Water heater system, control method and control device, readable storage medium

Abstract

This invention provides a water heater system, a control method and device, and a readable storage medium. The water heater system includes: at least one controller; a water heater that interacts with the controller, adjusting its operating parameters according to control signals sent by the controller. The water heater is used to: determine a transparent transmission channel in response to a network distribution command; and receive a network access request sent by the controller through the network distribution channel; and, in response to the network access request, send a network identifier allocation command to the controller, so that the controller can send control signals to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation command; wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater. This invention reduces the possibility of channel conflicts, improves the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater, and thus enhances the user experience of the water heater system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and more specifically, to a water heater system, control method and control device, and readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, water heaters are generally installed in locations far from the water usage area. If users want to adjust the water heater's operating parameters or turn on / off the underfloor heating in certain rooms, they need to walk to the water heater to operate the mechanical switch, which is inconvenient.

[0003] Currently, some high-end water heater products are equipped with wireless controllers. However, the communication protocol between the wireless controller and the water heater is simple, and communication channels may conflict, causing the controller to malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related art.

[0005] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a water heater system.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control method.

[0007] A third aspect of the present invention provides a control method.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a control device.

[0009] The fifth aspect of the present invention provides a control device.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a control device.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a readable storage medium.

[0012] The eighth aspect of the present invention provides a water heater system.

[0013] In view of the above, a first aspect of the present invention provides a water heater system, comprising: at least one controller; a water heater, which interacts with the controller to adjust operating parameters according to control signals sent by the controller, the water heater being configured to: determine a transparent transmission channel in response to a network distribution instruction; and receive a network access request sent by the controller through the network distribution channel; and send a network identifier allocation instruction to the controller in response to the network access request, so that the controller can send control signals to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation instruction; wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater.

[0014] In this technical solution, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0015] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0016] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0017] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0018] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0019] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0020] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0021] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0022] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0023] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0024] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0025] To prevent network address conflicts, the water heater can sequentially assign different network identifiers (IDs) to multiple controllers from a pool of pre-stored network identifiers. Specifically, the water heater pre-stores 256 network identifiers numbered from 0 to 255. When assigning a network identifier to the first controller, network identifier number 0 can be assigned to it. Similarly, when assigning a network identifier to the second controller, network identifier number 1 can be assigned, and so on.

[0026] During network distribution, the water heater receives network access requests from any controller via the network distribution channel. Upon receiving a network access request, the water heater determines the target network identifier from multiple pre-stored network identifiers based on the stored controller login table, and sends the corresponding network identifier allocation instruction to the controller corresponding to the network access request.

[0027] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller obtains the corresponding network identifier, which is the network identifier assigned to the controller by the water heater, and determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater in subsequent operations. The frequency band of the transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device's network address is unique (different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a certain degree of randomness, rather than simply being selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0028] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0029] In addition, the water heater system in the above-mentioned technical solution provided by the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0030] In the above technical solution, the water heater system also includes: a first communication component, located in the controller; and a second communication component, located in the water heater, which interacts with the first communication component.

[0031] In this technical solution, the controller is equipped with a first communication component, and the water heater is equipped with a second communication component. The first and second communication components are connected via a wired network or a wireless network, thereby realizing a network connection between the water heater and the controller, and thus enabling data interaction.

[0032] In some embodiments, a network cable is connected between the first communication device and the second communication device to achieve network connection between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0033] In other embodiments, the first communication device is a wireless communication device, and the second communication device is also a wireless communication device. A wireless network connection is established between the first communication device and the second communication device to achieve wireless communication.

[0034] In any of the above technical solutions, both the first communication element and the second communication element include a sub-1g wireless communication element.

[0035] In this technical solution, both the first and second communication components are communication components based on the sub-1g wireless communication protocol. Specifically, sub-1g refers to wireless communication technology with a frequency band below 1 GHz. Sub-1g communication has a long communication distance (up to 1 kilometer) and good wall penetration, thus it can better adapt to various installation environments of water heater systems, such as complex building environments. Controllers can be set up in each heating area and each water usage area, improving the user experience of the water heater components.

[0036] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a water heater in a water heater system as provided in any of the above technical solutions. The method includes: determining a transparent transmission channel in response to a network distribution command; receiving a network access request sent by a controller through the network distribution channel; and sending a network identifier allocation command to the controller in response to the network access request, so that the controller can send a control signal to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation command; wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater.

[0037] In this technical solution, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0038] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0039] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0040] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0041] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0042] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0043] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0044] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0045] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0046] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0047] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0048] To prevent network address conflicts, the water heater can sequentially assign different network identifiers (IDs) to multiple controllers from a pool of pre-stored network identifiers. Specifically, the water heater pre-stores 256 network identifiers numbered from 0 to 255. When assigning a network identifier to the first controller, network identifier number 0 can be assigned to it. Similarly, when assigning a network identifier to the second controller, network identifier number 1 can be assigned, and so on.

[0049] During network distribution, the water heater receives network access requests from any controller via the network distribution channel. Upon receiving a network access request, the water heater determines the target network identifier from multiple pre-stored network identifiers based on the stored controller login table, and sends the corresponding network identifier allocation instruction to the controller corresponding to the network access request.

[0050] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller obtains the corresponding network identifier, which is the network identifier assigned to the controller by the water heater, and determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater in subsequent operations. The frequency band of the transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device's network address is unique (different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a certain degree of randomness, rather than simply being selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0051] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0052] In the above technical solution, the control method further includes: sending a heartbeat data packet to the controller according to a preset period, the heartbeat data packet including configuration information and timing calibration information, the configuration information being used to indicate a first time period, the timing calibration information being used to instruct the controller to calibrate the timing, and the preset period including the first time period; receiving a reply instruction corresponding to the heartbeat data packet within the first time period; and determining the network status of the controller based on the reception status of the reply instruction.

[0053] In this technical solution, the water heater initiates heartbeat communication with each controller to detect in real time whether each controller is online. Specifically, the water heater sends heartbeat data packets according to a preset period. These heartbeat data packets carry configuration information and timing calibration information. The configuration information is used to divide the preset period into N first time periods and stores the mapping relationship between these N first time periods and the corresponding N controllers.

[0054] Specifically, since there may be multiple water-using areas or multiple heating areas in a user's home environment, multiple controllers will be installed accordingly. Because the water heater's network address is fixed, all controllers exchange data commands with the water heater through a transparent transmission channel.

[0055] To prevent multiple controllers from sending control signals to the water heater simultaneously, causing channel conflicts, the present application embodiment sends corresponding configuration information to each controller separately when multiple controllers are present, so as to allocate a different first time period to each controller.

[0056] For example, assuming the preset period is 60 seconds, there are 2 controllers, and the length of the first time period is 1 second, then the first 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller A, and the third 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller B.

[0057] After receiving the heartbeat communication sent by the water heater, controller A sends a reply command to the water heater within the first second of the current preset cycle, and controller B sends a reply command to the water heater within the third second of the current preset cycle.

[0058] If the water heater receives a response command from the controller, it indicates that the controller is online normally. If no response command is received from a controller within a certain preset period, such as three consecutive preset periods, the controller is determined to be offline. In this case, the corresponding controller will be marked as offline, and a notification will be sent to the user.

