Communication method, refrigeration and air conditioning related system and communication node

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method, a refrigeration and air conditioning related system and a communication node. A communication method for communicating information related to refrigeration and air-conditioning related units among a plurality of communication nodes, a first communication node, when transmitting information to a second communication node, generates a message including a code or type, the code representing an attribute of the information, and the type of the code representing the attribute of the information; the type represents whether a response specified according to the attribute is needed or not, the generated message is sent to the second communication node, and the second communication node judges whether the response is needed or not based on the code or the type included in the received message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a communication method, a refrigeration and air-conditioning related system and a communication node. Background Art

[0002] In a large-scale refrigeration and air conditioning system, for example, multiple outdoor units are connected to a centralized control device, and multiple indoor units are connected to each outdoor unit to construct a network for communication (for example, see Patent Document 1). Various data are sent and received between multiple devices including the centralized control device, outdoor units, and indoor units, thereby realizing centralized control of each device, cooperative operation, etc. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-20092 Summary of the invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication method, a refrigeration and air-conditioning related system, and a communication node that have high scalability and maintainability and can suppress consumption of communication bands. Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0005] A communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication method for communicating information related to a refrigeration and air conditioning related unit between multiple communication nodes. When sending information to a second communication node, a first communication node generates a message, the message including a code or a type, the code indicating an attribute of the information, the type indicating whether a response specified by the attribute is required, and the generated message is sent to the second communication node. The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or the type included in the received message.

[0006] The communication method of one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably configured such that the plurality of communication nodes include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and the outdoor unit generates a message including "no response required" as a type when sending the information to the indoor unit, and sends the generated message to the indoor unit.

[0007] The communication method of one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably configured such that the plurality of communication nodes include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and the indoor unit generates a message including "no response required" as a type when sending the information to the outdoor unit, and sends the generated message to the outdoor unit.

[0008] The communication method of one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably configured such that the multiple communication nodes also include a centralized control device, which, when sending information related to centralized control to the outdoor unit, generates the message containing the required response as a type and sends the generated message to the outdoor unit.

[0009] The communication method of one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably configured such that the multiple communication nodes also include a centralized control device, which, when sending information related to centralized control to the indoor unit, generates the message containing the required response as a type and sends the generated message to the indoor unit.

[0010] The communication method of one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably that the multiple communication nodes also include a centralized control device, and when the indoor unit sends information related to centralized control to the centralized control device, it generates the message as a type containing the message requiring a response, and sends the generated message to the centralized control device.

[0011] The communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably configured such that the message has a format specified by a REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface).

[0012] The communication method of one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably configured such that the attributes of the message include at least a first attribute, and the first attribute includes a data acquisition request, an update request, and a notification.

[0013] The communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably configured such that the attributes of the message include at least a second attribute, and the second attribute is a type of an application that generated the message.

[0014] The communication method of one aspect of the present disclosure is preferably configured such that the attributes of the message include at least a first attribute and a second attribute, the first attribute includes a data acquisition request, an update request, and a notification, the second attribute is the type of application that generated the message, and the second communication node determines whether a response is required based on at least one of the first attribute and the second attribute included in the received message.

[0015] A refrigeration and air-conditioning related system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration and air-conditioning related system that communicates information related to refrigeration and air-conditioning related units between multiple communication nodes. The first communication node includes a control unit and a communication unit. The control unit generates a message when sending information to a second communication node. The message includes a code or a type. The code indicates an attribute of the information. The type indicates whether a response specified according to the attribute is required. The communication unit sends the message generated by the control unit to the second communication node. The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or the type included in the received message.

[0016] A communication node in one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication node in a refrigeration and air-conditioning related system, including a control unit and a communication unit. The control unit generates a message when sending information to other communication nodes, and the message contains a code or a type. The code indicates an attribute of the information, and the type indicates whether a response specified according to the attribute is required. The communication unit sends the message generated by the control unit to the other communication nodes.

[0017] A communication node in one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication node in a refrigeration and air-conditioning related system, including a control unit and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit receives a message from other communication nodes, the message containing a code or a type, the code indicating an attribute of the information, the type indicating whether a response specified according to the attribute is required, and the control unit determines whether a response is required based on the code or the type included in the received message. Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, the expandability and maintainability are high and the consumption of the communication band can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a refrigeration and air-conditioning related system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of an outdoor unit. Figure 3 This is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of an indoor unit. Figure 4 This is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a centralized control device. Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a relay device. Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing the format of messages (telegrams) sent and received between devices. Figure 7 This is a flowchart for explaining a communication procedure in communication related to refrigerant control. Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining a communication procedure in communication related to refrigerant control. Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining the communication procedure in the communication related to the centralized control. Fig.10 This is a flowchart for explaining the communication procedure in the communication related to the centralized control. Fig.11 This is a flowchart that explains the steps of the processing performed by the indoor unit when receiving a message. Fig.12 This is a flowchart for explaining the communication procedure in the refrigerant control according to the third embodiment. Fig.13 This is a flowchart for explaining the communication procedure in the centralized control of the third implementation mode. Fig.14 This is a flowchart for explaining the communication procedure in the centralized control of the third implementation mode. Fig.15 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of setting the transmission timing. Fig.16 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the communication steps in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, the refrigeration and air conditioning related system of the embodiment will be described in detail based on the drawings. In addition, the present technology is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents to the claims.

[0021] (Implementation Method 1) Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of a refrigeration and air conditioning related system of an embodiment. The refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 of the embodiment is a system for communicating information related to refrigeration and air conditioning related units between multiple communication nodes. The communication nodes constituting the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 include refrigeration and air conditioning related equipment such as a centralized control device 10, an outdoor unit 30, an indoor unit 50, and a relay device 70. The information sent and received between the communication nodes is information related to the refrigeration and air conditioning related units, including information related to refrigerant control, information related to centralized monitoring operations, and the like. Here, the information related to the refrigeration and air conditioning related units may be information about the device itself, or information related to elements constituting a part of the refrigeration and air conditioning related equipment.

