Air conditioning system, main air conditioner, and sub-air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioning system, a master air conditioner, and a slave air conditioner that can significantly reduce the communication load during connection processing. [Solution] The indoor unit 20a is configured to send an authentication process start request to the outdoor unit after a waiting time for sending a participation request, which is determined according to the identification information of the indoor unit 20a, has elapsed, and the indoor unit 50a is configured to send an authentication process start request to the outdoor unit 10a after a waiting time for sending a participation request, which is determined according to the identification information of the indoor unit 50a, has elapsed. Upon receiving the earliest authentication process start request, the outdoor unit 10a sends a start signal to both the indoor unit 20a and the indoor unit 50a indicating the start of the authentication process. The indoor units 20a and 50a are configured to cancel sending the authentication process start request if they receive a start signal from the outdoor unit 10a before sending the authentication process start request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, a parent air conditioner, and a child air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an air conditioning system having a plurality of air conditioners such as an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, for example, like the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-071809), identification information such as an address unique to each air conditioner is allocated, and by performing information processing based on the identification information, an air conditioning system for managing and controlling each air conditioner via a communication network has been proposed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] As such an air conditioning system, there is one configured to include, as a plurality of air conditioners, a parent air conditioner and a child air conditioner managed or controlled by the parent air conditioner. In this air conditioning system, first, in order to establish the connection of a plurality of air conditioners via a communication network and construct the communication network, an initial authentication process in which the parent air conditioner authenticates the child air conditioner is performed. This initial authentication process is performed, for example, by causing a plurality of child air conditioners to transmit a start request for the authentication process to the parent air conditioner, and the parent air conditioner that has received the start request from each child air conditioner responding to each start request.

[0004] Here, for example, if start requests for the authentication process are simultaneously transmitted from all the child air conditioners, the communication load on the communication network will temporarily increase. For this reason, in each child air conditioner, it is conceivable to suppress the overlap of the transmission timings of the start requests for the authentication process, such as by causing a predetermined time difference, and to disperse the communication load on the communication network.

[0005] However, even if the temporary communication load on the communication network can be distributed, the fact remains that all sub-air conditioners will still send signals requesting the start of the authentication process, meaning there is still room to further reduce the communication load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioning system relating to the first aspect comprises a master air conditioner and a plurality of slave air conditioners. The plurality of slave air conditioners are connected to the master air conditioner via a communication network. The plurality of slave air conditioners include a first slave air conditioner and a second slave air conditioner. The first slave air conditioner is configured to send a request to start authentication processing to the master air conditioner after a first time period determined according to a first predetermined condition. The second slave air conditioner is configured to send a request to start authentication processing to the master air conditioner after a second time period determined according to a second predetermined condition. The master air conditioner sends a start signal to both the first and second slave air conditioners indicating the start of authentication processing in response to the earlier of receiving a request to start authentication processing from the first slave air conditioner or a request to start authentication processing from the second slave air conditioner. The first slave air conditioner is configured to cancel sending the request to start authentication processing if it receives a start signal from the master air conditioner before sending the request to start authentication processing. The second child air conditioner is configured to cancel sending the authentication process start request if it receives a start signal from the parent air conditioner before sending the authentication process start request.

[0007] The start times of the first and second hours are not particularly limited, but for example, they may be the timing when power is supplied to multiple sub-air conditioners, or, if the air conditioning system has a reception unit for initiating authentication processing, the timing may be when the reception unit receives an instruction to start authentication processing.

[0008] The first predetermined condition may be determined based on information specific to the first sub-air conditioner, such as the MAC address of the communication device installed in the first sub-air conditioner or the ID of the first sub-air conditioner, and the second predetermined condition may be determined based on information specific to the second sub-air conditioner, such as the MAC address of the communication device installed in the second sub-air conditioner or the ID of the second sub-air conditioner. For example, the first and second times may be determined randomly based on the MAC address of the communication device installed in the sub-air conditioner or the ID of the sub-air conditioner, and in this case, the first and second times may coincide by chance.

[0009] In this air conditioning system, the master air conditioner sends a start signal to both the first and second slave air conditioners, indicating the start of authentication processing, in response to the earlier of receiving a request to start authentication processing from either the first or second slave air conditioner. Therefore, among the first and second slave air conditioners that receive the start signal from the master air conditioner, the slave air conditioner that sent the authentication processing start request later can be instructed to cancel sending the authentication processing start request. This makes it possible to reduce the communication load on the communication network.

[0010] In the air conditioning system relating to the second perspective, the main air conditioner and multiple sub-air conditioners share a common power supply system, similar to the air conditioning system relating to the first perspective.

[0011] For example, if power is supplied simultaneously from a common power supply system to a master air conditioner and multiple slave air conditioners, and the timing of the start requests sent by the multiple slave air conditioners is determined based on the same algorithm, the communication load on the communication network will temporarily increase. In contrast, in this air conditioning system, the first slave air conditioner sends a start request after the first hour has elapsed, and the second slave air conditioner sends a start request after the second hour has elapsed. Therefore, even if power is supplied simultaneously, it is possible to reduce the communication load on the communication network.

[0012] In the third aspect of the air conditioning system, in the first or second aspect of the air conditioning system, the master air conditioner transmits a start signal to all slave air conditioners when it first receives a request to start authentication processing from any of the slave air conditioners.

[0013] Here, all sub-air conditioners are configured to send a request to the parent air conditioner to start the authentication process after a time has elapsed that is determined according to the predetermined conditions of each sub-air conditioner.

[0014] In this air conditioning system, after the initial authentication process start request from a slave air conditioner is received, a start signal is sent to all slave air conditioners. This allows the master air conditioner to cancel the transmission of authentication process start requests from slave air conditioners that were scheduled to be sent after the master air conditioner initially received the start request. This reduces the communication load on the communication network.

[0015] The air conditioning system relating to the fourth perspective is an air conditioning system relating to either the first or third perspective, in which the first predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the identification information of the first sub-air conditioner. The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the identification information of the second sub-air conditioner.

[0016] The identification information may, for example, be the MAC address information unique to the communication device installed in the sub-air conditioner, or it may be an ID unique to the sub-air conditioner determined from the serial number of the sub-air conditioner, etc.