[0059] In any of the above technical solutions, the control method further includes: receiving a control signal sent by the controller during a first time period; determining a first operating parameter based on the control signal; and operating according to the first operating parameter.

[0060] In this technical solution, after the water heater completes its network connection with the controller and specifies the communication channel between the water heater and the controller, it sends configuration information to the controller via a heartbeat data packet through the specified transparent transmission channel to indicate the first time period.

[0061] After receiving the heartbeat data packet and obtaining the configuration information, the controller determines its corresponding first time period. After receiving the user's adjustment input and generating a control signal, it sends the control signal to the water heater within the corresponding first time period. Thus, when users in multiple water areas adjust parameters at the same time, the corresponding control signals can be sent to the water heater in different first time periods, thereby ensuring that the controllers can communicate and interact in a time-sharing manner without conflict.

[0062] Upon receiving a control signal, the water heater adjusts its operating parameters, including heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe, according to the control signal. Specifically, the adjustment value is the first operating parameter. In subsequent operations, the water heater produces hot water according to the first operating parameter to meet the user's actual water demand.

[0063] In any of the above technical solutions, the configuration information is also used to indicate a second time period, and the method further includes: in response to a first adjustment input, determining a second operating parameter, operating according to the second operating parameter; and during the second time period, sending the second operating parameter to the controller so that the controller can update the operating parameter to be displayed to the second operating parameter.

[0064] In this technical solution, the heartbeat data packet carries configuration information that can specify a corresponding second time period, which is specifically the time period during which the controller receives data signals sent by the water heater.

[0065] Specifically, the water heater itself is equipped with adjustment buttons or a touch screen, allowing users to directly adjust the water heater's operating parameters, such as heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe.

[0066] In addition, to enable users to accurately obtain the actual operating parameters of the water heater in each water use area, each controller can be equipped with a display screen to show the actual operating parameters of the water heater, thereby providing a basis for users to use water or make adjustments.

[0067] To ensure that the operating parameters displayed by each controller are consistent with the actual operating parameters of the water heater, when the water heater receives the user's first adjustment input, it first determines the corresponding operating parameters, i.e., the second operating parameters, based on the user's input.

[0068] At this point, the water heater sets its own operating parameters to the second operating parameter and begins producing hot water according to it. Simultaneously, based on the second time period corresponding to each controller, the water heater sends the specific information of the second operating parameter to each controller in a time-sharing manner. This ensures that the operating parameters displayed by the water heater match its actual current operating parameters, allowing users to adjust the hot water supply to their needs via the controller according to the corresponding operating parameters.

[0069] A third aspect of the present invention provides a control method for controlling a controller in a water heater system as provided in any of the above technical solutions. The method includes: responding to a distribution network instruction, receiving a network identifier allocation instruction sent by the water heater through a distribution network channel; determining a transparent transmission channel according to the network identifier allocation instruction, wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater; and performing data interaction with the water heater through the transparent transmission channel.

[0070] In this technical solution, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0071] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0072] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0073] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0074] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0075] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0076] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0077] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0078] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0079] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0080] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0081] During the network distribution process, the controller sends a network access request to the water heater through the network distribution channel and receives a network identifier allocation instruction from the water heater. This instruction assigns a corresponding network address and network identifier (ID) to the controller.

[0082] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater during subsequent operations. The frequency band of this transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device has a unique network address (i.e., different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a degree of randomness, rather than being simply selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0083] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0084] In the above technical solution, the control method further includes: receiving a heartbeat data packet sent by the water heater, the heartbeat data packet including configuration information and timing calibration information; calibrating the timing according to the timing calibration information; determining a first time period according to the configuration information; and sending a reply instruction to the water heater within the first time period.

[0085] In this technical solution, the controller receives heartbeat communications initiated by the water heater, enabling the water heater to detect in real time whether each controller is online. Specifically, the controller receives heartbeat data packets sent by the water heater according to a preset period. These heartbeat data packets carry configuration information and timing calibration information. The configuration information is used to divide the preset period into N first time periods and stores the mapping relationship between these N first time periods and the corresponding N controllers.

[0086] After receiving the timing calibration information, the controller calibrates the timing data of its own timer to ensure that the timing is consistent between all controllers and water heaters.

[0087] Specifically, since there may be multiple water-using areas or multiple heating areas in a user's home environment, multiple controllers will be installed accordingly. Because the water heater's network address is fixed, all controllers exchange data commands with the water heater through a transparent transmission channel.

[0088] To prevent multiple controllers from sending control signals to the water heater simultaneously, causing channel conflicts, the present application embodiment sends corresponding configuration information to each controller separately when multiple controllers are present, so as to allocate a different first time period to each controller.

[0089] For example, assuming the preset period is 60 seconds, there are 2 controllers, and the length of the first time period is 1 second, then the first 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller A, and the third 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller B.

[0090] After receiving the heartbeat communication sent by the water heater, controller A sends a reply command to the water heater within the first second of the current preset cycle, and controller B sends a reply command to the water heater within the third second of the current preset cycle.

[0091] If the water heater receives a response command from the controller, it indicates that the controller is online normally. If no response command is received from a controller within a certain preset period, such as three consecutive preset periods, the controller is determined to be offline. In this case, the corresponding controller will be marked as offline, and a notification will be sent to the user.

[0092] In any of the above technical solutions, the control method further includes: determining a control signal in response to a second adjustment input; and sending a control signal to the water heater so that the water heater can adjust its operating parameters according to the control signal.

[0093] In this technical solution, the controller is located in the heating zone or water zone. Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating zone or the water parameters of their water zone using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. After receiving the user's adjustment input, the controller generates corresponding adjustment commands based on the user's input.

[0094] Specifically, the controller is equipped with corresponding switch buttons or touch areas, which users can use to adjust parameters such as the water outlet temperature, hot water switch, and hot water flow distribution of the water heater.

[0095] After the user inputs the information, an adjustment command is generated based on the parameter type and value selected by the user, and then sent to the water heater via a transparent transmission channel. Upon receiving the adjustment command, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual usage needs.

[0096] In any of the above technical solutions, the control method further includes: displaying operating parameters; determining a second time period based on configuration information; receiving second operating parameters sent by the water heater during the second time period; and updating the displayed operating parameters to the second operating parameters.

[0097] In this technical solution, the heartbeat data packet carries configuration information that can specify a corresponding second time period, which is specifically the time period during which the controller receives data signals sent by the water heater.

[0098] Specifically, the water heater itself is equipped with adjustment buttons or a touch screen, allowing users to directly adjust the water heater's operating parameters, such as heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe.

[0099] In addition, to enable users to accurately obtain the actual operating parameters of the water heater in each water use area, each controller can be equipped with a display screen to show the actual operating parameters of the water heater, thereby providing a basis for users to use water or make adjustments.

[0100] To ensure that the operating parameters displayed by each controller are consistent with the actual operating parameters of the water heater, when the water heater receives the user's first adjustment input, it first determines the corresponding operating parameters, i.e., the second operating parameters, based on the user's input.

[0101] At this point, the water heater sets its own operating parameters to the second operating parameter and begins producing hot water according to it. Simultaneously, based on the second time period corresponding to each controller, the water heater sends the specific information of the second operating parameter to each controller in a time-sharing manner. This ensures that the operating parameters displayed by the water heater match its actual current operating parameters, allowing users to adjust the hot water supply to their needs via the controller according to the corresponding operating parameters.