[0022] The communication node is not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and may also include various refrigeration and air conditioning related devices such as a service checker, a remote controller, a ventilation device, a communication device, and a control device. In the following description, the refrigeration and air conditioning related devices connected to the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 as communication nodes are also referred to as devices.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the refrigeration and air-conditioning related system 1 shown, a centralized control device 10 is connected to a plurality of outdoor units 30 via transmission lines. In the present embodiment, a plurality of devices are connected in a daisy chain manner. That is, the first outdoor unit 30 is connected to the centralized control device 1 via a first transmission line, the second outdoor unit 30 is connected to the first outdoor unit 30 via a second transmission line, and the third outdoor unit 30 is connected to the second outdoor unit 30 via a third transmission line. Here, the plurality of transmission lines connecting the centralized control device 10 to the plurality of outdoor units 30 are electrically conductive. Therefore, for example, a signal sent by the centralized control device 10 can be received by all the outdoor units 30 connected in a daisy chain manner, and a signal sent by any outdoor unit 30 can be received by the centralized control device 10 and all the remaining outdoor units 30.

[0024] In addition, in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1, a plurality of indoor units 50 are connected to each outdoor unit 30 in a daisy chain manner via transmission lines. That is, the first indoor unit 50 is connected to one outdoor unit 30 via a first transmission line, and the second indoor unit 50 is connected to the first indoor unit 50 via a second transmission line. The plurality of transmission lines connecting the outdoor unit 30 and the plurality of indoor units 50 are electrically connected, and a signal transmitted by any device can be received by all devices connected in the daisy chain manner.

[0025] Each outdoor unit 30 is connected to a transmission line for communicating with the central control device 10 and the remaining outdoor units 30 and a transmission line for communicating with the indoor unit 50. In the present embodiment, the two transmission lines are electrically connected inside the outdoor unit 30. Therefore, for example, the central control device 10 can communicate with the indoor unit 50 via the outdoor unit 30. In addition, the indoor unit 50 connected to the first outdoor unit 30 can communicate with the other indoor units 50 connected to the second outdoor unit 30 via the first outdoor unit 30 and the second outdoor unit 30. In addition, the transmission line for communicating with the central control device 10 and the remaining outdoor units 30 and the transmission line for communicating with the indoor unit 50 can also be electrically isolated inside the outdoor unit 30.

[0026] In addition, the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1 may not include the relay device 70. For example, when the distance between two devices that should be directly connected via a transmission line is long and the length of the transmission line exceeds a predetermined length, a relay device 70 is provided between the devices. Figure 1In the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 , two relay devices 70 are provided to be connected between two indoor units 50, 50. That is, the relay device 70 is connected to the first indoor unit 50 via a first transmission line, and the second indoor unit 50 is connected to the relay device 70 via a second transmission line.

[0027] The relay device 70 may be installed at any position of the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1. For example, the relay device 70 may be installed between the centralized control device 10 and the outdoor unit 30, between two outdoor units 30, 30, and between the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50. In addition, the relay device 70 may be installed between various devices other than the centralized device 10, the outdoor unit 30, and the indoor unit 50. In addition, the relay device 70 is not essential, and the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1 may be constructed without the relay device 70.

[0028] Figure 2 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor unit 30 includes, for example, a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and connection terminals 34 to 36. The control unit 31 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, a CPU (central processing unit), or other arithmetic processing devices. The control unit 31 can perform various processes by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 32. The control unit 31 performs various control processes such as control of the operation of each part of the outdoor unit 30 and control of communication with the centralized control device 10, other outdoor units 30, and the indoor unit 50. The control unit 31 has a built-in clock that outputs time information, a timer for measuring elapsed time, and the like.

[0029] The storage unit 32 includes, for example, nonvolatile memories such as flash memory and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and volatile memories such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The storage unit 32 stores various programs executed by the control unit 31 and various data required for the control processing of the control unit 31. Various programs are stored in the nonvolatile memory. On the other hand, various data may be stored only in the volatile memory, or may be copied and stored in the nonvolatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0030] The communication unit 33 is composed of, for example, a transceiver IC (integrated circuit). The communication unit 33 communicates with the centralized control device 10, other outdoor units 30, and the indoor unit 50 via a transmission line connected to a plurality of connection terminals 34 to 36 included in the outdoor unit 30. The communication unit 33 modulates the data to be sent and received, for example, by OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing). Specifically, the communication unit 33 uses a frequency band of 2 to 28 MHz for multi-carrier transmission. The communication unit 33 outputs a signal modulated from the transmission data provided by the control unit 31 to the transmission line, thereby transmitting the data, and provides the data obtained by acquiring the signal on the transmission line and demodulating it as received data to the control unit 31.

[0031] The communication unit 33 may also have a multi-hop function. The multi-hop function refers to a function in which, when the second device receives a signal sent by the first device, the second device outputs the same signal as the received signal to the transmission line. By each device outputting the same signal as the received signal, signal attenuation can be suppressed and the transmission distance of the signal can be extended.

[0032] The three connection terminals 34 to 36 are constructed using electronic components such as connectors or sockets, and are connected to the transmission line for communication in a detachable manner. In the outdoor unit 30 of the present embodiment, the three connection terminals 34 to 36 are electrically connected, for example, via a wiring pattern on a circuit substrate, and are electrically connected to the communication unit 33. Therefore, a signal input from any connection terminal 34 to 36 is output from the other connection terminals 34 to 36 and input to the communication unit 33. In addition, the signal output from the communication unit 33 is output from the connection terminals 34 to 36. In addition, in the present embodiment, the three connection terminals 34 to 36 are directly connected via a wiring pattern, etc., but, for example, a filter circuit or the like may be provided between the connection terminals 34 to 36. The number of connection terminals included in the outdoor unit 30 may also be less than two or more than four.

[0033] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the indoor unit 50. The indoor unit 50 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, and two connection terminals 54 and 55. The control unit 51 is composed of a microcomputer, a CPU, or other arithmetic processing devices. The control unit 51 performs various control processes such as control of the operation of each part of the indoor unit 50 and control of communication with the centralized control device 10, the outdoor unit 30, and other indoor units 50. The control unit 51 has a built-in clock that outputs time information, a timer for measuring elapsed time, and the like.

