A multi-split air conditioning system and a control method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a multi-split air conditioning system and a control method thereof, relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and is used for reducing the probability of control disorder of the multi-split air conditioning system. The multi-split air conditioning system comprises: a plurality of air conditioning subsystems, one air conditioning subsystem comprising at least one outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units and a communication module; a first communication bus; a plurality of second communication buses; and a controller configured to: for each of the plurality of air conditioning subsystems, after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time, obtaining, through the first communication bus, an online scheme of the air conditioning subsystem; sending the online scheme of the air conditioning subsystem to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, and controlling the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem to establish a binding relationship between the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem according to the online scheme of the air conditioning subsystem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a multi-split air conditioning system and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning is becoming increasingly widely used in various places such as entertainment, home, and work. When multiple small areas in the same area need to use air conditioning, multi-split air conditioning systems are often used to control the room temperature in multiple areas in order to save energy.

[0003] Multi-split air conditioning systems are often equipped with communication modules to establish communication connections with cloud servers. With societal development, multiple multi-split systems are often combined into a larger multi-split air conditioning system as subsystems for centralized control. However, when multiple subsystems are connected simultaneously, connections are established between their communication modules. Because these modules often have similar functions, control malfunctions are highly likely to occur, impacting the user experience. Therefore, preventing control malfunctions in multi-split air conditioning systems and reducing their probability is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a multi-split air conditioning system and its control method to reduce the probability of control disorder in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a multi-split air conditioning system, including:

[0006] Multiple air conditioning subsystems, each air conditioning subsystem includes at least one outdoor unit, multiple indoor units and a communication module, the communication module is used to realize the communication connection between the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located and the cloud server;

[0007] The first communication bus is used to realize communication connections between multiple air conditioning subsystems, as well as to realize communication connections between the outdoor unit, indoor unit and communication module in any air conditioning subsystem.

[0008] Multi-split air conditioning systems also include:

[0009] Multiple second communication buses, one end of which is connected to the outdoor unit in an air conditioning subsystem, and the other end is connected to the communication module in the same air conditioning subsystem, to realize the communication connection between the outdoor unit and the communication module in an air conditioning subsystem;

[0010] The controller is configured as follows:

[0011] For each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time, the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem is obtained through the first communication bus; wherein, the connection scheme includes the connection relationship between each device in the air conditioning subsystem;

[0012] The connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem is sent to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, and the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem is controlled to establish a binding relationship between the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem according to the connection scheme.

[0013] The technical solution of this application provides at least the following beneficial effects: Addressing the problem of control disorder in current multi-split air conditioning systems, the multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application adds a second communication bus to each air conditioning subsystem, connecting the outdoor unit and communication module within the same subsystem, thus achieving a one-to-one correspondence between the outdoor unit and communication module within the same subsystem. After the controller obtains the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem through the first communication bus, it sends the connection scheme to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, enabling the communication module to establish a binding relationship with the air conditioning subsystem based on the connection scheme.

[0014] Understandably, during the process of sending the air conditioning subsystem's connection scheme to the air conditioning subsystem's communication module via the second communication bus, because the second communication bus establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the outdoor unit and the communication module within the same air conditioning subsystem, the air conditioning subsystem's connection scheme will not be sent to the communication modules of other air conditioning subsystems. This avoids the possibility that the communication module might establish an incorrect binding relationship with other air conditioning subsystems, enabling the communication module to forward control commands to the correct air conditioning subsystem based on the correct binding relationship. This prevents the multi-split air conditioning system from experiencing control disorder, thereby reducing the probability of control disorder in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0015] In some embodiments, after the controller is configured to control the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem to establish a binding relationship between the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem according to the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem, it is further configured to control the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem to upload the binding relationship to the cloud server.

[0016] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: listen to a first communication bus; after detecting inspection information on the first communication bus, determine an information transmitting device based on the inspection information; and control an information transmitting device of the same type as the information transmitting device to stop transmitting the inspection information.

