air conditioning

Abstract

Air conditioning (100), featuring: a large number of air conditioning units (1A, 1B), each comprising an outdoor unit (10A, 10B), an indoor unit (20A, 20B) and a remote control (30A, 30B); and a transmission line (3) through which the multiple air conditioning units (1A, 1B) are connected to each other, where each of the outdoor units (10A, 10B) includes: a communication unit (111A, 111B) designed to send and receive a signal, a repeater (112A, 112B) designed to relay a signal of a set frequency, and a memory (115A, 115B) designed to store class information of the repeater (112A, 112B), wherein the class information includes a set frequency with which the repeater (112A, 112B) is compatible, wherein the remote control (30A) of the one air conditioner (1A) of the multiple air conditioners (1A, 1B) is designed to capture the class information of the repeater (112A) of the one air conditioner (1A) stored in the memory (115A) of the one air conditioner (1A), wherein the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioner (1B) is designed to capture the class information of the repeater (112B) of the other air conditioner (1B) stored in the memory (115B) of the other air conditioner (1B), wherein, in a case where, based on the class information, a set frequency with which the repeater (112A) of one air conditioner (1A) is compatible and a set frequency with which the repeater (112B) of the other air conditioner (1B) is compatible match, the remote control (30A) of one air conditioner (1A) and the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioner (1B) are designed to perform communication using a signal of the set frequency so matching.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system designed to facilitate communication between a large number of air conditioning units. General state of the art

[0002] In some air conditioning systems consisting of multiple components such as outdoor and indoor units, the components are interconnected via a transmission line (see, for example, JP 2014-105966A). In the air conditioning system described in JP 2014-105966A, the outdoor units of multiple air conditioning units are interconnected for communication via a transmission line. This enables the air conditioning units to operate in concert.

[0003] In a case where air conditioning units are connected to each other via a transmission line to perform communication, a repeater is usually installed on a communication path formed by the transmission line to extend a transmission distance and form a signal to which noise is superimposed.

[0004] JP H05-187697A discloses that, in order to obtain an air conditioning system in which a plurality of indoor units can be individually controlled by a common remote control unit, an indoor unit designation signal and an operating condition signal, to be transmitted by a remote control, are received by an indoor unit, and a designated indoor unit is identified. If the identified unit is another indoor unit, the designation signal and the condition signal are transmitted to the unit via a signal transmission line and an outdoor unit, thereby controlling the unit to operate under desired conditions based on the condition signal.

[0005] EP 1 936 294 B1 discloses an air conditioning system capable of reducing signal traffic and effectively performing control and management operations without causing heavy traffic. In an air conditioning system comprising one or more indoor units, one or more outdoor units, and a centralized control device, and which performs signal communication, a transmission relay is provided between a first transmission line, to which one or more outdoor units and the centralized control device are connected, and a second transmission line, to which one or more indoor units forming a group are connected. The transmission relay relays a signal between the first transmission line and the connected second transmission line.The transmission relay further includes an arithmetic processing unit for processing data contained in the signal transmitted over the connected second transmission line, and a data storage unit for storing data relating to the processing by the arithmetic processing unit.

[0006] DE 695 32 759 T2 discloses several control groups comprising external and internal control units interconnected by proprietary communication lines to enable signal transmission and reception. The individual control units are connected to each other via an integrated line capable of transmitting and receiving. Within each control unit, the proprietary communication lines are connected to the integrated line to form a single transmission network. Furthermore, the transmission network is connected to a centralized control unit, which serves to centralize the control of the external and internal units. Relays are also provided to establish and interrupt continuity between the proprietary communication lines and the integrated line. List of quotations Patent literature Patent literature 1: JP 2014 - 105 966 ​​A Patent literature 2: JP H05 - 187 697 A Patent literature 3: EP 1 936 294 B1 Patent literature 4: DE 695 32 759 T2 Brief description of the invention: Technical problem

[0007] Furthermore, for example, in a case where at least one air conditioning unit in an air conditioning system is replaced, air conditioning units using different communication methods can communicate with each other via a transmission line. In this case, the communication is generally designed to ensure upward compatibility, allowing a less sophisticated communication method to be overridden by a more sophisticated one. That is, if both devices are compatible with the more sophisticated communication method, the more sophisticated method will be used. Conversely, if both devices are incompatible with the more sophisticated communication method, the less sophisticated, standard communication method will be used.

[0008] In this case, however, it is impossible to determine which communication method can be used for optimal communication, as there is a mix of communication methods used separately by the air conditioning units. This necessitates the use of a standard communication method to ensure reliable communication between the air conditioning units, which makes it impossible to achieve improvements such as the communication rate.