[0034] The storage unit 52 includes, for example, nonvolatile memories such as flash memory and EEPROM, and volatile memories such as DRAM and SRAM. The storage unit 52 stores various programs executed by the control unit 51 and various data required for the control processing of the control unit 51. Various programs are stored in the nonvolatile memory. On the other hand, various data may be stored only in the volatile memory, or may be copied and stored in the nonvolatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0035] The communication unit 53 is composed of, for example, a transceiver IC. The communication unit 53 has the same function as the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30, and can use the same or the same type of IC as the IC used for the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30. The communication unit 53 has a modulation function and a multi-hop function realized by the OFDM method, and communicates with the centralized control device 10, the outdoor unit 30, and other indoor units 50 via a transmission line connected to the connection terminals 54 and 55 included in the indoor unit 50. The communication unit 53 outputs a signal modulated from the transmission data provided by the control unit 51 to the transmission line, thereby transmitting the data, and provides the data obtained by acquiring the signal on the transmission line and demodulating it as received data to the control unit 51.

[0036] The two connection terminals 54 and 55 are formed using electronic components such as connectors or sockets, and are detachably connected to a transmission line for communication. The connection terminals 54 and 55 are electrically connected, for example, via a wiring pattern on a circuit board, and are electrically connected to the communication unit 53. The number of connection terminals included in the indoor unit 50 may be one or more than three.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the centralized control device 10. The centralized control device 10 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a connection terminal 16. The control unit 11 is composed of a calculation processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 11 performs various control processes such as control of the operation of each part of the centralized control device 10 and control of communication with the outdoor unit 30 and other indoor units 50. The control unit 11 has a built-in clock that outputs time information, a timer for measuring elapsed time, and the like.

[0038] The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, an EEPROM (or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk) and a volatile memory such as a DRAM, an SRAM, etc. The storage unit 12 stores various programs executed by the control unit 11 and various data required for the control processing of the control unit 11. Various programs are stored in the nonvolatile memory. On the other hand, various data may be stored only in the volatile memory, or may be copied and stored in the nonvolatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0039] The communication unit 13 is composed of, for example, a transceiver IC. The communication unit 13 has the same functions as the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30 and the communication unit 53 of the indoor unit 50, and can use the same or the same type of IC as the IC used for the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30 and the communication unit 53 of the indoor unit 50. The communication unit 13 has a modulation function and a multi-hop function realized by the OFDM method, and communicates with the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50 via a transmission line connected to the connection terminal 16 included in the centralized control device 10. The communication unit 13 outputs a signal obtained by modulating the transmission data provided by the control unit 11 to the transmission line, thereby transmitting the data, and provides the data obtained by acquiring the signal on the transmission line and demodulating it as received data to the control unit 11.

[0040] The display unit 14 is composed of a liquid crystal display and the like, and displays various images and characters and the like in accordance with the control of the control unit 11. The operation unit 15 receives the user's operation and notifies the control unit 11 of the received operation. For example, the operation unit 15 receives the user's operation through an input device such as a mechanical key or a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 14. In addition, for example, the operation unit 15 may also be an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and these input devices may also be configured to be removable relative to the centralized control device 10. The connection terminal 16 is configured using electronic components such as a connector or a socket, and is connected to a transmission line used for communication in a detachable manner. The connection terminal 16 is electrically connected to the communication unit 13, for example, via a wiring pattern on a circuit substrate. The number of connection terminals included in the centralized control device 10 may also be two or more.

[0041] Figure 5 : is a block diagram showing a structural example of a relay device 70. The relay device 70 of the present embodiment is configured to include a communication unit 71 and two connection terminals 72, 73, etc. The communication unit 71 is configured using, for example, a transceiver IC, etc. The communication unit 71 has the same function as the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30, the communication unit 53 of the indoor unit 50, and the communication unit 13 of the centralized control device 10, and it is possible to use the same or the same type of IC as the IC used for these communication units. The communication unit 71 has a modulation function and a multi-hop function implemented by the OFDM method, and communicates between it and the centralized control device 10, the outdoor unit 30, and the indoor unit 50, etc. via a transmission line connected to the connection terminals 72, 73 included in the relay device 70. In addition, the communication unit 71 of the relay device 70 only needs to include at least the multi-hop function, and it may not include the modulation function implemented by the OFDM method.

[0042] The two connection terminals 72 and 73 are formed by using electronic components such as connectors or sockets, and are connected to the transmission line for communication in a detachable manner. The connection terminals 72 and 73 are electrically connected, for example, via a wiring pattern on a circuit substrate, and are electrically connected to the communication unit 71. The number of connection terminals included in the relay device 70 may be one or more than three.

[0043] In the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1, multiple devices such as a centralized control device 10, an outdoor unit 30, an indoor unit 50, and a relay device 70 are connected in a daisy chain manner via a transmission line, and multi-carrier communication is implemented by OFDM modulation. The multiple transmission lines connecting the multiple devices are electrically connected, and the signal sent by one device can be received by all other devices. In the case where each device has a multi-hop function of outputting the same signal as the received signal to the transmission line, the strength of the signal that is attenuated corresponding to the transmission distance from the transmission source is increased, thereby extending the transmission distance of the signal.

[0044] As a communication method that can use OFDM modulation and multi-hop functions, there is, for example, a communication method of HD-PLC (High Definition Power Line Communication). The communication unit of each device can be composed of, for example, a transceiver IC that adopts the communication method of HD-PLC. In addition, the communication method of HD-PLC is a communication method that communicates via a power line, but in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 of the embodiment, each device communicates via a transmission line set separately from the power line, rather than communicating via the power line.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing the format of messages (telegrams) sent and received between devices. The communication protocol used in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 of the embodiment is as follows. The physical / data link layer uses HD-PLC and Ethernet (registered trademark). The network layer uses IPv6. The transport layer uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol) or TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). REST API using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and the like is used in the application layer.

[0046] IPv6 is ideal for the refrigeration and air-conditioning related system 1. Various devices connected so as to be accessible to each other can be identified and communicated with each other through IP addresses of a common standard.

[0047] UDP is ideal for the refrigeration and air-conditioning system 1. Even when the outdoor unit 30 is connected to a plurality of indoor units 50, the connection is not strained like TCP, and therefore the memory of the outdoor unit 30 is not stressed.

[0048] REST API is ideal for refrigeration and air conditioning related systems 1. Correspondence is established between requests and responses, and data can be resent in the event of a request failure. In addition, by specifying the method described below, data related to control, operating status, etc. can be acquired and updated between devices.

