Air conditioner control device, air conditioner control system, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner control device, an air conditioner control system, a control method, and a program that can shorten the time required for rewriting work.SOLUTION: An air conditioner control device includes a mode change unit that individually makes changes to enable multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units to accept rewrite data so that they can receive the rewrite data that is transmitted simultaneously, and a program transmitting unit that divides the rewrite data and transmits each piece of the divided rewrite data to the multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units simultaneously.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for an air conditioner, a control system for an air conditioner, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to remotely rewrite the program of an air conditioner via a network.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control device that monitors the operating state of an air conditioner and controls the rewriting of the operation control program of each individual air conditioner remotely via a network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 discloses that the control device individually establishes a communication connection with a unit for which it is desired to update the operation control program and rewrites the operation control program. However, when the control device individually establishes a communication connection with each unit for which it is desired to update the operation control program and individually rewrites the operation control program, there is a problem that it takes time to perform the rewriting operation for all the units for which it is desired to update the operation control program.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control device for an air conditioner, a control system for an air conditioner, a control method, and a program.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The control device of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes a mode change unit that individually makes changes to enable reception of the rewrite data that can be received by a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units all at once, and a program transmission unit that divides the rewrite data and performs mass transmission of each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units.

[0008] The control method according to the present disclosure includes a step of individually making changes to enable reception of the rewrite data that can be received by a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units all at once, and a step of dividing the rewrite data and performing mass transmission of each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units.

[0009] The program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a step of individually making changes to enable reception of the rewrite data that can be received by a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units all at once, and a step of dividing the rewrite data and performing mass transmission of each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the control device, control system, control method, and program of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure, the time required for the rewriting operation can be shortened.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings and specific configurations used in each embodiment shall not be used for interpreting the disclosure. The same or corresponding configurations in all the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and common descriptions are omitted.

[0013] Hereinafter, the control device in the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0014] (Configuration of the control system) The air conditioner control system 1 is used to control the rewriting of the operation control program of the indoor unit or outdoor unit provided in each individual air conditioner by remote operation via a network. As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 1 includes an air conditioning system 10, a control device 11 of the air conditioner, a network 12, and a remote monitoring device 13. The air conditioning system 10 includes a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105. As an example, the air conditioning system 10 may include a plurality of outdoor units 104 (denoted as outdoor unit "104-X") and a plurality of indoor units 105 (denoted as indoor unit "105-Y"). The control device 11, the outdoor unit 104-X, and the indoor unit 105-Y are bus-connected by a communication line 106. For example, the data transmission method by the above connection may conform to RS485.

[0015] (Outdoor unit or indoor unit) Each of the outdoor units 104-X has a CPU (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer") incorporating a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. That is, the air conditioning system 10 is provided with a plurality of microcomputers 1041 (denoted as microcomputer "1041-X"). Similarly, each of the indoor units 105-Y has a microcomputer. That is, the air conditioning system 10 is provided with a plurality of microcomputers 1051 (denoted as microcomputer "1051-Y").

[0016] (Control device) The control device 11 performs the control method of the present disclosure on a unit (hereinafter also referred to as "specific unit") for which it is desired to update the operation control program among all the units provided in each air conditioner (referring to "outdoor unit 104-X or indoor unit 105-Y, or both" provided in the air conditioning system 10), and rewrites the operation control program possessed by the specific unit into rewrite data. In the present embodiment, all units refer to the entirety of "outdoor unit 104-X and indoor unit 105-Y". Note that since the entire unit refers to "outdoor unit 104-X or indoor unit 105-Y, or both" provided in the air conditioning system 10, the entire unit is assumed to include a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105. Note that the number of specific units is two or more, and this corresponds to a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 among all the units. The control device 11 is communicably connected to the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12.

