Hot water preheating control methods, preheating circulation systems, equipment and storage media

Abstract

This invention discloses a hot water preheating control method, a preheating circulation system, equipment, and storage medium. The method includes: scanning for wireless broadcast signals when a user-triggered preheating operation is detected; detecting the return water device broadcasting the wireless broadcast signal as a potential return water device; selecting the potential return water device closest to the water heater based on the wireless broadcast signal as the target return water device; and sending a preheating command to the water heater to control the water heater to start preheating, so that the water heater preheats the water usage points of the target return water device. The water heater relies on distance to determine the water usage points waiting for return water in order to preheat the corresponding water usage points. It can quickly and automatically identify and control the return water, which can help eliminate the operation process of selecting a return water device. It is especially suitable for water heaters with fewer function buttons and smaller display interfaces, which can reduce the hardware cost of a single water heater and reduce the difficulty of program development.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and more particularly to a method for controlling the preheating of hot water, a preheating circulation system, equipment, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Water heaters are one of the most commonly used household appliances. In general, water heaters used in homes (especially forced-draft gas water heaters) are installed on balconies or in kitchens. After the water heater heats the water and it is output through pipes, some of the water will cool down and become cold water. Users need to drain all the cold water from the pipes before using hot water. To address this, some types of water heaters support a zero-cold-water function. They add a water pump inside and install a return water device at the far end of the pipe to connect the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe to form a loop. Before the user uses water, the cold water in the pipe is circulated and heated, thus achieving the zero-cold-water effect.

[0003] In order to accurately control each water point, the industry practice is to use one remote control to control multiple water return devices. Users need to select the water return device to be controlled, which is cumbersome and involves many function buttons. The hardware cost of a single bathroom controller is high, and the program development is difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method for controlling the preheating of hot water, a preheating circulation system, equipment, and storage medium to address the problem of how to improve the ease of controlling the return water device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the preheating of hot water is provided, applied to a bath controller in a preheating circulation system, the preheating circulation system being provided with multiple return water devices; the method includes:

[0006] When a user-triggered warm-up operation is detected, scan for wireless broadcast signals;

[0007] The water return device that detects the wireless broadcast signal is designated as the water return device to be determined.

[0008] Based on the wireless broadcast signal, the water return device that is closest to the bath controller is selected as the target water return device;

[0009] A preheating command is sent to the water heater to control the water heater to start preheating, so that the water heater preheats the water point of the target return water device.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the preheating of hot water is provided, applied to a water heater in a preheating circulation system, wherein the preheating circulation system is provided with multiple return water devices; the method includes:

[0011] Receive a preheating command sent by the bath controller to the target recirculating water device, wherein the target recirculating water device is the recirculating water device that is closest to the bath controller and is selected according to the wireless broadcast signal broadcast by the recirculating water device;

[0012] Preheating is initiated according to the preheating command to preheat the water usage points of the target water return device.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the preheating of hot water is provided, applied to a return water device in a preheating circulation system, the method comprising:

[0014] Broadcast wireless broadcast signals;

[0015] When the water heater is started and preheating, a target return water device is used to preheat the water at the point of use. The target return water device is the return water device that is closest to the water controller, which is selected by the water controller according to the wireless broadcast signal.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a preheating circulation system is provided, the preheating circulation system comprising a water heater, a bathroom controller, and a plurality of return water devices; the water heater is communicatively connected to the bathroom controller, and the water heater is communicatively connected to each of the return water devices;

[0017] The bath controller is used to perform the hot water preheating control method as described in the first aspect;

[0018] The water heater is used to perform the hot water preheating control method as described in the second aspect;

[0019] The return water device is used to perform the hot water preheating control method as described in the third aspect.

[0020] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising:

[0021] At least one processor; and

[0022] A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0023] The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, which enables the at least one processor to perform the preheating control method according to any embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program configured to cause a processor to execute and implement the preheating control method according to any embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] In this embodiment, when a user-triggered preheating operation is detected, the system scans for wireless broadcast signals; it detects the recirculation point broadcasting the wireless broadcast signal as the recirculation point to be determined; based on the wireless broadcast signal, it selects the recirculation point closest to the bathroom controller as the target recirculation point; and it sends a preheating command to the water heater, controlling the water heater to start preheating so that the water heater preheats the water point of the target recirculation point. The bathroom controller relies on distance to determine the water point waiting for recirculation in order to preheat the corresponding water point. This relatively quick and automatic identification and control of recirculation helps to eliminate the need for selecting a recirculation point, and is especially suitable for bathroom controllers with fewer function buttons and a smaller display interface, reducing the hardware cost of a single bathroom controller and lowering the difficulty of program development.

[0027] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a hot water preheating control method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an example diagram of a bath controller controlling a return water device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of another type of bath controller controlling a return water device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a preheating control method provided according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a hot water preheating control method according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a hot water preheating control method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot water preheating control device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot water preheating control device according to Embodiment Six of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot water preheating control device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a preheating circulation system provided in Embodiment 8 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in Embodiment 9 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Figure 1This is a flowchart of a hot water preheating control method provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to situations where the bath controller controls the hot water heater to perform heat circulation to the return water unit based on the distance between the bath controller and the return water unit. This method can be executed by a hot water preheating control device, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. The hot water preheating control device can be configured in the bath controller of the preheating circulation system, and the preheating circulation system is equipped with multiple return water units. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0044] Step 101: When a user-triggered warm-up operation is detected, scan for wireless broadcast signals.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, users install water heaters 210 that support zero cold water function in buildings such as houses and dormitories. Water heaters 210 can be powered by high voltage electricity. Multiple water-using devices 220 (i.e. devices that use water when running, also known as water points) are installed in different building spaces of these buildings. Water heaters 210 provide hot water (i.e. heated water) to multiple water-using devices 220.