[0049] In an implementation, when information is sent from one device (first communication node) to another device (second communication node), the first communication node as the sending source generates a message and sends the generated message to the second communication node as the destination, wherein the message includes a code representing the attributes of the information and a type indicating whether a response specified according to the attributes is required.

[0050] The code representing the attribute of information represents the operation on the data, also called a method. In the embodiment, "GET" representing the operation of obtaining the data of the other party, "SET" representing the operation of updating the data of the other party, "INF" representing the operation of notifying one's own data, etc. can be used as methods. A response is required in order to obtain data, so for methods such as "GET", a response is required as a type. On the other hand, a response is not required for an operation to update a value or an operation to notify information, so for methods such as "SET" or "INF", a response is not required as a type. In addition, the method is not limited to the above methods, and may also include "DELETE" representing an operation to delete the data of the other party, etc.

[0051] The necessity of the above methods or responses can be described in the application layer header. The methods of "GET", "SET", and "INF" can be respectively adapted from "GET", "POST", and "PUT" defined in HTTP, and can be specified in the HTTP header.

[0052] In addition, the necessity of a response can be determined by using an HTTP query. That is, when a response is required, "res=true" can be specified in the HTTP query, and when a response is not required, "res=false" can be specified in the HTTP query.

[0053] Hereinafter, an application example of the refrigeration and air-conditioning related system 1 will be described. The communication in the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1 generally includes communication related to refrigerant control and communication related to centralized control. The communication related to refrigerant control is mainly communication between the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50 connected by the refrigerant piping, and is used to appropriately control the equipment to perform air conditioning. On the other hand, the communication related to centralized control is communication for centralized monitoring and operation of the indoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50 from the centralized control device 10.

[0054] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining the communication steps in the communication related to the refrigerant control. In the communication related to the refrigerant control, one outdoor unit 30 in the refrigerant system becomes a master unit and communicates with a plurality of indoor units 50 (slave units) or the remaining outdoor units 30 (master units). Figure 7 In the flowchart of FIG. 1 , for simplicity, the communication procedure between an outdoor unit 30 as a master unit and an indoor unit 50 as a slave unit is described. The outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50 each store data of the communication object internally and update the data through communication. The outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50 determine the operation of the unit by referring to the data stored internally.

[0055] The control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to acquire data from the indoor unit 50 (step S101). The control unit 31 may determine whether to acquire data from the indoor unit 50 by referring to the output of the built-in clock or the built-in timer and determining whether the current time point matches the time set as the acquisition time. The time to acquire data may be, for example, a regular time.

[0056] When it is determined that the data of the indoor unit 50 is to be acquired (S101: Yes), the control unit 31 generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "GET" and specifies whether a response is required as "required" (step S102). The control unit 31 transmits the generated message to the indoor unit 50 of the destination through the communication unit 33 (step S103).

[0057] When receiving the message sent from the outdoor unit 30, the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 checks the application layer header of the received message. When the method in the application layer header is designated as "GET", the need for a response is "necessary", so the control unit 51 generates a message including the data requested by the outdoor unit 30 and replies to the outdoor unit 30 (step S104).

[0058] When receiving the reply message from the indoor unit 50, the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 stores the data included in the received message in the storage unit 32 (step S105). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 32, or may be copied and stored in the non-volatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0059] Next, the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to update the data of the indoor unit 50 (step S106). The control unit 31 can determine whether to update the data of the indoor unit 50 by referring to the output of the built-in clock or the built-in timer and determining whether the current time point matches the time set as the update time. The time to update the data may be, for example, a regular time.

[0060] When it is determined that the data of the indoor unit 50 is to be updated (S106: Yes), the control unit 31 generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "SET" and specifies whether or not a response is required as "not required" (step S107). The control unit 31 transmits the generated message to the indoor unit 50 of the destination through the communication unit 33 (step S108).

[0061] When receiving the message sent from the outdoor unit 30, the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, when the method is designated as "SET", the need for a response is "not required", so the control unit 51 does not reply to the received message, but updates the data stored in the storage unit 52 (step S109). The data to be updated can be stored in a volatile memory included in the storage unit 52, or in a non-volatile memory.

[0062] Next, the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to notify the indoor unit 50 of the data of the unit (step S110). The control unit 31 only needs to refer to the output of the built-in clock or the built-in timer and determine whether the current time point matches the time set as the notification time, thereby determining whether to notify the indoor unit 50. The time to notify the indoor unit 50 may specify a regular time, for example. In addition, the time to notify the indoor unit 50 may also specify a time when an internal state has changed. Here, the change in the internal state means a change in the value of various sensors or actuators included in the device or a change in the control state.

[0063] When it is determined that the data is to be notified to the indoor unit 50 (S110: Yes), the control unit 31 generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "INF" and specifies whether or not a response is required as "not required" (step S111). The control unit 31 transmits the generated message to the indoor unit 50 of the destination through the communication unit 33 (step S112).

[0064] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives the message sent from the outdoor unit 30, it checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, when the method is designated as "INF", the need for a response is "not needed", so the control unit 51 does not reply to the received message, but stores the notified data in the storage unit 52 (step S113). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 52, or may be copied and stored in the non-volatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0065] The indoor unit 50 basically only receives communication from the outdoor unit 30 , but may notify the outdoor unit 30 of data when a remote controller is operated and an internal state changes.

[0066] The control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 determines whether to notify the outdoor unit 30 of the data of the unit (step S114). When it is determined that the internal state of the unit has changed and notification is made (S114: Yes), the control unit 51 generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "INF" and specifies whether or not a response is required as "not required" (step S115). The control unit 51 transmits the generated message to the destination outdoor unit 30 through the communication unit 53 (step S116).

[0067] When receiving the message sent from the indoor unit 50, the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, when the method is designated as "INF", the need for a response is "not needed". In this case, the control unit 31 does not return a response, and stores the data included in the message received through the indoor unit 50 in the storage unit 32 (step S117). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 32, or may be copied and stored in the non-volatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0068] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the flowchart shown, the judgment is performed in the order of whether to obtain data, whether to update the other party's data, and whether to notify the other party of the data, but the above judgment order is only a convenient order and can be performed in any order.

