Air conditioning system and outdoor unit

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system and an outdoor unit capable of increasing the possibility that an operator can find an erroneous connection of the outdoor unit at the time of construction.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of outdoor units including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit includes a first terminal block to which a communication line for communicating with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system can be connected, and a second terminal block to which a communication line for communicating with a centralized management device and an outdoor unit of another refrigerant system can be connected. The first outdoor unit transmits, via the first terminal block, a low-frequency signal used for the association in the association between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in the refrigerant system to which the first outdoor unit belongs, and the second outdoor unit notifies that an erroneous connection has occurred when receiving the low-frequency signal from the first outdoor unit via the second terminal block.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system and an outdoor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for performing system recognition processing using a low-frequency signal to recognize devices in the same system in a system in which indoor units and outdoor units are connected in a tree configuration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-122850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system and an outdoor unit that can increase the likelihood that a worker will be able to discover an incorrect connection of the outdoor unit during installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system including a plurality of outdoor units including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit is equipped with a first terminal block capable of connecting communication lines for communicating with indoor units and outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, and a second terminal block capable of connecting communication lines for communicating with a centralized management device and outdoor units of other refrigerant systems, wherein the first outdoor unit transmits a low-frequency signal used for linking the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in the refrigerant system to which it belongs via the first terminal block, and when the second outdoor unit receives the low-frequency signal from the first outdoor unit via the second terminal block, it notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred.

[0006] Furthermore, the air conditioning system of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system including a plurality of outdoor units including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit is equipped with a first terminal block capable of connecting a communication line for communicating with indoor units and outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, and a second terminal block capable of connecting a communication line for communicating with a centralized management device and outdoor units of other refrigerant systems, wherein the first outdoor unit transmits a DC voltage used for linking the indoor units and outdoor units in the refrigerant system to which it belongs via the first terminal block, and the second outdoor unit notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred when it receives the DC voltage from the first outdoor unit via the second terminal block.

[0007] In addition, the outdoor unit in the present disclosure comprises a first terminal block to which communication lines can be connected for communicating with indoor units and outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, a second terminal block to which communication lines can be connected for communicating with a centralized management device and outdoor units of other refrigerant systems, and a control unit, and when a low-frequency signal used for linking an indoor unit and an outdoor unit in the same refrigerant system is transmitted by another outdoor unit in the same refrigerant system, the control unit notifies the user that an incorrect connection has occurred if the second terminal block receives the low-frequency signal.

[0008] In addition, the outdoor unit in the present disclosure includes a first terminal block to which communication lines can be connected for communicating with indoor units and outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, a second terminal block to which communication lines can be connected for communicating with a centralized management device and outdoor units of other refrigerant systems, and a control unit, and when a DC voltage used for linking an indoor unit and an outdoor unit in the same refrigerant system is transmitted by another outdoor unit in the same refrigerant system, the control unit notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred if the second terminal block receives the DC voltage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The air conditioning system and outdoor unit according to the present disclosure can increase the likelihood that a worker will be able to discover an incorrect connection of the outdoor unit during installation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system of an outdoor unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system of an indoor unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioning system related to linking in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioning system related to linking in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioning system related to linking in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system of an outdoor unit in a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, there was a technology for system recognition processing that uses low-frequency signals to recognize devices in the same system in a system in which indoor units and outdoor units are connected in a tree configuration. Meanwhile, multi-operation of outdoor units, in which multiple outdoor units are connected and operated, is known. In multi-operation of outdoor units, roles are assigned to a main outdoor unit and a sub outdoor unit, and the main outdoor unit controls the sub outdoor units. Generally, outdoor units have multiple terminal blocks. In multi-operation, the controlling outdoor unit and the controlled outdoor unit are connected using the same type of terminal block. However, because a single outdoor unit has multiple terminal blocks, there is a risk that the outdoor unit will be connected to the wrong type of terminal block. If the system recognition processing of Patent Document 1 could detect incorrect outdoor unit connection, workers could discover the incorrect outdoor unit connection during installation. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider the incorrect outdoor unit connection. The inventors discovered this problem, and the subject matter of the present disclosure was formed to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system and an outdoor unit that can increase the likelihood that a worker will be able to discover an incorrect connection of the outdoor unit during installation.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Air conditioning system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. As shown in FIG. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system that conditions the air in a space to be air-conditioned. The air conditioning system 1000 is applied to facilities such as buildings and schools.

[0014] 1 includes a plurality of outdoor units 1, a plurality of indoor units 2, and a centralized control device 3 that centrally controls the outdoor units 1 and the indoor units 2. The centralized control device 3 also controls the outdoor units 1 and the indoor units 2, and therefore can also be called a control device.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 1 includes a first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 and a second outdoor unit terminal block TB2. The first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 is a terminal block to which a communication line L1 can be connected for communicating with the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 1 in the same refrigerant system. The second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 is a terminal block to which a communication line L2 for communicating with the centralized control device 3 and the outdoor units 1 of other refrigerant systems can be connected. The first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 is an example of a "first terminal block." The second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 is an example of a "second terminal block."

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor unit terminal block TB3. The indoor unit terminal block TB3 is a terminal block to which a communication line L1 for communicating with the outdoor unit 1 in the same refrigerant system and a communication line L3 for communicating with the indoor unit 2 in the same refrigerant system can be connected.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes a refrigerant system RS1 to which an outdoor unit 1A and indoor units 2A and 2B belong. The outdoor unit 1A is connected to the indoor unit 2A via a communication line L1. The outdoor unit 1A is also connected to a centralized control device 3 and the outdoor unit 1B via a communication line L2. The indoor unit 2A is also connected to the indoor unit 2B via a communication line L3.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes a refrigerant system RS2 to which an outdoor unit 1B and indoor units 2C and 2D belong. The outdoor unit 1B is connected to the indoor unit 2C via a communication line L1. The outdoor unit 1B is also connected to the outdoor unit 1A via a communication line L2. The indoor unit 2C is connected to the indoor unit 2D via a communication line L3.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes a refrigerant system RS3 to which an outdoor unit 1C and indoor units 2E and 2F belong. The outdoor unit 1C is connected to the indoor unit 2E via a communication line L1. The outdoor unit 1C is also connected to a centralized control device 3 and outdoor unit 1D via a communication line L2. The indoor unit 2E is connected to the indoor unit 2F via a communication line L3.

