Gas water heater

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a gas water heater which comprises a water path, a heating device, a gas pipeline, a water flow detection device, a flow limiting device, a gas adjusting valve, an input device and a controller, and the flow limiting device is arranged at a water inlet of the water path; the gas regulating valve is arranged on the gas pipeline; the input device is connected with the controller and used for responding to operation of a user and sending a waterfall washing starting signal to the controller. The controller is further used for controlling the gas adjusting valve based on the water flow signal from the water flow detection device under triggering of the waterfall washing starting signal so as to start the waterfall washing mode. A booster pump is not arranged in the gas water heater, and the gas water heater can work in a waterfall washing mode under the condition that the water supply pressure is large. The controller may start a waterfall washing mode based on a water flow signal from the water flow detection device. The flow limiting device can avoid the situation that water flow with the temperature expected by a user cannot be output in the waterfall washing mode due to the fact that the water flow entering the gas water heater is too large.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a gas water heater. Background Art

[0002] Gas water heaters are widely popular as a water heater that can quickly provide a large amount of hot water. As people's requirements for quality of life become higher and higher, people are no longer satisfied with the basic functions of gas water heaters, but have put forward higher requirements for the functions of gas water heaters.

[0003] Among the gas water heaters on the market, some have a waterfall function, which can provide users with hot water exceeding the rated flow rate, thereby meeting the user's needs for large water volume and high water temperature when bathing and improving the user experience.

[0004] Currently common gas water heaters with waterfall function are usually equipped with a booster pump. When the waterfall mode is turned on, the water in the waterway can be pressurized by turning on the booster pump to obtain a larger amount of water. The gas water heater can also ensure the water intake temperature under the large water volume conditions of the waterfall mode by increasing the thermal power. However, in some actual application scenarios, the water supply pressure is relatively high. In this case, the booster pump in the gas water heater is useless and cannot significantly increase the flow rate of the waterfall, which leads to waste. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art, an embodiment of the utility model provides a gas water heater. It includes: a water path connecting a water inlet and a water outlet, a heating device for heating the water flow in the water path, and a gas pipeline for conveying gas to the heating device. The gas water heater also includes: a water flow detection device, a current limiting device, a gas regulating valve, an input device and a controller, wherein the water flow detection device is arranged on the water path; the current limiting device is arranged at the water inlet on the water path; the gas regulating valve is arranged on the gas pipeline; the input device is connected to the controller, and is used to send a waterfall start signal to the controller in response to the user's operation; the controller is also connected to the water flow detection device and the gas regulating valve, and is used to control the gas regulating valve based on the water flow signal from the water flow detection device under the triggering of the waterfall start signal, so as to start the waterfall mode of the gas water heater.

[0006] The above-mentioned gas water heater is not provided with a booster pump. A water flow detection device and a current limiting device are provided on the water path of the gas water heater. The controller can turn on the waterfall mode based on the water flow signal from the water flow detection device. The current limiting device can limit the maximum water flow entering the gas water heater, thereby avoiding excessive water flow entering the gas water heater when the water pressure of the municipal pipe network is too high, which in turn causes the gas water heater to be unable to output water at the user's expected temperature when working in the waterfall mode. In short, although the above-mentioned gas water heater is not provided with a booster pump, it can smoothly work in the waterfall mode when the water supply pressure is relatively high, and ensures that the output water flow in the waterfall mode is always maintained at the expected temperature. Thereby, waste is avoided.

[0007] Exemplarily, the water flow detection device includes a flow meter, and the controller is specifically used to control the gas regulating valve based on the flow signal from the flow meter when triggered by the waterfall start signal to start the waterfall mode.

[0008] In the above technical solution, a flow meter is used in the gas water heater to determine whether the conditions for starting the waterfall mode are met. This is more direct than other methods and can simplify the control logic.

[0009] Illustratively, the input device comprises a flow meter.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the gas water heater uses a flow meter to detect the water flow in the water path to confirm that the user has started the waterfall function of the gas water heater. Therefore, the user only needs to turn on and off the faucet for controlling the gas water heater to conveniently control the waterfall function of the gas water heater without operating a dedicated input device, and the user experience is good.

[0011] Exemplarily, the water flow detection device includes a pressure sensor, which is arranged at the water inlet on the water path. The controller is specifically used to: when triggered by a waterfall start signal, control the gas regulating valve based on the water flow pressure signal from the pressure sensor to start the waterfall mode.

[0012] In the above-mentioned gas water heater, the water flow detection device is implemented by a pressure sensor, and then judges whether the waterfall washing conditions are met based on the water flow pressure signal sent by the pressure sensor, and the control logic is relatively simple.

