KR101232928B1 - Automatic allocation method of communication address for multi­airconditioner system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an indoor unit address allocation method in a multi-type air conditioner. In more detail, the outdoor unit divides the entire address range determined for each section and sequentially transmits the highest address range value for each section to the indoor unit, and the indoor units selects a random random random value within the highest address range for each section. Responds when a call request comes from the first random value selected by the user when the call is made by each section, and if the outdoor unit receives this signal is a singular response, it assigns a specific address capable of calculating a range value. After assigning a specific address capable of calculating a range value through the subsearch process, waiting for the indoor unit that has not been assigned a communication address in the casting designated failure range, and generating a second random value again in the non-response range through a rescan process Can be prevented from missing address assignments. The present invention relates to a method for allocating indoor unit addresses in a multi-type air conditioner that periodically checks and assigns a specific address to an indoor unit quickly added by searching only within a non-response range.

Description

Automatic allocation method of communication address for multi-air conditioner system

The present invention relates to an indoor unit address allocation method in a multi-type air conditioner. More specifically, as an automatic communication address allocation method of a multi-type air conditioner that automatically searches for and assigns a plurality of indoor unit communication addresses, in particular, a unique search algorithm is applied so that one outdoor unit can use a plurality of indoor unit communication addresses at high speed. It is possible to allocate and to wait for the indoor unit that has not been assigned a communication address to the addressing failure range, and to find and assign the automatic communication address of the multi-type air conditioner, which is easy to prevent address assignment and newly assigned indoor unit. It is about.

The multi-type air conditioner system refers to an air conditioning system in which a plurality of indoor units (slaves) are connected to a single outdoor unit (master). In order to operate the multi-type air conditioner efficiently, the outdoor unit should be able to identify the number of indoor units and distinguish each of them. In addition, the newly installed indoor unit should be easily recognized and included in the control target.

In order for the outdoor unit to control a number of indoor units and control each of them, a specific address must be assigned to each indoor unit. In the existing address allocation method, an external input such as a dip switch or a remote controller is used or an initial input such as a product production number is used. Was used. However, there is a problem that this method involves an error due to input or an increase in production cost. In addition, there is a hassle of manipulating additional push buttons to include a newly installed indoor unit in a control object, or initializing communication addresses of existing indoor units and repeating new address assignment. That is, the conventional multi-type air conditioner has a problem that occurs due to the initial communication error when installed, and increases the error rate when increasing the number of indoor units.

In addition, the address allocation method of the conventional multi-type air conditioner uses a method in which the indoor unit generates a random number and sequentially calls the numbers within all ranges one by one, so that the number of calls is increased, which takes a lot of time to search and assign. There was a problem. In addition, when the range for generating random numbers is widened, there is a problem that the number of calls to be made basically increases, which requires a lot of time.

Therefore, it is possible to search and assign the automatic communication address of the multi-type air conditioning system without additional external conditions, and to determine the number of connected indoor units and to automatically include the newly installed indoor units in the control object by plug and play. A communication address search and allocation method was required.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, according to one embodiment of the present invention by automatically assigning a communication address, not only the simplicity and convenience of the assignment, but also a multi-type that can fundamentally prevent the misconfiguration of the contractor It provides a method for searching and assigning an automatic communication address of an air conditioner.

In addition, by using a unique search algorithm according to an embodiment of the present invention, a range that is unnecessarily searched for address assignment is greatly reduced, and an address is assigned to a range value including unique information of a range rather than an arbitrary value. By doing so, the address assignment range and process of the indoor unit that failed to assign the address can be quickened, and when the new indoor unit is connected, the automatic communication address of the multi-type air conditioner can be set quickly while maintaining the specific address of the existing indoor unit again. It provides a search and assignment method.

Other objects, specific advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to assign an indoor unit address in a multi-type air conditioner including one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units. Setting a range and transmitting the entire address range and the highest address range for each section to each indoor unit; Generating, by each of the plurality of indoor units, a random first random value within the entire address range; Responding to the outdoor unit when the indoor unit receiving the highest address range for each section matches the first random value generated by the indoor unit and the highest address range; And an upper search step of allocating the indoor unit to a specific address whose address range value of the indoor unit to which the outdoor unit has a single response can be calculated if the indoor unit has a single response. Can be achieved.

