Multi-split air conditioner control method based on communication protocol converter

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent control of air conditioners, in particular to a multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter, which comprises the following steps: when an indoor unit and an outdoor unit cannot directly communicate, respectively establishing analog communication with an outdoor unit and an indoor unit by adopting the communication protocol converter; interpreting communication content, acquiring operation information of the compressor and identifying control logic of the compressor; judging whether the compressor control logic is based on an indoor unit electric control module or not, if not, calling the compressor control logic built in the communication protocol converter, and simulating the indoor unit to send an instruction to control the compressor to operate; if yes, the simulated outdoor unit receives an indoor unit instruction to directly control the compressor to operate; different communication protocols are effectively interpreted, translated and transmitted by adopting the communication protocol converter, when instructions are input into the indoor unit or the wire controller, the outdoor unit can correctly establish communication and respond to the instructions, and the operation mode of a core component compressor of the air conditioner is adjusted in time, so that interconnection with the indoor unit or the wire controller is successfully achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of intelligent air conditioner control, and in particular to a multi-connected air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter. Background Art

[0002] All brands of multi-split air conditioners currently use closed communication protocols, which makes it impossible for air conditioner products or air conditioner components of different brands to communicate directly with each other. For example, the outdoor unit of brand A cannot be connected to the indoor unit of brand B; the indoor unit of brand C cannot be connected to the wired controller of brand D, etc. At the same time, with the update and advancement of technology, many brands' own products also have iterative upgrades in communication protocols, resulting in different series and generations of products of the same brand not being able to communicate directly with each other.

[0003] Currently, due to various reasons such as product upgrades and engineering transformation of usage scenarios, multi-split air conditioners need to be used in combination across brands. Due to the above reasons, cross-brand combinations cannot achieve direct communication. The existing technology is to unify the electronic controls of different brands, but the transformation cost is high and the solution is complicated. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-connected air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter to solve the problems existing in the prior art. In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention solves the problem through the following technical solutions:

[0005] The present invention provides a multi-connected air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter, comprising the following steps:

[0006] When the indoor and outdoor units cannot communicate directly, a communication protocol converter is used to establish analog communication with the outdoor unit and indoor unit respectively;

[0007] Interpret the communication content, obtain the compressor operation information and identify its control logic;

[0008] Determine whether the compressor control logic is based on the indoor unit electronic control module. If not, call the built-in compressor control logic of the communication protocol converter to simulate the indoor unit issuing instructions to control the operation of the compressor; if so, simulate the outdoor unit receiving the indoor unit instructions to directly control the operation of the compressor.

[0009] As a further technical solution, if the total number of outdoor units and indoor units does not match, a difference control method is adopted. The communication protocol converter simulates a sufficient number of indoor unit virtual models and sends a simulation signal so that the outdoor unit receives and recognizes the sufficient number of indoor units.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the difference control method specifically includes the following steps:

[0011] First, read the outdoor unit parameters, calculate the total number of indoor units that match the standard through the algorithm, and calculate the total number of indoor units that actually establish communication to obtain the difference;

[0012] Then, when the difference exists, the indoor unit code of that brand is automatically called to simulate a sufficient number of indoor unit virtual models and send a simulation signal so that the outdoor unit can receive and identify the sufficient number of indoor units, making up the difference and avoiding a malfunction of the outdoor unit.

[0013] As a further technical solution, when judging whether the compressor control logic is based on the indoor unit electronic control module, it is determined according to the brand characteristics of the indoor unit and the brand characteristics of the outdoor unit.

[0014] As a further technical solution, the communication protocol converter has built-in communication protocol, compressor control logic, compressor fault logic and compressor drive parameter configuration algorithm.

[0015] As a further technical solution, for the compressor of the variable frequency air conditioner, when the brand and model of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit in the air conditioning system are inconsistent, the communication protocol converter needs to convert the configuration parameters of the compressor control.

[0016] As a further technical solution, the communication protocol converter matches the compressor model and brand input, retrieves the configuration file of the driving parameters matching the compressor model in the variable frequency electronic control system stored in the communication protocol converter, and sends it to the indoor unit or outdoor unit electronic control module after protocol conversion. The indoor unit or outdoor unit electronic control module stores the configuration file in the memory for use.

