Equipment linkage system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of equipment, in particular to an equipment linkage system. The device linkage system comprises at least two linkage devices. Each linkage device in the at least two linkage devices comprises a control unit and a communication module; the communication modules of the at least two linkage devices are in communication connection; a plurality of functional modules are arranged in the control unit; each functional module corresponds to one function of the linkage equipment; a linkage module is arranged in the communication module; the linkage module is in communication connection with the control unit; the linkage module is used for achieving linkage work of at least two linkage devices. Therefore, the whole equipment linkage system is more flexible in function and wider in application range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of equipment technology, and in particular to an equipment linkage system. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of intelligent equipment, its application scenarios have also evolved from single devices to multi-device linkage across all scenarios. This has led to an increasing number of devices in the linkage system. However, in the existing linkage system, each device is controlled by its own electronic control unit, and the program in the electronic control unit is usually unchangeable. This means that when new linkage devices need to be introduced or the linkage method needs to be updated, the existing linkage system cannot achieve this, resulting in the inability to complete the linkage normally. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the technical problem that existing linkage systems have relatively simple functions and narrow application ranges.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application discloses an equipment linkage system, which includes at least two linkage devices; each of the at least two linkage devices includes a control unit and a communication module;

[0005] Communication connection between the communication modules of the at least two linked devices;

[0006] The control unit is equipped with multiple functional modules; each functional module corresponds to one function of the linkage device.

[0007] The communication module includes a linkage module; the linkage module is communicatively connected to the control unit; the linkage module is used to realize the linkage operation of at least two linkage devices.

[0008] Optional, including at least three linked devices;

[0009] The communication module of the target linkage device among the at least three linkage devices is connected to the communication module of the remaining linkage devices respectively; the target linkage device is one of the linkage devices among the at least three linkage devices; the remaining linkage devices are the linkage devices other than the target linkage device among the at least three linkage devices.

[0010] Optionally, it may include at least a first linkage device, a second linkage device, and a third linkage device;

[0011] The communication module of the first linkage device is communicatively connected to the communication module of the second linkage device;

[0012] The communication module of the second linkage device is connected to the communication module of the third linkage device.

[0013] Optionally, the linked device is a range hood, oven, steam oven, steam oven, or dishwasher.

[0014] Optional features include a range hood and a steam oven;

[0015] The control unit of the range hood includes a gear shift module, a lighting module, and a switch module;

[0016] The linkage module of the range hood is communicatively connected to the switch module;

[0017] The control unit of the steam oven includes a cooking module and a door control module;

[0018] The linkage module of the steam oven is communicatively connected to the door control module;

[0019] The communication module of the range hood is communicatively connected to the communication module of the steam oven;

[0020] The linkage module of the range hood is used to communicate with the linkage module of the steam oven to realize the working linkage between the range hood and the steam oven.

[0021] Optionally, a dishwasher is also included;

[0022] The dishwasher's control unit includes a cleaning module and a warming module;

[0023] The dishwasher's linkage module is communicatively connected to both the cleaning module and the warming module.

[0024] The communication module of the range hood is also connected to the communication module of the dishwasher.

[0025] Optionally, the linkage module of the range hood includes a first sub-linkage module and a second sub-linkage module;

[0026] The first sub-linkage module is used to communicate with the linkage module of the steam oven to realize the working linkage between the range hood and the steam oven;

[0027] The second sub-linkage module is used to communicate with the linkage module of the dishwasher to realize the working linkage between the range hood and the dishwasher.

[0028] Optionally, the communication modules of the at least two linked devices are connected via Bluetooth Low Energy serial port.

[0029] Optionally, the linkage module and the control unit are connected based on a universal asynchronous transceiver.

[0030] Optionally, the communication module is a wireless module.

