KR102169277B1 - Air-conditioner system - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of outdoor units, a plurality of indoor units configured as a group of outdoor units connected by a refrigerant pipe, and communicating with units within the same group, and a radio signal transmitted from the plurality of groups. It may include a repeater that receives and retransmits.

Description

Air-conditioner system

The present invention relates to an air conditioner system and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner system capable of wirelessly communicating between units and a control method thereof.

The air conditioner is installed to provide a more comfortable indoor environment to humans by discharging cold and hot air into the room to create a comfortable indoor environment, adjusting the indoor temperature, and purifying the indoor air. In general, an air conditioner includes an indoor unit configured with a heat exchanger and installed indoors, and an outdoor unit configured with a compressor and a heat exchanger to supply refrigerant to the indoor unit.

The air conditioner is separated and controlled by an indoor unit composed of a heat exchanger and an outdoor unit composed of a compressor and heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit and indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant compressed from the compressor of the outdoor unit is supplied to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe. Then, the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit is again introduced into the compressor of the outdoor unit through a refrigerant pipe. Accordingly, the indoor unit discharges hot and cold air into the room through heat exchange using a refrigerant.

The units in the air conditioner system are interconnected in units of buildings or in small groups, transmit and receive data, and monitor and control the state of each unit through the transmitted and received data.

For example, the air conditioner system may use a wired communication method in which each unit is connected by a communication line. In general, the indoor unit is configured to transmit data to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit to receive data from the indoor unit and transmit the data of the indoor unit to the controller.

As another example, the prior art (Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2010-0123486) is received using wireless communication in order to eliminate the inconvenience of transmitting the air conditioner operation status data by connecting it to equipment such as a laptop computer through wired communication. By doing so, the operation of the air conditioner is conveniently monitored.

In the prior art (Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2010-0123486), an outdoor unit and a terminal existing within a predetermined distance from the outdoor unit communicate with each other through a wireless communication method and transmit operation state data of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to the terminal.

In these communication structures, there is a problem that the indoor unit cannot communicate directly with the controller and must pass through the outdoor unit. For example, even when one indoor unit data is required, there is a problem that the processing speed is slow because stepwise communication through the outdoor unit must be performed.

In addition, in the prior art (Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2010-0123486), it is necessary to additionally mount a separate wireless communication module on the outdoor unit, and communication between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is still performed by wired communication.

In addition, there is a problem that smooth communication is possible only within the same floor or within a short distance due to Wi-Fi communication between the outdoor unit and the terminal.

In particular, in a general installation environment where the outdoor unit is installed underground or on the roof of a building, it is difficult to communicate wirelessly due to the distance between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and the signal is attenuated due to obstacles in the building. There is a problem in that the quality is deteriorated and the stability of communication is lowered accordingly.

In recent years, attempts to communicate wirelessly between units are increasing, and indoor units. There are increasing cases of configuring wireless networks not only with units such as outdoor units and controllers, but also with other devices such as mobile terminals.

Devices connected by wireless communication have the advantage of being able to check and control information of devices without being restricted by the location of users and devices.

Therefore, a wireless communication method suitable for the installation environment of an air conditioner system is required.

In addition, depending on a high-rise building, a large building, and other installation environments, a wireless communication shadow area may occur in which wireless communication is not performed smoothly. In this case, it may be necessary to install a repeater in order to eliminate a shadow area for wireless communication.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method of determining whether a repeater is necessary in a wireless communication environment and efficiently installing a repeater if necessary.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner system and a control method for realizing a high-quality wireless communication environment.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner system capable of efficiently installing a repeater by minimizing the number of repeaters installed, and a control method thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner system and a control method for each unit capable of direct wireless communication with each other regardless of an installation environment.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner system capable of monitoring and controlling units in a wireless communication environment, and a control method thereof.

In order to achieve the above or other objects, an air conditioner system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of outdoor units, a plurality of indoor units configured as a group of outdoor units connected by a refrigerant pipe and communicating with units within the same group, and, It may include a repeater for receiving and retransmitting radio signals transmitted from a plurality of groups.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to implement a high-quality wireless communication environment.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to minimize the number of repeaters installed and to install repeaters efficiently.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, regardless of the installation environment, it is possible to provide an air conditioner system and a control method thereof in which each unit can directly wirelessly communicate with each other.

Further, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, units may be monitored and controlled in a wireless communication environment.

Meanwhile, other various effects will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description according to the embodiments of the present invention to be described later.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in which an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a building.
2 is a view showing the configuration of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view referred to for explanation of communication of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of a unit of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 to 10 are views referenced for description of the configuration and operation of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and may be modified in various forms.

In the drawings, in order to clearly and briefly describe the present invention, the illustration of parts not related to the description is omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or extremely similar parts throughout the specification.

Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" and "unit" for the constituent elements used in the following description are given in consideration of only ease of writing in the present specification, and do not impart a particularly important meaning or role by themselves. Therefore, the "module" and "unit" may be used interchangeably with each other.

In addition, in this specification, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in which an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a building.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner system may include an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a controller 50.

