Diagnostic devices for communication equipment and air conditioning systems

Abstract

In the communication device, a coupling part (10) is provided, which is adjacently coupled to a communication line (L) connected between communication devices (101, 102). Furthermore, a communication part (40) is provided, which communicates with the communication devices (101, 102) via the communication line (L) and the adjacently coupled coupling part (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a diagnostic device for a communication device and an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning systems are sometimes connected to diagnostic devices for purposes such as collecting operational data and diagnosing faults (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-091561 Summary of the Invention

[0004] -The technical problem the invention aims to solve-

[0005] In the example of Patent Document 1, no study was conducted on the physical connection method between the diagnostic device and the air conditioning system.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to facilitate the physical connection between a communication device and a communication partner device.

[0007] - Technical solutions used to solve technical problems -

[0008] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a communication device comprising a coupling portion 10 and a communication portion 40, wherein the coupling portion 10 is adjacently coupled to a communication line L connecting communication devices 101 and 102, and the communication portion 40 communicates with the communication devices 101 and 102 via the communication line L and the adjacently coupled coupling portion 10.

[0009] In the first aspect, a communication path is formed through proximity coupling. This allows for easy physical connection between the communication device and its communication partner device.

[0010] The communication apparatus of the second aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the communication devices 101 and 102 are interconnected through a multi-hop network, and the communication unit 40 transmits signals to other communication devices 101 and 102 through relays of the specified communication devices 101 and 102 in the multi-hop network.

[0011] In the second aspect, the communication device communicates with the communication partner device on a multi-hop network.

[0012] The communication device of the third aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication device of the first or second aspect, wherein the coupling part 10 is coupled adjacently to the communication line L through a component having inductive or capacitive properties.

[0013] In the third aspect, proximity coupling is achieved through components that are inductive or capacitive.

[0014] The communication device of the fourth aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication device of the third aspect, wherein the coupling part 10 is detachable from the communication line L.

[0015] In the fourth aspect, the disassembly and assembly of communication devices become easier.

[0016] The fifth aspect of the communication device disclosed herein is based on the fourth aspect of the communication device, wherein the coupling part 10 is movable within a specified range of the communication line L.

[0017] In the fifth aspect, the communication status can be improved by moving the coupling part 10.

[0018] Based on the communication apparatus of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the communication unit 40 performs at least one of the following via the coupling unit 10: collecting data held by the communication devices 101 and 102, collecting data flowing through the communication line L, giving operating instructions to the communication devices 101 and 102, and setting the communication devices 101 and 102.

[0019] In the sixth aspect, information can be collected and communication partner devices can be controlled through communication devices.

[0020] The communication apparatus of the seventh aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication apparatus of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the communication apparatus includes display units 11 and 50, the display units 11 and 50 displaying the quality of communication in the coupling unit 10.

[0021] The communication apparatus of the eighth aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication apparatus of the seventh aspect, wherein the quality is expressed by the signal-to-noise ratio in the communication between the communication devices 101, 102 and the communication unit 40.

[0022] The communication apparatus of the ninth aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication apparatus of the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the quality is represented by the noise level in the communication between the communication devices 101, 102 and the communication unit 40.

[0023] The communication apparatus of the tenth aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication apparatus of any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the quality is expressed by the signal transmission and reception sensitivity in communication between the communication devices 101, 102 and the communication unit 40.

[0024] In aspects seven through ten, the reliability of communication is improved by improving the quality of the display.

[0025] The communication device of the eleventh aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication device of any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the communication unit 40 transmits a signal at a signal level higher than the signal level transmitted by the communication devices 101 and 102.

[0026] In the eleventh aspect, the reliability of communication is improved.

[0027] The communication device of the twelfth aspect of this disclosure is based on the communication device of any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the communication devices 101 and 102 are units constituting the air conditioning system 100.

[0028] In the twelfth aspect, the air conditioning system 100 unit can be easily connected to the communication device.