[0046] Generally, water heaters that support zero cold water function are gas water heaters (including gas water heaters that burn natural gas, gas water heaters that burn coal gas, etc.).

[0047] Of course, in addition to gas water heaters, water heaters that support zero cold water function can also be instant electric water heaters, solar water heaters, air source water heaters, etc., with the power of the water heater being increased. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0048] These water-using devices can be mechanical devices, such as shower heads and faucets, or electronic devices, such as water purifiers and kettles.

[0049] In addition to water-using equipment that uses hot water, other equipment that uses cold water but not hot water can also be installed in these buildings, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0050] For water heaters that support zero cold water function, there are two installation methods: with a return pipe and without a return pipe. The requirements for water pipes are also different for different installation methods.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, for installation methods with and without return water pipes, when installing the water heater, the water heater 210 is connected to the cold water main pipe (pipe) 201 and the hot water main pipe (pipe) 202. The cold water main pipe 201 and the hot water main pipe 202 are laid in the walls or floors of the building and pass through various water-using devices 220.

[0052] Each water-using device 220 is connected to a cold water branch pipe (pipe) 203 and a hot water branch pipe (pipe) 204 respectively. For the same water-using device 220, the hot water main pipe 202 is connected to the hot water branch pipe 204, and the cold water main pipe 201 is connected to the cold water branch pipe 203.

[0053] When the water-using equipment 220 is running, hot water can flow from the hot water main pipe 202 through the hot water branch pipe 204 to the water-using equipment, and cold water can flow from the cold water main pipe 201 through the cold water branch pipe 203 to the water-using equipment 220. The water-using equipment 220 can use the water from the hot water branch pipe 204 and the water from the cold water branch pipe 203 at the same time and adjust the ratio between the water from the hot water branch pipe 204 and the water from the cold water branch pipe 203.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, for the installation method without a return pipe, a return device 230 (including pipes) is installed between the hot water branch pipe 204 and the cold water branch pipe 203 for the same water-using equipment 220. The return device 230 can be powered by high voltage. The return device 230 has a one-way shut-off valve, which can control the opening or closing of the pipe. Its inlet is located in the hot water branch pipe 204 and its outlet is located in the cold water branch pipe 203. The water flows from the inlet to the outlet, and the outlet cannot return water.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, for installations with a return pipe, for the same water-using device 220, a return device 230 (including pipes) is installed near the water-using device 220 between the return pipe 205 and the hot water main pipe 202. The return device 230 can be powered by high voltage. The return device 230 has a one-way shut-off valve that can control the opening or closing of the pipe. Its inlet is located in the hot water main pipe 202 and its outlet is located in the return pipe 205. Water flows from the inlet to the outlet, and water cannot flow back from the outlet.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, for installation methods with and without return water pipes, at least one bathroom controller 240 can be configured for the water heater 210 and each return water device 230. The bathroom controller 240 can be powered by low-voltage electricity and can be operated by buttons, touch screen, etc., to control the water heater 210 and each return water device 230. The method of this embodiment can be applied to the bathroom controller 240. The user operates the bathroom controller 240 to control the water heater 210 to preheat the water and output the heated water from the designated return water device 230.

[0057] Furthermore, the water heater has a first wireless communication chip, the water return device has a temperature sensor, a first wireless communication chip, and a second wireless communication chip, and the bathroom controller has a first wireless communication chip and a second wireless communication chip.

[0058] Among them, a temperature sensor is a sensor that can sense temperature and convert it into a usable output signal. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor refers to the temperature of the probe. The probe of the temperature sensor is inserted into the pipe, so that the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the water in the pipe.

[0059] The first wireless communication chip supports communication with the first wireless communication chip in a specific frequency band (such as 470MHz).

[0060] The second wireless communication chip supports short-range wireless communication with each other. For example, the second wireless communication chip is a Bluetooth chip that supports Bluetooth protocols (such as Bluetooth Low Energy BLE), a communication chip that supports ZigBee protocols, a communication chip that supports WiFi protocols, and so on.

[0061] The first wireless communication chip and the second wireless communication chip can be independent chips or different modules within the same chip; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0062] Each water recirculation device continuously broadcasts wireless broadcast signals to the outside via a second wireless communication chip. For example, each water recirculation device continuously broadcasts Bluetooth pairing signals (wireless broadcast signals) to the outside via a Bluetooth chip, that is, signals used for pairing in the Bluetooth protocol.

[0063] In this embodiment, the user carries the bathroom controller to the water return device waiting to be controlled, and triggers the preheating operation by pressing a button or touching the screen on the bathroom controller. The preheating operation controls the water heater to preheat the water body, waiting to use the water body at the water-using equipment where the water return device is located.

[0064] When the bathroom controller detects a user-triggered preheating operation, it scans the surrounding environment for wireless broadcast signals (such as Bluetooth pairing signals) broadcast by wireless devices (such as Bluetooth devices).

[0065] In practical implementation, the Bluetooth protocol can define Bluetooth devices as a master (also known as a primary device) and an initiator (also known as a secondary device). The two parties that conduct data communication are the master and the slave. The master can search for surrounding Bluetooth devices and select one or more Bluetooth devices to actively establish a connection with one or more Bluetooth devices. The slave will not actively establish a connection and will wait for other masters to search for and connect to it.

[0066] In this embodiment, each water recirculation device is defined as a Bluetooth slave (i.e., a Bluetooth slave), and the bathroom controller is defined as a Bluetooth master (i.e., a Bluetooth master). When the bathroom controller detects a user-triggered preheating operation, it controls the Bluetooth chip to activate it as a Bluetooth master. As a Bluetooth master, it scans for Bluetooth pairing signals broadcast by the Bluetooth slaves. The bathroom controller acts as the controller and activates as the Bluetooth master, while the water recirculation device acts as the controlled device and activates as a Bluetooth slave. This ensures efficient scanning.

