Multi-connected air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-connected air conditioner, which comprises at least one indoor unit, at least one outdoor unit and an unlocking device, the unlocking device is used for controlling the locking or unlocking state of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, the unlocking device comprises a first communication module used for connecting with a cloud platform through a base station, a second communication module used for connecting with the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, an encryption module used for encrypting and decrypting information sent and received by the unlocking device and a master control module, the master control module is configured to, after the unlocking device is networked, after receiving the unlocking instruction and the locking instruction sent by the cloud platform, send the asymmetric encryption data processed by the encryption module to the corresponding outdoor unit or indoor unit through the second communication module, after receiving the verification random number sent by the indoor unit or the outdoor unit after verifying the asymmetric encryption data, send the random number response to the corresponding indoor unit or outdoor unit, after receiving the verification result sent by the corresponding indoor unit or outdoor unit and the locking or unlocking state of the current outdoor unit or indoor unit, the user can connect the cloud platform through the base station by using the user terminal to send the unlocking or locking request, and the unlocking or locking is realized remotely, and the asymmetric encryption data and the random number are used for double verification by using the encryption module, and the safety of the locking or unlocking is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioner technology, and particularly relates to a multi-split air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, due to the inconvenience of moving and disassembling air conditioners after purchase, and influenced by the sharing economy, air conditioners for rent have emerged, greatly facilitating people's lives. However, for the management of operators, rented air conditioners often have a locking function, and the air conditioning unit cannot operate normally without unlocking.

[0003] Currently, conventional unlocking devices mainly involve setting up an unlocking module. Users send an unlocking request to the server via a base station by scanning a code. The server then sends an unlocking command to the unlocking module via the base station to unlock the air conditioner and uses clock signals and other methods to determine whether the unlocking was successful.

[0004] The problems with the above-mentioned unlocking device are that it requires reaching the location of the air conditioner to be unlocked, which is difficult to operate; the security level is not high, and it is easily cracked by third parties; in addition, the unlocking device is difficult to manage, and it is easy to lose because it has no positioning function.

[0005] In view of the above, this application is hereby submitted. Summary of the Invention

[0006] For unlocking devices that can unlock or lock multiple indoor and outdoor units, the security level of unlocking is improved by receiving unlock or lock commands sent by the cloud platform and using asymmetric encrypted data and verification random numbers for dual unlock verification. At the same time, users can remotely send unlock and lock commands to the unlocking device through user terminals and the cloud platform, which can solve the problem of remote control and improve the convenience of use.

[0007] This application embodiment proposes a multi-split air conditioner, which includes:

[0008] An indoor unit, which includes at least one indoor unit;

[0009] An outdoor unit, which includes at least one outdoor unit;

[0010] An unlocking device, used to receive instructions from a cloud platform to unlock or lock the indoor unit and / or the outdoor unit, the unlocking device comprising:

[0011] The first communication module is used to connect to the cloud platform via a base station;

[0012] A second communication module is used to connect to at least one of the indoor units and / or at least one of the outdoor units;

[0013] An encryption module, used to encrypt or decrypt information sent and received by the unlocking device;

[0014] The main control module is connected to the first communication module, the second communication module and the encryption module, and is used to control the operation of each component;

[0015] The main control module is configured to, after controlling the unlocking device to configure the network, wait to receive an unlocking command or a locking command sent by the cloud platform for the corresponding outdoor unit, or wait to receive an unlocking command or a locking command sent by the cloud platform for the corresponding indoor unit; wherein, the locking command or the unlocking command is a command sent by the user terminal to the main control module by connecting to the cloud platform through the base station and using the cloud platform.

[0016] When a corresponding lock or unlock command is received, the second communication module sends asymmetric encrypted data processed by the encryption module to the corresponding outdoor unit or indoor unit.

[0017] Waiting to receive a verification random number sent by the outdoor unit or the indoor unit after performing asymmetric encrypted data verification;

[0018] The main control module uses the second communication module to send a random number response processed by the encryption module to the corresponding outdoor unit or indoor unit;

[0019] Receive the verification result sent by the corresponding outdoor unit or indoor unit, as well as the current unlock status of the outdoor unit or indoor unit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the main control module is configured to broadcast, via the second communication module, the number of the indoor and outdoor units online and their respective unlocking / unlocking status after the unlocking device is connected to the network;

[0021] After receiving the unlock / unlock status returned by each indoor and outdoor unit, the system sends the data to the cloud platform via the first communication module, so that the user terminal can view the unlock / unlock status of each indoor and outdoor unit through the cloud platform.

[0022] In some embodiments, before sending unlock and lock commands through the user terminal, the user terminal needs to be authenticated, and the steps include:

[0023] Users send identity credentials to the cloud platform through their user terminals for identity verification;

[0024] Once the cloud platform verifies that the identity credential is valid, the user terminal establishes a secure connection with the cloud platform.