[0009] The present disclosure was made with regard to the problems mentioned above and aims to provide an air conditioning system designed to properly carry out communication even when there is a mixture of devices that differ in their communication methods. Solution to the problem

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an air conditioning system according to independent claim 1 and an air conditioning system according to independent claim 5 are provided. Further embodiments of the claimed invention are defined in the dependent claims. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where a set frequency compatible with the repeater of one air conditioning unit in a plurality of air conditioning units coincides with a set frequency compatible with the repeater of another air conditioning unit in the plurality of air conditioning units, communication is carried out using a signal of the matching set frequency. This makes it possible to carry out communication properly even when there is a mixture of units that differ from one another in their communication methods. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system design according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing examples of communication control device designs. Fig. 1 shows. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing an example of a data structure of a signal flowing through a transmission line. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation to illustrate a signal state of each component in a case where air conditioning units send and receive an initial signal to each other. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation to illustrate a signal state of each component in a case where the air conditioning units send and receive a second signal to each other. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a repeater identification procedure in the air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing examples of configurations of communication control devices of outdoor units according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation to explain the operation of a communication control device according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of a repeater identification procedure in an air conditioning system according to embodiment 2. Description of the embodiments: Embodiment 1

[0012] The following describes an air conditioning system according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The air conditioning system according to embodiment 1 is designed such that a plurality of air conditioning units, which differ from one another in their communication method, send and receive a signal to and from each other. [Air conditioning system design 100]

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of an air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 100 consists of several air conditioning units 1A and 1B and a central control unit 2. In the Fig. In the example shown, the air conditioner 100 is equipped with the two air conditioning units 1A and 1B. However, this is not intended to be a limitation. The air conditioner 100 can be equipped with three or more air conditioning units.

[0014] The multiple air conditioning units 1A and 1B and the central control unit 2 are connected to each other via a dedicated transmission line 3. The transmission line 3 is a signal carrier medium for the multiple air conditioning units 1A and 1B and the central control unit 2 to communicate with each other in accordance with a communication protocol unique to the air conditioning system 100. (Central Administration Unit 2)

[0015] The central management unit 2 manages and controls the air conditioning units 1A and 1B by sending and receiving various types of data to and from them via transmission line 3. For example, the central management unit 2 receives information indicating the status of the air conditioning units 1A and 1B and sends control signals via transmission line 3 to control them. (Air conditioners 1A and 1B)

[0016] Air conditioning units 1A and 1B receive control signals containing control instructions from the central control unit 2 via transmission line 3 and operate the air conditioning system based on these received control signals. Furthermore, during operation, air conditioning units 1A and 1B send signals to the central control unit 2 containing data that the central control unit 2 requires for its control functions.

[0017] The air conditioner 1A comprises an outdoor unit 10A, an indoor unit 20A, and a remote control (hereinafter referred to as the "remote control") 30A. In the Fig. In the example shown, the air conditioner 1A comprises an outdoor unit 10A, two indoor units 20A, and a remote control 30A. The outdoor unit 10A and the indoor units 20A are connected to each other via refrigerant lines 4A, thus forming a refrigerant circuit. Usable examples of refrigerants circulating through the refrigerant circuit are R32, R410A, or other refrigerants.

[0018] The air conditioner 1B comprises an outdoor unit 10B, an indoor unit 20B, and a remote control 30B. In the Fig. In the example shown, the air conditioning unit 1B comprises an outdoor unit 10B, two indoor units 20B, and a remote control 30B. The outdoor unit 10B and the indoor units 20B are connected to each other via refrigerant lines 4B, thus forming a refrigerant circuit.

[0019] In each of the air conditioning units 1A and 1B, the number of outdoor units 10A and 10B, the number of indoor units 20A and 20B, and the number of remote controls 30A and 30B are not limited to this example, but can be any number. Furthermore, the air conditioning units 1A and 1B do not have to be identical in their design, but can differ from each other, so that the number of components varies. (Outdoor units 10A and 10B)

[0020] Outdoor unit 10A includes a communication control device 11A. Outdoor unit 10B includes a communication control device 11B. The communication control devices 11A and 11B control the communication that takes place between the central management unit 2 and the air conditioning units 1A and 1B, which are connected to each other via the transmission line 3, and control the communication that takes place between the equipment in the air conditioning units 1A and 1B.

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing examples of configurations of the communication control devices 11A and 11B. Fig. 1 shows. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the communication control device 11A comprises a communication unit 111A, a repeater 112A, a switch 113A, a control unit 114A, and a memory 115A. Furthermore, the communication control device 11B comprises a communication unit 111B, a repeater 112B, a switch 113B, a control unit 114B, and a memory 115B. Since the communication control devices 11A and 11B have similar configurations, the communication control device 11A will be described below as an example.

[0022] The communication unit 111A is an interface through which communication can take place via transmission line 3 with equipment such as the indoor units 20A and the remote control 30A, which are provided in the air conditioner 1A. The communication unit 111A transmits a received signal to a transmission destination according to the control by the control unit 114A.

[0023] Repeater 112A forwards a signal received via transmission line 3. Specifically, repeater 112A transmits a signal received by a piece of equipment via communication unit 111A via transmission line 3 to the central control unit 2 or the other air conditioning unit 1B. Furthermore, repeater 112A transmits a signal received by the central control unit 2 or the other air conditioning unit 1B via transmission line 3 to a piece of equipment via communication unit 111A.

