A control method based on a multi-connected central air conditioner

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of air conditioning control technology, and proposes a control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system. The control method includes: Step S1: Obtaining a topology list of online indoor units; the multi-split outdoor unit transmits a control token to the first indoor unit in the topology list; Step S2: The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit possessing the control token processes the first control command from the slave unit and then obtains a second control command; Step S3: If the central controller successfully obtains the second control command, it controls several target indoor units to execute the second control command according to its type; Step S4: The multi-split outdoor unit transmits a control token to the next indoor unit in the topology list, and executes steps S2 and S3, until all indoor units in the topology list have obtained control tokens. This invention aims to decouple the refrigeration system from the central control operation, reducing the cost of central control.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A multi-split air conditioning system is a central air conditioning system where an outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units. Users experience individual control, group control, and full control scenarios during operation. In existing multi-split systems, one approach involves the central controller monitoring the status of the indoor and outdoor unit buses and sending commands for individual, group, or full control via these buses. This requires the central controller to obtain the real-time operating status of all indoor and outdoor units and simultaneously compete for bus access to send commands, consuming system resources and potentially leading to resource contention failures, loss of central control status or command packets. Another approach connects the central controller to the indoor units, which forward the status of the indoor and outdoor units on the bus to the central controller. The central controller also forwards control commands to the bus via the indoor units. While this solves the bus resource contention problem, the indoor units only handle forwarding, and the central controller still needs to parse a large amount of status data, and command forwarding failures can occur.

[0003] Therefore, a control method is needed to integrate the status collection and control functions of the central control system into the indoor unit, thereby decoupling the refrigeration system from the central control operation and reducing the cost of the central control system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to propose a control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system, which decouples the refrigeration system from the centralized control operation and reduces the cost of centralized control.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system is provided. The control method is applied to a centralized control system, which includes: a multi-split outdoor unit and several indoor units. The indoor units are connected to the multi-split outdoor unit via an outdoor unit bus, and each indoor unit is connected to a central controller and several slave units via a corresponding indoor unit bus.

[0007] The control method includes:

[0008] Step S1: Obtain the topology list of online indoor units, and send a control token from the multi-connected outdoor unit to the first indoor unit in the topology list;

[0009] Step S2: After the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token processes the first control command of the slave unit, it obtains the second control command;

[0010] Step S3: If the central controller successfully acquires the second control command, the central controller controls several target indoor units to execute the second control command according to the type of the second control command;

[0011] Step S4: The multi-connected outdoor unit passes the control token to the next indoor unit in the topology list, and executes steps S2 and S3 until all indoor units in the topology list have obtained the control token.

[0012] Preferably, the second control command includes a single control command, a group control command, and a full control command.

[0013] Preferably, if the second control command is a single control command, step S3 includes:

[0014] The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit;

[0015] The target unit executes the second control command based on its own operating status and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the unit that holds the control token.

[0016] Furthermore, if the second control command is a group control command, step S3 includes:

[0017] Retrieve the group control list from the group control command;

[0018] The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit in the group control list;

[0019] The target indoor unit executes the second control command according to its own operating status, and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token in the order of the indoor units in the group control list.

[0020] Furthermore, if the second control command is a full control command, step S3 includes:

[0021] Retrieve the full control list from the full control command;

[0022] The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit in the full control list;

[0023] The target indoor unit executes the second control command according to its own operating status, and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token in the order of the indoor units in the full control list.

[0024] Preferably, after step S3, the method further includes:

[0025] Obtain the status of all target internal units after executing the second control command;

[0026] Determine whether the operating status of the multi-split outdoor unit and the target indoor unit has changed;

[0027] If so, the central controller corresponding to the internal unit that possesses the control token sends the central control system's operating status frame to all slave units;

[0028] If not, proceed to step S4.

[0029] Preferably, the first control command includes a setting command and a status acquisition command. The central controller corresponding to the internal unit possessing the control token processes the first control command of the slave unit, including:

[0030] Get the list of online slave devices;

[0031] The system continuously sends permission tokens to the slaves in the online list. The slaves with permission tokens send setting commands and / or status acquisition commands to the corresponding internal machines.

[0032] The internal unit executes all setting commands and status acquisition commands uniformly.

[0033] Furthermore, before the internal unit executes all setting commands and status acquisition commands, it includes the following:

[0034] An arbitration data queue is generated based on all configuration commands and status acquisition commands;

[0035] The arbitration data queue is logically judged based on the operating status of the internal machine. The logical judgment includes system mode mutual exclusion judgment, execution condition judgment, exit condition judgment, and multi-machine simultaneous operation response conflict judgment.