In the step of responding to the outdoor unit, when the indoor unit has a plurality of responses of two or more responses, the outdoor unit sets the divided address range divided by the highest address range that has responded to the plurality of responses. The indoor unit responds to the outdoor unit when the generated first random number and the split address range coincide with each other. When the indoor unit responds to a single response, the indoor unit assigns a specific address that can be computed by the address range value of the indoor unit to which the outdoor unit responds to a single unit. It may be characterized by including a sub-search step.

The lower searching step may be characterized in that if the indoor unit has a plurality of responses, the lower search step is continuously executed up to nth preset.

Some of the highest address ranges include an addressing failure range, and the step of transmitting the highest address range to each indoor unit may be characterized by transmitting the highest address range excluding the addressing failure range to each indoor unit.

The specific address may be characterized by having the best address range and the divided address range information including the first random number of the indoor unit.

In the lower search phase, if the single response is not performed even after completing the nth search, or if the indoor unit is not responding, the upper search range and the lower search phase are performed by giving up the search in the highest address range currently searched and moving to the next highest address range. It may be characterized by executing.

The indoor unit allocated to the specific address by the upper search step and the lower search step may further include transmitting the highest address range or the divided address range to which the first random number of the indoor unit belongs.

Generating a random value within an addressing failure range of the indoor unit to which a specific address is not allocated by the upper searching step and the lower searching step; And calling each of the indoor units with the addressing failure range.

After the step of transmitting the highest address range or the divided address range to the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit further sets a non-response range except for the highest address range and the divided address range transmitted in the entire address range, and further transmits the non-response range to each of the indoor units. It can be characterized by.

Each indoor unit for which a specific address is not set may further include setting a second random value within a non-response range within a predetermined random number generation time.

The method may further include a re-search step of setting a specific address in the indoor unit by executing the upper search step and the lower search step after setting the second random value.

If the number of indoor units set to a specific address and the number of indoor units actually installed may be characterized in that the multi-type air conditioner operates normally.

When a specific address is set in the indoor unit by the rescanning step, the highest address range or the divided address range including the specific address is transmitted to the outdoor unit, and the non-response range except the highest address range and the divided address range transmitted by the outdoor unit in the entire address range. It may be characterized by setting the.

Periodically transmits the addressing failure range to the indoor unit during normal operation to check whether there is an additionally connected indoor unit, and if there is an indoor unit that responds within the addressing failure range, detects the additionally connected indoor unit and responds to the indoor unit to which the outdoor unit is added. It may be characterized in that for transmitting.

The added indoor unit may set the second random number within the random number generation time within the non-response range, and perform a higher search step and a lower search step to allocate a specific address to the added indoor unit.

Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above, not only the simplicity and convenience of the assignment, but also the effect of fundamentally preventing the misconfiguration of the installer by automatically assigning the communication address.

In addition, by using a unique search algorithm according to an embodiment of the present invention, a range that is unnecessarily searched for address assignment is greatly reduced, and an address is assigned to a range value including unique information of a range rather than an arbitrary value. By doing so, the address allocation range and process of the indoor unit that fails to allocate the address is quick, and when the new indoor unit is connected, it is possible to quickly set the address while maintaining the specific address of the existing indoor unit again.

In addition, the communication address allocation method according to an embodiment of the present invention is performed by the method of the contractor and by the plug-and-play method, and the convenience of automatic address assignment at the initial installation of the air conditioner system, and additional address for maintenance. The advantage of providing an ease of use is that the allocation process is omitted.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various other modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, All fall within the scope of the appended claims.

1 is a block diagram of a multi-type air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a multi-type air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 3a is a flow chart of the indoor unit automatic address assignment method of the multi-type air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 3b is a flow chart of the indoor unit automatic address assignment method of the multi-type air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
4 is a flowchart of an automatic address allocation method when an indoor unit is additionally connected in an indoor unit automatic address allocation method of a multi-type air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a flowchart showing the principle of the upper search and lower search method of the indoor unit automatic address allocation method of the multi-type air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a flowchart of an indoor unit automatic address assignment method of a multi-type air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
7 is a flowchart illustrating an indoor unit automatic address assignment method of a multi-type air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