[0069] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 This is a flowchart for explaining the communication steps in the communication related to the centralized control. In the communication related to the centralized control, the centralized control device 10 performs communication for centralized monitoring and operation of each outdoor unit 30 and each indoor unit 50. The centralized control device 10 displays the status of each outdoor unit 30 and each indoor unit 50 on the display unit 14 through icons, and performs air conditioning control or scheduling operation through icon operation via the operation unit 15. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the flowchart shown, for simplicity, the communication procedure between the central control device 10 and the indoor unit 50 is described.

[0070] The control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 determines whether to acquire the data of the indoor unit 50 (step S121). The control unit 11 only needs to refer to the output of the built-in clock or the built-in timer and determine whether the current time point matches the time set as the acquisition time to determine whether to acquire the data of the indoor unit 50. The time to acquire data may specify a regular time, for example.

[0071] When it is determined that the data of the indoor unit 50 is to be acquired (S121: Yes), the control unit 11 generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "GET" and specifies whether a response is required as "required" (step S122). The control unit 11 transmits the generated message to the indoor unit 50 of the destination through the communication unit 13 (step S123).

[0072] When receiving the message sent from the centralized control device 10, the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, when the method is designated as "GET", the need for a response is "necessary", so the control unit 51 generates a message including the data requested by the centralized control device 10 and replies to the centralized control device 10 (step S124).

[0073] When receiving the reply message from the indoor unit 50, the control unit 11 of the central control device 10 stores the data contained in the received message in the storage unit 12 (step S125). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 12, or may be copied and stored in the non-volatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0074] Next, the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 determines whether to update the data of the indoor unit 50 (step S126). The control unit 11 determines to update the data of the indoor unit 50 when a state change occurs due to, for example, an icon operation or a schedule via the operation unit 15.

[0075] When it is determined that the data of the indoor unit 50 is to be updated (S126: Yes), the control unit 11 generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "SET" and specifies whether or not a response is required as "not required" (step S127). The control unit 11 transmits the generated message to the indoor unit 50 of the destination through the communication unit 13 (step S128).

[0076] When receiving the message sent from the central control device 10, the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, the method is specified as "SET" and the need for a response is "not required". The control unit 51 updates the data stored in the storage unit 52 according to the "SET" request (step S129). The data to be updated can be stored in a volatile memory included in the storage unit 52, or in a non-volatile memory.

[0077] The indoor unit 50 basically only receives communications from the central control device 10 , but may notify data to the central control device 10 when a remote controller is operated and an internal state changes.

[0078] The control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 determines whether to notify the centralized control device 10 of the data of the unit (step S130). When it is determined that the internal state of the unit has changed and notification is made (S130: Yes), the control unit 51 generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "INF" and specifies whether or not a response is required as "not required" (step S131). The control unit 51 transmits the generated message to the centralized control device 10 via the communication unit 53 (step S132).

[0079] When receiving a message sent from the indoor unit 50, the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, when the method is specified as "INF", the need for a response is "not required". In this case, the control unit 11 does not return a response, and stores the data contained in the message received through the indoor unit 50 in the storage unit 32 (step S133). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 32, or may be copied and stored in the non-volatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0080] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the flowchart shown, the judgment is performed in the order of whether to obtain data, whether to update the other party's data, and whether to notify the other party of the data, but the above judgment order is only a convenient order and can be performed in any order.

[0081] Generally speaking, the relationship between request and response is specified in communication, but in this embodiment, when a response is not required, the need for a response is specified as "not required", and no response is returned to the received request. By adopting the above structure, in this embodiment, the communication band can be ensured and the load on each device can be reduced.

[0082] (Implementation Method 2) In the first embodiment, when a message is sent from the first communication node to the second communication node, the first communication node specifies whether a response is required. Alternatively, the first communication node may not specify whether a response is required, but may determine whether a response is required based on a code (method) included in a message received by the second communication node. In the second embodiment, a structure for determining whether a response is necessary based on a code (method) included in a message received by the second communication node is described.

[0083] The overall structure of the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 in the second embodiment and the internal structure of each device included in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted. In addition, the structure of the message generated in each device (communication node) is the same as that in the first embodiment, but in the second embodiment, it is not necessary to specify whether the response to the query using HTTP is required.

[0084] Next, the operation when the indoor unit 50 receives a message from the outside will be described. Fig.11 The flowchart is a flowchart for explaining the steps of processing performed when the indoor unit 50 receives a message. In the communication related to refrigerant control, the indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the outdoor unit 30, for example. In addition, in the communication related to centralized control, the indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the centralized control device 10, for example.

[0085] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message transmitted from the outdoor unit 30 or the centralized control device 10 (step S201), it checks the application layer header of the received message and determines whether a response is required (step S202). If the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "GET", the transmission source of the message requests the indoor unit 50 to transmit data, and therefore, the control unit 51 determines whether a response is required as "required". On the other hand, if the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "SET", the transmission source of the message only requests the indoor unit 50 to update data, and therefore, the control unit 51 determines whether a response is required as "unnecessary". Furthermore, if the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "INF", the transmission source of the message only notifies the indoor unit 50 of information, and therefore, the control unit 51 determines whether a response is required as "unnecessary".

[0086] When the need for a response is judged as "necessary" in step S202 (S202: Yes), that is, when the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "GET", the control unit 51 generates a message including the data requested by the outdoor unit 30 or the centralized control device 10 as the sending source of the message (for example, sensor values, control status of the indoor unit 50, etc.), and replies to the sending source (step S203).

[0087] If the need for a response is determined to be "not needed" in step S202 (S202: No), the control unit 51 does not respond to the received message, and performs processing corresponding to the method specified in the message (step S204). That is, if the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "SET", the control unit 51 performs processing to update the data stored in the storage unit 52, and if the method specified is "INF", the control unit 51 performs processing to store the notified data in the storage unit 52.

[0088] exist Fig.11 In the flowchart, the action when the indoor unit 50 receives a message from the outside is explained, but in the case where the centralized control device 10 or the outdoor unit 30 receives a message, it can also determine whether a response is needed based on the code (method) included in the received message.

[0089] As described above, in the second embodiment, the necessity of a response can be determined on the receiving side based on the code (method) included in the message without specifying the necessity of a response in the message.