[0020] 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes a refrigerant system RS4 to which outdoor units 1D and 1E and indoor units 2G and 2H belong. The outdoor unit 1D is connected to the indoor unit 2G via a communication line L1. The indoor unit 2G is connected to the indoor unit 2H via a communication line L3. In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 1D is an example of a "first indoor unit," and the outdoor unit 1E is an example of a "second indoor unit."

[0021] In the refrigerant system RS4, the outdoor units 1D and 1E perform multi-operation. Multi-operation means that a plurality of outdoor units 1 are connected and operated. In multi-operation, roles are assigned to a main outdoor unit 1 and a sub outdoor unit 1, and the main outdoor unit 1 controls the sub outdoor unit 1. In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 1D corresponds to the main outdoor unit 1, and the outdoor unit 1E corresponds to the sub outdoor unit 1. In multi-operation, the outdoor units 1 are connected via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1.

[0022] As described above, in multi-operation, the outdoor units 1 performing multi-operation are connected to each other via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1, not the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2. Therefore, when the air conditioning system 1000 is installed, as shown by the dashed dotted line in Figure 1, erroneous connection of the outdoor units 1 may occur between the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 of the outdoor unit 1D and the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 of the outdoor unit 1E.

[0023] Therefore, in this embodiment, the outdoor unit 1 has the configuration described below, and each part of the air conditioning system 1000 performs the operation described below, so that the worker installing the air conditioning system 1000 can discover the above-mentioned incorrect connection of the outdoor unit 1 during installation.

[0024] [1-1-2. Configuration of outdoor unit and indoor unit] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the configurations of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2. FIG. In this embodiment, the outdoor units 1A to 1E all have the same configuration, so the configurations of the outdoor units 1D and 1E are shown as representatives in Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the indoor units 2A to 2H all have the same configuration, so the configuration of the indoor unit 2G is shown as a representative in Figures 2 and 3.

[0025] Fig. 2 illustrates a case where outdoor units 1D and 1E are not erroneously connected and are connected via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1, whereas Fig. 3 illustrates a case where outdoor units 1D and 1E are erroneously connected via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 and the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outdoor unit 1 includes a high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 11. The high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 11 includes a transmitter and a receiver that comply with a predetermined communication method for transmitting and receiving high-frequency (e.g., 100 kHz or higher) signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "high-frequency signals"). The high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 11 transmits and receives high-frequency signals in accordance with the control of the outdoor control unit 100, which will be described later. Note that Nessum (registered trademark) signals also fall under the category of high-frequency signals.

[0027] A primary side 12A of an insulating pulse transformer 12 is connected to the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 11. One end of the secondary side 12B of the pulse transformer 12 is connected to one end of a capacitor 13, and the other end of the capacitor 13 is connected to terminal T1 of the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1. One end of a capacitor 14 is connected to the other end of the secondary side 12B of the pulse transformer 12, and the other end of the capacitor 14 is connected to terminal T2 of the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1. Capacitors 13 and 14 function as capacitors that do not allow low-frequency (for example, 10 kHz or less) signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "low-frequency signals") to flow to the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 11.

[0028] One end of capacitor 16 is connected between secondary side 12B of pulse transformer 12 and one end of capacitor 13, and the other end of capacitor 16 is connected to terminal T4 of second outdoor unit terminal block TB2. In addition, one end of capacitor 15 is connected between secondary side 12B of pulse transformer 12 and one end of capacitor 14, and the other end of capacitor 15 is connected to terminal T3 of second outdoor unit terminal block TB2. Capacitors 15 and 16, like capacitors 13 and 14, function as capacitors that do not allow low-frequency signals to flow to high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 11.

[0029] The outdoor unit 1 includes a low-frequency transmission circuit 17. The low-frequency transmission circuit 17 is a circuit that transmits a low-frequency signal used for linking (described later) via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1, and includes a transmitter that transmits the low-frequency signal. One end of the low-frequency transmission circuit 17 is connected between the capacitor 13 and terminal T1 of the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 via a switch circuit 18 and an inductor 19. The other end of the low-frequency transmission circuit 17 is connected between the capacitor 14 and terminal T2 of the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 via an inductor 20. The inductors 19 and 20 function as impedance uppers and prevent high-frequency signals transmitted and received by the high-frequency transmission / reception circuit 11 from flowing to the low-frequency transmission circuit 17. The switch circuit 18 is composed of a field effect transistor (FET), a transistor, or the like, and is turned on and off by the outdoor control unit 100 (described later). One end of the switch circuit 18 is connected to the low-frequency transmission circuit 17, and the other end is connected to the light-emitting element side of the photocoupler 21 and one end of the inductor 19. When the switch circuit 18 is on, the low-frequency transmission circuit 17 transmits a low-frequency signal to the outside via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1.

[0030] The outdoor unit 1 is equipped with a photocoupler 21. The photocoupler 21 is a circuit that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1. One end of the photocoupler 21 on the light-emitting element side is connected between the capacitor 13 and terminal T1 of the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 via an inductor 19, and the other end of the photocoupler 21 on the light-emitting element side is connected between the capacitor 14 and terminal T2 of the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 via an inductor 20. The light-receiving element side of the photocoupler 21 is connected to the outdoor control unit 100, which will be described later. The photocoupler 21 is an example of a "second voltage detection circuit."