[0024] Furthermore, the Repeater 112A is designed to correctly shape the waveform of a received signal. The waveform of a signal transmitted over transmission line 3 can be distorted by superimposed noise during transmission. In such a case, the Repeater 112A removes the superimposed noise and shapes the signal waveform into one that corresponds to the signal's waveform at the time of transmission. This reduces transmission errors that occur during the signal's transmission to a destination.

[0025] Although the repeater 112A was described as being built into the communication control device 11A, this does not constitute a limitation. For example, the repeater 112A can be located outside the communication control device 11A.

[0026] Switch 113A is located between repeater 112A and transmission line 3, which is connected to the central management unit 2 and the other air conditioning unit 1B. Switch 113A blocks and transmits a signal by opening and closing its contact point according to the control unit 114A.

[0027] The control unit 114A controls the communication unit 111A and the switch 113A to manage communication in the outdoor unit 10A. For example, the control unit 114A controls the opening and closing of the switch 113A by interpreting a communication command contained in a signal received via the communication unit 111A and issuing a communication instruction to the communication unit 111A. The control unit 114A implements various types of functions by running software on an arithmetic unit such as a microcomputer, or it may be constructed from hardware such as a circuit device that implements various types of functions.

[0028] Memory 115A, for example, is constructed from non-volatile memory and has pre-stored, for instance, a program for controlling the outdoor unit 10A. Furthermore, in embodiment 1, memory 115A has pre-stored class information specifying the class of repeater 112A. This class information includes the frequency of a signal that repeater 112A or 112B can process. In addition, various types of data are stored in memory 115A according to the control unit 114A. (Remote control 30A)

[0029] The remote control 30A from Fig. 1 is used to operate the air conditioner 1A. The remote control 30A transmits an operating signal, corresponding to user operation, via transmission line 3 to the outdoor unit 10A and the indoor unit 20A.

[0030] Furthermore, in embodiment 1, the remote control 30A can also operate the other air conditioning unit 1B as well as the air conditioning unit 1A in which the remote control 30A is provided. That is, the remote control 30A can also transmit an operating signal to the outdoor unit 10B and the indoor unit 20B. [Data structure of the signal]

[0031] A description is given of the data structure of a signal that a piece of equipment sends to another piece of equipment or receives from another piece of equipment via transmission line 3. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing an example of a data structure for a signal flowing through transmission line 3. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the signal consists of a head segment 301, a communication command segment 302 and a frame check segment 303.

[0032] The header segment 301 contains address information such as a source address and a destination address to identify a piece of equipment, as well as information specifying the message length of the information stored in the communication command segment 302. A transmission address determined at this time is an address that corresponds to a specific piece of equipment, but it can also be one that corresponds to all pieces of equipment.

[0033] The communication command segment 302 stores information relating to a communication command. Specifically, for example, communication command segment 302 contains an instruction for monitoring the status of a piece of equipment and information for controlling that equipment. Frame check segment 303, for example, contains a code for detecting a transmission error that occurs during the transmission or reception of the signal. Furthermore, in embodiment 1, communication command segment 302 stores the class information of repeater 112A or 112B. [Air conditioning operation 100]

[0034] The operation of the air conditioner 100 is described below. In embodiment 1, the remote control 30A or 30B, which is provided in one air conditioner 1A or 1B, can be used to operate the outdoor unit 10B or 10A and the indoor unit 20B or 20A of the other air conditioner 1B or 1A. That is, in embodiment 1, the air conditioner 1A and the air conditioner 1B can send and receive a signal to each other via the transmission line 3.

[0035] In this case, a signal that air conditioner 1A and air conditioner 1B send to and receive from each other is forwarded using the repeaters 112A and 112B of the outdoor units 10A and 10B, which are provided in the respective air conditioners 1A and 1B.

[0036] To ensure backward compatibility, the 112A and 112B repeaters can process an initial signal at a standard frequency, provided it is at least a standard frequency. However, there is also a case where the frequency of a signal other than the initial signal that the 112A and 112B repeaters can process is predetermined, and the frequency of the signal processed in this case varies depending on the specific class of repeater 112A and 112B.

[0037] The following describes the states of the signals at the time of transmission for the case where the first signal, whose frequency is compatible with both air conditioners 1A and 1B, is used, and for the case where a second signal is used, whose frequency is compatible with only either air conditioner 1A or 1B.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view to illustrate a signal state of each component in a case where air conditioner 1A and air conditioner 1B send and receive the first signal to each other. Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a case in which an operating signal is transmitted from the remote control 30A of air conditioner 1A to the indoor unit 20B of air conditioner 1B using the first signal. The first signal is a standard frequency signal and can be processed by both air conditioner 1A and air conditioner 1B.

[0039] In this example, the operating signal is transmitted using the first signal from remote control 30A, and the operating signal thus transmitted is forwarded by outdoor units 10A and 10B and received by indoor unit 20B. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a signal waveform #1 represents a state of the first signal currently being transmitted by the remote control 30A.

