Control panel, hot water equipment parallel system and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a control panel, a hot water equipment parallel system and a control method, in the installation and matching process of the hot water equipment parallel system, a maintainer connects a driving coil of an external load to a strong current output end of one relay, a strong current loop of the relay is connected, and the strong current output end outputs an alternating current signal. The detection circuit collects the alternating current signal and outputs an electric signal to the central control circuit after internal conversion. And the central control circuit responds to the electric signal to control the prompt circuit to send out a prompt signal for indicating that the strong current output end of the relay is connected with an external load. After receiving the prompt signal, a maintainer binds the relay and the hot water device connected with the external load, and does not need to control the action of the weak current end of the relay one by one and check whether the water in the bathroom water tank is heated or not, so that the installation matching efficiency is improved, and the cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to heating technology, and more particularly to a control board, a parallel system of hot water equipment, and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] Hot water equipment (such as wall-hung boilers or heating boilers) is the core equipment of modern heating systems. It heats water by burning natural gas (or other fuels) and then circulates the hot water to radiators or underfloor heating pipes to achieve indoor temperature control.

[0003] Ordinary hot water systems have low heat loads and are typically only suitable for single-family use. For locations with extremely high hot water demands (such as hotels and shopping malls), using a single large, high-power hot water unit can easily result in insufficient heat load to meet user needs. Furthermore, large hot water units occupy a lot of space, are inconvenient to install and maintain, and cannot provide uninterrupted hot water supply 24 / 7 if a malfunction occurs. Therefore, parallel hot water systems, consisting of multiple units connected in parallel, are commonly used to provide large-area centralized heating for commercial locations with high heat loads. In a parallel hot water system, each unit is a single-heating model (without a built-in three-way valve or plate heat exchanger). Each unit is connected to a central control circuit on a control board via a bus for control, and each unit requires a unique ID for identification by the central control circuit. If there is a need for bathroom use, a bathroom water tank needs to be installed. The hot water equipment is designed to support bathroom functions. An external three-way valve is installed under the hot water equipment that supports bathroom functions and is connected to the outlet pipe of the hot water equipment. When there is a need for bathroom use, the external three-way valve switches to allow heating water to flow into the bathroom water tank installed on the bathroom circulation pipeline, where it exchanges heat with the bathroom water in the bathroom water tank and heats it for the user.

[0004] The control panel contains multiple relays. The high-voltage terminals of these relays are used to connect to and power an external three-way valve. The central control circuit controls the high-voltage terminals of the relays via their low-voltage terminals, which in turn control the external three-way valve, enabling switching between bathroom and heating functions. During installation, maintenance personnel connect the external three-way valve to the high-voltage terminals of the relays, determine which relay the valve is connected to, and then bind that relay to the water heater connected to it. This allows the central control circuit to respond to the control signals from the water heater and control the corresponding relay. However, since the central control circuit is usually separate from the water heater and located a considerable distance apart, the current method for determining which relay the external three-way valve is connected to is as follows: maintenance personnel connect the high-voltage terminals of the relays to the external three-way valve, then control the low-voltage terminals of each relay one by one, checking if the water in the bathroom tank is heated to confirm that the external three-way valve and relays are properly connected. Therefore, the existing methods suffer from low installation and matching efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a control board that improves the installation and matching efficiency between relays and external loads.

[0006] The second technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a parallel system for hot water equipment, which improves the installation and matching efficiency of relays and external three-way valves.

[0007] The third technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a control method for a parallel system of hot water equipment, which improves the installation and matching efficiency of relays and external three-way valves.

[0008] The first technical problem mentioned above was solved in the following way:

[0009] A control board includes a central control circuit, multiple relays, multiple detection circuits, and a prompting circuit;

[0010] The high-voltage input terminal of the relay is connected to an AC power source, and the low-voltage control terminal of the relay is connected to the central control circuit.

[0011] Each of the detection circuits is coupled to the high-voltage output terminal of each of the relays, and the output terminal of the detection circuit is connected to the central control circuit.

[0012] The prompting circuit is connected to the central control circuit. When the central control circuit receives an electrical signal from the detection circuit, it controls the prompting circuit to issue a prompt signal indicating that the high-voltage output terminal of the relay has been connected to an external load.

