A method and device for grouping control of indoor units in a unit, a control system and an air conditioning unit

Abstract

The application provides a group control method and device for indoor units in a unit, a control system and an air conditioning unit. When it is detected that a user has a group control requirement, the method scans whether there is an indoor unit with the same group number but not belonging to the indoor unit group selected by the user in the unit network. When it is determined that there is a conflicting indoor unit, a preset data is issued according to a preset data, instead of directly issuing a control data frame according to the group number of the indoor unit group selected by the user, so that the problem of incorrect control caused by mechanically issuing a control data frame according to the group number is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent control technology, specifically to a method, device, control system, and air conditioning unit for group control of indoor units. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of multi-split air conditioners in engineering applications, users often need to control the multi-split units in different zones in actual engineering applications. The group control requirement of multi-split units has become a requirement that control equipment must meet.

[0003] For example, multiple control rooms located on different floors within a building may want to control hundreds of air conditioning units in that building. For common multi-split air conditioning units using CAN communication, the following problems typically arise when using zoned control:

[0004] Since multi-unit air conditioning systems can consist of hundreds of devices, and because the data types of the control units are diverse, such as Boolean on / off variables, single-byte and double-byte variables, and parameters like fan speed and temperature, controlling a single indoor unit requires multiple data frames (usually more than 3 frames). Therefore, when the number of units to be controlled is large, the number of control data frames that need to be sent can reach thousands. Considering that the control equipment and the indoor units are not on the same network, in order to avoid frame loss, multiple data transmissions are usually required, and a certain time interval needs to be maintained between frames. As a result, completing a complete area control often takes several minutes, which degrades the user experience.

[0005] To address this issue, some existing control devices employ a group number-based control method. This involves assigning the controllable indoor units to a group, giving it a name, and assigning a group number to all indoor units within that group. When a user issues group control commands, they simply send the group number for the current group. This process typically requires no more than 10 frames of data and is very fast. However, this control method has a serious problem: when multiple control devices exist, or when an indoor unit has been grouped and assigned a group number by another device, if a user sends group control data using a specific control device, an indoor unit outside that group will also be controlled if its group number matches the currently assigned group number. This results in indoor units outside the designated group being controlled. The situation becomes even more complex when multiple control devices are connected to the network and managed by different administrators.

[0006] For the reasons mentioned above, when performing group control on devices using CAN communication, it is necessary to complete the data control frame transmission in the shortest possible time, while ensuring that control is applied only to all indoor units within the group area. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide a method, device, control system and air conditioning unit for group control of indoor units, so as to solve the problem of miscontrol that easily occurs when using group number control in the CAN communication multi-indoor unit area control in related technologies.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for group control of units within a generator set is provided, applicable to a generator set control device, comprising:

[0010] When it is detected that a user has selected any indoor unit group and needs to control the indoor units in that group, the system scans the unit network for indoor units with the same group number that do not belong to the indoor unit group selected by the user.

[0011] If an alternative group number exists, select one for the user-selected intranet group according to the preset data delivery strategy; otherwise, directly deliver control data frames according to the group number of the user-selected intranet group.

[0012] Preferably, the step of selecting an alternative group number for the user-selected intranet group according to a preset data delivery strategy includes:

[0013] In addition to the group number of the indoor unit group selected by the user, traverse the other group numbers registered and managed by the current unit control device, and determine whether the indoor units in other group numbers belong to a subset of the indoor unit group selected by the user.

[0014] If any indoor unit in any group number belongs to a subset of the indoor unit group selected by the user, the group number is marked as a candidate group number, and the system scans for the same group number in the unit network. If it does not exist, the candidate group number is marked as a substitute group number, and a control data frame is sent according to the substitute group number. For other indoor units in the indoor unit group selected by the user that are not in the subset, a control data frame is sent individually for each unit.

[0015] Preferably, if multiple alternative group numbers satisfy the conditions, the step of issuing control data frames according to the alternative group number includes:

[0016] If the internal units in each alternative group number do not overlap, send a control data frame to each alternative group number;

[0017] If there is partial overlap between the internal units in any two alternative group numbers, a control data frame is sent to the alternative group number containing the largest number of internal units.