[0029] The thirteenth aspect of this disclosure relates to a diagnostic device for an air conditioning system, the diagnostic device for the air conditioning system including the communication devices 10, 40 described in any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

[0030] In the thirteenth aspect, the diagnostic device of the air conditioning system 100 can be easily connected to the air conditioning system 100. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the diagnostic device;

[0032] Figure 2 An example of the structure of the coupling section is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 An example of the structure of the coupling section is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 An example of the structure of the coupling section is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the communication between the diagnostic device and the generator set. Detailed Implementation

[0036] (Implementation Method)

[0037] <Outline>

[0038] The diagnostic device for the air conditioning system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the diagnostic device 1 according to this embodiment. The diagnostic device 1 performs information collection and fault diagnosis related to the operating status of the air conditioning system 100.

[0039] The air conditioning system 100 has the function of cooling and heating the indoor space. The air conditioning system 100 includes an outdoor unit 101 and an indoor unit 102. Hereinafter, the names 101 and 102 are sometimes used as a general term for the outdoor unit 101 and the indoor unit 102.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, only one outdoor unit 101 and one indoor unit 102 are described, but the air conditioning system 100 has multiple outdoor units 101 and multiple indoor units 102. These units 101 and 102 are connected to the refrigerant circuit (not shown) via refrigerant pipes.

[0041] Outdoor unit 101 and indoor unit 102 function as communication devices. In the air conditioning system 100, the designated outdoor unit 101 and the designated indoor unit 102 are connected via a communication line L. The designated outdoor units 101 are also connected to each other via communication lines L. In the air conditioning system 100, the designated indoor units 102 are also connected to each other via communication lines L.

[0042] Units 101 and 102, connected by communication line L, send and receive signals to each other via communication line L. The signals sent and received between units 101 and 102 include sensor detection values, various setpoints, and commands indicating operation.

[0043] In the air conditioning system 100, units 101 and 102 connected to the communication line L form a multi-hop network. A multi-hop network is a network that uses other communication devices as repeaters when a signal is sent to any communication device. This enables communication over a wide area. In the air conditioning system 100, each unit 101 and 102 can function as a repeater.

[0044] <Structure of Diagnostic Device 1>

[0045] The diagnostic device 1 can send a specified signal to the air conditioning system 100 via the communication line L. The diagnostic device 1 can control and set the air conditioning system 100 based on this signal. The diagnostic device 1 can detect the signal flowing through the communication line L.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the diagnostic device 1 includes a coupling unit 10, a second display unit 11, a data holding unit 30, a communication unit 40, a first display unit 50, and a work instruction unit 60.

[0047] The coupling section 10 is coupled in proximity to the communication line L. Here, "proximity coupling" refers to magnetic field coupling via coils or the like, or electric field coupling via electrodes. The coupling section 10 is composed of components that are inductive or capacitive. Figures 2 to 4 An example of the structure of the coupling part 10 is shown.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In this example, the coupling part 10 includes a magnetic body 12 and a coil C. In this example, the magnetic body 12 is a cylindrical ferrite core. The communication line L passes through the hollow portion of the magnetic body 12 (cylindrical ferrite core). The magnetic body 12 is magnetically coupled to the communication line L. The coil C is wound around the magnetic body 12. The coil C is magnetically coupled to the magnetic body 12.

[0049] The magnetic body 12 is a cylindrical ferrite core, thus allowing it to move within a specified range on the communication line L. By employing a ferrite core divided into two halves as the magnetic body 12, the magnetic body 12 can be attached to and detached from the communication line L.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the example, the coupling part 10 includes a coil C. The coil C is wound around the communication line L. The coil C and the communication line L are magnetically coupled to each other.

[0051] exist Figure 4 In the example, the coupling part 10 also includes a coil C. The coil C is magnetically coupled to the communication line L. When viewed along the winding axis, the coil C appears C-shaped. The coil C is detachable from the communication line L. The coil C can move within a specified range along the communication line L.

[0052] When current (signal) flows through communication line L, current also flows through coil C. In other words, coupling unit 10 can detect the signal on communication line L. When current (signal) flows through coil C, the signal also flows through communication line L. In other words, coil C can be used to transmit a signal to communication line L.

[0053] The second display unit 11 displays the status (communication quality) of the signal in the coupling unit 10. The second display unit 11 can be, for example, constructed from a light-emitting diode (LED). The second display unit 11 is configured such that the LED emits light when current flows through the coil C. The communication quality (signal level) is displayed based on the presence or intensity of the LED's illumination.

