HOT WATER SUPPLY APPARATUS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of household appliances and, in particular, to a hot water supply apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Hot water supply apparatuses use a heat source to turn cold water into hot water within a certain period of time, and hot water supply apparatuses have gradually entered life of people. The hot water supply apparatuses may be divided into different types according to different heat sources, such as heat-pump water heaters, electric water heaters, or solar water heaters.

SUMMARY

A hot water supply apparatus is provided. The hot water supply apparatus includes a housing, a water tank, a master device, a pipeline, a first temperature sensor, an electric heater, and a controller. The water tank is disposed in the housing. The water tank includes an inner tank. The master device is disposed in the housing and located on an upper side of the water tank. The master device is connected to the water tank and configured to supply water and heat to the water tank. The pipeline is disposed in the master device and the water tank and communicates with the master device and the water tank. The pipeline includes a first coil. At least a portion of the first coil is disposed in the inner tank, and the first coil is connected to a heat pump, so as to supply heat to water in the water tank. At least a portion of the first temperature sensor is disposed in the inner tank. The first temperature sensor has a first height. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect a water temperature in the water tank. At least a portion of the electric heater is disposed in the inner tank. The electric heater has a second height. The electric heater is configured to heat water in the water tank. The controller is coupled to the first temperature sensor. The controller is configured to: determine a heating time of the electric heater or the first coil; calculate a preset temperature according to the heating time, the first height, and the second height; calculate a changing water temperature according to the water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the heating time; and adjust an operating state of the heat pump or determine an operating state of the electric heater according to the changing water temperature and the preset temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the technical solutions in the present disclosure more clearly, accompanying drawings to be used in some embodiments of the present disclosure will be introduced briefly below. However, the accompanying drawings to be described below are merely accompanying drawings of some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art may obtain other drawings according to these drawings.

In addition, the accompanying drawings to be described below may be regarded as schematic diagrams but are not limitations on an actual size of a product, an actual process of a method, and an actual timing of a signal involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus with a housing being removed, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus with a housing being removed from another perspective, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a hot water supply apparatus from another perspective, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of a second side plate of a housing, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of the circle A in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view of the circle B in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure of a first side sub-plate of a housing, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a structure of a second side sub-plate of a housing, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of a fifth side plate of a housing, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of the circle C in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a structure of a water tank in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged view of the circle D in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a structure of a master device in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a structure of a connecting portion, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a structure of a second connecting plate, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 19 is another diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus with a housing being removed, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 20 is a partial enlarged view of the circle E in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged view of the circle F in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is yet another diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus with a housing being removed, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 23 is a partial enlarged view of the circle G in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a structure of a water-receiving tray in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a structure of a water-receiving tray in a hot water supply apparatus from another perspective, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a structure of a closing member in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a structure of a water tank in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another structure of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 32 is another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 33 is yet another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 34 is yet another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 35 is yet another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 36 is yet another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technical solutions in some embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

However, the described embodiments are merely some, but not all embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on embodiments of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the term “comprise” and other forms thereof such as the third-person singular form “comprises” and the present participle form “comprising” are construed as an open and inclusive meaning, i.e., “including, but not limited to.” In the description, the terms such as “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “exemplary embodiments,” “example,” “specific example,” or “some examples” are intended to indicate that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics related to the embodiment(s) or example(s) are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s) or example(s). In addition, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable manner.

Hereinafter, the terms such as “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying the relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined by “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term “a plurality of” or “the plurality of” means two or more unless otherwise specified.

In the description of some embodiments, the term “connected” and derivatives thereof may be used. The term “connected” should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the term “connected” may represent a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or a one-piece connection, or may represent a direct connection, or may represent an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content herein.

The phrase “A and/or B” includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed as “when” or “in a case where” or “in response to determining that” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase “if it is determined that” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is optionally construed as “in a case where it is determined that” or “in response to determining that” or “in a case where [the stated condition or event] is detected” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event].”

The use of the phrase “applicable to” or “configured to” herein means an open and inclusive expression, which does not exclude devices that are applicable to or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

The terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” as used herein include a stated value and an average value within an acceptable range of deviation of a particular value. The acceptable range of deviation is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art, considering measurement in question and errors associated with measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., limitations of a measurement system).

The term such as “parallel,” “perpendicular,” or “equal” as used herein includes a stated condition and a condition similar to the stated condition. A range of the similar condition is within an acceptable deviation range, and the acceptable deviation range is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art, considering measurement in question and errors associated with measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of a measurement system).

Orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms such as “center,” “up,” “down,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like as used herein are based on orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are merely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present disclosure, and are not to indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, or must be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Therefore, these terms will not be construed as limitations on the present disclosure.

For ease of description, the orientations indicated by the terms such as “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” in the present disclosure are all based on a state of a hot water supply apparatus when it is in use. A side of a hot water supply apparatus facing a user during use is defined as a front side, and a side opposite to the front side is defined as a rear side.

Generally, a hot water supply apparatus stores water in a water tank and heats water in the water tank through a heating device. In the process of heating water in the water tank, a part of water evaporates to generate water vapor when being heated. The water tank is used as a pressure-bearing component of the hot water supply apparatus.

In a case where the temperature in the water tank is high, water in the water tank generates a lot of water vapor, resulting in a high pressure in the water tank, which may easily cause the water tank to burst. In the current technologies, one or more pressure or temperature sensors are disposed in the water tank, so as to detect the pressure or temperature in the water tank in real time, so that an alarm may be given to prevent the water tank from bursting when the pressure or temperature in the water tank is too high. However, the pressure or temperature sensors are easily damaged, and the reliability of this solution is low. Moreover, in the current technologies, it is impossible to timely determine whether the water tank is being heated when the water tank is at a high temperature. Therefore, it may occur that the water tank has been at a high temperature while the heating of water in the water tank is not stopped in time, so that the water tank may easily burst and accident potential is great. In addition, the user is unable to know in time whether the heating device is faulty.

To solve the above problems, a hot water supply apparatus 100 is provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply apparatus 100 includes a master device 1, a water tank 2, a housing 3, and a base 4. The master device 1 is configured to supply heat and water to the water tank 2. The water tank 2 is configured to store water. The housing 3 is disposed on the base 4 and covers the master device 1 and the water tank 2, so as to limit and protect the master device 1 and the water tank 2. The water tank 2 is disposed on a base 4, and the base 4 may prevent a bottom portion of the water tank 2 from getting wet. The master device 1 is disposed on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the water tank 2 away from the base 4 and connected to the water tank 2. The master device 1 and the water tank 2 are arranged in a first direction, so as to reduce the occupied area of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

It will be noted that the first direction is substantially parallel to a height direction (referring to the up-down direction shown in FIG. 1) of the hot water supply apparatus 100. The master device 1 is a part of an external heating device (e.g., a heat pump or a solar energy supply device), and the master device 1 may transfer heat provided by the external heating device to the water tank 2, so as to heat water.

In some embodiments, the housing 3 may be in a shape of a prism. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 3 is in a shape of a quadrangular prism, so as to facilitate placing the hot water supply apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus with a housing being removed, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus with a housing being removed from another perspective, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a first frame 11. The first frame 11 is located outside the master device 1 and configured to limit the shape of the master device 1. The first frame 11 includes a first sub-frame 111 and a second sub-frame 112. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first frame 11 includes two first sub-frames 111 and four second sub-frames 112. The two first sub-frames 111 each are in a shape of a box, and the two first sub-frames 111 are disposed on two sides (e.g., left and right sides) of the master device 1 in a second direction, respectively. The two first sub-frames 111 each extend in the first direction. The four second sub-frames 112 each are in a shape of a straight line and disposed between the two first sub-frames 111 and extend along the second direction.

For example, two ends of the second sub-frame 112 are connected to two opposite corners of the two first sub-frames 111, respectively. Two of the four second sub-frames 112 are located on a side (e.g., a front side) of the master device 1 proximate to a fourth side plate 34 (e.g., a front side plate), and one of the two second sub-frames 112 is closer to the base 4 than another of the two second sub-frames 112. Other two of the four second sub-frames 112 are located on a side (e.g., a rear side) of the master device 1 away from the fourth side plate 34, and one of the two second sub-frames 112 is closer to the base 4 than another of the two second sub-frames 112. The fourth side plate 34 will be described later. It will be noted that the second direction is substantially parallel to a length direction (referring to the left-right direction shown in FIG. 1) of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a hot water supply apparatus from another perspective, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing 3 includes a first side plate 31, a second side plate 32, a third side plate 33, a fourth side plate 34, and a fifth side plate 35. The first side plate 31 is disposed opposite to the base 4 and parallel to a plane where the second direction and a third direction are located. The second side plate 32, the third side plate 33, the fourth side plate 34, and the fifth side plate 35 are disposed on a side (e.g., a lower side) of the first side plate 31 proximate to the base 4 and connected to the first side plate 31. The second side plate 32 and the third side plate 33 are disposed opposite to each other, and the fourth side plate 34 and the fifth side plate 35 are disposed opposite to each other. For example, the second side plate 32 is disposed on sides (e.g., right sides) of the master device 1 and the water tank 2 away from the third side plate 33, and the fourth side plate 34 is disposed on sides (e.g., front sides) of the master device 1 and the water tank 2 away from the fifth side plate 35. The fifth side plate 35 is configured to limit and protect the master device 1 and the water tank 2. The second side plate 32, the third side plate 33, the fourth side plate 34, and the fifth side plate 35 extend in the first direction.