[0102] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a control device for controlling a water heater as provided in any of the above technical solutions. The control device includes: a first determining module for determining a transparent transmission channel in response to a network distribution command; a first receiving module for receiving a network access request sent by a controller through the network distribution channel; and a first sending module for sending a network identifier allocation command to the controller in response to the network access request, so that the controller can send a control signal to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation command; wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater.

[0103] In this technical solution, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0104] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0105] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0106] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0107] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0108] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0109] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0110] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0111] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0112] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0113] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0114] To prevent network address conflicts, the water heater can sequentially assign different network identifiers (IDs) to multiple controllers from a pool of pre-stored network identifiers. Specifically, the water heater pre-stores 256 network identifiers numbered from 0 to 255. When assigning a network identifier to the first controller, network identifier number 0 can be assigned to it. Similarly, when assigning a network identifier to the second controller, network identifier number 1 can be assigned, and so on.

[0115] During network distribution, the water heater receives network access requests from any controller via the network distribution channel. Upon receiving a network access request, the water heater determines the target network identifier from multiple pre-stored network identifiers based on the stored controller login table, and sends the corresponding network identifier allocation instruction to the controller corresponding to the network access request.

[0116] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller obtains the corresponding network identifier, which is the network identifier assigned to the controller by the water heater, and determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater in subsequent operations. The frequency band of the transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device's network address is unique (different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a certain degree of randomness, rather than simply being selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0117] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0118] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a control device for controlling a controller as provided in any of the above technical solutions. The control device includes: a second transmitting module for sending a network access request to a water heater via a network distribution channel in response to a network distribution command; a second receiving module for receiving a network identifier allocation command sent by the water heater; a second determining module for determining a transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation command, wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater; and an interaction module for data interaction with the water heater via the transparent transmission channel.

[0119] In this technical solution, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0120] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0121] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0122] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0123] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0124] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0125] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0126] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0127] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0128] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0129] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0130] During the network distribution process, the controller sends a network access request to the water heater through the network distribution channel and receives a network identifier allocation instruction from the water heater. This instruction assigns a corresponding network address and network identifier (ID) to the controller.

[0131] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater during subsequent operations. The frequency band of this transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device has a unique network address (i.e., different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a degree of randomness, rather than being simply selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0132] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0133] The sixth aspect of the present invention provides a control device for controlling a water heater system as provided in any of the above technical solutions. The control device includes: a memory for storing programs or instructions; and a processor for executing the programs or instructions to implement the steps of the control method as provided in any of the above technical solutions. Therefore, the control device simultaneously includes all the beneficial effects of the control method as provided in any of the above technical solutions. To avoid repetition, these effects will not be described again here.

[0134] The seventh aspect of the present invention provides a readable storage medium having a program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the control method provided in any of the above-described technical solutions. Therefore, the readable storage medium simultaneously includes all the beneficial effects of the control method provided in any of the above-described technical solutions, and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.

[0135] The eighth aspect of the present invention provides a water heater system, comprising: a control device as provided in any of the above technical solutions; and / or a readable storage medium as provided in any of the above technical solutions. Therefore, the water heater system simultaneously includes all the beneficial effects of the control device as provided in any of the above technical solutions and / or the readable storage medium as provided in any of the above technical solutions. To avoid repetition, these will not be described again here. Attached Figure Description

[0136] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0137] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0138] Figure 2 One of the flowcharts of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0139] Figure 3 A second flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0140] Figure 4 A power distribution flowchart for a controller and a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0141] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the heartbeat communication between a water heater and a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0142] Figure 6 A flowchart of a controller initiating communication according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0143] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating communication initiated by a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0144] Figure 8 One of the structural block diagrams of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0145] Figure 9 A second structural block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0146] Figure label:

[0147] 100 Water heater system, 102 Controller, 104 Water heater, 106 First communication component, 108 Second communication component. Detailed Implementation

[0148] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0149] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0150] The following reference Figures 1 to 9 This invention describes a water heater system, control method, control device, and readable storage medium according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0151] Example 1

[0152] In some embodiments of the present invention, a water heater system is provided. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the water heater system 100 includes:

[0153] At least one controller 102; a water heater 104, which interacts with the controller 102 to adjust its operating parameters according to control signals sent by the controller 102. The water heater 104 is used to: determine a transparent transmission channel in response to a network distribution instruction; and receive a network access request sent by the controller 102 through the network distribution channel; and send a network identifier allocation instruction to the controller 102 in response to the network access request, so that the controller 102 can send control signals to the water heater 104 through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation instruction; wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater 104.

[0154] In this embodiment of the invention, the water heater system 100 can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system 100 can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0155] Specifically, the water heater system 100 includes a water heater 104 and a controller 102. The water heater 104 can produce hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating by means of gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0156] The controller 102 is connected to the water heater 104 via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers 102. The multiple controllers 102 are set in different water areas of the user's home, such as in the kitchen, toilet, bathroom, etc., or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as in the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0157] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by controller 102 to turn on or off.

[0158] Since the water heater 104 is generally installed in remote locations such as balconies or water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment provides a controller 102 that can communicate with the water heater 104 via wired or wireless communication.

[0159] The controllers 102 are set in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller 102. Through the controller 102, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0160] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating zone using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller 102. The controller 102 sends the control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater 104 via a communication scheme such as sub-1g. After receiving these control signals, the water heater 104 adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual usage needs.

[0161] In order to enable wireless data interaction between the controller 102 and the water heater 104, the controller 102 and the water heater 104 need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0162] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and there may be more heating areas and more water usage areas in a household, so there may be multiple controllers 102.

[0163] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between controller 102 and water heater 104 overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers 102, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between controller 102 and water heater 104.

[0164] To address this, this embodiment of the application performs network distribution between the water heater 104 and the controller 102, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network distribution operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network distribution, the controller 102 and the water heater 104 enter the network distribution state under the user's control. In the network distribution state, both the controller 102 and the water heater 104 are connected to the same network distribution channel. This network distribution channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0165] To prevent network address conflicts, the water heater 104 can sequentially assign different network identifiers (IDs) to multiple controllers 102 from a plurality of pre-stored network identifiers. Specifically, the water heater 104 pre-stores 256 network identifiers numbered from 0 to 255. When assigning a network identifier to the first controller 102, network identifier number 0 can be assigned to it. When assigning a network identifier to the second controller 102, network identifier number 1 can be assigned sequentially, and so on.

[0166] During the network distribution process, the water heater 104 receives network access requests from any controller 102 via the network distribution channel. After receiving the network access request, the water heater 104 determines the target network identifier from multiple pre-stored network identifiers according to the stored controller 102 login table, and sends the corresponding network identifier allocation instruction to the controller 102 corresponding to the network access request.

[0167] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller 102 obtains the corresponding network identifier, i.e., the network identifier assigned to the controller 104 by the water heater 104, and determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater 104 in subsequent operations. The frequency band of the transparent transmission channel is determined by the network address of the water heater 104. Based on the network address of the water heater 104, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller 102 and the water heater 104 is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller 102 and the water heater 104 with the actual network address of the water heater 104. Since the network address of each device is unique (i.e., different water heaters 104 have different network addresses), the selection of the frequency band for the transparent transmission channel has a certain degree of randomness, rather than being simply selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller 102 and the water heater 104.