[0025] In some embodiments, after a user terminal establishes a secure connection with the cloud platform, the user can view the lock / unlock status of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit bound to the unlocking device through the user terminal, and send lock / unlock commands for the corresponding indoor unit or outdoor unit through the cloud platform.

[0026] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit performs anti-cracking verification by receiving two verification signals: asymmetric encrypted data sent by the decryption device and a verification random number sent by the indoor unit.

[0027] If the verification fails for a set number of consecutive times, the corresponding indoor unit and / or outdoor unit will be locked.

[0028] In some embodiments, the system also includes an operator terminal, which is connected to the cloud platform via a base station;

[0029] At least check the unlock status, running time, and cooling / heating status of each indoor unit.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first communication module is configured as a switch for data transmission between the unlocking device and the cloud platform.

[0031] In some embodiments, the unlocking device selects the network configuration method via a DIP switch, and the network configuration method includes at least CAT X and W old type.

[0032] The multi-split air conditioner in the above embodiments includes at least one indoor unit, at least one outdoor unit, and an unlocking device. The unlocking device is used to control the locking or unlocking status of the indoor and outdoor units. The unlocking device includes a first communication module for connecting to a cloud platform via a base station, a second communication module for connecting to the indoor and outdoor units, an encryption module for encrypting and decrypting information sent and received by the unlocking device, and a main control module. The main control module is configured to, after the unlocking device is network-connected, receive unlocking and locking commands sent by the cloud platform, and then send asymmetric encrypted data processed by the encryption module to the corresponding outdoor or indoor unit via the second communication module. After receiving a verification random number sent by the indoor or outdoor unit after asymmetric encryption data verification, the main control module sends a random number response to the corresponding indoor or outdoor unit. After receiving the verification result and the current locking or unlocking status of the outdoor or indoor unit, the user can use the user terminal to connect to the cloud platform via the base station to send an unlocking or locking request to achieve remote unlocking or unlocking. At the same time, the encryption module uses asymmetric encrypted data and random number dual verification to improve the security of unlocking and unlocking.

[0033] This application also proposes a cloud platform electrically connected to an unlocking device, the cloud platform comprising:

[0034] The receiving module is used to receive the unlocking / unlocking status of each indoor unit and each outdoor unit sent by the unlocking device;

[0035] The processing module is used to summarize the received encryption / unlock status;

[0036] The sending module is used to send unlock and lock commands to the unlocking device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the receiving module also receives identity credentials from the user terminal, uses the processing module to determine whether the identity credentials have passed authentication, and the sending module sends the authentication result to the user terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a multi-split air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between a multi-split air conditioner, an unlocking device, and a cloud platform in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a connection diagram of the unlocking device, cloud platform, and user terminal in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of an unlocking device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is the control logic for unlocking a multi-split air conditioner in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is the control logic for locking a multi-split air conditioner in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is the control logic for obtaining the status of each indoor unit and outdoor unit in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 This is the control logic for user authentication in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of a cloud server in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a hardware block diagram of the main control module in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 11 This is the control logic for network distribution using the cat X format in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 12 This is a control logic for network configuration via Wi-Fi in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] In the above image:

[0052] Multi-split air conditioner 100; Main control module 21; Bus 211; Memory 212; Processor 213;

[0053] Communication interface 214; Indoor unit 1; Outdoor unit 3; Unlocking device 4; First communication module 41;

[0054] Second communication module 42; encryption module 43; cloud platform 5; receiving module 51;

[0055] Processing module 52; Transmission module 53; User terminal 6; Base station 7. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0058] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0059] This application discloses a multi-split air conditioner 100, with reference to... Figure 1The multi-split air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit. The indoor unit includes at least one indoor unit 1.

[0060] The indoor unit includes at least one indoor unit 1. When there are two or more indoor units 1, the indoor units 1 are connected in parallel.

[0061] The multi-split air conditioner 100 includes the outdoor unit.

[0062] The outdoor unit includes at least one outdoor unit 3. When there are two or more outdoor units 3, the outdoor units 3 are connected in parallel.

[0063] Outdoor unit 3 is installed outdoors. Indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3 are connected by pipes for refrigerant flow.

[0064] The indoor unit 1 includes an indoor housing. The indoor housing forms the outer outline of the indoor unit 1 and houses the internal components of the indoor unit 1.

[0065] The interior casing has an interior air inlet. The interior air inlet is used to allow indoor air to enter the interior casing.

[0066] The inner casing has an indoor air outlet. The indoor air outlet is used to exhaust air from the inner casing. Indoor air enters the inner casing through the indoor air inlet and is then blown out from the indoor air outlet.

[0067] Indoor unit 1 includes an indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger is installed inside the indoor casing. The indoor heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with indoor air entering the indoor casing.