[0017] This air conditioning system makes it easy to differentiate between the first and second time slots.

[0018] In the fifth perspective, in an air conditioning system relating to any of the first to fourth perspectives, if the air conditioning system comprises an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units that together constitute a refrigerant system with the outdoor unit, the main air conditioning unit includes the outdoor unit and the slave air conditioning unit includes the plurality of indoor units. If the air conditioning system comprises an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units that together constitute a part of a refrigerant system with the outdoor unit, and a plurality of connection units interposed between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units in a one-to-one correspondence with the indoor units and constituting another part of the refrigerant system, the main air conditioning unit includes the outdoor unit and the slave air conditioning unit includes the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of connection units. When an air conditioning system includes a first outdoor unit, one or more first indoor units that together constitute a first refrigerant system with the first outdoor unit, a second outdoor unit, and one or more second indoor units that together constitute a second refrigerant system with the second outdoor unit, the parent air conditioner includes the first outdoor unit, and the child air conditioner includes the second outdoor unit, one or more first indoor units, and one or more second indoor units.

[0019] Note that the second outdoor unit, which is not the main air conditioner unit, does not transmit a start signal to the sub-air conditioner units.

[0020] The master air conditioner in the sixth perspective is a master air conditioner that constitutes an air conditioning system together with multiple slave air conditioners, including a first slave air conditioner and a second slave air conditioner. The master air conditioner is connected to the multiple slave air conditioners via a communication network. The first slave air conditioner is configured to send a request to start authentication processing to the master air conditioner after a first time has elapsed, which is determined according to a first predetermined condition. The second slave air conditioner is configured to send a request to start authentication processing to the master air conditioner after a second time has elapsed, which is determined according to a second predetermined condition. In response to the reception of the request to start authentication processing from the first slave air conditioner or the request to start authentication processing from the second slave air conditioner, whichever is earlier, the master air conditioner sends a start signal to both the first and second slave air conditioners indicating the start of authentication processing. If the first slave air conditioner receives a start signal from the master air conditioner before sending the request to start authentication processing, it is configured to cancel the transmission of the request to start authentication processing. The second child air conditioner is configured to cancel sending the authentication process start request if it receives a start signal from the parent air conditioner before sending the authentication process start request.

[0021] The start times of the first and second hours are not particularly limited, but for example, they may be the timing when power is supplied to multiple sub-air conditioners, or, if the air conditioning system has a reception unit for initiating authentication processing, the timing may be when the reception unit receives an instruction to start authentication processing.

[0022] The first predetermined condition may be determined based on information specific to the first sub-air conditioner, such as the MAC address of the communication device installed in the first sub-air conditioner or the ID of the first sub-air conditioner, and the second predetermined condition may be determined based on information specific to the second sub-air conditioner, such as the MAC address of the communication device installed in the second sub-air conditioner or the ID of the second sub-air conditioner. For example, the first and second times may be determined randomly based on the MAC address of the communication device installed in the sub-air conditioner or the ID of the sub-air conditioner, and in this case, the first and second times may coincide by chance.

[0023] In this master air conditioner, upon receiving either a request to start authentication processing from the first slave air conditioner or a request to start authentication processing from the second slave air conditioner, whichever is earlier, the master unit sends a start signal to both the first and second slave air conditioners indicating the start of authentication processing. As a result, among the first and second slave air conditioners that receive the start signal from the master unit, the slave air conditioner that sent the authentication processing start request later can cancel sending the authentication processing start request. This makes it possible to reduce the communication load on the communication network.

[0024] The child air conditioner relating to the seventh perspective is one child air conditioner in an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system comprises a master air conditioner and a plurality of child air conditioners. The master air conditioner and the plurality of child air conditioners are connected via a communication network. The plurality of child air conditioners are configured to send an authentication process start request to the master air conditioner after a time has elapsed determined according to their respective predetermined conditions. The master air conditioner sends a start signal to the plurality of child air conditioners indicating the start of the authentication process in response to the earliest receipt of the start request. If the plurality of child air conditioners receive a start signal from the master air conditioner before sending the authentication process start request, they are configured to cancel the transmission of the authentication process start request.

[0025] The start timing of the time determined according to the predetermined conditions is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be the timing when power supply is started to multiple sub-air conditioners, or, if the air conditioning system has a reception unit for initiating authentication processing, it may be the timing when the reception unit receives an instruction to start authentication processing.

[0026] The specified conditions may be determined based on information unique to the sub-air conditioner, such as the MAC address of the communication device installed in the sub-air conditioner or the ID of the sub-air conditioner. For example, the time may be determined randomly based on the MAC address of the communication device installed in the sub-air conditioner or the ID of the sub-air conditioner, in which case the time of a particular sub-air conditioner may coincidentally coincide with the time of other sub-air conditioners.

[0027] In this child air conditioner, when a start signal indicating the start of authentication processing transmitted from the parent air conditioner is received in response to the reception of the earliest start request, if the start request has not been transmitted yet, the transmission of the start request is cancelled. This makes it possible to reduce the communication load on the communication network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system. [Figure 2] It is a connection configuration diagram regarding the refrigerant system of the air conditioning system. [Figure 3] It is a connection configuration diagram regarding the communication of the air conditioning system. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of the self-system recognition process. [Figure 5] It is a connection configuration diagram regarding the refrigerant system of the air conditioning system according to another Embodiment B.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, the air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of the air conditioning system will be described by taking it as an example.

[0030] (1) Overview of the air conditioning system 1 FIG. 1 shows the electrical connection relationship of a plurality of air conditioners (outdoor units, indoor units). FIG. 2 shows the connection relationship regarding the refrigerant circulation of a plurality of air conditioners (outdoor units, indoor units). FIG. 3 shows a functional block configuration diagram in the air conditioning system 1.

[0031] The air conditioning system 1 is configured to include a plurality of refrigerant systems A and B. Each of the refrigerant systems A and B includes a plurality of air conditioners.

[0032] The refrigerant system A includes an outdoor unit 10a, an indoor unit 20a, and an indoor unit 50a, which are air conditioners, and refrigerant circulates among them. The refrigerant system B includes an outdoor unit 10b and an indoor unit 20b, which are air conditioners, and refrigerant circulates between them.

