Heating circuit, heating device and water heater

Abstract

The application provides a heating circuit, a heating device and a water heater. The heating circuit comprises a first temperature controller and at least one first heating control unit; the first heating control unit comprises a first control module and at least one heating module; the first control module comprises a first control element and a first switch element equal in number to the heating modules, and the first control element can control the on-off state of each first switch element; each heating module is connected with the corresponding first switch element in series, and then connected with a live wire and a zero line to form each heating loop; the first control element is connected with the first temperature controller in series, and then connected with the live wire and the zero line to form a first control loop. The method can cut off the heating loops in which the multiple heating modules are located at the same time, thereby avoiding resource waste and safety hazards.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electric water heater technology, and in particular to a heating circuit, heating device and water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A thermostat is a temperature-controlled switch, commonly used to control the on / off state of a circuit. Once the temperature detected by the thermostat reaches the preset temperature, the thermostat either opens or closes its circuit. For example, in an electric water heater, the thermostat is connected in series with the electric heating element. When the temperature detected by the thermostat reaches the preset temperature, the thermostat disconnects the heating circuit and stops heating.

[0003] Currently, high-power water heaters are often equipped with multiple electric heating elements, each connected in series with a separate thermostat. Multiple thermostats control the on / off state of the circuits containing multiple electric heating elements. Due to uneven heating of the electric heating elements, multiple thermostats cannot simultaneously cut off the heating circuits of multiple electric heating elements, which not only wastes resources but also poses safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a heating circuit, a heating device, and a water heater to solve the problem that the heating circuit of multiple electric heating elements cannot be disconnected simultaneously.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a heating circuit is provided, comprising: a first thermostat and at least one first heating control unit; the first heating control unit includes a first control module and at least one heating module; the first control module includes a first control element and a number of first switching elements equal to the number of heating modules, and the first control element is capable of controlling the switching state of each first switching element; each heating module is connected in series with its corresponding first switching element and then connected to a live wire and a neutral wire to form a heating circuit; the first control element is connected in series with the first thermostat and then connected to a live wire and a neutral wire to form a first control circuit.

[0006] As an optional implementation, the heating module includes at least one electric heating tube; each electric heating tube includes an input terminal, an output terminal and a ground terminal, and the input terminal and output terminal of each electric heating tube connected in series or in parallel are connected to each heating circuit, and the ground terminal of each electric heating tube is connected to the ground wire.

[0007] As an optional implementation, the heating circuit further includes a time-delay relay; the number of time-delay relays is one less than the number of the first heating control unit; the time-delay relay includes an input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal; the input terminal and the first output terminal of each time-delay relay are connected in series between the first temperature controller and the first control element of the corresponding first control circuit, and the second output terminal of each time-delay relay is connected to the neutral wire; the time-delay relay is used to delay the start of the heating circuit controlled by the corresponding first control circuit.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the first control element controls the switching state of each first switching element through its current state; if the first temperature controller is a normally closed temperature controller, then when the current state of the first control element is current, the state of each first switching element is closed, and when the current state of the first control element is no current, the state of each second switching element is open; if the first temperature controller is a normally open temperature controller, then when the current state of the first control element is current, the state of each first switching element is open, and when the current state of the first control element is no current, the state of each first switching element is closed.

[0009] As an optional implementation, each first heating control unit has 3 heating modules; each heating module is connected in series with each first switching element and is connected to the first phase live wire and neutral wire, the second phase live wire and neutral wire, and the third phase live wire and neutral wire of the three-phase power supply, respectively, to form each heating circuit.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the first control module is an AC contactor.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the heating circuit further includes a second thermostat and a second control module of the same number as the first heating control unit; the operating temperature of the second thermostat is higher than that of the first thermostat; the second control module includes a second control element and a second switching element of the same number as the heating modules in the first heating control unit, and the second control element can control the switching state of each second switching element; each second switching element is connected in series to each heating circuit; the second control element is connected in series with the second thermostat and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire, or connected in parallel with the first control element to form a second control circuit.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the second control element is connected in series with the second thermostat and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire. The second control element controls the switching state of each second switch element through its current state. If the second thermostat is a normally closed thermostat, then when there is current in the second control element, the state of each second switch element is closed, and when there is no current in the second control element, the state of each second switch element is open. If the second thermostat is a normally open thermostat, then when there is current in the second control element, the state of each second switch element is open, and when there is no current in the second control element, the state of each second switch element is closed.