The same reference numerals are used for portions having similar functions and functions throughout the drawings. Throughout the specification, when a part is connected to another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly connected, but also the case where it is indirectly connected with another element in between. In addition, the inclusion of an element does not exclude other elements, but may include other elements, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the multi-type air conditioner system and the specific address allocation method of the indoor unit 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a multi-type air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Figure 2 shows a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the multi-type air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, in the multi-type air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of indoor units 20 are connected to one outdoor unit 10. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a memory 13 for storing specific data. In addition, the indoor unit 20 connected to the outdoor unit 10 also includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a memory 23. The control unit 21 and the control unit 11 of the outdoor unit 10 provided in each indoor unit 20 control the operations of the communication units 12 and 22 and the memory 13 and 23, and the communication unit of the outdoor unit 10. 12 communicates with the communication unit 22 provided in the indoor unit 20 to allocate a specific address to each indoor unit 20 by an address assignment algorithm described in detail below.

3A and 3B illustrate a flowchart of a method for addressing an indoor unit 20 in a multi-type air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 4 shows a flow chart of the address assignment method when the indoor unit 20 is additionally connected in the indoor unit 20 address allocation method of the multi-type air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 4, the indoor unit 20 specific address allocation method according to an embodiment of the present invention is transmitted by dividing the address range value by section. As shown in FIG. 4, first, when an address is assigned to each indoor unit 20 by an address assignment algorithm (S1), normal operation of the multi-type air conditioner 1 is started (S2). Then, as will be described in detail later, while periodically transmitting the specified failure range for the indoor unit 20, it is detected whether there is an additional indoor unit 20 (S3). That is, the new indoor unit 20 is detected in the addressing failure range, and an address is allocated to the newly added indoor unit 20 (S4).

Therefore, all indoor units 20 have an invalid initial communication address value that is predicted as an addressing failure range in the factory state before system configuration, and the outdoor unit 10 periodically checks this invalid communication address and newly connects it. The indoor unit 20 can be detected and distinguished. The indoor unit 20 reads the communication address stored in the non-volatile memory while the power is turned on to determine whether the indoor unit 20 is valid. If the communication address is determined to be an invalid value, the indoor unit 20 is in an automatic address assignment request standby state, and this state continues until the start input of the air conditioner 1 is applied by the user.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing a principle of a search method of an address assignment method of the indoor unit 20 in the multi-type air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a specific address symbol assigned to the address assignment method.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when three indoor units 20 are connected to the outdoor unit 10, the entire address range is set to 0 to 32. Each indoor unit 20 generates a random value within the entire address range. For example, assuming that indoor unit 20-1 is 5, indoor unit 20-2 is 9, and indoor unit 20-3 is 20, random number of 20 is generated. Calling each indoor unit 20 will respond because all three indoor units 20 fall within the highest address range. That is, there are three multiple responses to the outdoor unit 10.

If such a plurality of responses exist, the primary split address range is set by dividing the highest address range (0 to 32) into two. As shown in FIG. 5, the first primary division address range is 0 to 15 and the second primary division address range is 16 to 31.

Then, the primary divided address range is transmitted to each of the indoor units 20, and the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the range responds. The first indoor unit (random number: 5) and the second indoor unit (random number: 9) respond in the first primary address range, and the outdoor unit 10 receives multiple responses. In addition, in the second primary division address range, the indoor unit 20-3 may respond. The indoor unit 20 which performs the singular response is assigned a specific address (for example, 0-2) capable of calculating an address range.

