Relay device, and outdoor unit and indoor unit equipped with the relay device

Abstract

To provide a relay device that enables connection and communication between new / old devices without distinguishing between a conventional communication-system device and a new communication-system device.SOLUTION: In a relay device 50, a path switching unit 40 switches a transmission path to a first transmission path D1 that connects a first connection unit 10 and a second connection unit 20 without passing through a communication conversion unit 30 when a first air conditioner 100 is connected to the second connection unit 20, and the path switching unit 40 switches the transmission path to a second transmission path D2 that connects the first connection unit 10 and the second connection unit 20 through the communication conversion unit 30 when a second air conditioner 200 is connected to the second connection unit 20. The relay device 50 automatically switches the transmission path according to a communication system adopted by the air conditioner connected to the second connection unit 20, thereby facilitating the work of a constructor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device that switches communication methods, and an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are equipped with the relay device. [Background technology]

[0002] When air conditioners that replace inter-device communication with a new communication method different from the conventional communication method are brought to market, it is expected that air conditioners equipped with devices using the conventional communication method and air conditioners equipped with devices using the new communication method will coexist and be interconnected, such as when updating part of an existing air conditioning system.For example, the communication conversion device described in Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 3789582) is equipped with a conventional communication circuit and a new communication circuit, and when a device using the conventional communication method is connected to the conventional communication circuit and a device using the new communication method is connected to the new communication circuit, it lights up a green LED lamp indicating normal operation, and when an incorrect connection is made, it lights up or flashes a red LED lamp to warn. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, at a construction site where multiple inter-device communication lines are laid, it is not easy for a construction worker to determine the connection destination of devices using conventional communication methods.

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand for a relay device that can be connected regardless of the communication system of the signals transmitted by the devices and that enables communication between devices using different communication systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A relay device according to a first aspect is a relay device that relays communication between a first air conditioner that transmits signals in a first communication method and a second air conditioner that transmits signals in a second communication method, and includes a communication conversion unit, a first connection unit, a second connection unit, and a path switching unit. The communication conversion unit converts the communication method between the first communication method and the second communication method. The first connection unit is a connection unit to which the first air conditioner can be connected. The second connection unit is a connection unit to which the first air conditioner or the second air conditioner can be connected. The path switching unit switches the transmission path of a signal input to the second connection unit based on a signal input from an air conditioner connected to the second connection unit. When the first air conditioner is connected to the second connection unit, the path switching unit switches the transmission path to the first transmission path. The first transmission path is a transmission path that connects the first connection unit and the second connection unit without passing through the communication conversion unit. Furthermore, when a second air conditioner is connected to the second connection unit, the path switching unit switches the transmission path to the second transmission path. The second transmission path is a transmission path that connects between the first connection unit and the second connection unit via the communication conversion unit.

[0006] This relay device automatically switches the transmission path depending on the communication method used by the air conditioner connected to the second connection section, making the installer's work easier.

[0007] A relay device according to a second aspect is the relay device according to the first aspect, further comprising a feature extraction unit and a method determination unit. The feature extraction unit extracts features of a signal input to the second connection unit. The method determination unit determines whether the signal input to the second connection unit is of the first communication method or the second communication method based on the features. The path switching unit switches the transmission path to the first transmission path when it is determined that the signal is of the first communication method. Furthermore, the path switching unit switches the transmission path to the second transmission path when it is determined that the signal is of the second communication method.

[0008] In this relay device, the communication method is determined based on the characteristics of the signal, so there is no need to check the connection partner for each communication circuit as in the past, and control is easy.

[0009] A relay device according to a third aspect is the relay device according to the second aspect, wherein the feature extraction unit extracts a feature of a signal transmitted between the second connection unit and the path switching unit.

[0010] In this relay device, signals are transmitted between the second connection unit and the route switching unit regardless of the route pre-set in the route switching unit, making this the most reasonable section for extracting signal features.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the relay device is the relay device of the second aspect, wherein the path switching unit is switched to the second transmission path in advance, and the feature extraction unit extracts features of a signal transmitted between the path switching unit and the communication conversion unit.

[0012] In this repeater, the signal is always transmitted between the route switching unit and the communication conversion unit, so that the signal characteristics can be extracted reliably.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the relay device is the relay device of the second aspect, wherein the path switching unit is switched to the first transmission path in advance, and the feature extraction unit extracts features of a signal transmitted between the path switching unit and the first connection unit.

[0014] In this relay device, the signal is always transmitted between the path switching unit and the first connection unit, so that the signal characteristics can be reliably extracted.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the relay device is the relay device of any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the feature extraction unit extracts an intermediate value of the signal waveform. The method determination unit determines that the signal input to the second connection unit is of the second communication method if the intermediate value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, the method determination unit determines that the signal input to the second connection unit is of the first communication method if the intermediate value is less than the predetermined value.

