Air conditioner

Abstract

The air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, a plurality of wire controllers and a centralized controller, and the centralized controller comprises a first control module and a first communication module, a second control module and a second communication module, a third control module and a third communication module, and a fourth control module and a fourth communication module which are in communication connection; each communication module is a power line carrier module; the first communication module, the second communication modules and the fourth communication module are connected through a power line bus, and bottom layer networking and application layer networking are achieved. The indoor unit further comprises a controllable switch module which comprises a control end and a switch. The switch is respectively connected with the power line and the wire controller; the control end is connected with the second control module, and the control switch can reset the wire controller; the third control module is configured to receive a handshake signal sent by the indoor unit within the reset handshake duration to complete pairing; and after the bottom layer networking and the application layer networking are completed, the outdoor unit sequentially controls the indoor units to reset the corresponding wire controllers and the wire controllers are paired with the indoor units. The mounting efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] When traditional multi-split air conditioning systems use Homebus or 485 communication between outdoor units, indoor units, central controllers, and wired controllers, commercial air conditioning systems are typically one-to-many. During installation, the wiring between the units needs to be considered, resulting in high engineering installation costs and difficulties, as well as difficulties in troubleshooting communication line contact problems.

[0003] A multi-split air conditioning unit communication network based on broadband power line carrier communication (PLC) connects to the power line communication network through the power supply line of the multi-split unit. Using the power line network as the data communication line not only saves the amount of engineering work for communication line installation, but also reduces the occurrence of poor communication line contact.

[0004] Power line carrier communication has long been used in industries such as electricity meter reading, streetlights, and photovoltaics. Network setup and maintenance are crucial for power line carrier communication. Equipment installation is handled by specialized equipment vendors, with highly skilled installers and relatively fixed installation locations. Network setup can be achieved using the commonly used QR code scanning and whitelisting method in the power line carrier communication industry. However, for multi-split systems, where indoor units are all installed in the ceiling, mounting and scanning QR codes is very difficult for installation engineers.

[0005] For industries such as electricity meter reading and street lighting, a single power line is a network in itself, and all devices communicate with each other within this network. However, for multi-split air conditioning systems, communication is required between the outdoor unit, the central controller, and the indoor unit, as well as between the indoor unit and the wired controller. There is no need for communication between the outdoor unit (including the central controller) and the wired controller. Within the same system, there are a large number of indoor unit and wired controller nodes. If all nodes form a network, it will not only increase the network burden but also make it impossible to determine the correspondence between the indoor unit and the wired controller, thus failing to achieve automatic networking upon power-on.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In response to the problem mentioned in the background art that the communication networking of multi-split air conditioning systems requires manual assistance, resulting in high installation difficulty, reduced installation efficiency, and increased installation costs, this invention, based on the characteristics of multi-split air conditioning systems, enables automatic networking of outdoor and indoor units, as well as indoor units and wired controllers, upon power-up. This solves the problem of complex networking processes that require manual intervention, reduces installation difficulty, improves installation efficiency, and ultimately lowers the installation cost of air conditioners.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, multiple indoor units, and multiple wired controllers; The outdoor unit includes a first control module and a first communication module connected by communication; the first communication module is a power line carrier module. The indoor unit includes a second control module and a second communication module connected via communication; the second communication module is a power line carrier module. The wired controller includes a third control module and a third communication module connected by communication; the third communication module is a power line carrier module. The first communication module and each of the second communication modules are connected via a power line bus and perform underlying networking and application layer networking. The indoor unit also includes a controllable switch module, which includes a control terminal and a switch; the two ends of the switch are respectively connected to the power line and the wired controller; the control terminal is connected to the second control module to control the switch to open or close, and can cause the wired controller to be reset by power-off or power-on; the third control module has a preset handshake duration and is configured to receive the handshake signal sent by the indoor unit within the handshake duration after reset, and complete the pairing with it; after the bottom layer networking and the application layer networking are completed, the outdoor unit sequentially controls each indoor unit to reset the corresponding wired controller and pair with it.

[0009] The air conditioner of this invention, by setting a controllable switch module in the indoor unit and setting the wired controller to be able to pair during a specific period after its reset, enables the outdoor unit and each indoor unit to automatically pair with the corresponding wired controller after the outdoor unit and each indoor unit have completed the bottom layer networking and application layer networking. This achieves automatic networking of the main network formed by the outdoor unit and each indoor unit and the sub-network formed by each indoor unit and the corresponding wired controller, avoiding the need to manually set the networking of the large number of wired controllers in the air conditioner system, reducing the installation difficulty of the air conditioner, improving the installation efficiency and reducing the installation cost.

[0010] In some specific embodiments, a central controller is also included; The central controller includes a fourth control module and a fourth communication module connected by communication; the fourth communication module is a power line carrier module. The first communication module, each of the second communication modules, and the fourth communication module are connected via a power line bus and perform underlying networking and application layer networking.

