Air conditioners and ventilation devices

Abstract

The object of this invention is to enable power supply to multiple indoor units even when the number of sockets is limited. It includes a first indoor unit powered from commercial power and a ventilation device. The ventilation device has a first connection terminal for connecting a first cable and a second connection terminal for connecting a second cable. The ventilation device is powered from the first indoor unit via the first cable, and the outdoor unit is powered from the first indoor unit via the first cable and the second cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to air conditioners and ventilation devices. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners with ventilation functions are known. Among such air conditioners are those with built-in ventilation functions in the indoor unit and those with separate ventilation units located separately from the indoor unit. Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation device disposed between the indoor unit and a wall. In this way, the ventilation device is disposed between the indoor unit and the wall, thus the area occupied by the wall does not increase.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-52888 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In cases where the optional unit (e.g., the ventilation system) is installed separately from the indoor unit, a power cord and plug are required to power the optional unit, necessitating two power outlets. However, there are instances where only one outlet is installed on the wall where the indoor unit is located.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of such problems, and its object is to enable power supply to multiple indoor units even when the number of sockets is limited.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] Therefore, the present invention is an air conditioner comprising: a first indoor unit powered by a commercial power source; and a second indoor unit having: a first connection terminal connected to a first cable; and a second connection terminal connected to a second cable, wherein power is supplied from the first indoor unit to the second indoor unit via the first cable, and power is supplied from the first indoor unit to an outdoor unit via the first cable and the second cable.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention is an air conditioner comprising: a first indoor unit powered from a commercial power source; and an outdoor unit, the air conditioner being selectable between a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode, wherein, in the first power supply mode, a second indoor unit is powered from the first indoor unit via a first cable, and the outdoor unit is powered from the first indoor unit via the first cable and the second cable; and, in the second power supply mode, the outdoor unit is powered from the first indoor unit via a third cable.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention is an air conditioner comprising: a first indoor unit powered by a commercial power source; an outdoor unit; and a second indoor unit, the first indoor unit having: a first indoor connection terminal connected to a first cable; and a second indoor connection terminal connected to a second cable, wherein power is supplied from the first indoor unit to the second indoor unit via the first cable, and power is supplied from the first indoor unit to the outdoor unit via the second cable.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention is an air conditioner comprising: a first indoor unit powered by a commercial power source; and a second indoor unit, wherein the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are connected by a first cable including a power cord and by a communication line provided separately from the first cable.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention is a ventilation device comprising: a first connection terminal connected to a first cable; and a second connection terminal connected to a second cable, wherein power is supplied from a first indoor unit powered by commercial power via the first cable to the ventilation device, and power is supplied from the first indoor unit to an outdoor unit via the first cable and the second cable.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention is a ventilation device disposed at the rear or side of a first indoor unit powered by a commercial power source, the ventilation device and the first indoor unit being connected by a cable including a power cord and by a communication line disposed separately from the cable.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, power can be supplied to multiple indoor units even when the number of sockets is limited. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an external view of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram representing the refrigerant circuit.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of an air conditioner.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a ventilation device.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a modified air conditioner.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a modified air conditioner.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a modified air conditioner. Detailed Implementation

[0026] (First Implementation)

[0027] Figure 1 This is an external view of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 1 of this embodiment includes: an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 20 with air conditioning functions; and a ventilation device 30 with ventilation function. Furthermore, Figure 1 The upper left shows the appearance of the indoor unit 10 and the ventilation device 30. Figure 1 The upper right corner indicates the status of the indoor unit 10 and the ventilation device 30 when viewed from the horizontal.

[0028] An air exchange device 30 is installed between the indoor unit 10 and wall A. An air intake hose 301 for drawing in outside air is connected to the air exchange device 30. The air intake hose 301, along with the refrigerant piping 101 installed in the indoor unit 10, extends to the outside through a hole in wall A. The air exchange device 30 mainly includes a filter, a blower fan, and an outlet. Outside air drawn in through the air intake hose 301 passes through the filter and is delivered to the room through the outlet. Furthermore, the indoor unit 10 and the air exchange device 30 are examples of a first indoor unit and a second indoor unit, respectively.

[0029] Air conditioner 1 regulates air by circulating refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle (heat pump cycle). Air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 10 installed indoors (in the space being conditioned), an outdoor unit 20 installed outdoors, and a remote control 19 operated by the user.