[0168] This embodiment of the application sets up independent controllers 102 in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this embodiment of the application configures the network for the controllers 102 and the water heater 104, and allocates communication channels between them based on the network address of the water heater 104. This allows for a degree of randomness in the selection of communication channels, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controllers 102 and the water heater 104, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system 100.

[0169] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water heater system 100 further includes: a first communication device 106 disposed on the controller 102; and a second communication device 108 disposed on the water heater 104, which interacts with the first communication device 106 for data exchange.

[0170] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller 102 is provided with a first communication device 106, and the water heater 104 is provided with a second communication device 108. The first communication device 106 and the second communication device 108 are connected through a wired network or a wireless network, thereby realizing the network connection between the water heater 104 and the controller 102, and thus enabling data interaction.

[0171] In some embodiments, a network cable is connected between the first communication device 106 and the second communication device 108 to achieve network connection between the first communication device 106 and the second communication device 108.

[0172] In other embodiments, the first communication element 106 is a wireless communication element, and the second communication element 108 is also a wireless communication element. A wireless network connection is established between the first communication element 106 and the second communication element 108 to realize wireless communication.

[0173] In some embodiments of the present invention, both the first communication element 106 and the second communication element 108 include a sub-1g wireless communication element.

[0174] In this embodiment of the invention, the first communication component 106 and the second communication component 108 are both communication components based on the sub-1g wireless communication protocol. Specifically, sub-1g refers to wireless communication technology with a frequency band below 1 GHz. Sub-1g communication has a long communication distance (up to 1 kilometer) and good wall penetration, thus it can better adapt to various installation environments of the water heater system 100, such as complex building environments. It can set up controllers 102 in each heating area and each water area, thereby improving the user experience of the water heater 104 components.

[0175] Example 2

[0176] In some embodiments of the present invention, a control method is provided for a water heater as provided in any of the above embodiments. Figure 2 One of the flowcharts of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0177] Step 202: In response to the distribution network command, determine the transparent transmission channel;

[0178] Step 204: Receive the network access request sent by the controller through the distribution network channel;

[0179] Step 206: In response to the network access request, a network identifier allocation instruction is sent to the controller, so that the controller can send control signals to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation instruction;

[0180] The transparent channel is associated with the network address of the water heater.

[0181] In this embodiment of the invention, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0182] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0183] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0184] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0185] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0186] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0187] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0188] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0189] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0190] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0191] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0192] To prevent network address conflicts, the water heater can sequentially assign different network identifiers (IDs) to multiple controllers from a pool of pre-stored network identifiers. Specifically, the water heater pre-stores 256 network identifiers numbered from 0 to 255. When assigning a network identifier to the first controller, network identifier number 0 can be assigned to it. Similarly, when assigning a network identifier to the second controller, network identifier number 1 can be assigned, and so on.

[0193] During network distribution, the water heater receives network access requests from any controller via the network distribution channel. Upon receiving a network access request, the water heater determines the target network identifier from multiple pre-stored network identifiers based on the stored controller login table, and sends the corresponding network identifier allocation instruction to the controller corresponding to the network access request.

[0194] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller obtains the corresponding network identifier, which is the network identifier assigned to the controller by the water heater, and determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater in subsequent operations. The frequency band of the transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device's network address is unique (different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a certain degree of randomness, rather than simply being selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0195] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0196] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: sending a heartbeat data packet to the controller according to a preset period, the heartbeat data packet including configuration information and timing calibration information, the configuration information being used to indicate a first time period, the timing calibration information being used to instruct the controller to calibrate the timing, and the preset period including the first time period; receiving a reply instruction corresponding to the heartbeat data packet within the first time period; and determining the network status of the controller based on the reception status of the reply instruction.

[0197] In this embodiment of the invention, the water heater initiates heartbeat communication with each controller to detect in real time whether each controller is online. Specifically, the water heater sends heartbeat data packets according to a preset period, wherein the heartbeat data packets carry configuration information and timing calibration information. The configuration information is used to divide the preset period into N first time periods and to store the mapping relationship between these N first time periods and the corresponding N controllers.

[0198] Specifically, since there may be multiple water-using areas or multiple heating areas in a user's home environment, multiple controllers will be installed accordingly. Because the water heater's network address is fixed, all controllers exchange data commands with the water heater through a transparent transmission channel.

[0199] To prevent multiple controllers from sending control signals to the water heater simultaneously, causing channel conflicts, the present application embodiment sends corresponding configuration information to each controller separately when multiple controllers are present, so as to allocate a different first time period to each controller.

[0200] For example, assuming the preset period is 60 seconds, there are 2 controllers, and the length of the first time period is 1 second, then the first 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller A, and the third 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller B.

[0201] After receiving the heartbeat communication sent by the water heater, controller A sends a reply command to the water heater within the first second of the current preset cycle, and controller B sends a reply command to the water heater within the third second of the current preset cycle.

[0202] If the water heater receives a response command from the controller, it indicates that the controller is online normally. If no response command is received from a controller within a certain preset period, such as three consecutive preset periods, the controller is determined to be offline. In this case, the corresponding controller will be marked as offline, and a notification will be sent to the user.

[0203] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: receiving a control signal sent by a controller during a first time period; determining a first operating parameter based on the control signal; and operating according to the first operating parameter.

[0204] In this embodiment of the invention, after the water heater completes its network pairing with the controller and specifies the communication channel between the water heater and the controller, it sends configuration information for indicating a first time period to the controller via a heartbeat data packet through the specified transparent transmission channel.

[0205] After receiving the heartbeat data packet and obtaining the configuration information, the controller determines its corresponding first time period. After receiving the user's adjustment input and generating a control signal, it sends the control signal to the water heater within the corresponding first time period. Thus, when users in multiple water areas adjust parameters at the same time, the corresponding control signals can be sent to the water heater in different first time periods, thereby ensuring that the controllers can communicate and interact in a time-sharing manner without conflict.

[0206] Upon receiving a control signal, the water heater adjusts its operating parameters, including heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe, according to the control signal. Specifically, the adjustment value is the first operating parameter. In subsequent operations, the water heater produces hot water according to the first operating parameter to meet the user's actual water demand.

[0207] In some embodiments of the present invention, the configuration information is also used to indicate a second time period, and the method further includes: in response to a first adjustment input, determining a second operating parameter, operating according to the second operating parameter; and during the second time period, sending the second operating parameter to a controller so that the controller can update the operating parameter to be displayed to the second operating parameter.

[0208] In this embodiment of the invention, the heartbeat data packet carries configuration information that can specify a corresponding second time period, wherein the second time period is specifically the time period during which the controller receives data signals sent by the water heater.

[0209] Specifically, the water heater itself is equipped with adjustment buttons or a touch screen, allowing users to directly adjust the water heater's operating parameters, such as heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe.

[0210] In addition, to enable users to accurately obtain the actual operating parameters of the water heater in each water use area, each controller can be equipped with a display screen to show the actual operating parameters of the water heater, thereby providing a basis for users to use water or make adjustments.

[0211] To ensure that the operating parameters displayed by each controller are consistent with the actual operating parameters of the water heater, when the water heater receives the user's first adjustment input, it first determines the corresponding operating parameters, i.e., the second operating parameters, based on the user's input.