[0033] Outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, and indoor unit 50a, which belong to refrigerant system A, are electrically connected in a bus-type wiring configuration so that they can communicate with each other via the transmission lines (shown by dotted lines) within refrigerant system A. Outdoor unit 10b and indoor unit 20b, which belong to refrigerant system B, are electrically connected in a bus-type wiring configuration so that they can communicate with each other via the transmission lines (shown by dotted lines) within refrigerant system B.

[0034] The air conditioners belonging to refrigerant systems A and B are electrically connected so that they can communicate via external transmission lines (shown by dotted lines). In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 10a belonging to refrigerant system A and the outdoor unit 10b belonging to refrigerant system B are connected via external transmission lines (shown by dotted lines) in a bus-type wiring configuration.

[0035] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, indoor unit 50a, outdoor unit 10b, and indoor unit 20b are all connected to the same distribution board 7 via power lines, and therefore share a common power supply.

[0036] As a communication system, the air conditioning system 1 is a communication system in which one specific unit among several air conditioners functions as the master air conditioner, and the remaining air conditioners function as slave air conditioners. In this embodiment of the air conditioning system 1, the outdoor unit 10a functions as the master air conditioner, and the indoor units 20a, 50a, 10b, and 20b are predetermined to function as slave air conditioners. This allows the master air conditioner, the outdoor unit 10a, to manage and control each of the slave air conditioners. The slave air conditioner, the outdoor unit 10b, manages and controls the indoor units 20b of the refrigerant system to which it belongs based on commands from the master air conditioner, the outdoor unit 10a.

[0037] Furthermore, the communication network of the air conditioning system 1 in this embodiment is configured such that devices connected via physically existing transmission lines can communicate using low-frequency signals while suppressing crosstalk, and that devices not connected via physically existing transmission lines can communicate using high-frequency signals by generating crosstalk through inductive coupling or the like between transmission lines located at close range. Hereafter, unless otherwise explicitly stated that low-frequency signals are used, communication in the communication network will be conducted using high-frequency signals. Note that the transmission lines in this embodiment are not particularly limited, and for example, power lines or the like may be used as transmission lines.

[0038] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 1, outdoor unit 10a, which is also the master air conditioner in the communication system, is predetermined to function as the system master outdoor unit that performs the overall processing of refrigerant system A to which it belongs, and outdoor unit 10b, which is a slave air conditioner in the communication system, is predetermined to function as the system master outdoor unit that performs the overall processing of refrigerant system B to which it belongs. Each air conditioner in the air conditioning system 1 may be configured to determine whether or not it is the system master outdoor unit based on information pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller, such as the ROM described later, that the air conditioner has. Here, for example, if multiple outdoor units are connected to one refrigerant system, one of those multiple outdoor units will function as the system master outdoor unit.

[0039] (2) Overview of the refrigerant circuit Each refrigerant system A and B has refrigerant circuits 2a and 2b, respectively, which are composed of refrigerant equipment connected to the refrigerant equipment belonging to that system. Although the refrigerant systems are connected to each other via transmission lines outside the systems, these refrigerant circuits 2a and 2b for each refrigerant system are physically independent of each other, and refrigerant does not flow between refrigerant systems. Equipment belonging to each system will be given a lowercase subscript corresponding to the system name. Furthermore, the description of equipment belonging to refrigerant system B other than refrigerant system A will be omitted as it can be understood as a description of equipment corresponding to refrigerant system A.

[0040] Refrigerant system A includes an outdoor unit 10a, an indoor unit 20a, an indoor unit 50a, a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a, a gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, and an air conditioning controller 8a that controls various operations in refrigerant system A.

[0041] Refrigerant system A harmonizes the air in the target space where indoor unit 20a is installed and the air in the target space where indoor unit 50a is installed by performing a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle within refrigerant system A. Indoor units 20a and 50a are connected in parallel to each other in refrigerant circuit 2a.

[0042] (2-1) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 10a is connected to the indoor unit 20a via liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a and gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, and constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 2a of refrigerant system A. The outdoor unit 10a mainly includes a compressor 11a, a four-way switching valve 12a, an outdoor heat exchanger 13a, an outdoor expansion valve 16a, a low-pressure receiver 14a, an outdoor fan 15a, an outdoor controller 17a, etc.

[0043] The compressor 11a is a device that compresses the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle of refrigerant system A until it reaches high pressure. In this embodiment, a compressor 11a with variable capacity is used, which is controlled by the operating frequency.

[0044] The four-way switching valve 12a can switch between two states by switching the connection state in the refrigerant circuit 2a: one in which the discharge side of the compressor 11a is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13a while the suction side of the compressor 11a is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3a via the low-pressure receiver 14a (see solid line in Figure 2); and another in which the discharge side of the compressor 11a is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3a while the suction side of the compressor 11a is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13a via the low-pressure receiver 14a (see dotted line in Figure 2).

[0045] The outdoor heat exchanger 13a is a heat exchanger that functions as a condenser or radiator for high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle of refrigerant system A during cooling operation, and as an evaporator for low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle of refrigerant system A during heating operation.

[0046] The outdoor fan 15a supplies outdoor air into the outdoor unit 10a to the outdoor heat exchanger 13a, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant, and then generates an airflow to discharge the air to the outside of the outdoor unit 10a. The outdoor fan 15a is rotationally driven by an outdoor fan motor.

[0047] The outdoor expansion valve 16a is installed between the liquid-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 13a and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a. The valve opening of the outdoor expansion valve 16a can be adjusted, for example, by control.

[0048] The low-pressure receiver 14a is located between the suction side of the compressor 11a and one of the connection ports of the four-way switching valve 12a, and is a refrigerant container capable of storing excess refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 2a as liquid refrigerant.

[0049] The outdoor controller 17a controls the operation of each component of the outdoor unit 10a. The outdoor controller 17a has multiple communication ports. The outdoor controller 17a is connected to the indoor controller 25a via a transmission line extending from one of the communication ports. The outdoor controller 17a is also connected to the outdoor controller 17b via a transmission line extending from another communication port. As shown in Figure 3, the outdoor controller 17a includes an outdoor communicator 31a and an outdoor microcontroller 36a.

