CN209842426U - Control system - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a control system (10), it includes at least one attemperation equipment (20-23, 30-31), at least one control equipment (49, 50, 60, 100) that has the user interface, and communication equipment (70) independent of control equipment (49, 50, 60, 100), its characterized in that: the control arrangement (10) comprises a first control device (50) and a second control device (60), the second control device (60) comprising a switching element for switching the control arrangement (10) between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, the first operating mode being an unmanned operating mode and the second operating mode being a manned present operating mode.

Description

Control system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a control arrangement for a temperature control device, in particular a control system, and a control method.

Background

The temperature control devices (e.g. heating bodies) are usually centrally controlled by the heating devices and have regulating valves, for example so-called thermostatic valves, locally. However, the heating control based on this is often insufficient, i.e. in building spaces, such as living spaces, office spaces or the like, there is almost no way to adjust the heating control according to the individual needs of the user, in particular according to the division of the zones into hot or cold zones.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved control or regulation or both for a temperature regulating device.

The solution to achieve the above object of the present invention is a control method and a control arrangement according to the independent technical principles.

The basic idea is that the control device does not communicate directly with the temperature control device, but via the communication device. The operator has the impression of directly controlling the temperature control device, for example by displaying the temperature control device on a display of the control device. But in practice the communication takes place via a communication device.

The configuration data preferably comprise communication data for establishing or addressing a communication with the temperature control device. The configuration data comprise, for example, a number of addresses, for example internet addresses, for establishing communication with the temperature control device. Furthermore, the configuration data preferably comprise physical characteristic data of the respective tempering device, for example average quantities of customary heat release or heat absorption, location data of the tempering device or the like.

Preferably, the configuration data comprise the layout of at least two temperature control devices, in particular several temperature control devices, in the building space or in a region of the building space. In this way, only the temperature control device actually located in the building space can be selectively controlled or regulated by the control device. Preferably, the configuration data contains one or more pieces of information on correspondence of the temperature-adjusting device with the area.

Preferably, the configuration data includes a location where the temperature control device is located. Thus, the configuration data preferably comprise, for example, a location reference of the temperature control devices relative to one another.

The configuration data preferably also comprise information about the heat capacity of the building space, information about the layout of the respective temperature conditioning apparatus in the building space or the like. This makes it possible, for example, to optimally regulate the temperature of the building space or of the region in the building space.

According to a preferred variant of the invention, the control device can query at least some of the configuration data in the communication device, for example the type and size of the respective temperature control device to be controlled or regulated, or other characteristic data of the respective temperature control device.

The image data of the temperature control device can be, for example, a JPEG file displayed by means of a display element of the control device, or can be a component of the configuration data.

According to a preferred embodiment, the communication device comprises or has several control or regulating elements for controlling (in particular setting) or regulating the room temperature in the building space or in a region of the building space by means of at least one temperature control device. Wherein the control device is preferably adapted to control the control member or the adjustment member. For example, a room temperature can be set by a control device, and the room temperature can be set or adjusted by a control or regulating element of the communication device by means of at least one temperature control device.

The control device preferably has one or more sensors, for example temperature sensors, light sensors, brightness sensors or the like. In this way, the control device is suitable, for example, for the individual adjustment of the room temperature as a function of the use of the building space (lighting on or off). The temperature sensor is capable of sensing temperature in a building space or region, i.e., on-site, for optimal control or regulation of temperature, or both.

The at least one temperature control device is, for example, a heating body, a cooling body or both.

It should be noted that the independent utility model is constituted by dividing the region. Thus, according to a preferred variant of the invention, several, for example at least two, temperature control devices are integrated into one region.

The utility model discloses a can realize different functions in the controlgear. The control device can, for example, jointly control or regulate several or all temperature control devices provided in a building space or area. This can be done directly, or through a communication device.

In the case of the control device, in particular its user interface, a key or another operating element is preferably provided for causing a switching-on operation or a switching-off operation or a program changeover by means of a single key stroke or a single operator action. In this way, for example, the setting of the unattended mode can be effected by means of such a simple operator control when leaving the building space or the entire building in which the building space is located in advance, i.e. earlier than the usual switching time. The operator switches, for example, from the manned mode (building space or area is used) to the unmanned mode by means of an operator action, i.e. by actuating the operating element. In the absence mode, for example, the room temperature is lowered.

