KR20100094672A - Multi type air conditioner and method for communication the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An air conditioner and a communication method thereof are provided to perform stable communication between one outdoor unit a plurality of indoor units and to increase the communication efficiency. CONSTITUTION: An air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit(10), and indoor units(21,22,23,24,25,26). The outdoor unit includes a predetermined transmission target unit. The indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit and include a predetermined transmission target unit. When data is transmitted between the outdoor unit and the indoor units, the outdoor unit and the indoor units transmit data to the predetermined transmission target units. Data is transmitted between one of the indoor units and another indoor unit. When the direct communication between one indoor unit and another indoor unit is impossible, one unit installed between them performs a relay function.

Description

Multi type air conditioner and method for communication

The present invention relates to a multi-type air conditioner and a communication method thereof, and more particularly, to a multi-type air conditioner and communication method for performing communication between one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units.

In general, an air conditioner is a device that cools, heats, or purifies and discharges inhaled air by using heat transfer generated during evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant to discharge air in a specific space. Multi-type air conditioners are used to harmonize the air of the independent indoor space.

The multi air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units each installed in an independent indoor space, and one outdoor unit connected to the plurality of indoor units, and a power / communication line (ie, wiring) is connected between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units to establish communication. According to the protocol to communicate with each other through a communication circuit, and a refrigerant pipe is installed between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units to allow the refrigerant to circulate with each other according to the refrigerant cycle.

In the multi-air conditioner, the installer connects the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units by wiring and refrigerant piping at the first installation, and inputs the refrigerant piping number connected to each indoor unit by using the input means provided in each indoor unit. Or let the indoor unit microcomputer know the refrigerant piping number connected to each indoor unit.

In this case, however, as the air conditioner is enlarged, the transmission length becomes longer when the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units are connected, and as the number of indoor units increases, the attenuation of the communication signal increases and the influence of noise between wiring increases. This becomes unstable.

As a result, the wiring was short-circuited and a relay device was installed between them to relay transmission of a communication signal, thereby obtaining a method for extending communication distance and ensuring stable communication. However, in this case, since the installation of a separate relay device and the length of the wiring in one section must be fixed, the installation work in the field is very complicated due to the large scale of the multi-type air conditioner.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a multi-type air conditioner includes: an outdoor unit in which a transmission target unit is preset; And a plurality of indoor units that are respectively connected to the outdoor unit and in which the transmission target unit is preset, and when transmitting data between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, each unit transmits data to the preset transmission target unit.

Data transmission transfers data between one unit of a plurality of indoor units and another unit.

When direct communication between one unit and another unit is impossible, a unit provided between one unit and the other unit performs a relay function.

The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units perform a relay function of determining whether the data is transmitted to the user when the data is received and transmitting the data to the transmission target unit if the data is not the data transmitted to the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units each further include a relay function setting unit for setting the relay function. The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units each determine whether the data is transmitted to the user when the data is received and the data is not the data. It determines whether the relay function is set, and if the relay function is set, performs a relay function for transmitting data to a preset unit.

The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units store identification numbers of the data to determine whether data to be transmitted / received next has already been transmitted or received.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the multi-type air conditioner includes an outdoor unit; And a plurality of indoor units communicating with the outdoor unit through the refrigerant pipe, and when one unit and the other unit of the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units are not capable of direct communication through the refrigerant pipe, Units provided between the units perform the relay function.

In the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, a transmission target unit is set in advance.

The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units perform a relay function of determining whether the data is transmitted to the user when the data is received and transmitting the data to the transmission target unit if the data is not the data transmitted to the outdoor unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the communication method of a multi-type air conditioner, any one of an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units transmits data to a preset transmission target unit, and the data received unit transmits data to itself. If it is determined that the data is not transmitted to itself, it performs a relay function of transmitting data to a transmission target unit set in advance.

The unit receiving the data further includes checking whether the identification number of the data is stored, destroying the data if the identification number of the data is stored, and storing the data if the identification number of the data is not stored.

The performing of the relay function may further include determining whether the relay function is set, and performing the relay function of transmitting data to a transmission target unit preset to the user when the relay function is set.

The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units transmit and receive data through wiring or refrigerant pipes.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the communication method of a multi-type air conditioner, an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units search for a path of a relay unit that performs a relay function between itself and another unit when transmitting data to another unit, and relays the search. The data having the path of the unit is transmitted, and the unit receiving the data determines whether the data is transmitted to itself based on the path of the relay unit to determine whether to perform the relay function of transmitting data.

Transmitting the data having the path of the retrieved relay unit further includes transmitting to a preset transmission target unit.

Checking whether the data is transmitted to the user based on the path of the relay unit includes checking whether the ID of the relay unit exists in the path of the relay unit.

Determining whether the relay function is performed, if there is an own ID in the path of the relay unit, checks whether the ID of the other unit matches the ID of the other unit, and transmits data if the ID of the other unit does not match the ID of the other unit. And determining that the relay function should be performed.

