A control method of silicon controlled rectifier communication intelligent switch

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of intelligent switch and specifically relates to a thyristor communication intelligent switch control method, wherein a control module is additionally arranged in the bottom box of an original non-intelligent switch panel, the control module is in a single firewire power taking mode or a zero firewire power supply mode; the control module obtains working power from a power supply line through a power taking circuit, and in the single firewire power taking mode, the control module discharges redundant power in a load off state through a discharge circuit; the control module interacts with an external control system based on a power line carrier communication mode of a thyristor; the control module detects local operation actions of the original non-intelligent switch panel in real time, generates local control instructions according to the local operation actions; the control module responds to the local control instructions or remote instructions issued by the external control system, and switches on and off the power loop of an electric device connected in series with the control module by controlling the on and off of the thyristor; and the intelligent control of the stock non-intelligent device can be realized in a low-cost and high-reliability mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent switch technology, specifically relating to a control method for a thyristor-based intelligent switch. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of IoT technology and the increasing demand for building intelligence, smart home and building automation control systems have been widely applied. By remotely controlling, scheduling, and linking lighting equipment, central air conditioning terminals, and other electrical equipment, the convenience and comfort of building management can be effectively improved, while achieving significant energy-saving effects.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream solutions for achieving intelligent control of lighting or air conditioning equipment mainly include the following: The equipment replacement solution involves directly removing the existing mechanical wall switches or traditional air conditioner temperature control panels and replacing them with smart panels that integrate wireless communication modules. However, this solution has significant limitations. First, the replaced smart panels often fail to match the original decoration style in terms of appearance, materials, and feel, disrupting the overall integrity and aesthetics of the interior design. Second, limitations such as the depth of the original junction box and whether a neutral wire has been pre-installed prevent the direct installation of the new smart panels in many scenarios, resulting in high renovation costs and significant construction disruption.

[0004] Traditional wireless communication solutions: Most existing intelligent control devices rely on 2.4GHz frequency band wireless communication technology. However, control modules are usually installed in boxes enclosed by metal or reinforced concrete, resulting in severe wireless signal attenuation, which often leads to device disconnection and control failure, making it difficult to guarantee the extremely high reliability requirements of building control.

[0005] Furthermore, in terms of power supply technology, many existing buildings only had a single live wire installed during construction, without a neutral wire. Traditional smart modules typically require power from both the live and neutral wires to operate stably, making the intelligent transformation in single-live-wire scenarios a technical challenge. If a simple single-live-wire power supply technology is used, compatibility issues such as flickering or dim lighting of downstream loads (such as LED lights or air conditioner panel standby circuits) can easily occur when they are off.

[0006] Therefore, how to achieve intelligent control of existing non-intelligent devices in a low-cost and highly reliable manner without changing the original decoration style, damaging existing lines, or relying on specific equipment communication protocols, while overcoming the problems of harsh power supply environment and communication shielding, has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this invention provides a method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch.