[0067] Furthermore, the bathroom controller can query the transmission power of the Bluetooth pairing signal broadcast by the recirculating water unit as a Bluetooth slave. This transmission power is generally set separately in each recirculating water unit and the bathroom controller at the factory. The bathroom controller, as the Bluetooth master, scans the Bluetooth pairing signals broadcast by the Bluetooth slave according to the transmission power. The recirculating water unit and the bathroom controller use the same transmission power, which can make the received signal strength (RSSI) of the Bluetooth pairing signals broadcast by multiple recirculating water units within the same standard range, ensuring comparability when sorting distances.

[0068] In this embodiment, the bathroom controller relies on Bluetooth pairing signals to detect and control the nearest recirculating water heater. The detection is simple and ensures that the preheated water meets the user's water needs. There is no actual pairing between the bathroom controller and the recirculating water heater, making operation simple. The bathroom controller can control any recirculating water heater. The number of bathroom controllers can be less than the number of recirculating water heaters, reducing the overall hardware cost of the bathroom controller. Furthermore, the bathroom controller can be used arbitrarily without causing confusion.

[0069] Step 102: Detect the water return device that broadcasts the wireless broadcast signal, and use it as the water return device to be determined.

[0070] In daily life, in addition to water recirculation devices, other devices (especially smart home devices) may also broadcast wireless broadcast signals (such as Bluetooth pairing signals), such as water purifiers, speakers, bathroom heaters, etc. Therefore, the wireless broadcast signals (such as Bluetooth pairing information) scanned by the bathroom controller may be broadcast by the water recirculation device or by other devices.

[0071] Therefore, calibration rules can be agreed upon in advance and embedded in each recirculating water unit and bath controller before leaving the factory. The recirculating water unit broadcasts a wireless broadcast signal (such as a Bluetooth pairing signal) according to the calibration rules, and the bath controller verifies the wireless broadcast signal (such as a Bluetooth pairing signal) according to the calibration rules, distinguishes the recirculating water unit that broadcasts the wireless broadcast signal (such as a Bluetooth pairing signal), and records it as the recirculating water unit to be determined.

[0072] For example, each water recirculator has unique device information, such as a category identifier and a unique device code. The water recirculator combines the category identifier and device code, and sets the combined category identifier and device code as the device name, thereby broadcasting a wireless broadcast signal (such as a Bluetooth pairing signal).

[0073] In this example, the bathroom controller can read the device name of each wireless device (such as a Bluetooth device) from the wireless broadcast signal (such as a Bluetooth pairing signal) broadcast by each wireless device (such as a Bluetooth device), query the device information (such as category identifier and device code) of the recirculating water heater bound to the water heater, and compare the device name with the device information (such as category identifier and device code).

[0074] If the device name is the same as the device information (such as category identifier, device code), then the water return device broadcasts the wireless broadcast signal (such as Bluetooth pairing signal) and is identified as the water return device to be identified.

[0075] If the device name is different from the device information (such as category identifier, device code), it is determined that other devices are broadcasting the wireless broadcast signal (such as Bluetooth pairing signal).

[0076] Of course, the above-described method for detecting radio broadcast signals using a water return device is merely an example. When implementing this embodiment of the invention, other methods for detecting radio broadcast signals using a water return device can be set according to actual circumstances, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit this. Furthermore, besides the above-described method for detecting radio broadcast signals using a water return device, those skilled in the art can also employ other methods for detecting radio broadcast signals using a water return device as needed, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit this either.

[0077] Step 103: Select the water return device that is closest to the bathroom controller based on the wireless broadcast signal, and use it as the target water return device.

[0078] Typically, a water-using device is installed in a separate building space (such as a room, bathroom, or kitchen). This water-using device is equipped with a corresponding recirculation device. Users can analyze the characteristics of wireless broadcast signals (such as Bluetooth pairing signals) to filter out the recirculation devices that are in the same building space as the bathroom controller. For easy differentiation, the recirculation device to be determined is referred to as the target recirculation device.

[0079] When the bathroom controller is in a relatively fixed position, the wireless broadcast signals (such as Bluetooth pairing signals) broadcast by the recirculating water units located in different positions have different characteristics such as strength. Based on these characteristics, the distance between each recirculating water unit to be determined and the bathroom controller can be calculated.

[0080] In practice, for each water recirculation device to be determined, the bath controller can query the received signal strength RSSI of the wireless broadcast signal (such as Bluetooth pairing signal), and then use each received signal strength RSSI to substitute into the preset distance formula to calculate the distance between each water recirculation device to be determined and the bath controller.

[0081] Furthermore, the Received Signal Strength (RSSI) is negatively correlated with distance. That is, the closer the distance between the water recirculation device and the bath controller, the higher the RSSI value; conversely, the farther the distance between the water recirculation device and the bath controller, the lower the RSSI value.

[0082] Under normal circumstances, a reference RSSI of 1 meter can be set for the Bluetooth chip in the shower controller and the water return device to be determined, specifying the reference value of the RSSI received by the shower controller when the water return device to be determined is 1 meter away from the shower controller.

[0083] Using these two values, the distance between the water return device and the bathroom controller can be calculated according to a fixed distance formula.

[0084] In one example, the distance formula is as follows:

[0085] y = A(RSSI / tx) B +C

[0086] Where y is the distance between the water return device and the bath controller to be determined, A, B, and C are constants, RSSI is the received signal strength, and tx is the reference value of the received signal strength RSSI received by the bath controller when the water return device is 1 meter away from the bath controller.

