the electrode 13 is greater than the width of the conductive clamps, and the conductive clamps do not cover the two side edges of the electrode 13, leaving both sides of the electrode 13 exposed. This not only ensures that the conductive clamps are in contact with the electrode 13 across their entire width but also reduces the precision requirements for the assembly of the conductive clamps, thereby improving assembly efficiency. Of course, in other embodiments, the electrode 13 may also be flush with both sides of the conductive clamps.

[0056] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The instant heating component 100 also includes a temperature control device 30, which is spaced apart from the heating element 10. The temperature control device 30 can cut off the power supply circuit to the heating element 10 when it experiences dry burning or abnormal overheating, thus reducing safety risks caused by sustained high temperatures. By spaced the temperature control device 30 from the heating element 10, a certain electrical clearance and creepage distance can be maintained between them, thereby helping to reduce the risk of creepage phenomena caused by insulation surface contamination or damp conditions, and improving the electrical safety of the instant heating component 100.

[0057] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 30 is configured to sense the temperature of the heating element 10 by means of radiative heat sensing. Exemplarily, the heat from the heating element 10 is transferred to the temperature-sensing metal sheet of the temperature control device 30 in the form of thermal radiation. The temperature-sensing metal sheet deforms and displaces with temperature changes, triggering the operation of an on / off switch through this deformation and displacement. With this configuration, the temperature control device 30 does not need to be in direct contact with the heating element 10 to sense its temperature changes, which is beneficial for maintaining electrical isolation between the temperature control device 30 and the heating element 10.

[0058] In some embodiments, the distance between the heating element 10 and the temperature control device 30 is 3mm to 5mm. This arrangement allows the temperature control device 30 to accurately sense the temperature of the heating element 10 through radiative heat sensing, while also reducing the risk of electric creep. In specific applications, this distance can be set to 3mm, 3.3mm, 3.5mm, 3.8mm, 4mm, 4.2mm, 4.5mm, 4.8mm, 5mm, etc.

[0059] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The instant heating component 100 also includes a conductive metal sheet 40, which is electrically connected between the temperature control device 30 and the conductive connector 20, i.e., the conductive metal sheet 40 is electrically connected between the temperature control device 30 and the conductive clamp. Using the conductive metal sheet 40 to connect the temperature control device 30 and the conductive connector 20 improves the neatness of the wiring of the instant heating component 100 compared to wire connections. In specific applications, the conductive metal sheet 40 can be a copper sheet.

[0060] In some embodiments, the conductive metal sheet 40 is connected to the temperature control device 30 and the conductive connector 20 respectively by screws. This arrangement achieves both mechanical and electrical connection, and is convenient and quick to operate.

[0061] Please see Figure 7 The temperature control device 30 includes a first temperature control device 31 and a second temperature control device 32. Multiple conductive connectors 20 are provided, including a first conductive connector 21 and a second conductive connector 22. A conductive metal sheet 40 includes a first conductive metal sheet 41 and a second conductive metal sheet 42. The first conductive metal sheet 41 is electrically connected between the first temperature control device 31 and the first conductive connector 21, and the second conductive metal sheet 42 is electrically connected between the second temperature control device 32 and the second conductive connector 22, so that the first temperature control device 31 and the second temperature control device 32 are connected to the power supply circuit that supplies power to the heating tube 10.

[0062] In specific applications, the first temperature control device 31 and the second temperature control device 32 are connected in series in the power supply circuit that supplies power to the heating tube 10. When the heating tube 10 is dry-burning or abnormally overheated, the disconnection of the first temperature control device 31 and / or the second temperature control device 32 disconnects the power supply circuit, causing the heating tube 10 to stop heating and improving the safety of the product.

[0063] For example, when there are two electrodes 13, one electrode 13 is a first electrode and the other electrode 13 is a second electrode. The first conductive connector 21 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first electrode and the second conductive connector 22 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second electrode.