[0030] The indoor unit 10 includes a remote control communication unit 11. The remote control communication unit 11 transmits and receives predetermined signals with the remote control 19 via infrared communication or the like. For example, the remote control communication unit 11 receives signals from the remote control 19 such as start / stop commands for air conditioning operation and ventilation operation, changes to set temperature, changes to operating mode, and timer settings. Additionally, the remote control communication unit 11 sends indoor temperature readings to the remote control 19. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected via refrigerant piping and via communication lines and power lines. Alternatively, the remote control 19 can be configured as an air conditioning remote control for operating the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20, and can also include a ventilation device remote control for operating the ventilation device 30 separately from the remote control 19. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 receives ventilation operation signals from the ventilation device remote control via the remote control communication unit 11 of the indoor unit 10, in addition to signals from the remote control 19.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit Q of the indoor unit 10 and outdoor unit 20 in the embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 2 The solid arrows shown indicate the flow of refrigerant during heating operation. Additionally, Figure 2 The dashed arrows shown indicate the flow of refrigerant during refrigeration operation.

[0032] In addition to the remote control communication unit 11, the indoor unit 10 also includes an indoor heat exchanger 12 and an indoor fan 14. In the indoor heat exchanger 12, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tube (not shown) and the indoor air supplied and mixed from the indoor fan 14. The indoor heat exchanger 12 operates as either a condenser or an evaporator by switching the four-way valve 25 (described later). The indoor fan 14 is located near the indoor heat exchanger 12. Driven by the indoor fan motor 14a, the indoor fan 14 supplies indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 12.

[0033] The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 22, an outdoor fan 23, an outdoor expansion valve 24 (expansion valve), a four-way valve 25, and a control unit 28. The compressor 21, driven by a compressor motor 21a, compresses a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In the outdoor heat exchanger 22, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tube (not shown) and the outside air supplied from the outdoor fan 23. The outdoor heat exchanger 22 operates as either a condenser or an evaporator by switching the four-way valve 25.

[0034] An outdoor fan 23 is located near the outdoor heat exchanger 22. Driven by an outdoor fan motor 23a, the outdoor fan 23 draws outside air into the outdoor heat exchanger 22. An outdoor expansion valve 24 functions to depressurize the refrigerant after it has condensed in the condenser (one of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 12). Furthermore, the refrigerant depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve 24 is directed to the evaporator (the other of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 12).

[0035] The four-way valve 25 is a valve that switches the refrigerant flow path according to the operating mode of the air conditioner 1. By switching the four-way valve 25, during cooling operation, as shown by the dashed arrow, the refrigerant circulates in the order of compressor 21, outdoor heat exchanger 22 (condenser), outdoor expansion valve 24, and indoor heat exchanger 12 (evaporator). Conversely, by switching the four-way valve, during heating operation, as shown by the solid arrow, the refrigerant circulates in the order of compressor 21, indoor heat exchanger 12 (condenser), outdoor expansion valve 24, and outdoor heat exchanger 22 (evaporator). That is, in the refrigerant circuit Q, where the refrigerant circulates in a cooling cycle via compressor 21, "condenser," outdoor expansion valve 24, and "evaporator," one of the aforementioned "condenser" and "evaporator" is the outdoor heat exchanger 22, and the other is the indoor heat exchanger 12.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of air conditioner 1. Inside the indoor unit 10, there is mainly an indoor terminal block 110 and an indoor control circuit 120. The indoor control circuit 120 is the circuit that controls the indoor unit 10. The indoor control circuit 120 mainly includes a relay 121, an NF (noise filter) 122, a CNV (rectifier circuit) 123, an SW (switching) power supply 124, a communication circuit 125, and an HA (Home automation) terminal 126.

[0037] The outdoor unit 20 mainly includes an outdoor terminal block 210 and an outdoor control circuit 220. The outdoor control circuit 220 is used to control the outdoor unit 20. The outdoor control circuit 220 mainly includes NF221, CNV222, SW power supply 223, and communication circuit 224.

[0038] The ventilation device 30 includes a first terminal block 310, a second terminal block 320, a ventilation control circuit 330, a display unit 341, an SW 342, a ventilation fan 343, and an ST motor 344. The ventilation control circuit 330 is a circuit that controls the ventilation device 30. The ventilation control circuit 330 mainly includes an NF 331, a CNV 332, an SW power supply 333, a FET (field-effect transistor) 334, an MPU (microprocessor) 335, an HA terminal 336, and an optocoupler 337.