[0031] By adopting the above technical solution, the equipment linkage system provided in this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] The equipment linkage system provided in this application includes at least two linked devices; each of the at least two linked devices includes a control unit and a communication module; the communication modules of the at least two linked devices are communicatively connected; the control unit has multiple functional modules; each functional module corresponds to a function of the linked device; the communication module has a linkage module; the linkage module is communicatively connected to the control unit; the linkage module is used to realize the linkage operation of the at least two linked devices. Thus, because each linked device has an independent linkage module, and the linkage module is deployed in the communication module, the entire equipment linkage system is more flexible in function and has a wider range of applications. When the linkage object of a certain linked device is changed, only the corresponding program upgrade of the linkage module of that linked device is required. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first type of equipment linkage system exemplified in this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second type of equipment linkage system exemplified in this application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third type of equipment linkage system exemplified in this application.

[0037] The following is supplementary explanation of the attached figures:

[0038] 1-Control unit; 11-Function module; 12-Gear module; 13-Lighting module; 14-Switch module; 15-Cooking module; 16-Door control module; 17-Cleaning module; 18-Warm plate module; 2-Communication module; 21-Linkage module; 22-First sub-linkage module; 23-Second sub-linkage module. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] The term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of this application. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0041] When a numerical range is disclosed herein, the range is considered continuous and includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the range, as well as every value between the minimum and maximum values. Furthermore, when the range refers to an integer, it includes every integer between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the range. Additionally, when multiple ranges are provided to describe a feature or characteristic, the ranges may be combined. In other words, unless otherwise specified, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include any and all subranges to which they are included. For example, a specified range from “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between the minimum value 1 and the maximum value 10. Exemplary subranges of the range 1 to 10 include, but are not limited to, 1 to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8, 5.5 to 10, etc.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first type of equipment linkage system exemplified in this application. This application discloses an equipment linkage system comprising at least two linkage devices; each of the at least two linkage devices includes a control unit 1 and a communication module 2; the communication modules 2 of the at least two linkage devices are communicatively connected; the control unit 1 contains multiple functional modules 11; each functional module 11 corresponds to a function of the linkage device; the communication module 2 contains a linkage module 21; the linkage module 21 is communicatively connected to the control unit 1; the linkage module 21 is used to realize the linkage operation of the at least two linkage devices.

[0044] By separating the linkage logic for multiple linked devices from the functional programs of the linked devices themselves, and placing the program containing the linkage logic in communication module 2, it is easier to subsequently replace the linkage logic, such as changing or adding linked devices, and perform over-the-air (OTA) upgrades. OTA typically refers to the technology where the terminal downloads an upgrade package from a remote server via wireless or mobile communication networks to upgrade the system or application. This makes the entire device linkage system more comprehensive in function and more widely applicable.

[0045] It should be noted that in existing technologies, both the linkage logic and the functional logic of the device itself are typically housed in the control unit 1. This results in both the linkage logic and functional logic being fixed and hard-coded (burned in during the production process). Subsequently, even if new linkage devices are added, the linkage logic in control unit 1 cannot be upgraded, thus preventing the linkage of other newly added devices and reducing the versatility of the entire linkage system, making its functionality relatively limited. This application, however, separates the original linkage logic and functional logic in control unit 1 and places the linkage logic in linkage module 21 of communication module 2. This does not require modification of the original linkage program; only the hardware architecture of the entire system needs to be updated. If linkage module 21 is required in communication module 2 to carry the linkage logic, it allows direct communication with external systems, enabling upgrades and updates to the internal program and improving the overall system's flexibility.

[0046] In this embodiment, the communication modules 2 of the at least two linked devices are connected via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) serial port. The main features of this BLE connection method are low cost, ultra-low power consumption, short range, standard interface, and strong interoperability, and it operates in the unlicensed 2.4GHz ISM radio frequency band. Optionally, the communication modules 2 between multiple linked devices can also be based on other wireless or wired connection methods. Generally, when the distance between the linked devices is long, or when the wiring of a wired connection is complex, a wireless connection method can be used.

[0047] In this embodiment, the linkage module 21 and the control unit 1 are connected via a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART). UART, also known as an asynchronous serial communication port, is a general-purpose data communication protocol that includes interface standards and bus standards such as RS232, RS499, RS423, RS422, and RS485. It is commonly used for board-level communication between microcontrollers and computers, as well as between microcontrollers themselves. It is an asynchronous transceiver and a key module for asynchronous communication between devices.