[0068] Indoor unit 1 includes an indoor fan. The indoor fan is installed inside the indoor casing. The indoor fan rotates to allow indoor air to enter the indoor casing. After exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger, the indoor air flows out of the indoor casing.

[0069] In this application, indoor unit 1 includes, but is not limited to, wall-mounted air conditioners, cabinet air conditioners, and ducted air conditioners.

[0070] The outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor casing. The outdoor casing forms the outer outline of the outdoor unit 3 and houses the internal components of the outdoor unit 3.

[0071] The outdoor casing has an outdoor air inlet, which is used to allow outdoor air to enter the outdoor casing.

[0072] The outdoor casing has an outdoor air outlet, which is used to exhaust air from the outdoor casing. Outdoor air enters the outdoor casing through the outdoor air inlet and is then blown out from the outdoor air outlet.

[0073] Outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor heat exchanger, which is installed inside the outdoor casing and is used to exchange heat with the outdoor air entering the outdoor casing.

[0074] Outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor fan, which is installed inside the outdoor casing. The outdoor fan rotates to allow outdoor air to enter the outdoor casing, and the outdoor air flows out of the outdoor casing after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, the multi-split air conditioner 100 includes a remote control. The user inputs commands to the main control module 21 via the remote control to select the operating modes of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 3.

[0076] In some implementations, the operating modes of the multi-split air conditioner 100 vary depending on the model and user needs. In this application, cooling mode, heating mode and shutdown mode are selected for description.

[0077] In the cooling mode, the air flowing from indoor unit 1 into the room is cold air. This cold air can be defined as airflow that is lower than the indoor air temperature.

[0078] In heating mode, the air flowing from indoor unit 1 into the room is hot air. This hot air can be defined as airflow with a temperature higher than the indoor air temperature. The concepts of heating and cooling modes are common knowledge to those skilled in the art.

[0079] In the shutdown mode, the multi-split air conditioner 100 does not improve parameters such as indoor temperature, humidity, and airflow speed.

[0080] To facilitate leasing or provide users with temporary access, it is proposed to use an unlocking / unlocking mechanism for either indoor unit 1 or outdoor unit 3 to control the use of the air conditioner.

[0081] In some embodiments, the operation of the indoor unit 1 can be controlled by controlling the on / off state of the power supply connected to the indoor unit 1.

[0082] In some embodiments, the operation of the indoor unit 1 or the outdoor unit 3 can be controlled by restricting the indoor unit 1 or the outdoor unit 3 from receiving commands.

[0083] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 2 The multi-split air conditioner 100 also includes an unlocking device 4. The unlocking device 4 is used to receive instructions from the cloud platform 5 to unlock or lock the indoor unit 1 and / or the outdoor unit 3.

[0084] Reference Figure 4 The unlocking device 4 includes a first communication module 41. The first communication module 41 is used to connect the base station 7 to the cloud platform 5 to realize data signal transmission between the cloud platform 5 and the unlocking device 4.

[0085] In some embodiments, the unlocking device 4 and the cloud platform 5 communicate via 4G and Wi-Fi.

[0086] The unlocking device 4 includes a second communication module 42. The second communication module 42 is used to connect to at least one indoor unit 1. The unlocking device 4 sends and receives data signals to and from the indoor unit 1 through the second communication module 42 to unlock or lock the indoor unit 1.

[0087] In some embodiments, the unlocking device 4 communicates with the multi-split air conditioner 100 via Homebus.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second communication module 42 includes a Homebus circuit. The Homebus circuit transmits data signals to and receives data signals from the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 3.

[0089] In some embodiments, RS-485 communication may be used between the unlocking device 4 and the multi-split air conditioner 100.

[0090] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the use of an RS-495 module for RS-485 communication or a Homebus circuit for Homebus communication between the unlocking device 4 and the multi-split air conditioner 100 does not restrict other communication methods.

[0091] The second communication module 42 is used to connect to at least one outdoor unit 3. The second communication module 42 sends and receives data signals to and from the outdoor unit 3 to lock or unlock it.

[0092] In some embodiments, the unlocking device 4 can be used to unlock the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 1 respectively. This enables flexible operation of the multi-split air conditioner 100 and precise control of each indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3.

[0093] In some embodiments, indoor unit 1 can be unlocked individually. The number of outdoor units in operation is determined based on the system load calculation of indoor unit 1. The operation of indoor unit 1 is achieved by the user sending an unlock request or a lock request, thereby changing the operating status of indoor unit 1.

[0094] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 3 can be unlocked individually. The operating state of the outdoor unit 3 is changed based on unlock and lock requests sent by the user.

[0095] The unlocking device 4 includes an encryption module 43. The encryption module 43 internally stores encryption and decryption programs. The encryption module 43 is used to encrypt data sent by the unlocking device 4 and to decrypt received data.

[0096] The unlocking device 4 includes a main control module 21. The main control module 21 is connected to the first communication module 41 to control the data transmission between the decryption device and the cloud platform 5, as well as the network configuration of the decryption device.

