Protocol converter and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a protocol converter and an air conditioner, and the protocol converter comprises a housing, and also comprises a main control board, a communication module, and a power supply module, which are arranged in the housing; the switching value input detection module is connected with the temperature controller through a switching value control interface and used for receiving a switching value signal sent by the temperature controller and sending the switching value signal to the main control board, and the main control board is connected with the indoor unit mainboard communication terminal through a differential communication interface; the power supply input interface is connected with a power supply terminal of the indoor unit mainboard and is used for taking electricity from the indoor unit mainboard; and the transformer is connected with the power supply input interface and is used for converting alternating current voltage taken from the indoor unit mainboard into working voltage required by the temperature controller and supplying power to the temperature controller through the switching value control interface. The protocol converter provided by the utility model solves the technical problem that a temperature controller and an indoor unit cannot be interconnected due to contradiction in the aspects of signals and protocols at present. Power is taken from the indoor unit mainboard and supplied to the temperature controller, an alternating-current transformer does not need to be additionally arranged, and cost reduction is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of air conditioners. Background Art

[0002] In terms of central air conditioner controllers, different air conditioner manufacturers have their own matching wired or wireless controller products. Such wired controllers often have many functions and are diverse (such as comfort cooling, window machine linkage, automatic mode hysteresis, self-cleaning, high temperature sterilization, up to 6 windshields, static pressure self-identification, etc.), and the operation is relatively cumbersome. Although the functions of its wired controller or centralized controller can meet the needs of end users, the foreign market usually uses thermostats with simple control logic, simple functions, and simple operation. For example, the commonly used functions are only cooling, heating, and air supply.

[0003] In terms of communication between the multi-split indoor unit and the thermostat, the third-party thermostat uses a switch signal, a universal weak current dry contact signal. However, most of our current multi-split indoor units use the homebus private protocol, and the two are not compatible.

[0004] In addition, the thermostats currently used in the foreign market have power supply solutions of different specifications, and often require additional AC transformers to meet the power supply requirements of the AC 24V thermostat, which is costly. Summary of the invention

[0005] The utility model aims at the technical problem that the temperature controller and the indoor unit in the prior art have conflicts in signals and protocols and cannot be interconnected, and proposes a protocol converter to solve the above problem.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned utility model purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A protocol converter, comprising a housing, and further comprising:

[0008] Main control board;

[0009] A switch quantity input detection module, which is connected to the thermostat via a switch quantity control interface, and is used to receive the switch quantity signal sent by the thermostat and send it to the main control board, and the main control board is connected to the indoor unit mainboard communication terminal via a differential communication interface;

[0010] The power input interface is connected to the power terminal of the indoor unit mainboard and is used to draw power from the indoor unit mainboard;

[0011] The transformer is connected to the power input interface and is used to convert the AC voltage taken from the indoor unit mainboard into the working voltage required by the thermostat and to supply power to the thermostat through the switch quantity control interface.

[0012] In some embodiments, a wiring harness connecting the power input interface and the power terminal of the indoor unit mainboard is provided with a magnetic ring device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the housing comprises:

[0014] A base, wherein a plurality of supporting and fixing parts are formed on the base, and screw holes are provided on the supporting and fixing parts, and the main control board is detachably connected to the supporting and fixing parts by screws;

[0015] An upper cover with an opening at the bottom is detachably connected to the base, and the upper cover and the base enclosure form a storage space. A first notch and a second notch are provided on the side wall of the upper cover near the bottom end, and the switch quantity control interface is matched and aligned with the first notch, and the power input interface is matched and aligned with the second notch.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first notch and the second notch are respectively located on different side walls of the upper cover.

[0017] In some embodiments, the transformer is fixedly arranged above the main control board, and a support portion is formed on the base directly below the transformer, and the support portion includes a plurality of support ribs arranged transversely and longitudinally.

[0018] In some embodiments, the top of the transformer has a raised portion, and the lower surface of the upper cover forms a limit frame, and when the upper cover is fixed to the base, the raised portion penetrates into the limit frame and is limited by the limit frame;

[0019] A plurality of retaining ribs are formed on the inner side of the side wall of the upper cover, and the retaining ribs extend in the vertical direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the protocol converter further includes an indicator light, and the indicator light is communicatively connected to the main control board.