In addition to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, the air conditioner system may include a ventilation device, an air purifier, a humidifier, a heater, and the like, and may further include units such as a chiller, an air conditioning unit, and a cooling tower depending on the scale. The air conditioner system can operate in conjunction with the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit as each unit is interconnected. In addition, the air conditioner system may operate in connection with a building, a mobile device, a security device, an alarm device, and the like.

An air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a remote control device capable of remotely monitoring and controlling operation states of units.

The remote control device, including a wireless communication module (see 120 in FIG. 4), may communicate with other units using a frequency of a sub-giga band, and monitor other units.

Here, the remote control device may be a controller 50 capable of controlling one or more units, a wired/wireless remote controller (not shown), and a mobile terminal (refer to 200 in FIG. 2 ).

The controller 50 controls the operation of the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 in response to an input user command, periodically receives and stores data on the operation state of the corresponding indoor unit and outdoor unit, and stores the monitoring screen. Through it, the operation status can be output. The controller 50 may perform operation setting, lock setting, schedule control, group control, peak control for power use, demand control, and the like for the indoor unit 20.

Each of the outdoor units 10 is connected to the indoor unit 20 by a refrigerant pipe to supply the refrigerant to the indoor unit 20. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 periodically communicates with the plurality of indoor units 20 to transmit and receive mutual data, and changes the operation according to an operation setting changed from the indoor unit.

The indoor unit 20 includes an electronic expansion valve (not shown) that expands the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 10, an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) that heats the refrigerant, and allows indoor air to flow into the indoor heat exchanger. An indoor unit fan (not shown) to be exposed to the room, a plurality of sensors (not shown), and a control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the indoor unit may be included.

In addition, the indoor unit 20 includes a discharge port (not shown) for discharging heat-exchanged air, and a wind direction control means (not shown) for opening and closing the discharge port and controlling the direction of discharged air is provided at the discharge port. The indoor unit controls the intake and discharged air by controlling the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan, and controls the air volume. The indoor unit 20 may further include an output unit for displaying the operation state and setting information of the indoor unit and an input unit for inputting setting data. In this case, the indoor unit 20 may transmit the setting information on the operation of the air conditioner to a connected remote control (not shown), output through the remote control, and receive data.

A remote control (not shown) is connected to the indoor unit through wired or wireless communication, inputs a user command to the indoor unit, and receives and outputs data from the indoor unit. The remote control may transmit a user command to the indoor unit according to a connection method with the indoor unit, perform one-way communication without receiving data from the indoor unit, or perform two-way communication for transmitting and receiving data with the indoor unit.

The outdoor unit 10 operates in a cooling mode or a heating mode in response to data received from the connected indoor unit 20 or a control command from the controller, and supplies refrigerant to the connected indoor unit.

When a plurality of outdoor units are connected, each outdoor unit may be connected to a plurality of indoor units, and the refrigerant may be supplied to the plurality of indoor units through a distributor.

The outdoor unit 10 includes at least one compressor that compresses a refrigerant to discharge a high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, an accumulator that separates a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant to prevent the non-vaporized liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor, and An oil recovery unit that recovers oil from the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that condenses or evaporates the refrigerant by heat exchange with the outside air, and an outdoor heat exchanger that flows air into the outdoor heat exchanger and transfers the heat exchanged air to the outside. The outdoor unit fan that discharges, a four-way valve that changes the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operation mode of the outdoor unit, at least one pressure sensor that measures the pressure, at least one temperature sensor that measures the temperature, and controls the operation of the outdoor unit and interacts with other units. It may include a control configuration that performs communication. The outdoor unit 10 may further include a number of other sensors, valves, supercoolers, and the like, but a description thereof will be omitted below.

In addition, the air conditioner system can transmit and receive data to and from other air conditioners through a network connection such as the Internet. The air conditioner can access an external service center, a management server, a database, etc. through a controller, and can communicate with an external terminal connected through a network. The terminal may be connected to at least one unit of the air conditioner system to monitor and control the operation of the air conditioner system as a second controller.

In addition, the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, the controller 50, etc. can communicate directly with each other by a predetermined wireless communication method, and the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, the controller 50, etc. Direct wireless communication with a mobile terminal or the like is possible through the wireless communication method of Accordingly, the user can freely monitor the state of each unit and control each unit through the mobile terminal.

The air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of indoor units 20 and at least one outdoor unit 10 for performing wireless communication with each other.

2 is a view showing the configuration of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of indoor units 20, a plurality of outdoor units 10, and a controller 50 may transmit and receive data through a wireless communication method.

The outdoor unit 10 is connected to a plurality of indoor units 20 and refrigerant pipes P1, P2, P3, respectively, and may transmit and receive data through a wireless communication method.

The outdoor unit 10 periodically communicates with the plurality of indoor units 20 to transmit and receive mutual data, and changes the operation according to the operation setting changed from the indoor unit. The plurality of outdoor units 10 and the plurality of indoor units 20 may transmit and receive data through a wireless communication method.

The indoor unit 20 may communicate with the outdoor unit 10 as well as the controller 50 through a wireless communication method.