[0008] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions: The present invention provides a method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch, comprising the following steps: S1: A control module is installed in the bottom box of the original non-smart switch panel. The control module is electrically connected to and physically coexists with the original non-smart switch panel. The control module is configured to support single live wire power supply mode or neutral live wire power supply mode. S2: The control module obtains working power from the power supply line through the power supply circuit, and in the single live wire power supply mode, it discharges excess power through the discharge circuit in the load off state to suppress the load from flickering or dim lighting. S3: The control module interacts with the external control system via power line carrier communication based on silicon controlled rectifiers; S4: The control module detects the local operation actions of the original non-smart switch panel in real time, and generates local control commands based on the local operation actions, or triggers the control module to switch from low power mode to working mode to prepare to receive remote commands. S5: The control module responds to the local control command or the remote command issued by the external control system by controlling the on / off state of the power circuit of the electrical equipment connected in series with the control module by controlling the on / off state of the thyristor.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, in the single-wire power supply mode, the control module maintains the power supply current flowing through the load to obtain electrical energy during the turn-off period of the thyristor and monitors the voltage across the load. When the voltage exceeds a preset threshold, the discharge circuit is turned on to provide a bypass channel for excess electrical energy.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention, in step S3, the power line carrier communication based on thyristors utilizes the conduction and cutoff characteristics of thyristors to modulate and demodulate high-frequency communication signals on the power line. The frequency of the high-frequency communication signal is higher than the power grid frequency, so as to achieve penetration through metal or reinforced concrete shielding environments.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention, in step S4, detecting the local operation of the original non-smart switch panel specifically includes: monitoring voltage waveform changes or current transients on the power supply line; when a characteristic signal generated by the mechanical switch closing or opening is detected, triggering an interrupt, switching the control module from a low-power sleep state to a normal working state, and generating corresponding local control commands.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention, in step S5, when the electrical equipment is a lighting device, the control module is connected in series in the lighting circuit as a switch control unit, and the control it performs includes: in response to a remote command or local operation, driving the thyristor to conduct to connect the power supply of the lighting device, or driving the thyristor to turn off to disconnect the power supply of the lighting device, while maintaining the local on / off control function of the original non-smart switch panel.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention, in step S5, when the electrical equipment is an air conditioner and the original non-smart switch panel is a non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel, the control module is connected in series on the power supply live wire of the non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel, and the control it performs includes: cutting off or connecting the power supply of the non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel through a thyristor to achieve indirect control of the air conditioner.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention, indirect control of the air conditioning equipment is achieved by cutting off the power supply to the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel. The specific logic is as follows: after receiving a remote shutdown command, the control module cuts off the power supply to the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel, causing it to lose power; when a startup command is received again or after waiting for a preset time, the control module reconnects the power supply, causing the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel to power on and restart. By utilizing its initial state of defaulting to closing the valve or fan after restarting, the shutdown control of the air conditioning terminal equipment is achieved.

[0015] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the control module acts as a node in a smart home or building automation control network, uploads local status information to the central management system through the power line carrier communication, and receives and executes downlink control commands from the central management system to achieve timed control and scene linkage.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by adding a control module, there is no need to remove the user's original panel that matches the decoration style, thus preserving the aesthetics of the interior design; at the same time, by providing two hardware versions, single-wire / zero-wire, it solves the problem of inconsistent wiring standards in buildings of different eras, greatly reducing the cost and threshold of intelligent transformation of existing buildings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the steps of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a thyristor communication intelligent switch control method of the present invention includes the following steps: S1: A control module is installed in the bottom box of the original non-smart switch panel. The control module is electrically connected to and physically coexists with the original non-smart switch panel. The control module is configured to support single live wire power supply mode or neutral live wire power supply mode. Specifically, without damaging the wall finish, the construction workers open the existing non-smart switch panel and connect a control module in series in the junction box behind it. This control module can be electrically connected to and physically coexist with the original panel's terminals. Considering the wiring conditions of different buildings, the control module's hardware design supports two power supply versions: one is a single-live-wire power supply version suitable for older communities with only one live wire (no neutral wire); the other is a neutral-live-wire power supply version suitable for newly built buildings with a neutral wire.

[0021] S2: The control module obtains operating power from the power supply line through a power-taking circuit. In single-wire power-taking mode, it discharges excess power through a bleed circuit when the load is off to suppress flickering or dim lighting of the load. After installation, the control module obtains the small amount of power required for its operation from the power supply line through its built-in power-taking circuit. If in single-wire mode, the module also needs to handle the side effects of power extraction.

[0022] S3: The control module interacts with the external control system via power line carrier communication based on silicon controlled rectifiers; S4: The control module detects the local operation actions of the original non-smart switch panel in real time, and generates local control commands based on the local operation actions, or triggers the control module to switch from low-power mode to working mode to prepare to receive remote commands; specifically, the microcontroller unit of the control module is in a low-power listening state and monitors the circuit status in real time. When the user manually presses the original mechanical switch on the wall, a specific voltage or current fluctuation will be generated in the circuit. After detecting this action, the microcontroller unit switches from low-power mode to full-speed operation mode and recognizes that this is a "local switch is pressed" command.