It will be noted that the third direction is substantially parallel to a width direction (referring to the front-rear direction shown in FIG. 1) of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of a second side plate of a housing, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the second side plate 32 includes a second side plate body 320 and a first flange 321. The first flange 321 is disposed around the second side plate body 320 and extends in a direction proximate to the third side plate 33.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6, the first flange 321 includes a first sub-flange 3211, a second sub-flange 3212, a third sub-flange 3213, and a fourth sub-flange 3214. The first sub-flange 3211 and the second sub-flange 3212 are disposed opposite to each other. For example, the first sub-flange 3211 is disposed on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the second side plate body 320 away from the base 4. The third sub-flange 3213 and the fourth sub-flange 3214 are disposed opposite to each other. For example, the third sub-flange 3213 is disposed on a side (e.g., a front side) of the second side plate body 320 proximate to the fourth side plate 34.

FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of the circle Ain FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view of the circle B in FIG. 6.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the third sub-flange 3213 has a screw hole and a first connecting hole 361. As shown in FIG. 8, the fourth sub-flange 3214 is provided with a first hook group 371. The second side plate 32 and the third side plate 33 have a same shape and size. Therefore, the corresponding portions of the third side plate 33 are also provided with the screw hole, the first connecting hole 361, and the first hook group 371.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the fourth side plate 34 includes a first side sub-plate 341 and a second side sub-plate 342. The first side sub-plate 341 is connected to the second side sub-plate 342, and the second side sub-plate 342 is located on a side (e.g., a lower side) of the first side sub-plate 341 proximate to the base 4. The first side sub-plate 341 and the second side sub-plate 342 are separate piece members.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure of a first side sub-plate of a housing, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the first side sub-plate 341 includes a first side sub-plate body 340 and a second flange 343. The second flange 343 is disposed around the first side sub-plate body 340 and extends in a direction proximate to the master device 1.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the first side sub-plate 341 further includes a connecting assembly 345. The connecting assembly 345 is disposed on a side (e.g., a rear side) of the first side sub-plate body 340 proximate to the master device 1 and located on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the first side sub-plate body 340 away from the water tank 2. The first side sub-plate 341 is connected to the first frame 11 through the connecting assembly 345. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting assembly 345 includes a first plate 3450 and two second plates 3451. The two second plates 3451 are disposed on two sides of the first plate 3450, respectively. The first plate 3450 is provided with a screw hole. Among the two second sub-frames 112 located on the front side of the master device 1, the second sub-frame 112 farthest from the water tank 2 is provided with a screw hole. The screw hole of the second sub-frame 112 may be matched with the screw hole of the first plate 3450, so that the connecting assembly 345 is fixedly connected with the second sub-frame 112 by a screw.

In some embodiments, in the first direction, a height of the first side sub-plate 341 is greater than a height of the first frame 11, so that the connecting assembly 345 may be disposed on the first frame 11. In this way, the screw may be inserted through the connecting assembly 345 and the second sub-frame 112 in the first direction, so as to fix the first side sub-plate 341.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the first side sub-plate 341 further includes a window 7. The window 7 is disposed on the first side sub-plate body 340 and runs through the first side sub-plate body 340. The window 7 is configured to fix a wire controller 6. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a wire controller 6, and the wire controller 6 is disposed on the window 7, so that a user may observe the wire controller 6 through the window 7. The wire controller 6 is configured to set parameters of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the first side sub-plate 341 further includes an inserting portion 344, and the inserting portion 344 is disposed on the second flange 343. The inserting portion 344 is located on a side (e.g., a lower side) of the second flange 343 proximate to the second side sub-plate 342 and protrudes in a direction proximate to the second side sub-plate 342.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a structure of a second side sub-plate of a housing, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the second side sub-plate 342 includes a second side sub-plate body 346 and a third flange 347. The third flange 347 is disposed around the second side sub-plate body 346 and extends toward the fifth side plate 35. The third flange 347 is provided with a second hook group 372, and the second hook group 372 is connected (e.g., clamped) with the first connecting hole 361, so that the second side sub-plate 342 is fixedly connected to the second side plate 32 and the third side plate 33.

In some embodiments, the third flange 347 has an inserting hole, and the inserting hole is disposed corresponding to the inserting portion 344 of the first side sub-plate 341. The inserting portion 344 is inserted into the inserting hole, so that the first side sub-plate 341 is fixedly connected with the second side sub-plate 342.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the second side sub-plate 342 further includes a mounting piece 348. The mounting piece 348 is disposed on the third flange 347 and proximate to the first side sub-plate 341. The mounting piece 348 extends in a direction proximate to the first side sub-plate 341. The mounting piece 348 is provided with a screw hole. The first frame 11 is located on a side (e.g., a rear side) of the mounting piece 348 proximate to the master device 1, and the first sub-frame 111 and the second sub-frame 112 each are provided with a screw hole corresponding to the screw hole of the mounting piece 348. The screw may be inserted through the mounting piece 348, the first sub-frame 111, and the second sub-frame 112, so that the mounting piece 348, the first sub-frame 111, and the second sub-frame 112 are fixedly connected with each other.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing the connecting assembly 345 and the mounting piece 348, there is no need to provide screw holes on a side (e.g., a front side) of the fourth side plate 34 away from the master device 1 and on two sides (e.g., left and right sides) of the fourth side plate 34. In this way, the screw holes of the first side sub-plate 341 and the second side sub-plate 342 may be covered after installation, thereby improving the aesthetics of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

Moreover, in a case where the master device 1 or the water tank 2 is required to be repaired, it is only necessary to remove the first side sub-plate 341 or the second side sub-plate 342 for maintenance, which facilitates the service of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of a fifth side plate of a housing, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of the circle C in FIG. 11.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fifth side plate 35 includes a fifth side plate body 350 and a fourth flange 353. The fourth flange 353 is disposed on an edge of the fifth side plate body 350 and extends in a direction proximate to the fourth side plate 34. For example, the fourth flange 353 includes a fifth sub-flange 3521, a sixth sub-flange 3522, and a seventh sub-flange 3523. The fifth sub-flange 3521 is disposed on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the fifth side plate body 350 away from the base 4, and the sixth sub-flange 3522 and the seventh sub-flange 3523 are disposed opposite to each other. For example, the sixth sub-flange 3522 and the seventh sub-flange 3523 are disposed on two sides (e.g., left and right sides) of the fifth side plate body 350, respectively. The sixth sub-flange 3522 has a second connecting hole 362 for connecting with the first hook group 371. Similarly, the seventh sub-flange 3523 also has the second connecting hole 362 for connecting with the first hook group 371 of the third side plate 33.

In some embodiments, the fifth side plate 35 is connected to the first frame 11. For example, the fifth side plate 35 has screw holes, and the two second sub-frames 112 located on the rear side of the master device 1 are provided with screw holes corresponding to the screw holes of the fifth side plate 35. In this way, the fifth side plate 35 may be fixedly connected to the second sub-frame 112 by screws.

In some embodiments, the fourth side plate 34 and the fifth side plate 35 have a same size. For example, a height of the fourth side plate 34 is the same as a height of the fifth side plate 35, and a width of the fourth side plate 34 is the same as a width of the fifth side plate 35, so as to improve the aesthetics of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, ends (e.g., upper ends) of the second side plate 32, the third side plate 33, the fourth side plate 34, and the fifth side plate 35 away from the base 4 have a same height, so that the first side plate 31 may be in a horizontal plane, thereby facilitating the installation of the first side plate 31.

In some embodiments, the first side plate 31, the second side plate 32, the third side plate 33, the second side sub-plate 342, and the fifth side plate 35 may be sheet metal members. Moreover, the second side plate 32, the third side plate 33, and the second side sub-plate 342 may be painted by means of a powder spraying technology, so that the second side plate 32, the third side plate 33, and the second side sub-plate 342 have a same color (e.g., white), thereby improving the aesthetics of the hot water supply apparatus 100. It will be noted that the first side sub-plate 341 may be changed into a plate with a color (e.g., silver-gray) different from the second side plate 32, the third side plate 33, and the second side sub-plate 342 by means of the powder spraying technology, so that the first side sub-plate 341 may be obvious, which is easy for the user to observe the wire controller 6.

In some embodiments, the second side plate 32, the third side plate 33, the fourth side plate 34, and the fifth side plate 35 each may be made of steel or other metal materials.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a structure of a water tank in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 14 is a sectional view of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged view of the circle D in FIG. 14.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a pipeline 8. The pipeline 8 is disposed in the master device 1 and the water tank 2, and the master device 1 and the water tank 2 are communicated with each other through the pipeline 8. The pipeline 8 includes a heating coil 80, a water inlet pipe 83, and a water outlet pipe 84. The heating coil 80 is configured to transfer heat to water in the water tank 2, so as to heat water in the water tank 2. The water inlet pipe 83 and the water outlet pipe 84 extend from a top portion of the master device 1 into the water tank 2. A water inlet end of the water inlet pipe 83 and a water outlet end of the water outlet pipe 84 are disposed above the first side plate 31. The water inlet pipe 83 is configured to transport water from an external water source to the water tank 2. The water outlet pipe 84 is configured to discharge water in the water tank 2. Water flowing from the water outlet pipe 84 may be used for domestic water, swimming pool water, or other purposes. For example, the water outlet pipe 84 may be communicated with a faucet, a floor heating system, or a shower, so as to meet the demand of the user.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing 3 further includes a mounting opening 311. The mounting opening 311 is disposed on the first side plate 31 and proximate to the fifth side plate 35. An outlet end and an inlet end of the heating coil 80 pass through and are installed in the mounting opening 311, and the outlet end and the inlet end of the heating coil 80 extend in a direction away from the water tank 2.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the heating coil 80 includes a first coil 81 and a second coil 82. The first coil 81 is connected to a heat pump located outside the hot water supply apparatus 100 and configured to supply heat to water in the water tank 2, so as to heat water. An inlet end and an outlet end of the first coil 81 are located on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the first side plate 31 away from the base 4. The first coil 81 includes a first sub-coil and a second sub-coil. The first sub-coil is disposed in the master device 1. The second sub-coil is disposed in the water tank 2. The first sub-coil is communicated with the second sub-coil. Heat transferred by the heat pump enters the second sub-coil through the first sub-coil, so as to heat water in the water tank 2.