[0013] According to a second aspect of this application, a heating device is provided, including the heating circuit as described in the first aspect.

[0014] According to a third aspect of this application, a water heater is provided, including a heating device as described in the second aspect.

[0015] The heating circuit, heating device, and water heater provided in this application include a first thermostat and at least one first heating control unit. The first heating control unit includes a first control module and at least one heating module. The first control module includes a first control element and a number of first switching elements equal to the number of heating modules, and the first control element can control the switching state of each first switching element. Each heating module is connected in series with its corresponding first switching element and then connected to the live wire and neutral wire to form a heating circuit. The first control element is connected in series with the first thermostat and then connected to the live wire and neutral wire to form a first control circuit. Since the first thermostat can control the on / off state of the first control circuit, and the on / off state of the first control circuit affects the first control element, the first control element can control the switching state of each first switching element in each first heating circuit. Therefore, the first thermostat can simultaneously control the on / off state of each heating circuit by controlling the first control element, and thus, the first thermostat can simultaneously cut off the heating circuit containing each heating module. In summary, the solution of this application allows the first thermostat to simultaneously cut off the heating circuit containing multiple heating modules, avoiding resource waste and safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heating circuit according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0018] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a heating module in a heating circuit according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0019] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the heating module in the heating circuit provided according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a heating circuit according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a heating circuit according to Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0022] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a heating circuit according to Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0023] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the heating circuit provided according to Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0024] Figure 6This is another schematic diagram of the heating circuit provided according to Embodiment 4 of this application.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 11-First temperature controller; 12-First heating control unit; 121-First control module; 1211-First control element; 1212-First switching element; 122-Heating module; 1221-Electric heating element; 13-Time delay relay; 14-Second temperature controller; 15-Second control module; 151-Second control element; 152-Second switching element; L-Live wire; L1-First phase live wire; L2-Second phase live wire; L3-Third phase live wire; N-Neutral wire; IN1-Electric heating element input terminal; OUT1-Electric heating element output terminal; GND1-Electric heating element grounding terminal; IN2-Input terminal of each electric heating element connected in series; OUT2-Output terminal of each electric heating element connected in series; IN3-Input terminal of each electric heating element connected in parallel; OUT3-Output terminal of each electric heating element connected in series; IN4-Input terminal of time delay relay; OUT4-First output terminal of time delay relay; OUT5-Second output terminal of time delay relay.

[0027] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The prior art involved in this application will be described in detail and analyzed below.

[0029] A thermostat is a temperature-controlled switch. In electric water heaters, wall-mounted thermostats are commonly used. These are connected in series with the heating element and mounted on the tank wall. When the thermostat detects that the tank wall temperature has reached the preset temperature, it disconnects, thus cutting off the heating circuit for the heating element. However, for high-power water heaters, such as 20kWh or 30kWh models, multiple heating elements are used. Generally, each heating element is connected in series with a separate thermostat. When the thermostat detects that the tank wall temperature has reached the preset temperature, it cuts off the circuit for that heating element, stopping heating. However, because the heating elements and thermostats are distributed, the water temperature and tank wall temperature near the heating elements rise faster than those further away. Therefore, multiple thermostats cannot simultaneously cut off the heating circuit for all heating elements. Some thermostats may have already activated, cutting off the heating circuit for one element, while others may not have activated, and the heating element may still be heating. This not only wastes energy, but also the temperature of the part continuously heated by the electric heating element may have far exceeded the preset temperature, and the average water temperature in the tank also exceeds the preset temperature. This causes excessive pressure on the tank wall, which may lead to the tank exploding.

[0030] High-power water heaters, due to their large power, currently lack thermostats capable of withstanding the high voltage or current of multiple electric heating elements connected in series or parallel. Therefore, it is impossible to simultaneously cut off multiple electric heating elements by setting the thermostat on the main circuit.

[0031] In summary, existing technologies have the problem that they cannot simultaneously cut off the heating circuit of multiple electric heating tubes, which wastes resources and poses safety hazards.