[0013] Exemplarily, the gas water heater also includes a water inlet temperature sensor, which is arranged at the water inlet of the water circuit; the controller is specifically used to control the gas regulating valve based on the water flow signal and the water inlet temperature detected by the water inlet temperature sensor when triggered by the waterfall start signal to start the waterfall mode.

[0014] In the above-mentioned gas water heater, a temperature sensor is provided at the water inlet, and the controller can control the gas regulating valve according to the water flow signal of the water flow detection device and the water inlet temperature detected by the water inlet temperature sensor. Thus, it can not only ensure the constant temperature hot water output of the gas water heater when the user takes hot water at a large flow rate, but also the control logic is simple.

[0015] Exemplarily, the gas water heater includes a fan connected to a controller, and the controller is further used to control the fan to operate at a speed higher than that corresponding to the rated opening of the gas regulating valve after the waterfall mode is turned on.

[0016] The above-mentioned gas water heater is provided with a fan with adjustable speed. Thus, on the one hand, it ensures that the gas in the heating device of the gas water heater can burn smoothly, thereby ensuring that the gas water heater can output hot water at a large flow rate, and further ensuring that the gas water heater can continue to work in the waterfall mode. On the other hand, a large amount of waste gas generated by the combustion of gas is effectively discharged.

[0017] Exemplarily, the gas water heater also includes a water outlet temperature sensor, which is arranged at the water outlet of the water circuit; the controller is also used to control the gas regulating valve according to the water outlet temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor to keep the water outlet temperature at a desired temperature.

[0018] In the above-mentioned gas water heater, by using the outlet water temperature sensor to detect the outlet water temperature and controlling the gas regulating valve, closed-loop control can be achieved, and the outlet water temperature can be accurately controlled in real time to maintain the desired temperature, providing a good user experience.

[0019] Exemplarily, the gas water heater also includes a prompt device connected to the controller, and the controller is further used to control the prompt device to send a prompt signal when a waterfall start signal is received but the water flow signal does not meet the first preset condition.

[0020] Through the prompting device, the gas water heater can prompt the user in time when the user expects to start the waterfall mode but cannot start it, so that the user can know the working status of the gas water heater in time.

[0021] Exemplarily, the flow limiting device includes a throttle valve, a flow limiting valve or a flow stabilizing valve.

[0022] The above-mentioned throttle valve, flow limiting valve or flow stabilizing valve has mature technology and low cost, which not only ensures that the gas water heater can output hot water of the desired temperature, but also reduces the cost of the gas water heater.

[0023] Exemplarily, the input device includes buttons arranged on a panel of the gas water heater or on a remote controller of the gas water heater.

[0024] Using buttons as input devices in gas water heaters can greatly simplify the control logic of gas water heaters, thereby reducing costs. Control by buttons is relatively simple to operate and more friendly to the elderly and children.

[0025] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the utility model content, which will be further described in detail in the detailed implementation section. The utility model content section does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the technical solution claimed for protection, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the scope of protection of the technical solution claimed for protection.

[0026] The advantages and features of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The following drawings of the present invention are used as part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show the implementation of the present invention and its description, and are used to explain the principle of the present invention. In the drawings,

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a gas water heater according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model is shown.

[0029] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0030] 101. Water inlet; 102. Water outlet; 103. Gas inlet; 110. Water circuit; 111. Current limiting device; 112. Water inlet temperature sensor; 113. Water flow detection device; 114. Water outlet temperature sensor; 120. Gas pipeline; 121. Gas regulating valve; 122. Heating device; 130. Controller; 140. Input device; 150. Fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the following description, a large number of details are provided so that the present invention can be thoroughly understood. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following description only illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented without one or more of such details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion with the present invention, some technical features known in the art are not described in detail.

[0032] In the actual application scenarios of gas water heaters, some tap water pipe networks have high pressure. In these application scenarios, the booster pump in the gas water heater cannot significantly increase the flow rate of the waterfall, which causes waste. In addition, because the booster pump further increases the water flow rate, even if the gas water heater increases the thermal power, it still cannot output hot water that meets the user's expected temperature. Finally, the gas water heater does not take into account the situation where the booster pump is not turned on. As a result, the existing gas water heater cannot operate well in the waterfall mode in such application scenarios.