When there is a plurality of responses, the first divided address range is further divided into two to set the second divided address range. As shown in FIG. 5, the first secondary division address range is 0 to 7 and the second secondary division address range is 8 to 15. When the second divided address range is called to each of the indoor unit 20-1 and the second indoor unit 20-2 to which a specific address is not assigned, the indoor unit 20-1 belongs to its own range. In the first secondary split address range, the singular response is performed, and the second indoor unit 20-2 responds to the second secondary split address range in its own range. In addition, a specific address (indoor unit 0-11 and indoor unit 0-12) capable of calculating an address range is assigned to each of the indoor unit 20-1 and the second indoor unit 20-2 that responded to the singular answer. Done.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when 0-11 is a specific address, 0 of the first symbol is a group number of the highest address range, and 1, which is a second symbol, is 1 as shown in FIG. 5. A group number of the difference division address range, and 1, the third symbol, corresponds to a group number of the secondary division address range. Therefore, it can be seen from the specific address that belongs to the first secondary divided address range of 0 to 7 range of the address range shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, a search method of the indoor unit 20 address allocation method of the multi-type air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an address allocation method of the indoor unit 20 of the multi-type air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, when the construction of the multi-type air conditioner 1 is completed and the initial address assignment button is pressed in the outdoor unit 10, the outdoor unit 10 sets the entire address range. As shown in FIG. 6, in a specific embodiment, the entire address range is set to 0 to 65535. The entire address range is divided by a specific number to set the highest address range for each section by the specific number. As shown in FIG. 6, the specific number is 128 and has a total of 128 top-level address ranges for each section. (Top 0 address range = 0 to 511, top 1 address range = 512 to 1023, top 2 number Address range = 1024 ~ 1535, ......., 124 top address range = 63488 ~ 63999, 125 top address range = 64000 ~ 64511, 126 top address range = 64512 ~ 65023, 127 top address range 65024-65535)

When the highest address range is set, the zeroth highest address range (0 to 511) is set as the addressing failure range. This addressing failure range is for rescanning by calling the indoor unit 20 whose addressing has failed after searching. In addition, the addressing failure range is for allocating a specific address by detecting a newly added indoor unit 20 during normal operation.

After setting the highest address range, each of the indoor units 20 generates one first random value within the highest address range (512 to 65535 in FIG. 6) except for the addressing failure range, which is the zeroth highest address range, and then the outdoor unit. Waiting for the call command (10) (S10) (for example, the number of the indoor unit 20 connected to the outdoor unit 10 is eight, the first random number generated is the indoor unit 20-1 is 41833, No. 2 indoor unit 20-2 is 903, no.3 indoor unit 20-3 is 1020, no.4 indoor unit 20-4 is 64001, no.5 indoor unit 20-5 is 63509, no.6 indoor unit 20- 6) 63991, the indoor unit 20-7 may be 64558, and the indoor unit 20-8 may be generated as 65533.)

Then, the outdoor unit 10 searches for the first random number generated by each of the indoor units 20 by using a unique search algorithm (S20). As described above, the first random number search method using the unique search algorithm first calls the indoor address 20 with the highest address range sequentially. When the first random number generated by each indoor unit 20 falls within the highest address range transmitted, the indoor unit 10 responds to the outdoor unit 10. Then, the outdoor unit 10 checks whether the response of the indoor unit 20 is a singular response or a plural response within each group of the highest address range (S30).

As shown in FIG. 6, a singular response is made in the 125th, 126th, and 127th highest address ranges. That is, in the 125th highest address range 64000 to 64511, only one indoor unit 20 having the first random number 64001 responds. In addition, only one indoor unit 20 having the first random number 64558 responds in the 126th highest address range 64512 to 65023, and indoor unit 20 having the first random number 65533 in the 127th highest address range 65024 to 65535. Only one will respond.

When there is a singular response within the uppermost address range (S40), the group number of the highest address range is assigned to the indoor unit 20 that has responded singularly as a specific address of the indoor unit 20 (S50). That is, by setting such a group number to a specific address, the outdoor unit 10 can know where the highest address range set for the indoor unit 20 is set, and transmit this range to all other indoor units 20. When reexploring to explain, you don't have to search all the way. As shown in FIG. 6, since the indoor unit 20 having the first random number 41833 responds singly in the 81st highest address range, the indoor unit 20 having the first random number 41833 has a specific address of 81-0. Will be allocated.

In addition, since the indoor unit 20 having the first random value 64001 responds to the singular response in the 125th highest address range, the specific address is assigned to 125-0. In addition, since the indoor unit 20 having the first random value 64558 responds to the singular response in the 126th highest address range, a specific address is assigned to 126-0, and the indoor unit 20 having the first random number 65533 has the 127th highest position. Because there is a singular response in the address range, a specific address is assigned to 127-0.

When two or more responses, that is, multiple responses, exist within a specific highest address range, a lower search process is performed within the highest address range (S60). The sub-search process is performed by resetting the divided address range obtained by dividing the highest address range into two, transmitting the divided address ranges to the indoor units 20 which have responded to the plurality of responders, and waiting for a call.