[0018] Preferably, the method further includes:

[0019] If no alternative group number exists, control data frames are sent individually to each of the indoor units within the user-selected indoor unit group; or...

[0020] If no alternative group number exists, control data frames will be sent individually to each of the indoor units in the user-selected indoor unit group.

[0021] Preferably, the method further includes:

[0022] After the connected unit network is powered on and running, it acquires the device information of all indoor units, including at least the indoor unit number.

[0023] When the number of indoor units detected matches the actual number of indoor units installed in the project, an indoor unit management page is output for users to register and manage the indoor units.

[0024] Obtain the group number information of all indoor units and generate a group number list for each indoor unit. The group number list stores the number of the unit control device that has registered management authority over the current indoor unit, and the group number under that unit control device.

[0025] Preferably, the method further includes:

[0026] Store group information created by users according to management needs. The group information includes at least the group number and the internal unit number under each group number.

[0027] Update the group number list for each internal unit, and refresh the group number list periodically.

[0028] Preferably, the scanning unit network includes units with the same group number that do not belong to the user-selected unit group, specifically:

[0029] The scanner lists the group numbers of all indoor units on the network other than the user-selected group, and determines whether there is a group number in the list that is the same as the user-selected group.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a unit control device is provided, comprising:

[0031] A processor, and a memory connected to the processor;

[0032] The memory is used to store computer programs;

[0033] The processor is used to call and execute the computer program in the memory to perform the above-described method.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a control system for an air conditioning unit is provided, comprising:

[0035] Multiple indoor units, and multiple of the aforementioned unit control devices.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning unit is provided, comprising:

[0037] The aforementioned control system.

[0038] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention may include the following beneficial effects:

[0039] When a user's need for group control is detected, the system scans the network for indoor units with the same group number that do not belong to the user's selected group. If a conflicting indoor unit is identified, the system sends control data frames according to a preset data delivery strategy, rather than directly according to the group number of the user's selected indoor unit group. This avoids the miscontrol problem caused by mechanically sending control data frames according to the group number. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a group control method for unit-in-units according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a multi-unit control system according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a unit-internal unit group control method according to an exemplary embodiment. This method is applicable to unit control devices, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0045] Step S11: When it is detected that the user has selected any indoor unit group and needs to control the indoor units in the group, scan the unit network for indoor units with the same group number but not belonging to the indoor unit group selected by the user.

[0046] Step S12: If it exists, select an alternative group number for the user-selected intranet group according to the preset data delivery strategy; otherwise, directly send control data frames according to the group number of the user-selected intranet group.

[0047] It should be noted that the technical solution provided in this embodiment is applicable to Figure 2 In the multi-unit control system shown (this system is based on CAN bus communication), in practical applications, it is loaded onto... Figure 2 The unit control device operates within a central control unit, such as unit control device A, unit control device B, ..., unit control device N. In practice, the unit control device can be a display panel or a host computer located in different central control rooms.

[0048] In CAN communication unit engineering projects, depending on the actual needs of the user, it is usually necessary to control the indoor units in the network through multiple unit control devices. Each unit control device can manage indoor units within a certain area or all areas, and each indoor unit can also be managed by multiple unit control devices. Within a unit control device, different groups can be set up as needed. Each group can contain any number of registered and managed indoor units. Different groups within the same unit control device have different group numbers, while group numbers within the same unit control device can be the same. The same indoor unit can be set to multiple group numbers, meaning it can be managed by multiple different groups.

[0049] It is understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment, when detecting that a user has a group control requirement, scans the unit network to see if there are any indoor units with the same group number but not belonging to the indoor unit group selected by the user. When it is determined that there are conflicting indoor units, it sends control data frames according to a preset data sending strategy, instead of directly sending control data frames according to the group number of the indoor unit group selected by the user. This avoids the problem of miscontrol caused by mechanically sending control data frames according to the group number.

[0050] In practice, step S12, which involves selecting an alternative group number for the user-selected intranet group based on a preset data distribution strategy, includes:

[0051] In addition to the group number of the indoor unit group selected by the user, traverse the other group numbers registered and managed by the current unit control device, and determine whether the indoor units in other group numbers belong to a subset of the indoor unit group selected by the user.