If the ID of the other unit and its ID is matched, and storing the data, and further comprising driving the unit based on the data.

The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units transmit and receive data through wiring or refrigerant pipes.

According to an aspect of the present invention, by including the relay function in the communication function of the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units of the multi-type air conditioner, it is not necessary to install a separate repeater between wirings, so that it is easy to install the multi-type air conditioner and save installation time. It is possible to perform stable communication between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units regardless of the communication distance or the number of indoor units.

In addition, since the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units perform the relay function, even if a failure or power failure occurs in one unit and the relay function is lost, the other indoor unit may replace the relay function, thereby increasing communication efficiency.

In addition, communication distances and the number of units can be easily extended without additional equipment or construction.

In addition, relay transmission can be minimized based on a preset relay path, thereby increasing communication efficiency.

The relay function setting unit for setting the relay function is included, so that the unit having the relay function can be easily set and changed by the user or installer.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a configuration diagram of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the multi-type air conditioner is installed in one outdoor unit 10 and a plurality of indoor spaces, respectively, and is connected to the outdoor unit 10. And indoor units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. Here, one outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are respectively connected by a refrigerant pipe 30 and a wiring (ie, power / communication line 40).

The outdoor unit 10 is a compressor 11 for compressing a refrigerant, which is a working fluid, into a high temperature and high pressure state, and an outdoor unit for releasing internal latent heat to the outside while converting the refrigerant of the high temperature and high pressure state compressed by the compressor 11 into a liquid phase. Heat exchanger (12), expansion means (13) such as capillary for reducing the pressure by adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant converted into liquid phase in outdoor heat exchanger, and outdoor fan (14) for blowing air to outdoor heat exchanger (12). And in response to a control signal of the indoor microcomputer of each indoor unit 21 to 26, selectively driving the outdoor fan 14 and the compressor 11 to distribute and control the flow of the refrigerant circulating through each indoor unit, and When transmitting and receiving data between two other units, an outdoor microcomputer 15 performing a relay function for transmitting and receiving data between two units, an ID setting unit 16 for setting an identification number of the outdoor unit, and a transmission for transmitting data. And a storage unit 17 for storing the ID of the target unit and storing the identification number of the transmitted and received data.

Here, the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and the expansion means 13 are connected through the refrigerant pipe 30, and the refrigerant pipe 30 connected to the expansion means 13 has a plurality of indoor spaces through the external refrigerant pipe. Connected to the units 21 to 26, and the outdoor fan 14, the outdoor microcomputer 15, the ID setting unit 16, and the storage unit 17 are connected through the wiring 40 and connected to the outdoor microcomputer 15. The connected wire 40 is connected to the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26 through an external wire.

The plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 each include an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, a key input unit, an indoor microcomputer, and an ID setting unit. The following description will be made with reference to the first indoor unit 21 among the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26.

The first indoor unit 21 is connected to the outdoor unit 10 through the refrigerant pipe 30, respectively, and is expanded by the expansion means 13 of the outdoor unit 10 to evaporate the refrigerant in the liquid state transferred to the gas. An indoor heat exchanger 21a that absorbs heat, an indoor fan 21b for blowing indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 21a, a key input unit 21c that receives a user's operation and outputs a signal according to the input, and a key input unit. In response to the signal of 21c, the indoor microcomputer 21d controls the overall driving of itself (ie, the first indoor unit 21) and relays data transmission and reception between the two units when data is transmitted and received between two different units. And an ID setting unit 21e for setting its own identification number, and a storage unit 21f for storing the ID of the transmission target unit to which data is to be transmitted and storing the identification number of the transmitted and received data.

Here, the indoor heat exchanger 21a is connected to the refrigerant pipe 30 and the refrigerant pipe is connected to the outdoor unit 10 and the other indoor units 22 to 26 through an external refrigerant pipe, the indoor fan 21b, The key input unit 21c, the indoor micom 21d, the ID setting unit 21e, and the storage unit 21f are connected through the wiring 40, and the wiring 40 connected to the indoor micom 12d is connected to the external wiring. Through the outdoor unit 10 and the other indoor units 22 to 26.

Accordingly, the indoor microcomputer 21d of the first indoor unit 21 is connected to the indoor microcomputer 15 of the outdoor microcomputer 15 and the other indoor units 22 through 26 through the wiring 40 to the outdoor microcomputer 15 and the other indoors. Control signals are transmitted to and received from the indoor microcomputers of the units 22 to 26 to control the overall driving of the corresponding ones (ie, the first indoor unit). That is, the indoor microcomputer 21d of the first indoor unit 21 performs a relay function of transmitting and receiving data between two units when transmitting and receiving data between two different units.

The ID set through the ID setting unit of the outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26 is for identifying the counterpart unit when communicating with other units, and transmits the ID set by the user to the microcomputer and the corresponding microcomputer. Stores this identification number.