[0039] Indoor unit 10 is connected to ventilation system 30 via a first cable 61. Outdoor unit 20 is connected to ventilation system 30 via a second cable 62. A third cable 63 extending from power plug 40 is connected to indoor unit 10, supplying power from commercial power to indoor unit 10 via power plug 40. Furthermore, the first cable 61, second cable 62, and third cable 63 are, for example, VVF cables or other F-type cables. The first cable 61 includes first power lines 41a and 41b and a first communication line 51. The second cable 62 includes second power lines 42a and 42b and a second communication line 52. The third cable 63 includes third power lines 43a and 43b.

[0040] Next, the power supply structure will be described. One branch of the third power line 43a of the third cable 63 branches into fourth power lines 44a and 44a2. The fourth power line 44a1 is connected to the indoor control circuit 120 in the indoor unit 10. Specifically, the fourth power line 44a1 is connected to the SW power supply 124 via NF122 and CNV123. Furthermore, the fourth power line 44a2, branching from the third power line 43a, is connected to the connection terminal 111 of the indoor terminal block 110. A relay 121 is installed on the fourth power line 44a2, which controls the power supply to the outdoor unit 20 and the ventilation device 30 to stop when the air conditioning or ventilation operation is stopped. When the air conditioning or ventilation operation starts, the relay 121 is controlled to start supplying power to the outdoor unit 20 and the ventilation device 30. When ventilation operation is performed alone without air conditioning operation, the relay 121 is also activated to supply power to the ventilation device 30. The fourth power line 44a2 is connected to the first power line 41a of the first cable 41 connected to the connection terminal 131 of the indoor terminal block 110.

[0041] The third power line 43b of the third cable 63 is connected to the connection terminal 112 of the indoor terminal block 110. The third power line 43b is crimped inside the indoor terminal block 110 and connected to the fourth power line 44b and the first power line 41b of the first cable 41. One side of the fourth power line 44b is connected to the connection terminal 113 of the indoor terminal block 110, and the other side is connected to the indoor control circuit 120. One side of the first power line 41b is connected to the connection terminal 132 of the indoor terminal block 110, and the other side is connected to the connection terminal 317 of the first terminal block 310 of the ventilation device 30. According to this structure, power is supplied to the SW power supply 124, in which the necessary power is generated and supplied to various parts of the indoor unit 10.

[0042] The first power line 41a of the first cable 61 is connected to the connection terminal 316 of the first terminal block 310 of the ventilation device 30. Inside the first terminal block 310, the first power line 41a is crimped to the sixth power line 46a connected to the connection terminal 311 and the seventh power line 47a connected to the connection terminal 312. Additionally, the first power line 41b of the first cable 61 is connected to the connection terminal 317 of the first terminal block 310. Inside the first terminal block 310, the first power line 41b is crimped to the sixth power line 46b connected to the connection terminal 313 and the seventh power line 47b connected to the connection terminal 314.

[0043] The sixth power lines 46a and 46b are connected to the ventilation control circuit 330. Specifically, the sixth power lines 46a and 46b are connected to the SW power supply 333 via NF331 and CNV332, where the necessary power is generated and supplied to various components such as the display unit 341, SW342, ventilation fan 343, ST motor 344, and MPU335. Thus, power to the ventilation unit 30 is supplied from the indoor unit 10 via the first power lines 41a and 41b of the first cable 61. Therefore, the ventilation unit 30 does not require a dedicated power plug. Therefore, even if only one outlet exists near the location where the air conditioner 1 is installed, power from commercial power supplied via the power plug 40 of the indoor unit 10 can be supplied to the ventilation unit 30.

