Data storage device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a data storage device and a control method thereof, wherein the data storage device includes: a first communication interface, a second communication interface, an interface switching unit, a switching control unit, a storage unit and a control unit; wherein the interface switching unit is respectively connected to the control unit, the first communication interface and the second communication interface, and the interface switching unit is also connected to one end of the switching control unit, and is used to, under the control of the switching control unit, supply power to the control unit via the first communication interface with the power output by the outdoor unit, or supply power to the control unit via the second communication interface with the power output by the processing terminal, so that the data storage device can only be connected to one of the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time, so as to avoid burning the processing terminal when the data storage device is misoperated, that is, when the outdoor unit and the processing terminal are connected at the same time, thereby improving the safety of the use of the data storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to a data storage device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] After the data storage device communicates with the air conditioner's outdoor unit via a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) interface, it can store the air conditioner's outdoor unit's operating data in real time. After the operating data is stored, the data storage device then communicates with a computer via its USB interface, allowing the computer to read the stored operating data from the data storage device. Because the data storage device and the outdoor unit are connected via a UART interface, its power supply comes from the power supply on the outdoor unit's control board. The ground terminals on the outdoor unit's control board power supply are all high-voltage grounds, i.e., thermal grounds, which are unsafe. When the data storage device is connected to a computer via a USB interface, the power supply in the data storage device's standard USB interface comes from the power supply on the computer's motherboard. The power ground on the computer motherboard is a low-voltage ground, which is a safe ground. If the data storage device is mistakenly connected to the outdoor unit and the computer at the same time, the high-voltage ground of the air conditioner's outdoor unit and the low-voltage ground of the computer will be directly connected and short-circuited, burning the computer host. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention aims to provide a data storage device and a control method thereof.

[0004] The present invention proposes a data storage device for an air conditioner, the data storage device comprising: a first communication interface, a second communication interface, an interface switching unit, a switching control unit, a storage unit, and a control unit; wherein the first communication interface is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner for receiving operating data of the outdoor unit; the second communication interface is connected to a processing terminal so that the processing terminal reads the operating data through the second communication interface; the interface switching unit is respectively connected to the control unit, the first communication interface, and the second communication interface, and the interface switching unit is also connected to one end of the switching control unit for, under the control of the switching control unit, transferring the power output of the outdoor unit through The first communication interface supplies power to the control unit, or the power output from the processing terminal supplies power to the control unit through the second communication interface; the other end of the switching control unit is connected to the positive power output end of the second communication interface; the storage unit is connected to the control unit, and is used to store the operating data according to the control of the control unit; the control unit is connected to the first communication interface and the second communication interface respectively, and is used to receive the operating data of the outdoor unit through the first communication interface and store the operating data in the storage unit, and read the operating data from the storage unit and output the operating data to the processing terminal through the second communication interface.

[0005] In addition, the data storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0006] Furthermore, the first communication interface is an asynchronous serial communication interface.

[0007] Furthermore, the second communication interface is a USB interface.

[0008] Furthermore, the switching control unit is a switch.

[0009] Furthermore, the interface switching unit includes a double-pole double-throw relay.

[0010] Furthermore, the double-pole double-throw relay includes a control coil, a first contact to a sixth contact, one side of the control coil is connected to the negative power output terminal of the second communication interface, the other side of the control coil is connected to one end of the switching control unit, the first contact is connected to the positive power output terminal of the second communication interface, the second contact is connected to the positive power output terminal of the first communication interface, the third contact is connected to the negative power output terminal of the second communication interface, and the fourth contact is connected to the negative power output terminal of the first communication interface; the fifth contact is connected to the positive power output terminal of the control unit, and the sixth contact is connected to the negative power output terminal of the control unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the data storage device further includes: a first indicator light, one end of the first indicator light is connected to the positive power output end of the control unit, and the other end of the first indicator light is connected to the negative power output end of the control unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the data storage device further includes: a second indicator light, one end of the second indicator light is connected to the negative power output end of the second communication interface, and the other end of the second indicator light is connected to one end of the switching control unit.

[0013] According to the data storage device of an embodiment of the present invention, the switching control unit controls the interface switching unit so that the data storage device can only be connected to one of the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time, so as to avoid the data storage device being misoperated, that is, when the outdoor unit and the processing terminal are connected at the same time, burning the processing terminal, thereby improving the safety of the use of the data storage device; further, the first indicator light and the second indicator light are used to judge whether the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner or to the processing terminal, which has the advantage of convenient judgment and improves the user experience.

[0014] In response to the above-mentioned problems, the present invention also proposes a control method for a data storage device, which is used for a data storage device as described in any of the above embodiments, including: when the switching control unit is in a disconnected state, power is supplied to the control unit through a first communication interface; when the switching control unit is in a closed state, power is supplied to the control unit through a second communication interface.