[0040] Signal waveform #2 represents a state of the first signal currently being received by repeater 112A of outdoor unit 10A. Signal waveform #2 is more distorted than signal waveform #1 due to noise superimposed as it passes through transmission line 3. Signal waveform #3 represents a state of the first signal currently being transmitted, after it has been relayed by repeater 112A. Signal waveform #3, with the noise removed by repeater 112A, is shaped into a waveform identical to signal waveform #1.

[0041] Signal waveform #4 represents a state of the first signal being received by repeater 112B of outdoor unit 10B. Signal waveform #4 is more distorted than signal waveform #3 by noise superimposed during its passage through transmission line 3. Signal waveform #5 represents a state of the first signal being transmitted after being relayed by repeater 112B and is about to be received by indoor unit 20B. Signal waveform #5, with the noise removed by repeater 112B, is shaped into a waveform identical to signal waveform #3.

[0042] In a case where the first signal is used as a signal that air conditioner 1A and air conditioner 1B send to and receive from each other, the first signal is correctly relayed by repeaters 112A and 112B. Therefore, the operating signal transmitted by remote control 30A can be correctly received by indoor unit 20B, with the noise superimposed during transmission over transmission line 3 removed.

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating a signal state of each component in a case where air conditioner 1A and air conditioner 1B send and receive the second signal to and from each other. As in the case of the in Fig. The example shown in section 4 demonstrates Fig. Figure 5 is an example of a case in which an operating signal is transmitted from the remote control 30A of air conditioner 1A to the indoor unit 20B of air conditioner 1B. It should be noted, however, that the operating signal from the remote control 30A is transmitted using the second signal, which is different from the first signal.

[0044] The second signal is a signal with a frequency that differs from the frequency of the first signal and, for example, has a higher frequency than the first signal. Specifically, in the Fig. In example 5, the second signal has a frequency twice as high as the first signal. Therefore, the second signal transmits twice the amount of data per unit of time as the first signal.

[0045] Furthermore, the second signal can only be processed by air conditioner 1A. This means that while repeater 112A of air conditioner 1A can forward the second signal, repeater 112B of air conditioner 1B cannot.

[0046] In the Fig. In example 5, the operating signal is transmitted using the second signal from remote control 30A, and the operating signal thus transmitted is forwarded by outdoor units 10A and 10B and received by indoor unit 20B. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a signal waveform #11 represents a state of the second signal that is currently being transmitted by the remote control 30A.

[0047] Signal waveform #12 represents a state of the second signal, which is currently being received by repeater 112A of outdoor unit 10A. Signal waveform #2 is more distorted than signal waveform #11 due to noise superimposed during its passage through transmission line 3. Signal waveform #13 represents a state of the second signal, which is currently being transmitted after being relayed by repeater 112A. Signal waveform #13, with the noise removed by repeater 112A, is shaped into a waveform identical to signal waveform #11. Signal waveform #14 represents a state of the second signal, which is about to be received by repeater 112B of outdoor unit 10B. Signal waveform #14 is more distorted than signal waveform #13 due to noise superimposed during its passage through transmission line 3.

[0048] Signal waveform #15 represents a state of the second signal, which is transmitted after being relayed by repeater 112B and is about to be received by indoor unit 20B. At this point, repeater 112B is not compatible with the frequency of the second signal. Therefore, repeater 112B relays the received signal and simultaneously determines that all frequency components of the received signal, represented by signal waveform #14, are noise. For this reason, signal waveform #15 is a signal waveform from which all frequency components have been removed.

[0049] In a case where the second signal is used as a signal that air conditioner 1A and air conditioner 1B send to and receive from each other, the second signal is not properly relayed by repeater 112B. Therefore, the operating signal transmitted by remote control 30A cannot be properly received by indoor unit 20B.

[0050] In a case where repeaters 112A and 112B, located on transmission line 3, are of different classes and compatible with signals that differ in frequency, air conditioner 1A and air conditioner 1B cannot properly transmit and receive a signal to each other, depending on the signal's frequency. Therefore, in such a case, it is necessary to transmit the signal to a destination using a frequency common to both air conditioners 1A and 1B.

[0051] For this purpose, embodiment 1 performs a repeater identification process to identify the classes of repeaters 112A and 112B present on the transmission line 3 when the air conditioner 1A and the air conditioner 1B send and receive a signal to each other. (Repeater identification process)

[0052] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence of a repeater identification process in the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of a case in which the remote control 30A of air conditioner 1A and the indoor unit 20B of air conditioner 1B send and receive signals from each other.

[0053] In step S1, the remote control 30A generates an identification signal at the time of commissioning to identify the repeater 112A of the outdoor unit 10A. The head segment 301 of the identification signal contains all the addresses set therein as target addresses at this time. Furthermore, the communication command segment 302 stores request information for requesting the class of repeater 112A.

[0054] In sequence SEQ1, the identification signal generated in step S1 is transmitted from remote control 30A to outdoor unit 10A. The identification signal is transmitted using the first signal that can be transmitted by a repeater, regardless of the repeater class. The identification signal transmitted by remote control 30A is received by control unit 114A via the communication unit 111A of outdoor unit 10A.