[0031] The outdoor unit 1 is equipped with a photocoupler 22. The photocoupler 22 is a circuit that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2. One end of the photocoupler 22 on the light-emitting element side is connected between the capacitor 16 and terminal T4 of the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 via a resistor 23 and an inductor 24, and the other end of the photocoupler 22 on the light-emitting element side is connected between the capacitor 15 and terminal T3 of the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 via an inductor 25. The light-receiving element side of the photocoupler 22 is connected to the outdoor control unit 100, which will be described later. The inductors 24 and 25 function as impedance uppers and prevent high-frequency signals transmitted and received by the high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 11 from flowing through the photocoupler 22. Photocoupler 22 is an example of a "first voltage detection circuit."

[0032] 2 and 3, the indoor unit 2 includes a high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 26. The high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 26 includes a transmitter and a receiver that comply with a predetermined communication method for transmitting and receiving high-frequency signals. The high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 26 transmits and receives high-frequency signals in accordance with the control of the indoor control unit 200, which will be described later.

[0033] A primary side 27A of an insulating pulse transformer 27 is connected to the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 26. One end of a secondary side 27B of the pulse transformer 27 is connected to one end of a capacitor 28, the other end of which is connected to terminal T5 of the indoor unit terminal block TB3. One end of a capacitor 29 is connected to the other end of the secondary side 27B of the pulse transformer 27, the other end of which is connected to terminal T6 of the indoor unit terminal block TB3. Capacitors 28 and 29 function as capacitors that do not allow low-frequency signals to flow to the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 26.

[0034] The indoor unit 2 is equipped with a photocoupler 30. The photocoupler 30 is a circuit that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the indoor unit terminal block TB3. One end of the photocoupler 30 on the light-emitting element side is connected between the capacitor 28 and terminal T5 of the indoor unit terminal block TB3 via a resistor 31 and an inductor 32, and the other end of the photocoupler 30 on the light-emitting element side is connected between the capacitor 29 and terminal T6 of the indoor unit terminal block TB3 via an inductor 33. The light-receiving element side of the photocoupler 30 is connected to the indoor control unit 200, which will be described later. The inductors 32 and 33 function as impedance uppers and prevent high-frequency signals transmitted and received by the high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 26 from flowing through the photocoupler 30.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the control system of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 will be described. First, the configuration of the control system of the outdoor unit 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the outdoor unit 1.

[0036] The outdoor unit 1 is equipped with an outdoor control unit 100. The outdoor control unit 100 is equipped with an outdoor processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an outdoor memory 120, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. A high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 11, a switch circuit 18, a photocoupler 21, and a photocoupler 22 are connected to the outdoor control unit 100. The outdoor control unit 100 is also connected to various devices provided in the outdoor unit 1, such as a compressor, an outdoor blower fan, and various sensors. The outdoor control unit 100 is an example of a "control unit."

[0037] The outdoor memory 120 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The outdoor memory 120 stores a control program 121, an outdoor address 122, and data to be processed by the outdoor processor 110. The outdoor memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. The outdoor memory 120 also has a volatile storage area, which constitutes a work area for the outdoor processor 110. The outdoor memory 120 is constituted by, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0038] The control program 121 is a program that causes the outdoor processor 110 to function as a functional unit, which will be described later. The outdoor address 122 is an address for identifying the outdoor unit 1. In this embodiment, an IP (Internet Protocol) address is exemplified as the outdoor address 122, but the outdoor address 122 is not limited to an IP address and may be another network address or an address for identifying the outdoor unit 1 other than a network address.

[0039] The outdoor processor 110 functions as an outdoor high-frequency communication unit 111, a low-frequency transmission unit 112, a first voltage detection unit 113, a second voltage detection unit 114, and a linking unit 115 by reading and executing the control program 121 stored in the outdoor memory 120.

[0040] The outdoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits information to the outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system, the indoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system, and the centralized control device 3 by transmitting high-frequency signals to the outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system, the indoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system, and the centralized control device 3 using the high-frequency transmission / reception circuit 11. In addition, the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives information from the outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system, the indoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system, and the centralized control device 3 by receiving high-frequency signals from the outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system, the indoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system, and the centralized control device 3 via the high-frequency transmission / reception circuit 11.

[0041] By turning on the switch circuit 18, the low-frequency transmitting unit 112 transmits a low-frequency signal from the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 via the low-frequency transmitting circuit 17. Note that the low-frequency signal transmitted from the low-frequency transmitting circuit 17 is not received by the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 11 due to the function of the capacitors 13 and 14.

[0042] The first voltage detection unit 113 detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 using the photocoupler 21. When a voltage is applied to the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1, the photocoupler 21's light-emitting element emits light, and the photoreceptor outputs a voltage to the outdoor control unit 100. When a voltage is input from the photocoupler 21, the first voltage detection unit 113 detects that a voltage is applied to the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1. When a low-frequency signal is input, the first voltage detection unit 113 may output a pulse signal corresponding to the low-frequency signal to the outdoor control unit 100. Furthermore, the first voltage detection unit 113 is not limited to a photocoupler, and may be configured as an operational amplifier or a comparator. The operational amplifier or comparator outputs a signal corresponding to the voltage or frequency applied to the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 to the outdoor control unit 100.

[0043] The second voltage detection unit 114 detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 using the photocoupler 22. When a voltage is applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2, the photocoupler 22's light-emitting element emits light, and the photoreceptor element outputs a voltage to the outdoor control unit 100. When a voltage is input from the photocoupler 22, the second voltage detection unit 114 detects that a voltage is applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2. When a low-frequency signal is input, the second voltage detection unit 114 may output a pulse signal corresponding to the low-frequency signal to the outdoor control unit 100. Furthermore, the second voltage detection unit 114 is not limited to a photocoupler, and may be configured as an operational amplifier or a comparator. The operational amplifier or comparator outputs a signal corresponding to the voltage or frequency applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 to the outdoor control unit 100.

[0044] The linking unit 115 links the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 in the same refrigerant system. The linking unit 115 links the outdoor address 122 stored in the outdoor memory 120 with the outdoor address 122 of another outdoor unit 1 in the same refrigerant system and the indoor address 222 of an indoor unit 2 in the same refrigerant system. The indoor address 222 will be described later.

[0045] Next, the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit 2 will be explained. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit 2. As shown in FIG.