[0017] In some embodiments, the multi-split air conditioning system further includes: a central control panel connected to a first communication bus for interacting with the user; the controller is further configured to: when the central control panel is detected to be connected to the multi-split air conditioning system, control the communication modules in each air conditioning subsystem to enter a silent state; when a communication module is in a silent state, it will stop forwarding control commands issued by the cloud server to the outdoor and indoor units in the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second communication bus is an RS485 communication bus, and the controller is further configured to: for each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, send the equipment information of the air conditioning subsystem to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, and control the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem to upload the equipment information of the air conditioning subsystem to the cloud server; the equipment information of the air conditioning subsystem includes one or more of the following: the operating data of the air conditioning subsystem, alarm code, manufacturing code, signal code, current time, and geographical location information.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for a multi-split air conditioning system. The method includes: for each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time, obtaining the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem; wherein, the connection scheme includes the connection relationship between each device in the air conditioning subsystem; sending the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through a second communication bus, and controlling the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem to establish a binding relationship between the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem according to the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method further includes: monitoring a first communication bus; after detecting inspection information on the first communication bus, determining an information transmitting device based on the inspection information; and controlling an information transmitting device of the same type as the information transmitting device to stop transmitting the inspection information.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further includes: monitoring the first communication bus; and after receiving confirmation information sent by the communication module of any one of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, controlling the communication modules of other air conditioning subsystems to stop sending confirmation information; the confirmation information is used to indicate that the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem has received reply information, and the reply information is the reply information of the information receiving device to the inspection information.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the control panel is connected to the multi-split air conditioning system, controlling the communication module in each air conditioning subsystem to enter a silent state; when a communication module is in a silent state, it will stop forwarding control commands issued by the cloud server to the outdoor unit and indoor unit in the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located.

[0023] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a controller, including: one or more processors; one or more memories; wherein the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, and when the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the controller executes any of the control methods for multi-split air conditioning systems provided in the second aspect.

[0024] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the control methods for a multi-split air conditioning system provided in the second aspect.

[0025] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that can be directly loaded into a memory and contains software code. After being loaded and executed by a computer, the computer program product can realize any of the control methods for multi-split air conditioning systems provided in the second aspect.

[0026] It should be noted that the aforementioned computer instructions may be stored, in whole or in part, on a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium may be packaged together with the controller's processor, or it may be packaged separately from the controller's processor; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0027] The beneficial effects described in aspects two through five of this application can be referred to the analysis of the beneficial effects of aspect one, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the topology of an existing multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the topology of a multi-split air conditioning system.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the topology of an air conditioning subsystem provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the communication module and the cloud server of a multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5A flowchart illustrating a control method for a multi-split air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another control method for a multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another control method for a multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another control method for a multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment;

[0037] Figure 9 This application provides an overall flowchart of a control method for a multi-split air conditioning system.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0041] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, when describing pipelines, the terms "connected" and "linked" as used in this application have the meaning of establishing electrical connection. The specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0044] To facilitate understanding, we will first provide a brief introduction and explanation of some terms or basic concepts of technology involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0045] Refrigerant: A substance that easily absorbs heat and turns into a gas, and easily releases heat and turns into a liquid. In multi-split air conditioning systems, heat energy is transferred through the evaporation and condensation of the refrigerant to produce a cooling effect.

[0046] Expansion valve: Composed of a valve body and a coil, it is used for throttling and pressure reduction, as well as flow regulation. In a multi-split air conditioning system, the expansion valve allows medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant to be throttled into low-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor. The refrigerant then absorbs heat in the evaporator to achieve a cooling effect, and the valve flow is controlled by changes in the superheat at the evaporator outlet.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the topology of an existing multi-split air conditioning system. (Example:) Figure 1 As shown, the multi-split air conditioning system includes an air conditioning subsystem 101, an air conditioning subsystem 102, an air conditioning subsystem 103, and a first communication bus 104.

[0048] A multi-split air conditioning system includes multiple air conditioning subsystems, each of which includes a communication module. The communication module establishes a binding relationship with the air conditioning subsystem in which it resides, thereby enabling communication between each air conditioning subsystem and the cloud server.

[0049] However, during the process of establishing a binding relationship between the communication module in the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located, the communication module will broadcast through the first communication bus 104 to find the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located. If a communication abnormality occurs at this time, the communication module may establish an incorrect binding relationship with other air conditioning subsystems, causing the communication module to forward control commands to the wrong air conditioning subsystem according to the incorrect binding relationship, resulting in control disorder in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0050] To address the control disorder issues that often occur in current multi-split air conditioning systems, the multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application adds a second communication bus to each air conditioning subsystem, connecting the outdoor unit and communication module within the same subsystem. This achieves a one-to-one correspondence between the outdoor unit and communication module within the same air conditioning subsystem. After the controller obtains the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem through the first communication bus, it sends the connection scheme to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, enabling the communication module to establish a binding relationship with the air conditioning subsystem based on the connection scheme.