[0054] The data holding unit 30 stores various types of data (described later). The data holding unit 30 may, for example, be constructed from a semiconductor memory.

[0055] The communication unit 40 includes a transmitting unit 41, a receiving unit 42, and a control unit 43. The communication unit 40 communicates with the units 101 and 102 (communication equipment) via the communication line L and the coupling unit 10. It can be considered that in the diagnostic device 1, the communication unit 40 and the coupling unit 10 constitute the communication devices 10 and 40.

[0056] The communication unit 40 has the functions of collecting data held by units 101 and 102 via the coupling unit 10, collecting data flowing through the communication line L, issuing operating instructions to units 101 and 102, and setting the units 101 and 102. Of course, the communication unit 40 may also be configured to perform only some of the above functions. The communication unit 40 may also have other functions.

[0057] Under the control of the control unit 43, the transmitting unit 41 transmits signals to units 101 and 102. Specifically, the transmitting unit 41 transmits the signals to be sent to units 101 and 102 to the communication line L via the coupling unit 10. These signals have a frequency of, for example, around 2 MHz to 30 MHz. So-called crosstalk occurs between the coupling unit 10 and the communication line L.

[0058] In this case, the transmitting unit 41 transmits a signal at a higher signal level than that used in the communication between units 101 and 102. In this embodiment, the transmitting unit 41 uses such a signal level to improve the reliability of communication.

[0059] Under the control of the control unit 43, the receiving unit 42 receives signals output by the units 101 and 102. Specifically, the receiving unit 42 receives signals detected by the coupling unit 10. The receiving unit 42 then transmits the received signals to the control unit 43.

[0060] The receiving unit 42 sends information related to the quality of the received signal to the control unit 43. Communication quality can be measured using various standards. For example, quality can be expressed as the signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) in communication between units 101 and 102 (communication equipment) and the communication unit 40. Quality can also be expressed as the noise level in communication between units 101 and 102 and the communication unit 40. Furthermore, quality can be expressed as the signal transmission and reception sensitivity in communication between units 101 and 102 and the communication unit 40.

[0061] The control unit 43 controls the operation of the transmitting unit 41 and the receiving unit 42. The control unit 43 includes a CPU (microcomputer) and a semiconductor memory (both not shown). The semiconductor memory stores programs for operating the CPU. The control unit 43 executes these programs via the CPU to perform data collection and setting functions.

[0062] When performing its data collection function, control unit 43 generates a signal (command) requesting the transmission of data held by units 101 and 102 (hereinafter referred to as held data). The held data may be, for example, log data of the operating status. This signal is generated based on user instructions. The user provides these instructions via a user interface (described later).

[0063] When performing its data collection function, the control unit 43 sends the generated commands to units 101 and 102 via the transmitting unit 41. The control unit 43 receives the holding data returned from units 101 and 102 via the receiving unit 42. The control unit 43 sometimes causes the first display unit 50 (described later) to display the received holding data. The control unit 43 sometimes stores the received holding data in the data holding unit 30.

[0064] When performing the setting function, the control unit 43 generates signals (commands) to set the units 101 and 102. Settings performed through the setting function include, for example, the operating mode of the air conditioning system 100 (cooling operation, heating operation, etc.) and the set temperature. This signal is generated based on user instructions. The user gives instructions via the user interface (described later). The control unit 43 sends the generated commands to the units 101 and 102 via the sending unit 41.

[0065] The first display unit 50 in this embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal display. The first display unit 50 displays various information according to the instructions of the control unit 43. For example, the first display unit 50 displays user input (settings, etc.), the types of commands sent to the units 101 and 102, and the content of data received from the air conditioning system 100. The first display unit 50 may also sometimes display communication quality.

[0066] The operation instruction unit 60 generates signals (commands) to instruct units 101 and 102 to perform specified operations. This signal generation is triggered by user instructions. The operation instruction unit 60 also functions as a user interface for receiving user instructions. Here, "user" refers to a person who uses the diagnostic device 1 to diagnose and inspect the air conditioning system 100.