[0055] In step S2, upon receiving the identification signal and recognizing that the communication command segment 302 of the identification signal contains the request information, the control unit 114A controls the switch 113A, setting it to an open state. As a result, communication is blocked, preventing the identification signal from being forwarded to the air conditioner 1B. In step S3, based on the request information stored in the communication command segment 302 of the identification signal, the control unit 114A reads the class information of the repeater 112A stored in memory 115A.

[0056] In step S4, the control unit 114A generates a response signal, in whose communication command segment 302 the class information thus read out is stored. The header segment 301 of the response signal contains the address of the remote control 30A as the destination address. In sequence SEQ2, the response signal generated in step S4 is transmitted to the remote control 30A via the communication unit 111A. In step S5, after completing a response by sending the response signal, the control unit 114A controls the switch 113A such that the switch 113A is brought into a closed state.

[0057] In step S6, upon receiving the response signal, the remote control 30A stores the class information of the repeater 112A of the outdoor unit 10A, which is stored in the communication command segment 302 of the response signal received in this way, in a non-volatile memory (not shown).

[0058] Meanwhile, in step S7, the indoor unit 20B generates an identification signal at the time of commissioning to identify the repeater 112B of the outdoor unit 10B. The header segment 301 of the identification signal contains all the addresses set therein as target addresses at this time. Furthermore, the communication command segment 302 stores request information for requesting the class of repeater 112B.

[0059] In sequence SEQ3, the identification signal generated in step S7 is transmitted from indoor unit 20B to outdoor unit 10B. The identification signal is transmitted using the first signal. The identification signal transmitted by indoor unit 20B is received by control unit 114B via the communication unit 111B of outdoor unit 10B.

[0060] In step S8, upon receiving the identification signal and recognizing that the communication command segment 302 of the identification signal contains the request information, the control unit 114B controls the switch 113B, setting it to an open state. As a result, communication is blocked, preventing the identification signal from being forwarded to the air conditioner 1A. In step S9, based on the request information stored in the communication command segment 302 of the identification signal, the control unit 114B reads the class information of the repeater 112B stored in memory 115B.

[0061] In step S10, the control unit 114B generates a response signal, in whose communication command segment 302 the class information thus read out is stored. The header segment 301 of the response signal contains the address of the indoor unit 20B as the destination address. In sequence SEQ4, the response signal generated in step S10 is transmitted to the indoor unit 20B via the communication unit 111B. In step S11, after completing a response by sending the response signal, the control unit 114B controls the switch 113B such that the switch 113B is brought into a closed state.

[0062] In step S12, upon receiving the response signal, the indoor unit 20B stores the class information of the repeater 112B of the outdoor unit 10B, which is stored in the communication command segment 302 of the response signal received in this way, in a non-volatile memory (not shown).

[0063] Next, in step S13, the control unit 114A of the remote control 30A generates a class signal, in whose communication command segment 302 the class information of the repeater 112A, stored in step S6, is stored. The header segment 301 of the class signal contains the address of the indoor unit 20B as the destination address.

[0064] Furthermore, in step S14, the control unit 114B of the indoor unit 20B generates a class signal, in whose communication command segment 302 the class information of the repeater 112B, stored in step S12, is stored. The address of the remote control 30A is set as the destination address in the header segment 301 of the class signal.

[0065] In sequence SEQ5, the class signal generated in step S13 is transmitted via outdoor units 10A and 10B to indoor unit 20B. The class signal is transmitted using the first signal. In step S15, upon receiving the class signal, indoor unit 20B stores the class information from repeater 112A of outdoor unit 10A, which is stored in communication command segment 302 of the class signal, in its non-volatile memory.

[0066] In sequence SEQ6, the class signal generated in step S14 is transmitted via outdoor units 10B and 10A to remote control 30A. The class signal is transmitted using the first signal. In step S16, upon receiving the class signal, remote control 30A stores the class information of repeater 112A of outdoor unit 10A, which is stored in the communication command segment 302 of the class signal, in its non-volatile memory.

[0067] In the example described above, the processes in sequence SEQ6 and step S16 are executed after the processes in sequence SEQ5 and step S15 have been executed. However, this is not intended as a restriction. The order of the processes in sequence SEQ6 and step S16 and the processes in sequence SEQ5 and step S15 can be reversed. Alternatively, the processes in sequence SEQ6 and step S16 and the processes in sequence SEQ5 and step S15 can be executed simultaneously.

[0068] In this way, the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B can detect the classes of repeaters present on transmission line 3, over which the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B send and receive signals to each other. Subsequently, in a case where the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B send and receive signals to each other, the signals are sent and received using a frequency that best matches the frequencies with which the repeaters on transmission line 3 are compatible.

[0069] For example, if repeaters 112A and 112B, located on transmission line 3 between remote control 30A and indoor unit 20B, are only compatible with the frequency of the first signal, remote control 30A and indoor unit 20B will transmit and receive using the first signal. Conversely, if repeaters 112A and 112B, located on transmission line 3 between remote control 30A and indoor unit 20B, are compatible with the frequency of the second signal, remote control 30A and indoor unit 20B will transmit and receive using the second signal.