[0051] Understandably, during the process of sending the air conditioning subsystem's connection scheme to the air conditioning subsystem's communication module via the second communication bus, because the second communication bus establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the outdoor unit and the communication module within the same air conditioning subsystem, the air conditioning subsystem's connection scheme will not be sent to the communication modules of other subsystems. This avoids the possibility that the communication module might establish an incorrect binding relationship with other air conditioning subsystems, enabling the communication module to forward control commands to the correct air conditioning subsystem based on the correct binding relationship. This prevents the multi-split air conditioning system from experiencing control disorder, thereby reducing the probability of control disorder in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0052] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates a multi-split air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the topology of a multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application according to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the multi-split air conditioning system 10 includes multiple air conditioning subsystems (e.g., air conditioning subsystem 11, air conditioning subsystem 12, air conditioning subsystem 13), a central control panel 14, a first communication bus 15, and a controller 50 (not shown in the figure).

[0054] In some embodiments, the central control panel 14 is connected to the first communication bus 15 to enable interaction with the user and to send control commands to the multi-split air conditioning system in response to user operations.

[0055] In some embodiments, the central control panel 14 can be a billing central control panel, which can obtain the operating data of the air conditioning subsystem 11, air conditioning subsystem 12 and air conditioning subsystem 13 through the first communication bus 15, and calculate the cost based on the operating data of the air conditioning subsystems.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first communication bus 15 may be a homebus communication bus, used to realize communication connections between air conditioning subsystems and between the air conditioning subsystem and the central control panel 14. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioning subsystem 11, air conditioning subsystem 12, air conditioning subsystem 13 and central control panel 14 are interconnected through the first communication bus 15.

[0057] In some embodiments, the controller 50 may be located on the outdoor unit of any one of the air conditioning subsystems of the multi-split air conditioning system 10. That is, the controller of the air conditioning subsystem has the function of controlling the multiple air conditioning subsystems included in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0058] In the embodiments shown in this application, the controller 50 is a device that generates operation control signals based on instruction opcodes and timing signals, instructing the air conditioning subsystem to execute control commands. The controller 50 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The controller 50 can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0059] In addition, the controller 50 can be used to control the operation of various components inside the air conditioning subsystem 11 so that each component of the air conditioning subsystem 11 can perform its predetermined functions.

[0060] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, uses the air conditioning subsystem 11 as an example to illustrate an air conditioning subsystem of a multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the topology of an air conditioning subsystem provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning subsystem 11 in the multi-split air conditioning system includes an outdoor unit 111, multiple indoor units 112, a communication module 113, and a second communication bus 114.

[0063] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 111 is connected to a plurality of indoor units 112 and a communication module 113 included in the air conditioning subsystem 11 where the outdoor unit 111 is located via a first communication bus 15, and the outdoor unit 111 is electrically connected to the communication module 113 in the same air conditioning subsystem 11 via a second communication bus 114.

[0064] The communication module 113 is connected to the outdoor unit 111 and multiple indoor units 112 of the air conditioning subsystem 11 in which the communication module 113 is located via the first communication bus 15, and is connected to the outdoor unit 111 in the same air conditioning subsystem 11 via the second communication bus 114, so as to realize the communication connection between the air conditioning subsystem 11 in which the communication module 113 is located and the cloud server 500.

[0065] In some embodiments, one end of the second communication bus 114 is connected to the outdoor unit 111 in the air conditioning subsystem 11, and the other end is connected to the communication module 113 in the same air conditioning subsystem 11, so as to realize the communication connection between the outdoor unit 111 and the communication module 113 in the air conditioning subsystem 11.

[0066] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 111 includes: a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a liquid receiver, a four-way valve, and an expansion valve.

[0067] In some embodiments, the compressor is used to compress a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharge it to a condenser. The compressor may be a variable-capacity inverter compressor that performs inverter-based speed control.

[0068] In some embodiments, one end of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to a receiver via a four-way valve, and the other end is connected to an expansion valve. The outdoor heat exchanger has a first inlet / outlet for allowing refrigerant to flow through the receiver / outlet between the outdoor heat exchanger and the compressor suction inlet, and a second inlet / outlet for allowing refrigerant to flow between the outdoor heat exchanger and the expansion valve. The outdoor heat exchanger facilitates heat exchange between refrigerant flowing in heat transfer tubes connected between the first and second inlets / outlets and outdoor air. In the refrigeration cycle, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser.