[0048] In this embodiment of the application, the communication module 2 is a wireless module, such as a Wi-Fi module.

[0049] In this embodiment, the number of linked devices in the device linkage system can be 2, 3, 4, 5, etc., without limitation. The functional modules 11 set in the control unit 1 are specifically divided according to the functions required by the linked device in this application. In fact, multiple functions can also be set in one functional module 11, without limitation. The linkage module 21 can be connected to one functional module 11 of the control unit 1, or to multiple functional modules 11, or to a whole module composed of multiple functional modules 11. For example, for a range hood, when its control unit 1 includes a switch module, a gear module, and a lighting module, the linkage module 21 must be connected to the switch module to turn on the linked device and realize linkage. When the default switch module is in the on state, the gear module is in the preset gear. At this time, the linkage module 21 of the linked device can be not connected to the gear module. Otherwise, it still needs to be connected to the gear module. Alternatively, the linkage module 21 can directly send the response signal to the control unit 1, and the processing module of the control unit 1 controls each functional module 11 based on the response signal to realize the control of each function of the range hood.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second type of equipment linkage system exemplified in this application. The equipment linkage system includes at least a first linkage device, a second linkage device, and a third linkage device; the communication module 2 of the first linkage device is communicatively connected to the communication module 2 of the second linkage device; the communication module 2 of the second linkage device is communicatively connected to the communication module 2 of the third linkage device.

[0052] In this embodiment of the application, the first linkage device, the second linkage device, and the third linkage device respectively include a control unit 1 and a communication module 2; the control unit 1 is provided with a plurality of functional modules 11; each functional module 11 corresponds to a function of the linkage device; the communication module 2 is provided with a linkage module 21; the linkage module 21 is communicatively connected to the control unit 1; the linkage module 21 is used to realize the linkage operation of the two communication-connected linkage devices.

[0053] Because the first linkage device is communicatively connected to the second linkage device, and the second linkage device is communicatively connected to the third linkage device, this equipment linkage system can achieve linkage between the first and second linkage devices, and linkage between the second and third linkage devices. In practice, it is not limited to three linkage devices linked sequentially; it can also include four, five, etc., depending on the number of linkage devices included in the equipment linkage system and the required linkage method.

[0054] In this embodiment, the communication modules 2 of the at least two linked devices are connected via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) serial port. The main features of this BLE connection method are low cost, ultra-low power consumption, short range, standard interface, and strong interoperability, and it operates in the unlicensed 2.4GHz ISM radio frequency band. Optionally, the communication modules 2 between multiple linked devices can also be based on other wireless or wired connection methods. Generally, when the distance between the linked devices is long, or when the wiring of a wired connection is complex, a wireless connection method can be used.

[0055] In this embodiment, the linkage module 21 and the control unit 1 are connected via a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART). UART, also known as an asynchronous serial communication port, is a general-purpose data communication protocol that includes interface standards and bus standards such as RS232, RS499, RS423, RS422, and RS485. It is commonly used for board-level communication between microcontrollers and computers, as well as between microcontrollers themselves. It is an asynchronous transceiver and a key module for asynchronous communication between devices.

[0056] In this embodiment of the application, the communication module 2 is a wireless module, such as a Wi-Fi module.

[0057] Example 3

[0058] The device linkage system provided in this application embodiment has at least three linkage devices; the communication module 2 of the target linkage device is connected to the communication modules 2 of the remaining linkage devices respectively; the target linkage device is one of the at least three linkage devices; the remaining linkage devices are the linkage devices other than the target linkage device among the at least three linkage devices. The remaining linkage devices include at least two linkage devices, so that the device linkage system provided in this application can realize the connection and linkage of one linkage device with multiple linkage devices respectively.