[0044] The seventh power lines 47a and 47b are connected to the connection terminals 321 and 322 of the second terminal block 320 of the ventilation device 30, respectively. The seventh power lines 47a and 47b are also connected to the second power lines 42a and 42b of the second cable 62 connected to the connection terminals 324 and 325 of the second terminal block 320, respectively. The second power lines 42a and 42b are connected to the connection terminals 211 and 212 of the outdoor terminal block 210, respectively. The second power lines 42a and 42b are also connected to the fifth power lines 45a and 45b of the connection terminals 211 and 212 of the outdoor terminal block 210, respectively. The fifth power lines 45a and 45b are connected to the outdoor control circuit 220. Specifically, the fifth power lines 45a and 45b are connected to the SW power supply 223 via NF221 and CNV222. Furthermore, the necessary power is generated in the SW power supply 223 and supplied to various parts of the outdoor unit 20. In this way, the outdoor unit 20 is powered from the indoor unit 10 via the first power lines 41a and 41b of the first cable 61 and the second power lines 42a and 42b of the second cable 42. Therefore, a dedicated power plug for the outdoor unit 20 is not required, preventing a shortage of outlets. Furthermore, even without installing separate terminal blocks for powering the ventilation system 30 and the outdoor unit 20 in the indoor unit 10, power can be supplied to both the ventilation system 30 and the outdoor unit 20 from a single indoor terminal block 110.

[0045] Next, the communication lines will be described. The first communication line 51 of the first cable 61 is connected to the connection terminal 133 of the indoor terminal block 110 of the indoor unit 10. The first communication line 51 is connected to the fourth communication line 54 connected to the connection terminal 114 of the indoor terminal block 110. The fourth communication line 54 is connected to the communication circuit 125 of the indoor control circuit 120. The first communication line 51 is also connected to the connection terminal 318 of the first terminal block 310 of the ventilation device 30. The first communication line 51 is connected to the sixth communication line 56 connected to the connection terminal 315 of the first terminal block 310. The sixth communication line 56 is connected to the connection terminal 323 of the second terminal block 320 without passing through the ventilation control circuit 330. The sixth communication line 56 is connected to the second communication line 52 of the second cable 62 connected to the connection terminal 326. The second communication line 52 is connected to the connection terminal 233 of the outdoor terminal block 210. The second communication line 52 is connected to the fifth communication line 55 connected to the connection terminal 213. The fifth communication line 55 is connected to the communication circuit 224 of the outdoor control circuit 220.

[0046] That is, the communication path between the communication circuit 125 of the indoor control circuit 120 and the communication circuit 224 of the outdoor control circuit 220 does not pass through the ventilation control circuit 330 of the ventilation device 30. Therefore, the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 can communicate via a communication path that does not pass through the ventilation control circuit 330. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 transmit and receive information such as instructions received via the remote control communication unit 11 via this communication path. When the communication path between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 is formed through the ventilation control circuit 330, the reduction in communication signal strength becomes a problem. In contrast, in this embodiment, the communication path between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 does not pass through the ventilation control circuit 330. Therefore, the reduction in communication signal strength can be prevented.

[0047] Furthermore, the indoor unit 10 is connected to the ventilation control circuit 330 via third communication lines 53a and 53b, which are separate from the first cable 61. The third communication lines 53a and 53b are connected to the HA terminal 126 of the indoor unit 10 and the HA terminal 336 of the ventilation device 30. Communication between the indoor unit 10 and the ventilation device 30 is conducted via the third communication lines 53a and 53b. For example, information related to the control of the ventilation device 30, such as the start / stop of operation, received via the remote control communication unit 11, is transmitted to the ventilation device 30 via the third communication lines 53a and 53b. Then, the MPU (microprocessor) 335 of the ventilation control circuit 330 performs ventilation-related control based on the information received via the third communication lines 53a and 53b.

[0048] In this way, the indoor unit 10 and the ventilation control circuit 330 can communicate via the third communication lines 53a and 53b, thus preventing the degradation of the communication quality between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20, and also enabling reliable communication between the indoor unit 10 and the ventilation device 30.

[0049] Furthermore, the same type of cable is connected to the indoor terminal block 110, outdoor terminal block 210, first terminal block 310, and second terminal block 320. Therefore, it is also possible to omit the ventilation device 30 and directly connect the indoor terminal block 110 of the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor terminal block 210 of the outdoor unit 20 with a cable. In this method, commercial AC power is directly supplied from the indoor unit 10 to the outdoor unit 20, and the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are directly connected via a communication line of the cable.

[0050] As described above, in the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment, the ventilation device 30 is powered via the indoor unit 10. Therefore, even if the number of sockets is limited, the ventilation device 30 can be powered at the location where the air conditioner 1 is installed.