[0046] The indoor unit 2 is equipped with an indoor control unit 200. The indoor control unit 200 is equipped with an indoor processor 210 such as a CPU or MPU, an indoor memory 220, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. A high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 26 and a photocoupler 30 are connected to the indoor control unit 200. The indoor control unit 200 is also connected to an indoor blower fan that sends air to a heat exchanger equipped in the indoor unit 2, an indoor expansion valve that adjusts the refrigerant flow rate to the heat exchanger, various sensors equipped in the indoor unit 2, and the like.

[0047] The indoor memory 220 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The indoor memory 220 stores a control program 221, an indoor address 222, and data to be processed by the indoor processor 210. The indoor memory 220 has a non-volatile storage area. The indoor memory 220 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the indoor processor 210. The indoor memory 220 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0048] The control program 221 is a program that causes the indoor processor 210 to function as a functional unit, which will be described later. The indoor address 222 is an address for identifying the indoor unit 2. In this embodiment, an IP address is exemplified as the indoor address 222, but the indoor address 222 is not limited to an IP address and may be another network address or an address for identifying the indoor unit 2 other than a network address.

[0049] The indoor processor 210 reads and executes the control program 221 stored in the indoor memory 220, thereby functioning as the indoor high-frequency communication unit 211 and the third voltage detection unit 212.

[0050] The indoor high frequency communication unit 211 transmits information to the outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system, the indoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system, and the centralized control device 3 by transmitting high frequency signals to the outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system, the indoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system, and the centralized control device 3 via the high frequency transmission / reception circuit 26. In addition, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 211 receives information from the outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system, the indoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system, and the centralized control device 3 by receiving high-frequency signals from the outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system, the indoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system, and the centralized control device 3 via the high-frequency transmission / reception circuit 26.

[0051] The third voltage detection unit 212 detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the outdoor unit terminal block TB3 by the photocoupler 30. When a voltage is applied to the outdoor unit terminal block TB3, the light-emitting element of the photocoupler 30 emits light, and the light-receiving element outputs the voltage to the indoor control unit 200. When a voltage is input from the photocoupler 30, the third voltage detection unit 212 detects that a voltage is applied to the outdoor unit terminal block TB3.

[0052] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in this embodiment will be described. The above-mentioned linking is performed when the air conditioning system 1000 is constructed. By performing the linking, the outdoor units 1 and the centralized control device 3 can grasp which outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 belong to which refrigerant system for each refrigerant system.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each unit of the air conditioning system 1000 involved in the linking. In the explanation using FIG. 6, the operations of the outdoor units 1D and 1E and the indoor units 2G and 2H will be mainly explained.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, the centralized control device 3 transmits a start instruction signal to the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 to instruct them to start linking (step SA1). The start instruction signal is a high-frequency signal. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the outdoor unit 1, the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 and the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 are electrically connected internally. The high-frequency signal also passes through capacitors 13, 14, 15, 16, 28, and 29. Therefore, the start instruction signal sent by the centralized control device 3 is sent to all of the outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 that make up the air conditioning system 1000.

[0055] Next, the centralized control device 3 transmits an execution instruction signal to the outdoor unit 1D to instruct the execution of the linking (step SA2). The execution instruction signal is a high-frequency signal. The execution instruction signal indicates which outdoor unit 1 will perform the linking. Like the start instruction signal, the execution instruction signal transmitted from the centralized control device 3 is transmitted to all outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 that make up the air conditioning system 1000. However, since the execution instruction signal indicates which outdoor unit 1 will perform the linking, only outdoor unit 1D will respond to the execution instruction signal transmitted in step SA2.

[0056] Next, upon receiving the execution instruction signal, the outdoor high-frequency communication section 111 of the outdoor unit 1D transmits an execution signal indicating that linking is to be executed via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 (step SA3). The execution signal is a high-frequency signal, and is therefore transmitted to all of the outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 that make up the air conditioning system 1000 for the same reason as the start instruction signal.

[0057] Next, the low-frequency transmission section 112 of the outdoor unit 1D switches the switch circuit 18 from OFF to ON, and starts transmitting a low-frequency signal via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 (step SA4). As described above, capacitors 13 and 14 are provided between the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 11 and the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1, and capacitors 28 and 29 are provided between the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 26 and the indoor unit terminal block TB3. Therefore, the low-frequency signal whose transmission begins in step SA4 is transmitted only to outdoor unit 1E and indoor units 2G and 2H that belong to the same refrigerant system as outdoor unit 1D.

[0058] When the outdoor unit 1D starts transmitting the low-frequency signal, the first voltage detection unit 113 of the outdoor unit 1E detects the low-frequency signal (step SA5).

[0059] Next, the outdoor high frequency communication unit 111 of the outdoor unit 1E transmits a request signal requesting linking via the indoor unit terminal block TB3 (step SA6). The request signal transmitted in step SA6 indicates the outdoor address 122 stored in the outdoor memory 120. The request signal is a high-frequency signal, and is transmitted to all of the outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 that make up the air conditioning system 1000, just like the start instruction signal. However, the request signal is a signal that only the outdoor unit 1, which transmits a low-frequency signal, responds to. Therefore, only the outdoor unit 1D responds to the request signal transmitted in step SA6.

[0060] When the outdoor unit 1D starts transmitting the low-frequency signal, the third voltage detection section 212 of the indoor unit 2G detects the low-frequency signal (step SA7).

[0061] Next, the indoor high frequency communication unit 211 of the indoor unit 2G transmits a request signal to the outdoor unit 1D (step SA8). The request signal transmitted in step SA8 indicates the indoor address 222 stored in the indoor memory 220. For the reasons described above, only the outdoor unit 1D responds to the request signal transmitted in step SA8.

[0062] When the outdoor unit 1D starts transmitting the low-frequency signal, the third voltage detection section 212 of the indoor unit 2H detects the low-frequency signal (step SA9).