[0032] Therefore, in the face of the problems in the prior art, the inventors, through creative research, have found that in order to simultaneously cut off the heating circuit of multiple electric heating tubes, in addition to connecting the thermostat to the heating circuit to directly cut off the heating circuit, a switching element can be set in the heating circuit, and the thermostat can be used to control the switching state of the switching element, thereby indirectly cutting off the heating circuit. Therefore, the inventors propose the technical solution of this application, wherein the heating circuit includes a first thermostat and at least one first heating control unit; the first heating control unit includes a first control module and at least one heating module; the first control module includes a first control element and a number of first switching elements equal to the number of heating modules, and the first control element can control the switching state of each first switching element; each heating module and its corresponding first switching element are connected in series with the live wire and neutral wire to form each heating circuit; the first control element and the first thermostat are connected in series with the live wire and neutral wire to form a first control circuit. Since the first temperature controller can control the on / off state of the first control circuit, and the on / off state of the first control circuit will affect the first control element, and the first control element can control the on / off state of each first switching element in each first heating circuit, the first temperature controller can control the on / off state of each heating circuit at the same time by controlling the first control element. Thus, the first temperature controller can simultaneously cut off the heating circuit where each heating module is located.

[0033] The heating circuit, heating device, and water heater provided in this application aim to solve the above-mentioned technical problems of the prior art. The technical solutions of this application and how they solve the aforementioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0034] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heating circuit according to Embodiment 1 of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the heating circuit provided in this embodiment includes a first temperature controller 11 and at least one first heating control unit 12.

[0037] The first heating control unit 12 includes a first control module 121 and at least one heating module 122.

[0038] The first control module 121 includes a first control element 1211 and a number of first switching elements 1212 equal to the number of heating modules 122, and the first control element 1211 can control the switching state of each first switching element 1212.

[0039] Each heating module 122 is connected in series with the corresponding first switching element 1212 and then connected to the live wire L and the neutral wire N to form each heating circuit.

[0040] The first control element 1211 is connected in series with the first temperature controller 11 and then connected to the live wire L and the neutral wire N to form the first control circuit.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first temperature controller 11, also known as a first temperature protector, first temperature switch, first temperature controller, etc., is a component that undergoes internal physical deformation based on changes in the ambient temperature, thereby controlling the on / off action when the ambient temperature reaches the operating temperature of the first temperature controller. The first temperature controller 11 can be set at any preset position in the water tank. For example, the first temperature controller 11 can be set on the upper wall of the water tank. When the temperature of the upper wall of the water tank is detected to reach the operating temperature of the first temperature controller, the first temperature controller 11 disconnects its circuit.

[0042] The first control module 121 includes a first control element and a number of first switching elements 1212 equal to the number of heating modules 122. The first control element 1211 can control the switching state of each first switching element 1212 through its current state. For example, the first control module 121 can be an electromagnet. The first control element 1211 can be a coil, and each first switching element 1212 can be a combination of a fixed iron core, a movable iron core, and a spring. The coil can be wound around the fixed iron core, and the fixed iron core and the movable iron core are connected by a spring. When the coil is not energized, the spring of each first switching element 1212 uses its elastic force to separate the movable iron core of each first switching element from the corresponding fixed iron core, and the first switching element 1212 is in an open state; when the coil is energized, the coil generates a magnetic field that magnetizes the fixed iron core of each switching element 1212, causing the fixed iron core of each switching element to attract the corresponding movable iron core, and the movable iron core of each switching element 1212 contacts the corresponding fixed iron core, and the first switching element 1212 is in a closed state.

[0043] The heating module 122 may include at least one electric heating element, each with a different power, and may be connected in series or in parallel. The heating modules may be evenly distributed within the water tank or positioned at predetermined locations within the water tank. Each heating module is used to heat the water in the water tank.

[0044] Each heating module 122 is connected in series with its corresponding first switching element 1212 and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire to form a heating circuit. When each switching element is closed, the heating circuits are connected and each heating module 122 starts working; when each switching element is open, the heating circuits are disconnected and each heating module 122 stops working.

[0045] The first control element 1211 is connected in series with the first thermostat 11 and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire to form a first control circuit. The state of the first control element is controlled by the conduction or disconnection of the first thermostat, thereby controlling the on / off state of each heating circuit and realizing the one-time cutting off of the heating circuits where multiple heating modules 122 are located.