[0050] The outdoor communication device 31a is a device for enabling communication between the outdoor controller 17a and other devices. It transmits information sent from the outdoor microcontroller 36a to other devices via the communication network, and receives information sent from other devices to the outdoor microcontroller 36a via the communication network. The outdoor communication device 31a has a processor 32a, ROM 33a, RAM 34a, and HPS 35a. The processor 32a is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The ROM 33a is a read-only memory and stores programs that are read and executed by the processor 32a to perform various communication processing, data for those programs, an ID which is unique identification information for the air conditioner obtained from the outdoor microcontroller 36a, and a system list which is a list of identification information for each air conditioner belonging to its own refrigerant system. Since the outdoor communication device 31a belongs to the outdoor unit 10a, which is the master air conditioner, its ROM 33a stores network configuration information, including the IDs of each air conditioner authorized to participate in the communication network of the air conditioning system 1. RAM 34a is Random Access Memory and functions as primary storage memory and working memory. HPS 35a is a high-pass filter that allows high-frequency signals to pass through and low-frequency signals to pass through among the communication signals it receives. The outdoor unit 10a is aware in advance that it is the master air conditioner by methods such as storing information in the ROM 38a of the outdoor microcontroller 36a, storing information in the ROM 33a of the outdoor communication device 31a, or confirming that its own address is the smallest when it is predetermined that the outdoor unit with the smallest address will be the master air conditioner. For this reason, the outdoor microcontroller 36a and the outdoor communication device 31a perform the various communication processes described later as the master air conditioner.

[0051] The outdoor microcontroller 36a is a device that performs information processing as the master air conditioner of the air conditioning system 1, controls the components of the outdoor unit 10a, and issues control instructions to the indoor controller 25a. It has a processor 37a, a ROM 38a, and a RAM 39a. The processor 37a is composed of, for example, a CPU, an MPU, etc. The ROM 38a stores programs that are read and executed by the processor 37a for various air conditioning controls and instruction creation, data for those programs, an ID which is unique identification information for the air conditioner, and information such as a self-system list which identifies each air conditioner belonging to its own refrigerant system by ID, etc., obtained from the outdoor communication device 31a. The ID of each air conditioner is determined to correspond to the unique manufacturing number of each air conditioner and does not overlap between air conditioners. The RAM 39a functions as primary storage memory and working memory. Furthermore, the outdoor microcomputer 36a controls the components of the outdoor unit 10a by starting and stopping the compressor 11a, controlling the operating frequency, switching the four-way switching valve 12a, controlling the airflow of the outdoor fan 15a, and controlling the valve opening of the outdoor expansion valve 16a, according to the set temperature information and operating mode information from the remote controls 24a and 54a of the refrigerant system A.

[0052] Outdoor unit 10b differs from outdoor unit 10a, which is the master air conditioner, in that it functions as a slave air conditioner, but its general configuration is the same as that of outdoor unit 10a, and is indicated by the subscript b. Outdoor unit 10b is aware in advance that it is a slave air conditioner by methods such as storing information in the ROM 38b of the outdoor microcontroller 36b, storing information in the ROM 33b of the outdoor communication device 31b, or confirming that its own address is not the smallest when it is predetermined that the outdoor unit with the smallest address will be the master air conditioner. For this reason, the outdoor microcontroller 36b and the outdoor communication device 31b perform various communication processes as a slave air conditioner, as described later.

[0053] The outdoor controller 17b also has multiple communication ports, and is connected to the outdoor controller 17a via a transmission line extending from one communication port, and to the indoor controller 25b via a transmission line extending from another communication port. Since HPS35b is provided between the multiple communication ports of the outdoor controller 17b, the outdoor controller 17a and the indoor controller 25b can exchange signals using high-frequency communication, but the outdoor controller 17a and the indoor controller 25b cannot communicate using low-frequency signals.

[0054] (2-2) Indoor unit The indoor unit 20a is installed on the walls or ceiling of the room that is the target space. The indoor unit 20a is connected to the outdoor unit 10a via liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a and gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, and constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 2a of refrigerant system A.

[0055] The indoor unit 20a includes an indoor heat exchanger 21a, an indoor fan 22a, an indoor expansion valve 26a, an indoor temperature sensor 23a, a remote control 24a, and an indoor controller 25a.

[0056] The indoor heat exchanger 21a is connected to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a on its liquid side and to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3a on its gas side. The indoor heat exchanger 21a functions as an evaporator for the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation and as a condenser or heat exchanger for the high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation.

[0057] The indoor fan 22a draws in indoor air, which is the space to be air-conditioned, into the indoor unit 20a, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 21a, and then generates an airflow to discharge the air to the outside of the indoor unit 20a. The indoor fan 22a is rotationally driven by an indoor fan motor.

[0058] The indoor expansion valve 26a is installed between the liquid-side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21a and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a. The opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 26a can be adjusted, for example, by control.

[0059] The indoor temperature sensor 23a detects the temperature of the space targeted by the indoor unit 20a and transmits this information to the indoor controller 25a.

[0060] The remote control 24a is operated by the user and receives information such as the set temperature and the selection of an operating mode, such as cooling or heating, and transmits it to the indoor controller 25a.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, the indoor controller 25a includes an indoor communication device 41a and an indoor microcontroller 46a.

[0062] The indoor communication device 41a is a device for communicating with the indoor controller 25a, indoor controller 55a, and other devices. It transmits information sent from the indoor microcontroller 46a to other devices via the communication network, and receives information sent from other devices to the indoor microcontroller 46a via the communication network. The indoor communication device 41a has a processor 42a, a ROM 43a, and a RAM 44a. The processor 42a is composed of, for example, a CPU, MPU, etc. The ROM 43a stores programs that are read and executed by the processor 42a to perform various communication processing, data for those programs, information such as an ID which is unique identification information for the air conditioner obtained from the indoor microcontroller 46a, and a system list which is a list of identification information for each air conditioner belonging to its own refrigerant system. The RAM 44a functions as primary storage memory and working memory. Furthermore, the indoor unit 20a recognizes in advance that it is a slave air conditioner because information is stored in the ROM 48a of the indoor microcontroller 46a, etc., and information is stored in the ROM 43a of the indoor communication device 41a, etc. Therefore, the indoor microcontroller 46a and the indoor communication device 41a perform the various communication processes described later as slave air conditioners.