As shown in FIG. 6, two indoor units 20 (the indoor unit 20 having the first random number 63509 and the indoor unit 20 having the 63991) respond within the 124th highest address range 63488 to 63999. do. When there are multiple responses, the primary divided address range is set within the highest address range 63488 to 63999. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the first primary division address range is 63483 to 63661, and the second primary division address range is 63662 to 63995. When the primary divided address range is transmitted to the plurality of indoor units 20 that respond, the indoor unit 20 that falls within the primary divided address range responds.

As shown in FIG. 6, the indoor unit 20 having the first random number 63509 responds to the singular response in the first primary address range 63483 to 63661, and the indoor unit 20 having the first random number 63991 is There is a singular response in the second primary division address range, 63662 to 63995. When there is a singular response in the sub-search process, a specific address whose address range can be calculated is allocated to the indoor unit 20 which has been singularly responded. In this specific address, the group number of the highest address to which the indoor unit 20 belongs and the order and group number of the split address according to the lower search are displayed. That is, the group number 124 of the highest address range of the indoor unit 20 having the first random value 63509 is assigned to the first digit and is assigned to the second digit because it belongs to the first primary address range according to the lower search. . Therefore, the specific address of the indoor unit 20 having the first random number 63509 is allocated to 124-1. In addition, the group number 124 of the highest address range of the indoor unit 20 having the first random value 63991 is assigned to the first digit, and is assigned to the second digit because it belongs to the second primary division address range according to the lower search. . Therefore, the specific address of the indoor unit 20 having the first random value of 63991 is allocated to 124-2.

If a plurality of responses exist within the primary divided address range, the secondary divided address range is set by dividing the range again in the primary divided address range. The division of the lower order is continued by the preset number of searches. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the indoor unit 20 having the first random number in the first highest address range is 903 and 1020, all of the calls in the first highest address range are answered. In response, the outdoor unit 10 that receives a plurality of responses divides the first highest address range to set a primary divided address range. That is, the first primary divided address range for the first highest address range is 512 to 767, and the second primary divided address range is 768 to 1023.

The primary divided address range is then called to the indoor unit 20 which has responded plurally. When the call is made, the indoor unit 20 having the first random values of 903 and 1020 does not call within the first primary address range (no response), and both respond within the first primary address range. You will have multiple answers once again. In the case of non-response, the search goes to the next highest address range without performing the search. When there are multiple responses within the second primary division address range, the second division address range is set by dividing again within the second primary division address range. As shown in FIG. 6, the first secondary division address range is 768 to 895, and the second secondary division address range is 896 to 1023. When the second divided address range is called to the indoor unit 20 having the first random number 903 and 1020 that have responded plurally, the second divided address range does not respond (no response), and the second divided address range does not respond. Both respond to each other, resulting in multiple responses.

When multiple responses are made in the secondary divided address range, the third divided address range is set again. As shown in FIG. 6, the first tertiary address range is 896 to 959, and the second tertiary address range is 960 to 1023. When the third division address range is called to the indoor unit 20, the indoor unit 20 having the first random number of 903 responds singularly in the first third address range, and the indoor unit having the first random number of 1020 is used. 20 responds to the singular response in the second and third address ranges.

When there is a singular response, the outdoor unit 10 allocates a specific address capable of calculating a range of address addresses to the indoor unit 20 which has a singular response (S70). That is, the group number of the highest address range is assigned to the first digit, the first division address range group number is the second digit, the second division address range group number is the second digit, and the third division address range group number is the second digit. Will be given to That is, the highest address range group number of the indoor unit 20 having the first random value 903 is 1, the group number of the primary divided address range is 2, the group number of the secondary divided address range is 2, and the third divided address range. Since the group number of 1 is 1, the specific address is assigned to 1-221.

On the other hand, the highest address range group number of the indoor unit 20 having the first random value 1020 is 1, the group number of the primary divided address range is 2, the group number of the secondary divided address range is 2, and the third divided address range. Since the group number of 2 is 2, the specific address is assigned to 1-222.