[0051] Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 in this embodiment corresponds to two power supply methods: one where power is supplied from the indoor unit 10 to the ventilation device 30, and the other where power is supplied from the indoor unit 10 to the outdoor unit 20 via the ventilation device 30, and the third where power is supplied directly from the indoor unit 10 to the outdoor unit 20. Additionally, it corresponds to communication between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 via the ventilation device 30, and communication between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 without the ventilation device 30. Therefore, the user can choose whether to install an air conditioner 1 with or without the ventilation device 30.

[0052] (Second Implementation)

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 The following mainly describes the different structure from that of the air conditioner 2 in the first embodiment. In the air conditioner 2 of the second embodiment, the communication between the indoor unit 10 and the ventilation device 32 is also carried out via the first communication line 51 included in the first cable 61, and there is no connection of the third communication lines 53a and 53b between the indoor unit 10 and the ventilation device 32 as described in the first embodiment.

[0054] In the ventilation device 32 of the second embodiment, the first communication line 51 of the first cable 61 is connected to the seventh communication line 57 connected to the connection terminal 315. The seventh communication line 57 is connected to the communication circuit 361 of the ventilation control circuit 360. The sixth communication line 56, which is connected to the connection terminal 323 of the second terminal block 320, is also connected to the communication circuit 361. Thus, in this embodiment, the communication path between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 includes the communication circuit 361 of the ventilation device 32. Therefore, signal strength reduction becomes a problem. In contrast, in this embodiment, an amplifier 350 to improve signal strength is arranged in the communication path between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 in the ventilation device 32. Specifically, an amplifier 350 is arranged on the sixth communication line 56 between the communication circuit 361 of the ventilation device 32 and the second cable 62. As a result, the signal strength involved in communication is improved by the amplifier 350, thus preventing the degradation of communication quality between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20.

[0055] Furthermore, the amplifier 350 can be placed on the communication path between the communication circuit 125 of the indoor unit 10 and the communication circuit 224 of the outdoor unit 20, and its location is not limited to any particular embodiment. As another example, the amplifier 350 may also be located in the ventilation device 32, positioned on the seventh communication line 57 between the first cable 61 and the communication circuit 361. As another example, the amplifier 350 may also be located in the indoor unit 10, positioned on the fourth communication line 54 between the communication circuit 125 and the first cable 61. As another example, the amplifier 350 may also be located in the outdoor unit 20, positioned on the fifth communication line 55 between the communication circuit 224 and the second cable 62. Additionally, two or more amplifiers 350 may be positioned on the communication path between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. For example, various modifications and alterations can be made by applying variations of a certain embodiment to other embodiments, other variations, etc., within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the scope of the claim for protection.

[0057] As such a first variation, the positional relationship between the indoor unit and the ventilation device when the ventilation device is installed is not limited to the implementation method. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a ventilation device. Figure 5 The ventilation device 33 shown is configured to be adjacent to the side of the indoor unit.

[0058] Furthermore, as a second variation, the air conditioner only needs to have an optional unit that can be installed indoors together with the indoor unit; the optional unit is not limited to an air exchange device. Examples of such an optional unit include, but are not limited to, humidifiers, air purifiers, and aromatherapy units, in addition to air exchange devices. Moreover, in any case, the optional unit has the same structure as the air exchange device described in the embodiment regarding the power system and communication system structure. Additionally, in this embodiment, the structure based on the air exchange device is replaced with the optional unit, such as using a remote control for the air exchange device as a remote control for the optional unit, and using the air exchange device control circuit as the optional unit control circuit.

[0059] Furthermore, as a third variation, the sixth power lines 46a and 46b connecting the first terminal block 310 and the ventilation control circuit 330 within the ventilation device 30 can also be thinner than the first power lines 41a and 41b, the second power lines 42a and 42b, or the fifth power lines 45a and 45b. The power required in the ventilation device 30 corresponds to the power required in the outdoor unit 20. Additionally, the second power lines 42a and 42b need to be of the same thickness as the first power lines 41a and 41b. Furthermore, applying the third variation to the second variation, the sixth power lines 46a and 46b connecting the first terminal block 310 and the optional unit control circuit (which replaces the ventilation control circuit) within the optional unit can also be thinner than the first power lines 41a and 41b, the second power lines 42a and 42b, or the fifth power lines 45a and 45b.