[0052] If any indoor unit in any group number belongs to a subset of the indoor unit group selected by the user, the group number is marked as a candidate group number, and the system scans for the same group number in the unit network. If it does not exist, the candidate group number is marked as a substitute group number, and a control data frame is sent according to the substitute group number. For other indoor units in the indoor unit group selected by the user that are not in the subset, a control data frame is sent individually for each unit.

[0053] To facilitate understanding, an example is provided in Table 1. Referring to Table 1, assume that two unit control devices are connected to the current unit network (in actual applications, the number of unit control devices may be more than two; for ease of explanation, two are used as an example here), namely unit control device A and unit control device B. The internal units registered and managed by unit control device A are divided into 7 groups, namely groupNo1 to groupNo7, and the internal units registered and managed by unit control device B are divided into 4 groups, namely groupNo1 to groupNo4.

[0054] Assuming the current unit control device is Unit Control Device A, and the user selects the indoor unit group number as groupNo1 on Unit Control Device A (with indoor unit numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), since Unit Control Device B also has groupNo1 (with indoor unit numbers 9, 11, 13), if the control data frame is sent directly using groupNo1, it will mistakenly control indoor units 9, 11, and 13.

[0055] To address the issue of miscontrol, the system iterates through other group numbers (groupNo2 to groupNo7) registered and managed by the current unit control device to determine if the indoor units within these other group numbers belong to a subset of the user-selected indoor unit group. After matching and determining, it was found that the indoor units in groupNo2, groupNo4, and groupNo5 are all subsets of groupNo1. groupNo2, groupNo4, and groupNo5 are marked as candidate group numbers. However, after comparison, it was discovered that unit control device B also has group numbers groupNo2 and groupNo4, but not group number groupNo5. Therefore, groupNo5 is marked as a substitute group number, and control data frames are sent according to this substitute group number (groupNo5). Control data frames are then sent individually to each of the other indoor units (indoor unit numbers 7 and 8) within the user-selected indoor unit group groupNo1 that are not in the subset.

[0056]

[0057] Table 1

[0058] In practice, if multiple alternative group numbers meet the conditions, the step of issuing control data frames according to the alternative group number includes:

[0059] If the internal units in each alternative group number do not overlap, send a control data frame to each alternative group number;

[0060] If there is partial overlap between the internal units in any two alternative group numbers, a control data frame is sent to the alternative group number containing the largest number of internal units.

[0061] To facilitate understanding, an example is provided below using Table 2. Referring to Table 2, assume that two unit control devices are connected to the current unit network (in actual applications, the number of unit control devices may be more than two; for ease of explanation, two are used as an example here), namely unit control device A and unit control device B. The internal units registered and managed by unit control device A are divided into 7 groups, namely groupNo1 to groupNo7, and the internal units registered and managed by unit control device B are divided into 2 groups, namely groupNo1 to groupNo2.

[0062] Assuming the current unit control device is Unit Control Device A, and the user selects the indoor unit group number as groupNo1 on Unit Control Device A (with indoor unit numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), since Unit Control Device B also has groupNo1 (with indoor unit numbers 9, 11, 13), if the control data frame is sent directly using groupNo1, it will mistakenly control indoor units 9, 11, and 13.

[0063] To address the issue of miscontrol, the system iterates through other group numbers (groupNo2 to groupNo7) registered and managed by the current unit control device to determine if the indoor units within these other group numbers belong to a subset of the user-selected indoor unit group. After matching and determining, it was found that the indoor units in groupNo2, groupNo4, and groupNo5 are all subsets of groupNo1. groupNo2, groupNo4, and groupNo5 are marked as candidate group numbers. However, further comparison reveals that unit control device B also has a group number (groupNo2), but not groupNo4 or groupNo5. Therefore, groupNo4 and groupNo5 are marked as alternative group numbers. Comparison shows that some indoor unit numbers are the same in groupNo4 and groupNo5, but groupNo5 has a larger number of indoor units. Therefore, the default data distribution strategy is: control data frames are distributed according to group number (groupNo5), and control data frames are distributed individually to each of the other indoor units (indoor unit numbers 7 and 8) within the user-selected indoor unit group (groupNo1) that are not in the subset.