[0013] The control board provided by this invention includes a central control circuit, multiple relays, multiple detection circuits, and a prompting circuit. The high-voltage input terminals of the relays are connected to an AC power source, and the low-voltage control terminals of the relays are connected to the central control circuit. Each detection circuit is coupled to the high-voltage output terminal of each relay, and the output terminal of the detection circuit is connected to the central control circuit. The prompting circuit is also connected to the central control circuit. When the central control circuit receives an electrical signal from the detection circuit, it controls the prompting circuit to issue a prompt signal indicating that the high-voltage output terminal of the relay has been connected to an external load. During the installation and matching process of a parallel hot water system, maintenance personnel connect the drive coil of the external load to the high-voltage output terminal of one of the relays, thus completing the high-voltage circuit of that relay and causing it to output AC power. The detection circuit collects this AC power, converts it internally, and outputs an electrical signal to the central control circuit. In response to this electrical signal, the central control circuit controls the prompting circuit to issue a prompt signal indicating that the high-voltage output terminal of the relay is connected to an external load. After receiving the prompt signal, maintenance personnel can bind the relay to the hot water equipment connected to the external load without having to control the low-voltage terminals of each relay individually or check whether the water in the bathroom tank is heated. This improves installation and matching efficiency and reduces costs.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the detection circuit includes:

[0015] The acquisition unit has its input terminal coupled to the high-voltage output terminal of the relay, and is used to acquire the AC signal output by the high-voltage output terminal of the relay when the relay is connected to the external load.

[0016] A conversion unit is provided, wherein the input terminal of the conversion unit is connected to the output terminal of the acquisition unit, and the output terminal of the conversion unit is connected to the central control circuit. The conversion unit is used to convert the AC signal output by the acquisition unit into a DC pulse signal.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the detection circuit further includes a signal amplification unit, the input terminal of which is connected to the output terminal of the acquisition unit, and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the conversion unit. The signal amplification unit is used to amplify the AC signal output by the acquisition unit.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the acquisition unit includes a current transformer, the first end of the primary winding of the current transformer is connected to the high-voltage output terminal of the relay, the second end of the primary winding is used to connect to the drive coil of the external load, the first end of the secondary winding of the current transformer is connected to the first input terminal of the signal amplification unit, and the second end of the secondary winding is connected to the second input terminal of the signal amplification unit.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the signal amplification unit includes a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, and an operational amplifier;

[0020] The first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the first end of the secondary winding, and the second end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the inverting input of the operational amplifier.

[0021] The first end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the second end of the secondary winding, and the second end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier.

[0022] The first end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier, and the second end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier.

[0023] The first end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier, and the second end of the fourth resistor R4 is grounded.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the conversion unit includes a comparator, the non-inverting input of the comparator is connected to a stable reference voltage source, the inverting input of the comparator is connected to the output of the signal amplification unit, and the output of the comparator is connected to the central control circuit.

[0025] The second technical problem mentioned above is solved in the following way:

[0026] A parallel hot water equipment system includes multiple hot water equipment, an external load, and the control board described in this invention. The hot water equipment is communicatively connected to the central control circuit. The external load is an external three-way valve.

[0027] At least one of the hot water devices is provided with an external three-way valve, the inlet of the external three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the hot water device, the first outlet of the external three-way valve is connected to the bathroom circulation pipe, and the second outlet of the external three-way valve is connected to the heating circulation pipe.

[0028] The high-voltage output terminal of the relay is used to connect to the drive coil of the external three-way valve.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the external load is an external three-way valve; the external three-way valve includes a first drive coil and a second drive coil, the relay includes a first high-voltage output terminal and a second high-voltage output terminal, the first high-voltage output terminal of the relay is used to connect to the first drive coil of the external three-way valve, the second high-voltage output terminal of the relay is used to connect to the second drive coil of the external three-way valve, the detection circuit is coupled to the second high-voltage output terminal of the relay, the high-voltage input terminal of the relay and the second high-voltage output terminal are normally closed, when the first drive coil is energized, the external three-way valve connects to the bathroom circulation pipe, when the second drive coil is energized, the external three-way valve connects to the heating circulation pipe.

[0030] The third technical problem mentioned above is solved in the following way:

[0031] A control method for a parallel hot water equipment system, applied to the parallel hot water equipment system described in this invention, includes:

[0032] When the parallel hot water equipment system is powered on, for each of the relays, it is determined whether an electrical signal output by the detection circuit is received;

[0033] If so, it is determined that the relay is connected to the external three-way valve, and the control prompt circuit issues a prompt signal to indicate that the relay is connected to the external three-way valve. The prompt signal is used to prompt maintenance personnel to bind the relay and the hot water equipment connected to the external three-way valve.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the parallel system of hot water equipment is powered on, it further includes:

[0035] Obtain the enable status of the bathroom function of the hot water device, wherein the enable status includes on or off;

[0036] After binding the relay and connecting the external three-way valve to the hot water equipment, it also includes:

[0037] Determine whether the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay is enabled;

[0038] If so, exit the testing process;

[0039] If not, a first prompt message is issued, which prompts the maintenance personnel to set the enabled state of the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay to "on", and then returns to the step of obtaining the enabled state of the bathroom function of the water heater.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes:

[0041] If no electrical signal is received from the detection circuit, it is determined whether the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay is enabled.