[0087] In another example, the distance formula is as follows:

[0088]

[0089] Where y is the distance between the water return device and the bath controller to be determined, n is a constant, RSSI is the received signal strength, and tx is the reference value of the received signal strength RSSI received by the bath controller when the water return device is 1 meter away from the bath controller.

[0090] Of course, the above distance formula is merely an example. When implementing the embodiments of the present invention, other distance formulas can be set according to actual circumstances, and the embodiments of the present invention do not impose any limitations on this. Furthermore, in addition to the above distance formula, those skilled in the art can also use other distance formulas according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present invention do not impose any limitations on this.

[0091] In various buildings, especially in living spaces such as houses and dormitories, each independent building space conforms to certain building codes. Users in the building space use bathroom controllers to control water heaters to preheat water for a certain water-using device, following certain operating habits. Therefore, for each undetermined return water device and the bathroom controller, we can analyze whether it conforms to building codes and / or operating habits, thereby determining whether the distance of an undetermined return water device represents a legal building space. If the distance of an undetermined return water device represents a legal building space, then it can be determined that the return water device and the bathroom controller are in the same building space, and it is recorded as the target return water device.

[0092] In practice, users use the bathroom controller to preheat water for a specific water-using device, following the habit of proximity. That is, the user enters the building space where the water-using device (and recirculation device) is located, faces the water-using device (and recirculation device), and uses the bathroom controller to control the water heater to preheat water for that device. Therefore, the distances of each recirculation device to be determined are sorted from smallest to largest, and the distances of each recirculation device to be determined are compared. The recirculation device to be determined that is closest to the bathroom controller (i.e., the smallest distance) is located in the same building space as the bathroom controller and is selected as the target recirculation device.

[0093] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, a user enters room 2 with the bathroom controller 240 and waits to use the water-using equipment 220 in room 2. At this time, the bathroom controller 240 scans the Bluetooth pairing signals broadcast by various Bluetooth devices and detects the recirculating water recirculating device 230 that broadcasts the Bluetooth pairing signal. It also detects the RSSI of the Bluetooth pairing signal broadcast by each recirculating water recirculating device 230. At this time, the RSSI of the Bluetooth pairing signal broadcast by the recirculating water recirculating device 230 in room 2 is the strongest, the RSSI of the Bluetooth pairing signal broadcast by the recirculating water recirculating device 230 in room 1 is the second strongest, and the RSSI of the Bluetooth pairing signal broadcast by the recirculating water recirculating device 230 in room 3 is the weakest. Thus, it is calculated that the distance between the bathroom controller 240 and the recirculating water recirculating device 230 in room 2 is the shortest, the distance between the bathroom controller 240 and the recirculating water recirculating device 230 in room 1 is the second strongest, and the distance between the bathroom controller 240 and the recirculating water recirculating device 230 in room 3 is the farthest. Therefore, it can be considered that the bathroom controller 240 and the closest recirculating water recirculating device 230 are in the same building space (i.e., room 2).

[0094] Furthermore, in practical application scenarios, under fixed transmission power and relative distance, RSSI is a jitter signal. The jitter is related to many factors such as hardware, channel usage, whether there are obstacles, antenna direction, etc. Moreover, RSSI is subject to interference from various factors, and interference always causes the signal to jitter in the direction of weakness. If something briefly blocks the signal, a large range of jitter will occur.

[0095] Therefore, if RSSI is used to calculate the distance between the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller, this distance will fluctuate. In order to avoid misjudging whether the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller are in the same building space, the duration during which the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller maintain the closest distance can be counted and compared with a preset time threshold.

[0096] If the duration is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold, it indicates that the state of maintaining the closest distance between the water return device and the bathroom controller is relatively stable. Therefore, the target water return device can be determined to be valid, that is, the target water return device and the bathroom controller are validly located in the same building space.

[0097] If the duration is less than the preset time threshold, it indicates that there is a significant fluctuation in the state of maintaining the closest distance between the water return device and the bathroom controller. In this case, the target water return device can be determined to be invalid, that is, the target water return device and the bathroom controller are determined to be invalid because they are in the same building space. The target water return device and the bathroom controller should be re-tested to see if they are in the same building space.

[0098] Of course, the above method for detecting whether the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller are located in the same building space is merely an example. When implementing this embodiment of the invention, other methods for detecting whether the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller are located in the same building space can be set according to actual circumstances. For example, for the smallest numerical value, the distance between the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller, it can be determined whether the distance between the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller is less than a preset spatial threshold. If so, it is determined that the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller are located in the same building space. This embodiment of the invention does not limit this. Furthermore, besides the above method for detecting whether the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller are located in the same building space, those skilled in the art can also use other methods for detecting whether the recirculating water heater and the bathroom controller are located in the same building space according to actual needs. This embodiment of the invention does not limit this either.

[0099] Generally, if two or more water-using devices are waiting for water, users can take turns using the water heater to preheat the water and activate the return water device configured for that water-using device. Alternatively, users can use two or more water heaters simultaneously to preheat the water and activate the return water device configured for that water-using device.

[0100] In actual installation scenarios, water-using devices are separated by walls or are far apart, so the chance of misjudgment is low. If misjudgment does occur, it means that the two water-using devices are very close. Since the pipes between the two water-using devices are basically connected, when the water heater preheats the water, the heated water will flow to both water-using devices. When the user turns on the required water-using device, the heated water can be output quickly, reducing waiting time.

[0101] Step 104: Send the preheating command to the water heater to control the water heater to start preheating, so that the water heater preheats the water point of the target return water unit.