[0064]

[0065]

[0066] Table 2

[0067] For illustration, let's assume that the unit numbers under group No.5 in Table 2 are 1, 2, and 6, not 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as shown in Table 2. In the above hypothetical scenario, since the unit numbers in group No.4 and group No.5 are different, control data frames are sent to both the alternative group No.4 and group No.5 simultaneously. For the other unit numbers (unit numbers 7 and 8) in the user-selected unit group No.1 that are not in the subset, control data frames are sent individually to each unit.

[0068] It is understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment, through the above group control data distribution strategy, can complete the group control function with the fewest control data frames, while avoiding erroneous control of other indoor units outside the group. Especially when there are many indoor units on the engineering site, more than one unit control device, and complex engineering wiring, it makes full use of the high efficiency of group number control and the accuracy of single unit control, greatly improving the efficiency of unit group control, while ensuring the reliability of group control.

[0069] In practice, the method also includes:

[0070] If no alternative group number exists, control data frames are sent individually to each of the indoor units within the user-selected indoor unit group; or...

[0071] If no alternative group number exists, control data frames will be sent individually to each of the indoor units in the user-selected indoor unit group.

[0072] It is understandable that if there is no alternative group number, it means that none of the indoor units in any group number in the current unit control device belong to the subset of the indoor unit group selected by the user. Therefore, group control cannot be performed through the group number selected by the user, and there is no suitable alternative group number. Therefore, control data frames are sent individually to all indoor units in the indoor unit group selected by the user to avoid miscontrol.

[0073] If no alternative group number exists, it means that at least one group number in the current unit control device belongs to a subset of the user-selected indoor unit group, but this group number overlaps with the group number in other unit control devices. In order to avoid miscontrol, control data frames must still be sent individually to all indoor units in the user-selected indoor unit group.

[0074] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps before step S11:

[0075] After the connected unit network is powered on and running, it acquires the device information of all indoor units, including at least the indoor unit number.

[0076] When the number of indoor units detected matches the actual number of indoor units installed in the project, an indoor unit management page is output for users to register and manage the indoor units.

[0077] Obtain the group number information of all indoor units and generate a group number list for each indoor unit. The group number list stores the number of the unit control device that has registered management authority over the current indoor unit, and the group number under that unit control device.

[0078] Furthermore, the method also includes:

[0079] Store group information created by users according to management needs. The group information includes at least the group number and the internal unit number under each group number.

[0080] Update the group number list for each internal unit, and refresh the group number list periodically.

[0081] Therefore, in step S11, it is determined whether there are any indoor units in the scanning unit network with the same group number that do not belong to the indoor unit group selected by the user. Specifically:

[0082] The scanner lists the group numbers of all indoor units on the network other than the user-selected group, and determines whether there is a group number in the list that is the same as the user-selected group.

[0083] Taking Table 2 as an example, suppose the user selects the group number of the indoor unit group on the unit control device A as groupNo1 (the indoor unit numbers under it are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). If the group number of indoor units 9 to 20 (assuming there are only 1 to 20 indoor units) is also found to be groupNo1, then it indicates that there is a possibility of miscontrol.

[0084] It is understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment, through the above group control data distribution strategy, can complete the group control function with the fewest control data frames, while avoiding erroneous control of other indoor units outside the group. Especially when there are many indoor units on the engineering site, more than one unit control device, and complex engineering wiring, it makes full use of the high efficiency of group number control and the accuracy of single unit control, greatly improving the efficiency of unit group control, while ensuring the reliability of group control.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] An exemplary embodiment of a unit control device is shown, comprising:

[0087] A processor, and a memory connected to the processor;

[0088] The memory is used to store computer programs;

[0089] The processor is used to call and execute the computer program in the memory to perform the above-described method.

[0090] It is understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment, when detecting that a user has a group control requirement, scans the unit network to see if there are any indoor units with the same group number but not belonging to the indoor unit group selected by the user. When it is determined that there are conflicting indoor units, it sends control data frames according to a preset data sending strategy, instead of directly sending control data frames according to the group number of the indoor unit group selected by the user. This avoids the problem of miscontrol caused by mechanically sending control data frames according to the group number.