Even in the case of a user of the control device moving home in advance, i.e. when the heating device or the cooling device is still operating in the post-operation mode or the unattended mode, the switching to the manned mode of the heating device or the cooling device can be effected again by a single actuation, i.e. by actuating the actuating element or the operating element. In which case the room temperature is raised or lowered, for example.

It is also possible to switch from the first to the second adjustment program by means of an actuating element of the control device. In this case, for example, the corresponding control program is selected or activated on the device or the communication device.

Furthermore, it is preferably possible to set an automatic mode or a manual mode on the control device in a time-limited or non-time-limited manner, for example by means of a graphical operating interface, operating keys or another operating element.

Preferably, a display for information or fault messages or both is provided on the control device. Preferably several information of the entire system, or of a part of the system, or of the control layout can be displayed on the control device. With the aid of a communication device or an agent which forms a central component of the control arrangement, information from several temperature control devices, operating devices or the like can be displayed on a corresponding control device. For example, the battery state of a control device, a temperature control device or the like can be displayed on the control device of the present invention. It is also possible to display at least one connection, for example, the connection between the control device and the communication device, the connection between the communication device and the temperature control device, or the quality of the connection between the control device and the temperature control device on a display means of the control device, for example on a graphic display.

According to a variant of the invention, the control device has only a control function. The control device may also comprise a regulating function.

By means of the control device for one zone, the entire zone can be temperature-regulated or conditioned in another way. For example, automatic temperature regulation or control, for example, performed by the communication device, can be adjusted continuously or within a predetermined time span, so that local control by the control device has priority (override function).

According to a preferred variant, temperature measurements can be carried out in this control device, i.e. the control device has a temperature sensor.

The utility model discloses an within range, perhaps as independent utility model, still provide a thermoregulation device be equipped with local controlgear on the thermoregulation device. The temperature of the temperature control device can be set or preselected by means of the control device, for example. The control device may only control the temperature control body or the temperature control device in which it is located. However, it is also possible to use a master-slave configuration in which the control device controls, by radio or by wire or both, a further temperature control device which is remote from the temperature control device provided with the control device.

One or more of the aforementioned control devices are preferably programmable, for example by means of the communication device, a smartphone or the like.

The control device which is locally provided on the temperature control device can be controlled by the superordinate control device.

Several control devices which are locally provided on the temperature control device or which locally correspond to the temperature control device can be integrated or interconnected into one area. These control devices can have local intelligence among each other, i.e. mutually obtain information about temperature changes, adjustment instructions or the like, in order to set and/or adjust a desired temperature, for example, in an area.

The control device which is provided locally on the temperature control device can have an automatic mode, i.e. the control device sets a predetermined temperature on the temperature control device, for example, for a predetermined time, or adjusts the temperature of the environment of the temperature control device by means of the adjustment of the temperature adjustment device.

A communication interface and local intelligence, for example for regulating a thermostat, can be provided in the temperature control device. But does not necessarily require an operating interface such as a display or the like. Such temperature control devices can be controlled and operated, for example, by means of a superordinate control device corresponding to several temperature control devices. Such temperature control devices can be integrated into one area, wherein the temperature control devices communicate with each other, for example, in a wireless manner, in order to control a specific temperature in one area.

A smartphone or a computer equipped with corresponding software may also be used as the control device. In this case, the smart phone or the computer in particular controls one or more of the temperature control devices through the communication device of the present invention.

According to a preferred variant of the invention, the communication device and/or the control device is/are provided with a bus interface for an automation network, for example a radio interface, a CAN (control area network) interface, a KNX interface or an EIB (european installation bus) interface, or with such an interface. It is always preferable that the communication device can be embedded in a home automation system or can be interconnected with such an automation system.

Furthermore, the communication device may be controlled, for example, via the internet. This enables the control of the tempering device in the home from a remote location, for example on vacation or travel.

The communication device and/or the control device preferably have a web interface.