[0212] At this point, the water heater sets its own operating parameters to the second operating parameter and begins producing hot water according to it. Simultaneously, based on the second time period corresponding to each controller, the water heater sends the specific information of the second operating parameter to each controller in a time-sharing manner. This ensures that the operating parameters displayed by the water heater match its actual current operating parameters, allowing users to adjust the hot water supply to their needs via the controller according to the corresponding operating parameters.

[0213] Example 3

[0214] In some embodiments of the present invention, a control method is provided for controlling a controller as provided in any of the above embodiments. Figure 3 A second flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0215] Step 302: In response to the network distribution command, receive the network identifier allocation command sent by the water heater through the network distribution channel;

[0216] Step 304: Determine the transparent transmission channel according to the network identifier allocation instruction;

[0217] In step 304, the transparent channel is associated with the network address of the water heater;

[0218] Step 306: Data interaction with the water heater is performed through the transparent transmission channel.

[0219] In this embodiment of the invention, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0220] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0221] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0222] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0223] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0224] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0225] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0226] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0227] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0228] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0229] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0230] During the network distribution process, the controller sends a network access request to the water heater through the network distribution channel and receives a network identifier allocation instruction from the water heater. This instruction assigns a corresponding network address and network identifier (ID) to the controller.

[0231] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater during subsequent operations. The frequency band of this transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device has a unique network address (i.e., different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a degree of randomness, rather than being simply selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0232] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0233] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: receiving a heartbeat data packet sent by a water heater, the heartbeat data packet including configuration information and timing calibration information; calibrating the timing according to the timing calibration information; determining a first time period according to the configuration information; and sending a response command to the water heater within the first time period.

[0234] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller receives heartbeat communication initiated by the water heater, enabling the water heater to detect in real time whether each controller is online. Specifically, the controller receives heartbeat data packets sent by the water heater according to a preset period. These heartbeat data packets carry configuration information and timing calibration information. The configuration information is used to divide the preset period into N first time periods and stores the mapping relationship between these N first time periods and the corresponding N controllers.

[0235] After receiving the timing calibration information, the controller calibrates the timing data of its own timer to ensure that the timing is consistent between all controllers and water heaters.

[0236] Specifically, since there may be multiple water-using areas or multiple heating areas in a user's home environment, multiple controllers will be installed accordingly. Because the water heater's network address is fixed, all controllers exchange data commands with the water heater through a transparent transmission channel.

[0237] To prevent multiple controllers from sending control signals to the water heater simultaneously, causing channel conflicts, the present application embodiment sends corresponding configuration information to each controller separately when multiple controllers are present, so as to allocate a different first time period to each controller.

[0238] For example, assuming the preset period is 60 seconds, there are 2 controllers, and the length of the first time period is 1 second, then the first 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller A, and the third 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller B.

[0239] After receiving the heartbeat communication sent by the water heater, controller A sends a reply command to the water heater within the first second of the current preset cycle, and controller B sends a reply command to the water heater within the third second of the current preset cycle.

[0240] If the water heater receives a response command from the controller, it indicates that the controller is online normally. If no response command is received from a controller within a certain preset period, such as three consecutive preset periods, the controller is determined to be offline. In this case, the corresponding controller will be marked as offline, and a notification will be sent to the user.

[0241] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: determining a control signal in response to a second adjustment input; and sending a control signal to a water heater so that the water heater can adjust its operating parameters according to the control signal.

[0242] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller is located in the heating zone or the water consumption zone. Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating zone or the water consumption parameters of their water consumption zone using the control buttons or touchscreen on the controller. Upon receiving the user's adjustment input, the controller generates a corresponding adjustment command based on the input.

[0243] Specifically, the controller is equipped with corresponding switch buttons or touch areas, which users can use to adjust parameters such as the water outlet temperature, hot water switch, and hot water flow distribution of the water heater.

[0244] After the user inputs the information, an adjustment command is generated based on the parameter type and value selected by the user, and then sent to the water heater via a transparent transmission channel. Upon receiving the adjustment command, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual usage needs.

[0245] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: displaying operating parameters; determining a second time period based on configuration information; receiving second operating parameters sent by the water heater during the second time period; and updating the displayed operating parameters to the second operating parameters.

[0246] In this embodiment of the invention, the heartbeat data packet carries configuration information that can specify a corresponding second time period, wherein the second time period is specifically the time period during which the controller receives data signals sent by the water heater.

[0247] Specifically, the water heater itself is equipped with adjustment buttons or a touch screen, allowing users to directly adjust the water heater's operating parameters, such as heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe.

[0248] In addition, to enable users to accurately obtain the actual operating parameters of the water heater in each water use area, each controller can be equipped with a display screen to show the actual operating parameters of the water heater, thereby providing a basis for users to use water or make adjustments.

[0249] To ensure that the operating parameters displayed by each controller are consistent with the actual operating parameters of the water heater, when the water heater receives the user's first adjustment input, it first determines the corresponding operating parameters, i.e., the second operating parameters, based on the user's input.

[0250] At this point, the water heater sets its own operating parameters to the second operating parameter and begins producing hot water according to it. Simultaneously, based on the second time period corresponding to each controller, the water heater sends the specific information of the second operating parameter to each controller in a time-sharing manner. This ensures that the operating parameters displayed by the water heater match its actual current operating parameters, allowing users to adjust the hot water supply to their needs via the controller according to the corresponding operating parameters.

[0251] Example 4

[0252] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein there is one water heater and multiple controllers. The controller interacts with the water heater via sub-1G radio frequency wireless communication to set parameters such as temperature and operating mode of the water heater.

[0253] In wireless communication, each device, including water heaters and controllers, has a network address as an identifier for network communication. This invention involves two communication channels: a pairing channel (CHm) and a transparent transmission channel (CHt).

[0254] The pairing channel is a fixed frequency band, through which all devices form a network. Pairing allows both communicating parties to know each other's network address, and subsequent communication only accepts messages from that address, avoiding communication interference. The pass-through channel is determined by the water heater's network address, and one channel is selected from multiple frequency bands to introduce randomness and reduce the possibility of communication channel collisions.

[0255] The network addresses of the water heater and each controller are unique.

[0256] Figure 4 A network distribution flowchart for a controller and a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it includes:

[0257] Step 402: The water heater enters pairing mode, and the communication channel is the pairing channel;

[0258] Step 404: The controller triggers pairing mode, and the communication channel is the pairing channel;

[0259] Step 406: The controller sends a network access request command;

[0260] Step 408: After receiving the network access request instruction, the water heater sends a network access ID allocation instruction;

[0261] In step 408, the network access ID can be assigned sequentially from number 0 to number 255;

[0262] Step 410: The water heater switches the communication channel to a transparent transmission channel;

[0263] Step 412: After receiving the network access ID allocation instruction, the controller switches to the transparent transmission channel;

[0264] Step 414: The controller sends a network access confirmation command;

[0265] Step 416: The water heater receives the network access confirmation command.

[0266] During the network distribution process, the water heater and controller obtain each other's device addresses, the controller learns the paired network ID number, the water heater and controller pair and communicate normally and switch to the transparent transmission channel.

[0267] At the same time, the water heater and the controller also communicate via heartbeat. Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the heartbeat communication between a water heater and a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it includes:

[0268] Step 502: Determine whether the water heater timer has reached the heartbeat communication cycle; if yes, proceed to step 504; otherwise, repeat step 502.