[0021] In some embodiments, the indicator light is arranged on the main control board, the protocol converter also includes a light guide column, the upper cover is provided with a through hole matching the light guide column, the upper end of the light guide column passes through the through hole and is fixed to the upper cover, and the lower end of the light guide column extends to be adjacent to the indicator light.

[0022] In some embodiments, a plurality of limiting ribs are formed on the outer surface of the light guide column along the vertical direction. The limiting ribs extend in the vertical direction, and when the light guide column passes through the through hole, the limiting ribs are interference fit with the through hole.

[0023] In some embodiments, two opposite sides of the base are protruded outward to form fixing ears, and the fixing ears are provided with fixing holes;

[0024] The upper surface of the upper cover is formed with a sunken recessed portion for pasting a label;

[0025] The through hole is located in the recessed portion.

[0026] The utility model also provides an air conditioner, comprising a temperature controller and an indoor unit, and also comprising any of the above-mentioned protocol converters.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the utility model are:

[0028] The protocol converter of the utility model is provided with a switch quantity input detection module, which is used to receive the switch quantity signal sent by the thermostat and send it to the main control board, which processes the command after receiving it. After processing, the command is input to the indoor unit using a differential communication line, and the indoor unit substrate further parses the command, and then the indoor unit executes the operation according to the control command sent by the thermostat, solving the technical problem that the thermostat and the indoor unit cannot be interconnected due to contradictions in signals and protocols.

[0029] In addition, by setting up a power input interface, it draws power from the indoor unit mainboard, and the transformer transforms the power into the working voltage required by the thermostat, and supplies power to the thermostat, solving the existing technical problem of requiring an additional AC transformer to meet the power supply requirements of the thermostat, which is conducive to reducing costs.

[0030] After reading the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a communication connection diagram of an embodiment of the air conditioner proposed by the utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the protocol converter proposed by the utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the protocol converter from one angle;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the protocol converter from another angle;

[0036] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of a base in an embodiment of the protocol converter proposed by the utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of an upper cover in an embodiment of the protocol converter proposed by the utility model;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a light guide column in an embodiment of the protocol converter proposed by the utility model;

[0039] Figure 8 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an upper cover in one embodiment of the protocol converter proposed by the utility model;

[0040] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of a base in one embodiment of the protocol converter proposed by the utility model;

[0041] Fig.10 It is a communication principle block diagram of an embodiment of the protocol converter proposed by the utility model;

[0042] Fig.11 It is an electrical wiring diagram of an embodiment of the protocol converter proposed by the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the utility model clearer, the technical solution in the embodiment of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiment is a part of the embodiment of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiment of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0044] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are merely for the convenience of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of the present invention, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0045] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "install", "connect", "connect", "fix" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0046] <Basic operating principle of air conditioner>

[0047] In the present application, the air conditioning system performs the refrigerant cycle of the system by using a compressor, a condenser, an electronic expansion valve and an evaporator. The refrigerant cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the air that has been conditioned and heat exchanged.

[0048] The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas at low temperature and low pressure and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0049] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the refrigerant gas in a low-temperature and low-pressure state to the compressor. The evaporator can achieve a refrigeration effect by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to exchange heat with the material to be cooled. In the entire cycle, the air conditioner can adjust the temperature of the indoor space.

[0050] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner refers to a portion of a refrigeration cycle including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve may be provided in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0051] The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as a condenser or an evaporator. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in a heating mode, and when the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in a cooling mode.

[0052] <Composition of indoor unit>

[0053] The indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit installed in the outdoor space through a pipe. The outdoor unit may be provided with a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, an expansion device and similar components of a refrigeration cycle, and the indoor unit may also be provided with an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan.

[0054] In terms of central air conditioning controllers, different air conditioning manufacturers have their own matching wired or wireless controller products, which usually have more functions. These thermostats are not compatible with the control logic of multi-split systems.