[0097] The main control module 21 is connected to the second communication module 42 to control the main control module 21 to send decrypted or encrypted data to the indoor unit 1 and / or the outdoor unit 3.

[0098] The main control module 21 and the encryption module 43 are connected. The encryption module 43 is used to encrypt the data sent by the main control module 21 to improve the security of data transmission. At the same time, the encryption module 43 can also decrypt the data received by the main control module 21 to ensure the validity of data transmission.

[0099] In some embodiments of this application, the unlocking device 4 includes a main control module 21. The main control module 21 is used to send instructions to the unlocking device 4 to control the working process of the unlocking device 4.

[0100] The main control module 21 is used to coordinate the operation of the entire unlocking device 4. This includes receiving unlocking and locking commands from the cloud platform 5, sending encrypted data to the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 3, receiving encrypted data sent by the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 3, and uploading the corresponding unlocking and locking status of each outdoor unit 3 and indoor unit 1 to the cloud platform 5.

[0101] Reference Figure 10 The main control module 21 includes a memory 212. The memory 212 may include high-speed random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory (NVM).

[0102] For example, at least one disk storage device 212. Storage device 212 is used to store programs.

[0103] Reference Figure 10 The main control module 21 includes a communication interface 214. The communication interface 214 is used to communicate with related components.

[0104] The communication interface 214 of the main control module 21 is used to communicate with the first communication module 41 and the second communication module 42.

[0105] The main control module 21 includes a processor 213. The processor 213 is used to execute executable modules stored in the memory 212, such as computer programs. The code of the computer program can be in the form of source code, object code, executable file, or some of these forms.

[0106] The main control module 21 includes a bus 211. The bus 211 is used to connect the communication interface 214 and the processor 213. The bus 211 can be an ISA bus 211, a PCI bus 211, or an EISA bus 211, etc.

[0107] The main control module 21 includes at least one software function module that can be stored in the memory 212 in the form of software or firmware.

[0108] In this application, after receiving an execution instruction, the processor 213 executes the program to implement... Figure 11-12 The indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3 are shown in the figure.

[0109] The main control module 21 can obtain the unlock status of each air conditioning unit (i.e., each indoor unit 1 and each outdoor unit 3).

[0110] The lock and unlock states include the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0111] When indoor unit 1 is in the locked state, the cooling components inside indoor unit 1 do not operate. Indoor unit 1 is not subject to commands from the remote control or controller to switch between cooling and heating modes, etc.

[0112] When indoor unit 1 is in the unlocked state, the cooling components inside indoor unit 1 normally receive commands from the remote control or controller to achieve the required cooling or heating.

[0113] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 The unlocking device 4 is equipped with a first communication module 41, which can be connected to the base station 7 to enable wireless communication between the unlocking device 4 and the cloud platform 5 of the user and the air conditioning operator.

[0114] Meanwhile, the user terminal 6 can identify itself using its unique internal IMEI code, and can connect to the network via base station 7 to communicate wirelessly with the cloud platform 5.

[0115] The technical solution in this application includes the working principle of the decryption device for the multi-split air conditioner 100, which makes it easier and safer to use the unlocking device 4 outside the factory to remove certain restrictions on the multi-split air conditioner 100.

[0116] In some embodiments, a user can scan a QR code on the casing of the indoor unit 1, which includes the air conditioner's serial number. After scanning the QR code, the user requests the current status of the air conditioner from the cloud platform 5. The user can send an unlock request or a lock request through the user terminal 6. The cloud platform 5 will interact with the unlocking device 4, sending an unlock command or a lock command to the unlocking device 4. The unlocking device 4 will then interact with the corresponding indoor unit 1 to unlock or lock the indoor unit 1.

[0117] In some embodiments, users can also search for nearby devices based on their own location and the location information on the air conditioner, and select a suitable device on the user terminal 6. They can then request the current device status from the cloud platform 5. Users can send unlock or lock requests to the cloud platform 5 via the user terminal 6. The cloud platform 5 will interact with the unlocking device 4, sending unlock or lock commands. The unlocking device 4 will then interact with the corresponding indoor unit 1 to unlock or lock the indoor unit 1.

[0118] In some embodiments, the main control module 21 unlocks or locks the corresponding indoor unit 1 or outdoor unit 3 according to the received unlock or lock command.

[0119] In this embodiment, the unlocking or locking action of the multi-split air conditioner 100 is performed at the unlocking device 4. Edge computing is employed at the unlocking device 4, allowing data processing at the device location closer to the data source, unlike traditional remote control systems that fail to function when the network connection is unstable or interrupted. This effectively solves the problems caused by network instability.

[0120] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 The main control module 21 is configured to, after controlling the unlocking device 4 to be connected to the network, wait to receive the unlocking command sent by the cloud platform 5 for the corresponding outdoor unit 3, or wait to receive the unlocking command sent by the cloud platform 5 for the corresponding indoor unit 1 (S501).