[0269] Step 504: The water heater sends a heartbeat communication initiation command;

[0270] In step 504, the instruction content includes controller pairing list information;

[0271] Step 506: After receiving the heartbeat communication initiation command, each controller performs time base timer calibration;

[0272] In step 506, timer calibration is to ensure that the time of all devices in the system is consistent;

[0273] Step 508: Each controller responds in a time-sharing manner based on the pairing list information sent by the water heater;

[0274] In step 508, each controller occupies a fixed communication time;

[0275] Step 510: After all controllers have sent their commands, the water heater sends a heartbeat signal to end the process.

[0276] The system adds heartbeat communication to allow devices to detect whether they are online and synchronizes the time base between devices, providing a basis for time-segmented communication.

[0277] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a controller initiating communication according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 6 As shown, it includes:

[0278] Step 602: The user operates the controller, and the controller operation is valid;

[0279] Step 604: Determine whether the time period allowed by this controller for sending has been reached; if yes, proceed to step 606; otherwise, repeat step 604.

[0280] In step 606, the corresponding time period can be determined based on the pairing list information included in the heartbeat communication initiation command;

[0281] Step 606: The controller sends a command;

[0282] Step 608, water heater responds.

[0283] During this process, when the user changes the function parameters by operating the controller, the controller determines whether the transmission period has arrived by checking the device list when the water heater sends the heartbeat command and the calibrated time. If it has, the transmission begins, and the water heater responds to the command upon receiving the message. The data transmission times of both the controller and the water heater are consistent with the time-division logic of the heartbeat packet communication, ensuring that all devices can perform time-division communication interactions without any conflicts.

[0284] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating communication initiated by a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 7 As shown, it includes:

[0285] Step 702: The user operates the water heater and the operation is effective;

[0286] Step 704: Determine whether the water heater's allowed sending time has been reached; if yes, proceed to step 706; otherwise, repeat step 704.

[0287] In step 704, the allowed sending time for the water heater is determined based on the pairing list information carried in the heartbeat data packet;

[0288] Step 706: The water heater sends a command;

[0289] Step 708: The controller receives the information sent by the water heater and updates its status.

[0290] During this process, when the user operates the water heater and changes its function parameters, the water heater determines whether the time period for transmission has been reached based on the paired device list information and the calibrated time base. If it has, the water heater starts sending the message. After receiving the message, the controller updates its status (the controller does not need to reply to the water heater).

[0291] Example 5

[0292] In some embodiments of the present invention, a control device is provided for controlling a water heater as provided in any of the above embodiments. Figure 8One of the structural block diagrams of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the control device 800 includes:

[0293] The first determining module 802 is used to determine the transparent transmission channel in response to the distribution network command;

[0294] The first receiving module 804 is used to receive the network access request sent by the controller through the distribution network channel;

[0295] The first sending module 806 is used to send a network identifier allocation instruction to the controller in response to the network access request, so that the controller can send control signals to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation instruction; wherein, the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater.

[0296] In this embodiment of the invention, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0297] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0298] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0299] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0300] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0301] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0302] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0303] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0304] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0305] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0306] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0307] To prevent network address conflicts, the water heater can sequentially assign different network identifiers (IDs) to multiple controllers from a pool of pre-stored network identifiers. Specifically, the water heater pre-stores 256 network identifiers numbered from 0 to 255. When assigning a network identifier to the first controller, network identifier number 0 can be assigned to it. Similarly, when assigning a network identifier to the second controller, network identifier number 1 can be assigned, and so on.

[0308] During network distribution, the water heater receives network access requests from any controller via the network distribution channel. Upon receiving a network access request, the water heater determines the target network identifier from multiple pre-stored network identifiers based on the stored controller login table, and sends the corresponding network identifier allocation instruction to the controller corresponding to the network access request.

[0309] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller obtains the corresponding network identifier, which is the network identifier assigned to the controller by the water heater, and determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater in subsequent operations. The frequency band of the transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device's network address is unique (different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a certain degree of randomness, rather than simply being selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0310] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0311] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first sending module is further configured to send a heartbeat data packet to the controller according to a preset period. The heartbeat data packet includes configuration information and timing calibration information. The configuration information is used to indicate a first time period, and the timing calibration information is used to instruct the controller to calibrate the timing. The preset period includes the first time period. The first receiving module is further configured to receive a reply instruction corresponding to the heartbeat data packet within the first time period. The first determining module is further configured to determine the network status of the controller based on the reception status of the reply instruction.

[0312] In this embodiment of the invention, the water heater initiates heartbeat communication with each controller to detect in real time whether each controller is online. Specifically, the water heater sends heartbeat data packets according to a preset period, wherein the heartbeat data packets carry configuration information and timing calibration information. The configuration information is used to divide the preset period into N first time periods and to store the mapping relationship between these N first time periods and the corresponding N controllers.

[0313] Specifically, since there may be multiple water-using areas or multiple heating areas in a user's home environment, multiple controllers will be installed accordingly. Because the water heater's network address is fixed, all controllers exchange data commands with the water heater through a transparent transmission channel.

[0314] To prevent multiple controllers from sending control signals to the water heater simultaneously, causing channel conflicts, the present application embodiment sends corresponding configuration information to each controller separately when multiple controllers are present, so as to allocate a different first time period to each controller.

[0315] For example, assuming the preset period is 60 seconds, there are 2 controllers, and the length of the first time period is 1 second, then the first 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller A, and the third 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller B.

[0316] After receiving the heartbeat communication sent by the water heater, controller A sends a reply command to the water heater within the first second of the current preset cycle, and controller B sends a reply command to the water heater within the third second of the current preset cycle.

[0317] If the water heater receives a response command from the controller, it indicates that the controller is online normally. If no response command is received from a controller within a certain preset period, such as three consecutive preset periods, the controller is determined to be offline. In this case, the corresponding controller will be marked as offline, and a notification will be sent to the user.

[0318] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first receiving module is further configured to receive a control signal sent by the controller during a first time period; the first determining module is further configured to determine a first operating parameter based on the control signal and operate according to the first operating parameter.

[0319] In this embodiment of the invention, after the water heater completes its network pairing with the controller and specifies the communication channel between the water heater and the controller, it sends configuration information for indicating a first time period to the controller via a heartbeat data packet through the specified transparent transmission channel.

[0320] After receiving the heartbeat data packet and obtaining the configuration information, the controller determines its corresponding first time period. After receiving the user's adjustment input and generating a control signal, it sends the control signal to the water heater within the corresponding first time period. Thus, when users in multiple water areas adjust parameters at the same time, the corresponding control signals can be sent to the water heater in different first time periods, thereby ensuring that the controllers can communicate and interact in a time-sharing manner without conflict.

[0321] Upon receiving a control signal, the water heater adjusts its operating parameters, including heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe, according to the control signal. Specifically, the adjustment value is the first operating parameter. In subsequent operations, the water heater produces hot water according to the first operating parameter to meet the user's actual water demand.

[0322] In some embodiments of the present invention, the configuration information is also used to indicate a second time period, and the first determining module is also used to determine a second working parameter in response to a first adjustment input, and to work according to the second working parameter; and to send the second working parameter to the controller during the second time period so that the controller can update the working parameter to be displayed to the second working parameter.