[0017] (Remote monitoring device) The remote monitoring device 13 monitors the entire unit from a remote location and requests acceptance of rewritten data. That is, the remote monitoring device 13 requests the control device 11 to rewrite the operation control program of a specific unit into rewritten data. When receiving a request from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12, the control device 11 performs the control method of the present disclosure in order to rewrite the operation control program of a specific unit into rewritten data. That is, the remote monitoring device 13 instructs the timing to rewrite the operation control program of each unit into rewritten data.

[0018] (Configuration of the control device) As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 11 includes an acquisition unit 111, a mode change unit 112, a program transmission unit 113, a first instruction unit 114, a second instruction unit 115, and a storage unit 116. The operations of each part in the control device 11 described below correspond to at least a part of the control method of the present disclosure.

[0019] (Acquisition unit) The acquisition unit 111 acquires rewritten data from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12. For example, when receiving a request from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the rewritten data provided by the remote monitoring device 13. Further, the acquisition unit 111 may store the acquired rewritten data in the storage unit 116.

[0020] (Mode change unit) The mode change unit 112 individually makes changes to enable acceptance of rewritten data so that a plurality of outdoor units 104 (outdoor unit 104-X) or a plurality of indoor units 105 (indoor unit 105-Y) can receive the rewritten data transmitted simultaneously. For example, the mode changing unit 112 individually makes changes to the microcomputers of each of two or more specific units so that they can accept rewrite data. In addition, the mode changing unit 112 may individually make changes to the microcomputers of each of two or more specific units so that they cannot accept rewrite data.

[0021] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, assume that there are a total of three units (Unit A, Unit B, and Unit C) connected to the control device 11. For example, in the case of Case α where all the units included in the overall unit are specific units, it is desirable for the program transmitting unit 113 to transmit rewrite data to all the units. On the other hand, in the case of Case β where some of the units (Unit A and Unit B) included in the overall unit are specific units, it is desirable for the program transmitting unit 113 to transmit rewrite data only to some of the units. Therefore, the mode changing unit 112 of the present disclosure is assumed to individually make changes to the microcomputers of each of two or more specific units in advance so that they can accept rewrite data. By being changed in advance so that the specific units (Unit A and Unit B) can accept rewrite data, only the specific units that can accept it can accept the rewrite data transmitted all at once.

[0022] Note that the program transmitting unit 113 designates the overall unit as the destination (described as "to all units" in FIG. 3) by multi-drop connection, which is a feature of the transmission method compliant with RS485 described above, and can transmit rewrite data all at once. Note that a unit having a microcomputer for which the change to be able to accept rewrite data has not been made does not accept (ignores) the rewrite data transmitted all at once.

[0023] (Operation of the microcomputer corresponding to the mode changing unit) The individual microcontrollers each possessed by two or more specific units erase the rewrite area within the microcontroller in accordance with a modification that enables acceptance of rewrite data by the mode change unit 112. Also, the individual microcontrollers each possessed by two or more specific units may lock the rewrite area within the microcontroller in accordance with a modification that disables acceptance of rewrite data by the mode change unit 112.

[0024] (Program transmission unit) The program transmission unit 113 divides the rewrite data and performs simultaneous transmission of each of the divided rewrite data to a plurality of outdoor units 104 (outdoor unit 104-X) or a plurality of indoor units 105 (indoor unit 105-Y). For example, the program transmission unit 113 first divides the rewrite data by a predetermined capacity, and further divides the predetermined capacity into packet units. Thereafter, the program transmission unit 113 performs simultaneous transmission in order of each of the rewrite data divided into packet units to the microcontrollers each possessed by two or more specific units. By using a broadcast address during simultaneous transmission, the rewrite data is transmitted to the entire unit connected by the communication line 106. For example, the predetermined capacity conforms to the erasure unit (e.g., 2 kilobytes) of the non-volatile memory of the microcontroller each possessed by the outdoor unit 104-X or the indoor unit 105-Y. Hereinafter, this predetermined capacity is referred to as one block. For example, the minimum division unit (packet unit) of the rewrite data is 32 bytes per packet. The division unit can be appropriately changed by an operator.