[0017] As a further technical solution, if there are drive parameters in the computer board EEPROM of the original variable frequency electronic control system, and the compressor drive logic cannot completely match the indoor unit operation logic, the built-in algorithm is converted through the communication protocol according to the indoor unit logic, the parameters are intelligently calibrated and the memory is overwritten; for EEPROM with a write protection mechanism, the communication protocol converter does not convert the parameters after receiving them, and directly overwrites the parameters with the correction values ​​and then sends them out.

[0018] As a further technical solution, after the outdoor unit is connected to the system, the communication protocol converter simulates the indoor unit to establish communication with the outdoor unit. When the communication is successful, the brand and model of the outdoor unit are determined and the matching compressor fault logic is selected.

[0019] As a further technical solution, if a compressor fails, the communication protocol converter converts and transmits the fault information to the indoor unit or outdoor unit, and enables the corresponding indoor unit or outdoor unit to correctly respond to the fault state according to the logic.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] (1) The present invention connects a communication protocol converter with a built-in communication protocol conversion method to the communication line to effectively interpret, translate and transmit different communication protocols, thereby ensuring that when the user inputs a command to the indoor unit or the wire controller, the outdoor unit can correctly establish communication, respond to the command, and timely adjust the operating mode of the compressor, the core component of the air conditioner, thereby successfully achieving perfect interconnection with other parts such as the indoor unit or the wire controller to avoid fault alarms.

[0022] (2) In the present invention, if the total number of outdoor units and indoor units does not match, the communication protocol converter simulates a sufficient number of indoor unit virtual models and sends a simulation signal so that the outdoor unit receives and recognizes the sufficient number of indoor units, ensuring the normal operation of the outdoor unit without reporting a fault. This difference control method can effectively process the communication data transmitted between the virtual model and the outdoor unit without causing any other form of damage or destruction to the actual air conditioning multi-split system; the communication protocol converter processes, converts and feedbacks the relevant instructions issued by the outdoor system in the form of a virtual model, only maintaining the normal operation of the system without making a real response.

[0023] (3) The communication protocol converter of the present invention has built-in fault logic related to the operation of various compressors. After the outdoor unit is connected to the system, the communication protocol converter simulates the indoor unit to establish communication with the outdoor unit. When the communication is successful, the brand and model of the outdoor unit are determined and the matching compressor fault logic is selected. If the compressor fails, the communication protocol converter will convert and transmit the fault information to the indoor unit or outdoor unit, and make the corresponding indoor unit or outdoor unit respond to the fault state correctly according to the logic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their description are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. It should also be understood that these drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The present invention will now be described and explained with additional features and details through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of a multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cross-brand combination solution of internal and external units in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another cross-brand combination solution of indoor and outdoor units in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The technical solutions in typical embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter. The communication protocol converter has built-in indoor and outdoor unit communication modules and wire controller communication modules, such as Figure 2 As shown, the indoor and outdoor unit communication module can, on the one hand, obtain the communication request of the outdoor unit, simulate multiple indoor units, and establish communication with the outdoor unit; on the other hand, it can obtain the communication request of multiple indoor units, simulate the outdoor unit, and establish communication with multiple indoor units respectively; the wire controller communication module can, on the one hand, obtain the communication request of the wire controller, simulate a single indoor unit, and establish communication with the wire controller; on the other hand, it can obtain the communication request of a single indoor unit, simulate the wire controller, and establish communication with a single indoor unit.

[0030] The communication protocol converter has pre-built-in communication protocols for various brands and models. When used, it is connected to the communication line to effectively interpret, translate and transmit different communication protocols, ensuring that when the user inputs commands to the indoor unit or wire controller, the outdoor unit can correctly establish communication and respond to commands.

[0031] The multi-connected air conditioner control method based on the communication protocol converter comprises the following steps:

[0032] S101: When the internal and external units cannot communicate directly, Figure 2 As shown, a combination solution of brand A outdoor unit and brand B indoor unit is provided, and a communication protocol converter is used to establish analog communication with the outdoor unit and the indoor unit respectively;

[0033] Normally, there are upper and lower limits for the matching mechanism between the indoor and outdoor units. Once the actual operating value is too high or too low, the system will alarm. Figure 3 In the combination shown, if the total number of outdoor units and indoor units does not match, the communication protocol converter simulates a sufficient number of indoor unit virtual models and sends a simulation signal so that the outdoor unit receives and recognizes the sufficient number of indoor units.