Such a multi-type air conditioner communicates between a transmitting unit and a receiving unit when transferring data for controlling a refrigerant cycle or data necessary for controlling a unit from one unit (ie, a transmitting unit) to another unit (ie, a receiving unit). If communication is impossible due to the distance, a unit connected between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit performs a relay function, thereby allowing data transmission from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit.

That is, in the storage unit 17 of the outdoor unit 10 and the storage units of the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26, a transmission target unit for transmitting data is stored in advance, and a transmission target for transmitting data stored in the storage unit of each unit is stored. The unit is as shown in FIG. In Figure 2, "○" is a unit that can communicate with itself, "x" is a unit that can not communicate with itself, if the unit that can communicate with itself through the microcomputer of each unit is set as a transmission target unit to send data, The storage unit of the unit stores the unit set at this time.

That is, FIG. 2 shows a state of transmitting and receiving physical communication signals between the outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26 connected by the wiring 40 and transmitting and receiving physical communication signals between the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26. The state of transmission and reception of a physical communication signal is connected to a communication monitoring device (not shown) for each wire 40 connected between two units, performs a test communication, and then monitors a test communication state according to the result. Judging. The transmission and reception state of the physical communication signal is whether the signal transmitted from one unit is received with a signal strength equal to or higher than the minimum reception strength preset in the remaining units. In this case, the lowest reception strength varies depending on the communication distance between units. If the communication distance between the units is out of the reference distance, a signal less than the minimum reception strength is received. Accordingly, it is also possible to set and store the data transmission unit of each unit based on the communication distance between each unit and the remaining units.

In addition, each unit may automatically set a transmission target unit to which data is to be transmitted and store the unit according to whether or not the test communication is performed after performing test communication with the remaining units.

3 is a flowchart of a communication method of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a fence chart of data transmission and reception during communication between units of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5.

The ID of the outdoor unit 10 is 0, the ID of the first indoor unit 21 is 1, the ID of the second indoor unit 22 is 2, the ID of the third indoor unit 23 is 3, the fourth indoor unit It is assumed that the ID of 24 is set to 4, the ID of the fifth indoor unit 25 is set to 5, and the ID of the sixth indoor unit 26 is set to 6, and each unit is a transmission target to transmit data when performing the relay function. Assume that the unit is set up and stored as shown in FIG.

In addition, the structure of data transmitted and received during communication between the two units is as shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 5 is a format structure of a communication data packet. The format structure of the communication data packet includes a synchronization header for acquiring signal synchronization by the receiving unit, a data length for informing the receiving unit of the length of the entire data, and communication. From the sending unit ID indicating the data transmitted from the unit having an ID to the unit having an ID, the receiving unit ID, and the data identification number generated for each data so as to identify all communication data transmitted and received, It has a structure of transfer data having information of data to be transmitted to the receiving unit, and checksum data for confirming that communication data has been correctly transmitted and received. Here, the transmitting unit is a unit for initially transmitting data among an outdoor unit or a plurality of indoor units, and the receiving unit is a unit that finally receives data transmitted from the transmitting unit. A unit that performs a relay function of transmitting and receiving data between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit is called a relay unit.

For example, the transmission of data having the identification number 00001 from the outdoor unit 10 to the sixth indoor unit 26 will be described below.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor unit 10 transmits the identification number 00001 to a transmission target unit to transmit data, that is, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23. Send data with At this time, the outdoor unit 10 stores the identification number (00001) of the data in the storage unit 17 of the outdoor unit.

Next, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 receive data 101 and confirm the validity of the received data through a check sum and check sum. It is determined whether there is an error (102). At this time, if there is an abnormality in the data, the data is discarded (103). If the checksum is normal, the receiving unit ID is checked among the information possessed by the data, and the ID of the confirmed receiving unit is compared with its own ID to determine whether it is identical (104). do.

At this time, if the ID of the receiving unit and its ID match, it is determined that the data is transmitted to the user, and the data is stored 105 and the corresponding unit is driven based on the data, but the ID of the receiving unit and the own ID do not match. If not, it is determined that this data should be transmitted. That is, the ID of the receiving unit is 6 and does not match with the IDs of the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23. Accordingly, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 determine that the relay function of the received data should be performed.

Next, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 check whether the identification number of the received data is stored in the storage unit and determine whether it is already relayed data (106). . At this time, if the identification number of the received data is stored in the storage unit, it is determined that the data has already been relayed and discarded 107. On the other hand, if the identification number of the received data is not stored in the storage unit, the data has never been relayed. Judging, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 each perform a relay function of transmitting this data 108 to a preset transmission target unit, and transmits this data. Store to storage 108.

Here, the identification number of the data stored in the storage unit is the identification number of the communication data sent by the spontaneous transmission or the communication data transmitted by the relay function, and is deleted after a certain time elapses. In other words, the data is stored in the storage unit, and the communication data has been transmitted by the unit in the past to prevent the relay transmission from being repeated.