[0011] The air conditioner in this embodiment, by setting a controllable switch module in the indoor unit and configuring the wired controller to pair during a specific period after its reset, enables the outdoor unit, each indoor unit, and the central controller to complete the bottom-level networking and application-level networking, thereby controlling each indoor unit to automatically pair with its corresponding wired controller in sequence. This achieves automatic networking of the main network composed of the outdoor unit, each indoor unit, and the central controller, as well as the sub-network formed by each indoor unit and its corresponding wired controller. This avoids the need for manual networking of the large number of wired controllers in the air conditioner system, reducing the difficulty of air conditioner installation, improving installation efficiency, and reducing installation costs.

[0012] In some specific embodiments, the underlying network includes: S1. The first control module sends an outdoor device signal to the first communication module; each of the second control modules sends an indoor device signal to each of the second communication modules; the fourth control module sends a centralized control device signal to the fourth communication module. S2, the first communication module replies its MAC address to the first control module, each of the second communication modules replies to each of the second control modules, and the fourth communication module replies to the fourth control module; S3. The first communication module forms a network with each of the second communication modules and the fourth communication module.

[0013] In this embodiment, the air conditioner establishes communication links between the outdoor unit, indoor units, and central controller by statistically analyzing the types of devices connected to each communication module and replying with the MAC addresses of each device. This enables automatic low-level networking between the outdoor unit, indoor units, and central controller, improving networking efficiency, thereby increasing installation efficiency and reducing installation costs.

[0014] In some specific embodiments, S3 includes: S31. The first communication module acts as a gateway to start the network, and collects and registers the MAC addresses of each of the second and fourth communication modules multiple times. S32. Compare whether the number of communication modules registered each time is the same; if yes, proceed to S33; if no, proceed to S31. S33. The collected MAC addresses and corresponding device types are sent to the first control module; the underlying network is now complete.

[0015] In this embodiment, the air conditioner uses the first communication module as a gateway to communicate with each other and collect the MAC addresses and corresponding device types of each communication module to complete the underlying networking. This allows the first control module to communicate with each device, such as the indoor unit or the central controller, based on the collected MAC addresses and corresponding device types. For example, by adding a MAC address segment to the communication signal, it can only be received by the corresponding communication module, thereby achieving communication module-level filtering of irrelevant communication signals, improving communication efficiency, and reducing energy consumption.

[0016] In some specific embodiments, the application layer networking includes: S10: The first control module controls the first communication module to unicast address requests to each indoor unit according to each MAC address, and waits for each indoor unit to reply with an indoor unit address; upon receiving the reply, S20 is executed. S20: The first control module records the indoor unit address and counts the number of indoor unit addresses received; if the number of indoor unit addresses received is equal to the number of communication modules in the underlying network, then execute S30; if the number of indoor unit addresses received is not equal to the number of communication modules in the underlying network, then execute S1. S30. Compare the addresses of each indoor unit to determine if they conflict; if yes, proceed to S40; if no, proceed to S50. S40. The outdoor unit sends address change information to the conflicting indoor unit and waits for the indoor unit to reply with the changed indoor unit address; the received indoor unit address is recorded, and S30 is executed. S50, register the indoor unit address with the central controller, and the network setup is complete.

[0017] In this embodiment, the air conditioner invites indoor unit addresses from the outdoor unit and confirms whether the number of indoor units equals the number of communication modules and whether there are any conflicts in the indoor unit addresses to ensure the reliability and accuracy of application layer communication.

[0018] In some specific embodiments, S50 further includes: S501. When there is no conflict between the addresses of the indoor units, the outdoor unit unicasts a message containing the address of the indoor unit to each of the indoor units to confirm the address of the indoor unit, and waits for the response from each of the indoor units; the central controller listens to the messages of the outdoor unit and the indoor units, and registers the address of each indoor unit. S502. Determine whether all the indoor units have responded; if yes, proceed to S503; if no, re-execute S501. S503. Compare whether the addresses of each indoor unit registered by the outdoor unit are consistent with the addresses of each indoor unit registered by the central controller; if yes, the application layer networking is completed; if no, execute S501.

[0019] In this embodiment, the air conditioner reconfirms the indoor unit address registered by the outdoor unit to ensure the correctness of the indoor unit address. By reconfirming the indoor unit address registered by the outdoor unit and the indoor unit address registered by the central controller, the consistency of the indoor unit address in the outdoor unit and the central controller is ensured, thus ensuring control consistency and improving communication reliability and control reliability.

[0020] In some specific embodiments, if the indoor unit address confirmed by the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is inconsistent with the indoor unit addresses registered by the central controller multiple times, the process returns to S10 to re-perform the application layer networking.

[0021] In this embodiment, the air conditioner sends the indoor unit address to the outdoor unit for confirmation and compares the indoor unit address registered by the outdoor unit with the indoor unit address registered by the central controller. This ensures that the indoor unit address set in the indoor unit is consistent with the indoor unit address registered by the outdoor unit and the indoor unit address registered by the central controller, thereby guaranteeing the stability and accuracy of the network and improving the stability and reliability of communication.

