An adaptive air conditioning gateway modular topology system and expansion method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an adaptive modular topology system and expansion method for an air-conditioning gateway, wherein the topology system includes a host and multiple expansion modules, the host includes a CPU and a bus controller, the expansion modules are plug-in connected to the host, the multiple expansion modules are powered in a cascade manner, and the host and the multiple expansion modules communicate via a bus, and the bus controller is used to receive data from the bus and send data to the bus; this solution provides a modular interface expandable topology form for the air-conditioning expansion centralized control scenario, and creatively designs a sequence identification method for the air-conditioning gateway expansion module, which has the technical advantage of low cost compared to the existing industrial field bus, and since a dedicated communication chip is omitted and a module sequence identification method based on power-on detection and a MODBUS bus are adopted, it greatly saves costs and is more suitable for application in the air-conditioning gateway.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of air-conditioning gateways, and in particular relates to a topology system and an expansion method capable of realizing rapid expansion of expansion modules. Background Art

[0002] A gateway is a computer system or device that provides data conversion services between multiple networks. It can be said that a gateway device is a connector between different networks. The air conditioning gateway system serves as a communication bridge between indoor and outdoor air conditioner units, and between outdoor units, enabling specific functions such as monitoring air conditioner temperature parameters, compressor power, and sensor status. With the rapid development of industries such as smart homes and the Internet of Things, centralized air conditioning gateways are capable of unified management of multiple air conditioners. Based on air conditioner operation information, they can implement specific functions such as run time statistics and air conditioner damage alarms. Their core function is to connect to the operating data of multiple air conditioners and adjust their operating parameters and status.

[0003] In order to meet the centralized control needs of multiple brands and quantities of air conditioners, the air conditioner gateway should be equipped with multiple types and quantities of bus interfaces to meet the access needs of different brands and quantities of air conditioners in industrial parks and office buildings. For example, the new patent with the authorization announcement number [CN214125310U] discloses a fluorine machine central air conditioner wire control gateway with a wide range of applications. By setting gateway interface 1, gateway interface 2 and gateway interface 3, when installing the central air conditioner gateway line, if the model of the gateway line to be installed is unknown, the wiring hole can be inserted to test whether it is compatible. If not, the gateway shell will automatically identify and replace the gateway interface until it is replaced with a matching gateway interface. In this way, the three most commonly used gateway interfaces on the market can be combined inside the same central air conditioner wire control gateway, adapting to central air conditioners of various brands on the market and unifying the gateway wiring.

[0004] Currently, mainstream air conditioning gateways mostly use a fixed interface format and number. Some gateways with fewer interfaces even require multiple hosts to use them simultaneously, which greatly wastes costs. In the context of smart homes, air conditioning gateways are constantly updating functional units such as Wi-Fi communication and infrared communication. Fixed interfaces are difficult to quickly expand based on existing technical solutions. Therefore, a low-cost module expansion and identification method is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the defects of existing air-conditioning gateways, the present invention proposes an adaptive air-conditioning gateway modular topology system and expansion method. Compared with the field bus method, this method eliminates the need for dedicated communication chips and is more suitable for specific applications in scenarios such as air-conditioning gateways.

[0006] The present invention is implemented by adopting the following technical solution: an adaptive air conditioning gateway modular topology system, comprising a host and multiple expansion modules, wherein the expansion modules are plug-connected to the host, the multiple expansion modules are powered in a cascade manner, and the host and the multiple expansion modules communicate via a bus;

[0007] The host includes a CPU, a bus controller and a bus timing processing unit. The bus controller is used to receive data from the bus and send data to the bus. The bus timing processing unit realizes the sequential identification of each expansion module based on the data received by the bus controller.

[0008] Furthermore, the expansion module includes a single-chip microcomputer, an internal bus module and an external bus module. The internal bus module communicates with the bus controller, and the external bus module is used to communicate with various air-conditioning debugging tool modules or maintenance modules. The expansion module adopts different models according to actual needs, and different models of expansion modules are used to connect air conditioners of different brands.

[0009] Furthermore, the expansion module also includes a power management module connected to the single-chip microcomputer, the single-chip microcomputer communicates with the host through the internal bus module, and the power management module separately controls the power supply of subsequent expansion modules of the current expansion module according to the power-on sequence.