[0042] If so, a second prompt message is issued, which is used to prompt the maintenance personnel that the external three-way valve of the water heater corresponding to the relay is not properly connected, or to prompt the maintenance personnel to set the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay to the off state;

[0043] If not, exit the testing process.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes:

[0045] After exiting the detection process, the number of hot water devices with the bathroom function enabled as "on" is obtained as the first number, and the number of relays connected to external three-way valves is obtained as the second number.

[0046] Determine whether the first quantity and the second quantity are consistent;

[0047] If so, then start the parallel system of the hot water equipment;

[0048] If not, a third prompt message will be issued, which is used to prompt the maintenance personnel that the external three-way valve is not properly connected, or to prompt the maintenance personnel to modify the enabling status of the bathroom function of the hot water equipment.

[0049] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0050] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0051] Figure 1 The structural block diagram of the control board provided by the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of a detection circuit provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a relay provided by the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of another relay structure provided by the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 This invention provides a schematic diagram of a parallel system for hot water equipment.

[0056] Figure 6 A flowchart of a parallel system control method for hot water equipment provided by the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0057] 100. Control board; 110. Central control circuit; 120. Relay; 130. Detection circuit; 131. Acquisition unit; 132. Signal amplification unit; 133. Conversion unit; 140. Indication circuit; 200. Hot water equipment; 300. External three-way valve.

[0058] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0059] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. The terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no specific meaning. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0061] Figure 1 The structural block diagram of the control board provided by the present invention is as follows: Figure 1As shown, the control board 100 includes a central control circuit 110, multiple relays 120, multiple detection circuits 130, and a prompting circuit 140. The high-voltage input terminal Pin of relay 120 is connected to an AC power source, and the high-voltage output terminal Pout of relay 120 is used to connect to the drive coil of an external load. The low-voltage control terminal Pcontr of relay 120 is connected to the central control circuit 110. One detection circuit 130 corresponds to one relay 120, and each detection circuit 130 is coupled to the high-voltage output terminal Pout of its corresponding relay 120. The output terminal of the detection circuit 130 is connected to the central control circuit 110. The prompting circuit 140 is connected to the central control circuit 110. When the central control circuit 110 receives an electrical signal from the detection circuit 130, it controls the prompting circuit 140 to issue a prompt signal indicating that the high-voltage output terminal Pout of relay 120 is connected to an external load.

[0062] For example, during the installation and matching process of a parallel hot water system, after connecting an external load to the outlet of one of the hot water units, the maintenance personnel connect the drive coil of the external load to the high-voltage output terminal Pout of one of the relays 120. The high-voltage circuit of the relay 120 is connected, and the high-voltage output terminal Pout outputs an AC signal. The detection circuit 130 collects this AC signal, converts it internally, and outputs an electrical signal to the central control circuit 110. In response to this electrical signal, the central control circuit 110 controls the prompting circuit 140 to issue a prompt signal indicating that the high-voltage output terminal of the relay 120 has been connected to an external load. After receiving the prompt signal, the maintenance personnel bind the relay 120 to the hot water unit connected to the external load, eliminating the need to control the low-voltage terminal of the relay 120 individually and check whether the water in the bathroom tank is heated, thus improving installation and matching efficiency and reducing costs.

[0063] The control board provided by this invention includes a central control circuit, multiple relays, multiple detection circuits, and a prompting circuit. The high-voltage input terminals of the relays are connected to an AC power source, and the low-voltage control terminals of the relays are connected to the central control circuit. Each detection circuit is coupled to the high-voltage output terminal of each relay, and the output terminal of the detection circuit is connected to the central control circuit. The prompting circuit is also connected to the central control circuit. When the central control circuit receives an electrical signal from the detection circuit, it controls the prompting circuit to issue a prompt signal indicating that the high-voltage output terminal of the relay has been connected to an external load. During the installation and matching process of a parallel hot water system, maintenance personnel connect the drive coil of the external load to the high-voltage output terminal of one of the relays, thus completing the high-voltage circuit of that relay and causing it to output an AC signal. The detection circuit collects this AC signal, converts it internally, and outputs an electrical signal to the central control circuit. In response to this electrical signal, the central control circuit controls the prompting circuit to issue a prompt signal indicating that the high-voltage output terminal of the relay has been connected to an external load. After receiving the prompt signal, maintenance personnel can bind the relay to the hot water equipment connected to the external load without having to control the low-voltage terminals of each relay individually or check whether the water in the bathroom tank is heated. This improves installation and matching efficiency and reduces costs.