[0025] Also, when using a transmission method compliant with RS485, the rewritten data after being divided by serial communication will be sequentially transmitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the program transmission unit 113 sequentially transmits, all at once, the rewritten data divided into packet units, from the first packet to the 64th packet, to the microcontrollers each possessed by two or more specific units. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, for the microcontrollers (microcontroller 1051-1 and microcontroller 1051-2) each possessed by two specific units (Unit A and Unit B: indoor unit 105-1 and indoor unit 105-2), the first packet is transmitted all at once first, then the second packet, and finally the 64th packet is transmitted in accordance with the passage of the time axis T. As shown in FIG. 4 again, if a predetermined capacity combining 1 packet to 64 packets is regarded as 1 block, after transmitting the first block, the program transmission unit 113 sequentially transmits, all at once, from the first packet to the 64th packet that constitute the second block, in the same manner as the first block. In this way, when the rewritten data is sequentially transmitted all at once from the first block to the 100th block, as a result, 200 kilobytes of rewritten data will be transmitted all at once to the microcontrollers each possessed by two or more specific units (Unit A and Unit B). Note that depending on the transmission method, parallel communication may also be used. In that case, the program transmission unit 113 transmits all at once each of the rewritten data after division to the microcontrollers each possessed by two or more specific units.

[0026] Note that when the program transmission unit 113 transmits all at once each of the rewritten data after division, it also adds a code for detecting data errors. The added code is used for parity check, checksum, or CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) performed by the microcontroller. By using the code, the microcontroller can check whether there is a data transmission error. Note that when receiving a notification that there is a data transmission error from the microcontroller, the program transmission unit 113 individually re-transmits the rewritten data after division corresponding to the block for which a data transmission error has been determined, to the microcontroller that has notified that there is a data transmission error.

[0027] (First instruction unit) The first instruction unit 114 instructs each of the plurality of outdoor units 104 (outdoor unit 104-X) or the plurality of indoor units 105 (indoor unit 105-Y) to determine whether there is a data transmission error in each of the received rewritten data after division. For example, the first instruction unit 114 instructs each individual microcomputer to determine whether there is a data transmission error in each of the rewritten data divided in packet units received by the individual microcomputers of two or more specific units. That is, the first instruction unit 114 causes the individual microcomputers to determine whether there is a data transmission error for a block that is a set of rewritten data divided in packet units. The first instruction unit 114 instructs the individual microcomputers when the total of the rewritten data divided in packet units reaches a predetermined capacity (one block). That is, the first instruction unit 114 instructs the microcomputer each time the microcomputer of the specific unit receives one block of rewritten data. For example, when the microcomputer receives rewritten data from the first block to the 100th block, the first instruction unit 114 instructs the microcomputer to determine whether there is a data transmission error in the first block when the microcomputer receives the rewritten data of the first block. The first instruction unit 114 gives the same instruction when the microcomputer receives the rewritten data of the second block. In this way, the first instruction unit 114 instructs the microcomputer to determine whether there is a data transmission error in each block at each timing when the microcomputer receives the rewritten data from the first block to the 100th block.

[0028] When the control device 11 receives a notification of a data transmission error in any block determined by an individual microcomputer, the first instruction unit 114 instructs to erase the block in which the data transmission error is determined. Thereafter, the program transmission unit 113 individually re-transmits the divided rewritten data corresponding to the erased block to the microcomputer that notified that there is a data transmission error.

[0029] (Operation of the microcomputer corresponding to the first instruction unit) The individual microcomputers each possessed by two or more specific units determine, for each of the rewritten data divided in packet units received, whether there is a data transmission error in each block according to the instruction of the first instruction unit 114. If there is a transmission error, the microcomputer notifies the control device 11 of the transmission error and, according to the instruction of the first instruction unit 114, erases the block in which the transmission error is determined. For example, according to the instruction from the first instruction unit 114, the microcomputer simply determines the data transmission error for each block using a checksum. If there is no transmission error, the microcomputer sequentially writes the rewritten data for a predetermined capacity (one block) into the non-volatile memory.