[0055] In order to solve the above technical problems, Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a protocol converter 1, which includes a housing 11, and the housing 11 has an accommodating cavity for accommodating circuit elements.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Fig.10 As shown, the protocol converter further includes a main control board 12 disposed in the housing 11 , and the main control board 12 is capable of sending and receiving signals and performing signal processing.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Fig.10 As shown, the protocol converter also includes a switch quantity input detection module arranged in the housing 11, which is connected to the thermostat 2 via the switch quantity control interface 14, and is used to receive the switch quantity signal sent by the thermostat 2 and send it to the main control board 12. The main control board 12 is connected to the indoor unit mainboard communication terminal via the differential communication interface 17.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Fig.10 , Fig.11 As shown in the figure, the switch input detection module includes 8 optocouplers for isolating and receiving parallel signals. These 8 parallel signals can simultaneously receive the cooling, heating, and air supply commands input by the thermostat, and the response speed is extremely fast. If the thermostat has a function command signal change, it can be immediately identified after being processed by the optocoupler isolation.

[0059] The protocol converter of this embodiment is provided with a switch quantity input detection module, which is used to receive the switch quantity signal sent by the thermostat 2 and send it to the main control board 12. The main control board 12 processes the command after receiving it. After processing, the command is input to the indoor unit 3 using a differential communication line, and the indoor unit mainboard further parses the command, and then the indoor unit executes the operation according to the control command sent by the thermostat 2, which solves the technical problem that the thermostat 2 and the indoor unit cannot be interconnected due to contradictions in signals and protocols.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Fig.10 As shown, the protocol converter also includes a power input interface 19 disposed in the housing 11, and the power input interface 19 is connected to the power terminal of the indoor unit mainboard for drawing power from the indoor unit mainboard.

[0061] In some embodiments, the protocol converter also includes a transformer 15 arranged in the housing 11, which is connected to the power input interface 19. The power input interface 19 sends the AC voltage taken from the indoor unit mainboard to the transformer 15. The transformer 15 is used to convert the AC voltage taken from the indoor unit mainboard into the working voltage required by the thermostat 2, and power the thermostat 2 through the switch quantity control interface 14.

[0062] By setting up a power input interface 19, which draws power from the indoor unit mainboard, and is transformed by the transformer 15 into the working voltage required by the thermostat 2, and power is supplied to the thermostat 2 through the power output interface 13, the technical problem of the existing need to configure an additional AC transformer to meet the power supply requirements of the thermostat is solved, which is conducive to reducing costs.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, L and N are power ports of the protocol converter, which can be connected to AC 230V, AC208V, and AC 110V power supplies. The transformer 15 can transform AC 230V, AC208V, and AC 110V voltages.

[0064] In some embodiments, the protocol converter 1 can communicate with the indoor unit using, but not limited to, H-NET differential communication lines, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the working principle of the protocol converter is as follows: after the user inputs a command (such as cooling, heating, air supply, etc.) through the thermostat 2, the protocol converter processes the command after receiving it. After processing, the command is input to the indoor unit 3 using the H-NET differential communication line, and the indoor unit mainboard further parses the command and then completes the operation of the indoor unit.

[0065] In some embodiments, the protocol converter supports H-Link 1G / 2G / 2.5G / 3G communication protocols.

[0066] In some embodiments, the wiring harness connecting the power input interface 19 and the power terminal of the indoor unit mainboard is provided with a magnetic ring device (not shown in the figure). The magnetic ring device can effectively increase the ability to resist electromagnetic interference.

[0067] A filter capacitor is also provided at the power input interface 19 for filtering interference signals.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the housing 11 includes a base 111 and an upper cover 112 , the base 111 and the upper cover 112 are detachably connected, and circuit board components and the like are fixed in a space between the base 111 and the upper cover 112 .

[0069] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate fixing of the circuit board, such as Figure 5As shown, a plurality of supporting and fixing parts 113 are formed on the base 111, and screw holes 114 are provided on the supporting and fixing parts 113. The main control board 12 is provided with assembly holes (not shown in the figure) that match the screw holes 114. The screws are sequentially passed through the assembly holes and screwed into the screw holes 114, so that the main control board 12 is detachably connected to the supporting and fixing parts 113 by screws.

[0070] In some embodiments, there are four supporting and fixing portions 113 , which are respectively disposed at four corners of the base 111 .