[0064] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of a detection circuit provided by the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the detection circuit includes:

[0065] Acquisition unit 131 has its input terminal coupled to the high-voltage output terminal Pout of the relay. It is used to acquire the AC signal output from the high-voltage output terminal Pout of the relay when the relay is connected to an external load. For example, when the high-voltage output terminal Pout of a relay is connected to the drive coil of an external load, the high-voltage circuit of the relay is connected, and the high-voltage output terminal Pout outputs an AC signal. Acquisition unit 131 acquires the AC signal output from the high-voltage output terminal Pout of the relay.

[0066] A conversion unit 133 is provided, with its input terminal connected to the output terminal of the acquisition unit 131 and its output terminal connected to the central control circuit. The conversion unit 133 converts the AC signal output by the acquisition unit 131 into a DC pulse signal. In this embodiment of the invention, the central control circuit can be a microcontroller unit (MCU), also known as a single-chip microcomputer.

[0067] In circuit design, to ensure safety, the acquisition unit 131 typically acquires AC signals with relatively low voltages. To match the required input voltage of the subsequent conversion unit 133, therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as... Figure 2As shown, the detection circuit also includes a signal amplification unit 132. The input terminal of the signal amplification unit 132 is connected to the output terminal of the acquisition unit 131, and the output terminal of the signal amplification unit 132 is connected to the input terminal of the conversion unit 133. The signal amplification unit 132 is used to amplify the AC signal output by the acquisition unit 131.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the acquisition unit 131 includes a current transformer (CT). The first end 1 of the primary winding of the CT is connected to the high-voltage output terminal Pout of the relay. The second end 2 of the primary winding is used to connect to the drive coil of an external load. The first end 3 of the secondary winding of the CT is connected to the first input terminal of the signal amplification unit 132, and the second end 4 of the secondary winding is connected to the second input terminal of the signal amplification unit 132. The current transformer (CT) is a device that operates based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Its main function is to convert the large current in the primary winding into a small current in the secondary winding. Furthermore, the current transformer (CT) provides high-voltage isolation.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the signal amplification unit 132 includes a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, and an operational amplifier U1. The first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the first end 3 of the secondary winding, and the second end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the inverting input terminal - of the operational amplifier U1. The first end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the second end 4 of the secondary winding, and the second end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal + of the operational amplifier U1. The first end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the inverting input terminal - of the operational amplifier U1, and the second end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier U1. The first end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal + of the operational amplifier U1, and the second end of the fourth resistor R4 is grounded. For example, when the high-voltage output terminal Pout of a relay is connected to the drive coil of an external load, the high-voltage circuit of the relay is connected, and the high-voltage output terminal Pout outputs an AC signal. This AC signal generates a voltage drop U when flowing through the primary winding. 34 Operational amplifier U1 affects voltage drop U. 34 Amplification, output voltage U0. The formula for calculating U0 is:

[0070]

[0071] in, The voltage at the first terminal 3 of the secondary winding. Let R1 = R3 and R2 = R4 be the voltage at the second terminal 4 of the secondary winding. When R1 = R3 and R2 = R4, the above formula can be simplified to:

[0072]

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conversion unit 133 includes a comparator U2. The non-inverting input terminal + of comparator U2 is connected to a stable reference voltage source, the inverting input terminal - of comparator U2 is connected to the output terminal of the signal amplification unit U1, and the output terminal of comparator U2 is connected to the central control circuit. The power supply terminal of comparator U2 is connected to the operating power supply, exemplarily 5V. Comparator U2 is used to remove the negative voltage portion of the AC signal output by operational amplifier U1. For example, the voltage of the AC signal output by operational amplifier U1 is compared with the reference voltage Vref of the reference voltage source. When the voltage of the AC signal output by operational amplifier U1 is greater than or equal to the reference voltage Vref, comparator U2 is forward biased, and the output voltage is 5V. When the voltage of the AC signal output by operational amplifier U1 is less than the reference voltage Vref, comparator U2 is negative biased, and the output voltage is 0V. Therefore, the waveform output by comparator U2 is a pulse signal (square wave) alternating between 5V and 0V, with a frequency equal to the frequency of the AC power supply, i.e., 50Hz. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the reference voltage source includes a resistor R5 and a reference voltage regulator TL431. The first end of the resistor R5 is connected to a 5V power supply, and the second end of the resistor R5 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal + of the comparator U2. The anode of the reference voltage regulator TL431 is grounded, and the cathode of the reference voltage regulator TL431 is connected to the second end of the resistor R5. The reference terminal of the reference voltage regulator TL431 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal + of the comparator U2, providing a stable 2.5V reference voltage Vref to the non-inverting input terminal + of the comparator U2.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a parallel system for hot water equipment provided by the present invention, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the parallel hot water system includes multiple hot water devices 200, an external three-way valve 300 (external load), and a control board 100 as described in any of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention. The hot water devices 200 are communicatively connected to the central control circuit of the control board 100. For example, each hot water device 200 is connected to the central control circuit of the control board 100 via an RS-485 bus. It should be noted that... Figure 5 Electrical connections are represented by dashed lines, while pipe connections are represented by solid lines.