The number of searches in this sub-search process is not continued indefinitely, but continues as much as the number of preset searches. For example, if the set number of searches is 3, the search is performed only up to the third tertiary divided address range, and no search is performed for more than that. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 transmits an address confirmation signal to the indoor unit 20 that has received a singular response by the upper search and the lower search, and the indoor unit 20 receiving the address confirmation signal confirms its own address and then returns the address. The determination completion signal is transmitted to the outdoor unit 10. Therefore, the number of indoor units 20 set in the outdoor unit 10 can be expressed (S90).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a search method of an address assignment method of the indoor unit 20 of the multi-type air conditioner 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, even when the search is performed up to the set nth order, there are a plurality of responses or when there is no response (S80), the search is stopped, and the search is performed by moving to the next highest address range (S130). .

The indoor units 20 whose addresses are determined during the first full search do not respond to further searches. After the first full search is over, the rescanning start determination signal is transmitted to all indoor units 20. Among the indoor units 20 that have received the re-search start determination signal, the indoor unit 20 which has not been assigned a specific address yet generates a random signal within the 0th highest address range, that is, the addressing failure range. Then, before starting the second full search, it is checked whether there is a response in the indoor unit 20 by calling the top 0 address range. That is, this process becomes a procedure of checking whether the installed indoor unit 20 and the number of the indoor unit 20 in which a specific address is determined match (S100).

If there is no response, the addressing operation is completed, and the number of indoor units 20 currently completed is displayed on the display window outside, and normal operation is performed (S110). In other words, if there is no response, all indoor units 20 are assumed to have been assigned a specific address. If there is a response, the highest address range and the divided address range to which the indoor unit 20 of which the specific address is determined belong are transmitted to all indoor units 20 (S140). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the divided address range of the determined specific address 1-221 is 896 to 959, 1-222 is 960 to 1023, 125-0 is 64000 to 64511, and 126-0 is 64512. 65023 and 127-0 correspond to 65024 to 65535.

Then, a range outside the determined address range is defined as the non-response range, and the indoor units 20 for which the address is not specified generate an arbitrary second random number value during the random number generation time set within the non-response range (S150). When the second random value is generated in the indoor unit 20 to which the address is not assigned during the random number generation time (S160), the second whole whole is performed by performing the upper search and the lower search like the first full search process mentioned above. The search process (research process) is executed. When the indoor unit 20 responds to the singular response by the second full search process, the specific address is performed in the same manner, and when the indoor unit 20 no longer responds within the 0th highest address range (addressing failure range), the indoor unit 20 When the number of indoor units 20 and the number of indoor units 20 to which a specific address is assigned correspond to each other, the multi-type air conditioner 1 operates normally.

Then, it is checked whether the indoor unit 20 additionally periodically connected during normal operation is detected (S120). Checking whether the indoor unit 20 additionally connected periodically transmits an addressing failure range (the highest 0th address range) to the indoor units 20 periodically connected. If there is no indoor unit 20 responding, the additionally connected indoor unit 20 does not exist, and if the indoor unit 20 responds, the additional indoor unit 20 is detected. That is, since the indoor unit 20 to be additionally connected is given an arbitrary value within the 0th highest address range (that is, the range of 0 to 512 in FIGS. 6 and 7), the additionally connected indoor unit 20 fails to address. Will respond to the range.

In response to the addressing failure range, the outdoor unit 10 transmits the non-response range to the added indoor unit 20 (S140). Then, the added indoor unit 20 generates a random number value within the specified random number generation time within the non-response range mentioned above (S150), when a random number value is generated within the random number generation time (S160), the above-mentioned upper search By performing a subsearch and to allocate a specific address for the added indoor unit (20).

1: Multi air conditioner
10: outdoor unit
11: Control unit of outdoor unit
12: communication unit of the outdoor unit
13: Memory of the outdoor unit
20-1: Indoor 1
21-1: Control part of the room 1
22-1: Communication Unit 1
23-1: Indoor 1's memory
20-2: Indoor 2
21-2: Control part of the room 2
22-2: Communication Unit 2
23-2: Indoor 2 Memory
20-3: Indoor 3
21-3: The control part of the room 3
22-3: Communication department of indoor 3
23-3: Indoor 3's memory
20-n: indoor n
21-n: control unit of indoor n
22-n: communication unit of indoor n
23-n: Memory of indoor n

Claims (15)