[0036] Furthermore, obtaining the online list of slave devices includes:

[0037] The internal unit sends a broadcast command to all corresponding slave units;

[0038] The internal unit sends a roll call command to all corresponding slave units. If a slave unit responds to the roll call command within a preset time, the slave unit is added to the online list.

[0039] Otherwise, the slave device will be considered offline.

[0040] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0041] This invention reduces the need for additional centralized control equipment by migrating centralized control functions to the indoor unit, thereby lowering the overall cost of the centralized control system. The centralized controller does not need to parse large amounts of status data, reducing command transmission failures. The centralized controller flexibly manages commands from multiple target indoor units, improving the system's adaptability and intelligence, and avoiding simultaneous command sending and resource contention at the system device layer, which can lead to resource contention failures. Real-time status updates enhance system reliability, and simplified command processing reduces complexity and improves cost-effectiveness. Any indoor unit can be connected to the centralized control system as a centralized controller, simplifying the installation process and configuration. The centralized controller no longer relies on the traditional central control system but interacts directly with each indoor unit, reducing system coupling and increasing flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the centralized control system based on the control method of multi-split central air conditioning provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is the command flow of step S2 in the control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a control flowchart of a single control command in the control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a control flowchart of the group control command in the control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a control flowchart of the full control command in the control method based on multi-split central air conditioning provided in the embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0050] In this invention, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0051] Central air conditioning integrated control system is an advanced technological product with powerful functions and wide application in various scenarios. It provides an efficient and intelligent air conditioning solution by centrally controlling and managing air conditioning equipment. First, the central air conditioning integrated control system has multi-zone control function. Through this system, users can independently control and adjust the air conditioning in different areas. Whether it is a commercial building, office building or residential area, precise temperature control can be carried out according to the needs of each area. Through flexible and personalized control methods, it can meet the needs of different users and improve indoor comfort and energy efficiency.

[0052] Central air conditioning integrated control systems have a wide range of applications. They can be used in large commercial buildings such as office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels. In these places, multiple areas and rooms require independent temperature control to meet the needs of different groups of people. The central air conditioning integrated control system can achieve precise temperature regulation and achieve energy conservation and emission reduction goals through intelligent energy consumption management functions. At the same time, the system's remote monitoring and management functions facilitate the monitoring and maintenance of air conditioning equipment by operation and maintenance personnel, improving the reliability and stability of the equipment.

[0053] A multi-split air conditioning system is a central air conditioning control system where an outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units. Users experience individual control, group control, and full control scenarios during operation. In existing multi-split systems, one approach involves the central controller monitoring the status of the indoor and outdoor unit buses and sending commands for individual, group, or full control via these buses. This requires the central controller to obtain the real-time operating status of all indoor and outdoor units and simultaneously compete for bus access to send commands, consuming system resources and potentially leading to resource contention failures, loss of control status, or lost commands. Another approach connects the central controller to the indoor units, which forward the status of the indoor and outdoor units on the bus to the central controller. The central controller also forwards control commands to the bus via the indoor units. While this solves the bus resource contention problem, the indoor units only handle forwarding, and the central controller still needs to parse a large amount of status data, and command forwarding failures can occur.

[0054] Therefore, a control method is needed to integrate the status collection and control functions of the central control system into the indoor unit, thereby decoupling the refrigeration system from the central control operation and reducing the cost of the central control system.

[0055] A control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system is provided. The control method is applied to a centralized control system, which includes: a multi-split outdoor unit and several indoor units. The indoor units are connected to the multi-split outdoor unit via an outdoor unit bus, and each indoor unit is connected to a central controller and several slave units via a corresponding indoor unit bus.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control method includes:

[0057] Step S1: Obtain the topology list of online indoor units, and send a control token from the multi-connected outdoor unit to the first indoor unit in the topology list;

[0058] Step S2: After the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token processes the first control command of the slave unit, it obtains the second control command;

[0059] Step S3: If the central controller successfully acquires the second control command, the central controller controls several target indoor units to execute the second control command according to the type of the second control command;