When performing the relay function, the first indoor unit 21 transmits data to the outdoor unit 10, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23, which are preset transmission target units, and the second indoor unit ( 22 transmits data to the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the third indoor unit 23, and the fourth indoor unit 24, which are preset transmission target units, and the third indoor unit 23. ) Transmits data to the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the fifth indoor unit 25, which are preset transmission target units. . In this case, since the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 simultaneously transmit data, a collision may occur during data transmission. Accordingly, the priority between the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 is determined using a communication control scheme such as carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA / CD). After the decision, the data is transmitted to prevent collisions during data transmission. That is, three units of data transmission order are determined, and three units transmit data according to the determined order, but when one unit transmits data, the other unit maintains a pending state.

If new data is received while the other unit is pending transmission of data, it compares the newly received data with the identification number of the pending data.If the identification numbers of the two data are the same, the newly received data is discarded. If the identification number is different, the newly received data is also suspended. When the data transmission order of the corresponding unit is reached, the existing data is transmitted and then the newly received data is transmitted but the transmission time is not conflicted with other units.

When the third indoor unit 23 has the highest priority, the third indoor unit 23 is an outdoor unit 10, a first indoor unit 21, a second indoor unit 22, which are preset transmission target units. And a relay function of transmitting data to the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25. At this time, the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22 checks the checksum, compares the ID of the receiving unit with its own ID, checks whether there is a match, and stores the identification number of the data in advance. Check if it is At this time, the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, and the second indoor unit 22 determine that the identification number of the received data is the same as the identification number of the held or stored data, and discards the received data. The indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25 determine whether the checksum is normal and match the receiving unit ID with their ID.

At this time, if the ID of the receiving unit and its ID match, it is determined that the data is transmitted to the self, and the data is stored and the corresponding unit is driven based on the data. On the other hand, if the ID of the receiving unit and its ID do not match, it is determined that the relay function of transmitting this data to the preset transmission target unit should be performed. That is, the ID of the receiving unit is 6 and does not match with the IDs of the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25. Accordingly, the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25 determine that the relay function of transmitting the received data to another unit should be performed.

Since the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25 do not match their ID with the receiving unit ID of 6, the data is already relayed by checking whether the identification number of the received data is stored in the storage unit. Determine if it is. At this time, the received data is first received in the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25, and the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25 are identification numbers not stored in the storage unit. It is judged that the data is not in the table, and transmits and stores the data to the preset transmission target unit, respectively.

That is, the fourth indoor unit 24 supplies data to the second indoor unit 22, the third indoor unit 23, the fifth indoor unit 25, and the sixth indoor unit 26, which are preset transmission target units. The fifth indoor unit 25 transmits data to the third indoor unit 23, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the sixth indoor unit 26 which are set in advance.

At this time, if the fifth indoor unit 25 has a priority, the fifth indoor unit 25 is the third indoor unit 23, the fourth indoor unit 24, the sixth indoor unit (which is a preset transmission target unit). A relay function of transmitting data is performed to 26, so that the third indoor unit 23, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the sixth indoor unit 26 receive data. At this time, the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24 check the checksum of the received data. If the checksum is normal, the third indoor unit 23 compares its own ID with that of the receiving unit. It is determined whether the identification number of the stored data is stored in the storage unit. At this time, the data received by the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24 is data relayed by the third indoor unit 23 and is reserved by the fourth indoor unit 24. Since they are stored in the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24, the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24 discard this data.

When the data is received 101, the sixth indoor unit 26 checks the checksum to determine whether there is an abnormality in the data (102). At this time, if there is an abnormality in the checksum, the data is discarded (103). If the checksum is normal, the ID of the receiving unit is compared with its own ID to determine whether it matches (104). That is, since the ID of the receiving unit is 6 and its ID is 6 and the two IDs match, the sixth indoor unit 26 stores 105 the received data, and based on the data, the sixth indoor unit 26. To control the overall behavior of the.

The first indoor unit 21 and the second indoor unit 22 then transmit the pending data to the preset transmission target unit, respectively. At this time, when the first indoor unit 21 has a priority, the first indoor unit 21 is an outdoor unit 10, a second indoor unit 22, a third indoor unit 23, which are preset transmission target units. The outdoor unit 10, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 receive the data. At this time, the outdoor unit 10, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 receive data, perform checksum and ID comparison, and confirm the identification number of the data. At this time, the identification number of the data is stored in the storage unit of the outdoor unit 10, the second indoor unit 22, the third indoor unit 23, the outdoor unit 10, the second indoor unit 22, the third The indoor unit 23 discards the received data.