[0046] In this embodiment, the connection method between the first temperature controller 11 and the first heating control unit 12 is only one example. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the first thermostat 11 is connected to the live wire, and the first control element of the first heating control unit 12 is connected to the neutral wire. It is understandable that connecting the first thermostat 11 to the neutral wire and the first control element 1211 to the live wire is also feasible. Similarly, it can be seen that in the first heating control unit 12, the connection order between each first switching element 1212 and its corresponding heating module can also be interchanged, such as... Figure 1 As shown, each first switching element 1212 is connected to the live wire, and the heating module corresponding to each first switching element 1212 is connected to the neutral wire. It is also feasible to connect each first switching element 1212 to the neutral wire and the heating module corresponding to each first switching element to the live wire. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection method of the first temperature controller and the first heating control unit.

[0047] In this embodiment, when there are multiple first heating control units, the multiple first heating control units are connected in parallel, and the multiple heating control units are connected in parallel and then connected in series with the first temperature controller 11, so that the first temperature controller can cut off the first control element of each first heating control unit, thereby cutting off the heating circuit where each heating module in each first heating control unit is located.

[0048] The heating circuit provided in this embodiment includes a first temperature controller and at least one first heating control unit. The first heating control unit includes a first control module and at least one heating module. The first control module includes a first control element and a number of first switching elements equal to the number of heating modules, and the first control element can control the switching state of each first switching element. Each heating module and its corresponding first switching element are connected in series to the live wire and the neutral wire to form each heating circuit. The first control element and the first temperature controller are connected in series to the live wire and the neutral wire to form a first control circuit. Since the first temperature controller can control the on / off state of the first control circuit, and the on / off state of the first control circuit affects the first control element, the first control element can control the switching state of each first switching element in each first heating circuit. Therefore, the first temperature controller can control the on / off state of each heating circuit simultaneously by controlling the first control element, and thus, the first temperature controller can simultaneously cut off the heating circuit containing each heating module.

[0049] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a heating module 122 in a heating circuit according to Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 2B This is another structural schematic diagram of the heating module 122 in the heating circuit provided according to Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0050] As an optional implementation, the heating module 122 includes at least one electric heating element 1221. The number of electric heating elements in each heating module 122 may be the same or different, and the connection method of the electric heating elements in each heating module 122 may be the same or different.

[0051] The electric heating element includes an input terminal IN1, an output terminal OUT1, and a ground terminal GND1. When the heating module includes only one electric heating element, the input terminal IN1 and the output terminal OUT1 of the electric heating element are connected to the corresponding heating circuit, and the ground terminal GND1 of the electric heating element is connected to the ground wire.

[0052] When the heating module 122 includes at least two electric heating tubes 1221, the input and output terminals of each electric heating tube 1221 connected in series or in parallel are connected to each heating circuit, and the grounding terminal of each electric heating tube 1221 is connected to the ground wire.

[0053] For example, such as Figure 2A As shown, the heating module 122 includes three electric heating tubes 1221. The input terminal IN1 and output terminal OUT1 of each electric heating tube 1221 are connected in series, and the input terminal IN2 and output terminal OUT2 are connected to the heating circuit. The ground terminal GND1 of each electric heating tube is connected to the ground wire.

[0054] like Figure 2BAs shown, the heating module 122 includes three electric heating tubes 1221. The input terminal IN1 and output terminal OUT1 of each electric heating tube 1221 are connected in parallel to the input terminal IN3 and output terminal OUT3, which are then connected to the heating circuit. The ground terminal GND1 of each electric heating tube is connected to the ground wire.

[0055] In this embodiment, connecting the grounding terminal of the electric heating tube to the ground wire can guide the current to the ground when the electric heating tube leaks current, thus preventing safety accidents caused by the electric heating tube leaking current.

[0056] As an optional implementation, the first control element controls the switching state of each first switching element through its current state. If the first temperature controller is a normally closed temperature controller, then when the first control element has current, the state of each first switching element is closed; when the first control element has no current, the state of each second switching element is open. If the first temperature controller is a normally open temperature controller, then when the first control element has current, the state of each first switching element is open; when the first control element has no current, the state of each first switching element is closed.

[0057] In this embodiment, a normally closed thermostat means that when the thermostat detects that the temperature of the object being measured has not reached the operating temperature, the switch inside the thermostat is in a closed state; when the thermostat detects that the temperature of the object being measured has reached the operating temperature, the switch inside the thermostat switches from a closed state to an open state.

[0058] A normally open thermostat is a thermostat that operates when the temperature of the object being measured has not reached the operating temperature; when the temperature of the object being measured reaches the operating temperature, the switch inside the thermostat switches from the open state to the closed state.