[0060] Step S4: The multi-connected outdoor unit passes the control token to the next indoor unit in the topology list, and executes steps S2 and S3 until all indoor units in the topology list have obtained the control token.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, this is the centralized control system used in this method. The multi-split outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units via the outdoor bus Bus2 (OutdoorBus). The indoor units in the figure include duct, ceiling, wall-mounted, and cabinet units. The corresponding slave units include master controllers, slave controllers, central controllers, building management systems (BMS), and protocol converters. The slave units are connected to the indoor units via the indoor bus Bus1 (IndoorBus). Users can choose to connect the indoor units to some or all of the slave units, such as master controllers, slave controllers, central controllers, building management systems (BMS), and protocol converters. The centralized control function is implemented by the indoor units. Each multi-split indoor unit air conditioner master controller is a central controller, while traditional central controllers only serve as displays, cloud control transmission, and human-machine interaction, without being coupled with the protocol logic of air conditioner interaction. This invention decouples the refrigeration system from the centralized control operation, reducing the cost of centralized control. At the engineering installation site, the centralized controller can select any multi-split indoor unit to connect to the system. Furthermore, this invention allows for the free expansion of the main controller, slave controllers, and other controllers, as well as the free expansion of building gateways, protocol converters, and other devices for interconnection, without being limited by the refrigeration system. This truly realizes the free protocol expansion of multi-split air conditioners, the access of multiple control devices, and the upgrade of intelligent links.

[0062] Before step S1, the multi-connector outdoor unit assigns IP addresses to all indoor units on the outdoor unit bus. The outdoor unit summarizes the response information received from all indoor units to form a topology list. The topology list not only reflects the number and status of online indoor units but also includes their connection relationships, which helps with subsequent control sequence and command transmission. After the outdoor master unit assigns bus addresses to the slave units, the master outdoor unit sends a C1 command to transmit a control token. The content of the control token is the outdoor unit's operating status and the bus system's operating status. In addition, it is necessary to verify whether the indoor units are online. The master outdoor unit listens for whether the indoor units are sending data. If an indoor unit is offline and does not send data, and the bus idle time is >= 40ms, then the indoor unit is considered offline, and a control token is transmitted to the next indoor unit in the topology list.

[0063] In step S2, after obtaining the control token, the indoor unit uses its central controller to receive and parse the first control command from the slave units (such as the master controller, slave controllers, etc.). It first executes the control commands within the indoor unit. These first control commands may include setting the temperature, adjusting the fan speed, switching operating modes (cooling, heating, dehumidifying, etc.), or turning the indoor unit on / off. For example, if the first control command is "set the temperature to 22°C and switch the mode to cooling," the indoor unit will immediately adjust its internal settings, and the central controller will activate the compressor and fan to ensure the indoor unit starts operating in cooling mode and sets the temperature to 22°C. Then, based on the status of the central control system, such as the ambient temperature, a second control command is generated to further coordinate multiple indoor units to achieve air conditioning regulation.

[0064] In step S3, if the central controller does not obtain the second control command, the multi-connected outdoor unit directly transmits the control token to the next indoor unit in the topology list. When the central controller successfully obtains the second control command, it identifies the type of the command based on the received command, identifies the indoor unit that needs to execute the second control command, and sends the second control command to the indoor unit that needs to execute the second control command. This process involves identification operations such as parsing the command and matching the IP address of the target indoor unit. After receiving the instruction, the target indoor unit adjusts its operating status according to the specific requirements.

[0065] After the current indoor unit completes control, the multi-split outdoor unit will pass the control token to the next indoor unit in the topology list, ensuring orderly control among multiple indoor units. In this way, the central air conditioning system can achieve sequential control, allowing each indoor unit to have the opportunity to receive the control token and participate in the control process, which helps to enhance the overall coordination of the system.

[0066] In addition, the standardized software interface of the central controller and its loose coupling with the air conditioning system protocol enable independent iteration of the central control, provide diversified central control ecosystem interfaces, reduce the air conditioning function layer, and only realize human-machine input display interaction, which can effectively reduce costs.

[0067] This invention reduces the need for additional centralized control equipment by migrating centralized control functions to the indoor unit, thereby lowering the overall cost of the centralized control system. The centralized controller does not need to parse large amounts of status data, reducing command transmission failures. The centralized controller flexibly manages commands from multiple target indoor units, improving the system's adaptability and intelligence, and avoiding simultaneous command sending and resource contention at the system device layer, which can lead to resource contention failures. Real-time status updates enhance system reliability, and simplified command processing reduces complexity and improves cost-effectiveness. Any indoor unit can be connected to the centralized control system as a centralized controller, simplifying the installation process and configuration. The centralized controller no longer relies on the traditional central control system but interacts directly with each indoor unit, reducing system coupling and increasing flexibility.