The first outdoor unit 10 is connected to the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 and a first refrigerant pipe P1, and the second outdoor unit 12 is connected to the fourth to sixth indoor units 23 to 26 and 2 It is connected to the refrigerant pipe (P2), the third outdoor unit 13 is connected to the seventh to ninth indoor units (27 to 29) and a third refrigerant pipe (P3). For convenience of explanation, it is described that three indoor units are connected to each outdoor unit, but this is only an example and is not limited to the number of indoor units or the shape of the indoor units shown.

As the first outdoor unit 11 operates, the refrigerant is supplied from the first outdoor unit 10 to the first to third indoor units, and the fourth to sixth indoor units 23 to 26 by the operation of the second outdoor unit 12 The refrigerant is supplied through the furnace second refrigerant pipe P2, and the refrigerant is supplied from the third outdoor unit 13 to the seventh to ninth indoor units 27 to 29 through the third refrigerant pipe P3.

The air conditioner may be grouped based on the outdoor unit, and each group may communicate using a different channel. Since the indoor unit performs heat exchange based on the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit to discharge cold and hot air, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit connected to the refrigerant pipe may be set as a group.

For example, the first outdoor unit 11 forms a first group with first to third indoor units 21 to 23 connected to the first refrigerant pipe P1, and the second outdoor unit 12 is a second refrigerant A second group is formed with the fourth to sixth indoor units 24 to 26 connected to the pipe P2, and the third outdoor unit 13 is the seventh to ninth indoor units connected to the third refrigerant pipe P3 ( 27 to 29) and a third group can be formed. The outdoor unit and the controller can also be grouped according to the installation location. According to an embodiment, the connection state by the refrigerant pipe may be classified based on whether the temperature of the indoor unit changes according to the supply of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit by operating the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

Meanwhile, at least units included in the same group may perform wireless communication with each other. In addition, the sub-giga may be allocated for each group in which a different communication channel is set within the frequency band. That is, each group communicates using a different communication channel, thereby preventing a trunk line phenomenon.

Meanwhile, the controller 50 may communicate with the indoor unit 20 or the outdoor unit 10 regardless of the group. More preferably, the controller 50 may use one communication channel identical to a plurality of groups.

The controller 50 controls the operation of the plurality of indoor units 20 and the outdoor units 10 in response to an input user command, and periodically receives and stores data on operation states of the plurality of indoor units and outdoor units corresponding thereto. , Output the operation status through the monitoring screen.

The controller 50 is connected to the plurality of indoor units 20 to perform operation setting, lock setting, schedule control, group control, peak control for power use, demand control, and the like for the indoor unit. In addition, the controller 50 communicates with the outdoor unit to control the outdoor unit and monitors the operation of the outdoor unit.

When a plurality of controllers 50 are provided, data may be transmitted and received through mutual wireless communication, and may be connected to an external controller through an external predetermined network.

When a plurality of controllers 50 are provided, a specific controller 50 may operate as a central controller capable of monitoring and controlling units included in a plurality of groups. In addition, when one controller 50 is provided and one controller 50 may operate as a central controller. The central controller is capable of controlling at least a plurality of groups, preferably monitoring and controlling all units in the system.

In the case where a controller and a plurality of units transmit and receive data in a wireless communication method, an address for communication is stored in the controller and each unit. Each address can be assigned by the outdoor unit and the controller.

As described above, the outdoor unit may set an indoor unit and a group connected to the refrigerant pipe. In this case, an address may be assigned to an indoor unit included in the same group as the outdoor unit. In addition, even if a group is set around the outdoor units, all outdoor units and all indoor units are communicated. Accordingly, the controller can allocate addresses for central control to a plurality of units in addition to addresses for group-unit communication. In some cases, the controller may use the address assigned to the outdoor unit and the indoor unit as the central control address without any separate address assignment.

Meanwhile, each unit of the air conditioner system, such as the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, and the controller 50, may wirelessly communicate with the mobile terminal 200.

2, the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention checks the state of electronic devices (units) such as outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20, and controller 50, and electronic devices in the system. It may include a mobile terminal 200 that can be controlled and.

The mobile terminal 200 includes an application for controlling the air conditioner system, and can check and control the state of the air conditioner system through execution of the application.

The mobile terminal 200 may be, for example, a smart phone 200a, a notebook PC 200b, and a tablet PC 200c equipped with an application for an air conditioner system.

3 is a view referenced for a description of communication of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing communication between units using wired communication, and FIG. 3(b) ) Is a diagram referred to for describing communication between units using wireless communication according to the present invention.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 3, in the air conditioner system, a plurality of units are connected through a communication line. The plurality of units are not connected one-to-one to each other because there is a limit to the connection of the communication lines, but are connected in stages according to the connection type of the communication lines.

A plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit by a communication line, and the outdoor unit is connected to a controller. When a plurality of outdoor units are provided, the plurality of indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit based on the connection state of the refrigerant pipe. The plurality of outdoor units are connected to the controller.

The indoor unit transmits data to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit transmits the outdoor unit data and the received indoor unit data to the controller. The controller can check the operation status of the indoor unit based on data received from the outdoor unit.

When the controller transmits a control command to the indoor unit, the controller transmits the control command to the outdoor unit to which the indoor unit is connected, and the outdoor unit transmits the received control command to the corresponding indoor unit.