[0070] As mentioned above, in the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 1, if a frequency compatible with repeater 112A and a frequency compatible with repeater 112B coincide, the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B communicate using a signal with the matching frequency. This makes it possible to properly conduct communication even if the system contains a mix of devices compatible with different frequencies, i.e., devices that differ in their communication methods.

[0071] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 100, the remote control 30A receives the class information of the repeater 112A from the outdoor unit 10A, and the indoor unit 20B receives the class information of the repeater 112B from the outdoor unit 10B. Consequently, the frequency of a signal to be transmitted and received is determined based on the class information thus acquired. This makes it possible to communicate without replacing the repeater.

[0072] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 100, the remote control 30A transmits the class information of the repeater 112A to the indoor unit 20B via a standard frequency signal, and the indoor unit 20B transmits the class information of the repeater 112B to the remote control 30A via the standard frequency signal. This allows the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B to detect the classes of the repeaters of each other's communication partners.

[0073] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 100, the control unit 114A opens the switch 113A when it receives an identification signal from the remote control 30A to request the class information from the repeater 112A. This blocks communication so that the identification signal is not forwarded to the air conditioner 1B.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 114B opens the switch 113B when it receives an identification signal from the indoor unit 20B to request the class information of the repeater 112B. This blocks communication so that the identification signal is not forwarded to the air conditioner 1A.

[0075] Furthermore, the set frequency in the air conditioner 100 is a higher frequency than the standard frequency. As a result, the amount of data transmitted per unit of time can be greater when using the set frequency than when using the standard frequency. Design 2

[0076] Next, embodiment 2 of the present disclosure is described. Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 with respect to the design of the communication control device, which is provided in an outdoor unit. In the following description, components that are identical to those of embodiment 1 are designated with the same reference numerals and are not described in detail. [Design of the communication control device 120A]

[0077] Fig. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a communication control device 120A of an outdoor unit 10A and an example of an embodiment of a communication control device 11B of an outdoor unit 10B according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the communication control device 120A comprises the communication units 121A and 122A, a control unit 123A, and a memory 124A. Furthermore, the communication control device 11B, as in embodiment 1, comprises a communication unit 111B, a repeater 112B, a switch 113B, a control unit 114B, and a memory 115B.

[0078] The communication unit 121A is an interface through which communication can take place via transmission line 3 with equipment such as the indoor units 20A and the remote control 30A, which are provided in the air conditioner 1A. The communication unit 121A supplies the control unit 123A with a signal received from an piece of equipment. In addition, the communication unit 121A transmits a signal supplied by the control unit 123A to an piece of equipment.

[0079] The communication unit 122A is an interface through which communication with the central management unit 2 or the air conditioning unit 1B can be carried out via transmission line 3. The communication unit 122A supplies the control unit 123A with a signal that is received by the central management unit 2 or the air conditioning unit 1B. Furthermore, the communication unit 122A transmits a signal supplied by the control unit 123A to the central management unit 2 or the air conditioning unit 1B.

[0080] The communication units 121A and 122A convert the frequencies of the received signals into predetermined frequencies according to the control by the control unit 123A.

[0081] The control unit 123A controls the communication units 121A and 122A to manage communication within the outdoor unit 10A. For example, the control unit 123A controls the communication unit 122A such that it receives a signal from the communication unit 121A and transmits the signal with its frequency converted as needed. Furthermore, the control unit 123A controls the communication unit 121A such that it receives a signal from the communication unit 122A and transmits the signal with its frequency converted as needed. The control unit 123A implements various types of functions, either by running software on an arithmetic unit such as a microcomputer or by being constructed from hardware such as a circuit device that implements different types of functions.

[0082] Memory 124A, for example, is constructed from non-volatile memory and has a program for controlling the outdoor unit 10A pre-stored in it. Memory 124A writes and reads various types of stored information according to the control unit 123A. Furthermore, in embodiment 2, memory 124A stores class information, as controlled by the control unit 123A, which is delivered during a transmission process and specifies the class of the repeater 112B. [Air conditioning operation 100]

[0083] The operation of an air conditioning unit 100 is described below. In the air conditioning unit 100 according to embodiment 2, the air conditioning unit 1A and the air conditioning unit 1B send and receive a signal to and from each other via the transmission line 3, as in embodiment 1.

[0084] Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic view to illustrate the operation of the communication control device 120A according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 8 shows an example of a case in which a signal received via the communication unit 122A is transmitted via the communication unit 121A.

[0085] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, when a signal transmitted using the first signal is received by the communication control device 120A of the outdoor unit 10A of the air conditioner 1A, the received signal is delivered via the communication unit 122A to the control unit 123A. To transmit the delivered signal to a transmission destination, the control unit 123A delivers the signal to the communication unit 121A.

[0086] At this point, the control unit 123A controls the communication unit 121A such that the signal frequency is converted to a frequency compatible with the target device's repeater. As a result, the communication unit 121A converts the frequency of the signal supplied by the control unit 123A. The communication unit 121A then transmits the converted signal to the destination. In this example, a low-frequency signal is converted into a high-frequency signal. However, this is not a limitation. For example, a high-frequency signal can also be converted into a low-frequency signal.