The second coil 82 is connected to a solar energy supply device located outside the hot water supply apparatus 100 and configured to supply heat to water in the water tank 2, so as to heat water. An inlet end and an outlet end of the second coil 82 are located on the upper side of the first side plate 31. The second coil 82 includes a third sub-coil and a fourth sub-coil. The third sub-coil is disposed in the master device 1. The fourth sub-coil is disposed in the water tank 2, and the third sub-coil is communicated with the fourth sub-coil. Heat transferred by the solar energy supply device enters the fourth sub-coil through the third sub-coil, so as to heat water in the water tank 2.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes an electric heater 85. The electric heater 85 is disposed on the water tank 2, and at least a portion of the electric heater 85 extends into the water tank 2. The electric heater 85 is configured to heat water in the water tank 2. The electric heater 85 is disposed on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the second sub-coil and the fourth sub-coil away from the base 4, which is conducive to supplying additional heat for the water tank 2.

The user may use the wire controller 6 to select at least one of the solar energy supply device, the heat pump, or the electric heater 85 according to different situations, so as to heat water in the water tank 2.

For example, in a case where the second coil 82 has difficulty heating water in the water tank 2 to a set temperature due to insufficient sunlight, at least one of the first coil 81 or the electric heater 85 may be used to heat water in the water tank 2.

In a case where the heat pump has difficulty heating water in the water tank 2 to a set temperature due to a low ambient temperature or frosting of the heat pump, at least one of the second coil 82 or the electric heater 85 may be used to heat water in the water tank 2.

In a case where the sunlight is insufficient and the ambient temperature is low, the electric heater 85 may be used to heat water in the water tank 2 to a set temperature.

Of course, the user may also select at least one of the second coil 82, the first coil 81, or the electric heater 85 for heating according to heat required to heat the required amount of water to the set temperature, so as to meet the heat demand.

In some embodiments, the first coil 81 has heating and cooling functions. That is to say, the first coil 81 may heat or cool water in the water tank 2, so as to meet the demand of the user for hot water and cold water.

For example, in a case where the first coil 81 serves as an evaporator of the heat pump, an outdoor heat exchanger of the heat pump serves as a condenser. The refrigerant condenses and releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger of the heat pump. The refrigerant evaporates in the first coil 81 and absorbs heat from water in the water tank 2, so as to lower the temperature of water in the water tank 2, thereby cooling water in the water tank 2.

In a case where the first coil 81 serves as the condenser of the heat pump, the outdoor heat exchanger of the heat pump serves as the evaporator. The refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger of the heat pump and absorbs heat from the outdoor environment. The refrigerant condenses in the first coil 81 and releases heat to water in the water tank 2, so as to increase the temperature of water in the water tank 2, thereby heating water in the water tank 2.

In some embodiments, a portion (e.g., the second sub-coil) of the first coil 81 located in the water tank 2 and a portion (e.g., the fourth sub-coil) of the second coil 82 located in the water tank 2 are concentric or eccentric. Moreover, the portions of the first coil 81 and the second coil 82 located in the water tank 2 are proximate to a bottom portion of the water tank 2, so as to make the current in the bottom portion of the water tank 2 flow, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiencies between the first coil 81 and water and between the second coil 82 and water.

It will be noted that the concentric arrangement between the first coil 81 and the second coil 82 may refer to a central axis of a spiral extending trajectory of the first coil 81 that coincides with a central axis of a spiral extending trajectory of the second coil 82. The eccentric arrangement between the first coil 81 and the second coil 82 may refer to the central axis of the spiral extending trajectory of the first coil 81 that does not coincide with the central axis of the spiral extending trajectory of the second coil 82. Moreover, parameters of the first coil 81 and the second coil 82, such as the heat exchange area, pipe type, and pipe length, may be selected according to heat supply demand.

For example, the arrangement of the first coil 81 and the second coil 82 is determined according to the pipe lengths of the first coil 81 and the second coil 82. In a case where the pipe length of the first coil 81 is greater than that of the second coil 82, the portion of the first coil 81 located in the water tank 2 is located on a side (outside) of the portion of the second coil 82 located in the water tank 2 proximate to the housing 3. In a case where the pipe length of the second coil 82 is greater than that of the first coil 81, the portion of the first coil 81 located in the water tank 2 is located on a side (inner side) of the portion of the second coil 82 located in the water tank 2 away from the housing 3.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a structure of a master device in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a nut 87 and a connecting portion 88. An end of the nut 87 is connected to an end (e.g., the inlet end or the outlet end) of the heating coil 80, and another end of the nut 87 is connected to the connecting portion 88. For example, the nut 87 has a screw hole, and a portion (e.g., an upper portion of the heating coil 80) of the heating coil 80 proximate to the nut 87 is provided with a male screw. This portion is connected to the nut 87 by means of threads.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a structure of a connecting portion, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the connecting portion 88 includes a first connecting pipe 881, a second connecting pipe 882, and a first connecting plate 883. The second connecting pipe 882 is connected to the first connecting pipe 881 and located on an end (e.g., a lower end) of the first connecting pipe 881 proximate to the nut 87. The second connecting pipe 882 is provided with a male screw and may be connected to the nut 87 by means of the male screw. The first connecting plate 883 is disposed at a connection between the first connecting pipe 881 and the second connecting pipe 882. The first connecting plate 883 is provided with screw holes.

In some embodiments, the connecting portion 88 may be a one-piece member to reduce water leakage.

In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the second connecting pipe 882 may be less than an inner diameter of the heating coil 80. For example, the outer diameter of the second connecting pipe 882 is less than inner diameters of the first sub-coil and the third sub-coil, so that the second connecting pipe 882 may be inserted into the first sub-coil and the third sub-coil. As a result, the liquid in the first sub-coil and the third sub-coil may flow directly into the second connecting pipe 882.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a structure of a second connecting plate, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a second connecting plate 12. The second connecting plate 12 is connected to a portion (e.g., a top end) of the first frame 11 proximate to the first side plate 31 and includes a third via hole 611. The connecting portion 88 passes through and is installed in the third via hole 611 and is fixedly connected to the second connecting plate 12 through the first connecting plate 883. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the second connecting plate 12 includes a first connecting sub-plate 121 and a second connecting sub-plate 122. The first connecting sub-plate 121 is provided with a first via sub-hole 1210, and the second connecting sub-plate 122 is provided with a second via sub-hole 1220. A side of the first via sub-hole 1210 and a side of the second via sub-hole 1220 are open, and opening directions of the first via sub-hole 1210 and the second via sub-hole 1220 are opposite to each other. The first connecting sub-plate 121 is inserted into the second connecting sub-plate 122, so that the first via sub-hole 1210 partially overlaps with the second via sub-hole 1220 and an overlapping portion forms the third via hole 611. During installation, the connecting portion 88 may be inserted from an open side of the first via sub-hole 1210, and then the first connecting sub-plate 121 is inserted into the second connecting sub-plate 122, so as to fix the connecting portion 88 on the second connecting plate 12.

In some embodiments, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a third connecting pipe. The third connecting pipe is disposed on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the heating coil 80 away from the base 4. Moreover, an end of the third connecting pipe is connected to an end (e.g., the outlet end or the inlet end of the heating coil 80) of the heating coil 80, and another end of the third connecting pipe is connected to the heat pump or the solar energy supply device. For example, the third connecting pipe is connected to the heating coil 80 through the connecting portion 88. In this way, the hot water supply apparatus 100 may perform heat exchange with the heat pump or the solar energy supply device through the third connecting pipe.

In some embodiments, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a power line. The power line is installed on the second connecting plate 12. An end (e.g., a cable port or an outlet port) of the power line is located above the first side plate 31, and another end of the power line extends into the mounting opening 311. A power line of the external power supply is arranged above the hot water supply apparatus 100, and the power line of the external power supply is connected to the end of the power line. Since the mounting opening 311 is proximate to the fifth side plate 35, the power line of the external power supply connected to the power line may be disposed on a rear side of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

FIG. 19 is another diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus with a housing being removed, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 20 is a partial enlarged view of the circle E in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged view of the circle F in FIG. 19.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the master device 1 includes an electric control box 89. The electric control box 89 is disposed in the first frame 11 and proximate to the fourth side plate 34. In this way, the electric control box 89 may be directly observed after the fourth side plate 34 is removed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the electric control box 89 includes a box body 891, a door body 892, a first rotating shaft 893, and a second rotating shaft 894. The box body 891 may be a sheet metal member, and a side (e.g., a front side) of the box body 891 proximate to the fourth side plate 34 is open, so as to form a first opening. The door body 892 is disposed on the front side of the box body 891 and configured to open or close the first opening. The size and shape of the door body 892 match the size and shape of the first opening, respectively, so that the door body 892 may completely close the first opening. The door body 892 is pivotally connected to the box body 891 through the first rotating shaft 893. For example, a side (e.g., a left side or a right side) of the door body 892 is pivotally connected to the box body 891 through the first rotating shaft 893. The second rotating shaft 894 is connected to the first frame 11 and the box body 891, so that the box body 891 may be pivotally connected to the first frame 11 through the second rotating shaft 894. For example, a side (e.g., a left side or a right side) of the box body 891 is pivotally connected to the first frame 11 through the second rotating shaft 894.