[0121] The unlocking command is a command sent by the user terminal 6 to the main control module 21 via the cloud platform 5 after connecting to the base station 7.

[0122] User terminal 6 can be configured with interactive platforms such as web pages, apps, and clients to enable interaction between the user and unlocking device 4.

[0123] The interactive platform design in this application is simple, requiring no complex UI interaction; it only needs to fulfill basic command issuance, unlocking device 4, and displaying the status of the target air conditioner. By setting the interface of the interactive platform, a user-friendly interface and experience are provided, simplifying the operation process and facilitating administrator operation. This improves the usability of unlocking device 4.

[0124] The interactive platform is used to display the unlock / unlock status information of the multi-split air conditioner 100 and to receive user input for unlock / unlock commands.

[0125] Users can remotely control and monitor the air conditioning system's lock / unlock status from different locations via user terminal 6.

[0126] In some embodiments, when an unlocking command is received, asymmetric encrypted data processed by the encryption module 43 is sent to the corresponding indoor unit 1 or outdoor unit 3 via the second communication module 42 (S502).

[0127] In some embodiments, a verification random number is received from the outdoor unit 3 or the indoor unit 1 after performing asymmetric encrypted data verification (S503).

[0128] In the above embodiments, the encryption module 43 encrypts the data to be sent using an asymmetric encryption method, which is not easily cracked by third parties, thereby increasing the cracking cost for third parties and effectively improving the security level.

[0129] Asymmetric encryption communication processes only transmit the public key and ciphertext. This means that even if the communication data is intercepted by a third party, the third party cannot obtain the corresponding private key and therefore cannot crack the encryption.

[0130] The purpose of the signature verification here is to prove the identity of the unlocking device 4 and verify the integrity of the data by the indoor unit 1 or the outdoor unit 3, so as to prevent the indoor unit 1 or the outdoor unit 3 from obtaining data that has been tampered with by a third party or incomplete data.

[0131] If the signature verification is successful, it means that the identity of the unlocking device 4 has been verified and the data transmission is complete, and the next verification step can be carried out.

[0132] In some embodiments, the main control module 21 uses the second communication module 42 to send a random number response processed by the encryption module 43 to the corresponding outdoor unit 3 or indoor unit 1 (S504).

[0133] In some embodiments, the verification results sent by the corresponding indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3, as well as the current unlock / unlock status of the outdoor unit 3 or indoor unit 1, are received (S505).

[0134] In the above embodiments, the security of data transmission and device use is guaranteed by the dual guarantee of asymmetric encryption and random number verification.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the unlocking device 4 is responsible for executing the instructions of the cloud platform 5, quickly executing the encryption algorithm, and adopting an asymmetric one-to-one encryption / unlocking method to shorten the overall encryption / unlocking process response time, thus securely and reliably completing the encryption and decryption operations on the multi-split air conditioner 100. Furthermore, the asymmetric encryption / decryption verification is entirely completed locally on the device, ensuring that the core algorithm is not leaked. This ensures secure data transmission and the security of device control.

[0136] Encrypted communication and security protocols are used to protect user data and control commands from unauthorized access.

[0137] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 6The main control module 21 is configured to, after controlling the unlocking device 4 to be connected to the network, wait to receive the locking command sent by the cloud platform 5 for the corresponding outdoor unit 3, or wait to receive the locking command sent by the cloud platform 5 for the corresponding indoor unit 1 (S601).

[0138] The locking instruction is a command sent by the user terminal 6 to the main control module 21 via the cloud platform 5 after connecting to the base station 7.

[0139] User terminal 6 can be configured with interactive platforms such as web pages, apps, and clients to enable interaction between the user and unlocking device 4.

[0140] The interactive platform design in this application is simple, requiring no complex UI interaction; it only needs to fulfill basic command issuance, unlocking device 4, and displaying the status of the target air conditioner. By setting the interface of the interactive platform, a user-friendly interface and experience are provided, simplifying the operation process and facilitating administrator operation. This improves the usability of unlocking device 4.

[0141] The interactive platform is used to display the lock / unlock status information of the multi-split air conditioner 100 and to receive lock / unlock commands input by the user.

[0142] Users can remotely control and monitor the air conditioning system's lock / unlock status from different locations via user terminal 6.

[0143] In some embodiments, when a locking command is received, the second communication module 42 sends asymmetric encrypted data processed by the encryption module 43 to the corresponding indoor unit 1 or outdoor unit 3 (S602).

[0144] In some embodiments, a verification random number is received from the outdoor unit 3 or the indoor unit 1 after performing asymmetric encrypted data verification (S603).

[0145] In the above embodiments, the encryption module 43 encrypts the data to be sent using an asymmetric encryption method, which is not easily cracked by third parties, thereby increasing the cracking cost for third parties and effectively improving the security level.