[0016] In this repeater, for example, it is possible to distinguish between a system in which the signal is biased and a system in which the signal is not biased.

[0017] A seventh aspect of the relay device is the relay device of any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the feature extraction unit extracts predetermined communication data contained in the signal, and the method determination unit determines whether the signal input to the second connection unit is in the first communication method or the second communication method based on the content of the predetermined communication data.

[0018] This relay device can distinguish between communication methods based on differences in communication data.

[0019] A relay device of an eighth aspect is the relay device of any one of the second aspect to the seventh aspect, further comprising a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a communication circuit control unit. The first communication unit is capable of transmitting signals in the first communication method. The second communication unit is capable of transmitting signals in the second communication method. The communication circuit control unit stops operation of the first communication unit. When the method determination unit detects that a signal in the first communication method has been input, the communication circuit control unit stops operation of at least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

[0020] In this relay device, when the first air conditioner is connected to the second connection unit, the first transmission path is switched to the first transmission path connecting the first connection unit and the second connection unit without going through the communication conversion unit, so the first communication unit in the relay device does not need to operate. Therefore, the communication circuit control unit stops the operation of the first communication unit, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, if the first communication method has an upper limit on the number of connectable communication nodes, the communication circuit control unit stops the operation of the first communication unit, thereby reducing the number of communication nodes.

[0021] A relay device of a ninth aspect is the relay device of the eighth aspect, in which the communication conversion unit converts a signal of the second communication method transmitted from the second communication unit into a signal of the first communication method that can be communicated with the first communication unit, and transmits the signal to the first communication unit.

[0022] A relay device according to a tenth aspect is the relay device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a path blocking unit. The path blocking unit is interposed between the second connection unit and the path switching unit, and electrically blocks the second connection unit from the path switching unit while power supply to the relay device is stopped.

[0023] In this relay device, by separating the communication circuit of the relay device from the existing communication wiring, a decrease in the impedance of the communication path is suppressed, and a decrease in the communication performance of the existing communication system is suppressed.

[0024] An outdoor unit according to an eleventh aspect is an outdoor unit including the relay device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects and a control circuit. The control circuit connects, via a first connection unit, an indoor unit that communicates using the first communication method.

[0025] An indoor unit according to a twelfth aspect is an outdoor unit including a relay device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects and a control circuit. The control circuit connects, via a first connection unit, other indoor units that communicate using the first communication method.

[0026] An air conditioning system according to a thirteenth aspect is an air conditioning system including a first air conditioner and the relay device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 4 is a block diagram showing a state in which an outdoor unit communication circuit of a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner communication circuit of a second air conditioner are connected via a relay device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a feature extraction unit. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the relay device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a block diagram showing a state in which an outdoor unit communication circuit of a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner communication circuit of a second air conditioner are electrically connected via a relay device according to a first modified example. FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a state in which an outdoor unit communication circuit of a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner communication circuit of a second air conditioner are electrically connected via a relay device according to a second modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a state in which an outdoor unit communication circuit of a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner communication circuit of a second air conditioner are electrically connected via a relay device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a state in which an outdoor unit communication circuit of a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner communication circuit of a second air conditioner are electrically connected via a relay device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the relay device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a state in which an outdoor unit communication circuit of a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner communication circuit of a second air conditioner 200 are electrically connected via a relay device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10A] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the relay device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10B] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the relay device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a feature extraction unit mounted on a relay device according to another embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of an AMI-encoded signal input to a feature extraction unit. [Figure 11C] This is an enlarged view of one character in Figure 11B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] First Embodiment (1) Overall structure 1 is a block diagram showing a state in which the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 of the first air conditioner 100 and the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 of the second air conditioner 200 are electrically connected via a relay device 50 according to the first embodiment. Here, "electrically connected" means connected so that signals are transmitted via a communication line, and this meaning will be the same in the following explanation. As shown in FIG. 1, the first air conditioner 100 and the second air conditioner 200 are electrically connected via the relay device 50 to form an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system includes at least the first air conditioner 100 and the relay device 50.

[0029] (1-1) 1st air conditioner 100 1, the first air conditioner 100 is made up of a first outdoor unit 110 and a first indoor unit 160. The first air conditioner 100 is not limited to an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The first air conditioner 100 may be, for example, a central controller, a remote control, or other device.

[0030] The first outdoor unit 110 is equipped with an outdoor unit control board 120. On the outdoor unit control board 120, an outdoor unit microcomputer 121, an outdoor unit communication circuit 123, and a communication line connection unit 125 are mounted.