[0060] In addition, as a fourth variation, the indoor unit may also have connection terminals for connecting to the outdoor unit and connection terminals for connecting to optional units. Figure 6 The air conditioner 3 represents the fourth variant. The indoor unit 13 is connected to the outdoor unit 20 via a first cable 61, and the indoor unit 13 is connected to the optional unit 34 via an eighth cable 68.

[0061] Indoor unit 13 and outdoor unit 20 are connected via first power lines 41a and 41b, and further connected via first communication line 51. The first power lines 41a and 41b are respectively connected to terminals 131 and 132 of the indoor terminal block 130 of indoor unit 13. Additionally, the first power lines 41a and 41b are connected to terminals 231 and 232 of the outdoor terminal block 210 of outdoor unit 20.

[0062] The third power line 43a branches into three fourth power lines 44a1, 44a2, and 44a3. Fourth power line 44a1 is connected to the indoor control circuit 1201. The remaining fourth power lines 44a2 and 44a3 are connected to terminals 115 and 111 via relays 121a and 121b, respectively. Relays 121a and 121b can respectively stop power supply to the outdoor unit 20 and the optional unit 34. By disconnecting relay 121a and connecting relay 121b during the independent operation of the optional unit 34, power supply to the outdoor unit 20 can be stopped, reducing standby power.

[0063] Two connection terminals 134 and 135 are also provided in the indoor terminal block 130. The eighth power lines 48a and 48b of the eighth cable 68 are respectively connected to the two connection terminals 134 and 135. The eighth power lines 48a and 48b are connected to the connection terminals 381 and 382 of the first terminal block 380 of the optional unit 34. The eighth power lines 48a and 48b are connected to the sixth power lines 46a and 46b of the connection terminals 311 and 313 of the first terminal block 380. Furthermore, the sixth power lines 46a and 46b are connected to the optional unit control circuit 370. The fourth power lines 44a2 and 44a3 connected to the connection terminals 114 and 111 are respectively connected to the first power line 41a of the connection terminal 131 and the eighth power line 48a of the connection terminal 134. Furthermore, the wiring on the installation side connected to the connection terminals 113, 132, and 135 is crimped inside the indoor terminal block 130 and connected to the power plug 40 via the connection terminal 112 and the third power line 43b. This improves workability during manufacturing. Alternatively, the wiring on the installation side connected to the connection terminal 135 can be crimped inside the indoor terminal block 130 by either the wiring on the installation side connected to the connection terminal 113 or the connection terminal 132.

[0064] A first communication line 51 is connected to the connection terminal 133 of the indoor terminal block 130 of the indoor unit 13. First power lines 41a and 41b are respectively connected to the connection terminals 231 and 232 of the outdoor terminal block 210 of the outdoor unit 20. The first communication line 51 is connected to the connection terminal 233 of the outdoor terminal block 210 of the outdoor unit 20.

[0065] With the above structure, power supply to the outdoor unit 20 is provided from the indoor unit 13 via the first power lines 41a and 41b without passing through the optional unit 34. On the other hand, power supply to the optional unit 34 can be provided from the indoor unit 13 via the eighth power lines 48a and 48b connected to the connection terminals 134 and 135. In addition, communication between the indoor unit 13 and the outdoor unit 20 can also be carried out via the first communication line 51 without passing through the optional unit 34. In the indoor terminal block 130, in addition to the connection terminals 131 to 133 for connecting to the outdoor unit 20, connection terminals 134 and 135 for the optional unit 34 are also provided. Therefore, when the optional unit 34 is added, it can be easily connected to the indoor unit 13.

[0066] Furthermore, in this modified example, the aperture of the connection terminals 134 and 135 of the indoor terminal block 130, which are used to connect to the optional unit 34, can be smaller than the aperture of the connection terminals 131 to 133 used to connect to the outdoor unit 20. This prevents errors during cable connection.

[0067] Furthermore, in the indoor terminal block 130, the connection terminals 131 to 135 can be arranged not only in a horizontal row, but also with three connection terminals on the bottom and two connection terminals on the top. This prevents the terminal block from becoming too long. Additionally, the connection terminals 134 to 135 for connecting to the optional unit 34 can be positioned above or below the connection terminals 131 to 133 for connecting to the outdoor unit 20. This separates the connection terminals vertically according to each connection destination, thus reducing errors during cable connection. Alternatively, two connection terminals can be positioned on the bottom and three connection terminals on the top.