[0030] (Second Instruction Unit) The second instruction unit 115 instructs each of the plurality of outdoor units 104 (outdoor unit 104-X) or the plurality of indoor units 105 (indoor unit 105-Y) to determine whether there is a data transmission error in all of the received rewritten data. For example, the second instruction unit 115 instructs each individual microcomputer to determine whether there is a data transmission error for all of the rewritten data (all blocks) received by the individual microcomputers each possessed by two or more specific units. The second instruction unit 115 gives an instruction when each individual microcomputer has received all blocks of the rewritten data.

[0031] When the control device 11 receives a notification of a data transmission error from any one of the microcomputers, the second instruction unit 115 instructs to erase all blocks written in the non-volatile memory of the microcomputer that notified the data transmission error. Note that the mode change unit 112 individually makes changes to make it impossible to accept rewrite data in advance for each microcomputer that has not notified a data transmission error. Then, the program transmission unit 113 resends all the divided rewrite data from the beginning. This is because it is not necessary to resend data to the microcomputers that have not notified a data transmission error, that is, the microcomputers that have been successfully written. The mode change unit 112 may make a change in accepting rewrite data for the microcomputers that have not notified a data transmission error before the instruction to erase all blocks by the second instruction unit 115.

[0032] (Operation of the microcomputer corresponding to the second instruction unit) Each individual microcomputer of two or more specific units determines whether there is a data transmission error for all the received rewrite data (all blocks) according to the instruction of the second instruction unit 115. If there is a transmission error, the microcomputer notifies the control device 11 of the transmission error and erases all the blocks written in the non-volatile memory according to the instruction of the second instruction unit 115. For example, according to the instruction from the second instruction unit 115, the microcomputer finally determines whether there is a data transmission error for all the rewrite data (all blocks) written in the non-volatile memory using CRC. If there is no transmission error, the writing of the received rewrite data is completed in each individual microcomputer.

[0033] Regarding the data transmission error, it is sufficient that the data transmission error is simply determined according to the instruction from the first instruction unit 114 and then finally determined according to the instruction from the second instruction unit 115. That is, the following combinations of the data transmission error detection method according to the instruction from the first instruction unit 114 and the data transmission error detection method according to the instruction from the second instruction unit 115 are conceivable. A combination of parity check for simple determination and checksum for final determination, a combination of parity check for simple determination and CRC for final determination, and a combination of checksum for simple determination and CRC for final determination as described above.

[0034] (Memory unit) The memory unit 116 stores the rewrite data acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0035] (Control method) The control method in this embodiment will be described. The control method in this embodiment is implemented according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6-7. Also, FIGS. 8-9 are flowcharts of processes performed by the microcomputer of one specific unit corresponding to each process of the control device 11. The control device 11 will communicate with a plurality of microcomputers that perform the processes of FIGS. 8-9.

[0036] First, the acquisition unit 111 of the control device 11 acquires rewrite data from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12 (step ST10).

[0037] Next, the mode change unit 112 of the control device 11 individually makes changes to enable reception of rewrite data that is to be transmitted simultaneously by a plurality of outdoor units 104 (outdoor unit 104-X) or a plurality of indoor units 105 (indoor unit 105-Y), which are two or more specific units (step ST11). For example, the mode change unit 112 individually makes changes to enable reception of rewrite data for each of the microcomputers of two or more specific units. Note that, triggered by the process of step ST11, the microcomputer performs step ST21 described later via the coupler C1.

[0038] Next, the program transmission unit 113 of the control device 11 first divides the rewrite data into a predetermined capacity, and further divides the predetermined capacity into packet units. Then, the program transmission unit 113 performs simultaneous transmission of each of the rewrite data divided into packet units to the microcomputers of two or more specific units (step ST12).

[0039] Next, the first instruction unit 114 of the control device 11 instructs each of the individual microcontrollers of two or more specific units to determine whether there is a data transmission error in each of the rewritten data divided into packet units received by the microcontrollers (step ST13).