[0063] Next, the indoor high frequency communication unit 211 of the indoor unit 2H transmits a request signal to the outdoor unit 1D (step SA10). The request signal transmitted in step SA10 indicates the indoor address 222 stored in the indoor memory 220. For the reasons described above, only the outdoor unit 1D responds to the request signal transmitted in step SA10.

[0064] The linking unit 115 of the outdoor unit 1D performs linking based on the request signal received by the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 111 (step SA11).

[0065] Step SA11 will now be described in detail. The linking unit 115 of the outdoor unit 1D links the outdoor address 122 indicated by the request signal transmitted in step SA6 to the outdoor address 122 stored in the outdoor memory 120, and links the indoor address 222 indicated by the request signal transmitted in steps SA8 and SA10.

[0066] When the linking is completed, the low-frequency transmission section 112 of the outdoor unit 1D turns the switch circuit 18 from on to off, and ends the transmission of the low-frequency signal (step SA12).

[0067] Next, the outdoor high frequency communication unit 111 of the outdoor unit 1D transmits a completion signal indicating that the linking has been completed via the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 (step SA13). Since the completion signal is a high-frequency signal, it is transmitted in the same manner as the start instruction signal to all of the outdoor units 1, indoor units 2, and centralized control device 3 that make up the air conditioning system 1000. This completion signal may be a signal that indicates the linking result of step SA11.

[0068] Next, the centralized control device 3 transmits an execution instruction signal to the outdoor units 1 other than the outdoor unit 1D that are connected via the communication line L2 (step SA14). In the refrigerant system to which the outdoor unit 1 that received this execution instruction signal belongs, the processing of steps SA3 to SA13 is carried out. In the air conditioning system 1000, the processing of steps SA3 to SA13 is repeated for the number of refrigerant systems. Note that in the case of a refrigerant system that does not perform multi-operation, the processing of steps SA5 and SA6 is not carried out.

[0069] When the centralized control device 3 receives completion signals from all outdoor units 1 other than the outdoor unit 1D and connected via the communication line L2, it transmits an end instruction signal to the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 to instruct them to end the linking (step SA15). The end instruction signal is a high-frequency signal, and is therefore transmitted to all of the outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 that constitute the air conditioning system 1000, similar to the start instruction signal.

[0070] In the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6, the centralized control device 3 is configured to first send an execution instruction signal to the outdoor unit 1D, but the order in which the centralized control device 3 sends the execution instruction signal to the outdoor unit 1D is not limited to the order shown in the sequence diagram in FIG. 6.

[0071] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an operation when an erroneous connection of the outdoor unit 1 as shown in FIG. 3 occurs will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each unit of the air conditioning system 1000 involved in the linking.

[0072] In Fig. 7, the same steps as in Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and in the description of Fig. 7, detailed description of the same steps as in Fig. 6 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, when the outdoor unit 1D starts transmitting a low-frequency signal, the second voltage detection unit 114 of the outdoor unit 1E detects that a voltage has been applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 (step SB1).

[0074] 7, when the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 111 of the outdoor unit 1E receives the end instruction signal from the centralized control device 3, it notifies the centralized control device 3 of the erroneous connection of the outdoor unit 1 (step SB2). To explain step SB2 in more detail, the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 111 of the outdoor unit 1E transmits a notification signal to the centralized control device 3 notifying that a erroneous connection of the outdoor unit 1 has occurred. This notification signal is a high-frequency signal.

[0075] When the centralized control device 3 receives the notification signal from the outdoor unit 1E, it outputs, in the form of a display, a sound, printout, or the like, a message that an erroneous connection has occurred in the outdoor unit 1E.

[0076] [1-3. Effects, etc.] The effects of this embodiment will be described below. When explaining the effects, etc., the terms first outdoor unit and second outdoor unit are used. The first outdoor unit refers to the outdoor unit 1 that transmits the low-frequency signal via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 by linking, and corresponds to the outdoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. The second outdoor unit refers to the outdoor unit 1 that operates in a multi-function with the first outdoor unit, and corresponds to the outdoor unit 1E.

[0077] The air conditioning system 1000 includes multiple outdoor units 1 including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit 2. The outdoor unit 1 is equipped with a first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 to which a communication line L1 can be connected for communication with the indoor units 2 and outdoor units 1 of the same refrigerant system, and a second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 to which a communication line L2 can be connected for communication with the centralized control device 3 and outdoor units 1 of other refrigerant systems. The first outdoor unit transmits a low-frequency signal used for linking the indoor units 2 and outdoor units 1 in the refrigerant system to which it belongs via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1. When the second outdoor unit receives the low-frequency signal from the first outdoor unit via the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2, it notifies the other unit that an incorrect connection has occurred.

[0078] According to this, when the outdoor unit 1 is connected via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 and the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2, the second outdoor unit notifies the operator of the incorrect connection during the linking process, thereby increasing the likelihood that the worker will be able to discover the incorrect connection of the outdoor unit 1 during installation.

[0079] The outdoor unit 1 is equipped with a photocoupler 22 that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2. If the photocoupler 22 detects the application of a voltage when the first outdoor unit transmits a low-frequency signal, the second outdoor unit notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred.

[0080] According to this, by providing a dedicated circuit for detecting whether or not a voltage is applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2, the outdoor unit 1 can detect that a misconnection has occurred based on the detection results from the dedicated circuit. Therefore, the software of the outdoor unit 1 does not need to perform various processes to detect that a misconnection has occurred, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load of the software of the outdoor unit 1. Furthermore, by using the photocoupler 22, it is possible to construct a circuit with a simple configuration for detecting whether or not a voltage is applied to the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2.

[0081] The outdoor unit 1 is equipped with a photocoupler 21 that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1. If the photocoupler 21 detects the application of a voltage when the first outdoor unit transmits a low-frequency signal, the second outdoor unit does not notify that a misconnection has occurred.

[0082] According to this, by providing a dedicated circuit for detecting whether or not a voltage is applied to the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1, the outdoor unit 1 can detect that no misconnection has occurred based on the detection results from the dedicated circuit. Therefore, the software of the outdoor unit 1 does not need to perform various processes to detect that no misconnection has occurred, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load of the software of the outdoor unit 1. Furthermore, by using the photocoupler 21, it is possible to construct a circuit with a simple configuration for detecting whether or not a voltage has been applied to the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1.