[0033] The embodiment of the utility model provides a gas water heater. The gas water heater of the embodiment of the utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a gas water heater according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 1 As shown, the gas water heater includes a water circuit 110 connecting a water inlet 101 and a water outlet 102, a heating device 122 for heating water flow in the water circuit 110, and a gas pipeline 120 for conveying gas to the heating device 122. The gas water heater also includes a water flow detection device 113 arranged on the water circuit 110, a flow limiting device 111 arranged at the water inlet 101 on the water circuit 110, a gas regulating valve 121 arranged on the gas pipeline 120, an input device 140 and a controller 130. The input device 140 is connected to the controller 130, and is used to send a waterfall start signal to the controller 130 in response to the user's operation. The controller 130 is also connected to the water flow detection device 113 and the gas regulating valve 121, and is used to control the gas regulating valve 121 based on the water flow signal from the water flow detection device 113 under the triggering of the waterfall start signal, so as to start the waterfall mode of the gas water heater.

[0035] The water inlet 101 of the gas water heater is used to connect to the municipal pipe network, and the water can be heated in the waterway 110. The water outlet 102 of the gas water heater is used to connect to the external pipes in the user's home, such as the water pipe. When the user turns on the water end, hot water can flow out from the water outlet 102 for the user to use.

[0036] The water flow detection device 113 may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a flow meter, etc. For example, the water flow detection device 113 may be used to detect a specific flow rate of water in the waterway 110, such as 8 liters per minute (L / min). Alternatively, the water flow detection device 113 may be used to detect the water pressure in the waterway 110, such as 0.25 MPa. Figure 1 In the specific embodiment shown, the water flow detection device 113 may include a flow meter, which may generate a water flow signal according to the water flow condition of the waterway 110 .

[0037] At the water inlet 101, a flow limiting device 111 can also be provided to limit the water flow rate in the waterway 110. As mentioned above, the gas water heater of the utility model can work in application scenarios with relatively high water pressure. For example, the pressure at the water inlet 101 of the gas water heater is very high, which is 0.5Mpa. At this time, if the user opens the water end, such as the faucet, very wide, then due to the large water pressure, water will pass through the gas water heater at a large flow rate. Even if the user opens the faucet completely to the hot water area, the hot water released is all water heated by the gas water heater. It may also be that the thermal power of the gas water heater is insufficient and hot water of the desired temperature cannot be provided. Therefore, a flow limiting device 111 can be provided to ensure that the maximum water flow through the gas water heater matches the thermal power of the gas water heater regardless of how the water pressure changes, so as to avoid the output hot water temperature being too low.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the flow rate allowed by the current limiting device can be determined according to the water flow rate that can be heated by the maximum thermal power of the waterfall mode under the highest expected temperature allowed by the gas water heater, such as 70 degrees. It can be understood that the water temperature of the water heater cannot be set too high, otherwise bubbles may be generated in the water path 110, affecting the water output effect and even damaging the gas water heater. Therefore, the expected temperature of the gas water heater is usually not higher than 75 degrees. Taking the highest expected temperature of the gas water heater as 70 degrees as an example, in the waterfall mode, when the gas regulating valve 121 is opened to the maximum opening in the waterfall mode, the gas water heater reaches the maximum thermal power in the waterfall mode. At this time, the water flow rate that the gas water heater can heat is the maximum flow rate. If the flow rate exceeds this, the gas water heater may not be able to heat the water to the user's expected temperature. Therefore, the flow upper limit of the current limiting device 111 can be determined according to the above flow rate.

[0039] In other embodiments, the flow limit of the flow limiting device 111 may also be greater than the above flow rate, because the user usually does not set the desired temperature to the highest temperature. Therefore, when the desired temperature is lower than the highest temperature, the maximum water flow rate may also be increased accordingly.

[0040] Exemplarily, the flow limiting device 111 may include a throttle valve, a flow limiting valve or a flow stabilizing valve. The throttle valve, flow limiting valve or flow stabilizing valve is of mature technology and low cost, which not only ensures that the gas water heater can output hot water of a desired temperature, but also reduces the cost of the gas water heater.

[0041] The gas water heater may further include a gas pipeline 120 and a heating device 122. The gas pipeline 120 is connected to the gas inlet 103 of the gas water heater and is used to deliver gas to the heating device 122. The heating device 122 is used to heat the water flow in the water path 110 using gas. The heating device 122 can mix gas and air in an appropriate proportion and ignite them to heat the cold water in the water path 110. Exemplarily, the water path 110 may include a coil passing through the heating device 122, and the burning flame can heat the coil, thereby heating the cold water flowing through the coil. A gas regulating valve 121 may be provided on the gas pipeline 120. The gas regulating valve 121 and the heating device 122 are sequentially connected in series on the gas pipeline 120 along the air flow direction. In other words, the gas regulating valve 121 is provided upstream of the heating device 122. The gas regulating valve 121 can adjust the delivery flow of the gas, thereby adjusting the amount of gas burned per unit time in the heating device 122, and then adjusting the thermal power output by the heating device 122.