[0075] In this embodiment of the invention, at least one hot water device 200 is externally equipped with an external three-way valve 300. The inlet of the external three-way valve 300 is connected to the outlet of the hot water device 200, and the first outlet of the external three-way valve 300 is connected to the bathroom circulation pipe. For example, the first outlet of the external three-way valve 300 is connected to the inlet of a heat exchanger HEX installed in a bathroom water tank (Tank) via a hot water pipe L11. The outlet of the heat exchanger HEX is connected to a return pipe L2. The inlet of the hot water device 200 is connected to the return pipe L2, forming a bathroom circulation system. The heating circulation pipeline is as follows: the second outlet of the external three-way valve 300 is connected to the heating circulation pipeline. For example, the second outlet of the external three-way valve 300 is connected to the first inlet of the coupling tank DT through the hot water pipe L12. The first outlet of the coupling tank DT is connected to the inlet of the water pump. The outlet of the water pump is connected to the inlet of the heater. The outlet of the heater is connected to the second inlet of the coupling tank DT. The second outlet of the coupling tank DT is connected to the return water pipe L2, thus forming the heating circulation pipeline.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, the external load may be a two-position three-way external three-way valve, which includes a drive coil and the relay includes a high-voltage output terminal. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a relay provided by the present invention is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, relay 120 includes a high-voltage output terminal Pout, and the external three-way valve (two-position three-way) includes a drive coil Rz. The high-voltage input terminal Pin of relay 120 is connected to the live wire L of the AC power supply. The high-voltage output terminal Pout of relay 120 is connected to the first end of the drive coil Rz, and the second end of the drive coil Rz is connected to the neutral wire N of the AC power supply. When the control board is powered on, the armature of relay 120 is engaged. When the high-voltage output terminal Pout of relay 120 is connected to the drive coil Rz of the external three-way valve, the high-voltage circuit of relay 120 is completed, and the high-voltage output terminal Pout outputs an AC signal. During use, the central control circuit controls whether the low-voltage control terminal Pcontr of the relay 120 is energized to control the armature engagement. When the armature of the relay 120 is engaged, the drive coil Rz is energized, the valve core of the external three-way valve moves, and the inlet end of the external three-way valve connects with the second outlet end, allowing the hot water equipment to supply hot water to the heating circulation pipe. When the armature of the relay 120 is disengaged, the drive coil Rz is de-energized, the valve core of the external three-way valve returns to its initial position, and the inlet end of the external three-way valve connects with the first outlet end, allowing the hot water equipment to supply hot water to the bathroom circulation pipe.

[0077] In other embodiments of the present invention, the external load may be a three-position three-way external three-way valve, which includes two drive coils and the relay includes two high-voltage output terminals. Figure 4A schematic diagram of another relay structure provided by the present invention is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the external three-way valve with three positions includes a first drive coil Rz1 and a second drive coil Rz2. The relay 120 includes a first high-voltage output terminal Pout1 and a second high-voltage output terminal Pout2. The high-voltage input terminal Pin of the relay 120 is connected to the live wire L of the AC power supply. The first high-voltage output terminal Pout1 of the relay 120 is used to connect to the first end of the first drive coil Rz1 of the external three-way valve. The second high-voltage output terminal Pout2 of the relay 120 is used to connect to the second drive coil Rz2 of the external three-way valve. The second ends of both the first drive coil Rz1 and the second drive coil Rz2 are connected to the neutral wire N of the AC power supply. The detection circuit is coupled to the second high-voltage output terminal Pout2 of the relay 120. The high-voltage input terminal Pin of the relay 120 and the second high-voltage output terminal Pout2 are normally closed. When the relay 120 is connected to the external three-way valve, the second high-voltage output terminal Pout2 is connected to the drive coil Rz2 of the external three-way valve, the high-voltage circuit of the relay 120 is connected, and the second high-voltage output terminal Pout2 outputs an AC signal. During use, the central control circuit controls whether the low-voltage control terminal Pcontr of the control relay 120 is energized to control whether the armature is connected to the first high-voltage output terminal Pout1 or the second high-voltage output terminal Pout2. When the armature is connected to the first high-voltage output terminal Pout1, the first drive coil Rz1 is energized, the valve core of the external three-way valve is in the first position, the inlet end of the external three-way valve is connected to the first outlet end, connecting the bathroom circulation pipe and supplying hot water to the bathroom circulation pipe; when the armature is connected to the second high-voltage output terminal Pout1, the armature is energized. At time t2, the second drive coil Rz2 is energized, the valve core of the external three-way valve is in the second position, the inlet end of the external three-way valve is connected to the second outlet end, connecting the heating circulation pipe and supplying hot water to the heating circulation pipe; when the weak current control terminal Pcontr of relay 120 is de-energized, neither the first drive coil Rz1 nor the second drive coil Rz2 is energized, the valve core of the external three-way valve is in the third position, the inlet end of the external three-way valve is not connected to either the first outlet end or the second outlet end, and the external three-way valve is in the closed state.