[0010] Furthermore, the types of the bus include but are not limited to 485 bus, EtherCAT bus and field bus.

[0011] The present invention further proposes an expansion method based on an adaptive air conditioning gateway modular topology system, comprising the following steps:

[0012] Step S1: Determine the selected expansion modules and their quantity based on the number and brand of air conditioners to be centrally controlled on site. The expansion modules include expansion module 1, expansion module 2, expansion module 3, ..., expansion module n. All expansion modules are cascaded and plugged into the host. Assume that the default address of an unconfigured expansion module is 0xBD. When the host is powered on, power is first supplied to the nearest expansion module through the contacts.

[0013] Step S2: After the expansion module 1 is powered on, it waits for a certain delay and sends data information with a function code of 0xBE to the bus. 0xBE is a custom function code, indicating that the host has not yet recognized the device. The data with the function code 0xBE contains the model and interface type information of the current expansion module.

[0014] Step S3: After the host receives the instruction with the function code 0xBE from the expansion module 1, it writes the information of the expansion module 1 into the queue, corresponding to the location and attribute information of the nearest expansion module 1. Subsequently, the host sends an identification command with the address 0xBD to the bus. The command contains the configuration information of the unconfigured module, including the new communication address of the expansion module 1.

[0015] Step S4: After receiving the new communication address, the expansion module 1 writes the new communication address into the local memory. Subsequently, the expansion module 1 will communicate based on the address and supply power to the expansion module 2 under the control of the power management module of the expansion module 1.

[0016] Step S5: After expansion module 2 receives power from expansion module 1, the process of steps S2 to S4 is repeated. Expansion module 2 first sends identification information to the host. After receiving the information, the host sends an address modification command to expansion module 2. Since the address of expansion module 1 has been modified, the address modification command sent by the host can only be accepted by the current module, that is, expansion module 2, in any state. Expansion module 2 then controls expansion module 3 to power on, and the other expansion modules are initialized in a cycle.

[0017] Step S6: When the host receives the last instruction from the unconfigured expansion module and still does not receive the 0xBE function code after a delay, it is proved that this expansion module is the last expansion module, and the initialization of all expansion modules is completed. At the same time, the host internally records the order and status information of each expansion module.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0019] This solution provides a modular interface scalable topology for the expansion of centralized air conditioning control scenarios, and creatively designs a sequential identification method for air conditioning gateway expansion modules. Compared with the existing industrial field bus, it has the technical advantage of low cost. By eliminating the dedicated communication chip and adopting a module sequential identification method based on power-on detection and the MODBUS bus, it greatly saves costs and is more suitable for application in air conditioning gateways. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modular topology system structure of the air-conditioning gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of the modular expansion method for the air-conditioning gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the principle block diagram of the topology system described in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to more clearly understand the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can also be implemented in other ways than those described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0024] Example 1, an adaptive air conditioning gateway modular topology system, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes a host and multiple expansion modules, the expansion modules are plug-connected to the host, and the host and the multiple expansion modules communicate through a bus, and the multiple expansion modules are powered in a cascade manner;

[0025] The host is a central controller, including a CPU, a storage module (memory, external storage), a bus controller, and a bus timing processing unit. The host runs an embedded operating system and communicates with each expansion module as a central controller. The bus controller inside the host is used to receive data from the bus or send data to the bus. The bus timing processing unit recognizes the order of each expansion module based on the data received by the bus controller. The bus involved in this embodiment is a MODBUS bus based on the 485 communication method. Specifically, EtherCAT bus, field bus, etc. can also be used. EtherCAT bus is developed based on field Ethernet and can automatically identify current device information and connection sequence based on XML files. However, this solution requires a dedicated bus protocol stack chip, which is relatively expensive. The bus method can be selected according to actual needs.

[0026] The expansion module includes a single-chip microcomputer, an internal bus module, and an external bus module. The internal bus module communicates with the bus controller, and the external bus module is used to communicate with various air-conditioning debugging tool modules or maintenance modules. The expansion module can be designed in different models according to actual needs. Different models of expansion modules can be connected to air conditioners of different brands to achieve centralized control of multi-brand air conditioners. The various air-conditioning debugging tool modules or maintenance modules can be specifically divided into indoor units, outdoor units, air-conditioning maintenance units, air-conditioning debugging units, communication units, and other specific functions. The expansion module is connected to the host by plugging. During the plugging process, the gold finger contacts of the expansion module are connected to the host. The expansion module communicates with the host via the MODBUS bus. Multiple expansion modules are powered in a cascade manner. The expansion module has an integrated power management module. Each expansion module can independently control the power connection of subsequent expansion modules according to the power-on sequence.