[0042] The gas water heater can also respond to user operations through the input device 140. For example, the input device 140 may include a button arranged on the casing of the gas water heater. The user can click the button to control the start of the waterfall to send a waterfall start signal to the controller 130.

[0043] In other specific embodiments, the input device 140 can also be connected to Bluetooth or a local area network, and the user can control the input device 140 to send a waterfall start signal through a mobile phone app. In some embodiments, the water flow detection device 113 can also be used as the input device 140. When the user operates the faucet connected to the gas water heater, the water flow in the waterway 110 will change, and the water flow signal obtained by the water flow detection device 113 will also change accordingly. The controller 130 can determine that the waterfall start signal is received based on the water flow signal. It can be understood that in the above embodiment, unlike buttons, the user does not directly operate the input device 140, but the input device 140 can send a waterfall start signal in response to the user's operation. In short, the gas water heater can send a waterfall start signal to the controller 130 through any form of input device 140 in response to the user's operation.

[0044] The gas water heater may further include a controller 130, which is connected to the input device 140 as well as the water flow detection device 113 and the gas regulating valve 121. The controller 130 may be constructed using electronic components such as a timer, a comparator, a register, and a digital logic circuit, or may be implemented using a processor chip such as a single chip microcomputer, a microprocessor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and its peripheral circuits.

[0045] After receiving the waterfall start signal from the input device 140, the controller 130 can control the gas regulating valve 121 based on the water flow signal from the water flow detection device 113 to turn on the waterfall mode of the gas water heater. As described above, illustratively, the water flow detection device 113 may include a flow meter, so the water flow signal may include a flow signal. The controller 130 can determine whether the current water inlet flow rate can meet the water flow demand after the waterfall is turned on based on the detected flow signal. If the water flow rate required by the user is less than the water flow rate in the waterfall mode, it is obvious that it is meaningless to turn on the waterfall mode, because the rated thermal power can fully meet the bathing needs at this time, and the controller 130 can control the gas water heater not to turn on the waterfall mode. When the flow rate meets the water flow rate in the waterfall mode, the user can turn on the waterfall mode. In the waterfall mode, the water flow in the waterway 110 is large. It can be understood that as the output water flow rate of the gas water heater increases, in order to make the outlet water temperature reach the desired temperature, the heat load of the gas water heater also increases accordingly. At this time, the controller 130 can control the gas regulating valve 121 to work in the first working condition. When the gas regulating valve 121 operates under the first working condition, the heat load of the gas water heater is greater than the rated heat load.

[0046] The desired temperature may be a temperature pre-set by the user using the input device 140, such as 60 degrees. In order to increase the thermal power of the gas water heater so that it can provide hot water of the desired temperature, the controller 130 may provide the gas regulating valve 121 with an input current greater than its rated current, so as to increase the opening of the gas regulating valve 121. This increases the gas flow in the gas pipeline and increases the thermal power of the heating device 122 of the gas water heater. By controlling the gas regulating valve 121 using the controller 130, the gas water heater may enter the waterfall mode as desired. In another embodiment, the gas water heater may select a gas regulating valve 121 with a larger rated opening, and the opening of the gas regulating valve 121 corresponding to the rated thermal power of the gas water heater is less than the rated opening of the gas regulating valve 121. For example, under the rated thermal power of the gas water heater, the opening of the gas regulating valve 121 is 70% of the rated opening. When the waterfall mode is turned on, the controller 130 may control the opening of the gas regulating valve 121 to reach 70%-100%, so that the thermal power of the gas water heater is greater than the rated thermal power.

[0047] The above-mentioned gas water heater is not provided with a booster pump. A water flow detection device 113 and a current limiting device 111 are provided on the water path 110 in the above-mentioned gas water heater. The controller 130 can turn on the waterfall mode based on the water flow signal from the water flow detection device 113. The current limiting device 111 can limit the maximum water flow entering the gas water heater, thereby avoiding excessive water flow entering the gas water heater when the water pressure of the municipal pipe network is too high, which in turn causes the gas water heater to be unable to output water at the user's desired temperature when working in the waterfall mode. In short, although the above-mentioned gas water heater is not provided with a booster pump, it can smoothly work in the waterfall mode when the water supply pressure is relatively high, and ensures that the output water flow in the waterfall mode is always maintained at the desired temperature. In this way, waste is avoided.

[0048] Exemplarily, the input device 140 may include buttons disposed on a panel of the gas water heater or on a remote controller of the gas water heater.