[0022] In some specific embodiments, the controllable switch module is a relay or a combination of cascaded relays.

[0023] In this embodiment, the air conditioner uses a controllable switch module to ensure that the switch meets the power requirements of the power line supply, thereby improving the stability and reliability of power supply and communication.

[0024] In some specific embodiments, the second control module has a preset start-up duration, and the pairing of the indoor unit with the corresponding wired controller includes: S100, the outdoor unit sends a pairing permission to one of the indoor units; S200, The indoor unit controls the wired controller to reset; S300. After delaying the startup time, the indoor unit sends the MAC address and the indoor unit address to the wired controller. S400. After the wired controller successfully receives the signal, it replies with a success signal. S500: After receiving the success signal from the wired controller, the indoor unit sends a pairing success signal to the outdoor unit. S600: After receiving the pairing success signal, the outdoor unit accumulates the number of successful pairings and determines whether the number of successful pairings is equal to the number of indoor units; if yes, each indoor unit is paired with the corresponding wired controller; if no, a pairing permission is sent to the next indoor unit.

[0025] In this embodiment, the air conditioner achieves automatic pairing and networking between each indoor unit and its corresponding wired controller by sending pairing permission from the outdoor unit to each indoor unit. This improves the automation of the networking, thereby increasing installation efficiency and reducing installation costs.

[0026] In some specific embodiments, the indoor unit further includes a load detection module, which is connected to the second control module and one end of the switch, respectively, for detecting the load signal on the power line between the switch and the wired controller and transmitting it to the second control module; After receiving the pairing permission signal, the indoor unit acquires the load signal and determines whether a load is connected. If so, it pairs with the wired controller; otherwise, it sends a wireless controller connection signal to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit receives the wireless controller connection signal, accumulates the number of successful connections, and determines whether the number of successful connections is equal to the number of indoor units.

[0027] The air conditioner in this embodiment uses a load detection module to detect whether the indoor unit is equipped with a corresponding wired controller, which solves the pairing confirmation problem when the indoor unit does not have a corresponding wired controller, improves the reliability and accuracy of pairing between the indoor unit and the wired controller, increases installation efficiency and reduces installation costs.

[0028] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] 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 some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the communication connection of the constituent devices according to an embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the communication connection of the constituent devices according to an embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit connections of the constituent modules according to an embodiment; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the circuit connections of the constituent modules according to an embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the networking process according to an embodiment; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the underlying networking process according to an embodiment; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the underlying networking process according to an embodiment; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the underlying networking process according to an embodiment; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the application layer networking process according to an embodiment; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of application layer networking data flow according to an embodiment; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of application layer networking data flow according to an embodiment; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the pairing process between the indoor unit and the wired controller according to an embodiment; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the pairing data flow between the indoor unit and the wired controller according to an embodiment. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the pairing process between the indoor unit and the wired controller according to an embodiment; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the pairing data flow between the indoor unit and the wired controller according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure label, 1. Outdoor unit; 11. First control module; 12. First communication module; 2. Indoor unit; 21. Second control module; 22. Second communication module; 23. Controllable switch module; 24. Load detection module; 3. Wired controller; 31. Third control module; 32. Third communication module; 4. Central controller; 41. Fourth control module; 42. Fourth communication module. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "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 only for the convenience of describing this application 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 limitations on this application.

[0034] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0038] In this application, the air conditioner performs a refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation to cool or heat an indoor space.

[0039] Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, which compresses it into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0040] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that condenses in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves its cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner regulates the temperature of the indoor space.

[0041] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner refers to the part of the refrigeration cycle that includes the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor unit of an air conditioner includes the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve can be provided in either the indoor or outdoor unit.

[0042] The indoor and outdoor heat exchangers function as either condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode; when the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 The air conditioner of the present invention is a multi-split air conditioner, including an outdoor unit 1, multiple indoor units 2 and multiple wired controllers 3; the outdoor unit 1 is connected to the refrigerant system of each indoor unit 2 and is also connected to each indoor unit 2 in communication; each indoor unit 2 is connected to each wired controller 3 in communication; of course, each indoor unit 2 may be equipped with a wired controller 3, or some indoor units 2 may be equipped with wired controllers 3, while other indoor units 2 may not be equipped with wired controllers 3.

[0044] Specifically, the outdoor unit 1 includes a first communication module 12 and a first control module 11; the first communication module 12 is a power line carrier module, which is communicatively connected to the first control module 11.

[0045] The indoor unit 2 includes a second communication module 22, a second control module 21, and a controllable switch module 23; the second communication module 22 is a power line carrier module, which is communicatively connected to the second control module 21; the controllable switch includes a control terminal and a switch; the control terminal is connected to the second control module 21, and the second control module 21 controls the opening and closing of the switch.

[0046] The wired controller 3 includes a third communication module 32 and a third control module 31; the third communication module 32 is a power line carrier module, which is communicatively connected to the third control module 31.