[0040] Next, the control device 11 determines whether it has received a notification of a data transmission error in any of the blocks determined by the individual microcontrollers (step ST14). When a notification of a data transmission error is received (step ST14: YES), first, the first instruction unit 114 of the control device 11 instructs to erase the block in which the data transmission error is determined (step ST15-1). After that, the program transmission unit 113 individually re-transmits the divided rewritten data corresponding to the erased block to the microcontroller that notified the data transmission error (step ST15-2). Then, the process of step ST13 is performed again. When a notification of a data transmission error is not received (step ST14: NO), the control device 11 proceeds to the next step ST16.

[0041] Note that the processes from step ST13 to step ST14 are instructed to the microcontroller as step STM every time the microcontroller of the specific unit receives the rewritten data for one block.

[0042] Next, the control device 11 determines whether the transmission process of all blocks constituting the rewritten data is completed (step ST16). When the transmission process of all blocks is not completed (step ST16: NO), the control device 11 performs the process of step ST12 again. When the transmission process of all blocks is completed (step ST16: YES), the control device 11 proceeds to the next step ST17.

[0043] Next, the second instruction unit 115 of the control device 11 instructs each of the individual microcontrollers of two or more specific units to determine whether there is a data transmission error for all the rewritten data (all blocks) received by the individual microcontrollers (step ST17).

[0044] Next, the control device 11 determines whether it has received a notification of a data transmission error from any of the microcontrollers (step ST18). When a notification of a data transmission error is received (step ST18: YES), the second instruction unit 115 instructs the erasure of all blocks written in the non-volatile memory of the microcontroller that notified the data transmission error (step ST15-8). Note that the mode change unit 112 individually makes a change to make it impossible to accept rewritten data for microcontrollers that have not notified a data transmission error, and then the program transmission unit 113 starts over the simultaneous transmission of the divided rewritten data from the beginning (step ST15-9). Thereafter, the process of step ST13 is performed again. Also, the mode change unit 112 may make a change to the acceptance of rewritten data for microcontrollers that have not notified a data transmission error before the instruction to erase all blocks by the second instruction unit 115 (step ST15-8). When a notification of a data transmission error is not received (step ST18: NO), the control device 11 proceeds to the next step ST19.

[0045] Next, the mode change unit 112 of the control device 11 individually makes a change to make it impossible to accept rewritten data for the microcontrollers of two or more specific units (step ST19). Note that triggered by the process of step ST19, the microcontroller performs step ST29 described later. In this way, the control device 11 performs the rewriting process from the operation control program of the microcontrollers of two or more specific units to the rewritten data (end).

[0046] Using FIGS. 8-9, the processes performed by the microcomputer of one specific unit corresponding to each process of the control device 11 will be described.

[0047] First, the microcomputer triggers the process of step ST11 described above, and erases the rewrite area in the non-volatile memory of the microcomputer in accordance with the change that enables it to receive the rewrite data by the mode change unit 112 (step ST21).

[0048] Next, the microcomputer receives each of the rewrite data divided into packet units from the program transmission unit 113 (step ST22). The rewrite data divided into packet units is temporarily stored in the volatile memory of the microcomputer after being received.

[0049] Next, the microcomputer determines whether there is a data transmission error for a block that is a set of rewrite data divided into packet units according to the instruction of the first instruction unit 114 (step ST23-1). If there is a data transmission error (step ST23-1: YES), the microcomputer notifies the control device 11 of the transmission error (step ST24-1), and erases the block for which the transmission error has been determined according to the instruction of the first instruction unit 114 (step ST24-2). Thereafter, the microcomputer performs the process of step ST22 again. If there is no data transmission error (step ST23-1: NO), the microcomputer proceeds to the next step ST26.

[0050] Next, the microcomputer sequentially writes the rewrite data for a predetermined capacity (one block) into the non-volatile memory (step ST23-2).