[0323] In this embodiment of the invention, the heartbeat data packet carries configuration information that can specify a corresponding second time period, wherein the second time period is specifically the time period during which the controller receives data signals sent by the water heater.

[0324] Specifically, the water heater itself is equipped with adjustment buttons or a touch screen, allowing users to directly adjust the water heater's operating parameters, such as heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe.

[0325] In addition, to enable users to accurately obtain the actual operating parameters of the water heater in each water use area, each controller can be equipped with a display screen to show the actual operating parameters of the water heater, thereby providing a basis for users to use water or make adjustments.

[0326] To ensure that the operating parameters displayed by each controller are consistent with the actual operating parameters of the water heater, when the water heater receives the user's first adjustment input, it first determines the corresponding operating parameters, i.e., the second operating parameters, based on the user's input.

[0327] At this point, the water heater sets its own operating parameters to the second operating parameter and begins producing hot water according to it. Simultaneously, based on the second time period corresponding to each controller, the water heater sends the specific information of the second operating parameter to each controller in a time-sharing manner. This ensures that the operating parameters displayed by the water heater match its actual current operating parameters, allowing users to adjust the hot water supply to their needs via the controller according to the corresponding operating parameters.

[0328] Example 6

[0329] In some embodiments of the present invention, a control device is provided for controlling a controller as provided in any of the above embodiments. Figure 9 A second structural block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the control device 900 includes:

[0330] The second sending module 902 is used to send a network access request to the water heater through the network distribution channel in response to the network distribution command;

[0331] The second receiving module 904 is used to receive the network identifier allocation instruction sent by the water heater;

[0332] The second determining module 906 is used to determine the transparent transmission channel according to the network identifier allocation instruction, wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater; the interaction module is used to interact with the water heater through the transparent transmission channel.

[0333] In this embodiment of the invention, the water heater system can be a whole-house hot water system, such as a wall-hung boiler system or the like. The water heater system can provide hot water for the entire house of the user's family, and can meet the user's needs for bathing, kitchen hot water, washbasin hot water and whole-house heating.

[0334] Specifically, a water heater system includes a water heater and a controller, wherein the water heater is capable of producing hot water for users' bathing, daily use and whole-house heating through gas, electric heating or heat pump heating.

[0335] The controller is connected to the water heater via wired or wireless connection, and there are multiple controllers. These controllers are set in different water-using areas of the user's home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and shower room, or in different heating areas of the user's home, such as the guest room, study, and bedroom.

[0336] In actual use, taking a user's home with multiple heating areas as an example, assuming that there are three heating areas in the user's home: bedroom, study and living room, each heating area can be independently controlled by a controller to turn on or off the heating.

[0337] Since water heaters are generally installed in remote locations such as balconies and water rooms, in order to facilitate users to quickly turn the heating on and off in their area, this application embodiment includes a controller that can communicate with the water heater via wired or wireless communication.

[0338] The controllers are set up in multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has an independent controller. Through the controller, the heating temperature, heating switch and other settings of the heating zone can be set.

[0339] Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating area using the control buttons or touch screen on the controller. The controller sends control signals generated based on the user's input to the water heater via a communication scheme such as sub-1G. After receiving these control signals, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual needs.

[0340] To enable wireless data interaction between the controller and the water heater, the controller and the water heater need to be wirelessly paired to establish a wireless communication channel between them.

[0341] As people's living standards gradually improve, smart home appliances, smart devices, mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices are widely used in households. Most of these devices are connected to the network via wireless networks, and since households may have more heating areas and more water usage areas, the number of controllers may be multiple.

[0342] As the number of wireless communication devices increases, wireless communication channels will become congested. If the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater overlaps with other wireless devices or other controllers, it will cause channel interference and affect the stability of data interaction between the controller and the water heater.

[0343] To address this, this application embodiment implements a network configuration for the water heater and controller, and allocates independent channels between them based on the network configuration operation, thereby ensuring stable data interaction. Specifically, during network configuration, the controller and water heater enter the network configuration state under the user's control. In the network configuration state, both the controller and water heater are connected to the same network configuration channel. This network configuration channel is a fixed-frequency band channel.

[0344] During the network distribution process, the controller sends a network access request to the water heater through the network distribution channel and receives a network identifier allocation instruction from the water heater. This instruction assigns a corresponding network address and network identifier (ID) to the controller.

[0345] After receiving the network identifier allocation instruction, the controller determines the transparent transmission channel used for data interaction with the water heater during subsequent operations. The frequency band of this transparent transmission channel is determined by the water heater's network address. Based on the water heater's network address, a dedicated transparent transmission channel for data interaction between the controller and the water heater is selected from multiple frequency bands. This associates the wireless channel between the controller and the water heater with the water heater's actual network address. Since each device has a unique network address (i.e., different water heaters have different network addresses), the selection of the transparent transmission channel frequency band has a degree of randomness, rather than being simply selected based on common indicators such as channel strength. This reduces the possibility of communication channel conflicts and improves and ensures the stability of wireless communication between the controller and the water heater.

[0346] This application embodiment sets up independent controllers in each heating or water-using area, allowing users to adjust the operating parameters corresponding to their local water-using or heating area conveniently. Simultaneously, this application embodiment uses network configuration for the controller and water heater, allocating communication channels between them based on the water heater's network address. This introduces a degree of randomness in channel selection, reducing the possibility of channel conflicts and improving the stability of wireless communication between the controller and water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience of the water heater system.

[0347] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second receiving module is further configured to receive a heartbeat data packet sent by the water heater, the heartbeat data packet including configuration information and timing calibration information; the control device further includes: a calibration module, configured to calibrate timing according to the timing calibration information; the second determining module is further configured to determine a first time period according to the configuration information; the second sending module is further configured to send a reply instruction to the water heater within the first time period.

[0348] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller receives heartbeat communication initiated by the water heater, enabling the water heater to detect in real time whether each controller is online. Specifically, the controller receives heartbeat data packets sent by the water heater according to a preset period. These heartbeat data packets carry configuration information and timing calibration information. The configuration information is used to divide the preset period into N first time periods and stores the mapping relationship between these N first time periods and the corresponding N controllers.

[0349] After receiving the timing calibration information, the controller calibrates the timing data of its own timer to ensure that the timing is consistent between all controllers and water heaters.

[0350] Specifically, since there may be multiple water-using areas or multiple heating areas in a user's home environment, multiple controllers will be installed accordingly. Because the water heater's network address is fixed, all controllers exchange data commands with the water heater through a transparent transmission channel.

[0351] To prevent multiple controllers from sending control signals to the water heater simultaneously, causing channel conflicts, the present application embodiment sends corresponding configuration information to each controller separately when multiple controllers are present, so as to allocate a different first time period to each controller.

[0352] For example, assuming the preset period is 60 seconds, there are 2 controllers, and the length of the first time period is 1 second, then the first 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller A, and the third 1 second within the 60 seconds can be assigned to controller B.

[0353] After receiving the heartbeat communication sent by the water heater, controller A sends a reply command to the water heater within the first second of the current preset cycle, and controller B sends a reply command to the water heater within the third second of the current preset cycle.

[0354] If the water heater receives a response command from the controller, it indicates that the controller is online normally. If no response command is received from a controller within a certain preset period, such as three consecutive preset periods, the controller is determined to be offline. In this case, the corresponding controller will be marked as offline, and a notification will be sent to the user.