[0047] The first communication module 12 and each of the second communication modules 22 are connected via a power line bus and perform underlying networking and application layer networking; so that the power line not only supplies power to the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2 respectively; but also realizes power line carrier communication between the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2 through the connection of the first communication module 12 and each of the second communication modules 22 to the power line respectively.

[0048] The two ends of the switch are connected to the power line and the third communication module 32 respectively; that is, the two ends of the switch are connected to the power line and the wired controller 3 respectively; the wired controller 3 can be powered off and powered on by opening and closing the switch, and the power line between the wired controller 3 and the indoor unit 2 is connected when the switch is closed to realize the power line carrier communication between the indoor unit 2 and the wired controller 3 and the power supply of the wired controller 3. That is, the wired controller 3 is powered on and reset or powered off and reset by closing or opening the switch.

[0049] The third control module 31 has a preset handshake duration and is configured to accept handshake signals sent by the indoor unit 2 within the handshake duration after its reset, thus completing pairing with the corresponding indoor unit 2. That is, when the wired controller 3 is powered off and then powered on, the power off or power on resets the device, and the timing starts from the moment of power-on. Within the time limit of the handshake duration, the wired controller 3 can receive handshake signals sent by the indoor unit 2; however, it does not receive handshake signals during normal power supply time other than the aforementioned handshake duration. In other words, the wired controller 3 can pair with the indoor unit 2 within the handshake duration after power-on, but at other times, the wired controller 3 cannot receive handshake signals to achieve pairing.

[0050] When the underlying network and application layer network are completed, outdoor unit 1 sequentially controls each indoor unit 2 to pair with its corresponding wired controller 3. That is, after the underlying and application layer network are completed, outdoor unit 1 sends a pairing permission signal to one of the indoor units 2, causing it to power on and off the wired controller 3, allowing it to receive handshake signals during the handshake duration after power-on. After one indoor unit 2 completes pairing with its corresponding wired controller 3, outdoor unit 1 controls the next indoor unit 2 not yet paired with its corresponding wired controller 3 to pair with it, i.e., controlling it to power on and off, allowing it to receive handshake signals and respond upon receiving them. This process continues until all indoor units 2 have completed pairing with their corresponding wired controllers 3, at which point outdoor unit 1 stops controlling the pairing of each indoor unit 2 with its corresponding wired controller 3.

[0051] The air conditioner of the present invention, by setting a controllable switch module 23 in the indoor unit 2 and setting the wired controller 3 to receive handshake signals for pairing during a specific period after its reset, enables the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2 to automatically pair with the corresponding wired controller 3 after the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2 have completed the bottom layer networking and application layer networking. This realizes the automatic networking of the main network formed by the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2 and the sub-network formed by each indoor unit 2 and the corresponding wired controller 3, avoiding the need to manually set the networking of the large number of wired controllers 3 in the air conditioner system, reducing the installation difficulty of the air conditioner, improving the installation efficiency and reducing the installation cost.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The air conditioner of the present invention is a multi-split air conditioner, including an outdoor unit 1, multiple indoor units 22, multiple wired controllers 33, and a central controller 4; the outdoor unit 1 is connected to the refrigerant system of each indoor unit 22, and is also communicatively connected to each indoor unit 22 and the central controller 4; the central controller 4 centrally controls each indoor unit 2; each indoor unit 22 is communicatively connected to each wired controller 33, so that the wired controller 3 controls the corresponding indoor unit 2.

[0053] Of course, each indoor unit 2 can be equipped with a wired controller 3, or some indoor units 2 can be equipped with wired controllers 3, while other indoor units 2 are not equipped with wired controllers 3.

[0054] Specifically, the outdoor unit 1 includes a first communication module 12 and a first control module 11; the first communication module 12 is a power line carrier module, which is communicatively connected to the first control module 11.

[0055] The indoor unit 22 includes a second communication module 22, a second control module 21, and a controllable switch module 23. The second communication module 22 is a power line carrier module, which is communicatively connected to the second control module 21. The controllable switch includes a control terminal and a switch. The control terminal is connected to the second control module 21, and the second control module 21 controls the opening and closing of the switch.

[0056] The wired controller 33 includes a third communication module 3232 and a third control module 3131; the third communication module 3232 is a power line carrier module, which is communicatively connected to the third control module 3131.

[0057] The central controller 4 includes a fourth control module 41 and a fourth communication module 42; the fourth communication module 42 is a power line carrier module, which is communicatively connected to the fourth control module 41.

[0058] The first communication module 12, each of the second communication modules 22, and the fourth communication module 42 are connected via a power line bus and perform underlying networking and application layer networking; so that the power line not only supplies power to the outdoor unit 1, each of the indoor units 22, and the central controller 4 respectively; but also realizes power line carrier communication between the outdoor unit 1 and each of the indoor units 22 and the central controller 4 through the connection of the first communication module 12, each of the second communication modules 22, and the fourth communication module 42 to the power line respectively.