[0051] Note that the processes from step ST23-1 to step ST23-2 are performed according to the instruction of the first instruction unit 114 each time the microcomputer receives the rewrite data for one block as step STN.

[0052] Next, the microcomputer determines whether reception of all the rewrite data (all blocks) has been completed (step ST26). If reception of all blocks has not been completed (step ST26: NO), the microcomputer performs the process of step ST22 again. If reception of all blocks has been completed (step ST26: YES), the microcomputer proceeds to the next step ST27.

[0053] Next, the microcomputer determines whether there is a data transmission error for all the received rewrite data (all blocks) (step ST27). If there is a transmission error (step ST27: YES), the microcomputer notifies the control device 11 of the transmission error (step ST24-8), and erases all the blocks written in the non-volatile memory according to the instruction of the second instruction unit 115 (step ST24-9). Then, the microcomputer performs the process of step ST22 again. If there is no transmission error (step ST27: NO), the microcomputer proceeds to the next step ST28.

[0054] Next, the microcomputer completes writing of the received rewrite data (step ST28).

[0055] Next, the microcomputer locks the rewrite area in accordance with the change that makes the rewrite data unacceptable by the mode change unit 112 (step ST29). In this way, it merges with the process of the control device 11 via the coupler C2. (End)

[0056] (Operation and Effect) According to the control device of this embodiment, before transmitting each piece of rewrite data all at once, it is assumed that changes are individually made in advance to the microcontrollers each possessed by two or more specific units so that they can accept the rewrite data. By being changed in advance so that the specific units can accept the rewrite data, only the specific units that can accept it can accept the rewrite data transmitted all at once. As a result, the control device can transmit the rewrite data all at once. By being able to transmit all at once, compared to the case where the control device makes a communication connection to a specific unit and individually sends rewrite data to rewrite the operation control program possessed by the specific unit with the rewrite data, the time can be shortened. Therefore, the control device according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the rewrite operation.

[0057] FIG. 10 shows a comparative example. As disclosed in FIG. 10, in the comparative example, the control device 11C individually makes a communication connection to a specific unit and sends rewrite data to rewrite the operation control program possessed by the specific unit with the rewrite data. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the control device 11C performs rewriting on the microcontrollers (microcontrollers 1051-1 and 1051-2) each possessed by two specific units (unit A and unit B: indoor units 105-1 and 105-2), the following occurs. By serial communication, the first packet is first transmitted to the microcontroller 1051-1 of unit A, and then the first packet is transmitted to the microcontroller 1051-2 of unit B. After the first packet has been transmitted to all the specific units, the second packet is transmitted to all the specific units, and by repeating the same process, finally the 64th packet is transmitted. It is assumed that these packets are transmitted in accordance with the passage of the time axis T shown in the figure. Therefore, there was a problem that the amount of packets to be transmitted increased in proportion to the number of specific units making individual communication connections.

[0058] In contrast to the comparative example, in the control device of the present disclosure, only an acceptable specific unit can receive the rewrite data transmitted all at once. As a result, the control device 11 can transmit the rewrite data all at once. The ability to transmit all at once reduces the amount of packets of the rewrite data to be transmitted. Furthermore, since the amount of packets of the rewrite data to be transmitted is reduced, the working time related to the transmission of the rewrite data is also shortened. Therefore, the control device according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the rewriting operation.

[0059] (Other embodiments) As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure are also included.

[0060] In the above embodiment, it is stated that "the number of specific units is two or more, and a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 among the entire units correspond to this." However, it is not limited to this. For example, it may be stated that "the number of specific units is two or more, and a plurality of outdoor units 104 and a plurality of indoor units 105 among the entire units correspond to this."