[0023] S5: In response to the local control command or the remote command issued by the external control system, the control module switches the power circuit of the electrical equipment connected in series with the control module by controlling the on / off state of the thyristor. Specifically, whether it is a local command detected by S4 or a remote command received by S3, the control module will execute the final operation by driving its core execution component—the thyristor. The thyristor acts like an electronic switch, connecting or disconnecting the power supply according to the command, thereby controlling the power supply of the downstream lighting equipment or air conditioning panel.

[0024] By adding a control module, the user's original, style-matched panels can be removed without removing them, preserving the aesthetics of the interior design. At the same time, by providing both single-wire and neutral-wire hardware versions, the problem of inconsistent wiring standards in buildings from different eras is solved, greatly reducing the cost and threshold for intelligent transformation of existing buildings.

[0025] As a further embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, in the single-wire power supply mode, the control module maintains the power supply current flowing through the load to obtain electrical energy during the turn-off period of the thyristor and monitors the voltage across the load. When the voltage exceeds a preset threshold, the discharge circuit is turned on to provide a bypass channel for excess electrical energy.

[0026] In a single-wire scenario, the control module must draw a small amount of current from the circuit formed by the live wire and the load to maintain operation. When the SCR is off (i.e., the light or air conditioner is off), the module's internal circuitry still maintains a very weak current flowing through the load to draw power. For traditional incandescent bulbs, this current has no effect, but for the standby circuits of today's widespread LED lights or air conditioner panels, this current may cause them to glow dimly or flicker.

[0027] To address this issue, the control module monitors the voltage across the load in real time during the thyristor turn-off period. Under normal circumstances, the voltage generated by the weak current draw is very low. However, when the current accumulates on the load's power supply, causing an abnormal voltage increase approaching the LED's turn-on threshold, the module's internal discharge circuit quickly activates, forming a bypass to dissipate the excess power as heat, thus clamping the voltage across the load within a safe range. This process repeats hundreds or thousands of times per second, ensuring both uninterrupted power supply to the module and that no flickering or dim lighting is visible to the naked eye at the load end.

[0028] By employing dynamic monitoring and discharge technology, the compatibility issues between single-wire smart modules and LED loads are completely resolved. The beneficial effect is that it ensures users receive a stable, flicker-free, healthy light environment under various loads (especially modern LED lighting), preventing a decline in user experience caused by flicker.

[0029] As a further aspect of the present invention, in step S3, the power line carrier communication based on thyristors utilizes the conduction and cutoff characteristics of thyristors to modulate and demodulate high-frequency communication signals on the power line. The frequency of the high-frequency communication signal is higher than the power grid frequency, so as to achieve penetration through metal or reinforced concrete shielding environments.

[0030] Traditional 2.4GHz wireless signals have short wavelengths and poor penetration, making them easily shielded by the metal casing of switch boxes and the reinforced concrete walls behind them. However, by utilizing the power line itself as a transmission medium, the control module uses the specific waveform generated by the thyristor during the switching on and off moments, or a dedicated signal coupling circuit, to superimpose a high-frequency (e.g., 100kHz-500kHz) communication signal onto a 50Hz power frequency waveform. The high-frequency signal travels along the power line; because the power line is physically connected, the signal can easily penetrate the reinforced concrete floors and metal conduits of multiple floors, reaching the receiving module on another floor. This avoids power frequency interference and major harmonics from the power grid itself, ensuring accurate communication.

[0031] As a further aspect of the present invention, in step S4, detecting the local operation of the original non-smart switch panel specifically includes: monitoring voltage waveform changes or current transients on the power supply line; when a characteristic signal generated by the mechanical switch closing or opening is detected, triggering an interrupt, switching the control module from a low-power sleep state to a normal working state, and generating corresponding local control commands.