[0069] In some embodiments, one end of the receiver is connected to the compressor, and the other end is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger via a four-way valve. In the receiver, the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor 111 via the four-way valve is separated into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. Furthermore, gaseous refrigerant is primarily supplied from the receiver to the suction port of the compressor 111.

[0070] In some embodiments, the four ports of the four-way valve are respectively connected to the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the receiver, and the expansion valve. The four-way valve is used to switch between cooling and heating by changing the flow direction of the refrigerant in the system piping.

[0071] In some embodiments, the expansion valve consists of a valve body and a coil, and has the function of expanding and depressurizing the refrigerant flowing through the expansion valve, which can be used to regulate the refrigerant flow rate from the outdoor unit 111 to the indoor unit 112. If the expansion valve reduces its opening, the flow resistance of the refrigerant through the expansion valve increases. If the expansion valve increases its opening, the flow resistance of the refrigerant through the expansion valve decreases. Thus, even if the states of other components in the circuit remain unchanged, the refrigerant flow rate to the indoor unit 112 will change when the opening of the expansion valve changes.

[0072] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of indoor units 112 includes an indoor heat exchanger.

[0073] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger has a third inlet for allowing liquid refrigerant to flow between it and an expansion valve, and a fourth inlet for allowing gaseous refrigerant to flow between it and the compressor outlet. The indoor heat exchanger facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer tubes connected between the third and fourth inlets and the indoor air.

[0074] In some embodiments, the air conditioning subsystem 11 further includes a plurality of wired controllers, each wired controller being connected to an indoor unit 112 for interacting with the user and sending control commands to the indoor unit 112 connected to the wired controller in response to user operations.

[0075] Optionally, each of the multiple wired controllers includes a display screen. The wired controller can obtain the set temperature of the indoor unit 112 connected to it and the ambient temperature, and display the set temperature of the indoor unit 112 and the ambient temperature of the indoor unit 112 on the display screen.

[0076] In some embodiments, the communication module 113 is a component used to communicate with external devices or servers according to various communication protocol types. For example, the communication module 113 may include at least one of the following: a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, a wired Ethernet module, a near-field communication (NFC) module, or other network communication protocol chips or NFC chips, as well as an infrared receiver. The communication module 113 can be used to communicate with other devices (user mobile terminals) or communication networks (such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.). Optionally, the second communication bus 114 may be an RS485 communication bus.

[0077] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the communication module 113 of a multi-split air conditioning system and the cloud server 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the cloud server 500 can establish a communication connection with the communication module 113 of the multi-split air conditioning system. Exemplarily, any known network communication protocol can be used to establish the communication connection. The aforementioned network communication protocol can be various wired or wireless communication protocols, such as Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, any cellular network communication protocol (such as 3G / 4G / 5G), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), NFC, or any other suitable communication protocol. The aforementioned communication connection can be a Bluetooth connection, NFC, Zigbee, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), etc. This application embodiment does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that the hardware structure illustrated in the embodiments of this application does not constitute a limitation on the air conditioning subsystem. The air conditioning subsystem may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure, this application provides a multi-split air conditioning system and its control method. The method is applied to a controller, which can be the controller 50 in the multi-split air conditioning system described above. The method includes:

[0081] S101. For each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time, obtain the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem.

[0082] In some embodiments, for each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, in order to establish a binding relationship between the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem, the controller obtains the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time.

[0083] Optionally, the controller may obtain the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem in the following ways.

[0084] Method 1: Active acquisition.

[0085] In some embodiments, after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time, signifying the completion of installation and the start of operation, the controller sends instructions to each device in the air conditioning subsystem via the first communication bus, instructing each device to report its own address number and the connected device. Upon receiving the instructions, each device in the air conditioning subsystem reports its own address number and the connected device via the first bus. After receiving the reported address numbers and connected devices from each device, the controller generates a connection scheme for the air conditioning subsystem, i.e., obtains the connection scheme for the air conditioning subsystem. The connection scheme for the air conditioning subsystem includes the connection relationships between the devices in the air conditioning subsystem, as well as the number of indoor units, the address numbers of the indoor units, the number of outdoor units, and the address numbers of the outdoor units.

[0086] Method 2: Passive acquisition.

[0087] In some embodiments, after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time, each device of the air conditioning subsystem reports its own address number and the connected device to the controller through the first communication bus. After receiving the address number and the connected device reported by each device, the controller generates the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem, that is, obtains the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem.