[0034] Specifically, first read the outdoor unit parameters, calculate the total number of indoor units that match the standard through an algorithm, and then calculate the total number of indoor units that actually establish communication to obtain the difference;

[0035] Then, when the difference exists, the indoor unit code of that brand is automatically called to simulate a sufficient number of indoor unit virtual models and send a simulation signal so that the outdoor unit can receive and identify the sufficient number of indoor units, making up the difference and avoiding a malfunction of the outdoor unit.

[0036] This difference control method can effectively process the communication data transmitted between the virtual model and the outdoor unit without causing any other form of damage or destruction to the actual air-conditioning multi-split system; the communication protocol converter processes, converts and feedbacks the relevant instructions issued by the outdoor system in the form of a virtual model, only maintaining the normal operation of the system without making a real response; the signal is executed and fed back in the form of a numerical value or a numerical dynamic calculation formula.

[0037] It can meet the needs of special combinations in specific occasions. For example, changes in user usage scenarios lead to inconsistent brands of indoor units. For example, the user's original brand A outdoor unit is matched with ten brand B indoor units. The number of indoor units running each time is different, and the total matching number of the difference is different. For example, each time the air conditioner is running, only five units are running at the same time, and the other five are in sleep mode. The brand of the wired controller does not match, etc.

[0038] S102, interpreting the communication content, obtaining the compressor operation information and identifying its control logic;

[0039] S103, determine whether the compressor control logic is based on the indoor unit electronic control module. If not, call the built-in compressor control logic of the communication protocol converter, obtain the target values ​​such as operating frequency, frequency change rate, and frequency hopping band through the compressor control logic algorithm, and simulate the indoor unit to send instructions to control the compressor operation; if so, simulate the outdoor unit to receive the indoor unit instructions to directly control the compressor operation.

[0040] The communication protocol converter has built-in control logics for compressors of various brands and models. Before subsequent calls, first identify which control logic the compressor belongs to, and then call it from the control logic library of the communication protocol converter.

[0041] When judging whether the compressor control logic is based on the indoor unit electronic control module, it is determined based on the brand characteristics of the indoor unit and the brand characteristics of the outdoor unit. Specifically, if it is not, for example, when a brand A outdoor unit is used with a brand B indoor unit, the entire air-conditioning system may not have a compressor control logic, and the communication protocol converter will simulate and control the compressor; if it is, the indoor unit directly sends instructions to the communication protocol converter to control the compressor.

[0042] The control parameters required by the compressor are converted by the communication protocol converter. After the control target and control object are clear, the commonly used algorithm is selected for feedback control. For example, when the indoor unit of brand A receives instructions or feedback and needs to achieve a certain project, it needs to send a parameter required for the operation of the compressor to the outdoor unit according to its logic (for example, the value is 50). After the outdoor unit electronic control receives it, it converts this value into an instruction to input the compressor according to the control logic of the outdoor unit electronic control, which is used to control the operation of the compressor (for example: control the operating frequency of the compressor to 30Hz). However, when using the outdoor unit of brand B, receiving the value 50 may mean "control the operating frequency of the compressor to 40Hz", resulting in erroneous control. After identifying the two brands, the communication protocol converter correctly processes and converts these instructions through algorithms, and feeds them back to both ends respectively, so that the user's demand input is correctly implemented.

[0043] This embodiment effectively interprets, translates and transmits different communication protocols by connecting a communication protocol converter with a built-in communication protocol conversion method to the communication line, thereby ensuring that when the user inputs instructions to the indoor unit or the wire controller, the outdoor unit can correctly establish communication, respond to instructions, and promptly adjust the operating mode of the compressor, the core component of the air conditioner, thereby successfully achieving perfect interconnection with other parts such as the indoor unit or the wire controller to avoid fault alarms.

[0044] For the compressor of variable frequency air conditioner, if the brand or model of outdoor unit and indoor unit in the air conditioner system is inconsistent, the drive parameter configuration of the compressor (the relevant parameters that the compressor control logic needs to call) does not match the main control logic (air conditioner control program), which requires the communication protocol converter to convert the configuration parameters of the compressor control. Since fixed frequency air conditioner does not have a compressor driver, the above problem does not exist.