[0090] (Implementation Method 3) Implementation methods 1 and 2 are configured to determine whether a response is necessary based on a code (method) or type included in a message, but may also be configured to determine whether a response is necessary based on other attributes. In the third embodiment, a configuration is described in which the necessity of a response is determined based on the type of application level that has generated a message.

[0091] The overall structure of the refrigeration and air-conditioning related system 1 in the third embodiment and the internal structure of each device included in the refrigeration and air-conditioning related system 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted. The format of the message sent and received by each device (communication node) is the same as the format shown in the first embodiment, but in the third embodiment, information including the API (application programming interface) version / application name / resource name is stored in the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​area. For example, in the case where the message sent and received in the refrigerant control is generated by an application called "productcontrol", the application name of the message specifies "prd" representing "productcontrol". In addition, in the case where the message sent and received in the centralized control is generated by an application called "monitor", the application name of the message specifies "mon" representing "monitor". In addition, appropriate values ​​are stored for the API version and resource name. In the third embodiment, the need for a response is judged from the perspective of whether the application needs to respond.

[0092] Fig.12This is a flowchart for explaining the communication procedure in the refrigerant control of Embodiment 3. In the refrigerant control, the application program called "productcontrol" described above is executed in the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50, and the communication related to the refrigerant control is performed by sending and receiving messages generated by the application program.

[0093] The outdoor unit 30 performs overall control, and therefore can periodically request data from the indoor unit 50. The control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to obtain data from the indoor unit 50 (step S301), and when it is determined to be obtained (S301: Yes), it generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "GET", the application name as "prd", and the need for a response as "needed" (step S302). When the outdoor unit 30 requests data from the indoor unit 50, a response from the indoor unit 50 is required. That is, as the "productcontrol" application requires a response, the need for a response is specified as "needed". The control unit 31 sends the generated message to the indoor unit 50 of the destination through the communication unit 33 (step S303).

[0094] When receiving a message designated by the outdoor unit 30 with the method being "GET", the application name being "prd", and the need for a response being "necessary", the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 generates a message including the data requested by the outdoor unit 30 and replies to the outdoor unit 30 (step S304).

[0095] When receiving the reply message from the indoor unit 50, the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 stores the data included in the received message in the storage unit 32 (step S305).

[0096] During the refrigerant control, the outdoor unit 30 may control the actuator of the indoor unit 50. The control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to control the actuator of the indoor unit 50 (step S306), and if it is determined to be controlled (S306: Yes), a message is generated (step S307), wherein the message includes an application layer header that specifies the method as "SET", the application name as "prd", and the need for a response as "not required", and the control value is included in the data. The outdoor unit 30 sends a control command to the indoor unit 50 when the command content changes, but even if the timing is missed, the control command can be sent to the indoor unit 50 at a regular timing, so the response from the indoor unit 50 is not required. That is, as the "productcontrol" application does not require a response, the need for a response is specified as "not required". The control unit 31 sends the generated message to the indoor unit 50 of the destination through the communication unit 33 (step S308).

[0097] When receiving a message in which the method specified by the outdoor unit 30 is "SET", the application name is "prd", the need for a response is "not required", and the message includes a control value, the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 controls the actuator by updating the control value for the actuator (step S309).

[0098] In the refrigerant control, when the control state changes by remote control operation or the like, the indoor unit 50 notifies the outdoor unit 30 of the change in the control state. The control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 determines whether to notify the outdoor unit 30 of the control state (step S310), and when it is determined to be notified (S310: Yes), a message is generated (step S311), wherein the message includes an application layer header that specifies the method as "INF", specifies the application name as "prd", specifies the need for a response as "not required", and includes information on the control state in the data. The indoor unit 50 notifies the outdoor unit 30 of the information that is periodically acquired by the GET method only when the content changes, and therefore, a response from the outdoor unit 30 is not required. That is, since a response is not required as the "productcontrol" application, the need for a response is specified as "not required". The control unit 51 transmits the generated message to the outdoor unit 30 via the communication unit 53 (step S312).

[0099] When the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 receives a message in which the method specified by the indoor unit 50 is "INF", the application name is "prd", the need for a response is "not needed", and the message contains information on the control status, the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 processes the control status information contained in the message in the storage unit 32 (step S313).

[0100] Fig.13 and Fig.14 This is a flowchart for explaining the communication steps in the centralized control of the third embodiment. In the centralized control, the above-mentioned application called "monitor" is executed in the centralized control device 10, the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50, and the communication related to the centralized control is performed by sending and receiving the message generated by the application. The communication between the centralized control device 10 and the indoor unit 50 is explained below.

[0101] The centralized control device 10 performs overall control, and therefore can periodically request data from the indoor unit 50. The control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 determines whether to obtain data from the indoor unit 50 (step S321), and when it is determined to be obtained (S321: Yes), it generates a message including an application layer header that specifies the method as "GET", the application name as "mon", and the need for a response as "necessary" (step S322). When the centralized control device 10 requests data from the indoor unit 50, a response from the indoor unit 50 is required. That is, a response is required as a "monitor" application, and therefore, the need for a response is specified as "necessary". The control unit 11 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 through the communication unit 13 (step S323).

[0102] When receiving a message specified by the central control device 10 with the method being "GET", the application name being "mon", and the need for a response being "necessary", the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 generates a message including the data requested by the central control device 10 and replies to the central control device 10 (step S324).

[0103] When receiving the reply message from the indoor unit 50, the control unit 11 of the central control device 10 stores the data included in the received message in the storage unit 12 (step S325).

[0104] During the centralized control, the centralized control device 10 may perform user operation or schedule setting on the indoor unit 50. The control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 determines whether the user operation or schedule setting is performed on the indoor unit 50 (step S326). When it is determined that the user operation or schedule setting is performed (S326: Yes), a message is generated (step S327), wherein the message includes an application layer header that specifies the method as "SET", specifies the application name as "mon", specifies the need for a response as "needed", and includes an operation value related to the user operation or a setting value related to the schedule setting in the data. When there is no response from the indoor unit 50 to the instruction of the user operation or schedule setting, the centralized control device 10 needs to determine whether the communication is abnormal, and therefore, a response from the indoor unit 50 is required. That is, a response is required as the "monitor" application, and therefore the need for a response is specified as "needed". The control unit 11 transmits the generated message to the indoor unit 50 via the communication unit 13 (step S328).