As described above, in the case of wired communication, data is transmitted in stages according to the connection state of the communication line, rather than being connected one-to-one by a plurality of units.

Accordingly, since data of the indoor unit cannot be directly transmitted, a time delay occurs in data transmission. In addition, since the outdoor unit must process data of a unit other than the outdoor unit data, the load increases accordingly. In addition, since one outdoor unit must process data of a plurality of indoor units, it takes a lot of time to transmit data according to the number of connected indoor units.

In addition, even when the status of the units is monitored through the mobile terminal 200, since data of the indoor unit cannot be directly transmitted, data can be transmitted and received via the controller 50 or the like. Therefore, the mobile terminal 200 cannot freely communicate with each unit of the air conditioner system, and there is a limitation in that it must communicate with the upper controller 50 in order to receive only relevant information from a specific unit or to obtain all information. have.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 3, the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, the controller 50, and the mobile terminal 200 transmit and receive data in a wireless communication method.

The controller 50 and/or the mobile terminal 200 may request data from the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20, respectively, and each unit based on data received from the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 It is possible to determine the operating state of the s and to determine the abnormality.

As described above, it has been described that a group is set between the outdoor unit and the indoor period in consideration of the flow of the refrigerant. However, in addition to the communication channel between the outdoor unit and the indoor period, a communication channel including a controller, an outdoor unit, and an indoor unit may be separately set.

The controller 50 and/or the mobile terminal 200 sets the operation of the indoor unit 20 according to the condition (temperature or humidity) of the indoor space in which the indoor unit 20 is installed based on the data received from the indoor unit 20. It can be changed, and the data according to the operation setting change is directly transmitted to the indoor unit. In this case, when the operation setting of the indoor unit is changed, the corresponding data is transmitted to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit also changes operation accordingly.

When a schedule is set so that the indoor unit 20 performs a set operation at a specified time, the controller 50 may transmit a driving command to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit, respectively, and the indoor unit transmits a response thereto to the controller 50 And transmits data on the operation state at predetermined time intervals.

The indoor unit 20 sets the operation and transmits the data to the outdoor unit in response to data input through an input unit or data received from the controller 50.

The outdoor unit 10 controls the compressor by calculating a load according to the received data of the indoor unit and the operating states of the plurality of indoor units.

The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 may transmit data to the controller 50 at predetermined time intervals, and transmit data on the failure or abnormality to the controller 50 regardless of a period when a failure or abnormality occurs.

4 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of a unit of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be the unit 100 in the air conditioner system. For example, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be one of an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a controller, and a wireless sensor of an air conditioner system.

Referring to FIG. 4, the unit 100 of the air conditioner system includes a driving unit 140, a sensing unit 170, an output unit 160, an input unit 150, a storage unit 130, and overall operation. It may include a control unit 110 to control.

This is a configuration commonly included in each unit 100, and a separate configuration may be added according to the characteristics of the product. For example, the indoor unit 20 may be provided with a vane as a wind direction control means, and an indoor unit fan driving unit, a valve control unit, and a wind direction control unit, respectively, as the indoor unit fan and a plurality of valves are included.

In addition, the unit 100 may include a wireless communication module 120 or may be connected to the wireless communication module 120. The wireless communication module 120 may be built into the unit or installed outside the unit. The mobile terminal 200 according to an aspect of the present invention may also include a wireless communication module 120 for wireless communication with a plurality of electronic devices.

The wireless communication module 120 may transmit and receive wireless signals through an antenna. The antenna may be a PCB antenna in which an antenna pattern is formed on a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB antenna has a higher degree of design freedom than other methods, and has an advantage of having a constant radiation pattern by adjusting the amount of ground source.

In addition, the wireless communication module 120 may modulate and demodulate a radio signal according to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme.

Accordingly, the antenna can transmit and receive a radio signal modulated by an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing method.

The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme (OFDM) is a multi-carrier modulation scheme, which is advantageous for high-speed data transmission and is robust against multi-path loss.

The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing method (OFDM) is a method of multiplexing a high-speed transmission signal by modulating it with hundreds or more orthogonal narrowband subcarriers.

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a transmission technique that performs modulation and multiplexing together, and is a multi-carrier modulation technique in terms of dividing and transmitting a high-speed source data stream of a single input into multiple carriers. It is a multiplexing technology in terms of simultaneous transmission through channels.

In the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme (OFDM), a data stream having a high data rate is divided into a large number of data streams having a low data rate, and these are simultaneously transmitted using a plurality of carriers.

Since orthogonality exists between the plurality of carriers, even if frequency components of the carriers overlap each other, detection at the receiving end is possible.

The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme (OFDM) has a structure in which high-speed data vulnerable to scattered reflected waves are transmitted in parallel as low-speed data strong against the reflected waves, and has an advantage of selectively scheduling each subcarrier.

In the air conditioner system, a plurality of units may transmit and receive data through a wireless communication method. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of units may be distributed and disposed in at least two or more layers. For example, the outdoor unit may be disposed on the roof of a building, and the indoor unit may be disposed on any floor inside the building. Also, a plurality of indoor units may be distributed and disposed on several floors.