In some embodiments, the electric control box 89 further includes elements. The elements are located in the box body 891. In a case where the elements are damaged, the elements in the box body 891 may be directly replaced and repaired as long as the door body 892 is opened, thereby facilitating the service of the electric control box 89.

FIG. 22 is yet another diagram showing a structure of a hot water supply apparatus with a housing being removed, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 23 is a partial enlarged view of the circle G in FIG. 22. It will be noted that the electric control box 89 is removed in FIG. 22, so as to show a structure of a rear side of the electric control box 89.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the master device 1 further includes a water pump 13, an electric heating component 14, and an electric three-way valve 15. There is a mounting space on a side (e.g., a rear side) of the electric control box 89 away from the fourth side plate 34. The water pump 13, the electric heating component 14, and the electric three-way valve 15 are disposed in the mounting space and proximate to the electric control box 89.

In a case where at least one of the water pump 13, the electric heating component 14, or the electric three-way valve 15 is damaged, the water pump 13, the electric heating component 14, and the electric three-way valve 15 may be directly observed as long as the first side sub-plate 341 is removed and then the electric control box 89 is rotated around the second rotating shaft 894, which facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the master device 1.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the water tank 2 includes an inner tank 21 and a cladding layer 22. There is a cavity 211 in the inner tank 21. The cavity 211 is configured to contain water. The cladding layer 22 surrounds the inner tank 21.

In some embodiments, the inner tank 21 is a one-piece member. Compared with the inner tank 21 in the form of separate piece members, the inner tank 21 in the form of the one-piece member may reduce water leakage, thereby increasing the service life of the inner tank 21.

In some embodiments, the water tank 2 may be fabricated by using an integrated foaming process. For example, an end of the inner tank 21 is provided with a second opening. The inner tank 21 is placed and fixed, so that the end of the inner tank 21 provided with the second opening faces downward. A foaming mold is covered over an isolating bag after the isolating bag is covered outside the inner tank 21, so as to squeeze the isolating bag to make the isolating bag fit with the inner tank 21. Then, a foaming filling agent is injected into a sealing cavity between the foaming mold and the inner tank 21 covered with the isolating bag. The foaming filling agent foams and solidifies in the sealing cavity, so as to form the cladding layer 22. The cladding layer 22 is taken out and placed according to its mounting position in the hot water supply apparatus 100 after the foaming filling agent has completed foaming. As a result, the isolating bag in the cladding layer 22 is taken out, so that the cladding layer 22 is obtained.

In some embodiments, the inner tank 21 includes a first cap, a second cap, and a tank body. The tank body is connected between the first cap and the second cap. The inner tank 21 may be made of stainless steel.

In some embodiments, the cladding layer 22 may be made of rigid polyurethane foam, so as to perform heat preservation on the inner tank 21, thereby reducing heat exchange between the inner tank 21 and the external environment.

In some embodiments, a cross section of the cladding layer 22 on the horizontal plane may be in a shape of a polygon (e.g., a sixteen sided polygon), so as to improve the support strength of the cladding layer 22.

In some embodiments, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes an anode rod and a first temperature sensor 101 (as shown in FIG. 14). At least a portion of the electric heater 85, at least a portion of the anode rod, and at least a portion of the first temperature sensor 101 extend into the cavity 211 of the inner tank 21. The anode rod is configured to prevent water from corroding the inner tank 21. The first temperature sensor 101 is configured to detect the water temperature in the water tank 2. It will be noted that the anode rod may be a magnesium rod. The magnesium rod is used as an anode and the metal inner tank (e.g., the inner tank 21) is used as a cathode by using the electrochemical anti-corrosion principle, so that the anode is sacrificed to protect the cathode, thereby protecting the metal inner tank.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a first mounting hole 612. The first mounting hole 612 is located in the middle of the water tank 2. The electric heater 85 is mounted in the first mounting hole 612 and extends along the third direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the water tank 2 further includes a second mounting hole 614 and a third mounting hole 613. The anode rod is disposed in the third mounting hole 613. The first temperature sensor 101 is disposed in the second mounting hole 614. The first mounting hole 612, the second mounting hole 614, and the third mounting hole 613 are sequentially arranged in a direction away from the base 4 and sequentially pass through the cladding layer 22 and the inner tank 21 to communicate with the cavity 211. In a case where at least one of the anode rod, the first temperature sensor 101, or the electric heater 85 is damaged, the anode rod, the first temperature sensor 101, and the electric heater 85 may be directly serviced as long as the second side sub-plate 342 is removed, thereby facilitating maintenance of the hot water supply apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, a portion (e.g., a lower portion) of the water tank 2 located on the front side and proximate to the base 4 is provided with a drainage outlet, and the drainage outlet is configured to discharge the filtered sewage in the water tank 2.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a water-receiving tray 5. The water-receiving tray 5 is disposed between the water tank 2 and the master device 1 and connected to the master device 1 and the water tank 2. In this way, the water tank 2 may support the water-receiving tray 5, and the water-receiving tray 5 may support the master device 1. As a result, there is no need to provide an additional supporting component between the water tank 2 and the master device 1, which reduces the components of the hot water supply apparatus 100 and reduces the cost. Moreover, the water-receiving tray 5 is disposed on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the cladding layer 22 away from the base 4, which may reduce the heat loss of the cladding layer 22 on its upper side.

In some embodiments, the water-receiving tray 5 includes a plurality of screw holes. For example, the water-receiving tray 5 includes four screw holes, and there are corresponding screw holes at two ends of bottom portions of the two first sub-frames 111. The four screw holes of the water-receiving tray 5 match the four screw holes of the first frame 11, so that the first frame 11 is fixedly connected to the water-receiving tray 5 by screws.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a structure of a water-receiving tray in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a structure of a water-receiving tray in a hot water supply apparatus from another perspective, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 26 is a rear view of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the water-receiving tray 5 includes a base plate 51, a plurality of blocking plates 52, and a drainage hole 511. The plurality of blocking plates 52 are disposed around the base plate 51 and extend in a direction away from the base 4. The drainage hole 511 is disposed on the base plate 51 and proximate to a connection between two adjacent blocking plates 52. The drainage hole 511 is located at the lowest position of the base plate 51. For example, a surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the base plate 51 proximate to the master device 1 is an oblique surface, and the drainage hole 511 is located at the lowest position of the upper surface of the base plate 51. As a result, condensed water may flow from the upper surface of the base plate 51 into the drainage hole 511 and be discharged from the drainage hole 511, which is conducive to discharging condensed water in the water-receiving tray 5.

For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a drainage pipe 510, and the housing 3 further includes a fourth mounting hole 615. The fourth mounting hole 615 is disposed on the fifth side plate 35 and located in the middle of the fifth side plate 35 and proximate to a side (e.g., a left side or a right side) of the fifth side plate 35. The drainage pipe 510 passes through and is installed in the fourth mounting hole 615 and connected to the drainage hole 511, which is conducive to quickly discharging condensed water flowing from the drainage hole 511. In addition, the fourth mounting hole 615 is proximate to a bottom portion of the water-receiving tray 5. In this way, condensed water in the water-receiving tray 5 may flow out through the drainage pipe 510 due to the effect of gravity, and there is no need to use an additional water pump for drainage.

In some embodiments, the upper surface of the base plate 51 is an oblique plane.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24, the water-receiving tray 5 includes four blocking plates 52. In the first direction, the four blocking plates 52 are higher than the base plate 51. Moreover, the water-receiving tray 5 further includes a plurality of positioning columns 520. The plurality of positioning columns 520 are disposed on a surface (e.g., an upper surface) of a blocking plate 52 proximate to the master device 1 and symmetrically disposed. The plurality of positioning columns 520 abut against an outer side of a bottom portion of the first frame 11, so as to position the first frame 11, thereby positioning the master device 1 to avoid positional misalignment between the master device 1 and the water-receiving tray 5 during installation.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 25, the water-receiving tray 5 further includes a reinforcing rib 53. The reinforcing rib 53 is disposed on a surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the base plate 51 away from the master device 1 and extends in a direction away from the master device 1. The reinforcing rib 53 is inserted into a portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the cladding layer 22 proximate to the water-receiving tray 5, so that the reinforcing rib 53 is fixedly connected to the cladding layer 22.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, the water-receiving tray 5 further includes a groove 50. The groove 50 is disposed on a side (e.g., a lower side) of the blocking plate 52 away from the master device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the blocking plate 52 includes a first blocking sub-plate 521, a second blocking sub-plate 522, and a third blocking sub-plate 523. An end (e.g., a lower end) of the first blocking sub-plate 521 is connected to the base plate 51, and another end (e.g., an upper end) of the first blocking sub-plate 521 is connected to an end of the second blocking sub-plate 522. Another end of the second blocking sub-plate 522 is connected to an end (e.g., an upper end) of the third blocking sub-plate 523. The third blocking sub-plate 523 is located on a side of the first blocking sub-plate 521 away from the base plate 51.