[0078] The high-voltage output terminal of the relay is used to connect to the drive coil of the external three-way valve 300. For example, the external three-way valve 300 can be a two-position three-way solenoid valve, which includes one drive coil, and the relay includes one high-voltage output terminal. Alternatively, the external three-way valve 300 can be a three-position three-way solenoid valve, which includes two drive coils, and the relay includes two high-voltage output terminals. The connection relationship between the relay and the external three-way valve has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0079] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5As shown, the bathroom water tank (Tank) is also equipped with a temperature probe TS1 to collect the water temperature in the tank. Temperature probe TS1 is connected to the central control circuit of the control board 100. The second outlet of the coupling tank (DT) is equipped with a temperature probe TS2 to collect the return water temperature in the return water pipe L2. Temperature probe TS2 is connected to the central control circuit of the control board 100. The inlet of the heater is equipped with a temperature probe TS3 to collect the heating water temperature in the hot water pipe L12. Temperature probe TS3 is connected to the central control circuit of the control board 100. The parallel hot water system also includes an interactive panel (Monitor), which is connected to the central control circuit of the control board 100 to enable human-machine interaction for the parallel hot water system, such as setting parameters and displaying real-time status.

[0080] Figure 6 A flowchart of a control method for a parallel hot water equipment system provided by the present invention is shown. This method is applied to the parallel hot water equipment system provided in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention and is executed by a central control circuit in a control board. Figure 6 As shown, the control methods include:

[0081] S101. For each relay, determine whether an electrical signal output from the detection circuit has been received.

[0082] During the installation and matching process of the parallel hot water equipment system, when the parallel hot water equipment system is powered on, for each relay, it is determined whether an electrical signal output by the detection circuit is received. If yes, step S102 is executed; otherwise, step S106 is executed.

[0083] S102. If it is determined that the relay is connected to an external three-way valve, the control prompt circuit will issue a prompt signal indicating that the relay is connected to an external three-way valve.

[0084] For example, if a maintenance technician connects an external three-way valve to the outlet of one of the hot water units, and then connects the drive coil of the external three-way valve to the high-voltage output terminal of one of the relays, the high-voltage circuit of the relay is connected, and the high-voltage output terminal will output an AC signal. The detection circuit collects this AC signal, converts it internally, and outputs an electrical signal to the central control circuit. If the central control circuit receives this electrical signal, it determines that the relay is connected to the external three-way valve, and the control prompt circuit issues a prompt signal indicating that the relay is connected to the external three-way valve. The prompt signal is used to remind the maintenance technician to bind the relay and the hot water unit connected to the external three-way valve, eliminating the need to control the low-voltage terminal of each relay individually and check whether the water in the bathroom tank is heated, thus improving installation and matching efficiency and reducing costs.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the parallel hot water equipment system is powered on, it further includes:

[0086] S1011. Obtain the enabling status of the bathroom function of the hot water equipment, including whether it is on or off.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, the bathroom function of the hot water equipment needs to be actively enabled to be used. When the parallel hot water equipment system is powered on, the enabling status of the bathroom function of the hot water equipment is obtained, and the enabling status includes on or off. An on enabling status indicates that the bathroom function can be used, that is, the central control circuit can send a control signal to the external three-way valve to connect the bathroom circulation pipeline; an off enabling status indicates that the central control circuit cannot send a control signal to the external three-way valve to connect the bathroom circulation pipeline.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the hot water device with the relay and external three-way valve is bound, it further includes:

[0089] S103. Determine whether the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay is enabled.

[0090] After binding the relay and connecting the external three-way valve to the hot water equipment, determine whether the bathroom function of the hot water equipment corresponding to the relay is enabled. If yes, proceed to step S104; otherwise, proceed to step S105.