[0091] Example 3

[0092] A control system for an air conditioning unit, according to an exemplary embodiment, includes:

[0093] Multiple indoor units, and the aforementioned unit control device.

[0094] It is understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment includes the aforementioned unit control device. When the aforementioned unit control device detects that a user has a group control requirement, it scans the unit network to see if there are any indoor units with the same group number that do not belong to the indoor unit group selected by the user. When it determines that there are conflicting indoor units, it sends control data frames according to a preset data sending strategy, rather than directly sending control data frames according to the group number of the indoor unit group selected by the user. This avoids the miscontrol problem caused by mechanically sending control data frames according to the group number.

[0095] Example 4

[0096] An air conditioning unit according to an exemplary embodiment includes:

[0097] The aforementioned control system.

[0098] It is understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment includes the aforementioned unit control device. When the aforementioned unit control device detects that a user has a group control requirement, it scans the unit network to see if there are any indoor units with the same group number that do not belong to the indoor unit group selected by the user. When it determines that there are conflicting indoor units, it sends control data frames according to a preset data sending strategy, rather than directly sending control data frames according to the group number of the indoor unit group selected by the user. This avoids the miscontrol problem caused by mechanically sending control data frames according to the group number.

[0099] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0100] If the integrated units in the above embodiments are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution 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 computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause one or more computer devices (which may be personal computers, servers, or network devices, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0101] In the above embodiments of this application, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0102] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed client can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between units or modules, and may be electrical or other forms.

[0103] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for group control of internal units within a generator set, applicable to generator set control devices, characterized in that, include: When it is detected that a user has selected any indoor unit group and needs to control the indoor units in that group, the system scans the unit network for indoor units with the same group number that do not belong to the indoor unit group selected by the user. If it exists, select an alternative group number for the user-selected intranet group according to the preset data delivery strategy; otherwise, directly send control data frames according to the group number of the user-selected intranet group. Based on the preset data delivery strategy, select alternative group numbers for the user-selected intranet group, including: In addition to the group number of the indoor unit group selected by the user, traverse the other group numbers registered and managed by the current unit control device, and determine whether the indoor units in other group numbers belong to a subset of the indoor unit group selected by the user. If any indoor unit in any group number belongs to a subset of the indoor unit group selected by the user, the group number is marked as a candidate group number, and the system scans for the same group number in the unit network. If it does not exist, the candidate group number is marked as a substitute group number, and a control data frame is sent according to the substitute group number. For other indoor units in the indoor unit group selected by the user that are not in the subset, a control data frame is sent individually for each unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If multiple alternative group numbers meet the conditions, control data frames are issued according to the alternative group number, including: If the internal units in each alternative group number do not overlap, send a control data frame to each alternative group number; If there is partial overlap between the internal units in any two alternative group numbers, a control data frame is sent to the alternative group number containing the largest number of internal units.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: If there is no alternative group number, control data frames will be sent individually to all indoor units in the indoor unit group selected by the user. or, If no alternative group number exists, control data frames will be sent individually to each of the indoor units in the user-selected indoor unit group.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Also includes: After the connected unit network is powered on and running, it obtains the equipment information of all indoor units, including at least the indoor unit number. When the number of indoor units detected matches the actual number of indoor units installed in the project, an indoor unit management page is output for users to register and manage the indoor units. Obtain the group number information of all indoor units, generate a group number list for each indoor unit, and store the unit control device number that has registered management authority over the current indoor unit, as well as the group number under that unit control device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: Store group information created by users according to management needs. The group information includes at least the group number and the internal unit number under each group number. Update the group number list for each internal unit and refresh the group number list periodically.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Does the scanning unit network contain any indoor units with the same group number that do not belong to the indoor unit group selected by the user? Specifically: Scan the list of group numbers for all indoor units on the network other than the group selected by the user, and determine if there is a group number in the list that is the same as the group selected by the user.

7. A unit control device, characterized in that, include: Processor, and memory connected to the processor; Memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is used to invoke and execute a computer program in memory to perform the method of claim 4.

8. A control system for an air conditioning unit, characterized in that, include: Multiple indoor units, and multiple unit control devices as described in claim 7.

9. An air conditioning unit, characterized in that, include: The control system as described in claim 8.

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