[0061] In the above embodiment, it is stated that "the acquisition unit 111 acquires the rewrite data from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12." However, the timing at which the acquisition unit 111 acquires the rewrite data may be arbitrary. Also, when rewrite data already exists in the storage unit 116, the acquisition unit 111 checks the version of the rewrite data provided by the remote monitoring device 13. If it is the same version as the rewrite data existing in the storage unit, the acquisition unit 111 may acquire the rewrite data from the storage unit.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the configuration of the computer 1100 according to the present embodiment. The computer 1100 includes, for example, a processor 1110, a main memory 1120, a storage 1130, and an interface 1140.

[0063] Each functional unit of the above-described control device 11 is implemented in the computer 1100. And the operations of the above-described functional units are stored in the storage 1130 in the form of a program. The processor 1110 reads the program from the storage 1130, expands it in the main memory 1120, and executes the above processing according to the program. Further, the processor 1110 secures a storage area used by each of the above-described functional units in the main memory 1120 according to the program.

[0064] The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be exhibited by the computer 1100. For example, the program may exhibit functions by combination with other programs already stored in the storage 1130 or by combination with other programs implemented in other devices. Further, in addition to or instead of the above configuration, the computer 1100 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, part or all of the functions realized by the processor 1110 may be realized by the integrated circuit.

[0065] Examples of the storage 1130 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage 1130 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 1100, or may be an external medium connected to the computer 1100 via the interface 1140 or a communication line. Also, when this program is distributed to the computer 1100 via a communication line, the computer 1100 that has received the distribution may expand the program in the main memory 1120 and execute the above processing. Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that realizes the functions described above in combination with other programs already stored in the storage 1130.

[0066] <Appendix> The control device 11 described in each embodiment is understood as follows, for example.

[0067] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows in the appendix, but are not limited thereto.

[0068] (Appendix 1) (1) The control device 11 of the air conditioner according to the first aspect includes a mode changing unit 112 that individually makes changes to enable reception of rewrite data that can be received by a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 when the rewrite data is transmitted simultaneously, and a program transmission unit 113 that divides the rewrite data and performs simultaneous transmission of each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105.

[0069] According to such a configuration, before collectively transmitting each piece of rewrite data, it is assumed that changes are individually made in advance to the microcomputers each possessed by two or more specific units so that the rewrite data can be accepted. By being changed in advance so that the specific units can accept the rewrite data, only the specific units that can accept it can accept the rewrite data transmitted collectively. As a result, the control device 11 can transmit the rewrite data collectively. By being able to transmit collectively, compared to the control device 11 establishing a communication connection with the specific unit and individually sending the rewrite data to rewrite the operation control program possessed by the specific unit with the rewrite data, the time can be shortened. Therefore, the control device 11 according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the rewrite operation.

[0070] (Appendix 2) (2) The control device 11 according to the second aspect is the control device described in (1), and further includes a first instruction unit 114 that instructs the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105 to determine whether there is a data transmission error in each of the divided rewrite data received. The first instruction unit 114 gives an instruction when the total of the divided rewrite data reaches a predetermined capacity.

[0071] According to such a configuration, when a certain amount of capacity has accumulated, the rewrite process can be performed on the non-volatile memory of the microcomputer at an early stage. Therefore, the time required for the rewrite operation can be shortened. Therefore, the control device 11 according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the rewrite operation.

[0072] Also, if the predetermined capacity is associated with the erasure unit of the non-volatile memory, the address of the erased block can be associated with the address of the block that should have been originally created, and as a result, the rewrite process can be performed smoothly.

[0073] (Appendix 3) (3) The control system 1 of the air conditioner according to the third aspect includes the control device of the air conditioner described in (1) or (2), the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105, and a remote monitoring device 13 that requests to receive the rewritten data remotely.

[0074] According to such a configuration, the remote monitoring device 13 can instruct the timing for rewriting the operation control program of a specific unit into rewritten data. Therefore, it is not necessary for a worker to go to the site where the specific unit is located to perform the rewriting work. Therefore, the control system 1 of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the rewriting work.

[0075] (Supplementary Note 4) (4) The control system 1 of the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect is the control system of the air conditioner described in (3), wherein the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105 are individually modified by the control device 11 of the air conditioner to be capable of receiving the rewritten data, and the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105 capable of receiving receive the rewritten data transmitted all at once.