[0102] In this embodiment, the water heater controller can communicate with the water heater through the first wireless communication chip to control the water heater to heat the water, start preheating, and connect the target return water device. The water heater preheats the water point of the target return water device. For the installation method without a return water pipe, the water can flow from the hot water main pipe through the hot water branch pipe and the target return water device to the cold water branch pipe.

[0103] Furthermore, the water heater has a water pump. When the circulating heating function is turned on, the water pump draws unheated water (i.e., cold water) from the cold water main pipe for heating and outputs heated water (i.e., hot water) to the hot water main pipe. The water heater communicates with the target return water device through the first wireless communication chip to control the target return water device (including the pipe) to be open. For installations without a return water pipe, the hot water main pipe, hot water branch pipe, and cold water branch pipe form a passage. Water can flow from the hot water main pipe through the hot water branch pipe and the target return water device to the cold water branch pipe, and the temperature of the water in the cold water branch pipe gradually rises.

[0104] In practice, the bath controller can generate a preheating command for the target water return device. The preheating command carries equipment information such as the category identifier and equipment code of the target water return device.

[0105] The preheating command is transmitted to the first wireless communication chip, which then sends the preheating command to the water heater via a specified wireless frequency band (e.g., 470MHz). The water heater is controlled to heat the water and activate the target return water device. For installations without a return water pipe, the water flows from the hot water main pipe through the hot water branch pipe and the target return water device to the cold water branch pipe. The water heater is also controlled to stop heating the water and shut off the target return water device when the temperature of the target return water device reaches a preset temperature threshold, so that the water stops flowing from the hot water main pipe through the hot water branch pipe and the target return water device to the cold water branch pipe.

[0106] Furthermore, when the target return water recirculation device is turned on, it continuously monitors the temperature of the water in the pipes (i.e., the return water temperature) in real time using a temperature sensor. It then transmits this temperature information to the water heater via a designated wireless communication chip on a specified frequency band (e.g., 470MHz). When the water heater detects that the return water temperature has reached a threshold temperature, it indicates that the preheated water meets the user's hot water needs. At this point, the water heater stops heating the water and sends a shutdown command to the target return water recirculation device via the designated frequency band (e.g., 470MHz). This controls the closure of the target return water recirculation device, effectively closing the pipe containing it, as well as the pathway between the main hot water pipe, hot water branch pipe, and cold water branch pipe. This prevents water from flowing from the main hot water pipe through the hot water branch pipe and the target return water recirculation device to the cold water branch pipe. This reduces unnecessary heating in the pipes, improves the accuracy of preheating, and saves energy.

[0107] If the water-using equipment uses both hot and cold water branch pipes simultaneously, since both the hot and cold water branch pipes are heated (i.e., hot water), the water output by the equipment will be hot, achieving the function of zero cold water.

[0108] Because the cold water branch pipe and the hot water branch pipe are separate, the hot water branch pipe does not continuously supply hot water to the cold water branch pipe. The cold water branch pipe is mainly supplied with cold water by the cold water main pipe. The cold water branch pipe outputs cold water after the hot water supplied by the hot water branch pipe is output in the early stage, which can avoid cross-contamination between the cold water branch pipe and the hot water branch pipe.

[0109] In this embodiment, when a user-triggered preheating operation is detected, the system scans for wireless broadcast signals; it detects the recirculation point broadcasting the wireless broadcast signal as the recirculation point to be determined; based on the wireless broadcast signal, it selects the recirculation point closest to the bathroom controller as the target recirculation point; and it sends a preheating command to the water heater, controlling the water heater to start preheating so that the water heater preheats the water point of the target recirculation point. The bathroom controller relies on distance to determine the water point waiting for recirculation in order to preheat the corresponding water point. This relatively quick and automatic identification and control of recirculation helps to eliminate the need for selecting a recirculation point, and is especially suitable for bathroom controllers with fewer function buttons and a smaller display interface, reducing the hardware cost of a single bathroom controller and lowering the difficulty of program development.

[0110] Example 2

[0111] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a hot water preheating control method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This embodiment adds a pairing operation based on Embodiment 1. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0112] Step 401: When a user-triggered network configuration operation is detected, perform a pairing operation with the water heater.

[0113] Step 402: During the pairing operation, receive device information from the water heater indicating that the return water device has been successfully paired with the water heater.

[0114] In this embodiment, the water heater (especially the first wireless communication chip) is assigned a category identifier and a unique device code and other device information before leaving the factory; the bathroom controller (especially the first wireless communication chip) is assigned a category identifier and a unique device code and other device information before leaving the factory; and the recirculation device (especially the first wireless communication chip) is assigned a category identifier and a unique device code and other device information before leaving the factory.

[0115] First, the user triggers the pairing between the water heater and the return water device through their own buttons, remote control, or other means, so that the water heater (especially the first wireless communication chip) and the return water device (especially the first wireless communication chip) enter the pairing state and complete the network configuration within the effective time.

[0116] If there are multiple recirculation systems in the same building, the water heaters can be paired with the recirculation systems in sequence.

[0117] During the code pairing process, the water heater (especially the first wireless communication chip) records and stores the product category identifier and device code of each water return device, and the water return device (especially the first wireless communication chip) records and stores the product category identifier and device code of the water heater.

[0118] Then, the user triggers the pairing between the water heater and the bathroom controller through their own buttons, remote control, or other means, so that the water heater (especially the first wireless communication chip) and the bathroom controller (especially the first wireless communication chip) enter the pairing state and complete the network configuration within the effective time.

[0119] If there are multiple bathroom controllers in the same building, the water heaters can be paired with the bathroom controllers in sequence.