[0087] It should be noted that depending on the frequency of the signal transmitted to the destination device, the destination device may not be able to receive the signal correctly. Therefore, the control unit 123A must convert the signal frequency to a frequency compatible with the destination device's repeater. To this end, embodiment 2 performs a repeater identification process to detect the frequency compatible with the destination device's repeater. (Repeater identification process)

[0088] Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence of a repeater identification process in the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 9 shows an example of a case in which the remote control 30A of air conditioner 1A and the indoor unit 20B of air conditioner 1B send and receive signals from each other.

[0089] In step S21, the outdoor unit 10A of the air conditioner 1A generates an identification signal for the control unit 123A at the time of commissioning to identify the repeater 112B of the outdoor unit 10B. The header segment 301 of the identification signal has the address of the outdoor unit 10B set as the destination address. The communication command segment 302 contains request information for the class of repeater 112B.

[0090] In sequence SEQ21, the identification signal generated in step S21 is transmitted from outdoor unit 10A to outdoor unit 10B. At this point, the identification signal can be a signal with any frequency, as long as the communication unit 122A of outdoor unit 10A is compatible with the frequency.

[0091] In step S22, the control unit 114B receives the identification signal via the communication unit 122A and, based on the request information stored in the communication command segment 302 of the received identification signal, reads the class information of the repeater 112B stored in memory 115B. In step S23, the control unit 114B generates a response signal in whose communication command segment 302 the read-out class information is stored. The header segment 301 of the response signal contains the address of the outdoor unit 10A as the destination address.

[0092] In sequence SEQ22, the response signal generated in step S23 is transmitted via the communication unit 122A of the outdoor unit 10A to the control unit 123A. In step S24, upon receiving the response signal, the control unit 123A stores the class information of the repeater 112B of the outdoor unit 10B, which is stored in the communication command segment 302 of the received response signal, in memory 124A.

[0093] Once the control unit 123A of the outdoor unit 10A has recognized the class of the repeater 112B of the indoor unit 20B, a signal to be transmitted, such as an operating signal, is sent from the remote control 30A to the indoor unit 20B in sequence SEQ23. The header segment 301 of the signal contains the address of the indoor unit 20B as the destination address. Furthermore, the signal transmitted at this time can be a signal with any frequency, as long as the communication unit 122A of the outdoor unit 10A is compatible with that frequency.

[0094] In step S25, the control unit 123A of the outdoor unit 10A receives the signal transmitted by the remote control 30A via the communication unit 121A. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 123A determines that the target address set in the head segment 301 of the signal indicates the indoor unit 20B, and reads the class information of the repeater 112B of the outdoor unit 10B stored in the memory 124A.

[0095] In step S26, the control unit 123A, based on the class information read from repeater 112B, controls the communication unit 122A such that the frequency of the received signal is converted to a frequency compatible with repeater 112B. Consequently, the communication unit 122A converts the signal's frequency. Then, in sequence SEQ24, the signal converted in step S26 is transmitted via outdoor unit 10B to indoor unit 20B.

[0096] In this way, the outdoor unit 10A can detect the class of a repeater present on transmission line 3, over which signals are sent and received. Subsequently, in a case where the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B send and receive signals to and from each other, the signals are sent and received using a frequency that is most suitable from the frequencies compatible with the repeaters on transmission line 3.

[0097] For example, if the repeater 112B, located on transmission line 3 between the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B, is only compatible with the frequency of the first signal, the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B will transmit and receive using the first signal. Alternatively, if the repeater 112B, located on transmission line 3 between the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B, is compatible with the frequency of the second signal, the remote control 30A and the indoor unit 20B can transmit and receive using the second signal.

[0098] As already mentioned, in the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 2, the communication unit 122A of the outdoor unit 10A converts the frequency of a signal received from the remote control 30A into the frequency with which the repeater 112B is compatible and transmits the converted signal to the indoor unit 20B. As in the case of embodiment 1, this enables flawless communication even if there is a mixture of devices in the system that differ in their communication methods.

[0099] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 100, the outdoor unit 10A detects the class information of the repeater 112B stored in memory 115B. In this way, the outdoor unit 10A can detect the frequency with which the repeater 112B of the air conditioner 1 B, to which the signal is transmitted as the transmission destination, is compatible, so that proper communication with the air conditioner 1B is possible.

[0100] Furthermore, in the air conditioning unit 100, the communication unit 121A of the outdoor unit 10A, upon receiving a signal from the remote control 30A to the indoor unit 20B, converts the frequency of the received signal into a set frequency that is contained in the class information thus acquired by the repeater 112B. As in the case of embodiment 1, this enables the proper execution of communication even if the system contains a mixture of devices that differ in their communication methods.