[0059] If the first temperature controller is a normally closed temperature controller, then when the temperature of the object being measured has not reached the first operating temperature, each heating module needs to be in the working state, each heating circuit needs to be in the connected state, and each first switching element needs to be in the closed state. When the first temperature controller is closed, the first control circuit is connected, and current flows through the first control element. Therefore, when the current state of the first control element is that there is current, the first control element needs to control the state of each first switching element to be closed.

[0060] Once the temperature of the object under test reaches the first operating temperature, each heating module needs to stop working, each heating circuit needs to be disconnected, and each first switching element needs to be in the off state. At this time, the first temperature controller detects that the temperature of the object under test has reached the first operating temperature, switches to the off state, the first control circuit is disconnected, and no current flows through the first control element. Therefore, when the current state of the first control element is no current, the first control element needs to control the state of each first switching element to be in the off state.

[0061] Similarly, if the first temperature controller is a normally open temperature controller, when the first control element is in a current state, the first control element needs to control the state of each first switch element to be open. When the first control element is in a current state, the first control element needs to control the state of each first switch element to be closed.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first control element controls the switching state of each first switching element through its current state. If the first temperature controller is a normally closed temperature controller, when the first control element has current, the state of each first switching element is closed; when the first control element has no current, the state of each second switching element is open. If the first temperature controller is a normally open temperature controller, when the first control element has current, the state of each first switching element is open; when the first control element has no current, the state of each first switching element is closed. Since the current state of the first control element can be controlled by the first temperature controller, after the temperature of the object being measured reaches the first operating temperature, the heating circuit of each heating module in each first heating control unit can be easily and quickly cut off using the first temperature controller, saving resources and ensuring heating safety.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a heating circuit according to Embodiment 2 of this application. Figure 3 As shown, based on any of the above embodiments, the heating circuit provided in this embodiment further includes a time-delay relay 13. The number of time-delay relays 13 is one less than the number of first heating control units. The time-delay relay 13 includes an input terminal IN4, a first output terminal OUT4, and a second output terminal OUT5. The input terminal IN4 and the first output terminal OUT4 of each time-delay relay are connected in series between the first temperature controller 11 and the first control element 1211 of the corresponding first control loop, and the second output terminal OUT5 of each time-delay relay 13 is connected to the neutral line N; the time-delay relay is used to delay the start of the heating loop controlled by the corresponding first control loop.

[0065] In this embodiment, the number of each delay relay 13 is one less than the number of the first heating control unit 12. Therefore, there is one first heating control unit 12 that does not have a corresponding delay relay 13. All other first heating control units except those that do not have a corresponding delay relay 13 have a corresponding delay relay 13.

[0066] The input terminal IN4 and the first output terminal OUT4 of each time delay relay 13 are connected in series to the first control loop formed by the first control element 1211 and the first temperature controller 11 in the first heating control unit 12 corresponding to the time delay relay 13. There can be a certain resistance between the input terminal and the second output terminal OUT5 of the time delay relay 13. Under normal conditions, the input terminal IN4 and the first output terminal OUT4 of the time delay relay 13 can be disconnected, and the input terminal IN4 and the second output terminal OUT5 can be connected. After the loop formed by the live wire L, the first temperature controller 11, the input terminal IN4 of the time delay relay, the second output terminal OUT5 of the time delay relay, and the neutral wire is connected, the time delay relay can switch the connection between the input terminal IN4 and the second output terminal OUT5 to the connection between the input terminal IN4 and the first output terminal OUT4 after a preset delay time. This delays the change of the state of the first control element 1211 in the first control loop, thereby delaying the start of the heating circuit controlled by the first control loop corresponding to the time delay relay, and avoiding excessive instantaneous current when the heating circuit is connected.

[0067] It is understandable that when the first thermostat is in a normally open or normally closed state, the action of the time delay relay to switch the connection between the output terminal and the first and second output terminals can be changed accordingly. For example, when the first thermostat is in a normally open state, the connection between the output terminal and the first and second output terminals is switched after a preset delay time when the circuit formed between the live wire L, the first thermostat 11, the input terminal IN4 of the time delay relay, the second output terminal OUT5 of the time delay relay, and the neutral wire is connected. When the first thermostat is in a normally closed state, the connection between the output terminal and the first and second output terminals is switched after a preset delay time when the circuit formed between the input terminal IN4, the second output terminal OUT5 of the time delay relay, and the neutral wire is disconnected.