Accordingly, a plurality of units are not installed on a single floor, but are installed on a plurality of floors to transmit and receive data. Since there are obstacles such as inter-floor structures, walls, and furniture in the building, it is necessary to use a frequency band in which a signal can reach a certain distance or more while passing through the obstacles in the building.

The wireless communication module 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a frequency of 700Mhz to 900Mhz, which is a frequency capable of communicating over a conventional wired communication (9.6kbps) among sub 1GHz frequencies and communicating over a long distance (open space 1km). You can communicate using the signal in the band.

More preferably, the wireless communication module 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention may communicate using signals in a 900Mhz frequency band in consideration of interlayer communication and antenna length.

In the case of conventional wired communication, a plurality of units are hierarchically connected according to a connection state of a communication line rather than a one-to-one connection of a plurality of units.

Accordingly, since data of the indoor unit cannot be directly transmitted to the controller or the remote control device, a time delay occurs in data transmission.

In addition, the processing load of the outdoor unit increases, and there is a limitation in that it takes a lot of time to transmit data according to the number of connected indoor units.

Accordingly, units included in the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform wireless communication with each other.

Preferably, units included in the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform wireless communication with each other using a frequency band of a sub-giga band.

More preferably, the units included in the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention include a wireless communication module 120 for performing wireless communication with each other using a frequency band of a sub-giga band, and The communication module 120 may use an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme that is easy to manage a radiation pattern, includes a PCB antenna that is advantageous for securing a gain, and has less interference between channels in multiple channels.

Conventionally, the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands are for short distance indoors within about 30m, and there is a disadvantage in that the signal strength rapidly decreases even if it cannot pass through a thick wall or even a thin wall.

However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by performing wireless communication using a frequency band of the sub-giga band, communication can be performed at a speed of 15 times or more as about 150 Kbps compared to a wire communication speed of about 9.6 Kbps. , Communication is possible even if there are obstacles between floors.

In addition, since the work process of connecting the communication line and the communication line can be eliminated, installation cost and installation time are reduced, and overall cost can be reduced.

Meanwhile, the outdoor unit 10 may include a compressor, an outdoor unit fan, and a plurality of valves. Accordingly, the driving unit of the outdoor unit may be divided into a compressor driving unit, an outdoor unit fan driving unit, and a valve control unit.

On the other hand, depending on the type of unit, the type and number of sensors included in the sensing unit 170, and installation positions may be differently configured.

The storage unit 130 includes control data for controlling the operation of the unit 100, communication data for setting an address or group for communication with other units, data transmitted/received from the outside, and operation data generated or detected during operation. Is saved. The storage unit 130 stores an execution program for each function of the unit, data for operation control, and data to be transmitted and received.

In terms of hardware, the storage unit 130 may be various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, and hard drive.

The input unit 150 includes at least one input means such as a button, a switch, and a touch input means. When a user command or predetermined data is input in response to manipulation of the input means, the input unit 150 applies the input data to the control unit 110. The outdoor unit may be provided with a power key, a test drive key, and an address setting key, and the indoor unit may be provided with a power key, a menu input key, an operation setting key, a temperature control key, an air volume key, and a lock key.

The output unit 160 may include at least one of a lamp controlled to be lit or flashed, an audio output unit including a speaker that outputs a predetermined sound, and a display to output the operation state of the unit. The lamp outputs whether the unit is in operation according to whether it is lit, the lighting color, and whether it is blinking, and the speaker outputs a predetermined warning sound and sound effect to output the operation status. The display may output a menu screen for controlling the unit, and may output a guide message or a warning composed of a combination of at least one of a letter, a number, and an image of an operation setting or operation state of the unit.

The sensing unit 170 may include a plurality of sensors. The sensing unit 170 may include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a humidity sensor, and a flow sensor.

For example, a plurality of temperature sensors are provided to detect indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, indoor heat exchanger temperature, outdoor heat exchanger temperature, and pipe temperature, and input them to the control unit 110. The pressure sensors are respectively installed at the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant pipe, measure the pressure of the incoming refrigerant and the pressure of the discharged refrigerant, respectively, and input them to the control unit 110. The pressure sensor can be installed not only in the refrigerant pipe, but also in the water pipe.

The driving unit 140 supplies operation power to a control target according to a control command from the controller 110 and controls the driving thereof. As described above, in the case of the outdoor unit, the driving unit 140 may be separately provided with a compressor driving unit, an outdoor unit fan driving unit, and a valve control unit respectively controlling a compressor, an outdoor unit fan, and a valve. The driving unit 140 applies operation power to a motor provided in each of a compressor, an outdoor unit fan, and a valve, and performs a designated operation as the motor operates.

5 to 10 are views referenced for description of the configuration and operation of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a dedicated repeater for retransmitting a radio signal received when necessary may be additionally installed.

For example, additional repeaters can be installed for each type of installation if the distance between floors is more than 10 stories. If the inter-floor distance is 10 floors or more and no indoor unit is disposed within a predetermined distance from the outdoor unit, it is preferable to install an additional repeater.