[0088] S102. The connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem is sent to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, and the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem is controlled to establish a binding relationship between the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem according to the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem.

[0089] It should be understood that the second communication bus connects the outdoor unit and the communication module in the same air conditioning subsystem. When the controller sends the connection scheme through the second communication bus, the connection scheme can only be sent to the communication module connected to the outdoor unit through the second communication bus. This ensures the correct correspondence between the connection scheme and the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem, so that when the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem establishes a binding relationship according to the connection scheme, it can be correctly bound to the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located.

[0090] In some embodiments, the binding relationship is used to establish a correspondence between the communication module and the devices in the air conditioning subsystem, so that the communication module can forward the control commands of the cloud server to the devices in the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located.

[0091] In some embodiments, after the communication module establishes a binding relationship with the air conditioning subsystem, upon receiving a control command sent by the cloud server, the communication module can forward the control command to the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located according to the binding relationship. This can prevent the control command from being sent to the wrong air conditioning subsystem, thereby avoiding the occurrence of control disorder in the multi-split air conditioning system and reducing the probability of control disorder in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0092] For example, suppose a multi-split air conditioning system includes an air conditioning subsystem 11 and an air conditioning subsystem 12. A communication module 113 in air conditioning subsystem 11 is bound to air conditioning subsystem 11, and a communication module in air conditioning subsystem 12 is bound to air conditioning subsystem 12. When communication module 113 receives a control command from the cloud server for air conditioning subsystem 11, it can correctly forward the control command to air conditioning subsystem 11 according to its binding relationship with air conditioning subsystem 11. This enables the cloud server to correctly control air conditioning subsystem 11, preventing control malfunctions in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0093] The above embodiments bring at least the following beneficial effects: The multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment, by adding a second communication bus to each air conditioning subsystem to connect the outdoor unit and the communication module in the same air conditioning subsystem, achieves a one-to-one correspondence between the outdoor unit and the communication module in the same air conditioning subsystem. After the controller obtains the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem through the first communication bus, it sends the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, so that the communication module establishes a binding relationship with the air conditioning subsystem according to the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem.

[0094] Understandably, during the process of sending the air conditioning subsystem's connection scheme to the air conditioning subsystem's communication module via the second communication bus, because the second communication bus establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the outdoor unit and the communication module within the same air conditioning subsystem, the air conditioning subsystem's connection scheme will not be sent to the communication modules of other subsystems. This avoids the possibility that the communication module might establish an incorrect binding relationship with other air conditioning subsystems, enabling the communication module to forward control commands to the correct air conditioning subsystem based on the correct binding relationship. This prevents the multi-split air conditioning system from experiencing control disorder, thereby reducing the probability of control disorder in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0095] The above embodiments focus on how the air conditioning subsystem in a multi-split air conditioning system establishes a binding relationship with the communication module. In some embodiments, after the communication module establishes the binding relationship between the communication module and the air conditioning subsystem, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method also includes the following steps:

[0096] S201. Upload the binding relationship to the cloud server.

[0097] In some embodiments, after establishing a binding relationship between the communication module and the air conditioning subsystem, the controller can control the communication module to upload the binding relationship to the cloud server, thus backing up the binding relationship between the communication module and the air conditioning subsystem in the cloud server. In some embodiments, the communication module can obtain the device information of the air conditioning subsystem from the outdoor unit through the second communication bus. After the controller uploads the binding relationship to the cloud server through the communication module, the controller can also upload the device information of the air conditioning subsystem to the cloud server through the communication module, so that the cloud server can determine the control command of the air conditioning subsystem based on the device information of the air conditioning subsystem, thereby completing the cloud control of the air conditioning subsystem. The device information of the air conditioning subsystem includes one or more of the following: operating data, alarm code, manufacturing code, signal code, current time, and geographical location information.

[0098] In some embodiments, after receiving the binding relationship, the cloud server can determine the control command to which each device in the air conditioning subsystem belongs based on the device information and binding relationship of the air conditioning subsystem uploaded by the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem, and then send the control command to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem.

[0099] After receiving control commands from the cloud server, the communication module establishes a binding relationship. Based on this relationship, the communication module can correctly forward the control commands to each device, without forwarding them to other air conditioning subsystems. This avoids control malfunctions, reduces the probability of control malfunctions in the multi-split air conditioning system, and helps ensure the normal operation of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0100] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the method also includes the following steps:

[0101] S301, monitor the first communication bus.