In a multi-type air conditioner including one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units, the indoor unit address allocation method,
Setting the entire address range in the outdoor unit, setting the highest address range for each section by dividing the entire address range by a specific value in the outdoor unit, and transmitting the total address range and the highest address range for each section to each of the indoor units;
Generating, by each of the plurality of indoor units, a random first random value within the entire address range;
Responding to the outdoor unit when the indoor unit, which has received the highest address range for each section, matches the first random number generated by the indoor unit with the highest address range; And
And a higher search step of allocating a specific address to the indoor unit, the address of which can be calculated by the address range of the indoor unit to which the outdoor unit has a single response, when the response of the indoor unit is a single response. Address assignment method.
The method of claim 1,
Responding to the outdoor unit
If the indoor unit has a plurality of responses of two or more responses, the outdoor unit sets a divided address range divided by the highest address range for which the plurality of responses have been made.
The indoor unit responds to the outdoor unit when the divided address range is transmitted to each of the indoor units that have responded to the plurality of units, and when the first random number generated by the indoor unit and the divided address range coincide with each other,
And if the response of the indoor unit is a single response, an automatic communication address of the multi-type air conditioner, wherein the sub-search step of assigning to the indoor unit a specific address operable by the address range value of the indoor unit to which the outdoor unit has responded singly. Assignment method.
The method of claim 2,
The sub-search step,
If the indoor unit has a plurality of responses, automatic communication address assignment method of the multi-type air conditioner, characterized in that it continues to run up to n times set in advance.
The method of claim 3, wherein
A portion of the highest address range includes an addressing failure range,
And transmitting the highest address range to each of the indoor units comprises transmitting the highest address range to each of the indoor units except for the addressing failure range.
5. The method of claim 4,
And the specific address has the best address range including the first random number of the indoor unit and the divided address range information.
6. The method of claim 5,
In the sub-search step,
Even if the nth search is not completed after the nth search is completed or if the indoor unit does not respond, the search in the highest address range currently being searched is abandoned and moved to the next highest address range to execute the upper search step and the lower search step. Automatic communication address assignment method of the multi-type air conditioner, characterized in that.
The method according to claim 6,
The outdoor unit further includes the step of recognizing the highest address range and the divided address range to which the first random number value of the indoor unit to which a specific address is assigned by the upper search step and the lower search step further comprises. How to assign auto communication address.
8. The method of claim 7,
Generating an arbitrary random value within the addressing failure range of the indoor unit to which a specific address is not allocated by the upper searching step and the lower searching step; And
And the outdoor unit calls each of the indoor units to the addressable failure range.
The method of claim 8,
After the outdoor unit recognizes the highest address range or the divided address range,
The outdoor unit further comprises transmitting the highest address range and the divided address range to which all of the indoor units belonging to the first random number of the indoor unit to which a specific address is assigned, respectively. .
The method of claim 9,
Each of the indoor units in which the specific address is not set is within a non-response range except for the highest address range and the split address range to which the first random number of the indoor unit to which the specific address is allocated belongs to the premise address range within a preset random number generation time. And setting a second random number value.
The method of claim 10,
And re-searching for setting a specific address in the indoor unit by executing the upper search step and the lower search step after setting the second random number value. .
12. The method of claim 11,
And the multi-type air conditioner operates normally when the number of indoor units in which the specific address is set matches the number of indoor units actually installed.
13. The method of claim 12,
When the specific address is set in the indoor unit by the rescanning step, the outdoor unit recognizes the highest address range and the divided address range including the specific address, and transmits the same to all indoor units, and the indoor unit is not assigned a specific address. And a non-response range except for the highest address range and the divided address range transmitted in the entire address range.
The method of claim 13,
Periodically transmits the addressing failure range to the indoor unit during normal operation to check whether there is an additionally connected indoor unit, and if there is an indoor unit responding to the addressing failure range, the additionally connected indoor unit is detected and the outdoor unit is added. The automatic communication address assignment method of the multi-type air conditioner, characterized in that for transmitting the non-response range to the indoor unit.
The method of claim 14,
Wherein the added indoor unit sets a second random number value within the random number generation time within the non-response range, and executes the upper searching step and the lower searching step to allocate a specific address to the added indoor unit. Automatic communication address allocation method of multi air conditioner.

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