[0064] When three electrodes 13 are provided, the three electrodes 13 along the axial direction of the tube body 11 are respectively the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode. When the first electrode and the second electrode are energized, the first conductive connector 21 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first electrode, and the second conductive connector 22 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second electrode. When the first electrode and the third electrode are energized, the first conductive connector 21 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first electrode, and the second conductive connector 22 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the third electrode. When the second electrode and the third electrode are energized, the first conductive connector 21 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second electrode, and the second conductive connector 22 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the third electrode.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first temperature control device 31 is an automatic temperature controller. In specific applications, when the temperature of the heating element 10 rises to a first preset temperature, the first temperature control device 31 automatically disconnects, and the heating element 10 is de-energized; when the temperature of the heating element 10 drops to a second preset temperature, the first temperature control device 31 automatically turns on, and the heating element 10 is energized. The first preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second temperature control device 32 is a manual temperature controller. Specifically, when the temperature of the heating element 10 rises to a third preset temperature, the second temperature control device 32 automatically disconnects, and the heating element 10 is de-energized; when the temperature of the heating element 10 drops to a fourth preset temperature, the second temperature control device 32 remains disconnected, requiring manual operation to reconnect it. The third preset temperature is higher than the fourth preset temperature.

[0067] In some embodiments, the third preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature.

[0068] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The instant heating component 100 also includes a housing assembly 50 and an end cap assembly 60, which together form a receiving cavity. The heating tube 10 is housed within the receiving cavity, and a temperature control device 30 is connected to the housing assembly 50. The end cap assembly 60 includes a first end cap 61 and a second end cap 62, which are respectively connected to opposite ends of the housing assembly 50 and are detachably connected to it. The housing assembly 50 includes a first housing 51 and a second housing 52 detachably connected to the first housing 51. The first housing 51, the second housing 52, the first end cap 61, and the second end cap 62 together form the receiving cavity. The housing assembly 50 and the end cap assembly 60 facilitate the installation of the heating tube 10 and also facilitate the installation of the instant heating component 100 in a water treatment device.

[0069] This application embodiment also provides a water treatment device 1000, including a device body 200 and the aforementioned heating tube 10 or instant heating component 100, wherein the heating tube 10 is arranged laterally within the device body 200. The water treatment device 1000 can be a faucet, an instant hot water dispenser, an instant electric water heater, etc.

[0070] It is understood that in other embodiments, the heating tube 10 may also be arranged vertically or obliquely within the main body 200 of the device.

[0071] For example, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 The water treatment device 1000 is a faucet. The main body 200 of the device includes a rocker arm 201 and a support arm 202. The rocker arm 201 is rotatably connected to the support arm 202 and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the support arm 202. The rocker arm 201 extends in the horizontal direction, and the heating tube 10 is disposed inside the rocker arm 201.

[0072] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 30 is located above the heating tube 10. When the instant heating component 100 is placed horizontally, the water in the tube 11 tends to be located at the lower part of the tube 11 under the action of gravity. By placing the temperature control device 30 above the heating tube 10, the heating tube 10 can be effectively prevented from burning dry, thus improving the safety of the product.

[0073] In some embodiments, the water treatment device 1000 further includes a control module and a flow detection device, both of which are electrically connected to the control module. The flow detection device is used to detect the water flow rate in the heating tube 10, and the control module controls the operating state of the heating tube 10 based on the detection result of the flow detection device.

[0074] In practical applications, when the detection result shows that the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate threshold, the control module adjusts the working power of the heating element 10 according to the water flow rate to maintain the outlet water temperature at the preset temperature; when the detection result shows that the water flow rate is less than the preset flow rate threshold, the control module controls the heating element 10 to cut off the power.

[0075] With this configuration, on the one hand, the control module can cut off the power supply to the heating tube 10 in a timely manner based on the detection results of the flow detection device, thereby avoiding heat accumulation and dry burning damage to the tube body 11 caused by insufficient flow or flow interruption, thus improving the safety of product use; on the other hand, the control module can dynamically adjust the heating power according to the real-time flow to compensate for the impact of flow fluctuations on the outlet water temperature, so that the outlet hot water temperature is kept as constant as possible, improving the user's water experience.

[0076] In practical applications, when the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate threshold, the control module increases the working power of the heating tube 10 when the flow rate detection device detects an increase in flow rate; when the flow rate decreases, the control module decreases the working power of the heating tube 10 accordingly, thereby achieving constant temperature water output at the preset temperature.