[0083] The plurality of outdoor units 1 includes a plurality of first outdoor units. After linking is completed in each of the first outdoor units, the second outdoor unit notifies that an erroneous connection has occurred.

[0084] According to this, since the occurrence of a misconnection is notified after the linking is completed in the air conditioning system 1000, if a misconnection has occurred, the worker can grasp this after the linking is completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the worker from interrupting the linking because the worker is notified of the occurrence of a misconnection before the linking is completed, and it is possible to prevent the time required for linking in the air conditioning system 1000 from becoming longer.

[0085] The second outdoor unit notifies the centralized control device 3 that an erroneous connection has occurred.

[0086] This allows the worker to know that an incorrect connection has occurred through the centralized control device 3 without having to go to the place where the outdoor unit 1 is installed.

[0087] The outdoor unit 1 comprises a first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 to which a communication line L1 can be connected for communicating with the indoor units 2 and outdoor units 1 of the same refrigerant system, a second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 to which a communication line L2 can be connected for communicating with the centralized management device 3 and outdoor units 1 of other refrigerant systems, and an outdoor control unit 100. When linking the indoor units 2 and outdoor units 1 in the same refrigerant system, if the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 receives a low-frequency signal used for linking when another outdoor unit 1 of the same refrigerant system transmits the low-frequency signal, the outdoor control unit 100 notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred.

[0088] This provides the same effects as those of the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0089] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. [2-1.Configuration] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0090] [2-2. Operation] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the order in which the outdoor units 1 are linked. In the first embodiment, the multiple outdoor units 1 are linked in an order specified by the centralized control device 3. In the second embodiment, the outdoor unit 1 that responds first to the start instruction signal sent by the centralized control device 3 is the first to perform linking in the air conditioning system 1000. Then, in the second embodiment, once the outdoor unit 1 that responded first completes linking, the outdoor units 1 perform linking in order according to a predetermined rule. An example of the predetermined rule is the order in which they respond to the start instruction signal.

[0091] [2-3. Effects] According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0092] (Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment will be described. [3-1.Configuration] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0093] [3-2. Operation] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the entity that performs the linking is different. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each unit of the air conditioning system 1000 involved in the linking in embodiment 3. Fig. 8 shows the operation in the case where no erroneous connection occurs.

[0094] In Fig. 8, the same steps as in Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and in the description of Fig. 8, detailed description of the same steps as in Fig. 6 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0095] When the outdoor high-frequency communication section 111 of the outdoor unit 1D starts transmitting the low-frequency signal, it transmits a request signal to the centralized control device 3 via the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 (step SC1). The request signal transmitted in step SC1 indicates the outdoor address 122 stored in the outdoor memory 120. The request signal is a high-frequency signal, and is transmitted to all of the outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 that make up the air conditioning system 1000, similar to the start instruction signal. However, the request signal transmitted in step SC1 is a signal that only the centralized control device 3 responds to. Therefore, only the centralized control device 3 responds to the request signal transmitted in step SC1.

[0096] When the first voltage detection unit 113 detects that a voltage has been applied, the outdoor high frequency communication unit 111 of the outdoor unit 1E transmits a request signal to the centralized control device 3 via the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 (step SC2). The request signal transmitted in step SC2 indicates the outdoor address 122 stored in the outdoor memory 120. The request signal is a high-frequency signal, and is transmitted to all of the outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 that make up the air conditioning system 1000, similar to the start instruction signal. However, the request signal transmitted in step SC2 is a signal that only the centralized control device 3 responds to. Therefore, only the centralized control device 3 responds to the request signal transmitted in step SC2.

[0097] When the third voltage detection unit 212 detects that a voltage has been applied, the indoor high frequency communication unit 211 of the indoor units 2G, 2H transmits a request signal to the centralized control device 3 via the indoor unit terminal block TB3 (steps SC3, SC4). The request signal transmitted in steps SC3 and SC4 indicates the indoor address 222 stored in the indoor memory 220. Because the request signal is a high-frequency signal, it is transmitted to all of the outdoor units 1 and indoor units 2 that make up the air conditioning system 1000, just like the start instruction signal. However, the request signal transmitted in steps SC3 and SC4 is a signal that only the centralized control device 3 responds to. Therefore, only the centralized control device 3 responds to the request signal transmitted in steps SC3 and SC4.

[0098] The centralized control device 3 performs linking based on the request signals received from the outdoor units 1D, 1E and the indoor units 2G, 2H (step SC5). In step SC5, the centralized control device 3 links each of the addresses indicated by the received request signals.

[0099] Next, the centralized control device 3 transmits a completion signal to the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 (step SC6). Because the completion signal is a high-frequency signal, it is transmitted in the same manner as the start instruction signal to all of the outdoor unit 1, indoor unit 2, and centralized control device 3 that make up the air conditioning system 1000. This completion signal may be a signal indicating the linking result of step SC5.

[0100] [3-3. Effects] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0101] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. [4-1.Configuration] The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the outdoor unit 1. The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 of the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 of the first, second and third embodiments, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2. As shown in FIG. The outdoor unit 1 of the second embodiment has a DC (Direct Current) voltage transmitting circuit 34 instead of the low-frequency transmitting circuit 17. The DC voltage transmitting circuit 34 has a DC power supply 35 and a resistor 36. One end of the DC power supply 35 is connected to the switch circuit 18, and the other end of the DC power supply 35 is connected to one end of the resistor 36. The other end of the resistor 36 is connected to one end of the inductor 20 and the light-emitting element side of the photocoupler 21.

[0103] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the outdoor unit 1. Compared to the first embodiment, the outdoor processor 110 of the second embodiment functions as a DC voltage transmitting unit 116 instead of the low-frequency transmitting unit 112. By turning on the switch circuit 18, the DC voltage transmitting unit 116 transmits a DC voltage from the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 via the DC voltage transmitting circuit 34 at the same timing as the low-frequency transmitting unit 112 of the first embodiment.