[0059] The two ends of the switch are connected to the power line and the third communication module 32 respectively; that is, the two ends of the switch are connected to the power line and the wired controller 3 respectively; the wired controller 3 can be powered off and powered on by opening and closing the switch, and the power line between the wired controller 3 and the indoor unit 2 is connected when the switch is closed to realize the power line carrier communication between the indoor unit 2 and the wired controller 3 and the power supply of the wired controller 3. That is, the wired controller 3 is powered on and reset or powered off and reset by closing or opening the switch.

[0060] The third control module 31 has a preset handshake duration and is configured to accept handshake signals sent by the indoor unit 2 within the handshake duration after its reset, thus completing pairing with the corresponding indoor unit 2. That is, when the wired controller 3 is powered off and then powered on, the power off or power on resets the device, and the timing starts from the moment of power-on. Within the time limit of the handshake duration, the wired controller 3 can receive handshake signals sent by the indoor unit 2; however, it does not receive handshake signals during normal power supply time other than the aforementioned handshake duration. In other words, the wired controller 3 can pair with the indoor unit 2 within the handshake duration after power-on, but at other times, the wired controller 3 cannot receive handshake signals to achieve pairing.

[0061] When the underlying network and application layer network are completed, outdoor unit 1 sequentially controls each indoor unit 2 to pair with its corresponding wired controller 3. That is, after the underlying and application layer network are completed, outdoor unit 1 sends a pairing permission signal to one of the indoor units 2, causing it to power on and off the wired controller 3, allowing it to receive handshake signals during the handshake duration after power-on. After one indoor unit 2 completes pairing with its corresponding wired controller 3, outdoor unit 1 controls the next indoor unit 2 not yet paired with its corresponding wired controller 3 to pair with it, i.e., controlling it to power on and off, allowing it to receive handshake signals and respond upon receiving them. This process continues until all indoor units 2 have completed pairing with their corresponding wired controllers 3, at which point outdoor unit 1 stops controlling the pairing of each indoor unit 2 with its corresponding wired controller 3.

[0062] The air conditioner of the present invention, by setting a controllable switch module 23 in the indoor unit 2 and setting the wired controller 3 to receive handshake signals for pairing during a specific period after its reset, enables the outdoor unit 1, each indoor unit 2, and the central controller 4 to complete the bottom layer networking and application layer networking, and controls each indoor unit 2 to automatically pair with the corresponding wired controller 3 in sequence. This realizes the automatic networking of the main network composed of the outdoor unit 1, each indoor unit 2, and the central controller 4, and the sub-network formed by each indoor unit 2 and the corresponding wired controller 3. This avoids the need to manually set the networking of the large number of wired controllers 3 in the air conditioner system, reduces the installation difficulty of the air conditioner, improves the installation efficiency, and reduces the installation cost.

[0063] The specific structure, control flow, and principle of the present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0064] In some specific embodiments, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The underlying network topology includes: S1. The first control module 11 sends an outdoor device signal to the first communication module 12; each second control module 21 sends an indoor device signal to each second communication module 22; the fourth control module 41 sends a centralized control device signal to the fourth communication module 42; each communication module marks the type of the device connected to it; that is, the first control module 11 sends a signal to the first communication module 12 to tell the outdoor unit 1; the second control module 21 sends a signal to the second communication module 22 to tell the indoor unit 2; the fourth control module 41 sends a signal to the fourth communication module 42 to tell the centralized controller 4.

[0065] S2, the first communication module 12 replies to the first control module 11, each of the second communication modules 22 replies to the second control module 21, and the fourth communication module 42 replies to the fourth control module 41 with its MAC address; each control module records the MAC address of each communication module connected to it; that is, the first communication module 12 replies to the first control module 11 with its MAC address; the second control module 21 corresponding to each of the second communication modules 22 replies to the MAC address of each of the second communication modules 22; the fourth communication module 42 replies to the fourth control module 41 with its MAC address.

[0066] S3. The first communication module 12, the second communication modules 22, and the fourth communication module 42 form a network. This network is a low-level network, which can be achieved by registering the MAC addresses of each communication module or by issuing a whitelist of low-level address numbers.

[0067] In this embodiment, the air conditioner establishes a communication link between the outdoor unit 1, each indoor unit 2, and the central controller 4 by statistically analyzing the types of devices connected to each communication module and replying with the MAC addresses of each device. This enables automatic low-level networking between the outdoor unit 1, each indoor unit 2, and the central controller 4, improving networking efficiency, thereby increasing installation efficiency and reducing installation costs.

[0068] Furthermore, the air conditioner in this embodiment uses the MAC address registration method of each communication module for underlying networking, which avoids the difficulties and low efficiency caused by the outdoor unit 1 being installed at a high place and the indoor unit 2 being installed in the ceiling, making it impossible to scan the code or set it up, thus further improving the installation efficiency.