[0068] Additionally, as an indicator to show which wiring was connected to the terminal by the installation worker, a color can be displayed near each terminal. In this case, the indicators for terminals 134-135 can be set to a different color than those for terminals 131-133. For example, the indicators for terminals 131-133 can be set to black, white, and red, while the indicators for terminals 134-135 can be set to blue and green.

[0069] Furthermore, if only the indoor unit 13 and the outdoor unit 20 are installed without the optional unit 34, no cables are connected to the connection terminals 134-135. Therefore, dust and other contaminants may accumulate on the connection terminals 134-135. Thus, a cover may also be installed on the connection terminals 134-135.

[0070] Furthermore, the indoor terminal block only needs to have at least five terminals, and the specific structure of the indoor terminal block is not limited to the above-described embodiments or variations. For example, the indoor unit can also have two terminal blocks with three terminals each. Alternatively, the indoor unit can also have a terminal block with six terminals.

[0071] Alternatively, in this variation, it can also be as follows: Figure 7 As shown in the air conditioner 4, the indoor control circuit 1202 in the indoor unit 15 only has one relay 121 for switching power from the third power line 43a on and off. In this case, the relay 121 is located on the fourth power line 44a2. The fourth power line 44a2 is connected to the connection terminal 111. The fourth power line 44a2 is connected to the first power line 41a and the eighth power line 48a inside the indoor terminal block 130 by crimping. When the optional unit 34 is operated independently without the air conditioner running, the relay 121 is turned on to supply power to the optional unit 34.

[0072] Furthermore, in this modified example, the application of this modified example to the second modified example has been described, but this modified example can also be applied to the ventilation device of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0073] Furthermore, as a fifth variation, the optional unit can also be integrated with the indoor unit. In this way, the first indoor unit equipped with an indoor heat exchanger and the optional unit as a second indoor unit can also be installed inside the housing of the indoor unit. Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the fifth modified air conditioner 5. In air conditioner 5, refer to... Figure 3 The structures of the indoor unit 10 and the ventilation device 30 are both housed within the frame of the indoor unit 10. Figure 3 In the indoor unit 10, the indoor terminal block 110 and the first terminal block 310 of the ventilation device 30 and the first cable 61 connecting them are also housed in the frame of the indoor unit 10.

[0074] Symbol Explanation

[0075] 1-4 air conditioners

[0076] Indoor units 10, 13, 15, and 101

[0077] 11 Remote Control Communication Department

[0078] 19 remote controls

[0079] 20 outdoor units

[0080] 30, 32, 33 ventilation devices

[0081] 34 optional units

[0082] 40 power plug

[0083] 41a, 41b First power supply line

[0084] 42a, 42b Second power supply lines

[0085] 51 First Communication Line

[0086] 52 Second Communication Line

[0087] 53a, 53b Third Communication Line

[0088] 57 Seventh Communication Line

[0089] 61 First Cable

[0090] 62 Second Cable

[0091] 110, 130 Indoor Terminal Block

[0092] 111~114 connection terminals

[0093] Indoor control circuits 120, 1201, and 1202

[0094] 125 communication circuit

[0095] 126HA terminal

[0096] 210 Outdoor Terminal Block

[0097] 211~213, 231~233 connection terminals

[0098] 220 outdoor control circuit

[0099] 224 communication circuit

[0100] 310, 380 First Terminal Block

[0101] 311~315, 381, 382 connection terminals

[0102] 320 Second Terminal Block

[0103] 321-326 connection terminals

[0104] 330° and 360° ventilation control circuits

[0105] 336HA terminal

[0106] 350 amplifier

[0107] 370 optional unit control circuit.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner has the following features: The first indoor unit is powered by commercial power; and Second indoor unit, The second indoor unit has: The first connecting terminal is connected to the first cable; as well as The second connection terminal is connected to the second cable. Power is supplied from the first indoor unit to the second indoor unit via the first cable. Power is supplied from the first indoor unit to the outdoor unit via the first cable and the second cable.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cable includes a first communication line. The second cable includes a second communication line. The first indoor unit communicates with the outdoor unit via the first communication line and the second communication line. The second indoor unit also has: The second indoor unit control circuit; and The connection part connects the first communication line and the second communication line without passing through the control circuit of the second indoor unit.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second indoor unit also has a third connection terminal connected to a third communication line, which communicates with the first indoor unit. The second indoor unit communicates with the first indoor unit via the third communication line.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cable includes a first communication line. The second cable includes a second communication line. The second indoor unit also has a second indoor unit control circuit. The indoor control circuit located in the first indoor unit and the outdoor control circuit located in the outdoor unit communicate via the first communication line, the second indoor unit control circuit, and the second communication line. An amplifier is provided on the communication path between the indoor control circuit and the outdoor control circuit to enhance the signal strength of the communication.

5. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: a first indoor unit powered by a commercial power source; and an outdoor unit. The air conditioner can select a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode. In the first power supply mode, the second indoor unit is powered from the first indoor unit via a first cable, and the outdoor unit is powered from the first indoor unit via the first cable and the second cable. In the second power supply mode, the outdoor unit is powered from the first indoor unit via a third cable.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second indoor unit has a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal. The first indoor unit has a first indoor unit terminal. The outdoor unit has outdoor unit terminals. In the first power supply method, the first indoor unit terminal is connected to the first connection terminal via the first cable, and the second connection terminal is connected to the outdoor unit terminal via the second cable. In the second power supply method, the first indoor unit terminal is connected to the outdoor unit terminal via the third cable.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The second indoor unit has a second indoor unit control circuit. The outdoor unit has outdoor unit terminals and outdoor control circuit. The cable connecting the first connection terminal and the second indoor unit control circuit is thinner than the cable connecting the outdoor unit terminal and the outdoor control circuit.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner has the following features: The indoor unit is powered by commercial electricity; and Outdoor unit, The air conditioner can select a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode. In the first power supply mode, the indoor unit supplies power to the optional unit via a first cable, and supplies power to the outdoor unit via the indoor unit via the first cable and the second cable. In the second power supply mode, the indoor unit supplies power to the outdoor unit via a third cable.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The optional unit has a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal. The indoor unit has indoor unit terminals. The outdoor unit has outdoor unit terminals. In the first power supply method, the indoor unit terminal is connected to the first connection terminal via the first cable, and the second connection terminal is connected to the outdoor unit terminal via the second cable. In the second power supply method, the indoor unit terminal is connected to the outdoor unit terminal via the third cable.

10. A ventilation device, characterized in that, The ventilation device includes: A first connecting terminal, which is connected to a first cable; and The second connection terminal is connected to the second cable. The ventilation unit is powered from the indoor unit, which is powered by commercial power, via the first cable. The indoor unit supplies power to the outdoor unit via the first cable and the second cable.

11. The ventilation device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first cable includes a first communication line. The second cable includes a second communication line. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit communicate via the first communication line and the second communication line. The ventilation device also includes: ventilation control circuit; and A connection part that connects the first communication line and the second communication line without passing through the ventilation control circuit.

12. The ventilation device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first cable includes a first communication line. The second cable includes a second communication line. The ventilation device also includes a ventilation control circuit and an amplifier to improve the signal strength of communication. The ventilation device is connected to the first communication line and the second communication line via the ventilation control circuit and the amplifier.

13. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner has the following features: The first indoor unit is powered by commercial power; and Second indoor unit, The second indoor unit has: The first connecting terminal is connected to the first cable; as well as The second connection terminal is connected to the second cable. Power is supplied from the first indoor unit to the second indoor unit via the first cable. Power is supplied to the outdoor unit from the first indoor unit via the first cable and the second cable. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, which is composed of a housing having a first indoor unit and a second indoor unit inside.

14. A ventilation device, characterized in that, The ventilation device includes: A first connecting terminal, which is connected to a first cable; and The second connection terminal is connected to the second cable. The ventilation system is powered from the first indoor unit, which is powered by commercial power, via the first cable. Power is supplied from the first indoor unit to the outdoor unit via the first cable and the second cable.

15. The ventilation device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first cable includes a first communication line. The second cable includes a second communication line. The first indoor unit communicates with the outdoor unit via the first communication line and the second communication line. The ventilation device also includes: ventilation control circuit; and A connection part that connects the first communication line and the second communication line without passing through the ventilation control circuit.

16. The ventilation device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first cable includes a first communication line. The second cable includes a second communication line. The ventilation device also includes a ventilation control circuit and an amplifier to improve the signal strength of communication. The ventilation device is connected to the first communication line and the second communication line via the ventilation control circuit and the amplifier.

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