[0015] In addition, the control method of the data storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0016] Furthermore, the control method of the data storage device further includes: when the data storage device is connected to a processing terminal and the switching control unit is in the disconnected state, issuing a prompt message to close the switching control unit.

[0017] According to the control method of the data storage device of an embodiment of the present invention, the switching control unit controls the interface switching unit so that the data storage device can only be connected to one of the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time, so as to avoid the data storage device being misoperated, that is, when it is connected to the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time, burning the processing terminal, thereby improving the safety of the use of the data storage device; further, the first indicator light and the second indicator light are used to judge whether the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner or to the processing terminal, which has the advantage of convenient judgment and improves the user experience.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a data storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a data storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0023] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 2 A data storage device and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention are described.

[0024] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a data storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a data storage device is used for an air conditioner, and the data storage device includes: a first communication interface 10, a second communication interface 20, an interface switching unit 30, a switching control unit 40, a storage unit 50 and a control unit 60; wherein the first communication interface 10 is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner for receiving the operating data of the outdoor unit; the second communication interface 20 is connected to the processing terminal so that the processing terminal reads the operating data through the second communication interface 20; the interface switching unit 30 is respectively connected to the control unit 60, the first communication interface 10, and the second communication interface 20, and the interface switching unit 30 is also connected to one end of the switching control unit 40 for storing the outdoor unit under the control of the switching control unit 40. The power output by the machine is used to power the control unit 60 through the first communication interface 10, or the power output by the processing terminal is used to power the control unit 60 through the second communication interface 20; the other end of the switching control unit 40 is connected to the positive power output end of the second communication interface 20; the storage unit 50 is connected to the control unit 60, and is used to store operation data according to the control of the control unit 60; the control unit 60 is respectively connected to the first communication interface 10 and the second communication interface 20, and is used to receive the operation data of the outdoor unit through the first communication interface 10, and store the operation data in the storage unit 50, and read the operation data from the storage unit 50, and output the operation data to the processing terminal through the second communication interface 20.

[0025] Specifically, a processing terminal, such as a computer, reads the operating data stored in the storage unit 50 through the second communication interface 20 and analyzes the operating data to quickly locate any faults in the air conditioner, thereby promptly resolving the faults, completing air conditioner repairs, and improving user experience. The data storage device is powered by the outdoor unit or processing terminal with which it is in communication. That is, when the control unit 60 in the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner via the first communication interface 10 and receives operating data from the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit supplies power to the control unit 60. When the processing terminal is connected to the control unit 60 via the second communication interface 20 and reads operating data stored in the storage unit 50, the processing terminal supplies power to the control unit 60.

[0026] In a specific embodiment, when the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time, the switching control unit 40 controls the data storage device to communicate with the outdoor unit or the processing terminal, that is, under the control of the switching control unit 40, the data storage device can only be connected to one of the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time to avoid the data storage device being misoperated, that is, when it is connected to the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time, burning the processing terminal, thereby improving the safety of the use of the data storage device.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first communication interface 10 is an asynchronous serial communication interface.

[0028] Specifically, the control unit 60 in the data storage device is connected to the air conditioner outdoor unit through an asynchronous serial communication interface to receive the operating data of the outdoor unit and store the operating data in the storage unit 50. Specifically, the storage unit 50 is a Flash memory that is electrically erasable and reprogrammable.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second communication interface 20 is a USB interface.

[0030] Specifically, the control unit 60 in the data storage device is connected to a processing terminal, such as a computer, via a USB interface, allowing the processing terminal to read the outdoor unit operating data stored in the storage unit 50 in the data storage device. Based on this operating data, the processing terminal can quickly locate and resolve any air conditioner faults, thereby completing air conditioner repair and improving user experience. In a specific embodiment, the USB interface includes a USB chip.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the switching control unit 40 is a switch.

[0032] Specifically, the switch has two states: closed and open. Each state corresponds to a different external connection method for the data storage device. That is, by controlling the state of the switching control unit 40, it is possible to control whether the power output from the outdoor unit is used to power the control unit 60 via the first communication interface 10, or whether the power output from the processing terminal is used to power the control unit 60 via the second communication interface 20. For example, in some embodiments, when the switch is closed, the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner via the first communication interface 10 to power the control unit 60; when the switch is open, the data storage device is connected to the processing terminal via the second communication interface 20 to power the control unit 60. In other embodiments, when the switch is open, the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner via the first communication interface 10 to power the control unit 60; when the switch is closed, the data storage device is connected to the processing terminal via the second communication interface 20 to power the control unit 60.