[0069] In some specific embodiments, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 In the network S3 consisting of the first communication module 12, each of the second communication modules 22, and the fourth communication module 42, the following are included: S31. The first communication module 12 acts as a gateway to start the network, and collects and registers the MAC addresses of each second communication module 22 and fourth communication module 42 multiple times. S32. Compare whether the number of communication modules registered each time is the same; if yes, proceed to S33; if no, proceed to S31. S33. The collected MAC addresses and corresponding device types are sent to the first control module, enabling the first control module 11 to achieve targeted communication with the device based on the MAC address and corresponding device type; the underlying network is completed.

[0070] In this embodiment, the air conditioner uses the first communication module 12 as a gateway to communicate with each communication module, collecting the MAC addresses and corresponding device types of each communication module to complete the underlying networking. This allows the first control module 11 to communicate with each device, such as the indoor unit 2 or the central controller 4, based on the collected MAC addresses and corresponding device types. For example, by adding a MAC address segment to the communication signal, it can only be received by the corresponding communication module, thereby achieving communication module-level filtering of irrelevant communication signals, improving communication efficiency, and reducing energy consumption.

[0071] In some specific embodiments, refer to Figure 8 The MAC addresses of the second communication module 22 and the fourth communication module 42 are collected multiple times and registered twice. That is, S31 includes: S311, the first communication module 12 acts as a gateway to collect and register the MAC addresses of each of the second communication modules 22 and the fourth communication module 42 for the first time; S312, the first communication module 12 acts as a gateway to collect and register the MAC addresses of each of the second communication modules 22 and the fourth communication module 42 for the second time.

[0072] In this embodiment, the air conditioner ensures the accuracy of MAC addresses by collecting, registering, and comparing the MAC addresses of each second communication module 22 and fourth communication module 42 twice, thereby improving the accuracy of the underlying network and thus improving the reliability and efficiency of communication.

[0073] In some specific embodiments, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 Application layer networking includes: S10: The first control module 11 controls the first communication module 12 to send unicast address requests to each indoor unit 2 according to each MAC address, and waits for each indoor unit 2 to reply with an indoor unit address; upon receipt, S20 is executed; that is, the outdoor unit 1 sends a unicast message containing a MAC address field to the power line, the content of which is to invite the corresponding indoor unit 2 to reply with an indoor unit address. S20: The first control module 11 records the indoor unit address and counts the number of indoor unit addresses received; if the number of indoor unit addresses received is equal to the number of communication modules in the underlying network, then execute S30; if the number of indoor unit addresses received is not equal to the number of communication modules in the underlying network, then execute S1; that is, reconfigure the underlying network. S30. Compare the addresses of each indoor unit to determine if they conflict. If yes, proceed to S40; otherwise, proceed to S50. That is, if at least two indoor unit addresses are the same, then there is a conflict in the indoor unit addresses. S40: Outdoor unit 1 sends an address change message to the conflicting indoor unit 2 and waits for indoor unit 2 to reply with the changed indoor unit address; record the received indoor unit address and execute S30. S50 and central controller 4 register the indoor unit address, and the network is completed.

[0074] In this embodiment, the air conditioner invites indoor unit addresses from outdoor unit 1 and confirms whether the number of indoor units 2 is equal to the number of communication modules and whether there are any conflicts in the indoor unit addresses, thus ensuring the reliability and accuracy of application layer communication.

[0075] In some specific embodiments, the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, each indoor unit 2, and the central controller 4 form a Mesh network.

[0076] In this embodiment, the air conditioner ensures reliable and accurate communication by forming a mesh network consisting of outdoor unit 1, each indoor unit 2, and central controller 4.

[0077] In some specific embodiments, Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 The indoor unit address S5 registered by the central controller 4 includes: S501. When there are no conflicts between the indoor unit addresses, outdoor unit 1 unicasts messages containing the indoor unit address to each indoor unit 2 to confirm the indoor unit address and waits for a response from each indoor unit 2; central controller 4 listens to the messages between outdoor unit 1 and indoor unit 2 and registers the indoor unit addresses; that is, after receiving an indoor unit address, outdoor unit 1 sends the received indoor unit address to the corresponding indoor unit 2 to confirm its correctness; if correct, indoor unit 2 replies; if incorrect, indoor unit 2 does not respond; central controller 4 listens to the communication between outdoor unit 1 and indoor unit 2, collects and registers the indoor unit addresses; S502. Determine if all indoor units 2 have responded; if yes, proceed to S503; if no, re-execute S501. S503. Compare whether the addresses of each indoor unit registered by outdoor unit 1 are consistent with the addresses of each indoor unit registered by central controller 4; if yes, the application layer networking is completed; if no, execute S501.

[0078] In this embodiment, the air conditioner reconfirms the indoor unit address registered by the outdoor unit 1 to ensure the correctness of the indoor unit address. By reconfirming the indoor unit address registered by the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit address registered by the central controller 4, the consistency of the indoor unit address in the outdoor unit 1 and the central controller 4 is ensured, thus ensuring control consistency and improving communication reliability and control reliability.