[0091] S104, Exit the testing process.

[0092] If the bathroom function of all the water heaters corresponding to the relays is enabled, the detection process will exit.

[0093] S105. Issue the first prompt message. The first prompt signal is used to prompt the maintenance personnel to set the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay to the enabled state.

[0094] If the bathroom function of a water heater corresponding to a relay is disabled, a first prompt message is issued. The first prompt signal is used to prompt the maintenance personnel to enable the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay and return to the step of obtaining the enable status of the bathroom function of the water heater. The above detection process is repeated until the bathroom function of all water heaters corresponding to relays is enabled. Then the detection process is exited. In this way, it is ensured that the bathroom function of all water heaters connected to external three-way valves is enabled.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes:

[0096] S106. Determine whether the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay is enabled.

[0097] In step S101, if no electrical signal is received from the detection circuit, it is further determined whether the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay is enabled. If yes, step S107 is executed; otherwise, step S104 is executed.

[0098] S107. Issue a second prompt message. The second prompt message is used to remind maintenance personnel that the external three-way valve of the water heater corresponding to the relay is not properly connected, or to remind maintenance personnel to set the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay to the off state.

[0099] If the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay is enabled, a second prompt message will be issued. The second prompt message is used to remind maintenance personnel that the external three-way valve of the water heater corresponding to the relay is not properly connected (i.e., the bathroom function of the water heater is enabled, but the external three-way valve is not connected or is not properly connected), or to remind maintenance personnel to set the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay to disabled (i.e., the bathroom function of water heaters that do not require the connection of the external three-way valve is enabled), to ensure that the number of water heaters with external three-way valves connected is consistent with the number of water heaters with the bathroom function enabled.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes:

[0101] 1. After exiting the detection process, obtain the number of hot water devices with the bathroom function enabled as the first quantity and the number of relays connected to external three-way valves as the second quantity.

[0102] 2. Determine whether the first quantity and the second quantity are the same.

[0103] By comparing the number of hot water devices with the bathroom function enabled (as the first count) and the number of relays connected to external three-way valves (as the second count) to ensure that they are consistent, it is further confirmed that the bathroom function of all hot water devices connected to external three-way valves is enabled.

[0104] 3. If so, start the parallel hot water system.

[0105] If so, it means that the number of hot water devices that are turned on in the bathroom function is the same as the number of relays connected to external three-way valves, and the hot water device parallel system is started.

[0106] 4. If not, a third prompt message will be issued. The third prompt message is used to remind maintenance personnel that the external three-way valve is not properly connected, or to remind maintenance personnel to modify the enabling status of the bathroom function of the hot water equipment.

[0107] If not, it indicates that there are situations where the hot water unit is connected to an external three-way valve but the bathroom function is enabled (or the hot water unit is not connected to an external three-way valve but the bathroom function is enabled). In this case, a third prompt message will be issued, reminding the maintenance personnel that the external three-way valve is not properly connected, or prompting the maintenance personnel to modify the enabled status of the bathroom function of the hot water unit. For example, change the enabled status of the bathroom function of the hot water unit connected to the external three-way valve to "on", or change the enabled status of the bathroom function of the hot water unit not connected to the external three-way valve to "off", to ensure that the number of hot water units connected to the external three-way valve is consistent with the number of hot water units whose bathroom function is enabled.

[0108] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0109] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0110] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0111] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control board (100), characterized in that, It includes a central control circuit (110), multiple relays (120), multiple detection circuits (130) and a prompting circuit (140). The high-voltage input terminal of the relay (120) is connected to an AC power source, and the low-voltage control terminal of the relay (120) is connected to the central control circuit (110). Each of the detection circuits (130) is coupled to the high-voltage output terminal of each of the relays (120), and the output terminal of the detection circuit (130) is connected to the central control circuit (110). The prompting circuit (140) is connected to the central control circuit (110). When the central control circuit (110) receives the electrical signal from the detection circuit (130), it controls the prompting circuit (140) to issue a prompt signal indicating that the high-voltage output terminal of the relay (120) has been connected to an external load.

2. The control board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection circuit (130) includes: The acquisition unit (131) has its input terminal coupled to the high-voltage output terminal of the relay (120) and is used to acquire the AC signal output by the high-voltage output terminal of the relay (120) when the external load is connected to the relay (120). The conversion unit (133) has its input terminal connected to the output terminal of the acquisition unit (131) and its output terminal connected to the central control circuit (110). The conversion unit (133) is used to convert the AC signal output by the acquisition unit (131) into a DC pulse signal.