[0031] The first indoor unit 160 is equipped with an indoor unit control board 170. An indoor unit microcomputer 171 and an indoor unit communication circuit 173 are mounted on the indoor unit control board 170. The indoor unit control board 170 is connected to the communication line connection part 125 of the outdoor unit control board 120 via a communication line.

[0032] The indoor unit communication circuit 173 and the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 can perform two-way communication using the same first communication method.

[0033] (1-2) 2nd air conditioner 200 The second air conditioner 200 is composed of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, similar to the first air conditioner 100. The second air conditioner 200 is not limited to an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The second air conditioner 200 may be, for example, a central controller, a remote control, or other device.

[0034] The second air conditioner 200 is equipped with a second control board 220. A second air conditioner microcomputer 221 and a second air conditioner communication circuit 223 are mounted on the second control board 220. The second air conditioner communication circuit 223 communicates using signals of a second communication method that is different from the first communication method.

[0035] (1-3) Relay device 50 The relay device 50 is a device that enables two-way communication between two communication circuits that use different communication methods.

[0036] The relay device 50 includes a first connection unit 10, a first communication circuit 11, a second connection unit 20, a feature extraction unit 21, a second communication circuit 22, a communication conversion unit 30, a switching control unit 31, a method determination unit 32, and a path switching unit 40.

[0037] (1-3-1) First connection part 10 The first connection unit 10 is electrically connected to the first communication circuit 11 and the communication line connection unit 125. A signal from the first communication circuit 11 is transmitted to the communication line connection unit 125 via the first connection unit 10.

[0038] The first connection unit 10 is also electrically connected to the first contact 41 of the path switching unit 40. A signal from the first contact 41 of the path switching unit 40 is also transmitted to the communication line connection unit 125 via the first connection unit 10.

[0039] (1-3-2) First communication circuit 11 The first communication circuit 11 is electrically connected to the communication conversion unit 30 and the first connection unit 10. Furthermore, the first communication circuit 11 performs bidirectional communication with the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 using a first communication method that is the same as the communication method used by the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 and the indoor unit communication circuit 173 of the first air conditioner 100. A signal from the communication conversion unit 30 is transmitted to the first connection unit 10 via the first communication circuit 11.

[0040] (1-3-3) Second connection portion 20 The second connection unit 20 is electrically connected to the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 of the second air conditioner 200 and the feature extraction unit 21. A signal from the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 is transmitted to the feature extraction unit 21 via the second connection unit 20.

[0041] (1-3-4) Feature extraction unit 21 The feature extraction unit 21 is electrically connected to the second connection unit 20 and the path switching unit 40. The signal from the second connection unit 20 is transmitted to the path switching unit 40 via the feature extraction unit 21.

[0042] The feature extraction unit 21 is also electrically connected to the method determination unit 32. The feature extraction unit 21 extracts the features of the signal transmitted from the second connection unit 20 and transmits them as signal feature information to the method determination unit 32. For example, the feature extraction unit 21 extracts the median value of the signal voltage, and the method determination unit 32, which will be described later, determines whether the median value is less than a predetermined value or greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0043] (1-3-5) Method determination unit 32 The method determination unit 32 determines whether the signal transmitted from the second connection unit 20 is a signal of the first communication method or a signal of the second communication method based on the features extracted by the feature extraction unit 21. The method determination unit 32 is also electrically connected to the switching control unit 31, and transmits the determination result to the switching control unit 31.

[0044] (1-3-6) Switching control unit 31 The switching control unit 31 is electrically connected to the path switching unit 40. The switching control unit 31 controls the path switching of the path switching unit 40 based on the determination result from the method determination unit 32.

[0045] (1-3-7) Path switching unit 40 A relay is used as the path switching unit 40. The relay may be a contact relay or a contactless relay. In this embodiment, a contact relay is used.

[0046] The path switching unit 40 has a first contact 41, a second contact 42, and a third contact 43 that can come into contact with either the first contact 41 or the second contact 42. The third contact 43 is electrically connected to the feature extraction unit 21.

[0047] In this embodiment, the third contact 43 of the path switching unit 40 is controlled by the switching control unit 31 to come into contact with either the first contact 41 or the second contact 42.

[0048] For example, when the method determination unit 32 determines that the signal transmitted from the second connection unit 20 is a signal of the second communication method, the switching control unit 31 controls the third contact 43 of the path switching unit 40 to come into contact with the second contact 42.

[0049] On the other hand, when the method determination unit 32 determines that the signal transmitted from the second connection unit 20 is a signal of the first communication method, the switching control unit 31 controls the third contact 43 of the path switching unit 40 to come into contact with the first contact 41.

[0050] However, in the initial state or when there is no operation from the switching control unit 31, the third contact 43 is in contact with the second contact .