The portion (e.g., the upper portion) of the cladding layer 22 proximate to the water-receiving tray 5 protrudes, so as to form a protrusion 220. The protrusion 220 is inserted into the groove 50, so as to increase a contacting area between the blocking plate 52 and the cladding layer 22, thereby improving the support force of the cladding layer 22 on the blocking plates 52 and the strength of the blocking plates 52.

In some embodiments, in the first direction, an orthogonal projection of the base plate 51 on the horizontal plane may overlap with an orthogonal projection of the master device 1 on the horizontal plane, so that condensed water generated by the master device 1 may flow into the base plate 51 and condensed water may be prevented from flowing to the outside of the water-receiving tray 5.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24, the water-receiving tray 5 further includes a plurality of second via holes 616, and the plurality of second via holes 616 are disposed on the base plate 51. An inner diameter of the second via hole 616 is greater than or equal to an outer diameter of the pipeline 8 (e.g., the heating coil 80, the water inlet pipe 83, and the water outlet pipe 81), which is helpful for the pipeline 8 to pass through and be installed in the second via holes 616. For example, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the water-receiving tray 5 includes six second via holes 616. Two second via holes 616 are used for installation of the inlet end and the outlet end of the first coil 81, respectively. Two second via holes 616 are used for installation of the inlet end and the outlet end of the second coil 82, respectively. Two second via holes 616 are used for installation of the water inlet pipe 83 and the water outlet pipe 84, respectively. In this way, the heating coil 80 (e.g., the first coil 81 and the second coil 82) in the water tank 2 passes through the water-receiving tray 5 and is connected to the heating coil 80 in the master device 1, and the water inlet pipe 83 and the water outlet pipe 84 in the water tank 2 pass through the water-receiving tray 5 and are connected to the water inlet pipe 83 and the water outlet pipe 84 in the master device 1, respectively.

In some embodiments, outer surfaces of the heating coil 80, the water inlet pipe 83, and the water outlet pipe 84 located between the water-receiving tray 5 and the inner tank 21 are in close contact with the cladding layer 22, and the cladding layer 22 is a closed-hole structure, so as to prevent condensed water on the pipeline 8 from flowing into the cladding layer 22. The closed-hole structure refers to a structure having a plurality of small holes arranged at intervals, and the plurality of small holes do not communicate with each other.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24, an edge of the second via hole 616 extends in a direction away from the water tank 2, so as to form a fifth flange 363 positioning the pipeline 8. There is a gap between the pipeline 8 and an inner surface of the fifth flange 363, which is conducive to applying waterproof glue between the fifth flange 363 and the pipeline 8, thereby preventing condensed water on the surface of the pipeline 8 located on the upper side of the water-receiving tray 5 from flowing into the cladding layer 22 from the second via hole 616.

In some embodiments, since the water-receiving tray 5 is disposed on the top portion of the water tank 2, the power line of the water tank 2 may pass through the water-receiving tray 5 and be connected to the electric control box 89.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a relief valve 86. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the water-receiving tray 5 further includes a first via hole 617, and the relief valve 86 passes through and is installed in the first via hole 617. A portion of the relief valve 86 is located on the side (e.g., the upper side) of the water-receiving tray 5 away from the water tank 2, and another portion of the relief valve 86 extends into the cavity 211 of the inner tank 21, and the another portion of the relief valve 86 is located on a side of the cavity 211 proximate to the water-receiving tray 5. The relief valve 86 is configured to release the pressure in the water tank 2. In a case where the pressure in the water tank 2 is too high or the water temperature exceeds a set value, the relief valve 86 may release the pressure in the water tank 2, so as to prevent the water tank 2 from bursting due to excessive pressure or temperature. The relief valve 86 is connected to the electric control box 89, so that the electric control box 89 supplies electrical energy to the relief valve 86.

In some embodiments, the relief valve 86 includes a pressure relief opening. The pressure relief opening is disposed on the upper side of the water-receiving tray 5. In a case where the relief valve 86 releases the pressure in the water tank 2, water discharged from the pressure relief opening may flow onto the base plate 51 of the water-receiving tray 5 and then be discharged through the drainage hole 511. In this way, there is no need to additionally provide a drainage pipe for the relief valve 86, thereby saving the cost.

In some embodiments, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a supporting foot. The supporting foot is disposed between the inner tank 21 and the base 4.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a pallet 90, and the pallet 90 is disposed on a side of the base 4 away from the water tank 2. The pallet 90 may be a wooden structure, so as to avoid electric shock accidents caused by water leakage of the water tank 2.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a structure of a closing member in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 27, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a closing member 91. The closing member 91 is disposed at the water outlet end of the water inlet pipe 83 in the water tank 2. The closing member 91 is in a shape of a cylinder. An end of the closing member 91 away from the water inlet pipe 83 is closed, and a plurality of water outlet holes 911 are disposed on a side surface of the closing member 91. Water from the external water source flows into the closing member 91 from the water inlet pipe 83 and then flows into the inner tank 21 from the plurality of water outlet holes 911. In this way, water may be evenly discharged into the inner tank 21 through the closing member 91, thereby preventing water flowing out of the water inlet pipe 83 from directly impacting the top portion of the water tank 2, resulting in affecting the normal water inflow and outflow in the water tank 2.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 28, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a controller 895 located in the electric control box 89. The first temperature sensor 101 is coupled to the controller 895, so that the controller 895 may receive the water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 101.

The controller 895 includes a processor. The processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the processor may be configured to execute the corresponding operations described in the controller 895 when the processor executes a program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable media coupled to the controller 895. The non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, floppy disk, or magnetic tape), a smart card, or a flash memory device (e.g., an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a card, a stick, or a keyboard driver).

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a structure of a water tank in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 29, a height of the first temperature sensor 101 is a first height H1, a height of the inner tank 21 is a fifth height H5, and the first height H1 is less than or equal to half of the fifth height H5 (i.e., H1≤H5/2). A height of the electric heater 85 is a second height He, and the second height He is less than or equal to half of the fifth height H5 (i.e., He≤H5/2). For example, the first temperature sensor 101 is disposed on a side (e.g., an upper side) of the electric heater 85 away from the base 4 and located in the middle of the water tank 2.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 30, in a case where the first coil 81 or the electric heater 85 heats, the controller 895 is configured to perform step 11 to step 14.

In step 11, a heating time Δt of the first coil 81 or the electric heater 85 is determined.

For example, when the first coil 81 heats from a first moment t1 to a second moment t2, a first heating time Δtr (i.e., the heating time Δt) of the first coil 81 is an absolute value of a difference between the second moment t2 and the first moment t1 (i.e., Δtr=|t1−t2|). Alternatively, when the electric heater 85 heats from a third moment t3 to a fourth moment t4, a second heating time Δtd (i.e., the heating time Δt) of the electric heater 85 is an absolute value of a difference between the fourth moment t4 and the third moment t3 (i.e., Δtd=|t4−t3|). It will be noted that the controller 895 includes a timer, and the timer is configured to time the heating time of the water tank 2. The timer may be implemented in hardware or software.

In step 12, a preset temperature T is calculated according to the heating time Δt, the first height H1, and the second height He.

The preset temperature T satisfies the following formula (i.e., a preset function):

$\begin{matrix} T = a \times Δ t + b \times H 1 + c \times Hd + d; & (1) \end{matrix}$

Here, the preset distance Hd is an absolute value of a difference between the first height H1 of the first temperature sensor 101 and the second height He of the electric heater 85 (i.e., Hd=|H1-He|). That is to say, the preset distance Hd is a distance between the first temperature sensor 101 and the electric heater 85. Letters “a,” “b,” “c,” and “d” in the formula (1) are preset parameters.

In step 13, a changing water temperature ΔT is calculated according to the water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 101 and the heating time Δt.

For example, when the first coil 81 heats from the first moment t1 to the second moment t2, a water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 101 at the first moment t1 is a first water temperature Tr1, and a water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 101 at the second moment t2 is a second water temperature Tr2. A first changing value ΔTr (i.e., the changing water temperature ΔT) is an absolute value of a difference between the second water temperature Tr2 and the first water temperature Tr1 (i.e., ΔTr=|Tr2−Tr1|). Alternatively, when the electric heater 85 heats from the third moment t3 to the fourth moment t4, a water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 101 at the third moment t3 is a third water temperature Td1, and a water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 101 at the fourth moment t4 is a fourth water temperature Td2. A second changing value ΔTd (i.e., the changing water temperature ΔT) is an absolute value of a difference between the fourth water temperature Td2 and the third water temperature Td1 (i.e., ΔTd=|Td2−Td1|).

In step 14, an operating state of the heat pump is adjusted or an operating state of the electric heater 85 is determined according to the changing water temperature ΔT and the preset temperature T.

In a case where the hot water supply apparatus 100 uses the heat pump to heat water, the first coil 81 supplies heat to water in the water tank 2 and heats from the first moment t1 to the second moment t2. The water temperature in the water tank 2 detected by the first temperature sensor 101 at the first moment t1 is the first water temperature Tr1, and the water temperature in the water tank 2 detected by the first temperature sensor 101 at the second moment t2 is the second water temperature Tr2.