[0068] In this embodiment, the preset delay time of each delay relay can be increased sequentially.

[0069] The heating circuit provided in this embodiment further includes time-delay relays; the number of time-delay relays is one less than the number of first heating control units; each time-delay relay includes an input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal; the input terminal and the first output terminal of each time-delay relay are connected in series between the first temperature controller and the first control element of the corresponding first control loop, and the second output terminal of each time-delay relay is connected to the neutral wire; the time-delay relays are used to delay the start-up of the heating circuit controlled by the corresponding first control loop. Because the time-delay relays delay the start-up of the heating circuit controlled by the corresponding first control loop, excessive instantaneous current during startup of the heating circuit can be avoided, thus improving the safety of the heating circuit.

[0070] Example 3

[0071] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a heating circuit according to Embodiment 3 of this application. Figure 4 As shown, based on any of the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the number of heating modules in each first heating control unit is 3. Each heating module is connected in series with each first switching element and is respectively connected to the first phase live wire and neutral wire, the second phase live wire and neutral wire, and the third phase live wire and neutral wire of the three-phase power supply to form each heating circuit.

[0072] In this embodiment, three-phase AC power is a commonly used power source, consisting of three AC potentials with the same frequency, equal amplitude, and phases differing by 120° sequentially. These typically include a neutral wire (N), a first-phase live wire (L1), a second-phase live wire (L2), and a third-phase live wire (L3). When the heating circuit is powered by three-phase AC, to simultaneously disconnect the heating circuits containing each heating module, each first heating control unit must contain three heating modules and three first switching elements. These three heating modules, connected in series with their corresponding first switching elements, are then connected to the first-phase live wire and neutral wire, the second-phase live wire and neutral wire (N), and the third-phase live wire and neutral wire, respectively, forming three first heating circuits. The first temperature controller and the first control element can be connected in series between any one of the live and neutral wires to form a first control circuit.

[0073] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the connection relationships between each heating module 122, each first switching element 1211, and the three-phase power supply when the number of first heating control units is one. The three heating modules 122 of the first heating control unit 12 are connected in series with each first switching element 1211 and then connected between the first phase live wire L1 and the neutral wire N, the second phase live wire L2 and the neutral wire N, and the third phase live wire L3 and the neutral wire N, respectively. The first control element 1211 of the first control module 121 in the first heating control unit 12 is connected in series with the temperature controller 11 and then connected between the third phase live wire L3 and the neutral wire N.

[0074] As an optional implementation, the first control module is an AC contactor. The number of first switching elements in the AC contactor is equal to the number of heating modules in the first heating control unit.

[0075] Example 4

[0076] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a heating circuit according to Embodiment 4 of this application. Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the heating circuit provided according to Embodiment 4 of this application. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, based on any of the above embodiments, the heating circuit provided in this embodiment further includes a second temperature controller 14 and a second control module 15, the same number as the first heating control unit 12. The operating temperature of the second temperature controller 14 is higher than that of the first temperature controller.

[0077] The second control module 15 includes a second control element 151 and a number of second switching elements 152 equal to the number of heating modules 122 in the first heating control unit 12, and the second control element 151 is capable of controlling the switching state of each second switching element 152.

[0078] Each second switching element 152 is connected in series to each heating circuit.

[0079] The second control element 151 is connected in series with the second thermostat 14 and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire, or connected in parallel with the first control element 1211 to form a second control circuit.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second operating temperature of the second temperature controller 14 is higher than the first operating temperature of the first temperature controller 11, and the second operating temperature of the second temperature controller 14 can be a preset value. For example, the first operating temperature can be 50°C, and the second operating temperature can be 75°C.

[0081] The number of second switching elements 152 in the second control module 15 is the same as the number of heating modules 122 in the first heating control unit 12, and the number of second switching elements 152 is the same as the number of first switching elements 1212. Therefore, each second switching element can be connected in series to each heating circuit.

[0082] Each second switching element can be connected in series between the heating module and the first switching element in each heating circuit, or in series between the first switching element and the power supply in each heating circuit, or in series between the heating module and the power supply in each heating circuit. The power supply refers to either the live wire or the neutral wire. When a second switching element is disconnected, regardless of the state of the first switching element connected to it, the heating circuit containing both the second switching element and the first switching element connected to it is in an open state, thereby causing the heating module to stop working.