[0105] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message in which the method specified by the central control device 10 is "SET", the application name is "mon", the need for response is "necessary", and the message contains an operation value or a setting value, the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 performs user operation or plan setting based on the received message, and replies with a message containing information indicating the end of the user operation or plan setting (step S329).

[0106] When receiving the reply message from the indoor unit 50, the control unit 11 of the central control device 10 stores the data included in the received message in the storage unit 32 (step S330).

[0107] In the centralized control, when the control state changes due to user operation or the like, the indoor unit 50 notifies the centralized control device 10 of the change in the control state. The control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 determines whether to notify the centralized control device 10 of the control state (step S331), and when it is determined to be notified (S331: Yes), a message is generated (step S332), wherein the message includes an application layer header that specifies the method as "INF", specifies the application name as "mon", specifies the need for a response as "not required", and includes information on the control state in the data. The indoor unit 50 notifies the centralized control device 10 of information that is periodically acquired by the GET method only when the content changes, and therefore, a response from the centralized control device 10 is not required. That is, as the "monitor" application does not require a response, the need for a response is specified as "not required". The control unit 51 transmits the generated message to the centralized control device 10 via the communication unit 53 (step S333).

[0108] When the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 receives a message in which the method specified by the indoor unit 50 is "INF", the application name is "mon", the need for a response is "not needed", and the message contains information on the control status, the control unit 11 stores the control status information contained in the message in the storage unit 12 (step S334).

[0109] exist Fig.13 and Fig.14 In the flowchart of FIG. 1 , the communication between the central control device 10 and the indoor unit 50 is described, but the communication between the central control device 10 and the outdoor unit 30 is also the same.

[0110] As described above, in the third embodiment, the need for a response is determined based on the type of application that generates the message. For example, even for the same "SET" request, the need for a response is specified as "not required" in the application "productcontrol" for refrigerant control, while the need for a response is specified as "required" in the application "monitor" for centralized control.

[0111] In the third implementation mode, the need for a response is specified by the sending side of the message, but similar to the second implementation mode, the need for a response is not specified in the message to be sent, but the device on the receiving side refers to the information (method name and application name) contained in the message to determine whether a response is needed.

[0112] (Implementation method 4) In the fourth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a message is transmitted from the outdoor unit 30 to the indoor unit 50 so that the indoor unit 50 specifies the transmission timing of data when a state change is detected.

[0113] In the fourth embodiment, when data related to the state change of the refrigeration and air conditioning related unit is sent from the indoor unit 50 to the outdoor unit 30, time division is performed so that the load is not concentrated on the outdoor unit 30. Here, the state change of the refrigeration and air conditioning related unit means, for example, a change in the value of various sensors or actuators included in the indoor unit 50.

[0114] Specifically, when the indoor unit 50 (second communication node) detects a state change, the outdoor unit 30 (first communication node) generates a message including information about the time at which the indoor unit 50 should send data, and sends the generated message to the indoor unit 50. Information about the time of sending is described in the payload of the data after the application layer header, for example. The indoor unit 50 sends data according to the time described in the message, thereby avoiding the concentration of load on the outdoor unit 30.

[0115] Fig.15 The diagram is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of setting the transmission time. The transmission time is defined based on the elapsed time from the reference time synchronized among the plurality of indoor units 50, and is determined as a time unique to each of the plurality of indoor units 50. Fig.15 In the example of , the transmission times of three indoor units 50, 50, and 50 are shown.

[0116] Time T0 represents a reference time synchronized among the three indoor units 50, 50, 50. Time T11, T12, T13, ... represent transmission times determined for the first indoor unit 50, time T21, T22, T23, ... represent transmission times determined for the second indoor unit 50, and time T31, T32, T33, ... represent transmission times determined for the third indoor unit 50.

[0117] exist Fig.15 In the example of , the transmission time cycle is common to each indoor unit 50. That is, T12-T11 (= T13-T12 = T14-T13 = ...) = T22-T21 (= T23-T22 = T24-T23 = ...) = T32-T31 (= T33-T32 = T34-T33 = ...). Fig.15 In the example of , the time interval between the reference time and the initial transmission time is set to a value specific to each indoor unit 50. That is, T11≠T21≠T31 is set. By setting the transmission time of each indoor unit 50 as described above, the transmission time of each indoor unit 50 can be staggered.

[0118] Each indoor unit 50 calculates the time at which it can transmit information related to the state change based on the transmission time determined by the unit. Fig.15 At the time TA shown in , a state change is detected in each indoor unit 50. In this case, in the first indoor unit 50, among the multiple transmission times T11, T12, ..., the earliest time after the state change is detected is T14, so the transmission of data is delayed until this time. That is, the delay time of the first indoor unit 50 is T14-TA. In addition, in the second indoor unit 50, among the multiple transmission times T21, T22, ..., the earliest time after the state change is detected is T23, so the transmission of data is delayed until this time. That is, the delay time of the second indoor unit 50 is T23-TA. Similarly, in the third indoor unit 50, among the multiple transmission times T31, T32, ..., the earliest time after the state change is detected is T33, so the transmission of data is delayed until this time. That is, the delay time of the third indoor unit 50 is T33-TA.

[0119] exist Fig.15 In the example of FIG. 1 , the period of the transmission time set in each indoor unit 50 is fixed, but as long as the transmission times in two or more indoor units 50 do not overlap, different periods may be set between the indoor units 50. The transmission time of the indoor unit 50 can be appropriately set according to the number of indoor units 50 to which data should be transmitted, the priority order of the indoor units 50 to which data should be transmitted, and the like.

[0120] In addition, the transmission time of the indoor unit 50 may also be set based on the elapsed time from the time when each indoor unit 50 detects the state change. For example, when each indoor unit 50 detects the state change at time TA, the first indoor unit 50 may set the time when time T1 has passed from time TA as the transmission time, the second indoor unit 50 may set the time when T2 (≠T1) has passed from time TA as the transmission time, and the third indoor unit 50 may set the time when T3 (≠T1≠T2) has passed from time TA as the transmission time.