The communication device and/or the control device preferably comprise a web server.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the local logic is enabled in the respective temperature control device or communication device. For example, the respective temperature control device or communication device preferably continues to operate with the existing operating data or settings until a new indication is obtained. Thus, only changes need to be communicated between components of the control layout, for example. Radio communication is minimized. The life of the energy source (e.g., battery) is extended.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a control arrangement comprising a control device, a communication device and a number of temperature control devices,

FIG. 2 is a first thermostat of the control arrangement shown in FIG. 1, an

Figure 3 is a second thermostat of the control arrangement shown in figure 1,

FIG. 4 is a first control device of the control arrangement shown in FIG. 1, an

Fig. 5 is a second control device of the control arrangement shown in fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The control arrangement 10 shown in fig. 1 comprises several implementation variants of the control scheme of the invention, which can also be understood as or include a regulation scheme. The control arrangement 10 comprises, for example, several temperature control devices 20, 21, 22, 23, each having a local communication interface 48, and further temperature control devices 30, 31, 32, which, in addition to the communication interface 48, also have a local control device 49.

The temperature control devices 20, 30 can be arranged separately, so to speak, in one location, while the temperature control devices 31 and 21 are integrated into the zone Z1 and the temperature control devices 22, 23, 32 are integrated into the zone Z2, or they correspond to the zones Z1, Z2. All of the temperature conditioning devices 20-23 and 30-32 may be located in a single building space, such as a living space or an office space. However, the following scheme may also be adopted: the zone Z1 is provided, for example, in a first building space, the zone Z2 in a second building space, and the temperature control devices 20, 30 are arranged in further separate building spaces.

The tempering devices 20-23 and 30-31 have partly identical or similar components, which will be exemplified below with reference to fig. 2 and 3, wherein the tempering devices 20-23 are described with reference to the tempering device 20 and the tempering devices 30-32 are described with reference to the tempering device 30.

A temperature-regulating body 40, for example a radiator, can be flowed through by a temperature-regulating fluid, for example water. The temperature control body 40, which is embodied as a heating body, a cooling body or both, is flowed through by the temperature control fluid, whereby heat is supplied to the building space or removed from the building space. This enables, for example, heating or cooling of a living space or an office. The temperature-adjusting body 40 can absorb heat from the building space, thereby cooling it.

The inflowing temperature-regulating fluid 44 and the returning temperature-regulating fluid 45 are shown by arrows. The temperature control fluid flows into the temperature control body 40 via an inflow connection 42 and flows out of the temperature control body 40 via a return connection 43.

By means of the thermostat 41, which for example comprises at least one control valve or regulating valve, the flow of the tempering fluid, i.e. the amount of flow through the tempering body 40, can be controlled or regulated. The temperature control device 41 is provided, for example, on the return connection 41 or the inflow connection 42 or both. The temperature control device 41 can be controlled via a control interface 46 of the temperature control device 41, for example, a hydraulic fluid interface, a wired electrical interface, a wireless interface or the like, in particular, in order to control the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control body 40. The control interface 46 can be controlled by means of a control connection 41, for example a wireless connection, a wired connection, in particular an electrical connection or a hydraulic connection.

The wireless interface 48 communicates with the control interface 46 of the thermostat 41 via the control connection 41.

The control device 50 shown in detail in fig. 4, for example, effects a temperature regulation in the zone Z2. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the temperature control devices 22, 23, 32 can be controlled individually by means of the control device 50.

The control device 50 communicates with the communication device 70 via a connection 90. The connection 90 is a wireless connection, for example implemented by a WLAN. The control device 50 and the communication device 70 have wireless communication interfaces 53 and 73, respectively, for implementing the aforementioned wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 73 has, for example, an antenna 74.

The control device 50 has a housing 51 on which operating elements and display elements, such as a display 52, are provided, which may also form part of a graphical operating interface, and operating elements 54, 55, such as keys for inputting commands, are provided. Thereby always providing a user interface. The temperature can be selected, for example, by means of the buttons 54, 55 (alternatively, other operating elements can also be provided, for example, on the display 52). Furthermore, one or more of the temperature control devices 22, 23, 32 can be selectively controlled, for example, by means of operating elements or buttons 54, 55.

According to a variant, which is not shown in the figures, the control device 50 can control each of the temperature control devices 22, 23, 32 individually, for example via their respective communication interfaces 48.

However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this communication is not direct, but indirect via the communication device 70. That is, in the case where the control device 50 controls one or more of the temperature adjusting devices 22, 23, 32, this is realized by the communication device 70. That is, the communication device 70 acts as a gateway for communication between the control device 50 and the respective tempering device 22, 23, 32. The communication device 70 has a housing 71 which is separate from the tempering device and the control device. The communication device 70 may be disposed on a different location or space than the temperature regulating devices 20-230.