[0083] like Figure 5A As shown, each second switching element 152 is connected in series between the heating module 122 and the first switching element 1212 in each heating circuit.

[0084] like Figure 5B As shown, each second switching element 152 is connected in series between the first switching element 1212 and the live wire in each heating circuit.

[0085] The second control element can be connected in series with the second thermostat and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire to form a second control loop.

[0086] like Figure 5A As shown, the second control element 151 is connected in series with the second thermostat 14 and then connected to the third phase live wire L3. The second control element 151 and the second thermostat 14 form a second control loop with the live wire and the neutral wire.

[0087] At this point, the second control loop is independent of the first control loop, and the second temperature controller can be of the same or different type as the first temperature controller. That is, when the first temperature controller is a normally closed temperature controller, the second temperature controller can be either a normally closed temperature controller or a normally open temperature controller; when the first temperature controller is a normally open temperature controller, the second temperature controller can be either a normally open temperature controller or a normally closed temperature controller.

[0088] Furthermore, if the first temperature controller fails and fails to disconnect the first control circuit, or if any one or more of the first switching elements fail and fail to disconnect the corresponding heating circuit, the temperature detected by the second temperature controller will continue to rise as the heating module continues to work. When the temperature detected by the second temperature controller reaches the second operating temperature, the second temperature controller will disconnect the second control circuit, thereby disconnecting the heating circuit that was not disconnected by the first control circuit, further ensuring the safety of the heating circuit and the equipment using the heating circuit.

[0089] One reason for the failure of the first thermostat and each of the first switching elements is that repeated switching during long-term use causes the contacts to stick together and become unable to disconnect. In this embodiment, each of the second switching elements is connected in series with each of the first switching elements, and the switching state of each of the second switching elements is controlled by a second control circuit. If the first control circuit fails to successfully disconnect the heating circuit, a secondary disconnection is performed to ensure electrical safety.

[0090] The second control element can also be connected in parallel with the first control element in the first control loop, forming a second control loop together with the first temperature controller.

[0091] like Figure 5B As shown, the second control element 151 is connected in series with the second thermostat 14 and then in parallel with the first control element 1211. The second control element 151, the second thermostat 14, and the first thermostat 11 form a second control loop with the live wire and the neutral wire.

[0092] At this time, the second control loop and the second control loop share the same first temperature controller, which can simultaneously control both the first and second control loops. Both the first and second temperature controllers are normally closed temperature controllers. When the temperature detected by the first temperature controller reaches the first operating temperature, it can directly cut off both the first and second control loops, thereby ensuring the shutdown of each heating circuit.

[0093] Furthermore, when the first temperature controller fails, the second temperature controller can cut off the second control circuit when the detected temperature reaches the second operating temperature, thereby cutting off each heating circuit, further ensuring the safety of the heating circuit and the equipment using the heating circuit.

[0094] The heating circuit provided in this embodiment includes a second temperature controller and a second control module, the same number as the first heating control unit. The operating temperature of the second temperature controller is higher than that of the first temperature controller. The second control module includes a second control element and a second switching element, the same number as the heating modules in the first heating control unit. The second control element can control the switching state of each second switching element. Each second switching element is connected in series to each heating circuit. The second control element and the second temperature controller are connected in series to the live wire and the neutral wire, or connected in parallel with the first control element to form a second control circuit. Since the operating temperature of the second temperature controller is higher than that of the first temperature controller, and the second temperature controller can control the state of the second control element by controlling the on / off state of the second control circuit, thereby controlling the switching state of each second switching element, the second temperature controller can cut off the heating circuit that was not cut off by the first control circuit when the first control circuit fails, providing a second layer of safety for the heating circuit and improving the safety of the heating circuit and the equipment using the heating circuit.

[0095] As an optional implementation, the second control element is connected in series with the second thermostat and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire. The second control element controls the switching state of each second switching element through its current state. If the second thermostat is a normally closed thermostat, then when there is current in the second control element, the state of each second switching element is closed, and when there is no current in the second control element, the state of each second switching element is open. If the second thermostat is a normally open thermostat, then when there is current in the second control element, the state of each second switching element is open, and when there is no current in the second control element, the state of each second switching element is closed.

[0096] In this embodiment, the second control loop is independent of the first control loop, and the principle by which the second control element controls the switching state of each second switch element can be the same as the principle by which the first control element controls the switching state of each first switch element, which will not be elaborated here.