[0059] Each of the above-mentioned at least three linkage devices includes a control unit 1 and a communication module 2; the control unit 1 is provided with multiple functional modules 11; each functional module 11 corresponds to a function of the linkage device; the communication module 2 is provided with a linkage module 21; the linkage module 21 is communicatively connected to the control unit 1; the linkage module 21 is used to realize the linkage operation of two communication-connected linkage devices.

[0060] In this embodiment, multiple linkage devices may include a core linkage device and the rest are secondary linkage devices. That is, the communication method between multiple linkage devices is one-to-many, and one core linkage device is connected to multiple secondary linkage devices, thereby realizing that multiple secondary linkage devices can be linked with the core linkage device respectively.

[0061] In this embodiment, the communication modules 2 of the at least two linked devices are connected via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) serial port. The main features of this BLE connection method are low cost, ultra-low power consumption, short range, standard interface, and strong interoperability, and it operates in the unlicensed 2.4GHz ISM radio frequency band. Optionally, the communication modules 2 between multiple linked devices can also be based on other wireless or wired connection methods. Generally, when the distance between the linked devices is long, or when the wiring of a wired connection is complex, a wireless connection method can be used.

[0062] In this embodiment, the linkage module 21 and the control unit 1 are connected via a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART). UART, also known as an asynchronous serial communication port, is a general-purpose data communication protocol that includes interface standards and bus standards such as RS232, RS499, RS423, RS422, and RS485. It is commonly used for board-level communication between microcontrollers and computers, as well as between microcontrollers themselves. It is an asynchronous transceiver and a key module for asynchronous communication between devices.

[0063] In this embodiment of the application, the communication module 2 is a wireless module, such as a Wi-Fi module.

[0064] Specifically, the aforementioned linked equipment can be a range hood, oven, steam oven, steam oven, or dishwasher.

[0065] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a third type of device linkage system exemplified in this application. The device linkage system includes a range hood, a steam oven, and a dishwasher. The control unit 1 of the range hood includes three functional modules 11: a speed control module 12, a lighting module 13, and a switch module 14. The control unit 1 of the steam oven includes two functional modules 11: a cooking module 15 and a door control module 16. The control unit 1 of the dishwasher includes a cleaning module 17 and a dish warming module 18. The linkage module 21 of the range hood includes a first sub-linkage module 22 and a second sub-linkage module 23. The first sub-linkage module 22 communicates with the linkage module 21 of the steam oven to achieve operational linkage between the range hood and the steam oven. The second sub-linkage module 23 communicates with the linkage module 21 of the dishwasher to achieve operational linkage between the range hood and the dishwasher. Optionally, the linkage module 21 of the range hood is communicatively connected to the switch module 14; the linkage module 21 of the steam oven is communicatively connected to the door control module 16; the linkage module 21 of the dishwasher is communicatively connected to the cleaning module 17 and the dish warming module 18 respectively; the communication module 2 of the range hood is also communicatively connected to the communication module 2 of the dishwasher. Based on this device linkage system, the range hood can be linked with the steam oven and the dishwasher respectively.

[0066] In this embodiment, the gear module 12 represents the exhaust gear of the range hood, with different gears corresponding to different exhaust volumes, enabling the range hood to support different exhaust volumes. The lighting module 13 indicates that the range hood is equipped with a lighting device for illumination. The cooking module 15 represents the cooking modes of the steam oven, such as steaming and baking modes, or preset food cooking modes. The door control module 16 indicates that the steam oven has controllable opening and closing capabilities; for example, the oven door can be opened by pressing a relevant switch. The cleaning module 17 indicates that the dishwasher can have multiple cleaning types. The dish warming module 18 indicates that the dishwasher can heat tableware, keep dishes warm, ferment dough, defrost food, etc.

[0067] It should be noted that the device linkage system in the above example includes three linked devices: a range hood, a steam oven, and a dishwasher. In practice, it can also include only the range hood and the steam oven. In this case, the range hood's communication module 2 only contains one linkage module 21. Later, after adding a dishwasher, only an OTA upgrade of the range hood's communication module 2 is needed to enable the range hood to respond normally to the linkage function. For the range hood-cooking linkage, the complete linkage process can be as follows: if the steam oven opens its door 30 minutes after cooking has finished, the control unit 1 processes and triggers the linkage event, sending the linkage event through the steam oven's communication module 2. Upon receiving the linkage event, the range hood's communication module 2 transmits it to the control unit 1, enabling it to respond to the linkage event, such as turning on the range hood's automatic mode and the lighting.