[0104] [4-2. Operation] The operations of the components of the air conditioning system 1000 related to the linking in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in any of the first, second, and third embodiments.

[0105] [4-3. Effects, etc.] The effects of this embodiment will be described below. In the description of the effects and the like, the terms first outdoor unit and second outdoor unit described in the first embodiment will be used.

[0106] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a plurality of outdoor units 1 including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit 2. The outdoor unit 1 includes a first outdoor unit terminal block TB1 and a second outdoor unit terminal block TB2. During linking, the first outdoor unit transmits a DC voltage used for linking via the first outdoor unit terminal block TB1. When the second outdoor unit receives the DC voltage from the first outdoor unit via the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2, it notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred.

[0107] This provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0108] The outdoor unit 1 includes a first outdoor unit terminal block TB1, a second outdoor unit terminal block TB2, and an outdoor control unit 100. When another outdoor unit 1 in the same refrigerant system transmits a DC voltage used for linking, and the second outdoor unit terminal block TB2 receives the DC voltage, the outdoor control unit 100 notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred.

[0109] This provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0110] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first, second, third, and fourth embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first, second, third, and fourth embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, the air conditioning system 1000 is configured to include four refrigerant systems, but the number of refrigerant systems included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, two indoor units 2 belong to one refrigerant system, but the number of indoor units 2 belonging to one refrigerant system is not limited to two.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, two outdoor units 1 are configured to perform multi-operation, but the number of outdoor units 1 performing multi-operation is not limited to two as long as there are more than one outdoor unit.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the air conditioning system 1000 is configured to have two types of refrigerant systems: a refrigerant system in which the outdoor unit 1 performs multiple operations, and a refrigerant system in which the outdoor unit 1 does not perform multiple operations. However, the air conditioning system 1000 may also be configured to have only a refrigerant system in which the outdoor unit 1 performs multiple operations.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the outdoor unit 1 is configured to have two types of terminal blocks, but in other embodiments, the outdoor unit 1 may further have a different type of terminal block in addition to the above-described two types of terminal blocks.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, photocouplers are used as the "first voltage detection circuit" and the "second voltage detection circuit," but at least one of the "first voltage detection circuit" and the "second voltage detection circuit" may be an AD converter. In this case, the AD converter detects a low-frequency signal or a DC voltage and outputs the detection result to the outdoor control unit 100 as a digital signal.

[0117] In the embodiment described above, the notification of the occurrence of a misconnection is made at a timing after the linking is completed in the air conditioning system 1000. In other embodiments, the notification of the occurrence of a misconnection may be made at a timing when the second voltage detection unit 114 detects that a voltage is being applied.

[0118] The outdoor processor 110 and the indoor processor 210 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0119] The configurations of the various parts of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0120] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0121] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0122] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0123] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system including a plurality of outdoor units including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit, wherein the outdoor units are equipped with a first terminal block capable of connecting communication lines for communicating with indoor units and outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, and a second terminal block capable of connecting communication lines for communicating with a centralized management device and outdoor units of other refrigerant systems, wherein the first outdoor unit transmits a low-frequency signal used for linking the indoor units and the outdoor units in the refrigerant system to which it belongs via the first terminal block, and the second outdoor unit notifies the user that an incorrect connection has occurred when it receives the low-frequency signal from the first outdoor unit via the second terminal block. According to this, when the outdoor units are connected via the first terminal block and the second terminal block, the second outdoor unit notifies the operator of the incorrect connection during linking, thereby increasing the likelihood that the worker will be able to discover the incorrect connection of the outdoor units during installation.

[0124] (Technology 2) The air conditioning system according to Technology 1, wherein the outdoor unit includes a first voltage detection circuit that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the second terminal block, and the second outdoor unit notifies the occurrence of an incorrect connection if the first voltage detection circuit detects the application of a voltage when the first outdoor unit transmits the low-frequency signal. According to this, by providing a dedicated circuit that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the second terminal block, the outdoor unit can detect the occurrence of a misconnection based on the detection result from the dedicated circuit. Therefore, the software of the outdoor unit does not need to perform various processes to detect the occurrence of a misconnection, and an increase in the processing load of the software of the outdoor unit can be suppressed.

[0125] (Technology 3) The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the first voltage detection circuit is a photocoupler or an AD converter. This makes it possible to construct a circuit with a simple configuration that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the second terminal block.

[0126] (Technology 4) The air conditioning system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the outdoor unit includes a second voltage detection circuit that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the first terminal block, and the second outdoor unit does not notify that an incorrect connection has occurred if the second voltage detection circuit detects the application of a voltage when the first outdoor unit transmits the low-frequency signal. According to this, by providing a dedicated circuit that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the first terminal block, the outdoor unit can detect that no misconnection has occurred based on the detection result from the dedicated circuit. Therefore, the software of the outdoor unit does not need to perform various processes to detect that no misconnection has occurred, and an increase in the processing load of the software of the outdoor unit can be suppressed.

[0127] (Technology 5) The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the second voltage detection circuit is a photocoupler or an AD converter. This makes it possible to construct a circuit with a simple configuration that detects whether or not a voltage is applied to the first terminal block.

[0128] (Technology 6) The air conditioning system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5, wherein the plurality of outdoor units includes a plurality of first outdoor units, and the second outdoor unit notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred after the linking is completed in each of the first outdoor units. According to this, since the occurrence of a misconnection is notified after the linking is completed in the air conditioning system, if a misconnection has occurred, the worker can be made aware of this after the linking is completed. Therefore, the worker can be prevented from interrupting the linking because the worker is notified of the occurrence of a misconnection before the linking is completed, and the time required for linking in the air conditioning system can be prevented from becoming longer.

[0129] (Technology 7) The air conditioning system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 6, wherein the second outdoor unit notifies the centralized control device that an incorrect connection has occurred. This allows an operator to know that an incorrect connection has occurred using the centralized control device without having to go to the location where the outdoor unit is installed.