[0097] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the heating circuit provided according to Embodiment 4 of this application. For example... Figure 6As shown, in an optional implementation, if the way the second switching element 152 and the second control element 151 in the second temperature controller 14 and the second control element 15 are connected to the heating circuit remains unchanged, and if the number of first heating control units 12 is greater than or equal to 2, the input terminal IN4 and the first output terminal OUT4 of at least one time delay relay 13 (one less than the number of first heating control units) are connected in series between the first temperature controller 11 and the first control element 121 in the corresponding first control circuit. The second output terminal OUT5 of each time delay relay 13 is connected to the neutral line N. The time delay relay 13 is used to delay the start of the heating circuit controlled by the corresponding first control circuit to avoid excessive instantaneous current in the entire heating circuit.

[0098] Embodiments of this application also provide a heating device, which includes the heating circuit provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0099] An embodiment of this application also provides a water heater including the aforementioned heating device. This water heater can simultaneously cut off the heating circuits of each heating module after the water temperature reaches the operating temperature of the first thermostat, avoiding resource waste and safety hazards.

[0100] It should be understood that the above-described device embodiments are merely illustrative, and the device of this application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of units / modules in the above embodiments is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units, modules, or components may be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0101] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the functional units / modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one unit / module, or each unit / module can exist physically separately, or two or more units / modules can be integrated together. The integrated units / modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software program modules.

[0102] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all optional embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0103] It should be further noted that although the steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowchart may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0104] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0105] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heating circuit, characterized in that, It includes a first temperature controller, at least one first heating control unit, a second temperature controller, and a second control module in the same number as the first heating control unit; The first heating control unit includes a first control module and at least one heating module; The first control module includes a first control element and a number of first switching elements equal to the number of heating modules, and the first control element is capable of controlling the switching state of each first switching element. Each heating module is connected in series with its corresponding first switching element and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire to form a heating circuit. The first control element is connected in series with the first thermostat and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire to form the first control circuit; The operating temperature of the second thermostat is higher than that of the first thermostat. The second control module includes a second control element and a number of second switching elements equal to the number of heating modules in the first heating control unit, and the second control element is capable of controlling the switching state of each second switching element. Each second switching element is connected in series to each heating circuit; The second control element is connected in series with the second thermostat and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire, or connected in parallel with the first control element to form a second control loop.

2. The heating circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module includes at least one electric heating element; Each electric heating element includes an input terminal, an output terminal, and a grounding terminal. The input and output terminals of each electric heating element, connected in series or in parallel, are connected to each heating circuit. The grounding terminal of each electric heating element is connected to the ground wire.

3. The heating circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes time delay relays; the number of time delay relays is one less than the number of the first heating control unit; the time delay relay includes an input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal; The input terminal and the first output terminal of each time delay relay are connected in series between the first temperature controller and the first control element of the corresponding first control circuit, and the second output terminal of each time delay relay is connected to the neutral line. The time-delay relay is used to delay the start of the heating circuit controlled by the corresponding first control circuit.

4. The heating circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first control element controls the switching state of each first switching element through its current state; If the first temperature controller is a normally closed temperature controller, then when the current state of the first control element is current, the state of each first switch element is closed; when the current state of the first control element is no current, the state of each second switch element is open. If the first temperature controller is a normally open temperature controller, then when there is current in the first control element, the state of each first switch element is open; when there is no current in the first control element, the state of each first switch element is closed.

5. The heating circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of heating modules in each of the first heating control units is 3; Each heating module is connected in series with each first switching element and then connected to the first phase live wire and neutral wire, the second phase live wire and neutral wire, and the third phase live wire and neutral wire of the three-phase electricity to form each heating circuit.

6. The heating circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first control module is an AC contactor.

7. The heating circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second control element is connected in series with the second temperature controller and then connected to the live wire and the neutral wire. The second control element controls the switching state of each second switching element through its current state. If the second temperature controller is a normally closed temperature controller, then when there is current in the second control element, the state of each second switch element is closed, and when there is no current in the second control element, the state of each second switch element is open. If the second temperature controller is a normally open temperature controller, then when there is current in the second control element, the state of each second switch element is open; when there is no current in the second control element, the state of each second switch element is closed.

8. A heating device, characterized in that, Includes the heating circuit as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A water heater, characterized in that, Includes the heating device as described in claim 8.

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