[0079] In some specific embodiments, refer to Figure 2, Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 If the indoor unit addresses confirmed by outdoor unit 1 and indoor unit 2 are inconsistent with the indoor unit addresses registered by central controller 4 multiple times, then return to S10 to re-establish the application layer network.

[0080] That is, after outdoor unit 1 sends the indoor unit address to each indoor unit 2 for confirmation, its registered indoor unit address is exchanged and / or compared with the indoor unit address of the central controller 4; if the indoor unit address registered by outdoor unit 1 is inconsistent with the indoor unit address registered by the central controller 4, outdoor unit 1 sends the indoor unit address to indoor unit 2 for confirmation again. During the reconfirmation process, the central controller 4 listens to messages from outdoor unit 1 and indoor unit 2 and registers the indoor unit address; it then exchanges and / or compares the indoor unit address registered by outdoor unit 1 with the indoor unit address registered by the central controller 4; if the above confirmation and comparison are repeated multiple times and the indoor unit address registered by outdoor unit 1 and indoor unit address registered by the central controller 4 are still inconsistent, then S10 is executed again to perform application layer networking.

[0081] In this embodiment, the air conditioner sends the indoor unit address to the corresponding indoor unit 2 via the outdoor unit 1 for confirmation, and compares the indoor unit address registered by the outdoor unit 1 with the indoor unit address registered by the central controller 4 to ensure that the indoor unit address set in the indoor unit 2 is consistent with the indoor unit address registered by the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit address registered by the central controller 4, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the network and improving the stability and reliability of communication.

[0082] In some specific embodiments, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 The second control module 21 has a preset start-up time, which is shorter than the handshake time. The pairing of the indoor unit 2 and the corresponding wired controller 3 includes: S100, outdoor unit 1 sends a pairing permission to one indoor unit 2; that is, it is only allowed to pair with the corresponding wired controller 3; S200, Indoor unit 2 controls wired controller 3 to reset; that is, the second control module 21 of indoor unit 2 controls the controllable switch module 23 to open for a sufficient time and then close again, so that wired controller 3 can achieve power-off reset. S300, after the delayed start-up time, indoor unit 2 sends the underlying code and indoor unit address to wired controller 3; that is, before the handshake time ends, indoor unit 2 sends the underlying code and indoor unit address to wired controller 3; wired controller 3 then replies with a receive signal; the underlying code can be a MAC address or a whitelist code; S400, after the wired controller 3 successfully receives the signal, it replies with a success signal; the success signal replied by the wired controller 3 may include the MAC address of the third communication module 32 or the random address of the wired controller 3; the random address is the address code fixed in the wired controller 3. After receiving the success signal from the wired controller 3, indoor unit 2 sends a pairing success signal to outdoor unit 1. S600: After receiving the pairing success signal, the outdoor unit accumulates the number of successful pairings and determines whether the number of successful pairings is equal to the number of indoor units 2. If so, each indoor unit 2 is paired with its corresponding wired controller 3. If not, a pairing permission is sent to the next indoor unit 2.

[0083] That is, pairing permissions can be sent to each indoor unit 2 according to the address of each indoor unit. Pairing permissions can be sent to indoor units 2 in ascending order of indoor unit address, or in descending order of indoor unit address.

[0084] In this embodiment, the air conditioner achieves automatic pairing and networking between each indoor unit 2 and its corresponding wired controller 3 by sending pairing permission from the outdoor unit 1 to each indoor unit 2. This improves the automation of networking, thereby increasing installation efficiency and reducing installation costs.

[0085] In some specific embodiments, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 The indoor unit 2 also includes a load detection module 24, which is connected to the second control module 21 and one end of the switch, respectively, and is used to detect the load signal on the power line between the switch and the wired controller 3 and transmit it to the second control module 21.

[0086] After receiving the pairing permission, indoor unit 2 acquires the load signal and determines whether there is a load connected to the power line connected to the switch based on the load signal. If so, indoor unit 2 is connected to the corresponding wired controller 3 and sends a handshake signal to the wired controller 3 to pair with it. If not, indoor unit 2 is not connected to the corresponding wired controller 3 and sends a wireless controller 3 connection signal to outdoor unit 1. When outdoor unit 1 receives a connection signal from wireless controller 3, the number of successfully paired units is incremented, and it is determined whether the number of successfully paired units is equal to the number of indoor units 2. Then, the pairing ends or the pairing of the next indoor unit 2 with the corresponding wireless controller 3 begins.

[0087] In this embodiment, the air conditioner uses a load detection module 24 to detect whether the indoor unit 2 is equipped with a corresponding wired controller 3, which solves the pairing confirmation problem when the indoor unit 2 does not have a corresponding wired controller 3 for connection, improves the reliability and accuracy of pairing between the indoor unit 2 and the wired controller 3, improves installation efficiency and reduces installation costs.

[0088] In some specific embodiments, the controllable switch module 23 is a relay or a combination of multiple cascaded relays or a combination of a transistor and a relay.

[0089] In this embodiment, the air conditioner uses a controllable switch module 23 to ensure that the switch meets the power requirements of the power line supply, thereby improving the stability and reliability of power supply and communication.