[0063] The indoor microcontroller 46a is a device that controls the components of the indoor unit 20a and has a processor 47a, a ROM 48a, and a RAM 49a. The processor 47a is composed of, for example, a CPU, an MPU, etc. The ROM 48a stores programs that are read and executed by the processor 47a for various air conditioning controls, data for those programs, an ID which is unique identification information for the air conditioner, and information such as a self-system list which identifies each air conditioner belonging to its own refrigerant system by ID, etc., obtained from the indoor communication device 41a. The RAM 49a functions as primary memory and working memory. The indoor microcontroller 46a, for example, grasps the detected value of the indoor temperature sensor 23a of the indoor unit 20a belonging to refrigerant system A, and performs various controls such as valve opening control of the indoor expansion valve 26a and airflow control of the indoor fan 22a of the indoor unit 20a belonging to refrigerant system A, according to the set temperature information and operating mode information from the remote control 24a of the same refrigerant system.

[0064] The indoor unit 50a is similar to the indoor unit 20a and has the configurations indicated by the corresponding reference numerals in the 50s. The indoor unit 50a is connected to the outdoor unit 10a via liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a and gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, and is connected in parallel with the indoor unit 20a, forming part of the refrigerant circuit 2a of refrigerant system A.

[0065] The indoor unit 50a, like the indoor unit 20a, includes an indoor heat exchanger 51a, an indoor fan 52a, an indoor expansion valve 56a, an indoor temperature sensor 53a, a remote control 54a, and an indoor controller 55a.

[0066] The indoor controller 65a is the same as the indoor controller 25a and includes an indoor communication device 61a and an indoor microcontroller 66a.

[0067] The indoor communication device 61a is a device for enabling communication between the indoor controller 65a and other devices. It transmits information sent from the indoor microcontroller 66a to other devices via the communication network, and receives information sent from other devices to the indoor microcontroller 66a via the communication network. The indoor communication device 61a has a processor 62a, a ROM 63a, and a RAM 64a. The processor 62a is composed of, for example, a CPU, MPU, etc. The ROM 63a stores programs that are read and executed by the processor 62a to perform various communication processing, data for those programs, information such as an ID which is unique identification information for the air conditioner obtained from the indoor microcontroller 66a, and a system list which is a list of identification information for each air conditioner belonging to its own refrigerant system. The RAM 64a functions as primary storage memory and working memory. Furthermore, the indoor unit 50a recognizes in advance that it is a slave air conditioner because information is stored in the ROM 68a of the indoor microcontroller 66a, etc., and information is stored in the ROM 63a of the indoor communication device 61a, etc. Therefore, the indoor microcontroller 66a and the indoor communication device 61a perform the various communication processes described later as slave air conditioners.

[0068] The indoor microcontroller 66a is a device that controls the components of the indoor unit 50a and has a processor 67a, a ROM 68a, and a RAM 69a. The processor 67a is composed of, for example, a CPU, an MPU, etc. The ROM 68a stores programs that are read and executed by the processor 67a for various air conditioning controls, data for those programs, an ID which is unique identification information for the air conditioner, and information such as a self-system list which identifies each air conditioner belonging to its own refrigerant system by ID, etc., obtained from the indoor communication device 61a. The RAM 69a functions as primary memory and working memory. The indoor microcontroller 66a, for example, grasps the detected value of the indoor temperature sensor 53a of the indoor unit 50a belonging to refrigerant system A, and performs various controls such as valve opening control of the indoor expansion valve 56a and airflow control of the indoor fan 52a of the indoor unit 50a belonging to refrigerant system A, according to the set temperature information and operating mode information from the remote control 54a of the same refrigerant system.

[0069] The specific configuration of indoor unit 20b is the same as that of indoor unit 20a, and is indicated by the subscript b. Indoor unit 20b also recognizes in advance that it is a slave air conditioner, and the indoor microcomputer 46b and indoor communication device 41b perform the various communication processes described later as a slave air conditioner.

[0070] (2-3) Air conditioning controller In refrigerant system A, the outdoor controller 17a, indoor controller 25a, and indoor controller 65a are connected via transmission lines within the system to enable communication, thereby forming the air conditioning controller 8a of refrigerant system A. The air conditioning controller 8a performs air conditioning control processing for each device in refrigerant system A, such as ensuring that the set temperature is met.

[0071] Similarly, in refrigerant system B, the outdoor controller 17b and the indoor controller 25b are connected via a transmission line within the system to enable communication, thereby constituting the air conditioning controller 8b for refrigerant system B. The air conditioning controller 8b performs air conditioning control processing for each device in refrigerant system B, such as ensuring that the set temperature is met.

[0072] (3) Air conditioning control processing As described above, the refrigeration cycles of refrigerant systems A and B in the air conditioning system 1 are independent of each other, and refrigerant system A can be controlled by air conditioning controller 8a, and refrigerant system B can be controlled by air conditioning controller 8b. The outdoor controller 17a of the outdoor unit 10a, which is the main air conditioning unit, can also perform coordinated control such as simultaneously starting or stopping refrigerant system A and refrigerant system B, and can also collect and manage information obtained from various sensors in refrigerant system A and refrigerant system B.

[0073] In the following explanation, we will use the cooling and heating modes performed in refrigerant system A as examples, but the same principles apply to other refrigerant systems B.

[0074] The air conditioning controller 8a, which consists of an outdoor controller 17a and an indoor controller 25a, selectively executes either a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode based on instructions received from the remote control 24a or the like.

[0075] In cooling operation mode, the operating frequency of the compressor 11a is capacity-controlled, for example, so that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 2a becomes the target evaporation temperature. The gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11a condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger 13a via the four-way switching valve 12a. The refrigerant that has flowed through the outdoor heat exchanger 13a is depressurized as it passes through the outdoor expansion valve 16a, which has a controlled valve opening. The refrigerant that has been depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve 16a flows through the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a and is divided and sent to the indoor unit 20a and the indoor unit 50a. After that, the refrigerant is depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 26a, which has a controlled valve opening, and evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 21a, and is depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 56a, which has a controlled valve opening, and evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 51a, and after merging, flows into the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a. The refrigerant that has flowed through the gas refrigerant communication pipe 3a is drawn back into the compressor 11a after passing through the four-way switching valve 12a and the low-pressure receiver 14a.