The controller 895 calculates the first heating time Δtr of the first coil 81 according to the first moment t1 and the second moment t2.

Then, the controller 895 calculates a first preset temperature TO (i.e., the preset temperature T) according to the first heating time Δtr, the first height H1, and the second height He. In this case, the letter “a” in formula (1) is equal to a1 (i.e., a=a1), the letter “b” in formula (1) is equal to b1 (i.e., b=b1), the letter “c” in formula (1) is equal to 0 (i.e., c=0), the letter “d” in formula (1) is equal to c1 (i.e., d=c1), and the first preset temperature TO satisfies the following formula (i.e., a first preset function):

$\begin{matrix} T 0 = a 1 \times Δ tr + b 1 \times H 1 + c 1; & (2) \end{matrix}$

It will be noted that, in a case where the hot water supply apparatus 100 uses only the heat pump to heat water, the electric heater 85 is turned off. Therefore, the parameter (e.g., the preset distance Hd) of the electric heater 85 in formula (1) will not affect the operation of the hot water supply apparatus 100. That is to say, the letter “c” in formula (1) is equal to 0.

Afterwards, the controller 895 calculates the first changing value ΔTr according to the first water temperature Tr1 and the second water temperature Tr2.

In a case where the first changing value ΔTr is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature TO, the controller 895 determines that the water temperature in the water tank 2 is too high and controls the heat pump to turn off, so that the first coil 81 stops heating water in the water tank 2. In a case where the first changing value ΔTr is less than the first preset temperature TO, the controller 895 determines that the water temperature in the water tank 2 is low and controls the heat pump to turn on, so that the first coil 81 heats water in the water tank 2.

It will be noted that, since the calculation formula (i.e., the formula (2)) of the first preset temperature TO is a binary function with respect to the first heating time Δtr and the first height H1, the first preset temperature TO may be changed with the first heating time Δtr and the first height H1. In this way, in a case where the controller 895 turns on or off the heat pump according to the first changing value ΔTr and the first preset temperature TO, the interference of the first heating time Δtr and the first height H1 on the first preset temperature TO may be effectively eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of calculating the first preset temperature TO.

In a case where the hot water supply apparatus 100 uses the electric heater 85 to heat water, the electric heater 85 heats from the third moment t3 to the fourth moment t4. The water temperature in the water tank 2 detected by the first temperature sensor 101 at the third moment t3 is the third water temperature Td1, and the water temperature in the water tank 2 detected by the first temperature sensor 101 at the fourth moment t4 is the fourth water temperature Td2.

The controller 895 calculates the second heating time Δtd of the electric heater 85 according to the third moment t3 and the fourth moment t4.

Then, the controller 895 calculates a second preset temperature Ts (i.e., the preset temperature T) according to the second heating time Δtd, the first height H1, and the second height He. In this case, the letter “a” in formula (1) is equal to a2 (i.e., a=a2), the letter “b” in formula (1) is equal to b2 (i.e., b=b2), the letter “c” in formula (1) is equal to c2 (i.e., c=c2), and the second preset temperature Ts satisfies the following formula (i.e., a second preset function):

$\begin{matrix} Ts = a 2 \times Δ td + b 2 \times H 1 + c 2 \times Hd + d; & (3) \end{matrix}$

Afterwards, the controller 895 calculates the second changing value ΔTd according to the third water temperature Td1 and the fourth water temperature Td2.

In a case where the second changing value ΔTd is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature Ts, the controller 895 determines that the electric heater 85 operates normally. In a case where the second changing value ΔTd is less than the second preset temperature Ts, the controller 895 determines that the electric heater 85 is faulty.

It will be noted that, since the calculation formula (i.e., the formula (3)) of the second preset temperature Ts is a ternary function with respect to the second heating time Δtd, the first height H1, and the preset distance Hd, the second preset temperature Ts may be changed with the second heating time Δtd, the first height H1, and the preset distance Hd. In this way, in a case where the controller 895 determines the operating state of the electric heater 85 according to the second changing value ΔTd and the second preset temperature Ts, the interference of the second heating time Δtd, the first height H1, and the preset distance Hd on the second preset temperature Ts may be effectively eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of calculating the second preset temperature Ts.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another structure of a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 31, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a relay 106, a first thermostat 104, a second thermostat 105, a second temperature sensor 102, a third temperature sensor 103, a wire 107, connecting lines 108, and a temperature control switch 898. The relay 106, the first thermostat 104, the second thermostat 105, and the electric heater 85 are sequentially connected in series through the wire 107, so as to form a power supply circuit. The relay 106, the first thermostat 104, the second thermostat 105, and the temperature control switch 898 are configured to turn on or off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85. The relay 106, the first thermostat 104, and the second thermostat 105 are disposed in the master device 1. The first temperature sensor 101, the electric heater 85, the second temperature sensor 102, and the third temperature sensor 103 are disposed in the water tank 2, and the second temperature sensor 102 and the third temperature sensor 103 are disposed between the first temperature sensor 101 and the electric heater 85.

The second temperature sensor 102, the third temperature sensor 103, and the relay 106 are coupled to the controller 895. The controller 895 is further configured to receive the water temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 102 and the third temperature sensor 103 and control the relay 106 to turn on or off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85, so as to control the electric heater 85 to turn on or off.

The second temperature sensor 102 is connected with the first thermostat 104 through the connecting line 108. The second temperature sensor 102 absorbs heat from water in the water tank 2, and the absorbed heat may be transferred to the first thermostat 104 through the connecting line 108. The first thermostat 104 is provided with a first probe, and the first probe is filled with liquid. The liquid has the property of heat expansion and cold shrinking. The property of heat expansion and cold shrinking refers to a property that the volume increases with the increase of temperature and decreases with the decrease of temperature. For example, a temperature of the first probe increases and the liquid in the first probe expands after the first probe absorbs a certain amount of heat, so that a volume of the first probe becomes large and the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 is turned off. The temperature of the first probe decreases and the liquid in the first probe shrinks after the first probe releases a certain amount of heat, so that the volume of the first probe decreases and the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 is turned on.

The third temperature sensor 103 is connected with the second thermostat 105 through the connecting line 108. The absorbed heat may be transferred to the second thermostat 105 through the connecting line 108 after the third temperature sensor 103 absorbs heat of water in the water tank 2. The second thermostat 105 is provided with a second probe. The second probe is filled with liquid. A temperature of the second probe increases, and the liquid in the second probe expands after the second probe absorbs a certain amount of heat, so that a volume of the second probe becomes large. As a result, the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 is turned off. The temperature of the second probe decreases, and the liquid in the second probe shrinks after the second probe releases a certain amount of heat, so that the volume of the second probe decreases and the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 is turned on.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 29, a height of the second temperature sensor 102 is a third height H2, and a height of the third temperature sensor 103 is a fourth height H3. The second temperature sensor 102 and the third temperature sensor 103 may be located at a same height (i.e., H2=H3). Of course, in some embodiments, the second temperature sensor 102 and the third temperature sensor 103 may also be located at different heights (i.e., H2 #H3).

In some embodiments, a distance between the second temperature sensor 102 and the first temperature sensor 101 is a first distance Hd2, and a distance between the third temperature sensor 103 and the first temperature sensor 101 is a second distance Hd3. That is to say, a difference between the third height H2 of the second temperature sensor 102 and the first height H1 of the first temperature sensor 101 is the first distance Hd2, and a difference between the fourth height H3 of the third temperature sensor 103 and the first height H1 of the first temperature sensor 101 is the second distance Hd3. In a case where the second temperature sensor 102 and the third temperature sensor 103 are located at a same height, the first distance Hd2 is the same as the second distance Hd3.

In some embodiments, the first distance Hd2 and the second distance Hd3 are less than the preset distance Hd.

FIG. 32 is another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 32, in a case where the hot water supply apparatus 100 includes the second temperature sensor 102 and the third temperature sensor 103, and the hot water supply apparatus 100 uses the electric heater 85 to heat water, the controller 895 is configured to perform step 21 to step 24.

In step 21, a first changing temperature of the second temperature sensor 102 within a third heating time Δtp and a second changing temperature of the third temperature sensor 103 within the third heating time Δtp are calculated.

The third heating time Δtp is the heating time of the electric heater 85. For example, the electric heater 85 heats from the fifth moment t5 to the sixth moment t6, and the third heating time is a difference between the sixth moment t6 and the fifth moment t5.

The first changing temperature is a changing value of the water temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 102 within the third heating time Δtp, and the second changing temperature is a changing value of the water temperature detected by the third temperature sensor 103 within the third heating time Δtp. For example, the water temperature in the water tank 2 detected by the second temperature sensor 102 at the fifth moment t5 is a fifth water temperature Tm1, and the water temperature in the water tank 2 detected by the second temperature sensor 102 at the sixth moment t6 is a sixth water temperature Tm2. The water temperature in the water tank 2 detected by the third temperature sensor 103 at the fifth moment t5 is a seventh water temperature Tn1, and the water temperature in the water tank 2 detected by the third temperature sensor 103 at the sixth moment t6 is an eighth water temperature Tn2. The first changing temperature is a difference between the sixth water temperature Tm2 and the fifth water temperature Tm1, and the second changing temperature is a difference between the eighth water temperature Tn2 and the seventh water temperature Tn1.