[0049] The use of buttons as input devices in gas water heaters can greatly simplify the control logic of gas water heaters, thereby reducing costs. Control by buttons is relatively simple to operate and more friendly to the elderly and children. Of course, the present application does not exclude embodiments that combine buttons with other forms of input devices 140.

[0050] Exemplarily, the input device 140 may include a flow meter. The user can turn on and off the faucet to form a specific water flow change. For example, during the use of the gas water heater, the water flow changes in sequence: water flow interruption - water flow flows again - water flow interruption again - water flow flows again. It can be understood that the flow meter can continuously send a flow signal to the controller 130. When the above-mentioned specific water flow change occurs, it can be considered that the flow meter sends a waterfall start signal to the controller 130.

[0051] As another example, in the case of multiple water-using ends, there may be a situation where one water-using end continuously draws water, and another water-using end causes the flow meter to send a waterfall start signal through flow changes. The specific characteristics of the water flow change amplitude for controlling the gas water heater to start the waterfall mode can be set in advance. For example, during the use of the gas water heater, the flow meter can detect that the gas water heater continues to supply water at a flow rate of 10L / min for at least 120 seconds. From a certain moment, the water flow change amplitude changes according to the following rules within the first preset time: first, the flow rate decreases and the flow rate decrease amplitude is ≥1.5 liters / minute (L / min); after the flow rate decreases, the flow rate increases and the flow rate increases by ≥1.5L / min; after the flow rate increases, the flow rate decreases again, and the flow rate decreases by ≥1.5L / min; after the flow rate decreases again, the flow rate increases again and the flow rate increases by ≥1.5L / min. As described above, the flow meter can continuously send a flow signal to the controller 130, and when the flow signal indicates that the water flow rate has the above-mentioned specific characteristics, it can be determined that the flow meter has sent a waterfall start signal to the controller 130.

[0052] In the above technical solution, the gas water heater uses a flow meter to detect the water flow in the water path 110 to confirm that the user has started the waterfall function of the gas water heater. Therefore, the user only needs to turn on and off the faucet for controlling the gas water heater to conveniently control the waterfall function of the gas water heater without operating a dedicated input device, and the user experience is good.

[0053] Exemplarily, the water flow detection device 113 may include a flow meter. In some embodiments, in the gas water heater, the flow meter serves as both a water flow detection device and an input device. The controller 130 is specifically used to control the gas regulating valve 121 based on the flow signal from the flow meter under the triggering of the waterfall start signal to turn on the waterfall mode. As described above, in the waterfall mode, the gas water heater needs to provide a large flow of hot water to the user. The controller 130 can determine whether the water flow rate represented by the flow signal is greater than the flow threshold. If not, then it is meaningless to turn on the waterfall mode. If the water flow rate is greater than the flow threshold, and at the same time a waterfall start signal is received by the input device 140 in response to the user's operation, it can be clear that the user desires to turn on the waterfall, and at this time the gas regulating valve 121 can be controlled to turn on the waterfall mode.

[0054] In other embodiments, when the controller 130 receives the waterfall start signal sent by the input device 140, the controller 130 can obtain the flow signal of the flow meter multiple times at a preset frequency, for example, it can obtain the flow signal within 5 seconds, calculate the average value of the water flow represented by the obtained flow signal, and determine whether the average value is greater than the flow threshold. Then, the controller 130 can determine whether to control the gas regulating valve 121 to start the waterfall mode according to the judgment result. By taking the average value through multiple measurements, misjudgment caused by interference can be effectively avoided.

[0055] In the above technical solution, a flow meter is used in the gas water heater to determine whether the conditions for starting the waterfall mode are met. This is more direct than other methods and can simplify the control logic.

[0056] The water flow detection device 113 may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be disposed at the water inlet 101 on the water circuit 110. The controller 130 is specifically used to: under the triggering of the waterfall start signal, when the water flow pressure signal from the pressure sensor indicates that the water flow pressure is greater than the pressure threshold, control the gas regulating valve 121 to start the waterfall mode. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor may detect the water pressure before the user turns on the faucet, and by comparing the water pressure with the pressure threshold, determine whether the pressure of the municipal pipe network meets the water pressure conditions required for the waterfall. In another embodiment, when the user turns on the faucet, the water pressure in the water circuit 110 drops. According to the Bernoulli principle, the greater the water flow rate, the lower the water pressure in the water circuit 110. If the user opens the faucet to a larger opening and the water pressure is still greater than the pressure threshold, it can be considered that the current pressure meets the water pressure conditions required for the waterfall.