[0032] To achieve extremely low power consumption, the communication module and main control core of the control module are in sleep mode most of the time. During this time, a low-power edge detection circuit continuously monitors the waveform on the live wire. When a user flips a traditional mechanical switch, the physical contact and separation of the metal contacts causes a drastic change in current or a brief drop / spiking in voltage within microseconds, forming a unique "transient" signal. Upon capturing this signal, the edge detection circuit immediately generates a hardware interrupt. This interrupt signal instantly wakes the microcontroller unit from deep sleep, and the microcontroller unit then starts, records the local operation, and prepares to execute the corresponding action. After completing the action and waiting for a period of no further operation, the microcontroller unit enters sleep mode again, waiting for the next interrupt to wake it up. In standby mode, the module's power consumption can be reduced to the microamplitude level, fully meeting the stringent requirements for static power consumption in a single-wire scenario. Simultaneously, the module can be woken up and respond with low latency the moment the user presses the switch, ensuring a tactile and responsive feel and experience indistinguishable from a regular mechanical switch.

[0033] As a further aspect of the present invention, in step S5, when the electrical equipment is a lighting device, the control module is connected in series in the lighting circuit as a switch control unit, and the control it performs includes: in response to a remote command or local operation, driving the thyristor to conduct to connect the power supply of the lighting device, or driving the thyristor to turn off to disconnect the power supply of the lighting device, while maintaining the local on / off control function of the original non-smart switch panel.

[0034] Local control: When the user operates the existing mechanical switch, the mechanical contacts open and close, generating transient signals. After the control module detects this, even though the mechanical switch has physically cut off the circuit, the control module can respond quickly by using its internal thyristor to complete the actual circuit opening and closing, or record the state change and then execute it through the thyristor.

[0035] Remote control: Users issue a "turn on the light" command via a mobile app. The command travels to the control module via power line carrier wave. The control module drives the SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) ​​to conduct, and the light illuminates as current flows through the lamp. During this process, the wall switch can remain in the normally open state, with the control module handling the on / off switching; alternatively, users can intervene at any time via the wall switch, and the control module can correctly recognize and synchronize the status. This allows users to retain their original operating habits while gaining a smart experience including remote control, timing, and scene linkage.

[0036] As a further aspect of the present invention, in step S5, when the electrical equipment is an air conditioner and the original non-smart switch panel is a non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel, the control module is connected in series on the power supply live wire of the non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel, and the control it performs includes: cutting off or connecting the power supply of the non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel through a thyristor to achieve indirect control of the air conditioner.

[0037] Indirect control of the air conditioning equipment is achieved by cutting off the power supply to the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel. The specific logic is as follows: after receiving a remote shutdown command, the control module cuts off the power supply to the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel, causing it to lose power; when a startup command is received again or after waiting for a preset time, the control module reconnects the power supply, causing the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel to power on and restart. By utilizing its initial state of defaulting to closing the valve or fan after restarting, the shutdown control of the air conditioning terminal equipment is achieved.

[0038] Traditional water-cooled air conditioner temperature control panels typically only have simple mechanical knobs or buttons and lack network connectivity. Their control logic is: the panel is operable when powered on; it is inoperable when powered off, and is usually designed to be off by default after a power outage and restart. Therefore, this embodiment utilizes this characteristic by connecting the control module in series with the power supply line of the temperature control panel, without altering the complex control wiring between the temperature control panel and the downstream fan and water valve actuator.

[0039] When it's necessary to remotely shut down the air conditioner in a room, the system sends a command to the control module via the PLC. Upon receiving the shutdown command, the control module immediately drives the SCR to cut off the power to the temperature control panel. The temperature control panel goes black and stops working due to the power outage. Its internal relay resets, simultaneously shutting down the water valve and fan leading to the fan coil unit, thus shutting down the air conditioner. When it needs to be turned on, the control module receives an on command, the SCR conducts, and the temperature control panel is powered on again. After the panel starts up, it is usually in the default off state according to its hardware characteristics. At this time, it needs to be manually turned on by the user, or the module can use a second brief power-off / power-on pulse to trigger the panel's own mechanical or electronic switch, putting it into operation.