[0076] According to such a configuration, in accordance with the instruction from the remote monitoring device 13, the control device 11 can be modified in advance so that a specific unit can receive the rewritten data. As a result, only the specific units capable of receiving can receive the rewritten data transmitted all at once. That is, the control device 11 can transmit the rewritten data all at once. By enabling all-at-once transmission, compared with the control device communicating with a specific unit and individually sending rewritten data to rewrite the operation control program of the specific unit into the rewritten data, the time can be shortened. Therefore, the control system 1 of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the rewriting work.

[0077] (Supplementary Note 5) (5) The control method according to the fifth aspect includes the steps of individually making changes to enable each of a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 to receive rewrite data to be transmitted simultaneously, and dividing the rewrite data and transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105 simultaneously.

[0078] According to such a configuration, before simultaneously transmitting each piece of rewrite data, changes are individually made to the microcomputers of two or more specific units in advance so that they can receive the rewrite data. By being changed in advance so that the specific units can receive the rewrite data, only the specific units that can receive it can receive the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously. As a result, the control device 11 can transmit the rewrite data simultaneously. By enabling simultaneous transmission, compared to the control device 11 communicating with the specific units individually while sending the rewrite data and rewriting the operation control program of the specific units with the rewrite data, the time can be shortened. Therefore, the control method according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the rewriting operation.

[0079] (Appendix 6) (6) The program according to the sixth aspect causes a computer to execute the steps of individually making changes to enable each of a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 to receive rewrite data to be transmitted simultaneously, and dividing the rewrite data and transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105 simultaneously.

[0080] According to such a configuration, before collectively transmitting each piece of rewrite data, it is assumed that changes are individually made in advance to the microcomputers each possessed by two or more specific units so that the rewrite data can be received. By being changed in advance so that the specific units can receive the rewrite data, only the specific units capable of receiving can receive the rewrite data transmitted collectively. As a result, the control device 11 can transmit the rewrite data collectively. By enabling collective transmission, compared to the case where the control device 11 individually sends rewrite data while making a communication connection to the specific unit and the operation control program possessed by the specific unit is rewritten to the rewrite data, time can be shortened. Therefore, the program according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required for the rewrite operation.

Explanation of Signs

[0081] 1 Control system 10 Air conditioning system 104 Multiple outdoor units 1041 Multiple microcomputers 105 Multiple indoor units 1051 Multiple microcomputers 106 Communication line 11 Control device 111 Acquisition unit 112 Mode change unit 113 Program transmission unit 114 First instruction unit 115 Second instruction unit 116 Storage unit 12 Network 13 Remote monitoring device

Claims

1. A mode changing unit that individually makes changes to enable reception of rewrite data that is to be transmitted simultaneously by a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units; A program transmitting unit that divides the rewrite data and performs simultaneous transmission of each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units; Comprising A control device for an air conditioner.

2. Further comprising a first instructing unit that instructs the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units to determine whether there is a data transmission error in each of the received divided rewrite data; The first instructing unit instructs when the total of the divided rewrite data reaches a predetermined capacity. The control device for an air conditioner according to Claim 1.

3. The control device for an air conditioner according to Claim 1 or Claim 2; The plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units; A remote monitoring device that requests reception of the rewrite data remotely; Comprising A control system for an air conditioner.

4. The plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units are individually changed by the control device of the air conditioner to enable reception of the rewrite data, and the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units capable of reception receive the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously. The control system for an air conditioner according to Claim 3.

5. Individually performing a step of making changes to enable reception of rewrite data that is to be transmitted simultaneously by a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units; Dividing the rewrite data and performing a step of simultaneously transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units; Including A control method.

6. Individually performing a step of making changes to enable reception of rewrite data that is to be transmitted simultaneously by a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units; Dividing the rewrite data and performing a step of simultaneously transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units; A program that causes a computer to execute A program.

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