[0068] The above embodiments 2 and 3 illustrate two linkage methods for multiple linked devices, namely, embodiment 2 is sequential linkage and embodiment 3 is one-to-many linkage. In fact, the multiple linked devices in the device linkage system can also be a combination of the above two linkage methods, that is, it includes both sequential linkage and one-to-many linkage. The specific method can be selected and set as needed, and there is no limitation here.

[0069] The device linkage system provided in this application breaks down the linkage functions of the linked devices into unmodifiable functions and linkage logic. The program containing the linkage logic is located in communication module 2, which supports OTA upgrades. This communication module 2 assists in executing the linkage logic processing, resulting in a system with significantly improved compatibility and scalability compared to previous systems. In contrast, existing systems for range hood and stove linkage, as well as cooking linkage, rely on the device's electronic control board program to implement the triggering and response logic for linkage events. This makes it difficult to maintain normal linkage even in more complex scenarios due to the inability to modify the linkage logic.

[0070] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An apparatus linkage system characterized by, The at least two linkage devices each comprise a control unit and a communication module; The communication modules of the at least two linkage devices are communicatively connected; The control unit is provided with a plurality of function modules, each of which corresponds to a function of the linkage device; The communication module is provided with a linkage module, which is communicatively connected with the control unit and is used to realize linkage work of the at least two linkage devices.

2. The equipment linkage system of claim 1, wherein, The at least three linkage devices; The communication module of a target linkage device among the at least three linkage devices is respectively connected with the communication modules of the remaining linkage devices; the target linkage device is one of the at least three linkage devices; the remaining linkage devices are the linkage devices other than the target linkage device among the at least three linkage devices.

3. The equipment linkage system of claim 1, wherein, The at least three linkage devices; The communication module of the first linkage device is communicatively connected with the communication module of the second linkage device; The communication module of the second linkage device is communicatively connected with the communication module of the third linkage device.

4. The equipment linkage system of claim 1, wherein, The linkage device is an extractor hood, an oven, a steamer, a steam oven or a dishwasher.

5. The equipment linkage system of claim 4, wherein, The linkage device is an extractor hood and a steam oven; The control unit of the extractor hood comprises a gear module, an illumination module and a switch module; The linkage module of the extractor hood is communicatively connected with the switch module; The control unit of the steam oven comprises a cooking module and a door control module; The linkage module of the steam oven is communicatively connected with the door control module; The communication module of the extractor hood is communicatively connected with the communication module of the steam oven; The linkage module of the extractor hood is used to communicate with the linkage module of the steam oven to realize linkage work of the extractor hood and the steam oven.

6. The equipment linkage system of claim 5, wherein, The linkage device is a dishwasher; The control unit of the dishwasher comprises a cleaning module and a dish warming module; The linkage module of the dishwasher is communicatively connected with the cleaning module and the dish warming module respectively; The communication module of the extractor hood is also communicatively connected with the communication module of the dishwasher.

7. The equipment linkage system of claim 6, wherein, The linkage module of the extractor hood comprises a first sub-linkage module and a second sub-linkage module; The first sub-linkage module is used to communicate with the linkage module of the steam oven to realize linkage work of the extractor hood and the steam oven; The second sub-linkage module is used to communicate with the linkage module of the dishwasher to realize linkage work of the extractor hood and the dishwasher.

8. The equipment linkage system of claim 1, wherein, The communication modules of the at least two linkage devices are connected based on a Bluetooth low energy serial port.

9. The equipment linkage system of claim 1, wherein, The linkage module is connected with the control unit based on a universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

10. The equipment linkage system of claim 1, wherein, The communication module is a wireless module.

Images