[0040] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the control module acts as a node in a smart home or building automation control network, uploads local status information to the central management system through the power line carrier communication, and receives and executes downlink control commands from the central management system to achieve timed control and scene linkage.

[0041] In a smart home or building automation network, all control modules are assigned a unique address, serving as end nodes in the network. They communicate via PLC power lines, spontaneously reporting their status to the higher-level management device. Simultaneously, they constantly listen for downlink commands from the management system. These commands are broadcast or unicast to the corresponding control modules via power lines, and the modules parse them and execute the appropriate thyristor actions.

[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: A control module is installed in the bottom box of the original non-smart switch panel. The control module is electrically connected to and physically coexists with the original non-smart switch panel. The control module is configured to support single live wire power supply mode or neutral live wire power supply mode. S2: The control module obtains working power from the power supply line through the power supply circuit, and in the single live wire power supply mode, it discharges excess power through the discharge circuit in the load off state to suppress the load from flickering or dim lighting. S3: The control module interacts with the external control system via power line carrier communication based on silicon controlled rectifiers; S4: The control module detects the local operation actions of the original non-smart switch panel in real time, and generates local control commands based on the local operation actions, or triggers the control module to switch from low power mode to working mode to prepare to receive remote commands. S5: The control module responds to the local control command or the remote command issued by the external control system by controlling the on / off state of the power circuit of the electrical equipment connected in series with the control module by controlling the on / off state of the thyristor.

2. The method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, in the single-wire power supply mode, the control module maintains the power supply current flowing through the load to obtain power during the thyristor turn-off period and monitors the voltage across the load. When the voltage exceeds a preset threshold, the discharge circuit is turned on to provide a bypass channel for excess power.

3. The method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the power line carrier communication based on thyristors utilizes the conduction and cutoff characteristics of thyristors to modulate and demodulate high-frequency communication signals on the power line. The frequency of the high-frequency communication signal is higher than the power grid frequency, so as to achieve penetration through metal or reinforced concrete shielding environments.

4. The method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, the local operation of the original non-smart switch panel is detected, specifically including: monitoring voltage waveform changes or current transients on the power supply line; when a characteristic signal generated by the mechanical switch closing or opening is detected, an interrupt is triggered, the control module is switched from low-power sleep state to normal working state, and corresponding local control commands are generated.

5. The method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, when the electrical equipment is a lighting device, the control module is connected in series in the lighting circuit as a switch control unit. The control it performs includes: in response to a remote command or local operation, driving the thyristor to conduct to connect the power supply of the lighting device, or driving the thyristor to turn off to disconnect the power supply of the lighting device, while maintaining the local on / off control function of the original non-smart switch panel.

6. The method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, when the electrical equipment is an air conditioner and the original non-smart switch panel is a non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel, the control module is connected in series on the power supply live wire of the non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel, and the control it performs includes: cutting off or connecting the power supply of the non-smart air conditioner temperature control panel through a thyristor to achieve indirect control of the air conditioner.

7. The method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: Indirect control of the air conditioning equipment is achieved by cutting off the power supply to the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel. The specific logic is as follows: after receiving a remote shutdown command, the control module cuts off the power supply to the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel, causing it to lose power; when a startup command is received again or after waiting for a preset time, the control module reconnects the power supply, causing the non-intelligent air conditioner temperature control panel to power on and restart. By utilizing its initial state of defaulting to closing the valve or fan after restarting, the shutdown control of the air conditioning terminal equipment is achieved.

8. The method for controlling a thyristor-based intelligent switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module acts as a node in the smart home or building automation control network. It uploads local status information to the central management system through the power line carrier communication, and receives and executes downlink control commands from the central management system to achieve timed control and scene linkage.

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