In the memory 80 of the communication device 70, for example, a database, the respective configuration of the temperature control devices provided in the building space is stored. For example, zone Z1 maps in a storage area in memory 80 containing configuration data 81, and zone Z2 maps in a storage area containing configuration data 82. The configuration data 82, 81 contain, for example, the communication addresses of the temperature control elements 31, 21 and 22, 23, 32, for example the communication address of the communication interface 48.

In case the control device 50 needs to communicate with one or more of the tempering devices 22, 23 or 32, for example in order to set a temperature in zone Z2, a program 75 executable by the processor 72 checks for example which of the tempering devices 20-23 or 30-32 correspond to zone Z1 and transmits for example via a wireless connection 91, 92, 93 a control instruction containing a control parameter 200, for example obtained via connection 90, to the tempering devices 22, 23, 32.

According to a further or alternative solution, the program 75 also has a control function or a regulating function. That is, for example, in the case of setting the temperature and/or the time at which the temperature needs to be set by means of the operating elements 54, 55, the program 75 determines control parameters, for example, for the thermostat 41 of the respective tempering device 22, 23, 32, in order to set the temperature accordingly in the zone Z2. That is, the control parameters 200 may be determined and adjusted, for example, by the routine 75. The program 75 obtains the corresponding temperature setting from the control device 50.

The control device 50 preferably also has sensors, for example a temperature sensor 58 and/or a light sensor 59. Preferably, the control device 50 transmits the sensor values of the sensors 58, 59 to the communication device 70 via the connection 90, so that the program 75 can control or regulate the temperature control devices 22, 23, 32, for example, as a function of the light or temperature conditions in the region Z2.

It should also be mentioned that the control device 50 may be loaded with an intelligent program, for example a regulating program or a control program 159 for regulating or controlling the temperature control devices 22, 23, 32. Sensors 58, 59 are also preferably used for this purpose. The sensors 58 and 59 can, for example, determine the light and temperature values in the zone Z2, on the basis of which the control or regulating program 159 controls or regulates the temperature control devices 22, 23, 32 accordingly. This may be done directly as described above (not shown) or indirectly through the communication device 70 in a preferred manner of the present invention. The control program or the regulating program 149 may be executed by the processor 158 of the control device 50, for example.

One unit, which may be called local, is mapped in zone Z1. The temperature control device 31 may be a master station of the temperature control device 21, while the temperature control device is a slave station.

The local control device 49 of the tempering device 31 controls the tempering device 31 itself on the one hand and the tempering device 21 on the other hand. The communication takes place via a wireless communication interface 48, in particular via a WLAN. A local connection L can be used, for example, by means of which the temperature control device 31 (local control device 49) controls the temperature control device 21. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control device 49 does not communicate directly with the temperature control device 21, but rather with the communication device 70 via the connection 94, which, after checking the data 81, determines the corresponding temperature control device as the temperature control device 21 and establishes a further connection 95. The control device 41 thus transmits, for example, the control parameters 201 via the communication device 70 to the temperature control device 21.

The tempering device 20 does not have a display and/or a local operating interface. The temperature control device can be controlled, for example, by the communication device 70 or the control device 60.

The control device 60 has, for example, a display 62 serving as an operation interface, as well as a switching element 64 and a sensor 67. The switch element 64 can be operated by an operating handle having a flexible element 65 and a grip element 66. The switching element 64 can be used, for example, to switch the control device 60 between a 1 st operating mode and a 2 nd operating mode. This enables, for example, a simple switching from an unmanned to a manned presence mode. Furthermore, it is possible to switch between the automatic mode and the manual mode by means of the switching element 64. In the automatic mode, the grip element 66 hangs down, i.e. extends downwardly out of the housing 61 of the control device 60 as shown in fig. 5. In the manual mode, the grip element 66 is displaced towards the sensor 67, thereby controlling this sensor. The grip element 66 comprises, for example, a magnet, which controls a corresponding magnetically operating sensor 67. In the case of the sensor 67 detecting the presence of the grip element 66, the control device 60 can be controlled and given instructions, for example to select a temperature, for example by means of a key (not shown) or other operating element, but in particular also by means of the display 62 embodied as a graphical operating interface.

Preferably, a temperature detection device, i.e. a temperature sensor, is also provided, so that the control device 60 can detect the temperature in its environment.