[0051] (1-3-8) Second communication circuit 22 The second communication circuit 22 is electrically connected to the second contact 42 of the path switching unit 40 and the communication conversion unit 30. In this embodiment, a signal from the path switching unit 40 is transmitted to the communication conversion unit 30 via the second communication circuit 22.

[0052] Furthermore, the second communication circuit 22 performs bidirectional communication with the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 by a second communication method that is the same as the communication method of the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 of the second air conditioner 200.

[0053] (1-3-9) Communication conversion unit 30 The communication conversion unit 30 is electrically connected to the second communication circuit 22 and the first communication circuit 11. The communication conversion unit 30 converts a signal of the second communication method transmitted from the second communication circuit 22 into a signal of the first communication method and transmits it to the first communication circuit 11.

[0054] (1-3-10) First transmission path D1 and second transmission path D2 In this embodiment, the path along which a signal flows in the order of the second connection unit 20, the feature extraction unit 21, the path switching unit 40, and the first connection unit 10 is referred to as the first transmission path D1. Also, the path along which a signal flows in the order of the second connection unit 20, the feature extraction unit 21, the path switching unit 40, the second communication circuit 22, the communication conversion unit 30, the first communication circuit 11, and the first connection unit 10 is referred to as the second transmission path D2.

[0055] (2) Detailed configuration of the feature extraction unit 21 Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of the feature extraction unit 21. In Fig. 2, the feature extraction unit 21 is composed of a first photocoupler PHC1, a second photocoupler PHC2, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, a fifth resistor R5, and a capacitor C1.

[0056] (2-1) First photocoupler PHC1 The first photocoupler PHC1 has a first light emitting diode PHC1a which is a light emitting portion, and a first phototransistor PHC1b which is a light receiving portion.

[0057] The first resistor R1, the first light-emitting diode PHC1a, and the second resistor R2 are connected in series and connected between the first communication line L1 and the second communication line L2.

[0058] Specifically, one end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the first communication line L1, the other end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the cathode of the first light-emitting diode PHC1a, one end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the anode of the first light-emitting diode PHC1a, and the other end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the second communication line L2.

[0059] The first phototransistor PHC1b and the fourth resistor R4 are connected in series, the collector of the first phototransistor PHC1b is connected to a constant voltage power supply P, the emitter is connected to one end of the fourth resistor R4, and the other end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to GND.

[0060] A first connection point CP1 between the emitter of the first phototransistor PHC1b and the fourth resistor R4 is electrically connected to the method determination unit 32.

[0061] (2-2) Second photocoupler PHC2 The second photocoupler PHC2 has a second light emitting diode PHC2a which is a light emitting portion, and a second phototransistor PHC2b which is a light receiving portion.

[0062] The second light-emitting diode PHC2a is connected in anti-parallel to the first light-emitting diode PHC1a. "Connected in anti-parallel" means that they are connected in parallel with their forward directions reversed. Specifically, the forward direction of the first light-emitting diode PHC1a is the direction from the second communication line L2 to the first communication line L1, and the forward direction of the second light-emitting diode PHC2a is the direction from the first communication line L1 to the second communication line L2.

[0063] The second light-emitting diode PHC2a is connected in parallel with a capacitor C1 and a third resistor R3.

[0064] The second phototransistor PHC2b and the fifth resistor R5 are connected in series, the collector of the second phototransistor PHC2b is connected to a constant voltage power supply P, the emitter is connected to one end of the fifth resistor R5, and the other end of the fifth resistor R5 is connected to GND.

[0065] A second connection point CP2 between the emitter of the second phototransistor PHC2b and the fifth resistor R5 is electrically connected to the method determination unit 32.

[0066] (2-3) Operation of the feature extraction unit 21 When a signal voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied from the second communication line L2 to the first communication line L1, the first light-emitting diode PHC1a emits light, and a voltage associated with the emission of light from the first light-emitting diode PHC1a is input to the base of the first phototransistor PHC1b. In this case, the first phototransistor PHC1b is turned on in response to the emission of light from the first light-emitting diode PHC1a, and a first predetermined voltage is input to the method determination unit 32 from the first connection point CP1.

[0067] When a signal voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied from the first communication line L1 to the second communication line L2, the second light-emitting diode PHC2a emits light, and a voltage associated with the emission of light from the second light-emitting diode PHC2a is input to the base of the second phototransistor PHC2b. In this case, the second phototransistor PHC2b is turned on in response to the emission of light from the second light-emitting diode PHC2a, and a second predetermined voltage is input to the scheme determination unit 32 from the second connection point CP2.