[0146] Asymmetric encryption communication processes only transmit the public key and ciphertext. This means that even if the communication data is intercepted by a third party, the third party cannot obtain the corresponding private key and therefore cannot crack the encryption.

[0147] The purpose of the signature verification here is to prove the identity of the unlocking device 4 and verify the integrity of the data by the indoor unit 1 or the outdoor unit 3, so as to prevent the indoor unit 1 or the outdoor unit 3 from obtaining data that has been tampered with by a third party or incomplete data.

[0148] If the signature verification is successful, it means that the identity of the unlocking device 4 has been verified and the data transmission is complete, and the next verification step can be carried out.

[0149] In some embodiments, the main control module 21 uses the second communication module 42 to send a random number response processed by the encryption module 43 to the corresponding outdoor unit 3 or indoor unit 1 (S604).

[0150] In some embodiments, the verification results sent by the corresponding indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3, as well as the current unlock / unlock status of the outdoor unit 3 or indoor unit 1, are received (S605).

[0151] In the above embodiment, the main control module 21 is responsible for receiving and executing instructions from the cloud platform 5, and is equipped with a processor and an encryption module 43 to encrypt data and decrypt devices on the device side, thereby reducing dependence on the cloud platform 5.

[0152] Meanwhile, data processing and response control are implemented at the edge layer on the device side, reducing the data transmission latency on the cloud platform 5.

[0153] This application uses cloud computing on cloud platform 5 and edge computing on the device side, combining the advantages of cloud computing and edge computing to create an efficient, fast-responding and relatively robust air conditioning system.

[0154] This application adds a decryption device to the multi-split air conditioner 100. This decryption device interacts with the cloud platform 5 and the user terminal through the base station 7, thereby enabling online locking, unlocking, leasing, and cancellation of the multi-split air conditioner 100. Simultaneously, the operator leasing the air conditioner can use the cloud platform 5 to implement administrator functions in the background, monitoring and controlling the current regional air conditioner operation status in real time.

[0155] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 7 The main control module 21 is configured to broadcast the number of online indoor units 1 and outdoor units 3 and their respective unlocking / unlocking status via the second communication module 42 after the unlocking device 4 is connected to the network.

[0156] In some embodiments, upon receiving the unlock / unlock status returned by each indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3, the information is sent to the cloud platform 5 via the first communication module 41. This allows the user terminal 6 to view the unlock / unlock status of each indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3 through the cloud platform 5.

[0157] The cloud platform 5 monitors the status of the unlocking device 4 in real time and detects anomalies, while regularly updating the software, including the device firmware and front-end application, to address security vulnerabilities and improve performance.

[0158] In some embodiments, the unlocking device 4 automatically reports the locking status information of each unit in the multi-split air conditioner 100 after power-on and network connection.

[0159] When the unlocking device 4 receives the encryption / unlock command, it calls the encryption module 43 to complete an asymmetric encryption verification with the corresponding device, thereby enabling the encryption / unlock function.

[0160] In some embodiments, signature verification is performed based on the security certificate obtained from the outdoor unit 3 to ensure that the main control module 21 inside the unlocking device 4 is a specific chip. Here, a specific chip refers to a legitimate chip.

[0161] The outdoor unit 3 obtains its security certificate through asymmetric encrypted data.

[0162] In some embodiments, before sending unlock and lock commands through user terminal 6, user terminal 6 needs to be authenticated. (See also...) Figure 8 The authentication steps include:

[0163] Users send their identity credentials to the cloud platform 5 via user terminal 6 for identity verification;

[0164] After the cloud platform 5 verifies that the above identity credentials are valid, the user terminal 6 establishes a secure connection with the cloud platform 5.

[0165] In some embodiments, after the user terminal 6 establishes a secure connection with the cloud platform 5, the user can view the lock / unlock status of the indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3 bound to the unlocking device 4 through the user terminal 6. The user can then send lock / unlock commands to the corresponding indoor unit 1 or outdoor unit 3 through the cloud platform 5.

[0166] In some embodiments, the binding status of the unlocking device 4 with each indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3 is set in the early stage.

[0167] A single multi-split air conditioner 100 can be equipped with one unlocking device 4, or multiple unlocking devices 4. That is, the number of unlocking devices 4, indoor units 1, and outdoor units 3 can be matched as needed.

[0168] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 3 further performs anti-cracking verification by receiving two verification signals: asymmetric encrypted data sent by the unlocking device 4 and a verification random number sent by the indoor unit 1.

[0169] Locking the multi-split air conditioner 100 after two consecutive failed inspections can effectively prevent users from making illegal modifications.

[0170] It should be noted that when the unit is locked, indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3 do not receive commands from the remote control or controller, and cannot be unlocked using the unlocking action.