[0057] In the first embodiment described above, the water pressure of the municipal pipe network is detected, and it can be preliminarily determined whether the gas water heater has the conditions to turn on the waterfall mode. It can be understood that the inner diameter of the water path 110 of the gas water heater is fixed. If the water supply pressure of the municipal pipe network is low, the output flow cannot be very large without a booster pump, and the user's waterfall demand cannot be met. However, even if the pressure at the user's water inlet 101 is very high, the flow rate may be limited during actual water output due to reasons such as pipe blockage. Therefore, the method described in the second embodiment can be adopted, in which the water pressure is detected to be greater than the pressure threshold when the user opens the faucet to a larger opening. At this time, if the pressure is still high, it can be inferred that the water flow rate is large enough if the pipe diameter remains unchanged.

[0058] In the above-mentioned gas water heater, the water flow detection device 113 is implemented by a pressure sensor, and then judges whether the waterfall washing condition is met based on the water flow pressure signal sent by the pressure sensor, and the control logic is relatively simple.

[0059] In some embodiments, a pressure sensor and a flow meter may be provided simultaneously for water flow detection, that is, the water flow detection device includes both a flow meter and a pressure sensor, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the user-initiated waterfall washing operation.

[0060] Exemplarily, the gas water heater further includes a water inlet temperature sensor 112, which is disposed at the water inlet 101 of the water path 110. The controller 130 is specifically configured to control the gas regulating valve 121 based on the water flow signal and the water inlet temperature detected by the water inlet temperature sensor 112 under the triggering of the waterfall start signal, so as to start the waterfall mode.

[0061] The controller 130 can calculate the heat required to heat the water flow of the current flow from the current water flow temperature of the water inlet 101 to the desired temperature of the water flow; determine whether the rated thermal power of the gas water heater can provide the required heat; when the rated thermal power is insufficient to provide the required heat, control the gas regulating valve 121 to operate in the first working condition so that the outlet water temperature of the water outlet 102 reaches the desired temperature. When the gas regulating valve 121 operates in the first working condition, the heat load of the gas water heater is greater than its rated heat load.

[0062] After the gas water heater turns on the waterfall mode, the gas water heater can provide water with a higher temperature at a larger flow rate. At this time, the controller 130 can calculate the heat required to heat the water flow of the current flow rate to the desired temperature according to the water flow temperature of the water inlet 101 and the desired temperature.

[0063] For example, the controller 130 can determine the heat load Q required to make the water flow at the current flow rate reach the desired temperature according to the following formula: Q = f*(T2-T1)*n, where T2 is the desired temperature, T1 is the water flow temperature of the water inlet 101, f is the current water flow rate, and n is the compensation coefficient of the gas water heater. Among them, T1 can be measured by the first temperature sensor of the water inlet 101, T2 can be set by the user, and f can be measured by the flow meter set on the water circuit 110. The compensation coefficient n is related to the performance of the gas water heater. It can be understood that due to the differences in the design structures of different gas water heaters, even the same gas water heater may have different heating effects due to tolerances. Therefore, the compensation parameters of the gas water heater can be calculated through actual testing of the gas water heater. Through the above known quantities, the controller 130 can calculate the heat load Q required to make the water flow at the current flow rate reach the desired temperature.

[0064] By comparing the calculated heat load Q with the heat load Q0 generated under the rated heat power of the gas water heater, it can be determined whether the gas water heater can provide the required heat under the rated heat load Q0. When Q≤Q0, the controller 130 determines that the rated heat load can make the water flow of the current flow reach the desired temperature, and it can control the gas regulating valve 121 to work in normal working conditions. In this case, the water temperature output by the gas water heater is the desired temperature, and the water flow rate is greater than the rated water flow rate. There is no need to turn on the waterfall mode to further increase the heat power to meet the user's bathing needs. When Q>Q0, the controller 130 determines that the rated heat load cannot make the water flow of the current flow reach the desired temperature. This situation may be that the user's expected temperature is high, or the water flow temperature of the water inlet 101 is too low, or both. At this time, the waterfall mode can be turned on according to the user's operation and the water flow signal, and the gas regulating valve 121 can be controlled to work under the first working condition so that the water outlet temperature of the water outlet 102 reaches the desired temperature.

[0065] Exemplarily, the controller 130 controlling the gas regulating valve 121 to operate under the first working condition may include performing the following operations: controlling the gas regulating valve 121 to operate under a first power supply current, wherein the first power supply current is greater than the rated power supply current of the gas regulating valve 121. When operating under different power supply currents, the opening of the gas regulating valve 121 is different. Specifically, the controller 130 may control the gas regulating valve 121 to operate under the first power supply current. The first power supply current is greater than its rated power supply current. As a result, the ventilation speed of the gas regulating valve 121 is accelerated, and more gas enters the heating device 122 of the gas water heater per unit time. The heat load of the gas water heater will be greater than its rated heat load.