[0068] In this embodiment, the predetermined value may be set to the peak value of the signal voltage or to the intermediate value. In this embodiment, the predetermined value is set to the intermediate value of the signal voltage.

[0069] The method determination unit 32 determines that the second communication method is used when a first predetermined voltage is input to the method determination unit 32 from the first connection point CP1 or when a second predetermined voltage is input to the method determination unit 32 from the second connection point CP2.

[0070] The feature extraction unit 21 is provided with a first photocoupler PHC1 and a second photocoupler PHC2 so that the first light-emitting diode PHC1a and the second light-emitting diode PHC2a are in anti-parallel, thereby making it possible to extract the features of the signal of the second communication method regardless of the direction of the signal input between the first communication line L1 and the second communication line L2.

[0071] (3) Operation of the relay device 50 Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the relay device 50 according to the first embodiment. The operation of the relay device 50 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the switching control unit 31 controls each unit of the relay device 50 in an integrated manner.

[0072] (Step S40) In step S40, the scheme determining unit 32 determines whether or not signal feature information has been input from the feature extracting unit 21.

[0073] (Step S41) In step S41, the method determination unit 32 determines the communication method of the signal transmitted from the second connection unit 20 based on the information from the feature extraction unit 21, and transmits the determination result to the switching control unit 31.

[0074] (Step S42) In step S42, the switching control unit 31 determines whether the determination result from the method determination unit 32 is the "second communication method," and if it is the "second communication method," proceeds to step S43, and if it is the "first communication method," proceeds to step S46.

[0075] (Step S43) In step S43, the switching control unit 31 brings the third contact 43 into contact with the second contact 42 so that the path switching unit 40 is connected to the second communication circuit 22, thereby switching the transmission path to the second transmission path D2.

[0076] (Step S44) In step S44, the communication conversion unit 30 converts the signal of the second communication method transmitted from the second communication circuit 22 into a signal of the first communication method. The signal of the first communication method is transmitted from the first communication circuit 11 via the first connection unit 10 to the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 of the first air conditioner 100.

[0077] (Step S45) In step S45, the switching control unit 31 determines whether or not to end the communication conversion operation. The switching control unit 31 may determine to end the communication conversion operation when, for example, it detects that a communication conversion stop button (not shown) provided in the relay device 50 has been operated. The switching control unit 31 may also end the communication conversion when the power supply is stopped.

[0078] (Step S46) In step S46, the switching control unit 31 brings the third contact 43 into contact with the first contact 41 so that the path switching unit 40 is connected to the outdoor unit communication circuit 123, and switches the transmission path to the first transmission path D1.

[0079] (Step S47) In step S47, the switching control unit 31 determines whether or not to end the communication conversion operation. As in step S45, the switching control unit 31 may determine to end the communication conversion operation when, for example, it detects that a communication conversion stop button provided in the relay device 50 has been operated. Alternatively, the switching control unit 31 may end the communication conversion when the power supply is stopped.

[0080] As described above, even if the second air conditioner 200 that uses the second communication method different from the first communication method used by the first air conditioner 100 is connected to the second connection unit 20, two-way communication is possible.

[0081] (4) Variations In this embodiment, the feature extraction unit 21 is electrically connected between the second connection unit 20 and the path switching unit 40, but the present invention is not limited to this and will be described below as a modified example.

[0082] (4-1) First Modification FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a state in which the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 of the first air conditioner 100 and the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 of the second air conditioner 200 are electrically connected via a relay device 50 according to a first modified example.

[0083] 4 differs from FIG. 1 in that the feature extraction unit 21 is electrically connected between the path switching unit 40 and the second communication circuit 22. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0084] By default, the path switching unit 40 has the second contact 42 and the third contact 43 in contact to form the second transmission path D2, so the characteristics of the signal can be identified while the signal is transmitted from the path switching unit 40 to the communication conversion unit 30.

[0085] Therefore, the feature extraction unit 21 may be electrically connected between the path switching unit 40 and the communication conversion unit 30.

[0086] (4-2) Second Modification FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a state in which the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 of the first air conditioner 100 and the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 of the second air conditioner 200 are electrically connected via a relay device 50 according to a second modified example.

[0087] 5 is different from FIG. 1 in that the feature extraction unit 21 is electrically connected between the path switching unit 40 and the first connection unit 10, and the path switching unit 40 has the first contact 41 and the third contact 43 in contact with each other by default to form the first transmission path D1. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] Since the path switching unit 40 forms the first transmission path D1 by default, it is only necessary to identify the characteristics of the signal while the signal is being transmitted from the path switching unit 40 to the first connection unit 10.