[0068] Preferably, the second control command includes a single control command, a group control command, and a full control command.

[0069] Specifically, the design of the second control command includes single control command, group control command, and full control command. This enables a more flexible and efficient control strategy. The single control command can precisely control a specific indoor unit, the group control command allows a group of indoor units to perform the same operation simultaneously, and the full control command can manage all indoor units in a unified manner. This classification not only improves the adaptability of the system but also enhances the user's operating experience, so that the needs in different scenarios can be met.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, if the second control command is a single-control command, step S3 includes the following steps:

[0071] S31: The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit;

[0072] S32: The target unit executes the second control command according to its own operating status and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the unit that has the control token.

[0073] Specifically, in this embodiment, the central control host (air conditioner indoor unit) first sends the reconstructed control data (second control command) to a specific target indoor unit via a 0xCC command. The target address is a single IP address. Upon receiving the command, the target indoor unit will execute corresponding operations based on its own operating status. For example, if an air conditioner indoor unit receives a command from the central controller of an indoor unit possessing a control token to adjust the temperature, such as setting the temperature to 22°C, when executing this command, the target indoor unit will check the following aspects: Current temperature: If the current room temperature is 20°C, the indoor unit will activate the heating function to increase the indoor temperature; Operating mode: such as... If the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the current temperature is higher than the set value, the indoor unit will switch to cooling mode and start working. Energy consumption status: If the indoor unit detects excessive energy consumption, it may choose to delay the execution of commands or optimize operation according to preset strategies (such as economy mode). After completing the check and single-control operation, it will then report the execution result to the central control host (the indoor unit that currently holds the control token), also using the 0xCC command to reply. For example, the indoor unit will reply to the central control host with the current status via the 0xCC command, such as "The temperature has been adjusted to 22℃, and the current operating mode is heating", to ensure that the indoor unit obtains the latest equipment status and execution results.

[0074] During this process, after the indoor unit executes the single control command, it obtains the execution status and broadcasts this status information to the slave unit (e.g., the centralized control handheld device) to ensure that all relevant devices can receive the latest system status in a timely manner.

[0075] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, if the second control command is a group control command, step S3 includes:

[0076] S33: Retrieve the group control list from the group control command;

[0077] S34: The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit in the group control list;

[0078] S35: The target indoor unit executes the second control command according to its own operating status, and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token in the order of the indoor units in the group control list.

[0079] Specifically, the system first obtains the target indoor unit addresses from the group control command, forming a list of indoor units that need to be controlled. The central controller of the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor units in the group control list, instructing them to perform specific operations. Each target indoor unit executes the command according to its own operating status, such as adjusting the temperature or changing the operating mode. The target indoor units send the execution results to the central controller of the indoor units with the control tokens in the order of the group control list to ensure that the central controller receives status updates in real time. For example, if an indoor unit sends the second control command to a single target indoor unit via the 0xCD command, after receiving the command, the target indoor unit first checks factors such as the room temperature, operating mode, and energy consumption status. If the set temperature is 22℃ and the current temperature is 20℃, the target indoor unit will start the heating function; if the current mode does not match, the target indoor unit will automatically switch to the appropriate mode; if the energy consumption is too high, the indoor unit may delay the execution of the command. After execution, the target indoor unit will report the execution status to the central control host via the 0xCD command, such as "the temperature has been adjusted to 22℃, and the current operating mode is heating". The indoor unit with the control token can then obtain the latest status information of each indoor unit.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, if the second control command is a full control command, step S3 includes the following steps:

[0081] S36: Retrieve the full control list from the full control command;

[0082] S37: The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit in the full control list;

[0083] S38: The target indoor unit executes the second control command according to its own operating status, and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token in the order of the indoor units in the full control list.