In step 22, whether the first changing temperature is greater than a third preset temperature Ta, or whether the second changing temperature is greater than a fourth preset temperature Tb is determined. If so, the controller 895 performs the step 23; if not, the controller 895 performs the step 24.

In step 23, the electric heater 85 is controlled to operate normally.

In step 24, the electric heater 85 is determined to be faulty.

The third preset temperature Ta and the fourth preset temperature Tb satisfy the following formulas, respectively:

$\begin{matrix} Ta = a 3 \times Δ tp + b 3 \times H 2 + c 3 \times Hd 2 + d 1; & (4) \end{matrix}$

$\begin{matrix} Tb = a 4 \times Δ tp + b 4 \times H 3 + c 4 \times Hd 3 + d 2; & (5) \end{matrix}$

Here, the letter “a3” in formula (4), the letter “b3” in formula (4), the letter “c3” in formula (4), the letter “a4” in formula (5), the letter “b4” in formula (5), the letter “c4” in formula (5), the letter “d1” in formula (4), and the letter “d2” in formula (5) are preset parameters.

In a case where the first changing temperature is greater than or equal to the third preset temperature Ta, and the second changing temperature is greater than or equal to the fourth preset temperature Tb, the controller 895 determines that the electric heater 85 operates normally. In a case where the first changing temperature is less than the third preset temperature Ta, or the second changing temperature is less than the fourth preset temperature Tb, the controller 895 determines that the electric heater 85 is faulty.

It will be noted that the second preset temperature Ts is less than the third preset temperature Ta, and the third preset temperature Ta is less than the fourth preset temperature Tb.

In some embodiments, an operating mode of the hot water supply apparatus 100 includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the hot water supply apparatus 100 uses only the heat pump or only the electric heater 85 to heat water in the water tank 2. In the second mode, the hot water supply apparatus 100 uses the first coil 81 and the electric heater 85 to heat water in the water tank 2. Water in the water tank 2 may be rapidly heated to a high temperature by means of the second mode.

FIG. 33 is yet another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 33, in a case where the hot water supply apparatus 100 operates in the first mode, the controller 895 is configured to perform step 31 to step 34.

In step 31, a current water temperature Tp detected by the first temperature sensor 101 is obtained.

In step 32, whether the current water temperature Tp is greater than or equal to a first preset water temperature is determined according to the current water temperature Tp. If so, the controller 895 performs the step 33; if not, the controller 895 performs the step 34.

In step 33, the heat pump or the electric heater 85 is controlled to turn off, so as to stop heating water in the water tank 2.

In step 34, the heat pump or the electric heater 85 is controlled to turn on, so as to heat water in the water tank 2.

The first preset water temperature is a temperature of hot water required by the user, and the first preset water temperature may be set by the controller 895.

FIG. 34 is yet another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 34, in a case where the hot water supply apparatus 100 operates in the second mode, the controller 895 is configured to perform step 41 to step 44.

In step 41, the current water temperature Tp detected by the first temperature sensor 101 is obtained.

In step 42, whether the current water temperature Tp is greater than or equal to a first limited water temperature is determined according to the current water temperature Tp detected by the first temperature sensor 101. If so, the controller 895 performs the step 43; if not, the controller 895 performs the step 44.

In step 43, the relay 106 is controlled to turn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 and the heat pump is controlled to turn off.

In step 44, the relay 106 is controlled to turn on the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85.

The controller 895 gives an alarm for the fault and controls the heat pump and the electric heater 85 to stop heating after turning off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85. The electric heater 85 may be protected and safety accidents caused by the fault of the electric heater 85 may be avoided by turning off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 in a case where the current water temperature Tp is greater than or equal to the first limited water temperature.

It will be noted that the first limited water temperature may be set according to the demand of the user, and the first limited water temperature is less than or equal to a difference between the highest water temperature of the water tank 2 and a fifth threshold. The fifth threshold may be set according to the position of the first temperature sensor 101.

In some embodiments, in a case where the controller 895 determines that the current water temperature Tp is greater than or equal to the first limited water temperature, and the controller 895 determines that the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 is still turned on, the first thermostat 104 is configured to: turn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 in a case where a first current water temperature Tp1 detected by the second temperature sensor 102 is greater than or equal to a first set temperature, and turn on the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 in a case where the first current water temperature Tp1 detected by the second temperature sensor 102 is less than the first set temperature; and/or, the second thermostat 105 is configured to: turn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 in a case where a second current water temperature Tp2 detected by the third temperature sensor 103 is greater than or equal to the first set temperature, and turn on the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 in a case where the second current water temperature Tp2 detected by the third temperature sensor 103 is less than the first set temperature.

It will be noted that the controller 895 receives the water temperatures detected by the second temperature sensor 102 and the third temperature sensor 103 and determines a relationship between the current water temperatures detected by the second temperature sensor 102 and the third temperature sensor 103 and the first set temperature. In a case where the controller 895 determines that at least one of the first current water temperature Tp1 or the second current water temperature Tp2 is greater than or equal to the first set temperature, the controller 895 gives an alarm for the fault and controls the heat pump to turn off.

FIG. 35 is yet another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 35, in a case where the controller 895 determines that the current water temperature Tp is greater than or equal to the first limited water temperature, and the first current water temperature Tp1 detected by the second temperature sensor 102 is greater than or equal to the first set temperature, and the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 is still turned on, the controller 895 is further configured to perform step 51 to step 54.

In step 51, the second current water temperature Tp2 detected by the third temperature sensor 103 is obtained.

In step 52, whether the second current water temperature Tp2 detected by the third temperature sensor 103 is greater than or equal to a second set temperature is determined. If so, the controller 895 performs the step 53; if not, the controller 895 performs the step 54.

In step 53, the temperature control switch 898 (e.g., a bimetallic strip) in the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 is controlled to turn off, so as to turn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85.

In step 54, the electric heater 85 is controlled to operate normally.

In a case where the second current water temperature Tp2 detected by the third temperature sensor 103 is greater than or equal to the second set temperature, the controller 895 controls the temperature control switch 898 in the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 to turn off, so as to turn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85. In this way, in a case where there is no liquid water in the water tank 2, it is possible to prevent the electric heater 85 from heating the gas in the water tank 2, causing the water tank 2 to be damaged due to excessive pressure. In addition, the heated gas transfers heat to the third temperature sensor 103, which may also increase the temperature of the third temperature sensor 103, thereby damaging the temperature sensor.

It will be noted that, as shown in FIG. 31, the temperature control switch 898 is disposed in the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85, so as to turn on or off the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85.

After the step 53, the controller 895 gives an alarm of the fault and notifies personnel for maintenance. When the maintenance is completed, the personnel need to manually determine that the maintenance is completed and turn on the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85, so as to restart the electric heater 85.

It will be noted that a current sensor or a voltage sensor may be disposed in the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85, and the controller 895 is coupled to the current sensor or the voltage sensor. In this way, the controller 895 may determine whether the power supply circuit of the electric heater 85 is turned off according to the current signal detected by the current sensor or the voltage signal detected by the voltage sensor.

In some embodiments, the hot water supply apparatus 100 further includes a pressure sensor and a fourth temperature sensor 110.

The pressure sensor is disposed at the top portion of the water tank 2 and configured to measure a pressure P at the top portion of the water tank 2. In a case where there is a lot of water vapor in the top portion of the cavity 211 of the inner tank 21, the pressure sensor may measure the pressure P of the water vapor.

The fourth temperature sensor 110 is disposed in an end (e.g., a top end) of the water tank 2 proximate to the water-receiving tray 5, and at least a portion of the fourth temperature sensor 110 is located in the top portion of the inner tank 21. The fourth temperature sensor 110 is configured to measure a temperature of the top portion of the cavity 211. In a case where there is a lot of water vapor in the top portion of the inner tank 21, the fourth temperature sensor 110 may measure the temperature of the water vapor. A height of the fourth temperature sensor 110 is a sixth height H4.

FIG. 36 is yet another flow chart of a controller in a hot water supply apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 36, the controller 895 is further configured to perform step 61 to step 64.

In step 61, the temperature detected by the fourth temperature sensor 110 is obtained.

In step 62, whether the temperature detected by the fourth temperature sensor 110 is greater than or equal to a fifth preset temperature, or whether the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure is determined. If so, the controller 895 performs the step 63; if not, the controller 895 performs the step 64.

In step 63, the relief valve 86 is controlled to turn on, so as to release the pressure in the water tank 2.

In step 64, the relief valve 86 is controlled to turn off.

After the step 63, the controller 895 gives an alarm of the fault and controls the heat pump and the electric heater 85 to turn off, so as to stop heating.

In some embodiments, the first distance Hd2 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and a difference between the fifth height H5 and the sixth height H4 is less than or equal to a second threshold. The first threshold or the second threshold may be determined according to the specific structure of the water tank 2. Moreover, a difference between the fifth preset temperature and the second set temperature is greater than or equal to a third threshold, and the second set temperature and the first set temperature are greater than or equal to a fourth threshold. The third threshold and the fourth threshold may be set according to the positions of the corresponding sensors.

It will be noted that the first limited water temperature is less than the first set temperature, the first set temperature is less than the second set temperature, and the second set temperature is less than the fifth preset temperature.