[0089] (5) Features (5-1) In the relay device 50, when the first air conditioner 100 is connected to the second connection unit 20, the path switching unit 40 switches the transmission path to a first transmission path D1 that connects the first connection unit 10 and the second connection unit 20 without going through the communication conversion unit 30. In addition, when the second air conditioner 200 is connected to the second connection unit 20, the path switching unit 40 switches the transmission path to a second transmission path D2 that connects the first connection unit 10 and the second connection unit 20 via the communication conversion unit 30. In the relay device 50, the relay device 50 automatically switches the communication path depending on the communication method used by the air conditioner connected to the second connection unit 20, making the installer's work easier.

[0090] (5-2) In the relay device 50, the feature extraction unit 21 extracts the features of the signal input to the second connection unit 20. The method determination unit 32 determines whether the signal input to the second connection unit 20 is in the first communication method or the second communication method based on the features. Since the relay device 50 determines the communication method based on the signal features, there is no need to check the connection partner for each communication circuit, making control easier.

[0091] (5-3) The feature extraction unit 21 extracts features of the signal transmitted between the second connection unit 20 and the path switching unit 40. Since the signal is transmitted between the second connection unit 20 and the path switching unit 40 regardless of the path preset in the path switching unit 40, this is the most reasonable section for extracting signal features.

[0092] (5-4) In the relay device 50, when the route switching unit 40 has been switched to the second transmission route D2 in advance, the feature extraction unit 21 may extract the feature of the signal transmitted between the route switching unit 40 and the communication conversion unit 30. Since the signal is always transmitted between the route switching unit 40 and the communication conversion unit 30, the feature of the signal can be reliably extracted.

[0093] (5-5) In the relay device 50, when the path switching unit 40 has been switched to the first transmission path D1 in advance, the feature extraction unit 21 may extract the feature of the signal transmitted between the path switching unit 40 and the first connection unit 10. Since the signal is always transmitted between the path switching unit 40 and the first connection unit 10, the feature of the signal can be reliably extracted.

[0094] (5-6) In the relay device 50, the feature extraction unit 21 extracts the median value of the signal waveform. If the median value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the method determination unit 32 determines that the signal input to the second connection unit 20 is of the second communication method. If the median value is less than the predetermined value, the method determination unit 32 determines that the signal input to the second connection unit 20 is of the first communication method. This makes it possible to distinguish between methods in which the signal is biased and methods in which it is not biased.

[0095] Second Embodiment FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a state in which the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 of the first air conditioner 100 and the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 of the second air conditioner 200 are electrically connected via a relay device 50 according to the second embodiment.

[0096] 6, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a communication circuit control unit 12 that stops the operation of the first communication circuit 11. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] When the method determination unit 32 detects that a signal of the first communication method has been input, the communication circuit control unit 12 stops the operation of the first communication circuit 11.

[0098] When the first air conditioner 100 is connected to the second connection unit 20, the first transmission path D1 that connects the first connection unit 10 and the second connection unit 20 is switched to without going through the communication conversion unit 30, so the first communication circuit 11 in the relay device 50 does not need to operate. Therefore, by the communication circuit control unit 12 stopping the operation of the first communication circuit 11, unnecessary power consumption is reduced.

[0099] Third Embodiment FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a state in which the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 of the first air conditioner 100 and the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 of the second air conditioner 200 are electrically connected via a relay device 50 according to the third embodiment.

[0100] 7, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a path blocking unit 33 is interposed between the second connection unit 20 and the path switching unit 40, and a connection control unit 35 is provided to control the path blocking unit 33. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] A relay is used as the path interruption unit 33. The relay may be a contact relay or a contactless relay. In this embodiment, a contact relay is used.

[0102] The path interrupter 33 has a first contact point 33a, a second contact point 33b, and a third contact point 33c that can come into contact with either the first contact point 33a or the second contact point 33b.

[0103] The first contact 33a is electrically connected to the termination resistor 34. The second contact 33b is electrically connected to the feature extraction unit 21. The third contact 33c is electrically connected to the second connection unit 20. By default, the third contact 33c and the first contact 33a are in contact with each other.

[0104] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the relay device 50 according to the third embodiment. The operation of the relay device 50 will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the switching control unit 31 controls each unit of the relay device 50 in an integrated manner.

[0105] (Step S30) In step S30, when power is supplied to the relay device 50, the connection control unit 35 controls the path blocking unit 33 to bring the third contact 33c into contact with the second contact 33b, thereby electrically connecting the second connection unit 20 and the feature extraction unit 21.

[0106] (Steps S40 to S47) The processing of steps S40 to S47 is similar to the processing of steps S40 to S47 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0107] In the third embodiment, while the power supply to the relay device 50 is stopped, the connection control unit 35 controls the path blocking unit 33 to bring the third contact 33c into contact with the first contact 33a to connect to the termination resistor 34, thereby electrically blocking the connection between the second connection unit 20 and the path switching unit 40. By disconnecting the communication circuit of the relay device 50 from the existing communication wiring and connecting the termination resistor 34, a decrease in the impedance of the communication path is suppressed, and a decrease in the communication performance of the existing communication system is suppressed.