Next, the second indoor unit 22 transmits data to the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the third indoor unit 23, and the fourth indoor unit 24, which are preset transmission target units. Accordingly, the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the third indoor unit 23, and the fourth indoor unit 24 receive data, perform checksum and ID comparison, and perform the outdoor unit 10, the first. It is checked whether the identification number of the data received by the indoor unit 21, the third indoor unit 23, and the fourth indoor unit 24 is stored in each storage unit. In this case, the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the third indoor unit 23, and the fourth indoor unit 24 receive and judge that the data has already been relayed because the identification number of the received data exists. Destroy old data

The fourth indoor unit 24 then transmits data to the second indoor unit 22, the third indoor unit 23, the fifth indoor unit 25, and the sixth indoor unit 26, which are capable of physical communication. Accordingly, the second indoor unit 22, the third indoor unit 23, the fifth indoor unit 25, and the sixth indoor unit 26 receive data, perform checksum and ID comparison, and identify the identification number of the data. Is stored in each storage. At this time, the second indoor unit 22, the third indoor unit 23, the fifth indoor unit 25, and the sixth indoor unit 26 determine that the data has already been relayed because the identification number of the received data exists. Discards the received data.

As described above, since the microcomputer of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit has a relay function for transmitting communication data to a preset transmission target unit, the transmission data from the outdoor unit can be transmitted to all indoor units, and vice versa. Can be delivered to an outdoor unit.

6 is a configuration diagram of a multi-type air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The multi-type air conditioner is installed in one outdoor unit 10 and a plurality of indoor spaces, respectively, and is connected to the outdoor unit 10. And indoor units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. Here, one outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 30 and a wiring 40 formed of a power line and a communication line, respectively. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26 further include relay function setting units 18 and 21g in addition to the components of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and description thereof will be omitted.

The relay function setting unit 18 provided in the outdoor unit 10 is for setting the relay function of the outdoor unit, and is operated by the user and transmits a relay function setting signal according to the relay function operation to the outdoor microcomputer 15.

The relay function setting unit 21g provided in the first indoor unit 21 among the plurality of indoor units is for setting the relay function of the first indoor unit 21, and is operated by the user and is a relay function according to the relay function operation. The setting signal is transmitted to the indoor microcomputer 21d.

In other words, the outdoor microcomputer of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor microcomputer of the indoor units 21 to 26 are relays for transmitting data to a preset unit based on the relay function setting signals transmitted from the relay function setting units 18 and 21g. Control the performance of the function.

In addition, the relay function setting of each unit may be automatically set according to communication status after performing communication between the microcomputers of each unit.

7 illustrates a communication method of a multi-type air conditioner with reference to a fence chart of data transmission and reception when communicating between an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units in a multi-type air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Here, the relay function is not set by the user in the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the sixth indoor unit 26. It is assumed that the three indoor units 23 and the fifth indoor unit 25 have a relay function set through the relay function setting unit.

For example, the transmission of data having the identification number 00001 from the outdoor unit 10 to the sixth indoor unit 26 will be described below.

First, the outdoor unit 10 transmits data having an identification number 00001 to the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23, which are preset as shown in FIG. The identification number (00001) of the data is stored in the storage unit 17.

Accordingly, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 receive the data and check the validity of the received data through a check sum of the data. Determine if there is a problem. At this time, if there is an error in the received data, the data is discarded. If the checksum is normal, it is determined whether the receiving unit ID and the own ID match. At this time, the ID of the receiving unit is 6, and the IDs of the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 do not all match.

That is, since the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 do not coincide with the receiving unit ID, it is determined that the received data is not the data transmitted to them, and the data is determined. It is determined that a relay function for transmitting to a preset unit should be performed. As a result, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 determine whether the relay function is set. At this time, since the relay function is not set, the first indoor unit 21 and the second indoor unit 22 store the identification number of the received data and do not perform the relay function. In addition, since the relay function is not set for the first indoor unit 21 and the second indoor unit 22, it is also possible to discard the received data.

Then, the third indoor unit 23 determines that the relay function is set, and performs a relay function for transmitting the data to the transmission target unit set in advance. At this time, the third indoor unit 23 checks whether the identification number of the received data is stored in the storage unit and determines whether the data has already been relayed. That is, if the identification number of the data is stored in the storage unit, the third indoor unit 23 discards the data by judging it as already relayed data. It judges the data and performs a relay function of transmitting this data to a preset transmission target unit, and stores the identification number of this data in the storage unit.

The third indoor unit 23 is an outdoor unit 10 which is a transmission target unit set in advance, a first indoor unit 21, a second indoor unit 22, a fourth indoor unit 24, and a fifth indoor unit 25. Send data to At this time, the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the fifth indoor unit 25 receive the data and check the checksum of the received data. After comparing the receiving unit ID with its own ID to determine whether it matches, if it does not match with the own ID, it is determined that the data is not transmitted to itself and checks whether the data is stored in the storage unit.

At this time, the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, and the second indoor unit 22 identify the data because the data received from the third indoor unit 23 is the data received from the outdoor unit 10. The number is stored in advance and the received data is discarded again. In the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25, since the data received from the third indoor unit 23 is the first received data, the identification number of this data is not stored and thus the identification number of this data. Save it. The outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the fifth indoor unit 25 confirm whether the relay function is set. At this time, since the relay function is not set, the outdoor unit 10, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the fourth indoor unit 24 transmit data to a preset transmission target unit. It does not perform the relay function.