5 and 6 show examples of conventional installation of additional repeaters.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a configuration of an air conditioner system in a horizontal piping condition in which a plurality of indoor units (IDU1, IDU2, IDU3, IDU4) are arranged on the same floor and connected horizontally, and FIG. 6 is a plurality of indoor units (IDU1, IDU2) , IDU3, IDU4, IDU5, IDU6) shows an example of the configuration of an air conditioner system in a horizontal piping condition that is arranged in different floors and connected vertically.

As shown in Figure 5, when the outdoor unit (ODU1, ODU2) is unable to communicate with any one of the plurality of indoor units (IDU1, IDU2, IDU3, IDU4), commercial power supply is possible, and a position where wireless signal reception and retransmission are possible. Separate repeaters 501 and 502 may be installed in the.

Referring to FIG. 5, in general, the first additional repeater 501 retransmits only a radio signal between the outdoor unit ODU1 of the first group and the indoor units IDU1 and IDU2. That is, the first additional repeater 501 also operates as a unit dedicated to the first group.

In addition, the second additional repeater 502 retransmits only radio signals between the outdoor units ODU2 and the indoor units IDU3 and IDU4 of the second group. That is, the second additional repeater 502 also operates as a unit dedicated to the second group.

Accordingly, the first and second additional repeaters 501 and 502 do not retransmit when signals transmitted by units of different groups are received, but only retransmit signals transmitted by units of the affiliated group. This is because the transmission and reception of radio signals is basically performed within a group, and the signal is classified by group identification information (ID) before processing.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the outdoor units ODU1 and ODU2 are unable to communicate with the predetermined indoor units IDU3 and IDU6, separate repeaters 601 and 602 at a location capable of supplying commercial power and receiving and retransmitting radio signals. Can be installed.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first additional repeater 601 retransmits only a radio signal between the outdoor unit ODU1 of the first group and the indoor units IDU1, IDU2, and IDU3. That is, the first additional repeater 601 also operates as a unit dedicated to the first group.

Further, the second additional repeater 602 retransmits only radio signals between the outdoor units ODU2 of the second group and the indoor units IDU4, IDU5, and IDU6. That is, the second additional repeater 602 operates as a unit dedicated to the second group.

Accordingly, even in this case, the first and second additional repeaters 601 and 602 do not retransmit when signals transmitted by units of different groups are received, but only retransmit signals transmitted by units of the affiliated group.

As described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, when additional repeaters need to be installed in high-rise buildings and intermediate communication obstacle areas, it is necessary to additionally install repeaters for each group.

However, in a wireless communication environment, each group has at least one outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected in a 1:N relationship, and since several groups can coexist in one space, repeaters can be installed for each group in the same or adjacent space. have.

Therefore, since the repeater installed in the same or adjacent space does not use units of different groups, the repeater may be inefficiently installed redundantly.

Therefore, the present invention proposes a method to minimize the number of repeaters in terms of space efficiency.

7 and 8 show examples of installation of an additional repeater according to the present invention.

7 shows an example of a configuration of an air conditioner system in a horizontal piping condition in which a plurality of indoor units IDU1, IDU2, IDU3, and IDU4 are disposed on the same floor and connected horizontally. The predetermined indoor units (IDU1, IDU2) are connected to the first outdoor unit (ODU1) by a refrigerant pipe and form a first group, and the predetermined indoor units (IDU3, IDU4) are connected to the second outdoor unit (ODU2) through a refrigerant pipe, and the second group Can be configured.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a configuration of an air conditioner system in a horizontal piping condition in which a plurality of indoor units IDU1, IDU2, IDU3, IDU4, IDU5, and IDU6 are arranged on different floors and connected vertically. The predetermined indoor units (IDU1, IDU2, IDU3) are connected to the first outdoor unit (ODU1) through a refrigerant pipe and form a first group, and the predetermined indoor units (IDU4, IDU5, IDU6) are connected to the second outdoor unit (ODU2) through a refrigerant pipe. And can form a second group.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of outdoor units (ODU1, ODU2), each of which is connected with a refrigerant pipe (ODU1, ODU2) and is set in a group, and a unit within the same group It may include a plurality of indoor units (IDU1, IDU2, IDU3, IDU4) to communicate with each other, and a repeater 701 for receiving and retransmitting radio signals transmitted from the plurality of groups.

Referring to FIG. 8, the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention is set in a group with a plurality of outdoor units ODU1 and ODU2, each of which is connected by a refrigerant pipe, and a group within the same group. It may include a plurality of indoor units (IDU1, IDU2, IDU3, IDU4, IDU5, IDU6) communicating with the group, and a repeater 801 for receiving and retransmitting radio signals transmitted from the plurality of groups.

That is, the repeaters 701 and 801 according to the present invention may receive and retransmit radio signals transmitted by units included in at least two or more groups. That is, the repeaters 701 and 801 are not limited to a dedicated unit of a specific group and may transmit radio signals of several groups.

Accordingly, the repeaters 701 and 801 disposed in the same space or adjacent spaces can be wirelessly communicated using units not belonging to a specific group. Accordingly, the number of repeaters can be minimized.

Depending on the embodiment, the repeaters 701 and 801 can retransmit all radio signals using the same communication channel. In this case, a signal in a specific wireless communication channel can be retransmitted irrespective of the group identification information (ID). Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the data processing speed and minimize the number of repeaters.