[0066] Exemplarily, the controller 130 controlling the gas regulating valve 121 to operate under the first working condition may include performing the following operations: controlling the boosting device to boost the gas passing through the gas regulating valve 121, wherein the boosting device is disposed inside the gas regulating valve 121. Whether the boosting device is activated or not significantly affects the ventilation volume of the gas regulating valve 121. After activation, the boosting device can directly increase the ventilation volume, thereby correspondingly accelerating the gas supply speed of the heating device 122 of the gas water heater. When the gas regulating valve 121 is at a relatively large opening, for example, when its power supply current is the rated power supply current, activating the boosting device in the valve body of the gas regulating valve 121 can enable the gas regulating valve 121 to exceed its ventilation volume corresponding to the power supply current, thereby causing the thermal load of the gas water heater to be greater than the rated thermal load.

[0067] In the above-mentioned gas water heater, a temperature sensor is provided at the water inlet 101, and the controller 130 can control the gas regulating valve 121 according to the water flow signal of the water flow detection device 113 and the water inlet temperature detected by the water inlet temperature sensor 112. Thus, it can not only provide users with a good experience of ensuring constant temperature hot water output of the gas water heater when taking hot water with a large flow rate, but also has simple control logic.

[0068] Exemplarily, the gas water heater may further include an outlet water temperature sensor 114, which may be disposed at the water outlet 102 of the water path 110. The controller 130 is also used to control the gas regulating valve 121 according to the outlet water temperature detected by the outlet water temperature sensor 114, so that the outlet water temperature is maintained at a desired temperature. Exemplarily, the controller 130 may include a PID (proportional integral differential) module. The PID module may be constructed using separate components, or a temperature control module equipped with a more mature PID algorithm on the market may be used. The PID module may be used to better control the thermal power of the gas water heater, thereby achieving the purpose of accurately controlling the output temperature.

[0069] In the above-mentioned gas water heater, by using the outlet water temperature sensor 114 to detect the outlet water temperature and control the gas regulating valve 121, closed-loop control can be achieved, and the outlet water temperature can be accurately controlled in real time to maintain the desired temperature, providing a good user experience.

[0070] Exemplarily, the gas water heater includes a fan 150 connected to the controller 130, and the controller 130 is further used to control the fan 150 to operate at a speed higher than the corresponding speed when the gas regulating valve 121 is at a rated opening after the waterfall mode is turned on.

[0071] The fan 150 is used to blow air into the heating device 122. The gas water heater uses gas as the energy for heating. In the combustion process of gas, oxygen is required and carbon dioxide, water vapor, etc. are produced. When the gas combustion is incomplete, toxic carbon monoxide may also be produced. The heating device 122 may be provided with an air inlet, and the fan 150 is arranged at the air inlet, which can pump air into the heating device 122 and blow away the combustion exhaust gas. Alternatively, the heating device 122 may be provided with an air outlet, and the fan 150 is arranged at the air outlet of the heating device 122. The exhaust gas is taken away due to the negative pressure generated by the fan 150, and the air is sucked into the heating device 122 through the air inlet. In this way, the flame in the heating device 122 is not easily blown out by the fan 150. Exemplarily, the controller 130 is also used to control the rotation speed of the fan 150 according to the opening of the gas regulating valve 121, wherein the rotation speed of the fan 150 is positively correlated with the opening of the gas regulating valve 121. It can be understood that when the opening of the gas regulating valve 121 increases, the exhaust gas generated will also increase accordingly. In particular, when the gas water heater is in the waterfall mode, the opening of the gas regulating valve 121 will also increase adaptively due to the increase in the output water flow. At this time, the speed of the fan 150 can be appropriately increased according to the opening of the gas regulating valve 121, so that more exhaust gas can be discharged to avoid the accumulation of exhaust gas affecting the combustion efficiency or causing poisoning. Of course, when the opening of the gas regulating valve 121 decreases, the flame will also decrease. At this time, reduce the speed of the fan 150 to avoid excessive convection in the heating device 122, causing the flame to go out.

[0072] The gas water heater is provided with a fan with adjustable speed. Thus, on the one hand, it ensures that the gas in the heating device 122 of the gas water heater can burn smoothly, thereby ensuring that the gas water heater can output hot water at a large flow rate, thereby ensuring that the gas water heater continues to work in the waterfall mode. On the other hand, a large amount of waste gas generated by the combustion of the gas is effectively discharged.

[0073] Exemplarily, the gas water heater further includes a prompt device connected to the controller 130, and the controller 130 is further configured to control the prompt device to send a prompt signal when a waterfall start signal is received but the water flow signal does not meet a first preset condition.