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the upper cover 112 is open, the upper cover 112 is detachably connected to the base 111, the upper cover 112 and the base 111 are enclosed to form a storage space, and the side wall of the upper cover 112 is provided with a first notch 1121 and a second notch 1122 near the bottom. The switch quantity control interface 14 and the power output interface 13 are respectively used to connect with the thermostat 2, therefore, the switch quantity control interface 14 and the power output interface 13 are arranged adjacent to each other and are matched and aligned with the first notch 1121. Since the differential communication interface 17 and the power input interface 19 are respectively used to connect with the indoor unit 3, therefore, the differential communication interface 17 and the power input interface 19 are arranged adjacent to each other and are matched and aligned with the second notch 1122. The corresponding communication lines can pass through the first notch 1121 and the second notch 1122 to connect with the switch quantity control interface 14 and the power input interface 19.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the four corners of the base 111 are further formed with fixing parts 117 with screw holes, and the upper cover 112 is provided with second assembly holes 118 at corresponding positions, through which screws can pass and be fixed to the screw holes on the fixing parts 117 .

[0073] In order to avoid the communication lines of the switch control interface 14 and the power input interface 19 being too close to be inconvenient to plug and unplug, or because of space problems, the space on the same side wall cannot accommodate two gaps at the same time, in some embodiments, the first gap 1121 and the second gap 1122 are respectively located on different side walls of the upper cover 112.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first notch 1121 and the second notch 1122 may be provided on two adjacent side walls of the upper cover 112 .

[0075] In some embodiments, the first notch 1121 and the second notch 1122 may be provided on two opposite side walls of the upper cover 112 .

[0076] The main control board 12 is generally a plate-shaped structure with a relatively large area, while the transformer 15 has a certain height and is relatively heavy. In some embodiments, the transformer 15 is fixedly arranged above the main control board 12, and the spatial structure is more stable.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to facilitate the fixing of the main control board 12, the middle part of the main control board 12 is suspended on the support fixing part 113. When the transformer 15 is placed on the main control board 12, the main control board 12 is easily deformed or even broken. In order to solve the above problem, a support part 115 is formed on the base 111 directly below the transformer 15.

[0078] The height of the support portion 115 is equivalent to that of the support fixing portion 113 . When the transformer 15 is placed on the main control board 12 , the support portion 115 provides support for the main control board 12 , thereby preventing the main control board 12 from being deformed due to the extrusion of the transformer 15 .

[0079] In some embodiments, the support portion 115 includes a plurality of support ribs arranged transversely and longitudinally, so as to disperse the gravity of the transformer 15 from different directions.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the top of the transformer 15 has a protrusion 151 , and the lower surface of the upper cover 112 forms a limiting frame 1121 . When the upper cover 112 is fixed to the base 111 , the protrusion 151 penetrates into the limiting frame 1121 and is limited by the limiting frame 1121 .

[0081] By providing the limiting frame 1121 , the upper cover 112 and the transformer 15 are fixed for positioning, and the structural characteristics of the transformer 15 itself can be utilized for fixing.

[0082] In some embodiments, in order to limit the main control board 12, a plurality of retaining ribs 1122 are formed on the inner side of the side wall of the upper cover 112, and the retaining ribs 1122 extend in the vertical direction. After the upper cover 112 is fixed to the base 111, the retaining ribs 1122 can squeeze the main control board 12 to prevent the main control board 12 from shaking inside the housing 11.

[0083] In order to indicate the working status of the protocol converter, in some embodiments, the protocol converter further includes an indicator light, which is communicatively connected to the main control board 12 .

[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8As shown, the indicator light is arranged on the main control board 12, and the protocol converter also includes a light guide column 16. A through hole 119 matching the light guide column 16 is opened on the upper cover 112. The upper end of the light guide column 16 passes through the through hole 119 and is fixed to the upper cover 112, and the lower end of the light guide column 16 extends to be adjacent to the indicator light.

[0085] Since the light guide column 16 is slender, in order to fix the light guide column 16 into the upper cover 112, in addition to the opening of the upper cover 112, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the light guide column 16 is formed with a plurality of limiting ribs 161 along the vertical direction, and the limiting ribs 161 extend in the vertical direction. When the light guide column 16 passes through the through hole, the limiting ribs 161 are interference-fitted with the through hole 119. The interference fit between the limiting ribs 161 and the through hole 119 can well fix the light guide column 16 to prevent the light guide column 16 from shaking inside and breaking.