In addition, since the first temperature sensor 101, the second temperature sensor 102, the third temperature sensor 103, and the fourth temperature sensor 110 are located at different positions of the water tank 2, the temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor 101, the second temperature sensor 102, the third temperature sensor 103, and the fourth temperature sensor 110 are different at the same time. For example, at the same moment, the temperature detected by the fourth temperature sensor 110 is greater than the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor 103, the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor 103 is greater than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 102, and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 102 is greater than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 101.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the scope of disclosure in the present disclosure is not limited to specific embodiments discussed above and may modify and substitute some elements of the embodiments without departing from the spirits of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hot water supply apparatus, comprising: a housing;a water tank disposed in the housing, the water tank including an inner tank;a master device disposed in the housing and located on an upper side of the water tank, the master device being connected to the water tank and configured to supply water and heat to the water tank;a pipeline disposed in the master device and the water tank and communicating with the master device and the water tank, the pipeline including a first coil, at least a portion of the first coil being disposed in the inner tank, and the first coil being connected to a heat pump, so as to supply heat to water in the water tank;a first temperature sensor, at least a portion of the first temperature sensor being disposed in the inner tank, the first temperature sensor having a first height and being configured to detect a water temperature in the water tank;an electric heater, at least a portion of the electric heater being disposed in the inner tank, the electric heater having a second height and being configured to heat water in the water tank; anda controller coupled to the first temperature sensor, the controller being configured to: determine a heating time of the electric heater or the first coil;calculate a preset temperature according to the heating time, the first height, and the second height;calculate a changing water temperature according to the water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the heating time; andadjust an operating state of the heat pump or determine an operating state of the electric heater according to the changing water temperature and the preset temperature.
2. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preset temperature satisfies a preset function with respect to the heating time, the first height, and a preset distance, and the preset distance is an absolute value of a difference between the first height and the second height.
3. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heating time includes a first heating time, the first heating time is a heating duration of the first coil; the changing water temperature is equal to a first changing value of the water temperature in the water tank within the first heating time; the preset temperature includes a first preset temperature, the first preset temperature satisfies a first preset function with respect to the first heating time and the first height, and the controller is configured to: determine that the water temperature in the water tank is high and control the heat pump to turn off, if the first changing value is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature; anddetermine that the water temperature in the water tank is low and control the heat pump to turn on, if the first changing value is less than the first preset temperature.
4. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first coil heats from a first moment to a second moment, the first heating time is an absolute value of a difference between the second moment and the first moment; and a water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor at the first moment is a first water temperature, a water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor at the second moment is a second water temperature, and the first changing value is an absolute value of a difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature.
5. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heating time includes a second heating time, the second heating time is a heating duration of the electric heater, the changing water temperature is equal to a second changing value of the water temperature in the water tank within the second heating time, the preset temperature includes a second preset temperature, the second preset temperature satisfies a second preset function with respect to the second heating time, the first height, and the preset distance, and the controller is configured to: determine that the electric heater operates normally, if the second changing value is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature; anddetermine that the electric heater is faulty, if the second changing value is less than the second preset temperature.
6. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the electric heater heats from a third moment to a fourth moment, the second heating time is an absolute value of a difference between the fourth moment and the third moment; and a water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor at the third moment is a third water temperature, a water temperature detected by the first temperature sensor at the fourth moment is a fourth water temperature, and the second changing value is an absolute value of a difference between the fourth water temperature and the third water temperature.
7. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a second temperature sensor disposed in the water tank and coupled to the controller, the second temperature sensor having a third height and being configured to detect the water temperature in the water tank; anda third temperature sensor disposed in the water tank and coupled to the controller, the third temperature sensor having a fourth height and being configured to detect the water temperature in the water tank;wherein a difference between the third height of the second temperature sensor and the first height of the first temperature sensor is a first distance, a difference between the fourth height of the third temperature sensor and the first height of the first temperature sensor is a second distance, and the first distance is equal to the second distance.
8. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to: calculate a first changing temperature of the second temperature sensor within a third heating time and a second changing temperature of the third temperature sensor within the third heating time;determine that the electric heater is faulty if it is determined that the first changing temperature is less than a third preset temperature, or the second changing temperature is less than a fourth preset temperature; anddetermine that the electric heater operates normally if it is determined that the first changing temperature is greater than or equal to the third preset temperature, and the second changing temperature is greater than or equal to the fourth preset temperature;wherein the first changing temperature is a changing value of the water temperature detected by the second temperature sensor within the third heating time, and the second changing temperature is a changing value of the water temperature detected by the third temperature sensor within the third heating time, the second preset temperature is less than the third preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is less than the fourth preset temperature.
9. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the third preset temperature satisfies a ternary function with respect to the third heating time, the third height, and the first distance, and the fourth preset temperature satisfies a ternary function with respect to the third heating time, the fourth height, and the second distance.
10. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first distance is less than the preset distance and greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second distance is less than the preset distance.
11. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: in a case where the first coil or the electric heater supplies heat to the water tank,control the electric heater or the first coil to supply heat to the water tank to heat the water in the water tank, if a current water temperature in the water tank detected by the first temperature sensor is less than a first preset water temperature; andcontrol the electric heater or the first coil to stop supplying heat to the water tank, if the current water temperature in the water tank detected by the first temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the first preset water temperature.
12. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a relay disposed in the master device, the relay being configured to control a power supply circuit of the electric heater to turn on or off;a first thermostat disposed in the master device, the first thermostat being configured to control the power supply circuit of the electric heater to turn on or off;a second thermostat disposed in the master device, the second thermostat being configured to control the power supply circuit of the electric heater to turn on or off, the relay, the first thermostat, the second thermostat, and the electric heater being sequentially connected in series through a wire, so as to provide the power supply circuit of the electric heater;a second temperature sensor disposed in the water tank and connected to the first thermostat through a connecting line, the second temperature sensor being coupled to the controller and configured to detect the water temperature in the water tank and transfer heat of the water in the water tank to the first thermostat through the connecting line; anda third temperature sensor disposed in the water tank and connected to the second thermostat through the connecting line, the third temperature sensor being coupled to the controller and configured to detect the water temperature in the water tank and transfer heat of the water in the water tank to the second thermostat through the connecting line;wherein the controller is configured to: in a case where the first coil and the electric heater together supply heat to the water tank,obtain a current water temperature in the water tank detected by the first temperature sensor;control the relay to turn on the power supply circuit of the electric heater, if the current water temperature is less than a first limited water temperature; andcontrol the relay to turn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater, and control the heat pump to turn off to stop heating water in the water tank, if the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first limited water temperature.
13. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the hot water supply apparatus satisfies at least one of following: the first thermostat is configured to: in a case where the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first limited water temperature and the controller determines that the power supply circuit of the electric heater is still turned on,turn on the power supply circuit of the electric heater, if a first current water temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is less than a first set temperature; andturn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater, if the first current water temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the first set temperature;orthe second thermostat is configured to: in a case where the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first limited water temperature and the controller determines that the power supply circuit of the electric heater is still turned on,turn on the power supply circuit of the electric heater, if a second current water temperature detected by the third temperature sensor is less than the first set temperature; andturn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater, if the second current water temperature detected by the third temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the first set temperature.
14. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a temperature control switch, the temperature control switch being disposed in the power supply circuit of the electric heater and configured to turn on or turn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater, wherein the controller is further configured to: in a case where the first current water temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the first set temperature, and the controller determines that the power supply circuit of the electric heater is still turned on,control the temperature control switch to turn off to turn off the power supply circuit of the electric heater, if the second current water temperature detected by the third temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a second set temperature; andcontrol the electric heater to operate normally, if the second current water temperature detected by the third temperature sensor is less than the second set temperature.
15. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the inner tank is provided with a cavity, and the hot water supply apparatus further includes: a relief valve located on a side of the water tank proximate to the master device, a portion of the relief valve extending into the cavity and located on a side of the cavity proximate to the master device, the relief valve being configured to release a pressure in the water tank;a fourth temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of a portion of the cavity proximate to the master device; anda pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure in the water tank;wherein the controller is configured to: control the relief valve to turn on to release the pressure in the water tank, if the temperature detected by the fourth temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a fifth preset temperature, or the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure.
16. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the inner tank has a fifth height, the fourth temperature sensor has a sixth height, and a difference between the fifth height and the sixth height is less than or equal to a second threshold.
17. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first limited water temperature is less than the first set temperature, the first set temperature is less than the second set temperature, and the second set temperature is less than the fifth preset temperature.
18. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a difference between the fifth preset temperature and the second set temperature is greater than or equal to a third threshold, and the second set temperature and the first set temperature are greater than or equal to a fourth threshold.
19. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first limited water temperature is less than or equal to a difference between a maximum water temperature in the water tank and a fifth threshold.
20. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner tank has a fifth height, the first height is less than or equal to half of the fifth height, and the second height is less than or equal to half of the fifth height.

Priority Claims (4)

Number	Date	Country	Kind
202210917212.0	Aug 2022	CN	national
202210918589.8	Aug 2022	CN	national
202222010063.8	Aug 2022	CN	national
202210937190.4	Aug 2022	CN	national

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2023/078626, filed on Feb. 28, 2023, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210917212.0, filed on Aug. 1, 2022; Chinese Patent Application No. 202222010063.8, filed on Aug. 1, 2022; Chinese Patent Application No. 202210918589.8 filed on Aug. 1, 2022; and Chinese Patent Application No. 202210937190.4, filed on Aug. 5, 2022, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Continuations (1)

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/CN2023/078626	Feb 2023	WO
Child	18781725		US

HOT WATER SUPPLY APPARATUS

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (4)

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Continuations (1)