[0120] During the pairing process, the water heater (especially the first wireless communication chip) records and stores the product category identifier and device code of each bathroom controller, and the bathroom controller (especially the first wireless communication chip) records and stores the product category identifier and device code of the water heater. Furthermore, the water heater (especially the first wireless communication chip) transmits the product category identifier and device code of each paired recirculating water heater to the bathroom controller, and the bathroom controller (especially the first wireless communication chip) records and stores the product category identifier and device code of each recirculating water heater.

[0121] In this embodiment, pairing between the water heater and the return water device is performed first, and then pairing between the water heater and the bathroom controller is performed, which can ensure the legality of the pairing operation.

[0122] Step 403: When a user-triggered warm-up operation is detected, scan for wireless broadcast signals.

[0123] Step 404: Detect the water return device that broadcasts the wireless broadcast signal, and use it as the water return device to be determined.

[0124] Step 405: Select the water return device that is closest to the bathroom controller based on the wireless broadcast signal, and use it as the target water return device.

[0125] Step 406: Send a preheating command to the water heater to control the water heater to start preheating, so that the water heater preheats the water point of the target return water device.

[0126] Example 3

[0127] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a hot water preheating control method provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to situations where the water heater controls the heat circulation of the water heater to the return water unit based on the distance between the water heater and the return water unit. This method can be executed by a hot water preheating control device, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. The hot water preheating control device can be configured in the water heater of the preheating circulation system, which has multiple return water units. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0128] Step 501: Receive the preheating command sent by the bath controller to the target water return unit.

[0129] The target recirculating water device is the one closest to the bath controller, selected based on the wireless broadcast signal broadcast by the recirculating water device.

[0130] Step 502: Start preheating according to the preheating command to preheat the water point of the target water return unit.

[0131] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps:

[0132] When the user-triggered first network distribution operation is detected, the first pairing operation is performed with the water return device.

[0133] During the first pairing operation, the device information of the water return unit is received.

[0134] When a second distribution network operation triggered by a user is detected, a second pairing operation is performed with the bathroom controller.

[0135] During the second pairing operation, device information of the return water device that has been successfully paired with the water heater is sent to the bathroom controller.

[0136] In this embodiment, since the application of Embodiment 3 is basically similar to that of Embodiments 1 and 2, the description is relatively simple. For relevant details, please refer to the descriptions of Embodiments 1 and 2. This embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0137] In this embodiment, the water heater receives a preheating command sent by the bathroom controller to a target recirculating water heater. The target recirculating water heater is selected based on the wireless broadcast signal broadcast by the recirculating water heater and is the closest to the bathroom controller. Preheating is initiated according to the preheating command to preheat the water usage points at the target recirculating water heater. The bathroom controller relies on distance to determine the water usage points waiting for recirculation in order to preheat the corresponding water usage points. This relatively quick and automatic identification and control of recirculation can help eliminate the need for operations such as selecting a recirculating water heater. It is especially suitable for bathroom controllers with fewer function buttons and a smaller display interface, reducing the hardware cost of a single bathroom controller and lowering the difficulty of program development.

[0138] Example 4

[0139] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a hot water preheating control method provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to situations where the water heater controls the heat circulation of the water heater to the return water unit based on the distance between the water heater and the return water unit. This method can be executed by a hot water preheating control device, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. The hot water preheating control device can be configured in the return water unit of the preheating circulation system. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0140] Step 601: Broadcast the wireless broadcast signal.

[0141] Step 602: When the water heater starts preheating, the target return water device preheats the water point.

[0142] Among them, the target return water device is the return water device that is closest to the bath controller, selected by the bath controller based on the wireless broadcast signal.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps:

[0144] When a user-triggered network configuration operation is detected, a pairing operation is performed with the water heater.

[0145] During the pairing process, the device information of the return water unit is sent to the water heater.

[0146] In this embodiment, since the application of Embodiment 4 is basically similar to that of Embodiments 1 and 2, the description is relatively simple. For relevant details, please refer to the descriptions of Embodiments 1 and 2. This embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0147] In this embodiment, the recirculating water device broadcasts a wireless broadcast signal. When the water heater starts preheating, the target recirculating water device preheats the water usage points. The target recirculating water device is the one closest to the bathroom controller, selected by the controller based on the wireless broadcast signal. The bathroom controller relies on distance to determine the water usage points waiting for recirculation in order to preheat the corresponding water usage points. This relatively quick and automatic identification and control of recirculation can help eliminate the need for selecting recirculating water devices, and is especially suitable for bathroom controllers with fewer function buttons and smaller display interfaces. This can reduce the hardware cost of a single bathroom controller and lower the difficulty of program development.

[0148] Example 5

[0149] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water preheating control device provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, a bath controller is applied to a preheating circulation system, which is equipped with multiple return water devices; the device includes:

[0150] The wireless scanning module 701 is used to scan for wireless broadcast signals when a user-triggered warm-up operation is detected.

[0151] The water return device detection module 702 is used to detect the water return device broadcasting the wireless broadcast signal as the water return device to be determined.

[0152] The target filtering module 703 is used to filter out the water return device that is closest to the bath controller based on the wireless broadcast signal, and use it as the target water return device.

[0153] The preheating control module 704 is used to send a preheating command to the water heater and control the water heater to start preheating so that the water heater preheats the water point of the target return water device.

[0154] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the wireless scanning module 701 includes:

[0155] Bluetooth host startup module, used to start as a Bluetooth host;

[0156] The Bluetooth host scanning module is used to scan the Bluetooth pairing signal broadcast by the Bluetooth slave device as the Bluetooth host.

[0157] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the Bluetooth host scanning module includes:

[0158] The transmit power query module is used to query the transmit power of the water return device as a Bluetooth slave broadcasting Bluetooth pairing signal;

[0159] The transmit power scanning module is used as the Bluetooth host to scan the Bluetooth pairing signal broadcast by the Bluetooth slave according to the transmit power.