[0084] Specifically, the central control host extracts the addresses of the target indoor units from the full control command, forming a list of indoor units that need to be controlled. The central controller of the indoor unit holding the control token sends a second control command to each target indoor unit in the full control list, instructing them to perform the corresponding operation. Each target indoor unit executes the command according to its own operating status. For example, it may adjust the temperature, change the operating mode, or start other functions. The target indoor units sequentially send the execution results to the central controller of the indoor unit holding the control token, ensuring that the central control host can receive status updates in real time. For example, if the full control command is "Turn on the cooling mode of all air conditioners and set the temperature to 24°C", and the full control list includes the living room air conditioner, bedroom air conditioner, and study air conditioner, the command is sent to each air conditioner in the full control list via broadcast 0xCF instructions. For example, "Turn on the cooling mode and set the temperature to 24°C". Assuming that the temperature of the study air conditioner has dropped to 22°C and the air conditioner's operating power is also decreasing, based on the current state of the study air conditioner, the temperature of the study air conditioner should be increased to 24°C. Assuming that the temperature of the living room air conditioner is 26°C, based on the current state of the living room air conditioner, the current temperature should be decreased to achieve the purpose of executing the second control command. After execution, the execution results are sent to the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token in the order of the indoor units in the full control list, ensuring that the indoor unit obtains the latest equipment status and execution results.

[0085] Preferably, after step S3, the method further includes:

[0086] Obtain the status of all target internal units after executing the second control command;

[0087] Determine whether the operating status of the multi-split outdoor unit and the target indoor unit has changed;

[0088] If so, the central controller corresponding to the internal unit that possesses the control token sends the central control system's operating status frame to all slave units;

[0089] If not, proceed to step S4.

[0090] Specifically, the indoor units acquire their status after executing the second control command. For example, if they detect a decrease in the study's air conditioner temperature and a change in operating status, the indoor unit with the control token will determine whether the status of the multi-split outdoor unit and the target indoor unit has changed. If the status has changed, the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token will send a central control system operating status frame to all slave units. This frame contains the current operating mode, set temperature, and energy consumption information to ensure that all slave units can adjust their operating status in real time to adapt to the new environmental requirements. If the status remains unchanged, the system continues to maintain the current settings and periodically checks the status of each air conditioner, thereby achieving dynamic and intelligent temperature control management.

[0091] Preferably, the first control command includes a setting command and a status acquisition command. The central controller corresponding to the internal unit possessing the control token processes the first control command of the slave unit, including:

[0092] Get the list of online slave devices;

[0093] The system continuously sends permission tokens to the slaves in the online list. The slaves with permission tokens send setting commands and / or status acquisition commands to the corresponding internal machines.

[0094] The internal unit executes all setting commands and status acquisition commands uniformly.

[0095] Specifically, the internal machine can send authentication messages or commands to the corresponding slave machines. Upon receiving the message or command, the slave machine replies to the internal machine, which then creates and updates the list of online slave machines based on the slave machine's response. When the allocation of permission tokens begins, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the indoor unit sends a command (0xC2) to the first online slave unit, granting it control privileges. The slave unit with privileges can then send setting commands (such as command 0xC3, setting the air conditioner's on / off status, mode, or fan speed) or status acquisition commands (such as command 0xC4). Upon receiving these commands, the indoor unit parses the requests, performs logical checks, and executes the received first control command. After executing the request, the indoor unit passes the privilege token to the next online slave unit, ensuring the entire process repeats until all slave units have completed their operations. Simultaneously, the host unit periodically broadcasts the system's operating status (via command 0xC7), enabling all slave units to obtain the latest information promptly. This process ensures the coordination and response speed of the centralized control system, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency of the air conditioning system and the user experience.

[0096] Furthermore, before the internal unit executes all setting commands and status acquisition commands, it includes the following:

[0097] An arbitration data queue is generated based on all configuration commands and status acquisition commands;

[0098] The arbitration data queue is logically judged based on the operating status of the internal machine. The logical judgment includes system mode mutual exclusion judgment, execution condition judgment, exit condition judgment, and multi-machine simultaneous operation response conflict judgment.

[0099] Specifically, upon receiving multiple setting commands and status acquisition commands, the indoor unit will integrate these commands into an arbitration data queue according to priority and time order. This queue contains all commands to be executed and provides the basis for subsequent logical judgments. System mode mutual exclusion judgment can be as follows: cooling and heating modes cannot be activated simultaneously. The indoor unit will check the commands in the arbitration queue; if mutually exclusive commands are found, the command with higher priority will be executed first, and the conflicting command will be removed. Before executing certain commands, the current status of the indoor unit needs to be checked. For example, a temperature setting command can only be executed when the air conditioner is on. If the air conditioner is currently off, the command will be marked as invalid and removed from the queue. Some commands may contain specific exit conditions. For example, when the temperature reaches the set value, the air conditioner can automatically exit cooling mode. The indoor unit will monitor the current status; if the exit condition is met, the relevant command will be executed or adjusted. When multiple indoor units receive different commands simultaneously, conflicts may occur. For example, if two indoor units receive different temperature setting commands simultaneously, the indoor unit will determine whether a conflict exists. If so, it will select one command to execute according to preset priority rules (such as timestamps, slave unit numbers, etc.) and delay or discard other commands. Through this series of logical judgments, the indoor unit can execute commands in a consistent and stable manner, ensuring the efficient operation of the multi-split central air conditioning system and avoiding potential conflicts, enabling it to maintain normal operation in complex environments.