[0027] Different expansion modules can realize different functions. For different interface forms (485 bus, CAN bus, etc.), the expansion module also includes a power management module. The single-chip microcomputer control system communicates with the host through the bus. At the same time, the single-chip microcomputer system cooperates with the MOS tube inside the power management module to realize the control of the power supply of the subsequent module.

[0028] This embodiment adopts a host + expansion module design. If a user has two 485 bus-controlled air conditioners and one CAN bus-controlled air conditioner, two 485 communication expansion modules, one CAN bus expansion module, and one host can be designed according to specific needs to adapt to the current application scenario. At the same time, this topology has no redundant functions, achieving efficient utilization. The user only needs to plug the purchased and designed expansion modules into the host to realize a customized system structure. If the user subsequently purchases another 485 bus-controlled air conditioner and a KNX bus-controlled air conditioner, only one 485 communication expansion module and one KNX communication expansion module are needed to quickly adapt to the current scenario, and there is still no redundant function. Compared with the traditional method of using mechanical structure and circuit to realize the adaptation of one interface to different bus types, if the user has two 485 bus-controlled air conditioners and one CAN bus-controlled air conditioner, three communication interfaces will be occupied, and the other bus functions of these three interfaces are redundant, which will undoubtedly increase costs for users and manufacturers. This solution completely overcomes this drawback.

[0029] Example 2: Based on the modular topology system for the air conditioning gateway proposed in Example 1, the installation order of expansion modules may be chaotic or multiple modules with the same function may coexist simultaneously. Therefore, it is very important to implement the expansion of multiple expansion modules with different functions in an adaptive manner. With this topology, communication between the host and the modules is a key issue. In the scenario described in Example 1, the user cannot know the specific installation order of the modules. If the user arbitrarily connects the modules to the host in a serial manner, the host will not be able to understand the specific attributes and arrangement order of each module, which will result in the host being unable to communicate with the modules.

[0030] This embodiment proposes a corresponding expansion method, and its specific technical process is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0031] Step S1: Determine the selected expansion modules and quantity based on the number and brand of air conditioners to be centrally controlled on site. Plug the expansion modules into the host (each expansion module communicates with the host via a bus, and each expansion module is connected to the host in a cascaded manner for power supply). The order of connection with the host does not need to be considered during the plugging process. The default address of an unconfigured expansion module is 0xBD. After the host is powered on, power is first supplied to the nearest expansion module 1 through the contacts.

[0032] Step S2: After the expansion module 1 is powered on, it waits for a certain delay and sends data information with a function code of 0xBE to the bus. 0xBE is a custom function code, indicating that the host has not yet recognized the device. The data with the function code of 0xBE contains specific information about the current expansion module, including the expansion module model, interface type, and other information. The default address and function code can be customized as needed.

[0033] Step S3: After the host receives the instruction with the function code 0xBE sent by expansion module 1, it writes the information of expansion module 1 into the queue, corresponding to the location and attribute information of the nearest expansion module 1. Subsequently, the host sends an identification command with the address 0xBD to the bus. This command contains the configuration information for the unconfigured module, mainly the new communication address of expansion module 1.

[0034] Step S4: After receiving the new communication address, the expansion module 1 writes the new communication address into the local memory. The subsequent expansion module 1 will communicate based on the address. At the same time, the expansion module 1 controls the internal MOS tube to supply power to the next module, that is, the expansion module 2.

[0035] In step S5, after expansion module 2 receives power from expansion module 1, the process of steps S2 to S4 is repeated. Expansion module 2 first sends identification information to the host. After receiving the identification information, the host sends an address modification command to expansion module 2. Since the address of expansion module 1 has been modified, the address modification command sent by the host can only be accepted by the current module, that is, expansion module 2, in any state. Expansion module 2 controls expansion module 3 to power on, and then initializes the other expansion modules in a cycle.