[0130] (Technology 8) An air conditioning system including a plurality of outdoor units including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit, wherein the outdoor units are equipped with a first terminal block capable of connecting communication lines for communicating with indoor units and outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, and a second terminal block capable of connecting communication lines for communicating with a centralized management device and outdoor units of other refrigerant systems, wherein the first outdoor unit transmits a DC voltage used for linking the indoor units and the outdoor units in the refrigerant system to which it belongs via the first terminal block, and the second outdoor unit notifies the user that an incorrect connection has occurred when it receives the DC voltage from the first outdoor unit via the second terminal block. This provides the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technique 1.

[0131] (Technology 9) An outdoor unit comprising: a first terminal block to which communication lines can be connected for communicating with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system; a second terminal block to which communication lines can be connected for communicating with a centralized management device and an outdoor unit of another refrigerant system; and a control unit, wherein the control unit notifies the outdoor unit of an incorrect connection when the second terminal block receives a low-frequency signal used for linking an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system when the low-frequency signal is transmitted by another outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system. This provides the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technique 1.

[0132] (Technology 10) An outdoor unit comprising: a first terminal block to which communication lines can be connected for communicating with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system; a second terminal block to which communication lines can be connected for communicating with a centralized management device and an outdoor unit of another refrigerant system; and a control unit, wherein the control unit notifies the outdoor unit of an incorrect connection when the second terminal block receives a DC voltage used for linking an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system when the DC voltage is transmitted by another outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system. This provides the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technique 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0133] As described above, the air conditioning system and outdoor unit according to the present invention can be used to notify of incorrect connection of the outdoor unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1, 1A~1E outdoor unit 2, 2A~2H indoor unit 3 Centralized management device 11, 26 High frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 12, 27 Pulse transformer 12A, 27A primary side 12B, 27B Secondary side 13~16, 28, 29 Capacitors 17 Frequency transmitting circuit 18 Switch Circuit 19, 20, 24, 25, 32, 33 Inductors 21 Photocoupler (second voltage detection circuit) 22 Photocoupler (first voltage detection circuit) 23, 31, 36 Resistance 30 Photocoupler 34 DC voltage transmitting circuit 35 DC power supply 100 Outdoor control unit (control unit) 110 Outdoor Processor 111 Outdoor high frequency communication unit 112 Low frequency transmitter 113 First voltage detection unit 114 Second voltage detection unit 115 Stringing section 116 DC voltage transmitter 120 Outdoor Memory 121 Control Program 122 Outdoor Address 200 Indoor control unit 210 Indoor Processor 211 Indoor high frequency communication unit 212 Third voltage detection unit 220 Indoor Memory 221 Control Program 222 Indoor Address 1000 Air Conditioning System L1, L2, L3 communication line RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 Refrigerant system T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 terminals TB1 1st outdoor unit terminal block (1st terminal block) TB2 2nd outdoor unit terminal block (2nd terminal block) TB3 Indoor unit terminal block

Claims

1. An air conditioning system including a plurality of outdoor units including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit, the outdoor unit includes a first terminal block to which a communication line can be connected for communicating with the indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system, and a second terminal block to which a communication line can be connected for communicating with a centralized control device and an outdoor unit of another refrigerant system, the first outdoor unit transmits, via the first terminal block, a low-frequency signal used for linking the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in the refrigerant system to which the first outdoor unit belongs; the second outdoor unit notifies the occurrence of an incorrect connection when receiving the low-frequency signal from the first outdoor unit via the second terminal block; Air conditioning system.

2. the outdoor unit includes a first voltage detection circuit that detects whether a voltage is applied to the second terminal block; the second outdoor unit notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred if the first voltage detection circuit detects application of voltage when the first outdoor unit transmits the low-frequency signal; The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

3. the first voltage detection circuit is a photocoupler or an AD converter; 3. The air conditioning system of claim 2.

4. the outdoor unit includes a second voltage detection circuit that detects whether a voltage is applied to the first terminal block; the second outdoor unit does not notify that a misconnection has occurred if the second voltage detection circuit detects application of voltage when the first outdoor unit transmits the low-frequency signal; The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

5. the second voltage detection circuit is a photocoupler or an AD converter; 5. The air conditioning system of claim 4.

6. the plurality of outdoor units includes the plurality of first outdoor units, the second outdoor unit notifies the first outdoor units that an erroneous connection has occurred after the linking has been completed in each of the first outdoor units; 6. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The second outdoor unit notifies the centralized control device that an incorrect connection has occurred.

6. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. An air conditioning system including a plurality of outdoor units including at least a first outdoor unit and a second outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit, the outdoor unit includes a first terminal block to which a communication line can be connected for communicating with the indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system, and a second terminal block to which a communication line can be connected for communicating with a centralized control device and an outdoor unit of another refrigerant system, the first outdoor unit transmits, via the first terminal block, a DC voltage used for linking the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in the refrigerant system to which the first outdoor unit belongs; the second outdoor unit notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred when receiving the DC voltage from the first outdoor unit via the second terminal block; Air conditioning system.

9. a first terminal block to which a communication line can be connected for communicating with the indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system; a second terminal block to which a communication line for communicating with a centralized control device and an outdoor unit of another refrigerant system can be connected; a control unit, The control unit In linking an indoor unit and an outdoor unit in the same refrigerant system, when a low-frequency signal used for said linking is transmitted from another outdoor unit in the same refrigerant system, If the second terminal block receives the low frequency signal, it notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred. outdoor unit.

10. a first terminal block to which a communication line can be connected for communicating with the indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the same refrigerant system; a second terminal block to which a communication line for communicating with a centralized control device and an outdoor unit of another refrigerant system can be connected; a control unit, The control unit In linking an indoor unit and an outdoor unit in the same refrigerant system, when another outdoor unit in the same refrigerant system transmits the DC voltage used for the linking, If the second terminal block receives the DC voltage, it notifies that an incorrect connection has occurred. outdoor unit.

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