[0108] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a state in which the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 of the first air conditioner 100 and the second air conditioner communication circuit 223 of the second air conditioner 200 are electrically connected via a relay device 50 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0109] 9, the fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that it is provided with an operation mode setting unit 36. The other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] The operation mode setting unit 36 ​​is an element for selecting between an automatic setting mode in which the communication method is switched automatically and a manual setting mode in which the communication method is switched manually. The mode selection is made by the operator.

[0111] 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing the operation of relay device 50 according to the fourth embodiment. The operation of relay device 50 will be described below with reference to Figs. 10A and 10B. In this embodiment, switching control unit 31 controls each unit of relay device 50.

[0112] (Step S10) In step S10, the switching control unit 31 detects the operation mode set by the operation mode setting unit .

[0113] (Step S20) In step S20, the switching control unit 31 determines whether the operation mode is the automatic setting mode. If the operation mode is the automatic setting mode, the process of step S30 is executed. If the operation mode is not the automatic setting mode, the process of step S48 is executed.

[0114] (Step S30) In step S30, when power is supplied to the relay device 50, the connection control unit 35 controls the path blocking unit 33 to bring the third contact 33c into contact with the second contact 33b, thereby electrically connecting the second connection unit 20 and the feature extraction unit 21.

[0115] (Steps S40 to S47) The processing of steps S40 to S47 is similar to the processing of steps S40 to S47 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0116] (Step S48) In step S48, it is confirmed that the operation setting mode is the manual setting mode.

[0117] (Step S49) In step S49, it is determined whether the "second communication method" is set in manual setting mode, and if it is set to the "second communication method," the processing of step S50 is executed, and if it is set to the "first communication method," the processing of step S53 is executed.

[0118] (Step S50) In step S50, the switching control unit 31 brings the third contact 43 into contact with the second contact 42 so that the path switching unit 40 is connected to the second communication circuit 22, thereby switching the transmission path to the second transmission path D2.

[0119] (Step S51) In step S51, the communication conversion unit 30 switches the signal of the second communication method transmitted from the second communication circuit 22 to a signal of the first communication method. The signal of the first communication method is transmitted from the first communication circuit 11 via the first connection unit 10 to the outdoor unit communication circuit 123 of the first air conditioner 100.

[0120] (Step S52) In step S52, the switching control unit 31 determines whether to end the communication conversion operation. For example, the switching control unit 31 may determine to end the communication conversion operation when it detects that a communication conversion stop button (not shown) provided in the relay device 50 has been operated. Alternatively, the switching control unit 31 may end the communication conversion when the power supply is stopped.

[0121] (Step S53) In step S53, the switching control unit 31 brings the third contact 43 into contact with the first contact 41 so that the path switching unit 40 is connected to the outdoor unit communication circuit 123, and switches the transmission path to the first transmission path D1.

[0122] (Step S54) In step S54, the switching control unit 31 determines whether to end the communication conversion operation. As in step S52, the switching control unit 31 may determine to end the communication conversion operation when, for example, it detects that a communication conversion stop button provided in the relay device 50 has been operated. Alternatively, the switching control unit 31 may end the communication conversion when the power supply is stopped.

[0123] <Other embodiments> The feature extraction unit 21 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2 of the first embodiment. For example, the feature extraction unit 21 may be configured to extract predetermined communication data contained in the signal.

[0124] Fig. 11A is a circuit diagram of a feature extraction unit 21 mounted on a relay device 50 according to another embodiment. Fig. 11B is a conceptual diagram of an AMI-encoded signal input to the feature extraction unit 21. Fig. 11C is an enlarged view of one character in Fig. 11B.

[0125] 11A, 11B, and 11C, the feature extraction unit 21 configures a demodulation circuit with a first comparator CMPR1, a second comparator CMPR2, a NOR gate NORg, and reference resistors Ra and Rb.

[0126] The feature extraction unit 21 demodulates the AMI-encoded signal and outputs it to the method determination unit 32. The method determination unit 32 determines that the second air conditioner 200 is connected if one frame of data conforms to a predetermined telegram format.

[0127] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method determination unit 32 determines that the second air conditioner 200 is connected if one frame of data conforms to a predetermined message format, but the determination may also be made based on multiple frames of data.

[0128] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method determination unit 32 determines that the second air conditioner 200 is connected if one frame of data conforms to a specified message frame, but it may also determine that the second air conditioner 200 is connected if it has communication data.