[0033] In a specific embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, when the switching control unit 40 is disconnected, the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner through the first communication interface 10 to power the control unit 60; when the switching control unit 40 is closed, the data storage device is connected to the processing terminal through the second communication interface 20 to power the control unit 60.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the interface switching unit 30 includes a double-pole double-throw relay. The double-pole double-throw relay includes a control coil and first to sixth contacts. One side of the control coil is connected to the negative power output terminal of the second communication interface 20, and the other side of the control coil is connected to one end of the switching control unit 40. The first contact is connected to the positive power output terminal 5V-USB of the second communication interface 20, the second contact is connected to the positive power output terminal 5V-1 of the first communication interface 10, the third contact is connected to the negative power output terminal GND-USB of the second communication interface 20, and the fourth contact is connected to the negative power output terminal GND-1 of the first communication interface 10; the fifth contact is connected to the positive power output terminal VCC of the control unit 60, and the sixth contact is connected to the negative power output terminal GND of the control unit 60.

[0035] Specifically, the first and third contacts can constitute the normally open contacts of a double-pole double-throw relay, and the second and fourth contacts can constitute the normally closed contacts of the double-pole double-throw relay. The normally open contacts of the double-pole double-throw relay are respectively connected to the positive and negative power output terminals of the second communication interface 20, and the normally closed contacts are respectively connected to the positive and negative power output terminals of the first communication interface 10. When the normally open contacts of the double-pole double-throw relay are closed and the normally closed contacts are disconnected, the data storage device is connected to the processing terminal through the second communication interface 20, and the processing terminal supplies power to the data storage device; when the normally open contacts of the double-pole double-throw relay are disconnected and the normally closed contacts are closed, the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner through the first communication interface 10, and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner supplies power to the data storage device.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the normally open contacts of the double-pole double-throw relay are respectively connected to the positive power output terminal 5V-USB and the negative power output terminal GND-USB of the second communication interface 20, and the closed contacts are respectively connected to the power output terminal 5V-1 and the negative power output terminal GND-1 of the first communication interface 10. Figure 1 When the normally open contact of the double-pole double-throw relay is disconnected and the normally closed contact is closed, the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner through the first communication interface 10, and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner supplies power to the data storage device.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the data storage device further includes: a first indicator light LED1, one end of the first indicator light LED1 is connected to the positive power output terminal VCC of the control unit 60, and the other end of the first indicator light LED1 is connected to the negative power output terminal GND of the control unit 60.

[0038] Specifically, the first indicator LED1 is used to indicate whether the data storage device is connected to the air conditioner's outdoor unit via the first communication interface 10, that is, whether power is being supplied to the data storage device via the air conditioner's outdoor unit. This facilitates judgment and enhances the user experience. Specifically, when the first indicator LED1 is illuminated, the air conditioner's outdoor unit supplies power to the data storage device, and the data storage device receives and stores the operating data of the outdoor unit via the first communication interface 10. When the first indicator LED1 is not illuminated, the air conditioner's outdoor unit does not supply power to the data storage device, and the data storage device cannot receive and store the operating data of the outdoor unit via the first communication interface 10.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, Figure 1As shown, when the switching control unit 40, for example, the switch is in the off state, the double-pole double-throw power saver does not operate. In the default state, the normally open contact is disconnected and the normally closed contact is closed. At this time, the power supply VCC and GND of the data storage device are respectively connected to the positive power output terminal 5V-1 and the negative power output terminal GND-1 of the first communication interface 10, and the outdoor unit supplies power to the data storage device, and the first indicator light LED1 is on.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the data storage device further includes: a second indicator light LED2, one end of the second indicator light LED2 is connected to the negative power output terminal GND-USB of the second communication interface 20, and the other end of the second indicator light LED2 is connected to one end of the switching control unit 40.

[0041] Specifically, the second indicator LED2 is used to indicate whether the data storage device is connected to the processing terminal via the second communication interface 20, that is, whether power is being supplied to the data storage device via the processing terminal. This facilitates judgment and enhances the user experience. Specifically, when the second indicator LED2 is illuminated, the processing terminal is supplying power to the data storage device and reading and analyzing operating data from the data storage device via the second communication interface 20 to quickly locate any faults in the air conditioner, thereby promptly resolving the fault and completing the air conditioner repair. When the second indicator LED2 is not illuminated, the processing terminal is unable to supply power to the data storage device and is unable to read and analyze operating data from the data storage device via the second communication interface 20.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, when the switching control unit 40, such as the switch, is in a closed state, the control coil of the double-pole double-throw power saver has an operating voltage, and the double-pole double-throw power saver is actuated, and the normally open contact is disconnected and the normally closed contact is closed in the default state, and the normally open contact is switched to be closed and the normally closed contact is disconnected. At this time, the power supply VCC and GND of the data storage device are connected to the positive power output terminal 5V-USB and the negative power output terminal GND-USB of the second communication interface 20, and the processing terminal supplies power to the data storage device, and the second indicator LED2 lights up.