[0045] To this end, the communication protocol converter has a built-in compressor drive parameter configuration algorithm. The communication protocol converter matches the compressor model and brand input, retrieves the configuration file of the drive parameters that matches the compressor model in the variable frequency electric control system stored in the communication protocol converter, and sends it to the indoor / outdoor unit electric control module after protocol conversion. The indoor / outdoor unit electric control module stores the configuration file in the memory. If the drive parameters exist in the computer board EEPROM of the original variable frequency electric control system, and the compressor drive logic cannot completely match the indoor unit operation logic, according to the indoor unit logic, the built-in algorithm is converted through the communication protocol, the parameters are intelligently calibrated and the memory is overwritten; for EEPROMs with a write protection mechanism, the communication protocol converter does not convert the parameters after receiving them, and directly overwrites the parameters with the correction values ​​before sending them out.

[0046] The communication protocol converter has built-in fault logic related to the operation of various compressors. After the outdoor unit is connected to the system, the communication protocol converter simulates the indoor unit to establish communication with the outdoor unit. When the communication is successful, the brand and model of the outdoor unit are determined, and the matching compressor fault logic is selected. If the compressor fails, the communication protocol converter will convert and transmit the fault information to the indoor unit or outdoor unit, and make the corresponding indoor unit or outdoor unit respond to the fault state correctly according to the logic. When encountering a high-priority instruction, such as a shutdown alarm, the indoor unit or outdoor unit will execute it immediately. It should be noted that this simulation method will not modify, overwrite, interrupt or prohibit the operation logic of the indoor unit or outdoor unit itself in any other form.

[0047] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in the form of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention by using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-connected air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: When the indoor and outdoor units cannot communicate directly, a communication protocol converter is used to establish analog communication with the outdoor unit and indoor unit respectively; Interpret the communication content, obtain the compressor operation information and identify its control logic; Determine whether the compressor control logic is based on the indoor unit electronic control module. If not, call the built-in compressor control logic of the communication protocol converter to simulate the indoor unit issuing instructions to control the operation of the compressor; if so, simulate the outdoor unit receiving the indoor unit instructions to directly control the operation of the compressor.

2. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: If the total number of outdoor units and indoor units does not match, the difference control method is adopted. The communication protocol converter simulates a sufficient number of indoor unit virtual models and sends a simulation signal so that the outdoor unit can receive and identify the sufficient number of indoor units.

3. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The difference control method specifically includes the following steps: First, read the outdoor unit parameters, calculate the total number of indoor units that match the standard through the algorithm, and calculate the total number of indoor units that actually establish communication to obtain the difference; Then, when the difference exists, the indoor unit code of that brand is automatically called to simulate a sufficient number of indoor unit virtual models and send a simulation signal so that the outdoor unit can receive and identify the sufficient number of indoor units, making up the difference and avoiding a malfunction of the outdoor unit.

4. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: When judging whether the compressor control logic is based on the indoor unit electronic control module, it is determined based on the brand characteristics of the indoor unit and the brand characteristics of the outdoor unit.

5. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The communication protocol converter has built-in communication protocol, compressor control logic, compressor fault logic and compressor drive parameter configuration algorithm.

6. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: For the compressor of the variable frequency air conditioner, when the brand and model of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit in the air conditioning system are inconsistent, the communication protocol converter needs to convert the configuration parameters for controlling the compressor.

7. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The communication protocol converter matches the compressor model and brand input, retrieves the configuration file of the driving parameters that matches the compressor model in the variable frequency electronic control system stored in the communication protocol converter, and sends it to the indoor or outdoor unit electronic control module after protocol conversion. The indoor or outdoor unit electronic control module stores the configuration file in the memory for use.

8. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: If the original variable frequency electronic control system has driving parameters in the EEPROM of the computer board, and the compressor driving logic cannot completely match the indoor unit operation logic, the built-in algorithm is converted through the communication protocol according to the indoor unit logic, the parameters are intelligently calibrated and the memory is overwritten; for EEPROMs with write protection mechanisms, the communication protocol converter does not convert the parameters after receiving them, but directly overwrites the parameters with correction values ​​before sending them out.

9. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: After the outdoor unit is connected to the system, the communication protocol converter simulates the indoor unit to establish communication with the outdoor unit. When the communication is successful, the brand and model of the outdoor unit are determined and the matching compressor fault logic is selected.

10. A multi-split air conditioner control method based on a communication protocol converter as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: If a compressor fails, the communication protocol converter converts and transmits the fault information to the indoor unit or outdoor unit, and enables the corresponding indoor unit or outdoor unit to correctly respond to the fault state according to the logic.

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