Then, the fifth indoor unit 25 determines that the relay function is set, performs the relay function of transmitting this data to the preset transmission target unit, and stores the identification number of the data.

That is, the fifth indoor unit 25 performs a relay function of transmitting data to the third indoor unit 23, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the sixth indoor unit 26, which are preset transmission target units. Accordingly, the third indoor unit 23, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the sixth indoor unit 26 receive data. At this time, the third indoor unit 23, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the sixth indoor unit 26 check the checksum of the received data and, if the checksum is normal, compare their ID with the ID of the receiving unit. If it does not match with its ID after determining whether it matches, it is determined that the data is not transmitted to itself and the data is stored in the storage unit.

At this time, the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24 confirm that the identification number of the data received from the fifth indoor unit 25 is already stored, and the data received from the fifth indoor unit 25. Destroy. The third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24 confirm whether the relay function is set. At this time, since the relay function is not set, the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24 do not perform data relay.

Then, the sixth indoor unit 26 compares the ID of the receiving unit with its own ID and determines that the ID of the receiving unit and the own ID both match to six when determining whether there is a match. Accordingly, the sixth indoor unit 26 stores the received data and controls the overall operation of the sixth indoor unit 26 based on this data. In this manner, data can be transmitted from the outdoor unit 10 to the sixth indoor unit 26 through the third and fifth indoor units 23 and 25 having the relay function set.

8 is a flowchart of a communication method of a multi-type air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 10.

The storage unit of each unit of the multi-type air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present invention further includes path information of a relay unit to perform a relay function between two units for communication between two units when the unit communicates with another unit. It is stored. Referring to FIG. 2, the outdoor unit 10 may directly communicate with the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 to require a relay unit. I never do that. However, when the outdoor unit 10 communicates with the fourth indoor unit 24, the outdoor unit 10 may communicate with the fourth indoor unit 24 through the relay function of the second indoor unit 22 or the third indoor unit 23. When the outdoor unit 10 communicates with the fifth indoor unit 24, the outdoor unit 10 may communicate with the fifth indoor unit 25 through a relay function of the third indoor unit 23. When communicating with the six indoor units 26, communication with the sixth indoor unit 26 is possible or the third indoor unit 23 is provided through the relay function of the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24. Communication with the sixth indoor unit 26 is possible through the relay function of the fifth indoor unit 25. This is path information of a relay unit that performs a relay function to enable communication between the outdoor unit and each indoor unit. The path information of the relay unit that enables communication between itself and the counterpart unit is stored in the storage unit of each unit. .

Accordingly, the microcomputer of each unit controls data transmission between the two units based on the path information of the relay unit stored in the storage unit.

At this time, the format structure of the communication data packet having the information of the path unit is as shown in FIG. That is, the format structure of the communication data packet includes a synchronization header (HEADER) for the signal receiving unit to synchronize the signal, a data length for informing the receiving unit of the length of the entire data, and an ID from the unit having the ID having the communication data. Sending unit ID indicating whether to transmit to the unit, receiving unit ID, route information, transfer data having information of data transmitted from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, and a checksum for confirming that the communication data has been correctly transmitted and received. It has a structure of data. Here, when data is transmitted through the relay unit, the transmission unit ID and the reception unit ID are changed as the relay unit performs the relay function.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 9, the structure of the path information includes an initial transmission unit ID for first transmitting data, a final reception unit ID for finally receiving this data, and relaying during data transmission from the first transmission unit to the last reception unit. First, second, third relay unit ID to perform a function, and null data indicating the end of the information of the relay unit.

FIG. 10 is a fence chart of data transmission and reception during communication between units in a multi-type air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this, a communication method of the multi-type air conditioner of FIG. 8 will be described.

Here, the ID of the outdoor unit 10 is 0, the ID of the first indoor unit 21 is 1, the ID of the second indoor unit 22 is 2, the ID of the third indoor unit 23 is 3, and the fourth room is It is assumed that the ID of the unit 24 is set to 4, the ID of the fifth indoor unit 25 is set to 5, and the ID of the sixth indoor unit 26 is set to 6.

An example of transmitting data from the outdoor unit 10 to the sixth indoor unit 26 will be described.

First, the outdoor unit 10 searches for a relay unit to perform a relay function in order to transmit data having the identification number 00001 to the sixth indoor unit 26. Accordingly, the relay unit is searched for the third indoor unit 23 and the fifth indoor unit 25, and the outdoor unit 10 has a transmission unit ID of 0 and a receiving unit ID of 3 in the packet format structure of communication data. In the route information, relay transmission data is generated by setting an initial transmission unit ID of 0, a final reception unit ID of 6, a first relay unit ID of 3, and a second relay unit ID of 5.