[0067] The work instruction unit 60 sends the generated commands to the units 101 and 102 via the sending unit 41. If there is a response to the sent command, the work instruction unit 60 receives the response via the receiving unit 42. The work instruction unit 60 processes the response appropriately. For example, the work instruction unit 60 may sometimes cause the first display unit 50 to display the received response. The work instruction unit 60 may also sometimes store the content of the response in the data holding unit 30.

[0068] The data retention unit 30, the first display unit 50, and the operation instruction unit 60 can be comprised of a single personal computer. In this case, the personal computer executes installed programs to perform various displays, provide instructions to units 101 and 102, and retain data.

[0069] <Work Example>

[0070] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the communication between diagnostic device 1 and units 101 and 102. (For example...) Figure 5As shown, the air conditioning system 100 contains multiple outdoor units 101 (communication devices) and multiple indoor units 102 (communication devices). As described above, in the air conditioning system 100, the units 101 and 102 connected to the communication line L constitute a multi-hop network.

[0071] exist Figure 5 In order to identify multiple outdoor units 101 and multiple indoor units 102, branch numbers (e.g., 101-1, 101-2, etc.) are added to the attached drawing reference numerals. Figure 5 In the example, outdoor unit 101-1, indoor unit 102-1, indoor unit 102-2, and indoor unit 102-3 are connected to the communication line L in this order. More specifically, outdoor unit 101-1 and each of the indoor units 102-1, 102-2, and 102-3 are connected in a daisy-chain configuration.

[0072] The coupling part 10 of the diagnostic device 1 is coupled adjacently to the communication line L, which is the communication line between outdoor units 101-1 and 101-2. Generally, communication signals between communication devices are subject to attenuation caused by wiring along the path or impedance of the communication devices, increased noise due to signal reflection, and standing waves. For example, depending on the position of the coupling part 10 on the communication line L, sufficient communication quality may not be obtained between the diagnostic device 1 and units 101 and 102. By moving the coupling part 10 along the communication line L, the user can find a location with good communication (a location with high communication quality).

[0073] Here, it is assumed that the user sends a command from the diagnostic device 1 to the indoor unit 102-3. More specifically, it is assumed that the user inputs a command to the diagnostic device 1 to send log data of the indoor unit 102-3 (hereinafter referred to as the log sending command).

[0074] In this example, the user inputs information such as identifying the communication partner device (indoor unit 102-3) and indicating whether to send logs via the operator of the user interface. When the instruction to send logs is input, the control unit 43 generates a log sending command to units 101 and 102 based on its data collection function. The control unit 43 outputs the log sending command to the communication line L via the sending unit 41, with indoor unit 102-3 as the destination.

[0075] The communication line L, which is coupled adjacent to the coupling unit 10, is connected to the outdoor unit 101-1 (see reference). Figure 5 The signal output from the diagnostic device 1 is transmitted via the signal line inside the outdoor unit 101-1 to the communication line L (daisy chain) connecting the indoor units 102-1, 102-2, and 102-3. For example, if the signal strength of the signal output to the communication line L connecting the indoor units 102-1, 102-2, and 102-3 is sufficiently strong, the signal will directly reach the indoor unit 102-3.

[0076] However, due to attenuation in the coupling section 10, attenuation in the communication line L, etc., the signal output from the diagnostic device 1 sometimes cannot directly reach the indoor unit 102-3. In this case, designated indoor units 102-1, 102-2, and 102-3 on the multi-hop network perform signal relay functions (the so-called multi-hop function). Relay is not performed by all indoor units 102-1, 102-2, and 102-3. The indoor unit 102 that performs the relay is determined based on the degree of signal attenuation.

[0077] After the signal (log sending command) arrives at the indoor unit 102-3, the indoor unit 102-3 processes the received log sending command. Specifically, the indoor unit 102-3 uses the diagnostic device 1 as the recipient and outputs the stored log data to the communication line L connected to the indoor unit 102-3.

[0078] Similar to the log sending command, the log data sent by indoor unit 102-3 is relayed by units 101 and 102 as needed and reaches diagnostic device 1. In other words, multi-hop communication is performed. In diagnostic device 1, control unit 43 receives log data via receiving unit 42.

[0079] In the diagnostic device 1, the received log data is processed. For example, the log data is displayed on the first display unit 50 by the control unit 43. The log data is sometimes also stored in the data holding unit 30 by the control unit 43.