[0076] In heating operation mode, the operating frequency of the compressor 11a is capacity-controlled, for example, so that the condensation temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 2a reaches the target condensation temperature. The gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11a flows through the four-way switching valve 12a and the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 3a, and is then divided and sent to the indoor unit 20a and the indoor unit 50a. Subsequently, the refrigerants condense in the indoor heat exchanger 21a and are depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 26a with controlled valve opening, and then condense in the indoor heat exchanger 51a and are depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 56a with controlled valve opening, before merging and flowing into the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a. The refrigerant sent to the outdoor unit 10a via the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4a is depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve 16a and evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 13a. The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 13a is drawn back into the compressor 11a via the four-way switching valve 12a and the low-pressure receiver 14a.

[0077] (4) Initial authentication process In air conditioning system 1, at the time of system installation, each air conditioner (outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, indoor unit 50a, outdoor unit 10b, indoor unit 20b) is physically wired and connected to each other via transmission lines. An initial authentication process is then performed when the system is first powered on. Each air conditioner is connected via transmission lines, but even after power is supplied, it does not know which air conditioner it is connected to. Therefore, triggered by the power being supplied to each air conditioner, an initial authentication process is performed when air conditioning system 1 is started up to determine the connection status of each air conditioner.

[0078] When power is supplied to the air conditioning system 1, the outdoor controller 17a of the outdoor unit 10a, the indoor controller 25a of the indoor unit 20a, the indoor controller 65a of the indoor unit 50a, the outdoor controller 17b of the outdoor unit 10b, and the indoor controller 25b of the indoor unit 20b all start up and begin processing such as transmitting signals in a communication network configured by connecting each air conditioner via a transmission line.

[0079] During the initial authentication process, the process of joining the authentication process takes place first.

[0080] In the communication network participation process, all child air conditioners included in air conditioning system 1 are made to participate in the authentication process on the communication network of the parent air conditioner, which is the communication network of air conditioning system 1.

[0081] In the process of participating in the authentication process, first, the indoor units 20a and 50a, and the outdoor unit 10b and indoor unit 20b, acting as slave air conditioners, send a request to participate in the authentication process (a request to start the authentication process) to the outdoor unit 10a, which acts as the master air conditioner. Specifically, the indoor communication device 41a of indoor unit 20a, the indoor communication device 61a of indoor unit 50a, the outdoor communication device 31b of outdoor unit 10b, and the indoor communication device 41b of indoor unit 20b each send a signal to the outdoor communication device 31a of the master air conditioner, requesting participation in the authentication process, when they satisfy their respective predetermined conditions for sending participation requests. The predetermined condition for sending participation requests for these slave air conditioners is that a predetermined waiting time for sending participation requests has elapsed since the start of power supply. Here, the predetermined waiting time for sending participation requests is calculated by substituting the MAC address (Media Access Control address) of the communication device of the slave air conditioner or identification information such as the ID of the slave air conditioner into a predetermined function. The MAC addresses of the communication devices of the child air conditioners do not overlap, and since indoor units 20a and 50a, and outdoor unit 10b and indoor unit 20b each have different IDs, it is possible to make the predetermined waiting time for sending participation requests different. In principle, it is preferable that the predetermined waiting time for sending participation requests calculated by substituting the identification information into a predetermined function is also different if the identification information is different, but it is acceptable if the calculated predetermined waiting times for sending participation requests are the same in exceptional cases.

[0082] This makes it possible to make the timing of the authentication process participation request sent from the indoor communication device 41a of the indoor unit 20a, the timing of the authentication process participation request sent from the indoor communication device 61a of the indoor unit 50a, the timing of the authentication process participation request sent from the outdoor communication device 31b of the outdoor unit 10b, and the timing of the authentication process participation request sent from the indoor communication device 41b of the indoor unit 20b different. Therefore, even if power is simultaneously supplied to the outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, indoor unit 50a, outdoor unit 10b, and indoor unit 20b, all connected to the same distribution board 7, and communication processing is simultaneously initiated in the indoor communication device 41a of indoor unit 20a, the indoor communication device 61a of indoor unit 50a, the outdoor communication device 31b of outdoor unit 10b, and the indoor communication device 41b of indoor unit 20b, it is possible to stagger the timing of the transmission of the authentication processing participation request, thereby preventing a temporary increase in the communication load on the transmission line.

[0083] Furthermore, when the outdoor communication device 31a of the parent air conditioner, the outdoor unit 10a, receives the earliest request to participate in the authentication process from any of the indoor communication devices 41a of the indoor unit 20a, 61a of the indoor unit 50a, 31b of the outdoor unit 10b, or 41b of the indoor unit 20b, it multicasts an authentication process participation response as a start signal indicating the start of the authentication process to all child air conditioners connected to it via the transmission line, not just the child air conditioner that sent the request to participate in the authentication process. More specifically, when the outdoor communication device 31a receives the earliest request to participate in the authentication process, it sends an authentication process participation response to the indoor communication devices 41a, 61a, 31b, and 41b. As a result, each of the child air conditioners, namely indoor unit 20a, indoor unit 50a, outdoor unit 10b, and indoor unit 20b, transitions to a state where they can participate in the authentication process on the communication network of the parent air conditioner, outdoor unit 10a.

[0084] Furthermore, when a response to participate in the authentication process is received from the outdoor communication device 31a of the parent air conditioner (outdoor unit 10a), the predetermined waiting time for sending a participation request has not elapsed, and the child air conditioners that were waiting for a participation request for the authentication process will cancel sending the participation request. Specifically, among the indoor communication devices 41a of indoor unit 20a, 61a of indoor unit 50a, 31b of outdoor unit 10b, and 41b of indoor unit 20b, all but the one that sent the participation request for the authentication process first will cancel their participation request. This makes it possible to further suppress the increase in communication load on the transmission line.