[0160] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the water return device detection module 702 includes:

[0161] The device name reading module is used to read the device name from the wireless broadcast signal;

[0162] The equipment information query module is used to query the equipment information of the water return device;

[0163] The water return device determination module is used to determine that the water return device broadcasts the wireless broadcast signal if the device name is the same as the device information, and thus the water return device is to be determined.

[0164] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the target screening module 703 includes:

[0165] The received signal strength query module is used to query the received signal strength of the wireless broadcast Bluetooth pairing signal for each of the water return devices to be determined;

[0166] A received signal strength calculation module is used to calculate the distance between the wireless broadcast water return device and the bath controller using the received signal strength;

[0167] The target return water device determination module is used to determine the return water device to be determined that is closest to the bath controller, and to designate it as the target return water device.

[0168] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the target screening module 703 further includes:

[0169] The duration statistics module is used to count the duration during which the water return device to be determined and the bath controller maintain the closest distance.

[0170] The legality determination module is used to determine that the target water return device is legal if the duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold.

[0171] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the water heater is connected to a hot water main pipe and a cold water main pipe, the water-using device is connected to a hot water branch pipe and a cold water branch pipe, the hot water main pipe is connected to the hot water branch pipe, the cold water main pipe is connected to the cold water branch pipe, and a return water device is provided between the hot water branch pipe and the cold water branch pipe. The preheating control module 704 includes:

[0172] A preheating instruction generation module is used to generate a preheating instruction for the target water return device, wherein the preheating instruction carries the device information of the target water return device;

[0173] The preheating command sending module is used to send the preheating command to the water heater via a specified wireless frequency band, control the water heater to heat the water and activate the target return water device, so that the water flows from the hot water main pipe through the hot water branch pipe and the target return water device to the cold water branch pipe. When the temperature of the target return water device reaches a preset temperature threshold, the module stops heating the water and shuts off the target return water device, so that the water stops flowing from the hot water main pipe through the hot water branch pipe and the target return water device to the cold water branch pipe.

[0174] In the first embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0175] The pairing operation execution module is used to perform a pairing operation with the water heater when a user-triggered network configuration operation is detected.

[0176] The device information receiving module is used to receive device information from the water heater indicating that the return water device has been successfully paired with the water heater during the pairing operation.

[0177] The hot water preheating control device provided in the embodiments of the present invention can execute the hot water preheating control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for executing the hot water preheating control method.

[0178] Example 6

[0179] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water preheating control device provided in Embodiment Six of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, a water heater is used in a preheating circulation system, wherein the preheating circulation system is equipped with multiple return water devices; the device includes:

[0180] The preheating instruction receiving module 801 is used to receive a preheating instruction sent by the bath controller to the target recirculating water device, wherein the target recirculating water device is the recirculating water device that is closest to the bath controller and is selected according to the wireless broadcast signal broadcast by the recirculating water device.

[0181] The preheating start module 802 is used to start preheating according to the preheating command to preheat the water point of the target water return device.

[0182] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes:

[0183] The first pairing operation execution module is used to perform a first pairing operation with the water return device when a user-triggered first network distribution operation is detected.

[0184] The equipment information receiving module is used to receive equipment information of the water return device during the first pairing operation.

[0185] The second pairing operation execution module is used to perform a second pairing operation with the bathroom controller when a second distribution network operation triggered by a user is detected.

[0186] The device information sending module is used to send device information of the return water device that has been successfully paired with the water heater to the bath controller during the second pairing operation.

[0187] The hot water preheating control device provided in the embodiments of the present invention can execute the hot water preheating control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for executing the hot water preheating control method.

[0188] Example 7

[0189] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water preheating control device provided in Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, a water return device is used in a preheating circulation system, the device comprising:

[0190] Wireless broadcast module 901, used for broadcasting wireless broadcast signals;

[0191] The hot water preheating module 902 is used to preheat the water point as a target return water device when the water heater starts preheating. The target return water device is the return water device that is closest to the water controller, which is selected by the bathroom controller according to the wireless broadcast signal.

[0192] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes:

[0193] The pairing operation execution module is used to perform a pairing operation with the water heater when a user-triggered network configuration operation is detected.

[0194] The device information sending module is used to send the device information of the water return unit to the water heater during the pairing operation.

[0195] The hot water preheating provided in the embodiments of the present invention

[0196] The heat control device can execute the hot water preheating control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for executing the hot water preheating control method.

[0197] Example 8

[0198] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a preheating circulation system provided in Embodiment 8 of the present invention. Figure 10As shown, the preheating circulation system is equipped with a water heater 1001, a bathroom controller 1002, and multiple return water devices 1003; the water heater 1001 is communicatively connected to the bathroom controller 1002, and the water heater 1101 is communicatively connected to each of the return water devices 1003.

[0199] The bath controller 1002 is used to execute the hot water preheating control method as described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2;

[0200] The water heater 1001 is used to perform the hot water preheating control method as described in Embodiment 3;

[0201] The return water device 1003 is used to perform the hot water preheating control method as described in Example 4.

[0202] Example 9

[0203] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of an electronic device 10, which can be used to implement embodiments of the present invention, is shown. The electronic device includes a bathroom controller, a recirculating water heater, and a water heater. The bathroom controller can be a professional controller, or it can represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital devices, cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices (such as helmets, glasses, watches, etc.), and other similar computing devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the implementation of the invention described and / or claimed herein.