[0080] Similarly, when the user instructs the diagnostic device 1 to set the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., set the indoor temperature), the control unit 43 performs the setting function and communicates between the diagnostic device 1 and the units 101 and 102. When the user instructs the diagnostic device 1 to perform a specified operation on the air conditioning system 100, the operation instruction unit 60 functions and communicates between the diagnostic device 1 and the units 101 and 102.

[0081] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, a communication path is formed between the diagnostic device 1 and the communication line L through proximity coupling. In this manner, a physical connection between the diagnostic device (communication device) and the communication partner device can be easily achieved. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time required to create a data collection environment at the work site.

[0083] By employing proximity coupling, it is difficult for the connection between the diagnostic device 1 and the air conditioning system 100 to be broken. The coupling part 10, which can move on the communication line L, can easily establish high-quality communication. By employing proximity coupling at the coupling part 10, the diagnostic device 1 can be connected to the air conditioning system 100 without stopping the air conditioning system 100.

[0084] In the air conditioning system 100, units 101 and 102 communicate with each other via a multi-hop network. The diagnostic device 1 can communicate with units 101 and 102 over a wide range. In other words, the diagnostic device 1 can perform diagnostics and information collection on units 101 and 102 over a wide range.

[0085] (Other implementation methods)

[0086] A multi-hop network is not required in the air conditioning system 100. The diagnostic device 1 can also be used in air conditioning systems 100 that do not include a multi-hop network.

[0087] The coupling part 10 is not limited to the structures listed herein, as long as it has a structure that enables adjacent coupling.

[0088] The components of the diagnostic device 1 can be appropriately selected and omitted depending on the intended use. For example, the second display unit 11 can be omitted. By appropriately selecting the components, examinations can be completed using only the diagnostic device 1 without using other equipment.

[0089] The embodiments and variations have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes can be made to their form and specific details without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Appropriate combinations or substitutions can also be made to the elements involved in the above embodiments, variations, and other embodiments.

[0090] -Industry Applicability-

[0091] In summary, this disclosure is useful for diagnostic devices for communication devices and air conditioning systems.

[0092] - Symbol Explanation -

[0093] 10 Coupling section

[0094] 11. Second Display Unit (Display Unit)

[0095] 40 Ministry of Communications

[0096] 50 First Display Unit (Display Unit)

[0097] 100 air conditioning system

[0098] 101 Outdoor Unit (Communication Equipment)

[0099] 102 Indoor Unit (Communication Equipment)

[0100] L communication line

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a coupling unit (10) and a communication unit (40). The coupling part (10) is coupled adjacently to the communication line (L) connecting the communication devices (101, 102). The communication unit (40) communicates with the communication devices (101, 102) via the communication line (L) and the adjacent coupling unit (10). The communication devices (101, 102) and the communication unit (40) are interconnected via a multi-hop network. The communication unit (40) transmits signals to other communication devices (101, 102) through relays of the designated communication devices (101, 102) in the multi-hop network. The coupling part (10) is coupled to the communication line (L) in proximity through a component having inductive or capacitive properties. The inductive or capacitive component has a C-shaped coil. The coil is configured to surround the communication line (L) and can move along the communication line (L) while surrounding it.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication unit (40) performs at least one of the following via the coupling unit (10): collecting data held by the communication devices (101, 102), collecting data flowing through the communication line (L), giving operating instructions to the communication devices (101, 102), and setting the communication devices (101, 102).

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication device includes a display unit (11, 50) that displays the quality of communication in the coupling unit (10).

4. The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The quality is represented by the signal-to-noise ratio in the communication between the communication devices (101, 102) and the communication unit (40).

5. The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The quality is represented by the noise level in the communication between the communication devices (101, 102) and the communication unit (40).

6. The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The quality is represented by the signal transmission and reception sensitivity in the communication between the communication devices (101, 102) and the communication unit (40).

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The communication unit (40) transmits a signal at a higher signal level than that transmitted by the communication devices (101, 102).

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The communication equipment (101, 102) is a unit that constitutes the air conditioning system (100).

9. A diagnostic device for an air conditioning system, characterized in that: The diagnostic device for the air conditioning system includes the communication device (10, 40) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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