The outdoor unit 10 transmits the relay transmission data having the identification number 00001 to the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23, which are preset transmission target units, and identifies the data. The number (00001) is stored in the storage unit 17 of the outdoor unit.

Accordingly, the first indoor unit 21, the second indoor unit 22, and the third indoor unit 23 receive the data from the outdoor unit 10 (201) and check the validity of the received data. CHECK SUM) to determine if there is an abnormality in the checksum (202). At this time, if there is an abnormality in the data, the data is discarded (203). If the checksum is normal, it is determined whether the receiving unit ID and its ID match (204). At this time, since the ID of the receiving unit is 3 and does not match the IDs of the first indoor unit 21 and the second indoor unit 22, the first indoor unit 21 and the second indoor unit 22 are transmitted to themselves. Discard the data by determining that it is not data.

Then, the third indoor unit 23 determines that the receiving unit ID and its ID match, and determines whether the final receiving unit ID and its ID match (205).

At this time, since the ID of the last receiving unit is 6 and does not match the ID of the third indoor unit 23, the third indoor unit 23 judges the received data as the data to be relayed, Check if it is set as a relay unit.

That is, the third indoor unit 23 performs the relay function of confirming that the second relay unit is next and confirming that it is set as the first relay unit in the communication data packet format structure and transmitting data to the second relay unit. do. At this time, the third indoor unit 23 generates relay transmission data having relay performance information which has performed a relay function (207). In other words, in the packet format structure of the communication data, the transmission unit ID is set to 3 and the reception unit ID is set to 5 to generate relay transmission data, and the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25, which are preset transmission target units, are generated. Data is sent to the server (208).

Next, the fourth indoor unit 24 and the fifth indoor unit 25 receive 201 the data transmitted to the third indoor unit 23 and check the validity of the data through a check sum of the received data. Then, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the check sum (202). At this time, if there is an error in the received data, the data is discarded (203). If the checksum is normal, it is judged whether or not the receiving unit ID and its ID match (204).

At this time, since the ID of the receiving unit is 5 and does not match the ID of the fourth indoor unit 24, the fourth indoor unit 24 determines that the data is not transmitted to itself and discards the data (203). Then, the fifth indoor unit 25 determines that the receiving unit ID and its own ID match, and determines whether the final receiving unit ID and its own ID match (205).

In this case, since the ID of the last receiving unit is 6 and the fifth indoor unit 25 does not match its ID, it is determined that the received data is to be relayed data, and it is set as a relay unit in the communication data packet format structure. Check if it is.

That is, the fifth indoor unit 25 confirms that it is set as the second relay unit in the communication data packet format structure, and then confirms that the third relay unit is set. At this time, since the third relay unit is not set and is set to Null, the fifth indoor unit 25 determines that it is the last relay unit, checks the final receiving unit ID, and transmits data to the final receiving unit. To perform. At this time, the fifth indoor unit 25 generates relay transmission data having relay performance information which has performed a relay function (207). That is, in the packet format structure of the communication data, relay transmission data is generated by setting the transmission unit ID to 5 and the reception unit ID to 6, and the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24 which are preset transmission target units. And a data transmission function 208 to the sixth indoor unit 25.

Next, the third indoor unit 23, the fourth indoor unit 24, and the sixth indoor unit 26 check the validity of the data when the data is received 201 from the fifth indoor unit 25. SUM) to determine whether there is an abnormality in the checksum (202). At this time, if there is an error in the received data, the data is discarded (203). If the checksum is normal, it is judged whether or not the receiving unit ID and its ID match (204).

At this time, since the ID of the receiving unit is 6 and the third indoor unit 23 and the fourth indoor unit 24 do not match their ID, it determines that the data is not transmitted to them and discards the data (203).

Then, the sixth indoor unit 26 confirms that the receiving unit ID and its own ID match, and determines whether the final receiving unit ID and its own ID match (205). At this time, the ID of the last receiving unit is 6, and the sixth indoor unit 26 confirms that it matches its ID. The sixth indoor unit 26 checks whether the identification number of the received data is stored in the storage unit, and if it is determined that the identification number of the received data is not stored in the storage unit, stores the received data (206). The overall operation of the sixth indoor unit 26 is controlled based on this data.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a multi-type air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein one outdoor unit 10 and a plurality of indoor units 21 installed in a plurality of indoor spaces are connected to the outdoor unit 10, respectively. , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26). Here, one outdoor unit 10 and a plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are each connected by a refrigerant pipe 30, and each unit communicates through the refrigerant pipe 30. To perform.

Accordingly, the outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26 of the multi-type air conditioner include the modulators 19a and 21h and the coupling units 19b and 21i in addition to the components of the first embodiment shown in FIG. It includes more. That is, in the same configuration, the same reference numerals are assigned and the description thereof will be omitted. Here, since the refrigerant pipe 30 connecting all the units uses a conductor such as copper, it can be used as an electromagnetic communication medium.