[0121] Fig.16 This is a timing diagram for explaining the communication steps in the fourth embodiment. The control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 generates a message containing information related to the transmission time when each indoor unit 50 should transmit data, and transmits the generated message to each indoor unit 50 through the communication unit 33, thereby notifying each outdoor unit 30 of the transmission time (step S401). In step S401, the outdoor unit 30 notifies the indoor unit 50, so the control unit 31 generates a message containing an application layer header and recording the transmission time inherent to each indoor unit 50 in the payload of the data, and transmits it to each indoor unit 50, wherein the method in the application layer header is specified as "INF", and whether a response is required is specified as "not required".

[0122] When receiving the message sent from the outdoor unit 30, the control unit 51 of each indoor unit 50 checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, when the method is designated as "INF", the need for a response is "not required", so the control unit 51 does not reply to the received message, but stores the data including the transmission time in the storage unit 52 (steps S402 to S404). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 52, or may be copied and stored in the non-volatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0123] The control unit 51 of each indoor unit 50 monitors the status of the sensors or actuators included therein. When the control unit 51 detects a change in the status of the unit (steps S405 to S407), it calculates the time when the unit can send data based on the sending time stored in the storage unit 52 (steps S408 to S410). Here, the sending time of the unit can be stored in a volatile memory included in the storage unit 52, or in a non-volatile memory.

[0124] Each indoor unit 50 determines whether the current time point is a time point at which transmission can be performed, and if it is determined that it is a time point at which transmission can be performed, generates a message including information related to the state change, and transmits the generated message to the outdoor unit 30 through the communication unit 53, thereby notifying the outdoor unit 30 of the state change (steps S411 to S413). In steps S411 to S413, since the notification of the state change is from the indoor unit 50 to the outdoor unit 30, the control unit 31 generates a message including an application layer header and including information related to the state change in the data, and transmits it to the outdoor unit 30, wherein the method is specified as "INF" in the application layer header, and whether a response is required is specified as "not required".

[0125] Each time the outdoor unit 30 receives a message sent from each indoor unit 50, it replies with an ACK message and stores information related to the state change of each indoor unit 50 in the storage unit 32 (steps S414 to S416). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 32, or may be copied and stored in the non-volatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0126] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, even in a situation where, for example, an operation instruction is sent simultaneously from the central control device 10 to each indoor unit 50, each indoor unit 50 detects a state change at the same time, and notifications related to the state change from each indoor unit 50 are executed simultaneously, each indoor unit 50 delays the notification related to the state change according to the sending time inherently determined by each device, thereby avoiding load concentration in the outdoor unit 30 on the receiving side.

[0127] In this embodiment, the structure is to notify the sending time from the outdoor unit 30 to each indoor unit 50, but the sending time can also be notified from the central control device 10 to each indoor unit 50, and the service inspector can be connected to the refrigeration and air conditioning related unit, and the sending time can be notified from the service inspector to each indoor unit 50.

[0128] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above meaning, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Explanation of symbols

[0129] 1Refrigeration and air conditioning related systems; 10. Centralized control device; 11. Control Department; 12 storage unit; 13 Ministry of Communications; 14 display unit; 15. Operation unit; 16 connection terminals; 30 outdoor units; 31 Control Department; 32 storage unit; 33 Ministry of Communications; 34~36 connection terminals; 50 indoor units; 51 Control Department; 52 storage unit; 53 Ministry of Communications; 54~55 connection terminals.

Claims

1. A communication method, wherein the communication method is a communication method for communicating information related to a refrigeration and air conditioning related unit between multiple communication nodes, characterized in that: When the first communication node sends information to the second communication node, generating a message, the message comprising a code or a type, the code indicating an attribute of the information, the type indicating whether a response specified according to the attribute is required, Sending the generated message to the second communication node, The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or the type included in the received message.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of communication nodes include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, When transmitting the information to the indoor unit, the outdoor unit generates a message including "no response required" as a type, and transmits the generated message to the indoor unit.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of communication nodes include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, When transmitting the information to the outdoor unit, the indoor unit generates a message including "no response required" as a type, and transmits the generated message to the outdoor unit.

4. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The plurality of communication nodes also include a centralized control device, When transmitting information related to centralized control to the outdoor unit, the centralized control device generates the message including the message requiring a response as a type, and transmits the generated message to the outdoor unit.

5. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The plurality of communication nodes also include a centralized control device, When transmitting information related to centralized control to the indoor unit, the centralized control device generates the message including the message requiring a response as a type, and transmits the generated message to the indoor unit.

6. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The plurality of communication nodes also include a centralized control device, When transmitting information related to centralized control to the centralized control device, the indoor unit generates the message including the message requiring a response as a type, and transmits the generated message to the centralized control device.

7. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The message has a format specified by the REST API, ie, the Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface.

8. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The attributes of the message include at least a first attribute, The first attributes include data acquisition request, update request and notification.

9. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The attributes of the message include at least a second attribute, The second attribute is the type of application that generates the message.

10. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The attributes of the message include at least a first attribute and a second attribute, The first attribute includes data acquisition request, update request and notification, The second attribute is the type of application that generated the message, The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on at least one of the first attribute and the second attribute included in the received message.

11. A refrigeration and air conditioning related system, wherein the refrigeration and air conditioning related system communicates information related to refrigeration and air conditioning related units between multiple communication nodes, characterized in that: The first communication node comprises: Control Department; and Ministry of Communications, The control unit generates a message when sending information to the second communication node, the message including a code or a type, the code indicating an attribute of the information, the type indicating whether a response specified according to the attribute is required, The communication unit sends the message generated by the control unit to the second communication node, The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or the type included in the received message.

12. A communication node, wherein the communication node is a communication node in a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, characterized in that: include: Control Department; as well as Ministry of Communications, The control unit generates a message when sending information to other communication nodes, the message including a code or a type, the code indicating an attribute of the information, the type indicating whether a response specified according to the attribute is required, The communication unit transmits the message generated by the control unit to the other communication node.

13. A communication node, wherein the communication node is a communication node in a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, characterized in that: include: Control Department; as well as Ministry of Communications, The communication unit receives a message from another communication node, the message including a code or a type, the code indicating an attribute of the information, the type indicating whether a response specified according to the attribute is required, The control unit determines whether a response is required based on the code or the type included in the received message.

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