[0102] It should be understood that the basic mechanism of the first communication bus in a multi-split air conditioning system is preemptive communication. Therefore, all devices connected to the first communication bus will compete for communication opportunities to send data. Some devices send a large amount of data, which also occupies a large amount of the first communication bus. The competition for communication opportunities between devices may cause congestion on the first communication bus, leading to control disorder of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0103] In some embodiments, to prevent congestion on the first communication bus caused by similar devices in the multi-split air conditioning system sending the same information through the first communication bus, which could lead to control delays in the multi-split air conditioning system, the controller monitors the first communication bus during the operation of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0104] Understandably, in a multi-split air conditioning system, each device communicates with the others through a first communication bus. Monitoring the first communication bus allows you to hear the information sent by each device through the first communication bus.

[0105] S302. After detecting the inspection information in the first communication bus, determine the information sending device based on the inspection information.

[0106] Among them, inspection information is the information that one device in a multi-split air conditioning system requests equipment information from another device.

[0107] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system is in operation, some devices in the system periodically send inspection information to other devices in the system to obtain their equipment information. For example, a communication module periodically sends inspection information to the indoor unit via a first communication bus to instruct the indoor unit to report its own equipment information. Then, the communication module obtains the indoor unit's equipment information via the first communication bus and uploads it to the cloud server. In this case, the outdoor unit also becomes the information receiving device.

[0108] In some embodiments, the inspection information also includes the address number of the information sending device and the address number of the information receiving device. After the controller detects the inspection information, it can determine the information sending device based on the address number of the information sending device included in the inspection information, so as to identify an information sending device of the same type as the information sending device.

[0109] S303. Control and information sending devices of the same type as the information sending devices shall stop sending inspection information.

[0110] Understandably, after the controller listens to an information sending device sending inspection information through the first communication bus, since the information sending device sends the inspection information through the first communication bus, that is, in the form of broadcast, after one information sending device sends the inspection information, other information receiving devices will also receive the inspection information. Therefore, there is no need for information sending devices of the same type as the information sending device to send the inspection information again.

[0111] Based on this, after the controller listens to an information sending device sending inspection information through the first communication bus, it controls the information sending device of the same type as the information sending device to stop sending inspection information. This can avoid congestion of the first communication bus caused by information sending devices of the same type simultaneously sending inspection information through the first communication bus, and reduce the probability of control disorder in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0112] In some embodiments, after receiving the inspection information, the information receiving device sends a reply message to the information sending device through the first communication bus.

[0113] The reply information refers to the response information from the information receiving device to the inspection information.

[0114] On the one hand, once an information transmitting device sends inspection information through the first communication bus, other information receiving devices will also receive the inspection information, so there is no need for information transmitting devices of the same type as the information transmitting device to send the inspection information again.

[0115] On the other hand, because the first communication bus not only enables the interconnection of the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and communication module within the same air conditioning subsystem, but also facilitates the connection between air conditioning subsystems, when an information receiving device sends a reply message to an information sending device via the first communication bus, the reply message is sent to all information receiving devices via the first communication bus. Thus, devices with the same information requirements as the information sending device can all obtain reply messages regarding the inspection information. Therefore, after the controller detects an information sending device sending inspection information via the first communication bus, it controls other information sending devices of the same type to stop sending inspection information.

[0116] For example, let's take the communication module of an air conditioning subsystem in a multi-split air conditioning system that needs to obtain the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit as an example.

[0117] When the communication module needs to obtain the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit, it sends inspection information through the first communication bus. After listening to the inspection information, the controller confirms that the device sending the inspection information is the communication module, and then controls the communication modules of other air conditioning subsystems to stop sending inspection information. After receiving the inspection information, the communication module replies with the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit through the first communication bus. Because each communication module is connected to the first communication bus, all communication modules of the air conditioning subsystems can receive the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit replied by the indoor unit through the first communication bus.

[0118] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the method also includes the following steps:

[0119] S401, monitors the first communication bus.

[0120] The description of step S401 can be referred to the description of step S301 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] S402. After receiving confirmation information from the communication module of any one of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, control the communication modules of the other air conditioning subsystems to stop sending confirmation information.

[0122] The confirmation message is used to indicate that the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem has received a reply.

[0123] Optionally, the acknowledgment message can be an acknowledgment character (ACK).