[0129] <Configurations that can be adopted in all embodiments and modifications> In the above-described embodiments and modifications, examples have been described in which the relay device 50 is provided in the first outdoor unit 110, but the relay device 50 may also be provided in the first indoor unit 160. The relay device 50 may also be provided in other devices (central controller, remote control, etc.) that make up the first air conditioner 100. The relay device 50 may also be provided separately from the devices that make up the first air conditioner 100.

[0130] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 10 First connection part 11 First communication circuit (first communication unit) 12 Communication circuit control section 20 Second connection part 21 Feature Extraction Unit 22 First communication circuit (second communication unit) 30 Communication conversion unit 32 Method determination section 33 Path blocking section 40 Route switching unit 50 Relay Device 100 1st air conditioner 200 2nd air conditioner D1 First transmission path D2 Second transmission path [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0132] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3789582

Claims

1. A relay device that relays communication between a first air conditioner (100) that transmits a signal in a first communication method and a second air conditioner (200) that transmits a signal in a second communication method, a communication conversion unit (30) that converts a communication method between the first communication method and the second communication method; a first connection portion (10) to which the first air conditioner (100) can be connected; a second connection portion (20) to which the first air conditioner (100) or the second air conditioner (200) can be connected; a path switching unit (40) that switches a transmission path of a signal input to the second connection unit (20) based on a signal input from an air conditioner connected to the second connection unit (20); Equipped with The path switching unit (40) When the first air conditioner (100) is connected to the second connection unit (20), the transmission path is switched to a first transmission path (D1) that connects the first connection unit (10) and the second connection unit (20) without going through the communication conversion unit (30); When the second air conditioner (200) is connected to the second connection unit (20), the transmission path is switched to a second transmission path (D2) connecting between the first connection unit (10) and the second connection unit (20) via the communication conversion unit (30). A relay device (50).

2. a feature extraction unit (21) that extracts features of a signal input to the second connection unit (20); a system determination unit (32) that determines whether a signal input to the second connection unit (20) is in the first communication system or the second communication system based on the characteristics; Furthermore, The path switching unit (40) If it is determined that the communication method is the first communication method, the transmission path is switched to the first transmission path (D1); If it is determined that the communication method is the second communication method, the transmission path is switched to the second transmission path (D2). The relay device (50) of claim 1.

3. The feature extraction unit (21) extracts features of a signal transmitted between the second connection unit (20) and the path switching unit (40). The relay device (50) of claim 2.

4. the path switching unit (40) is switched to the second transmission path (D2) in advance, The feature extraction unit (21) extracts features of a signal transmitted between the path switching unit (40) and the communication conversion unit (30). The relay device (50) of claim 2.

5. the path switching unit (40) is switched to the first transmission path (D1) in advance, The feature extraction unit (21) extracts features of a signal transmitted between the path switching unit (40) and the first connection unit (10). The relay device (50) of claim 2.

6. The feature extraction unit (21) extracts an intermediate value of the waveform of the signal, The method determination unit (32) If the intermediate value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the signal input to the second connection unit (20) is in the second communication system; If the intermediate value is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the signal input to the second connection unit (20) is in the first communication system. The relay device (50) of claim 2.

7. The feature extraction unit (21) extracts predetermined communication data contained in the signal, The method determination unit (32) determines whether the signal input to the second connection unit (20) is in the first communication method or the second communication method based on the content of the predetermined communication data. The relay device (50) of claim 2.

8. a first communication unit (11) capable of transmitting signals in the first communication method; a second communication unit (22) capable of transmitting signals in the second communication method; a communication circuit control unit (12) that stops the operation of the first communication unit (11); Furthermore, When the method determination unit (32) detects that a signal of the first communication method has been input, the communication circuit control unit (12) stops the operation of at least one of the first communication unit (11) and the second communication unit (22). The relay device according to claim 2 .

9. The communication conversion unit (30) converts the signal of the second communication method transmitted from the second communication unit (22) into a signal of the first communication method that can be communicated with the first communication unit (11), and transmits the signal to the first communication unit (11). The relay device according to claim 8 .

10. The relay device (50) further includes a path interruption unit (33) that is interposed between the second connection unit (20) and the path switching unit (40) and electrically interrupts the connection between the second connection unit (20) and the path switching unit (40) while power supply to the relay device (50) is stopped. The relay device (50) of claim 1.

11. A relay device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a control circuit that connects indoor units that communicate using the first communication method via the first connection unit (10); An outdoor unit equipped with:

12. A relay device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a control circuit that connects other indoor units that communicate using the first communication method via the first connection unit (10); An indoor unit comprising:

13. The first air conditioner (100); A relay device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; Equipped with an air conditioning system.

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