[0100] Preferably, obtaining the online list of slave devices includes:

[0101] The internal unit sends a broadcast command to all corresponding slave units;

[0102] The internal unit sends a roll call command to all corresponding slave units. If a slave unit responds to the roll call command within a preset time, the slave unit is added to the online list.

[0103] Otherwise, the slave device will be considered offline.

[0104] Specifically, the internal unit first sends a broadcast command 0xC0. At this time, the slave units do not need to reply to the internal unit. After the broadcast, the central control host sends a roll call command 0xC1 in sequence, requesting each central control slave unit to report its online status. After sending 0xC1, the central control host waits for the response from each central control slave unit. If a slave unit successfully replies to the 0xC1 command, the slave unit is confirmed to be online. The internal unit stores the addresses of the online central control slave units in the online list. The central control host refreshes the central control slave unit list every 30 seconds and re-executes the above process to ensure the accuracy of the online list and accurately obtain the online status of the slave units.

[0105] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0106] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method based on a multi-split central air conditioning system, characterized in that, The control method is applied to a centralized control system, which includes: a multi-unit outdoor unit and several indoor units. The indoor units are connected to the multi-unit outdoor unit via an outdoor unit bus, and each indoor unit is connected to a central controller and several slave units via a corresponding indoor unit bus. The control method includes: The multi-unit outdoor unit assigns IP addresses to all indoor units on the outdoor unit bus. The outdoor unit then aggregates the response information received from all indoor units to form a topology list. Step S1: Obtain the topology list of online indoor units, and send a control token from the multi-connected outdoor unit to the first indoor unit in the topology list; Step S2: After the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token processes the first control command of the slave unit, it obtains the second control command; The first control commands include setting commands and status acquisition commands. The central controller corresponding to the internal unit with the control token processes the first control commands of the slave unit, including: Get the list of online slave devices; The system continuously sends permission tokens to the slaves in the online list. The slaves with permission tokens send setting commands and / or status acquisition commands to the corresponding internal machines. The internal unit executes all setting commands and status acquisition commands uniformly; The online list of slave devices includes: The internal unit sends a broadcast command to all corresponding slave units; The internal unit sends a roll call command to all corresponding slave units. If a slave unit responds to the roll call command within a preset time, the slave unit is added to the online list. Otherwise, the slave device will be considered offline; The second control command includes single control command, group control command, and full control command; Step S3: If the central controller successfully acquires the second control command, the central controller controls several target indoor units to execute the second control command according to the type of the second control command; Step S4: The multi-connected outdoor unit passes the control token to the next indoor unit in the topology list, and executes steps S2 and S3 until all indoor units in the topology list have obtained the control token.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the second control command is a single control command, step S3 includes: The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit; The target unit executes the second control command based on its own operating status and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the unit that holds the control token.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the second control command is a group control command, step S3 includes: Retrieve the group control list from the group control command; The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit in the group control list; The target indoor unit executes the second control command according to its own operating status, and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token in the order of the indoor units in the group control list.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the second control command is a full control command, step S3 includes: Retrieve the full control list from the full control command; The central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token sends a second control command to the target indoor unit in the full control list; The target indoor unit executes the second control command according to its own operating status, and sends the execution result to the central controller corresponding to the indoor unit with the control token in the order of the indoor units in the full control list.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Following step S3, the following is also included: Obtain the status of all target internal units after executing the second control command; Determine whether the operating status of the multi-split outdoor unit and the target indoor unit has changed; If so, the central controller corresponding to the internal unit that possesses the control token sends the central control system's operating status frame to all slave units; If not, proceed to step S4.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the indoor unit executes all setup commands and status retrieval commands, it includes the following: An arbitration data queue is generated based on all configuration commands and status acquisition commands; The arbitration data queue is logically judged based on the operating status of the internal machine. The logical judgment includes system mode mutual exclusion judgment, execution condition judgment, exit condition judgment, and multi-machine simultaneous operation response conflict judgment.

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