[0085] Once each child air conditioner's participation in the communication network of the parent air conditioner, the outdoor unit 10a, is authenticated as described above, the parent air conditioner, the outdoor unit 10a, performs a network participation approval process. In the participation approval process, the outdoor microcontroller 36a of the parent air conditioner, the outdoor unit 10a, notifies the microcontrollers of each child air conditioner of its unique identification information, such as its address and ID, as a network ID, to inform them that it is its communication network. Upon receiving the network ID, the microcontroller of each child air conditioner sends a network participation approval request to the parent air conditioner's microcontroller, the outdoor microcontroller 36a, requesting to join the parent air conditioner's communication network. Upon receiving the network participation approval request from the child air conditioner's microcontroller, the parent air conditioner's outdoor microcontroller 36a sends a network participation approval response to the child air conditioner's microcontroller that sent the network participation approval request. This completes the participation approval process.

[0086] Once the participation approval process is complete, outdoor units 10a and 10b, which are the main outdoor units of each refrigerant system, use known communication means (such as filter circuits or relays) that can reach only the air conditioners belonging to their respective refrigerant systems to notify each air conditioner belonging to their refrigerant system of their unique identification information, such as their address and ID, as a group ID. Specifically, the outdoor microcontroller 36a of outdoor unit 10a notifies the indoor microcontroller 46a of indoor unit 20a, which belongs to its refrigerant system A, of its identification information via the indoor communication device 41a, using the outdoor communication device 31a. The indoor microcontroller 46a stores the identification information of outdoor unit 10a, which indicates the refrigerant system (refrigerant system A) to which indoor unit 20a belongs, as a group ID in ROM 48a. Similarly, the outdoor microcontroller 36b of the outdoor unit 10b notifies the indoor microcontroller 46b of the indoor unit 20b, which belongs to its refrigerant system B, of its identification information as a group ID via the indoor communication device 31b. The indoor microcontroller 46b stores the identification information of the outdoor unit 10b, which indicates the refrigerant system (refrigerant system B) to which the indoor unit 20b belongs, as a group ID in the ROM 48b.

[0087] The initial authentication process is now complete.

[0088] Once the initial authentication process is complete, the system recognition process begins.

[0089] (5) Self-system recognition processing Figure 4 shows a time chart of the self-system recognition process.

[0090] In the self-system recognition process, the system-main outdoor unit, which belongs to each refrigerant system, performs a process to identify the air conditioners belonging to its own refrigerant system, and the air conditioners other than the system-main unit, which belong to each refrigerant system, perform a process to identify the system-main outdoor unit in the refrigerant system to which it belongs.

[0091] Specifically, the self-system recognition process begins when the outdoor microcontroller 36a of the parent air conditioner (outdoor unit 10a) sends a self-system recognition trigger message via multicast using a high-frequency signal to inform each air conditioner that the self-system recognition process is starting. Here, the outdoor microcontroller 36a of the parent air conditioner (outdoor unit 10a) sends a self-system recognition trigger message via multicast to the indoor microcontroller 46a of the child air conditioner (indoor unit 20a), the indoor microcontroller 66a of the child air conditioner (indoor unit 50a), the outdoor microcontroller 36b of the child air conditioner (outdoor unit 10b), and the indoor microcontroller 46b of the child air conditioner (indoor unit 20b).

[0092] The outdoor microcontroller 36a of outdoor unit 10a, which is the parent air conditioner and the main outdoor unit of the system that sent the self-system recognition trigger message, and the outdoor microcontroller 36b of outdoor unit 10b, which is the main outdoor unit of the system that received the self-system recognition trigger message, start counting time from this point using a self-unit information reception waiting timer, which is a predetermined reception waiting time set in advance. This predetermined reception waiting time is a predetermined length of time that is specified in advance based on a predetermined upper limit value of the number of air conditioners that make up the refrigerant system.

[0093] Among the air conditioners that have received the self-system recognition trigger message, each air conditioner that is not the system's main outdoor unit sends a self-unit information registration request to the system's main outdoor unit of the refrigerant system to which it belongs. Specifically, each air conditioner that is not the system's main outdoor unit can identify the system's main outdoor unit of the refrigerant system to which it belongs based on the group ID indicating the refrigerant system that it received and stored during the initial authentication process described above, and then send a self-unit information registration request to the system's main outdoor unit of the refrigerant system to which it belongs. Specifically, indoor microcontroller 46a sends a self-unit information registration request to outdoor microcontroller 36a, indoor microcontroller 66a sends a self-unit information registration request to outdoor microcontroller 36a, and indoor microcontroller 46b sends a self-unit information registration request to outdoor microcontroller 36b.

[0094] When the outdoor microcontroller 36a of the outdoor unit 10a, which is the main outdoor unit of the system, receives a self-unit information registration request, it adds the air conditioner that sent the self-unit information registration request to its own system list, which is a list of air conditioners belonging to its own refrigerant system, and sends a self-unit information registration response request back to the air conditioner that sent the self-unit information registration request. Specifically, when the outdoor microcontroller 36a receives a self-unit information registration request from the indoor microcontroller 46a, it adds the indoor unit 20a equipped with the indoor microcontroller 46a to its own system list and sends a self-unit information registration response request back to the indoor microcontroller 46a. Furthermore, when the outdoor microcontroller 36a receives a self-unit information registration request from the indoor microcontroller 66a, it adds the indoor unit 50a equipped with the indoor microcontroller 66a to its own system list and sends a self-unit information registration response request back to the indoor microcontroller 66a. Similarly, when the outdoor microcontroller 36b of the outdoor unit 10b, which is the main outdoor unit of the system, receives a self-unit information registration request, it adds the air conditioner that sent the self-unit information registration request to its own system list, which is a list of air conditioners belonging to its own refrigerant system, and sends a self-unit information registration response request back to the air conditioner that sent the self-unit information registration request. Specifically, when the outdoor microcontroller 36b receives a self-unit information registration request from the indoor microcontroller 46b, it adds the indoor unit 20b equipped with the indoor microcontroller 46b to its own system list, and sends a self-unit information registration response request back to the indoor microcontroller 46b.