[0101] Furthermore, the set frequency in the air conditioner 100 is higher than the frequency of the signal received by the remote control 30A. As in embodiment 1, this makes it possible to increase the amount of data transmitted per unit of time. Reference symbol list 1A, 1B Air conditioner 2 central administration device 3 transmission line 4A, 4B Refrigerant line 10A, 10B Outdoor unit 11A, 11B, 120A Communication control device 20A, 20B Indoor unit 30A, 30B remote control 100 air conditioners 111A, 111B, 121A, 122A Communication Unit 112A, 112B Repeater 113A, 113B switches 114A, 114B, 123A Control Unit 115A, 115B, 124A storage 301 Head segment 302 Communication command segment 303 Framework test segment

Claims

[1] Air conditioning (100), comprising: a large number of air conditioning units (1A, 1B), each comprising an outdoor unit (10A, 10B), an indoor unit (20A, 20B) and a remote control (30A, 30B); and a transmission line (3) through which the multiple air conditioning units (1A, 1B) are connected to each other, where each of the outdoor units (10A, 10B) includes: a communication unit (111A, 111B) designed to send and receive a signal, a repeater (112A, 112B) designed to relay a signal of a set frequency, and a memory (115A, 115B) designed to store class information of the repeater (112A, 112B), wherein the class information includes a set frequency with which the repeater (112A, 112B) is compatible, wherein the remote control (30A) of the one air conditioner (1A) of the multiple air conditioners (1A, 1B) is designed to capture the class information of the repeater (112A) of the one air conditioner (1A) stored in the memory (115A) of the one air conditioner (1A), wherein the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioner (1B) is designed to capture the class information of the repeater (112B) of the other air conditioner (1B) stored in the memory (115B) of the other air conditioner (1B), wherein, in a case where, based on the class information, a set frequency with which the repeater (112A) of one air conditioner (1A) is compatible and a set frequency with which the repeater (112B) of the other air conditioner (1B) is compatible match, the remote control (30A) of one air conditioner (1A) and the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioner (1B) are designed to perform communication using a signal of the set frequency so matching. [2] Air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the remote control (30A) of one air conditioner (1A) is designed to transmit the class information thus obtained from the repeater (112A) of one air conditioner (1A) to the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioner (1B) via a signal of a standard frequency, and the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioner (1B) is designed to transmit the class information thus obtained from the repeater (112B) of the other air conditioner (1B) to the remote control (30A) of the one air conditioner (1A) via a standard frequency signal. [3] Air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the outdoor units (10A, 10B) further comprises: a switch (113A, 113B) provided between the repeater (112A, 112B) and the transmission line (3) and designed to block or forward the signal, and a control unit (114A, 114B) designed to control the opening and closing of the switch (113A, 113B), wherein the control unit (114A) of one air conditioner (1A) is configured to bring the switch (113A) of one air conditioner (1A) into an open state when it receives an identification signal from the remote control (30A) of one air conditioner (1A) to request the class information of the repeater (112A) of one air conditioner (1A), and wherein the control unit (114B) of the other air conditioner (1B) is configured to bring the switch (113B) of the other air conditioner (1B) into an open state when it receives an identification signal from the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioner (1B) to request the class information of the repeater (112B) of the other air conditioner (1B). [4] Air conditioning system (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3 depending on claim 2, wherein the set frequency is higher than the standard frequency. [5] Air conditioning (100), comprising: a large number of air conditioning units (1A, 1B), each comprising an outdoor unit (10A, 10B), an indoor unit (20A, 20B) and a remote control (30A, 30B); and a transmission line (3) through which the multiple air conditioning units (1A, 1B) are connected to each other, wherein the outdoor unit (10A) of an air conditioner (1A) comprises the plurality of air conditioners (1A, 1B): a communication unit (122A) designed to convert a frequency of a received signal and to transmit the received signal, wherein the outdoor unit (10B) of another air conditioner (1B) comprises the plurality of air conditioners (1A, 1B): a communication unit (111B) designed to send and receive a signal, a repeater (112B) designed to relay a signal of a set frequency, and a memory (115B) designed to store class information of the repeater (112B), wherein the class information includes the set frequency with which the repeater (112B) is compatible, wherein the outdoor unit (10A) of one air conditioner (1A) is designed to record the class information of the repeater (112B) stored in the memory (115B), wherein the communication unit (122A) of the outdoor unit (10A) of one air conditioner (1A) is designed to convert, on the basis of the class information, a frequency of a signal received from the remote control (30A) of one air conditioner (1A) into the set frequency with which the repeater (112B) of the other air conditioner (1B) is compatible, and to transmit the signal thus converted to the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioner (1B). [6] Air conditioning unit (100) according to claim 5, wherein, upon receiving a signal from the remote control (30A) of one air conditioning unit (1A) to the indoor unit (20B) of the other air conditioning unit (1B), the communication unit (122A) of the outdoor unit (10A) of one air conditioning unit (1A) is configured to convert a frequency of the signal thus received into the set frequency contained in the class information thus acquired by the repeater (112B) of the other air conditioning unit (1B). [7] Air conditioning unit (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the set frequency is higher than a frequency of the signal received by the remote control (30A) of one air conditioning unit (1A).

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