[0090] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0091] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes an outdoor unit, multiple indoor units, and multiple wired controllers; The outdoor unit includes a first control module and a first communication module connected by communication; the first communication module is a power line carrier module. The indoor unit includes a second control module and a second communication module connected via communication; the second communication module is a power line carrier module. The wired controller includes a third control module and a third communication module connected by communication; the third communication module is a power line carrier module. The first communication module and each of the second communication modules are connected via a power line bus and perform underlying networking and application layer networking. The indoor unit also includes a controllable switch module, which includes a control terminal and a switch; the two ends of the switch are respectively connected to the power line and the wired controller; the control terminal is connected to the second control module to control the switch to open or close, and can cause the wired controller to be reset by power-off or power-on; the third control module has a preset handshake duration and is configured to receive the handshake signal sent by the indoor unit within the handshake duration after reset, and complete the pairing with it; after the bottom layer networking and the application layer networking are completed, the outdoor unit sequentially controls each indoor unit to reset the corresponding wired controller and pair with it.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the central controller; The central controller includes a fourth control module and a fourth communication module connected by communication; the fourth communication module is a power line carrier module. The first communication module, each of the second communication modules, and the fourth communication module are connected via a power line bus and perform underlying networking and application layer networking.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The underlying network includes: S1. The first control module sends an outdoor device signal to the first communication module; each of the second control modules sends an indoor device signal to each of the second communication modules; the fourth control module sends a centralized control device signal to the fourth communication module. S2, the first communication module replies its MAC address to the first control module, each of the second communication modules replies to each of the second control modules, and the fourth communication module replies to the fourth control module; S3. The first communication module forms a network with each of the second communication modules and the fourth communication module.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, In S3, the following are included: S31. The first communication module acts as a gateway to start the network, and collects and registers the MAC addresses of each of the second and fourth communication modules multiple times. S32. Compare whether the number of communication modules registered each time is the same; if yes, proceed to S33; if no, proceed to S31. S33. The collected MAC addresses and corresponding device types are sent to the first control module; the underlying network is now complete.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The application layer networking includes: S10: The first control module controls the first communication module to unicast address requests to each indoor unit according to each MAC address, and waits for each indoor unit to reply with an indoor unit address; upon receiving the reply, S20 is executed. S20: The first control module records the indoor unit address and counts the number of indoor unit addresses received; if the number of indoor unit addresses received is equal to the number of communication modules in the underlying network, then execute S30; if the number of indoor unit addresses received is not equal to the number of communication modules in the underlying network, then execute S1. S30. Compare the addresses of each indoor unit to determine if they conflict; if yes, proceed to S40; if no, proceed to S50. S40. The outdoor unit sends address change information to the conflicting indoor unit and waits for the indoor unit to reply with the changed indoor unit address; the received indoor unit address is recorded, and S30 is executed. S50, register the indoor unit address with the central controller, and the network setup is complete.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The S50 also includes: S501. When there is no conflict between the addresses of the indoor units, the outdoor unit unicasts a message containing the address of the indoor unit to each of the indoor units to confirm the address of the indoor unit, and waits for the response from each of the indoor units; the central controller listens to the messages of the outdoor unit and the indoor units, and registers the address of each indoor unit. S502. Determine whether all the indoor units have responded; if yes, proceed to S503; if no, re-execute S501. S503. Compare whether the addresses of each indoor unit registered by the outdoor unit are consistent with the addresses of each indoor unit registered by the central controller; if yes, the application layer networking is completed; if no, execute S501.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the indoor unit address confirmed by the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is inconsistent with the indoor unit addresses registered by the central controller multiple times, then return to S10 to re-perform the application layer networking.

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The controllable switch module is a relay or a combination of cascaded relays.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second control module has a preset start-up time, and the pairing of the indoor unit with the corresponding wired controller includes: S100, the outdoor unit sends a pairing permission to one of the indoor units; S200, The indoor unit controls the wired controller to reset; S300. After delaying the startup time, the indoor unit sends the MAC address and the indoor unit address to the wired controller. S400. After the wired controller successfully receives the signal, it replies with a success signal. S500: After receiving the success signal from the wired controller, the indoor unit sends a pairing success signal to the outdoor unit. S600: After receiving the pairing success signal, the outdoor unit accumulates the number of successful pairings and determines whether the number of successful pairings is equal to the number of indoor units; if yes, each indoor unit is paired with the corresponding wired controller; if no, a pairing permission is sent to the next indoor unit.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The indoor unit also includes a load detection module, which is connected to the second control module and one end of the switch, respectively, for detecting the load signal on the power line between the switch and the wired controller and transmitting it to the second control module; After receiving the pairing permission signal, the indoor unit acquires the load signal and determines whether a load is connected. If so, it pairs with the wired controller; otherwise, it sends a wireless controller connection signal to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit receives the wireless controller connection signal, accumulates the number of successful connections, and determines whether the number of successful connections is equal to the number of indoor units.

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