[0204] like Figure 11 As shown, the electronic device 10 includes at least one processor 11 and a memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM) 12 or a random access memory (RAM) 13, communicatively connected to the at least one processor 11. The memory stores computer programs executable by the at least one processor. The processor 11 can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on the computer program stored in the ROM 12 or loaded from storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 can also store various programs and data required for the operation of the electronic device 10. The processor 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output (I / O) interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14.

[0205] Multiple components in electronic device 10 are connected to I / O interface 15, including: input unit 16, such as keyboard, mouse, etc.; output unit 17, such as various types of displays, speakers, etc.; storage unit 18, such as disk, optical disk, etc.; and communication unit 19, such as network card, modem, wireless transceiver, etc. Communication unit 19 allows electronic device 10 to exchange information / data with other devices through computer networks such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks.

[0206] Processor 11 can be a variety of general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of processor 11 include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), various special-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various processors running machine learning model algorithms, a digital signal processor (DSP), and any suitable processor, controller, microcontroller, etc. Processor 11 performs the various methods and processes described above, such as the preheating control method for hot water.

[0207] In some embodiments, the hot water preheating control method may be implemented as a computer program tangibly contained in a computer-readable storage medium, such as storage unit 18. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program may be loaded and / or installed on electronic device 10 via ROM 12 and / or communication unit 19. When the computer program is loaded into RAM 13 and executed by processor 11, one or more steps of the hot water preheating control method described above may be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, processor 11 may be configured to perform the hot water preheating control method by any other suitable means (e.g., by means of firmware).

[0208] Various embodiments of the systems and techniques described above herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), payload-programmable logic devices (CPLDs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various embodiments may include implementations in one or more computer programs that can be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be a dedicated or general-purpose programmable processor, capable of receiving data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and transmitting data and instructions to the storage system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device.

[0209] Computer programs used to implement the methods of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These computer programs may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when executed by the processor, the computer programs cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be performed. The computer programs may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, or as a standalone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0210] In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, a computer-readable storage medium may be a machine-readable signal medium. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0211] To provide interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented on an electronic device having: a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user; and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the electronic device. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form (including sound input, voice input, or tactile input).

[0212] The systems and technologies described herein can be implemented in computing systems that include backend components (e.g., as data servers), or middleware components (e.g., application servers), or frontend components (e.g., user computers with graphical user interfaces or web browsers through which users can interact with implementations of the systems and technologies described herein), or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication of any form or medium (e.g., communication networks). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), blockchain networks, and the Internet.

[0213] A computing system can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally located far apart and typically interact through communication networks. The client-server relationship is created by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other. The server can be a cloud server, also known as a cloud computing server or cloud host, which is a hosting product within the cloud computing service system to address the shortcomings of traditional physical hosts and VPS services, such as high management difficulty and weak business scalability.

[0214] Example 5

[0215] This invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the hot water preheating control method provided in any embodiment of this invention.

[0216] In implementing the computer program product, computer program code for performing the operations of this invention can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof. Programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0217] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0218] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the preheating of hot water, characterized in that, A bath controller applied to a preheating circulation system, wherein the preheating circulation system is equipped with multiple return water devices; the method includes: When a user-triggered warm-up operation is detected, scan for wireless broadcast signals; The water return device that detects the wireless broadcast signal is designated as the water return device to be determined. Based on the wireless broadcast signal, the water return device that is closest to the bath controller is selected as the target water return device; A preheating command is sent to the water heater to control the water heater to start preheating, so that the water heater preheats the water point of the target return water device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water return device that detects the broadcast wireless signal, as the water return device to be determined, includes: Read the device name from the wireless broadcast signal; Query the equipment information of the water return device; If the device name is the same as the device information, then it is determined that the water return device broadcasts the wireless broadcast signal and is designated as the water return device to be determined.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of selecting the target recirculating water device as the one closest to the shower controller based on the wireless broadcast signal includes: For each of the water return devices to be determined, query the received signal strength of the wireless broadcast signal; The distance between the water return device to be determined and the bath controller is calculated using the received signal strength. The water return device that is closest to the bath controller is identified as the target water return device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of selecting the water return device closest to the bath controller based on the wireless broadcast signal as the target water return device further includes: The duration during which the water return device to be determined and the bath controller maintain the closest distance is recorded; If the duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the target water return device is determined to be valid.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Also includes: When a user-triggered network configuration operation is detected, a pairing operation is performed with the water heater; During the pairing operation, the device information of the return water device, which is successfully paired with the water heater, is received from the water heater.

6. A method for controlling the preheating of hot water, characterized in that, A water heater used in a preheating circulation system, wherein the preheating circulation system is equipped with multiple return water devices; the method includes: Receive a preheating command sent by the bath controller to the target recirculating water device, wherein the target recirculating water device is the recirculating water device that is closest to the bath controller and is selected according to the wireless broadcast signal broadcast by the recirculating water device; Preheating is initiated according to the preheating command to preheat the water usage points of the target water return device.

7. A method for controlling the preheating of hot water, characterized in that, The method, applied to a return water device in a preheating circulation system, includes: Broadcast wireless broadcast signals; When the water heater is started and preheating, a target return water device is used to preheat the water at the point of use. The target return water device is the return water device that is closest to the water controller, which is selected by the water controller according to the wireless broadcast signal.

8. A preheating circulation system, characterized in that, The preheating circulation system is equipped with a water heater, a bathroom controller, and multiple return water devices; the water heater is communicatively connected to the bathroom controller, and the water heater is communicatively connected to each of the return water devices; The bath controller is used to perform the hot water preheating control method as described in any one of claims 1-5; The water heater is used to perform the hot water preheating control method as described in claim 6; The return water device is used to perform the hot water preheating control method as described in claim 7.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: At least one processor; and A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, the computer program being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the hot water preheating control method according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the hot water preheating control method according to any one of claims 1-7.

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