3. The control board according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detection circuit (130) further includes a signal amplification unit (132), the input terminal of which is connected to the output terminal of the acquisition unit (131), and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the conversion unit (133). The signal amplification unit (132) is used to amplify the AC signal output by the acquisition unit (131).

4. The control board according to claim 3, characterized in that, The acquisition unit (131) includes a current transformer (CT). The first end of the primary winding of the current transformer (CT) is connected to the high-voltage output terminal of the relay (120). The second end of the primary winding is used to connect to the drive coil of the external load. The first end of the secondary winding of the current transformer (CT) is connected to the first input terminal of the signal amplification unit (132). The second end of the secondary winding is connected to the second input terminal of the signal amplification unit (132).

5. The control board according to claim 4, characterized in that, The signal amplification unit (132) includes a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, and an operational amplifier U1; The first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the first end of the secondary winding, and the second end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier U1. The first end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the second end of the secondary winding, and the second end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier U1. The first end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier U1, and the second end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier U1. The first end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier U1, and the second end of the fourth resistor R4 is grounded.

6. The control board according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conversion unit (133) includes a comparator U2, the non-inverting input of the comparator U2 is connected to a stable reference voltage source, the inverting input of the comparator U2 is connected to the output of the signal amplification unit (132), and the output of the comparator U2 is connected to the central control circuit (110).

7. A parallel system for hot water equipment, characterized in that, It includes multiple hot water devices (200), an external load, and a control board (100) as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the hot water devices (200) are communicatively connected to the central control circuit (110); the external load is an external three-way valve (300). At least one of the hot water devices (200) is provided with an external three-way valve (300), the inlet of the external three-way valve (300) is connected to the outlet of the hot water device (200), the first outlet of the external three-way valve (300) is connected to the bathroom circulation pipe, and the second outlet of the external three-way valve (300) is connected to the heating circulation pipe; The high-voltage output terminal of the relay (120) is used to connect to the drive coil of the external three-way valve (300).

8. The parallel hot water equipment system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The external three-way valve (300) includes a first drive coil Rz1 and a second drive coil Rz2. The relay (120) includes a first high-voltage output terminal and a second high-voltage output terminal. The first high-voltage output terminal of the relay (120) is used to connect to the first drive coil Rz1 of the external three-way valve (300). The second high-voltage output terminal of the relay (120) is used to connect to the second drive coil Rz2 of the external three-way valve (300). The detection circuit (130) is coupled to the second high-voltage output terminal of the relay (120). The high-voltage input terminal of the relay (120) and the second high-voltage output terminal are normally closed. When the first drive coil Rz1 is energized, the external three-way valve (300) is connected to the bathroom circulation pipeline. When the second drive coil Rz2 is energized, the external three-way valve (300) is connected to the heating circulation pipeline.

9. A control method for a parallel system of hot water equipment, characterized in that, Applied to the parallel system of hot water equipment as described in any one of claims 7-8, comprising: When the parallel hot water equipment system is powered on, for each of the relays, it is determined whether an electrical signal output by the detection circuit is received; If so, it is determined that the relay is connected to the external three-way valve, and the control prompt circuit issues a prompt signal to indicate that the relay is connected to the external three-way valve. The prompt signal is used to prompt maintenance personnel to bind the relay and the hot water equipment connected to the external three-way valve.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the parallel hot water equipment system is powered on, it also includes: Obtain the enable status of the bathroom function of the hot water device, wherein the enable status includes on or off; After binding the relay and connecting the external three-way valve to the hot water equipment, it also includes: Determine whether the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay is enabled; If so, exit the testing process; If not, a first prompt message is issued, which prompts the maintenance personnel to set the enabled state of the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay to "on", and then returns to the step of obtaining the enabled state of the bathroom function of the water heater.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: If no electrical signal is received from the detection circuit, it is determined whether the bathroom function of the water heater corresponding to the relay is enabled. If so, a second prompt message is issued, which is used to prompt the maintenance personnel that the external three-way valve of the hot water equipment corresponding to the relay is not properly connected, or to prompt the maintenance personnel to set the bathroom function of the hot water equipment corresponding to the relay to the off state; If not, exit the testing process.

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: After exiting the detection process, the number of hot water devices with the bathroom function enabled as "on" is obtained as the first number, and the number of relays connected to external three-way valves is obtained as the second number. Determine whether the first quantity and the second quantity are consistent; If so, then start the parallel system of the hot water equipment; If not, a third prompt message will be issued, which is used to prompt the maintenance personnel that the external three-way valve is not properly connected, or to prompt the maintenance personnel to modify the enabling status of the bathroom function of the hot water equipment.

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