[0086] In some embodiments, two opposite sides of the base 111 protrude outward to form fixing ears 116, and the fixing ears 116 are provided with fixing holes 1161. The protocol converter can be fixed by passing screws or rivets through the fixing holes 1161.

[0087] A sunken recess 1121 is formed on the upper surface of the upper cover 112 for attaching a label.

[0088] By reserving a recessed portion 1121 for pasting a label on the upper cover 112 , when a label needs to be pasted, the label can be directly pasted into the recessed portion 1121 , thereby achieving positioning pasting.

[0089] In some embodiments, the through hole through which the light guide column 16 passes is located in the recessed portion 1121 .

[0090] like Fig. 9 As shown, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 1111 arranged in a crisscross pattern are formed on the lower surface of the base 111 to increase the support strength of the base 111 .

[0091] Embodiment 2: The utility model also proposes an air conditioner, including a thermostat and an indoor unit, and also including any of the above-mentioned protocol converters.

[0092] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it is still possible for a person skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or to replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed to be protected by the present invention.

[0093] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0094] For the convenience of explanation, the above description has been made in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Based on the above teachings, various modifications and variations can be obtained. The selection and description of the above embodiments are to better explain the principles and practical applications, so that those skilled in the art can better use the embodiments and various different variations of the embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A protocol converter, comprising a housing, characterized in that: Also included is: Main control board; A switch quantity input detection module, which is connected to the thermostat via a switch quantity control interface, and is used to receive the switch quantity signal sent by the thermostat and send it to the main control board, and the main control board is connected to the indoor unit mainboard communication terminal via a differential communication interface; The power input interface is connected to the power terminal of the indoor unit mainboard and is used to draw power from the indoor unit mainboard; The transformer is connected to the power input interface and is used to convert the AC voltage taken from the indoor unit mainboard into the working voltage required by the thermostat and to supply power to the thermostat through the switch quantity control interface.

2. The protocol converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wiring harness connecting the power input interface and the power terminal of the indoor unit mainboard is provided with a magnetic ring device.

3. The protocol converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing comprises: A base, wherein a plurality of supporting and fixing parts are formed on the base, and screw holes are provided on the supporting and fixing parts, and the main control board is detachably connected to the supporting and fixing parts by screws; An upper cover with an opening at the bottom is detachably connected to the base, and the upper cover and the base enclosure form a storage space. A first notch and a second notch are provided on the side wall of the upper cover near the bottom end, and the switch quantity control interface is matched and aligned with the first notch, and the power input interface is matched and aligned with the second notch.

4. The protocol converter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first notch and the second notch are respectively located on different side walls of the upper cover.

5. The protocol converter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transformer is fixedly arranged above the main control board, and a support portion is formed on the base at a position directly below the transformer, and the support portion includes a plurality of support ribs arranged transversely and longitudinally.

6. The protocol converter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top of the transformer has a raised portion, and the lower surface of the upper cover forms a limit frame. When the upper cover is fixed to the base, the raised portion penetrates into the limit frame and is limited by the limit frame. A plurality of retaining ribs are formed on the inner side of the side wall of the upper cover, and the retaining ribs extend in the vertical direction.

7. The protocol converter according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The protocol converter also includes an indicator light, which is communicatively connected with the main control board.

8. The protocol converter according to claim 7, characterized in that: The indicator light is arranged on the main control board, the protocol converter also includes a light guide column, the upper cover is provided with a through hole matching the light guide column, the upper end of the light guide column passes through the through hole and is fixed to the upper cover, and the lower end of the light guide column extends to be adjacent to the indicator light.

9. The protocol converter according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer surface of the light guide column is formed with a plurality of limiting ribs along the vertical direction, the limiting ribs extend in the vertical direction, and when the light guide column passes through the through hole, the limiting ribs are interference fit with the through hole; The base has two opposite sides protruding outward to form fixing ears, and the fixing ears are provided with fixing holes; The upper surface of the upper cover is formed with a sunken recessed portion for pasting a label; The through hole is located in the recessed portion.

10. An air conditioner, comprising a thermostat and an indoor unit, characterized in that: Also includes the protocol converter according to any one of claims 1-9.

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