[0077] In some embodiments, the water treatment device 1000 further includes a pump body and a water supply pipeline. The water supply pipeline is connected to the pipe body 11, and the pump body is connected to the water supply pipeline to provide power for the flow of water in the water supply pipeline. The control module is electrically connected to the pump body to control the operation of the pump body.

[0078] In practical applications, when the detection result shows that the water flow rate is greater than zero and less than the preset flow rate threshold, the control module increases the working power of the pump body to increase the water flow rate. Before the water flow rate reaches the preset flow rate threshold, the control module controls the heating tube 10 to remain in a de-energized state.

[0079] This invention also provides a control method for a water treatment device 1000, wherein the water treatment device 1000 further includes a control module and a flow detection device, and the heating tube 10 and the flow detection device are both electrically connected to the control module; the control method includes: The control module acquires the water flow rate inside the heating tube 10, which is detected in real time by the flow detection device. The control module controls the working status of the heating element 10 according to the water flow rate; When the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate threshold, the control module adjusts the working power of the heating element 10 according to the water flow rate to maintain the outlet water temperature at the preset temperature; when the water flow rate is less than the preset flow rate threshold, the control module controls the heating element 10 to cut off the power.

[0080] In some embodiments, the water treatment device 1000 further includes a pump body and a water supply pipeline, the water supply pipeline being connected to the pipe body 11, the pump body being connected to the water supply pipeline, and a control module being electrically connected to the pump body; the control method further includes: The control module controls the pump's operating power based on the water flow rate; When the water flow rate is greater than zero and less than the preset flow rate threshold, the control module increases the working power of the pump body to increase the water flow rate. Before the water flow rate reaches the preset flow rate threshold, the control module controls the heating tube 10 to remain in a de-energized state.

[0081] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present invention using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating element used in a water treatment device, characterized in that, include: The tube body has an inner diameter of 3mm to 7mm; An electrothermal film is disposed on the outer periphery of the tube body; At least two electrodes are provided, each electrode being spaced apart on the side of the heating film opposite to the tube body, and electrically connected to the heating film.

2. The heating tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the tube is 4mm to 6mm; And / or, the power density of the electrothermal film is 40W / cm² to 140W / cm².

3. The heating tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the tube is any one of the following: circular, elliptical, racetrack-shaped, rectangular, flat, or regular polygonal.

4. The heating tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the tube is 0.5mm to 2mm.

5. The heating tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tube body is made of silicon nitride ceramic material; Alternatively, the electrothermal film is a metal oxide semiconductor film made of doped and modified tin oxide-based semiconductor material, wherein the doping element includes at least one of antimony, fluorine, or indium; Alternatively, the electrode may be made of at least one of Ag, Cu, and Ni-Cr alloys.

6. An instant heating component, characterized in that, Includes the heating element as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The instant heating component as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The instant heating component also includes a temperature control device, which is spaced apart from the heating tube. And / or, the instant heating assembly further includes a conductive connector, with each of the electrodes electrically connected to one of the conductive connectors.

8. The instant heating component as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The instant heating component also includes a conductive metal sheet, which is electrically connected between the temperature control device and the conductive connector; And / or, the conductive connector is a conductive clamp, the number of which is the same as the number of which is an electrode, and they correspond one-to-one. The conductive clamp is clamped to the outer periphery of the electrode, and both sides of the electrode protrude from the conductive clamp.

9. A water treatment device, characterized in that, include: Main body of the device; as well as The heating tube as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the instant heating component as described in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the heating tube is arranged laterally within the main body of the device.

10. A method for controlling a water treatment apparatus, used to control the water treatment apparatus as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The water treatment device further includes a control module and a flow detection device, wherein the heating element and the flow detection device are both electrically connected to the control module; the control method includes: The control module acquires the water flow rate in the heating tube detected in real time by the flow detection device; The control module controls the working state of the heating element according to the water flow rate; Specifically, when the water flow rate is greater than or equal to a preset flow rate threshold, the control module adjusts the operating power of the heating element according to the water flow rate to maintain the outlet water temperature at a preset temperature; when the water flow rate is less than the preset flow rate threshold, the control module controls the heating element to be powered off.

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