[0171] In some embodiments, a random code can be generated by the cloud platform 5, which can be verified by the user terminal 6 to unlock the indoor unit 1 and / or the outdoor unit 3.

[0172] In some embodiments, the multi-split air conditioner 100 also includes an operator terminal, which is connected to the cloud platform 5 via a base station 7.

[0173] In some embodiments, the operator's end is equipped with a webpage, APP, or client, which is used by the operator's administrators to input commands and authenticate identities.

[0174] In some embodiments, the operator can at least query the unlock status, running time, and cooling / heating status of each indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3.

[0175] Through the above methods, operators can view and control the unlocking / unlocking status of the air conditioner, whether remotely or on-site.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first communication module 41 is configured as a switch for data transmission between the unlocking device 4 and the cloud platform 5.

[0177] In some embodiments, the unlocking device 4 selects the network configuration method via a dial switch, which includes at least CAT X and WIFI configuration methods.

[0178] Cat X, short for LTE UE-Category, refers to the level of a device's transmission rate. UE stands for User Equipment, and Category means classification. According to the 3GPP Release definition, Cat X is divided into 1-15 levels to distinguish transmission rates. Cat 1-5 are in R8 group, Cat 6-8 are in R10 group, Cat 9-10 are in R11 group, and Cat 11-15 are in R12 group. The higher the number, the faster the transmission speed.

[0179] This application uses CAT 1 as an example. Cat 1, which can be called a "low-end" 4G terminal, has an uplink peak rate of 5 Mbit / s and a downlink peak rate of 10 Mbit / s. It belongs to the cellular Internet of Things (IoT) and is a wide-area network. The ultimate goal of Cat 1 is to serve the Internet of Things and achieve low-power and low-cost LTE connectivity.

[0180] In some embodiments, when the CAT X mode is selected using a DIP switch, the control logic of the distribution network is as follows:

[0181] Establish a communication link with the module using AT commands;

[0182] Determine if there is a response. If there is a response, the AT command sends identification information to the cloud platform 5 and waits for the cloud platform 5 to respond. When the cloud platform 5 responds, the air conditioner status is reported periodically and the control command is responded to.

[0183] Reference Figure 11 This explains the control logic for power distribution networks using the CAT X protocol.

[0184] Cat1 is started using the AT_CMD procedure (S1101);

[0185] AT commands establish a communication connection with the cat1 module (S1102);

[0186] Determine if the communication connection is successful (S1103);

[0187] If there is no response in step S1103, then step S1104 is executed to retry. If there is still no response after the set number of retries, an alarm is triggered.

[0188] If there is a corresponding response in step S1103, then step 1105 is executed, and the AT command sends fixed information such as IMEI to the cloud platform;

[0189] Waiting for cloud platform 5 response (S1106);

[0190] Determine if the platform responds (S1107);

[0191] If there is no response in step S1107, then step S1108 is executed to retry. Then step S1105 is executed. If there is still no response after the set number of retries, an alarm is triggered.

[0192] If there is a response in step S1107, then step S1109 is executed to periodically report the air conditioner status and respond to control commands.

[0193] The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), commonly known as the phone's serial number or "serial number," is used to identify each individual mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone, within a mobile phone network; it's like a mobile phone's ID card. The serial number consists of 15 to 17 digits. The first 8 digits (TAC) are the Type Approval Code (6 digits in earlier models), which distinguishes the phone's brand and model. The next 2 digits (FAC) are the Last Assembly Code (only present in early models), representing the final assembly code. The last 6 digits (SNR) are the serial number, representing the production sequence number.

[0194] In some embodiments, when selecting the WIFI mode using a DIP switch, refer to Figure 12 This explains the control logic of the distribution network as follows:

[0195] SoftAP process initiated (S1201);

[0196] Enter router mode and wait for external terminal devices to access (S1202);

[0197] Determine if there is any external terminal device accessing the device (S1203);

[0198] If it is determined in step S1203 that there is access, then step S1204 is executed to receive the Wi-Fi hotspot account and password;

[0199] Restart and enter working mode (S1205);

[0200] Access the cloud platform 5 (S1206) via Wi-Fi hotspot;

[0201] Wait for a response from the access platform (S1207); determine whether a response has been received (S1210).

[0202] If there is no response in step S1210, then step S1208 is executed to retry. If there is still no response after the set number of retries, an alarm is triggered.

[0203] If there is a response in step S1210, then step S1209 is executed to periodically report the air conditioner status and respond to control commands.

[0204] The external terminal device is set to a handheld device such as a mobile phone. SoftAP is a standard network configuration method.

[0205] This application also proposes a cloud platform 5, which includes a receiving module 51. The receiving module 51 is at least used to receive the unlocking / unlocking status of each indoor unit 1 and each outdoor unit 3 sent by the unlocking device 4.

[0206] The cloud platform 5 includes a processing module 52. The processing module 52 is used at least to summarize the received unlock / unlock status of each indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3.