Depending on the embodiment, the repeaters 701 and 801 may retransmit a radio signal used by a plurality of groups including preset group identification information within the same communication channel. For example, if the repeaters 701 and 801 are set to retransmit the radio signals of the first and second groups, the group identification information (Group ID) included in the radio signals is checked, and the radio signals of the first and second groups are Can selectively retransmit.

9 shows an example of a radio signal used according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, a radio signal used according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a sequence number (S.NO.), group identification information (Group ID), and a data packet. I can.

A data packet contains contents of communication packet data to be transmitted.

The sequence number (S.NO.) indicates the number of transmissions. The repeaters 701 and 801 may retransmit the radio signal after increasing the sequence number (S.NO.) of the received radio signal. That is, each time the radio signal is repeated, the sequence number (S.NO.) increases by 1, and the sequence number (S.NO.) is checked to prevent retransmission of the same data repeatedly. can do.

The group identification information (ID) is information that can identify a group of units that have transmitted a radio signal.

For example, when the outdoor unit of the first group transmits a radio signal to the indoor units of the first group, group identification information (ID) corresponding to the first group may be included in the radio signal.

On the other hand, when the repeaters 701 and 801 are set to transmit a radio signal in a channel unit, they may retransmit the radio signal regardless of the group identification information (ID).

Alternatively, if the repeaters 701 and 801 are set to transmit radio signals corresponding to two or more groups, the repeaters 701 and 801 may check the group identification information (ID) and retransmit the radio signal if the registered group identification information is.

As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 may perform wireless communication using a frequency of a sub-Giga (Sub GHz) band. In addition, the repeaters 701 and 801 may also perform wireless communication using a frequency in a sub-Giga (Sub GHz) band. Accordingly, interlayer communication can be smoothly performed.

More preferably, the wireless communication module provided by the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, and the repeaters 701 and 801 prints a radio signal modulated according to an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing method. Through a PCB type antenna in which an antenna pattern is formed on a circuit board (PCB), it is possible to output at a frequency of a sub GHz band.

According to the present invention, when there are several groups of units in the same space, a dedicated repeater is not installed for each group, and only one or two repeaters are added according to the size of the space to operate the entire unit.

Accordingly, by minimizing the number of repeaters of several groups installed in one space such as a building, installation cost, ease of setup, space utilization and usability can be improved.

On the other hand, the wireless communication environment can be configured by additionally arranging a repeater that relays the same method data in the same space without accessing the repeater with a separate SSID/Password on the N:N multiple access communication.

Separately additionally arranged repeaters may be set to a mode for relaying all signals of the same method in the same channel or a mode for relaying only a few groups to be set.

For N:N multiplex wireless communication, by configuring only units set with the same channel or a plurality of registered group IDs to communicate, it is possible to minimize the number of repeaters while configuring communication between units for each group.

Depending on the embodiment, at least one of the plurality of indoor units may be set as a repeater. For example, by performing the role of a repeater within a range that the indoor unit can cover, the number of separately added repeaters can be minimized.

Meanwhile, the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a mobile terminal (200 in FIG. 2 ). Using the mobile terminal 200, the user is provided with a user interface screen and can freely communicate with other units.

For example, the mobile terminal 200 may receive a communication performance test result from one or more outdoor units or one or more indoor units, and display a screen including the received communication performance test result. Accordingly, the user can check whether the repeater is properly installed and determine the optimum repeater position.

10 illustrates a screen including an outdoor unit reference communication performance test result.

10 illustrates an example of using the mobile terminal 200, and the mobile terminal 200 may provide a user interface screen related to the air conditioner system through a display unit (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 10, a screen including an outdoor unit reference communication performance test result may include a unit item 1010, a test result item 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, a repeater setting item 1040, and the like.

The unit item 1010 may include device information and MAC address information of a unit designated as a criterion for a communication performance test. Also, the unit item 1010 may include group identification information when a specific group is selected.

10 illustrates a case where an outdoor unit is designated.

Depending on the embodiment, the unit item 1010 may display detailed information related to the selected item, a result of command execution, and the like.

The test result items 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 are items corresponding to test results for a plurality of units, and the repeater setting item 1040 is an item that can set a predetermined indoor unit as a repeater.

Each of the test result items 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 may include text and/or graphic objects 1021a, 1022a, 1023a, and 1024a representing the communication success rate of the corresponding unit.

In addition, each of the test result items 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 may include text and/or graphic objects 1021b, 1322b, 1323b, and 1324b indicating the reception sensitivity of the corresponding unit.

For example, if the number of successful communication is 99% or more, green, 95% or more, yellow, and less than 95%, red, provide an intuitive user experience with graphic objects similar to traffic lights. I can.

In addition, if the received signal strength is -85dBm or more, green, if -95dBm or more, yellow, and less than -95dBm, red, an intuitive user experience can be provided with a graphic object similar to a traffic light. .

Meanwhile, whether a repeater is required may be determined by whether a communication test result satisfies a predetermined criterion.

For example, a communication success rate of 99% or more and a reception sensitivity of -85dbm or more may be set as a repeater setting standard.