[0036] Step S6: If the host receives the last command (function code 0xBE) from an unconfigured expansion module and fails to receive it after a delay, it indicates that the expansion module is the last expansion module. Initialization of all expansion modules is complete, and the host internally records the sequence and status of each expansion module.

[0037] Based on this expansion method, the possible installation order of the scenario in Example 1 is 485 bus expansion module - CAN bus expansion module - 485 bus expansion module - KNX bus expansion module. According to the expansion method described in Example 2, after the system is powered on, the host first communicates with the first 485 bus expansion module and assigns the communication address of the first 485 bus expansion module. Then, the first 485 bus expansion module controls the power-on of the second CAN bus expansion module, and the host communicates with the second expansion module and assigns the communication address of the second CAN bus expansion module. The above process is then repeated until the address of the last KNX bus expansion module is allocated. The host then completes the communication addresses and attribute information of all plug-in modules, completes the disordered expansion and identification process of multiple expansion modules, and realizes normal communication between the host and the expansion module.

[0038] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any other form of limitation to the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may utilize the technical contents disclosed above to change or modify them into equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes for application in other fields. However, any simple modification, equivalent change, and modification of the above embodiments made in accordance with the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An expansion method for an adaptive air conditioning gateway modular topology system, characterized by: The topology system includes a host and multiple expansion modules, the expansion modules are plug-connected to the host, the multiple expansion modules are powered in a cascade manner, and the host and the multiple expansion modules communicate via a bus. The host includes a CPU, a bus controller, and a bus timing processing unit. The bus controller is used to receive data from the bus and send data to the bus. The bus timing processing unit uses the data received by the bus controller to realize sequential identification of each expansion module. The expansion method includes the following steps: Step S1: Determine the selected expansion modules and their quantity based on the number and brand of air conditioners to be centrally controlled on site. The expansion modules include expansion module 1, expansion module 2, expansion module 3, ..., expansion module n. Plug the expansion modules into the host. Assume that the default address of an unconfigured expansion module is 0xBD. After the host is powered on, power is first supplied to the nearest expansion module through the contacts. Step S2: After the expansion module 1 is powered on, it waits for a certain delay and sends data information with a function code of 0xBE to the bus. 0xBE is a custom function code, indicating that the host has not yet recognized the device. The data with the function code 0xBE contains the model and interface type information of the current expansion module. Step S3: After the host receives the instruction with the function code 0xBE from the expansion module 1, it writes the information of the expansion module 1 into the queue, corresponding to the location and attribute information of the nearest expansion module 1. Subsequently, the host sends an identification command with the address 0xBD to the bus. The command contains the configuration information of the unconfigured module, including the new communication address of the expansion module 1. Step S4: After receiving the new communication address, the expansion module 1 writes the new communication address into the local memory. Subsequently, the expansion module 1 will communicate based on the address and supply power to the expansion module 2 under the control of the power management module of the expansion module 1. Step S5: After expansion module 2 receives power from expansion module 1, the process of steps S2 to S4 is repeated. Expansion module 2 first sends identification information to the host. After receiving the information, the host sends an address modification command to expansion module 2. Since the address of expansion module 1 has been modified, the address modification command sent by the host can only be accepted by the current module, that is, expansion module 2, in any state. Expansion module 2 then controls expansion module 3 to power on, and the other expansion modules are initialized in a cycle. Step S6: When the host receives the last instruction from the unconfigured expansion module and still does not receive the 0xBE function code after a delay, it is proved that this expansion module is the last expansion module, and the initialization of all expansion modules is completed. At the same time, the host internally records the order and status information of each expansion module.

2. The expansion method of the adaptive air conditioning gateway modular topology system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion module includes a single chip microcomputer, an internal bus module and an external bus module. The internal bus module communicates with the bus controller, and the external bus module is used to communicate with various air conditioning debugging tool modules or maintenance modules.

3. The expansion method of the adaptive air conditioning gateway modular topology system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The expansion module also includes a power management module connected to the single chip microcomputer, the single chip microcomputer communicates with the host through the internal bus module, and the power management module independently controls the power on of subsequent expansion modules of the current expansion module according to the power-on sequence.

4. The expansion method of the adaptive air conditioning gateway modular topology system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The types of the bus include 485 bus, EtherCAT bus and field bus.

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