[0207] The cloud platform 5 includes a sending module 53. The sending module 53 is used to send unlocking and locking commands to the unlocking device 4.

[0208] In some embodiments, the receiving module 51 also receives identity credentials from the user terminal 6, uses the processing module 52 to determine whether the identity credentials have passed authentication, and the sending module 53 sends the authentication result to the user terminal 6.

[0209] The aforementioned cloud platform 5 is primarily responsible for user authentication, device management, and data storage.

[0210] The management solution of Cloud Platform 5 mainly identifies the administrator's identity. According to the unlocking and deactivation management process defined in the technical solution of this application, only the backend administrator is allowed to issue unlocking and deactivation commands for the multi-split air conditioner 100.

[0211] At the same time, the cloud platform 5 also needs to monitor the location and working status of the unlocking device 4, and any abnormalities will be recorded on the cloud platform 5 in a timely manner to determine the cause of the failure.

[0212] Finally, for each unlocking / unlocking operation, the cloud platform 5 will record the operation time, the system object operated on, and the status information of the target air conditioning system.

[0213] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0214] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the embodiments and various different variations of the embodiments suitable for specific application considerations.

Claims

1. A multi-split air conditioner, characterized in that, include: An indoor unit, which includes at least one indoor unit; An outdoor unit, which includes at least one outdoor unit; An unlocking device, used to receive instructions from a cloud platform to unlock or lock the indoor unit and / or the outdoor unit, the unlocking device comprising: The first communication module is used to connect to the cloud platform via a base station; A second communication module is used to connect to at least one of the indoor units and / or at least one of the outdoor units; An encryption module, used to encrypt or decrypt information sent and received by the unlocking device; The main control module is connected to the first communication module, the second communication module and the encryption module, and is used to control the operation of each component; The main control module is configured to, after controlling the unlocking device to configure the network, wait to receive an unlocking command or a locking command sent by the cloud platform for the corresponding outdoor unit, or wait to receive an unlocking command or a locking command sent by the cloud platform for the corresponding indoor unit; wherein, the locking command or the unlocking command is a command sent by the user terminal to the main control module by connecting to the cloud platform through the base station and using the cloud platform. When a corresponding lock or unlock command is received, the second communication module sends asymmetric encrypted data processed by the encryption module to the corresponding outdoor unit or indoor unit. Waiting to receive a verification random number sent by the outdoor unit or the indoor unit after performing asymmetric encrypted data verification; The main control module uses the second communication module to send a random number response processed by the encryption module to the corresponding outdoor unit or indoor unit; Receive the verification result sent by the corresponding outdoor unit or indoor unit, as well as the current unlock status of the outdoor unit or indoor unit.

2. The multi-split air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module is configured to broadcast, through the second communication module, the number of indoor and outdoor units online and their respective unlocking / unlocking status after the unlocking device is connected to the network; After receiving the unlock / unlock status returned by each indoor and outdoor unit, the system sends the data to the cloud platform via the first communication module, so that the user terminal can view the unlock / unlock status of each indoor and outdoor unit through the cloud platform.

3. The multi-split air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before sending unlock and lock commands through the user terminal, the user terminal needs to be authenticated. The steps include: Users send identity credentials to the cloud platform through their user terminals for identity verification; Once the cloud platform verifies that the identity credential is valid, the user terminal establishes a secure connection with the cloud platform.

4. The multi-split air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the user terminal establishes a secure connection with the cloud platform, the user can view the lock / unlock status of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit bound to the unlocking device through the user terminal, and send lock / unlock commands for the corresponding indoor unit or outdoor unit through the cloud platform.

5. The multi-split air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The outdoor unit performs anti-cracking verification by receiving two verification signals: asymmetric encrypted data sent by the unlocking device and a verification random number sent by the indoor unit. If the verification fails for a set number of consecutive times, the corresponding indoor unit and / or outdoor unit will be locked.

6. The multi-split air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes the operator's side, which is connected to the cloud platform via a base station; At least check the unlock status, running time, and cooling / heating status of each indoor unit.

7. The multi-split air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first communication module is configured as a switch for data transmission between the unlocking device and the cloud platform.

8. The multi-split air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The unlocking device selects the network configuration method via a dial switch, and the network configuration method includes at least CAT X and WIFI.

9. A cloud platform, characterized in that, Applied to the multi-split air conditioner as described in claim 1, wherein the cloud platform is electrically connected to the unlocking device, comprising: The receiving module is used to receive the unlocking / unlocking status of each indoor unit and each outdoor unit sent by the unlocking device; The processing module is used to summarize the received encryption / unlock status; The sending module is used to send unlocking and locking commands to the unlocking device.

10. The cloud platform according to claim 9, characterized in that, The receiving module also receives identity credentials from the user terminal, uses the processing module to determine whether the identity credentials have passed authentication, and the sending module sends the authentication result to the user terminal.

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