Modulation and demodulation units 19a and 21h provided in the outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26 respectively modulate the signal output from the microcomputer into a high frequency signal (for example, a signal of a short wave frequency of several MHz). The coupling units 19b and 21i are output to the coupling units 19b and 21i, and the coupling units 19b and 21i are converted into electromagnetic signals and output to the refrigerant pipe 30. In addition, the coupling units 19b and 21i transmit electromagnetic signals transmitted through the refrigerant pipe 30 to the modulation and demodulation units 19a and 21h, and the modulation and demodulation units 19a and 21h are transmitted from the coupling units 19b and 21i. Demodulates the electromagnetic signal and sends it to the microcomputer.

Accordingly, the microcomputer of the outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21 to 26 performs a relay function in the communication between the two units based on the communication signal transmitted through the refrigerant pipe 30 and also performs the overall operation of the unit. To control. Here, the method of performing the relay function when communicating between the two units may be performed according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment.

1 is a block diagram of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 illustrates a state of transmitting and receiving data during communication between units of the multi-type air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart of a communication method of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a fence chart of data transmission and reception during communication between units of the multi-type air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a structure of a packet format of transmit / receive data of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a block diagram of a multi-type air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a fence chart of data transmission and reception during communication between units of a multi-type air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method of a multi-type air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a format structure of transmission and reception data packets of the multi-type air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a fence chart of data transmission and reception during communication between units of the multi-type air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a block diagram of a multi-type air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Related Art [0002]

10: outdoor unit 21 to 26: indoor unit

30: refrigerant piping 40: wiring

Claims (19)

An outdoor unit in which the transmission target unit is preset; A plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor units, respectively, and having a preset transmission unit; And multi-unit air conditioners when transmitting data between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, each unit transmitting the data to the preset transmission target unit. The method of claim 1, The data transmission is a multi-type air conditioner for transmitting the data between any one of the plurality of indoor units and the other unit. The method of claim 2, When direct communication between the one unit and the other unit is impossible, the unit provided between the one unit and the other unit performs a relay function. The method of claim 1, wherein the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, And a relay function for determining whether the data is transmitted to the user when the data is received, and transmitting the data to the transmission target unit if the data is not the data. The method of claim 1, The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units each further include a relay function setting unit for setting a relay function, The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units determine whether the data is transmitted to the user when the data is received, and if the data is not the data transmitted to the user, determine whether a relay function is set. A multi-type air conditioner for performing a relay function for transmitting the data. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, Multi-type air conditioner for storing the identification number of the data to determine whether the next data transmitted and received is already transmitted and received data. Outdoor unit; A plurality of indoor units communicating with the outdoor unit through a refrigerant pipe, When one of the outdoor unit and the other indoor unit and the other unit cannot communicate directly through the refrigerant pipe, the unit provided between the one unit and the other unit performs the multi-function air Conditioner. The method of claim 7, wherein the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, Multi type air conditioner in which a transmission target unit is set in advance. The method of claim 8, wherein the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units, And a relay function for determining whether the data is transmitted to the user when the data is received, and transmitting the data to the transmission target unit if the data is not the data. Any one of the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units transmits data to a preset transmission target unit, The unit receiving the data determines whether the data is transmitted to itself, And a relay function for transmitting the data to a transmission target unit preset to the self, if the data is not the data transmitted to the self. The method of claim 10, The unit receiving the data checks whether the identification number of the data is stored, If the identification number of the data is stored, the data is discarded, And storing the data if the identification number of the data is not stored. The method of claim 10, wherein performing the relay function comprises: Determine whether the relay function is set, And performing a relay function of transmitting the data to a transmission target unit preset to the user when the relay function is set. The method of claim 10, The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units communication method of the multi-type air conditioner for transmitting and receiving data through a wiring or refrigerant pipe. The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units search for a path of a relay unit that performs a relay function between itself and another unit when transmitting data to another unit, and transmit data having the path of the found relay unit, The communication unit of the multi-type air conditioner for determining whether or not to perform the relay function for transmitting the data by checking whether the data is transmitted to the unit based on the path of the relay unit. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein transmitting data having a path of the retrieved relay unit comprises: A communication method of a multi-type air conditioner, further comprising transmitting to a preset transmission target unit. The method according to claim 14, wherein checking whether the data is transmitted to itself based on the path of the relay unit, The communication method of the multi-type air conditioner comprising checking whether the ID of the path in the relay unit. The method of claim 14, wherein determining whether to perform the relay function is performed. If there is an own ID in the path of the relay unit, check whether the ID of the other unit and its ID match, And determining that a relay function for transmitting the data should be performed if the ID of the other unit and the ID of the other unit do not match. The method of claim 17, And storing the data when the ID of the other unit and the ID of the other unit match, and driving the unit based on the data. The method of claim 14, The outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units communication method of the multi-type air conditioner for transmitting and receiving data through a wiring or refrigerant pipe.

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