[0355] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second determining module is further configured to determine a control signal in response to the second adjustment input; the second sending module is further configured to send a control signal to the water heater so that the water heater can adjust its operating parameters according to the control signal.

[0356] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller is located in the heating zone or the water consumption zone. Users can adjust the heating parameters of their heating zone or the water consumption parameters of their water consumption zone using the control buttons or touchscreen on the controller. Upon receiving the user's adjustment input, the controller generates a corresponding adjustment command based on the input.

[0357] Specifically, the controller is equipped with corresponding switch buttons or touch areas, which users can use to adjust parameters such as the water outlet temperature, hot water switch, and hot water flow distribution of the water heater.

[0358] After the user inputs the information, an adjustment command is generated based on the parameter type and value selected by the user, and then sent to the water heater via a transparent transmission channel. Upon receiving the adjustment command, the water heater adjusts its own operating parameters accordingly to meet the user's actual usage needs.

[0359] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control device further includes: a display module for displaying operating parameters; a second determining module for determining a second time period based on configuration information; a second receiving module for receiving second operating parameters sent by the water heater during the second time period; the control device further includes: an updating module for updating the displayed operating parameters to the second operating parameters.

[0360] In this embodiment of the invention, the heartbeat data packet carries configuration information that can specify a corresponding second time period, wherein the second time period is specifically the time period during which the controller receives data signals sent by the water heater.

[0361] Specifically, the water heater itself is equipped with adjustment buttons or a touch screen, allowing users to directly adjust the water heater's operating parameters, such as heating power, target outlet water temperature, and flow rate of each pipe.

[0362] In addition, to enable users to accurately obtain the actual operating parameters of the water heater in each water use area, each controller can be equipped with a display screen to show the actual operating parameters of the water heater, thereby providing a basis for users to use water or make adjustments.

[0363] To ensure that the operating parameters displayed by each controller are consistent with the actual operating parameters of the water heater, when the water heater receives the user's first adjustment input, it first determines the corresponding operating parameters, i.e., the second operating parameters, based on the user's input.

[0364] At this point, the water heater sets its own operating parameters to the second operating parameter and begins producing hot water according to it. Simultaneously, based on the second time period corresponding to each controller, the water heater sends the specific information of the second operating parameter to each controller in a time-sharing manner. This ensures that the operating parameters displayed by the water heater match its actual current operating parameters, allowing users to adjust the hot water supply to their needs via the controller according to the corresponding operating parameters.

[0365] Example 7

[0366] In some embodiments of the present invention, a control device is provided for controlling a water heater system as provided in any of the above embodiments. The control device includes: a memory for storing programs or instructions; and a processor for executing the steps of the control method as provided in any of the above embodiments when executing the programs or instructions. Therefore, the control device simultaneously includes all the beneficial effects of the control method as provided in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.

[0367] Example 8

[0368] In some embodiments of the present invention, a readable storage medium is provided on which a program or instructions are stored. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the steps of the control method provided in any of the above embodiments. Therefore, the readable storage medium simultaneously includes all the beneficial effects of the control method provided in any of the above embodiments. To avoid repetition, these effects will not be repeated here.

[0369] Example 9

[0370] In some embodiments of the present invention, a water heater system is provided, including: a control device as provided in any of the above embodiments; and / or a readable storage medium as provided in any of the above embodiments. Therefore, the water heater system simultaneously includes all the beneficial effects of the control device as provided in any of the above embodiments and / or the readable storage medium as provided in any of the above embodiments. To avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0371] In the description of this invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more. Unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "connection," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0372] In the description of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this invention, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0373] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater system, characterized in that, include: At least one controller; The water heater interacts with the controller, adjusting its operating parameters according to control signals sent by the controller. The water heater is used for: In response to a distribution network command, a transparent transmission channel is determined, wherein the frequency band selection of the transparent transmission channel is random; and The network access request sent by the controller is received through the network distribution channel; In response to the network access request, a network identifier allocation instruction is sent to the controller, so that the controller can send the control signal to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation instruction; The transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater.

2. The water heater system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first communication device is located in the controller; A second communication device is installed in the water heater and interacts with the first communication device for data exchange.

3. The water heater system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first communication device and the second communication device include a sub-1g wireless communication device.

4. A control method for a water heater system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method includes: In response to the distribution network command, determine the transparent transmission channel; Receive network access requests sent by the controller through the distribution network channel; In response to the network access request, a network identifier allocation instruction is sent to the controller, so that the controller can send the control signal to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation instruction; The transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: According to a preset period, a heartbeat data packet is sent to the controller. The heartbeat data packet includes configuration information and timing calibration information. The configuration information is used to indicate a first time period, and the timing calibration information is used to instruct the controller to calibrate the timing. The preset period includes the first time period. During the first time period, receive the response command corresponding to the heartbeat data packet; The network status of the controller is determined based on the reception status of the reply instruction.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: During the first time period, receive the control signal sent by the controller; Based on the control signal, a first operating parameter is determined, and the system operates according to the first operating parameter.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The configuration information is also used to indicate a second time period, and the method further includes: In response to a first adjustment input, a second operating parameter is determined, and operation is performed according to the second operating parameter; and During the second time period, the second operating parameter is sent to the controller so that the controller can update the operating parameters to be displayed.

8. A control method for a water heater system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method includes: In response to the network distribution command, a network access request is sent to the water heater through the network distribution channel; Receive the network identifier allocation instruction sent by the water heater; According to the network identifier allocation instruction, a transparent transmission channel is determined, wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater; Data is exchanged with the water heater through the transparent transmission channel.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive heartbeat data packets sent by the water heater, the heartbeat data packets including configuration information and timing calibration information; Calibrate the timing based on the aforementioned timing calibration information; Based on the configuration information, a first time period is determined; During the first time period, a response command is sent to the water heater.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The control signal is determined in response to the second adjustment input; The control signal is sent to the water heater so that the water heater can adjust its operating parameters according to the control signal.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: Display the operating parameters; as well as Based on the configuration information, a second time period is determined; During the second time period, the second operating parameters sent by the water heater are received; The displayed operating parameters will be updated to the second operating parameters.

12. A control device for a water heater system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, include: The first determining module is used to determine the transparent transmission channel in response to the distribution network command; The first receiving module is used to receive network access requests sent by the controller through the distribution network channel; The first sending module is used to send a network identifier allocation instruction to the controller in response to the network access request, so that the controller can send the control signal to the water heater through the transparent transmission channel based on the network identifier allocation instruction; The transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater.

13. A control device for a water heater system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, include: The second sending module is used to send a network access request to the water heater through the network distribution channel in response to the network distribution command; The second receiving module is used to receive the network identifier allocation instruction sent by the water heater; The second determining module is used to determine the transparent transmission channel according to the network identifier allocation instruction, wherein the transparent transmission channel is associated with the network address of the water heater; The interaction module is used to interact with the water heater through the transparent transmission channel.

14. A control device for a water heater system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store programs or instructions; A processor for implementing the steps of the control method as described in any one of claims 4 to 11 when executing the program or instructions.

15. A readable storage medium having a program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program or instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the steps of the control method as described in any one of claims 4 to 11.

16. A water heater system, characterized in that, include: The control device as described in any one of claims 12 to 14; and / or The readable storage medium as described in claim 15.

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