Referring to FIG. 10, if a green traffic light is not turned on at any one of a communication success rate and a reception sensitivity, it can be determined that a repeater is required. Therefore, the operator can intuitively and quickly determine whether or not a repeater is needed without checking specific values.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the screen including the result of the outdoor unit reference communication performance test may further include a scan item 1030. When the scan item 1030 is selected, a unit existing within a predetermined distance from the mobile terminal is scanned and displayed, so that a user can easily identify a unit close to the current location.

Referring to FIG. 10, since the test result item 1024 corresponding to the fourth indoor unit IDU4 does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, it can be determined that a repeater needs to be installed.

Accordingly, the operator may set any one of the first to third indoor units IDU1, IDU2, and IDU3 as a repeater.

Alternatively, as described above, a separate additional repeater may be installed.

11 illustrates a screen including an indoor unit reference communication performance test result.

Referring to FIG. 11, a screen including an indoor unit reference communication performance test result may include a unit item 1110, a test result item 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, a repeater setting item 1140, and the like.

The unit item 1110 may include device information and MAC address information of a unit designated as a criterion for a communication performance test. Also, the unit item 1110 may include group identification information when a specific group is selected.

11 illustrates a case where an indoor unit is designated.

Depending on the embodiment, the unit item 1110 may display detailed information related to the selected item, a command execution result, and the like.

The test result items 1121, 1122, 1123, and 1124 are items corresponding to test results for a plurality of units, and the repeater setting item 1140 is an item capable of setting a predetermined indoor unit as a repeater.

Each test result item 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 may include text and/or graphic objects 1121a, 1122a, 1123a, and 1124a indicating the communication success rate of the corresponding unit.

In addition, each test result item 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 may include text and/or graphic objects 1121a, 1122a, 1123a, and 1124a indicating the reception sensitivity of the corresponding unit.

Meanwhile, whether the repeater is determined or changed may be determined by whether the communication test result satisfies a predetermined criterion.

Referring to FIG. 11, a green traffic light is turned on for all communication success rates and reception sensitivity. Therefore, it can be determined that the repeater change is not required. Accordingly, the operator can determine the current repeater setting and complete the repeater setting process without confirming specific values.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the screen including the indoor unit reference communication performance test result may further include a scan item 1130. When the scan item 1130 is selected, units existing within a predetermined distance from the mobile terminal are scanned and displayed, so that a user can easily identify a unit close to the current location.

Meanwhile, if the first indoor unit reference communication test result does not satisfy the predetermined standard, the repeater may be changed to another indoor unit or a separate additional repeater may be installed.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to implement a high-quality wireless communication environment.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to minimize the number of repeaters installed and to install repeaters efficiently.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, regardless of the installation environment, it is possible to provide an air conditioner system and a control method thereof in which each unit can directly wirelessly communicate with each other.

Further, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, units may be monitored and controlled in a wireless communication environment.

The electronic device (unit), the wireless communication module, the remote control device, and the air conditioner system according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, but the embodiments are various modifications. All or part of each of the embodiments may be selectively combined and configured to achieve this.

On the other hand, the control method of an electronic device (unit), a wireless communication module, a remote control device, and an air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention is implemented as a processor-readable code on a recording medium that can be read by the processor. It is possible. The processor-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by the processor. Examples of recording media that can be read by the processor include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, etc., and also include those implemented in the form of carrier waves such as transmission through the Internet. . Further, the processor-readable recording medium is distributed over a computer system connected through a network, so that the processor-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims. In addition, various modifications are possible by those of ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or prospect of the present invention.

10: outdoor unit
20: indoor unit
50: controller
100: electronic device (unit)
120: wireless communication module
200: mobile terminal

Claims (9)

A plurality of outdoor units;
A plurality of indoor units configured as a group with an outdoor unit connected by a refrigerant pipe and communicating with units in the same group; And,
A repeater for receiving and retransmitting radio signals transmitted from a plurality of groups; And,
A mobile terminal receiving a communication performance test result from one or more outdoor units among the plurality of outdoor units or one or more indoor units among the plurality of indoor units, and displaying a screen including the received communication performance test result; and
The repeater, the plurality of outdoor units, and the plurality of indoor units each have a wireless communication module, and perform wireless communication with each other using a frequency of a sub GHz band,
The screen including the communication performance test result further includes a scan item for scanning and displaying units within a predetermined distance from the mobile terminal. The method of claim 1,
The repeater retransmits all radio signals using the same communication channel. The method of claim 1,
And the repeater retransmits radio signals used by a plurality of groups including preset group identification information in the same communication channel. The method of claim 1,
The radio signal comprises a sequence number, group identification information, and a data packet. The method of claim 4,
The repeater retransmits the radio signal after increasing the sequence number of the radio signal. delete The method of claim 1,
The repeater, the plurality of outdoor units, and the wireless communication module provided with the plurality of indoor units transmit a radio signal modulated according to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing to a printed circuit board (PCB) with an antenna pattern. An air conditioner system, characterized in that outputting at a frequency of a sub-giga (Sub GHz) band through a PCB type antenna having a pattern formed thereon. The method of claim 1,
The repeater is an air conditioner system, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of indoor units.

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