Several temperature control devices for living spaces or building spaces can be controlled by means of the control device 60. The temperature control devices 22, 23, 32 of zone Z2 and/or the temperature control devices 31, 21 of zone Z1 can be controlled, for example, by means of the control device 60. The tempering devices 20 and 30 can also be controlled in this way.

The control device 60 can communicate directly with one or more of the aforementioned temperature control devices via its communication interface 63. But preferably communicates through a communication device 70 acting as a gateway. In this case, the control device 60 communicates with the communication interface 73, for example via a connection 98. Based on the configuration data in the memory 80, the communication device 70 is able to establish a connection with the respective temperature control device to be controlled. In the case of a corresponding control instruction given by the control device 60 via the connection 98, the temperature control devices 20, 30 can be controlled, for example, via the connections 97, 96.

The smartphone 100 or another computer may also be adapted to control one or more of the tempering devices 20-32 by means of the communication device 70. The user interface 102 (for example a graphical user interface) of a corresponding software module, for example a so-called application program or App, enables, for example, the selection of the respective temperature control device 20 to 32 and/or of the zone Z1 or Z2 for setting a temperature for it, respectively.

For control by the smartphone 100, a web interface 76, in particular a web server, is provided on the communication device 70, for example. The smartphone 100 may also communicate directly with the communication interface 73 via its wireless communication interface 103.

The user interface of the control device 50, 60, 100, 49 is provided, for example, by a graphical operating interface, keys or the like input means. The user interface preferably comprises an optical display, e.g. a graphical display, a light, an LED or the like, acting as output means, and/or an acoustic output means, e.g. a loudspeaker or the like.

Claims (13)

1. A control system (10) comprising

At least one temperature control device (20-23, 30-31), wherein the temperature control device (20-23, 30-31) has a temperature control body (40) for feeding or sucking heat into or out of a building space provided with the temperature control device (20-23, 30-31), and a temperature control device (41), wherein the temperature control device (41) is used for controlling the inflow of a temperature control fluid (44-45) into and out of the temperature control body (40), and

at least one control device (49, 50, 60, 100) having a user interface on which at least one control parameter (200, 201) for controlling a temperature regulating device (41) of the at least one temperature regulating device (20-23, 30-31) can be regulated, and

a communication device (70) which is independent of the control device (49, 50, 60, 100), wherein the communication device (70) has a memory in which configuration data for the at least one temperature control device (20-23, 30-31) are stored,

wherein the control device (49, 50, 60, 100), the communication device (70) and the at least one temperature-regulating device (20-23, 30-31) have wireless communication interfaces for communicating with each other,

and wherein the communication device (70) constitutes a gateway for communication between the control device (49, 50, 60, 100) and the at least one temperature regulating device (20-23, 30-31), characterized in that:

-the control system (10) comprises a first control device (50) and a second control device (60),

-the second control device (60) comprises a switching element (64) for switching the control system (10) between a first and a second operating mode,

-said first mode of operation is an unmanned mode of operation and said second mode of operation is a manned mode of operation.

2. The control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature-regulating device (20-23, 30-31) is a heating body.

3. The control system (10) of claim 1, wherein the temperature regulating fluid (44-45) is water.

4. The control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one control parameter (200, 201) is a room temperature of the building space.

5. Control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that for controlling the at least one temperature-regulating device (20-23, 30-31), the control device (49, 50, 60, 100) communicates with the temperature-regulating device (20-23, 30-31) via the communication device (70).

6. The control system (10) according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that the control device (49, 50, 60, 100) has a display for visualizing the tempering device (20-23, 30-31) to be controlled.

7. The control system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the configuration data comprises a layout of at least two temperature regulating devices (20-23, 30-31) in the building space or in a region of the building space.

8. Control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device (70) comprises several control and/or regulating means for setting or regulating the room temperature in the building space by means of the at least one temperature regulating device (20-23, 30-31).

9. The control system (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the control device (49, 50, 60, 100) is adapted to control the control member or the adjustment member.

10. Control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (49, 50, 60, 100) has at least one sensor.

11. The control system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that said at least one sensor is a temperature sensor and/or a brightness sensor.

12. Control system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device (70) has a web interface and/or a bus interface for a home automation network.

13. Control system (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the bus interface is a CAN interface, a KNX interface or an EIB interface.