[0124] In some embodiments, after a communication module in any of the multiple air conditioning subsystems receives a reply message, it sends an acknowledgment message via the first communication bus to indicate that the communication module has received the reply message. Upon detecting the acknowledgment message on the first communication bus, the controller assumes that all communication modules have received the reply message and controls the communication modules in other air conditioning subsystems to stop sending acknowledgment messages. Thus, by sending an acknowledgment message once to represent that all communication modules have received the reply message, multiple communication modules can be prevented from sending acknowledgment messages simultaneously, reducing the probability of control malfunctions in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0125] For example, suppose a multi-split air conditioning system includes an air conditioning subsystem 11 and an air conditioning subsystem 12. Air conditioning subsystem 11 includes a communication module 113 connected to the indoor unit 112. Communication module 113 is bound to air conditioning subsystem 11, and communication modules in air conditioning subsystem 12 are bound to each other. After receiving a response from the indoor unit 112, communication module 113 sends an acknowledgment message via the first communication bus. Upon detecting the acknowledgment message on the first communication bus, the controller assumes all communication modules have received the response and stops sending acknowledgment messages. This prevents communication modules 113 and 12 from simultaneously sending acknowledgment messages, avoiding control malfunctions in the multi-split air conditioning system and reducing the probability of such malfunctions.

[0126] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the control panel is connected to the multi-split air conditioning system, controlling the communication module in each air conditioning subsystem to enter a silent state; when a communication module is in a silent state, it will stop forwarding control commands issued by the cloud server to the outdoor unit and indoor unit in the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located.

[0127] In some embodiments, the central control panel has a unique device address number. When the multi-split air conditioning system is running, the controller detects the device address number of the central control panel to confirm whether it is connected to the system. To avoid control conflicts between the communication module forwarding control commands from the cloud server and the control commands generated by the central control panel in response to user operations, thus preventing control malfunctions, the controller enters a silent state for the communication modules in each air conditioning subsystem when the central control panel is detected as connected to the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0128] When a communication module is in a silent state, it will stop forwarding control commands sent by the cloud server to the outdoor and indoor units of the air conditioning subsystem in which the communication module is located. At this time, the communication module can still obtain equipment information of the multi-split air conditioning system and upload it to the cloud server.

[0129] In some embodiments, after the communication module enters a silent state, the communication module stops acquiring device information through the first communication bus and only acquires device information through the second communication bus.

[0130] In some embodiments, after the communication module enters a silent state, the controller controls the communication module to upload its silent state information to the cloud server, so that the cloud server can stop issuing control commands. This avoids the cloud server stopping issuing control commands, and also prevents the communication module from forwarding control commands from the cloud server to the outdoor and indoor units of the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located. This avoids control conflicts between the control commands forwarded by the communication module and the control commands generated by the central control panel in response to user operations, thus preventing control malfunctions in the multi-split air conditioning system and reducing the probability of control malfunctions.

[0131] The following example illustrates a control method for a multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application. Figure 9 The diagram shown is an overall flow chart of a control method for a multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0132] For each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, after the multi-split air conditioner is powered on for the first time, the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem is obtained through the first communication bus. The connection scheme includes the connection relationships between the various devices in the air conditioning subsystem. After obtaining the connection scheme, the connection scheme is sent to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus. This allows the communication module to establish a binding relationship between itself and the air conditioning subsystem based on the connection scheme, and then upload the binding relationship to the cloud server.

[0133] When the multi-split air conditioning system is in operation, the controller listens to the first communication bus. When it detects inspection information on the first communication bus, it determines the information sending device based on the inspection information and controls the information sending device of the same type to stop sending inspection information.

[0134] Upon receiving an acknowledgment message from the communication module of any one of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, the system controls the communication modules of the other air conditioning subsystems to stop sending acknowledgment messages.

[0135] This application embodiment can divide the controller into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. Optionally, the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0136] This application also provides a hardware structure diagram of a controller, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the controller 3000 includes a processor 3001, and optionally, a memory 3002 and a communication interface 3003 connected to the processor 3001. The processor 3001, memory 3002 and communication interface 3003 are connected via a bus 3004.

[0137] Processor 3001 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. Processor 3001 may also be any other device with processing capabilities, such as a circuit, device, or software module. Processor 3001 may also include multiple CPUs, and processor 3001 may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. Here, "processor" may refer to one or more devices, circuits, or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0138] The memory 3002 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this. The memory 3002 may exist independently or be integrated with the processor 3001. The memory 3002 may contain computer program code. The processor 3001 is used to execute the computer program code stored in the memory 3002, thereby implementing the control method of the multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment.