[0074] As described above, when the flow rate does not meet the first preset condition for turning on the waterfall mode, the controller 130 will not turn on the waterfall mode. At this time, the prompt device can issue a prompt to the user to inform the user that the waterfall mode cannot be turned on. The prompt device is preferably an audio-visual prompt device, for example, a buzzer can be used to sound to prompt the user that the waterfall mode cannot be turned on. For example, the prompt device includes an LED light, and the LED light can flash to prompt the user. The sound prompt can be used to remind the user within a certain distance. For example, the gas water heater can be set in the kitchen, and the user can also hear the prompt in the bathroom.

[0075] Through the prompting device, the gas water heater can prompt the user in time when the user expects to start the waterfall mode but cannot start it, so that the user can know the working status of the gas water heater in time.

[0076] Exemplarily, the waterfall mode can be forced to exit after the waterfall mode is turned on for 5 minutes. Of course, the time to exit the waterfall mode can be appropriately extended or shortened according to actual design needs. Exemplarily, the controller 130 is also used to control the gas water heater to exit the waterfall mode when the flow rate drops by more than or equal to a preset threshold within a certain period of time when the gas water heater operates in the waterfall mode. When the user expects to use water in the waterfall mode, the user will not close or turn down the water use end. Therefore, the gas water heater can be controlled to exit the waterfall mode.

[0077] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "lateral", "vertical", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", etc. are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention; the directional words "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contours of each component itself.

[0078] For ease of description, regional relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the regional positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figure and other components or features. It should be understood that regional relative terms include not only the orientation of the components as described in the figure, but also different orientations in use or operation. For example, if the components in the accompanying drawings are inverted as a whole, the components "above other components or features" or "above other components or features" will include the situation where the components are "below other components or structures" or "below other components or structures". Therefore, the exemplary term "above" may include both "above" and "below". In addition, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this article is intended to include all of these situations.

[0079] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0080] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0081] The utility model has been described through the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for the purpose of example and description, and are not intended to limit the utility model to the scope of the described embodiments. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and more variations and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the utility model, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope of protection claimed by the utility model. The protection scope of the utility model is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A gas water heater, comprising: A water path connecting the water inlet and the water outlet, a heating device for heating the water flow in the water path, and a gas pipeline for conveying gas to the heating device, wherein the gas water heater further comprises: a water flow detection device, a current limiting device, a gas regulating valve, an input device and a controller, wherein: The water flow detection device is arranged on the waterway; The flow limiting device is arranged at the water inlet on the waterway; The gas regulating valve is arranged on the gas pipeline; The input device is connected to the controller and is used to send a waterfall start signal to the controller in response to a user's operation; The controller is also connected to the water flow detection device and the gas regulating valve, and is used to control the gas regulating valve based on the water flow signal from the water flow detection device when triggered by the waterfall start signal, so as to start the waterfall mode of the gas water heater.

2. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water flow detection device includes a flow meter; The controller is specifically used to control the gas regulating valve based on the flow signal from the flow meter under the triggering of the waterfall start signal to start the waterfall mode.

3. The gas water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The input device includes the flow meter.

4. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water flow detection device comprises a pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor is arranged at the water inlet on the waterway. The controller is specifically used to: under the triggering of the waterfall start signal, control the gas regulating valve based on the water flow pressure signal from the pressure sensor to start the waterfall mode.

5. The gas water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The gas water heater further comprises a water inlet temperature sensor, and the water inlet temperature sensor is arranged at the water inlet of the water channel; The controller is specifically used to control the gas regulating valve based on the water flow signal and the water inlet temperature detected by the water inlet temperature sensor under the triggering of the waterfall start signal to start the waterfall mode.

6. The gas water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The gas water heater comprises a fan connected to the controller, The controller is also used to control the fan to operate at a speed higher than the corresponding speed when the rated opening of the gas regulating valve is turned on after the waterfall mode is turned on.

7. The gas water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The gas water heater further comprises a water outlet temperature sensor, and the water outlet temperature sensor is arranged at the water outlet of the water channel; The controller is also used to control the gas regulating valve according to the outlet water temperature detected by the outlet water temperature sensor, so as to keep the outlet water temperature at a desired temperature.

8. The gas water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The gas water heater also includes a prompting device connected to the controller. The controller is also used to control the prompt device to send a prompt signal when the waterfall start signal is received but the water flow signal does not meet the first preset condition.

9. The gas water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The flow limiting device includes a throttle valve, a flow limiting valve or a flow stabilizing valve.

10. The gas water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The input device includes a button arranged on a panel of the gas water heater or on a remote controller of the gas water heater.

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