[0043] According to the data storage device of an embodiment of the present invention, the switching control unit 40 controls the interface switching unit 30 so that the data storage device can only be connected to one of the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time, so as to avoid the data storage device being misoperated, that is, when the outdoor unit and the processing terminal are connected at the same time, burning the processing terminal, thereby improving the safety of the use of the data storage device; further, the first indicator light LED1 and the second indicator light LED2 are used to judge whether the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner or to the processing terminal, which has the advantage of convenient judgment and improves the user experience.

[0044] A further embodiment of the present invention also discloses a method for controlling a data storage device. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a data storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0045] Step S1: When the switching control unit 40 is in the disconnected state, power is supplied to the control unit 60 through the first communication interface 10.

[0046] Step S2: When the switching control unit 40 is in the closed state, power is supplied to the control unit 60 through the second communication interface 20.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for controlling the data storage device further includes: when the data storage device is connected to the processing terminal and the switching control unit 40 is in a disconnected state, issuing a prompt message for closing the switching control unit 40 .

[0048] In a specific implementation, the prompt information is that the second indicator light LED2 is in an unlit state, prompting the user to close the switching control unit 40 so that the processing terminal can power the data storage device and read the operating data from the data storage device through the second communication interface 20 for data analysis.

[0049] It should be noted that when the data storage device performs power supply control, its specific implementation method is similar to the specific implementation method of the data storage device in the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to the description of the data storage device part for details. In order to reduce redundancy, it will not be repeated here.

[0050] According to the control method of the data storage device of an embodiment of the present invention, the switching control unit 40 controls the interface switching unit 30 so that the data storage device can only be connected to one of the outdoor unit and the processing terminal at the same time, so as to avoid the data storage device being misoperated, that is, when the outdoor unit and the processing terminal are connected at the same time, burning the processing terminal, thereby improving the safety of the use of the data storage device; further, the first indicator light LED1 and the second indicator light LED2 are used to judge whether the data storage device is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner or to the processing terminal, which has the advantage of convenient judgment and improves the user experience.

[0051] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the 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.

[0052] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A data storage device, characterized in that For an air conditioner, the data storage device comprises: a first communication interface, a second communication interface, an interface switching unit, a switching control unit, a storage unit and a control unit; wherein, The first communication interface is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and is used to receive operating data of the outdoor unit; The second communication interface is connected to the processing terminal so that the processing terminal reads the operating data through the second communication interface; The interface switching unit is connected to the control unit, the first communication interface, and the second communication interface respectively. The interface switching unit is also connected to one end of the switching control unit, and is configured to supply power to the control unit via the first communication interface when the switching control unit is in an open state, or to supply power to the control unit via the second communication interface when the switching control unit is in a closed state. The other end of the switching control unit is connected to the positive power output end of the second communication interface; The storage unit is connected to the control unit and is used to store the operating data according to the control of the control unit; The control unit is connected to the first communication interface and the second communication interface respectively, and is configured to receive operating data of the outdoor unit through the first communication interface and store the operating data in the storage unit, and read the operating data from the storage unit and output the operating data to the processing terminal through the second communication interface; The interface switching unit includes a double-pole double-throw relay, which includes a control coil, a first contact to a sixth contact, one side of the control coil is connected to the negative power output terminal of the second communication interface, and the other side of the control coil is connected to one end of the switching control unit, the first contact is connected to the positive power output terminal of the second communication interface, the second contact is connected to the positive power output terminal of the first communication interface, the third contact is connected to the negative power output terminal of the second communication interface, and the fourth contact is connected to the negative power output terminal of the first communication interface; the fifth contact is connected to the positive power output terminal of the control unit, and the sixth contact is connected to the negative power output terminal of the control unit.

2. The data storage device according to claim 1, wherein The first communication interface is an asynchronous serial communication interface.

3. The data storage device according to claim 1, wherein The second communication interface is a USB interface.

4. The data storage device according to claim 1, wherein The switching control unit is a switch.

5. The data storage device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: A first indicator light, one end of the first indicator light is connected to the positive power output end of the control unit, and the other end of the first indicator light is connected to the negative power output end of the control unit.

6. The data storage device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: A second indicator light, one end of the second indicator light is connected to the negative power output end of the second communication interface, and the other end of the second indicator light is connected to one end of the switching control unit.

7. A method for controlling a data storage device, used for the data storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: include: When the switching control unit is in the disconnected state, power is supplied to the control unit through the first communication interface; When the switching control unit is in a closed state, power is supplied to the control unit through the second communication interface.

8. The method for controlling a data storage device according to claim 7, wherein: Also includes: When the data storage device is connected to the processing terminal and the switching control unit is in the disconnected state, a prompt message for closing the switching control unit is issued.

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