[0139] The communication interface 3003 can be used to communicate with other devices or communication networks (such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.). The communication interface 3003 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0140] Bus 3004 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 3004 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 10 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0141] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which includes computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed on the computer, the computer performs the control method for the multi-split air conditioning system provided in the above embodiments.

[0142] This application also provides a computer program product that can be directly loaded into a memory and contains software code. After being loaded and executed by a computer, the computer program product can realize the control method of the multi-split air conditioning system provided in the above embodiments.

[0143] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0144] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0145] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and other division methods may exist in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the shown or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0146] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0147] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-split air conditioning system, comprising: Multiple air conditioning subsystems, one of the air conditioning subsystems including at least one outdoor unit, multiple indoor units and a communication module, wherein the communication module is used to realize the communication connection between the air conditioning subsystem where the communication module is located and the cloud server; The first communication bus is used to realize the communication connection between the multiple air conditioning subsystems, and to realize the communication connection between the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the communication module in any one of the air conditioning subsystems; The multi-split air conditioning system is characterized in that it further includes: Multiple second communication buses, one end of which is connected to the outdoor unit in one of the air conditioning subsystems, and the other end of which is connected to the communication module in the same air conditioning subsystem, for realizing the communication connection between the outdoor unit and the communication module in one of the air conditioning subsystems; The controller is configured as follows: For each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time, the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem is obtained through the first communication bus; wherein, the connection scheme includes the connection relationship between each device in the air conditioning subsystem; The connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem is sent to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, and the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem is controlled to establish a binding relationship between the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem according to the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem. The communication module of the air conditioning subsystem is controlled to upload the binding relationship to the cloud server; wherein, for each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, the device information of the air conditioning subsystem is sent to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, and the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem is controlled to upload the device information of the air conditioning subsystem to the cloud server.

2. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: Monitor the first communication bus; After detecting inspection information in the first communication bus, the information sending device is determined based on the inspection information. Control information sending devices of the same type as the information sending device to stop sending the inspection information.

3. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: Monitor the first communication bus; Upon receiving confirmation information from the communication module of any one of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, the system controls the communication modules of the other air conditioning subsystems to stop sending confirmation information. The confirmation information is used to indicate that the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem has received a reply, which is the reply from the information receiving device to the inspection information.

4. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The central control screen is connected to the first communication bus and is used to enable interaction with the user; The controller is also configured to: When the control panel is connected to the multi-split air conditioning system, the communication module in each air conditioning subsystem is controlled to enter a silent state; when a communication module is in a silent state, the control commands issued by the cloud server will stop being forwarded to the outdoor and indoor units of the air conditioning subsystem in which the communication module is located.

5. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second communication bus is an RS485 communication bus; the equipment information of the air conditioning subsystem includes one or more of the following: the operating data of the air conditioning subsystem, alarm code, manufacturing code, signal code, current time, and geographical location information.

6. A control method for a multi-split air conditioning system, characterized in that, The method, applied to the multi-split air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-5, comprises: For each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, after the multi-split air conditioning system is powered on for the first time, the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem is obtained; wherein, the connection scheme includes the connection relationship between each device in the air conditioning subsystem; The connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem is sent to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, and the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem is controlled to establish a binding relationship between the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem and the air conditioning subsystem according to the connection scheme of the air conditioning subsystem. The communication module of the air conditioning subsystem is controlled to upload the binding relationship to the cloud server; wherein, for each of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, the device information of the air conditioning subsystem is sent to the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem through the second communication bus, and the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem is controlled to upload the device information of the air conditioning subsystem to the cloud server.

7. The control method for a multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: Monitor the first communication bus; After detecting inspection information in the first communication bus, the information sending device is determined based on the inspection information. Control information sending devices of the same type as the information sending device to stop sending the inspection information.

8. The control method for a multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Monitor the first communication bus; Upon receiving confirmation information from the communication module of any one of the multiple air conditioning subsystems, the system controls the communication modules of the other air conditioning subsystems to stop sending confirmation information. The confirmation information is used to indicate that the communication module of the air conditioning subsystem has received a reply, which is the reply from the information receiving device to the inspection information.

9. The control method for a multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: When the control panel is connected to the multi-split air conditioning system, the communication module of each air conditioning subsystem is controlled to enter a silent state. When one of the communication modules is in a silent state, it will stop forwarding control commands issued by the cloud server to the outdoor and indoor units of the air conditioning subsystem in which the communication module is located.

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