[0095] When an air conditioner receives a reply to its own information registration response request, it recognizes the air conditioner that sent the request as the main outdoor unit of the refrigerant system to which it belongs. Specifically, indoor microcontroller 46a sets and stores outdoor microcontroller 36a, the source of the own information registration response request, as the main outdoor unit of the refrigerant system to which it belongs. Indoor microcontroller 66a also sets and stores outdoor microcontroller 36a, the source of the own information registration response request, as the main outdoor unit of the refrigerant system to which it belongs. Similarly, indoor microcontroller 46b sets and stores outdoor microcontroller 36b, the source of the own information registration response request, as the main outdoor unit of the refrigerant system to which it belongs. As a result, indoor units 20a, 50a, and 20b, which are not the main outdoor units, complete system recognition, and indoor units 20a and 20b transition to a state where refrigerant control is possible.

[0096] When the outdoor microcontroller 36a of outdoor unit 10a, which is the main outdoor unit of the system, finishes counting the time set by the self-unit information reception waiting timer, which is a predetermined reception waiting time, it confirms the self-system list consisting of air conditioners that are the source of the self-unit information registration request received up to that point, and the self-system recognition for outdoor unit 10a, which is the main outdoor unit of the system, is completed. Specifically, the outdoor microcontroller 36a confirms the self-system list which includes the ID of outdoor unit 10a, the ID of indoor unit 20a, and the ID of indoor unit 50a as the IDs of air conditioners belonging to refrigerant system A. Similarly, when the outdoor microcontroller 36b of outdoor unit 10b, which is the main outdoor unit of the system, finishes counting the time set by the self-unit information reception waiting timer, which is a predetermined reception waiting time, it confirms the self-system list consisting of air conditioners that are the source of the self-unit information registration request received up to that point, and the self-system recognition for outdoor unit 10b, which is the main outdoor unit of the system, is completed. Specifically, the outdoor microcontroller 36b determines its own system list, which includes the ID of the outdoor unit 10b and the ID of the indoor unit 20b, as the IDs of the air conditioners belonging to refrigerant system B.

[0097] With the above steps completed, the process of self-system recognition is finished.

[0098] As a result, the outdoor microcontroller 36a, the indoor microcontroller 46a, and the indoor microcontroller 66a confirm that they belong to the same refrigerant system, perform initial communication, and then begin regular communication regarding refrigerant control. Similarly, the outdoor microcontroller 36b and the indoor microcontroller 46b confirm that they belong to the same refrigerant system, perform initial communication, and then begin regular communication regarding refrigerant control.

[0099] During initial communication, initial setup information such as the model, horsepower, and capacity of the connected air conditioners is exchanged for each refrigerant system.

[0100] In routine communication, communications are used to specifically control certain equipment, such as to achieve a set temperature.

[0101] (6) Features of the Embodiment According to the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, even when power is supplied simultaneously to the outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, indoor unit 50a, outdoor unit 10b, and indoor unit 20b, all connected to the same distribution board 7, the timing of the transmission of authentication processing participation requests from each sub-air conditioner is suppressed, preventing a peak in power supply. In particular, even if the processing capabilities and processing steps of the processors, etc., of the outdoor unit 10a, indoor unit 20a, indoor unit 50a, outdoor unit 10b, and indoor unit 20b are similar, and the progress of the information processing procedures after power supply is started is similar, the overlap in the timing of the transmission of authentication processing participation requests is suppressed. This makes it possible to prevent a temporary increase in the communication load on the transmission line.

[0102] Furthermore, the outdoor communication device 31a of the parent air conditioner (outdoor unit 10a) does not respond to the authentication process participation request sent from the indoor communication device 41a of the child air conditioner (indoor unit 20a), the authentication process participation request sent from the indoor communication device 61a of the child air conditioner (indoor unit 50a), the authentication process participation request sent from the outdoor communication device 31b of the child air conditioner (outdoor unit 10b), and the authentication process participation request sent from the indoor communication device 41b of the child air conditioner (indoor unit 20b), but instead sends an authentication process participation response via multicast. Specifically, when it receives the earliest authentication process participation request from any of the child air conditioner's indoor communication devices 41a, 61a, 31b, or 41b, it sends an authentication process participation response via multicast to all child air conditioners connected via the transmission line, including child air conditioners that have not received an authentication process participation request. This allows all child air conditioners connected via the transmission line to recognize that the authentication process has started with a single message transmission from the outdoor communication device 31a of the parent air conditioner, the outdoor unit 10a.

[0103] Furthermore, when the outdoor communication device 31a of the parent air conditioner (outdoor unit 10a) receives the earliest authentication process participation request and multicasts an authentication process participation response, any child air conditioner that has not yet sent an authentication process participation request will subsequently cancel sending an authentication process participation request, even if it later meets the predetermined conditions. This further suppresses the increase in communication load on the transmission line.

[0104] (7) Other embodiments (7-1) Other Embodiments A In the above embodiment, the initial authentication process performed when the air conditioning system 1 is first powered on was used as an example.

[0105] In contrast, the above initial authentication process may also be performed if, for example, after the initial power-on of the air conditioning system 1, a change in the system configuration is made, such as adding air conditioners or replacing some air conditioners with new ones, and the power is restored after the change in the system configuration has been made.

[0106] (7-2) Other Embodiments B In the above embodiment of the air conditioning system 1, the case in which there are multiple refrigerant circuits, each consisting of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by refrigerant piping, was described as an example.

[0107] In contrast, the air conditioning system may be an air conditioning system 101 that has multiple refrigerant circuits connected by refrigerant piping with a connecting unit interposed between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Such a refrigerant circuit is called a three-pipe type, etc.

[0108] Figure 5 shows a partial configuration of the air conditioning system 101, which has a refrigerant circuit 102a of such a single refrigerant system A'.

[0109] The air conditioning system 101 is a device used for heating and cooling indoor spaces such as buildings by operating a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle.

[0110] The air conditioning system 101 mainly comprises one outdoor unit 110a, multiple indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a, connection units 190a, 290a, and 390a connected to each indoor unit 120a, 220a, and 320a, and liquid refrigerant connecting pipes 103a, low-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipes 104a, and high-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipes 105a that connect the outdoor unit 110a to the indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a via the connection units 190a, 290a, and 390a. The air conditioning system 101 is configured to enable simultaneous cooling and heating operation according to the requirements of the indoor air-conditioned spaces in which the indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a are installed, for example, by performing cooling operation in one air-conditioned space while performing heating operation in another air-conditioned space.

[0111] The indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a are installed in the ceiling of buildings or other indoor spaces by being embedded or suspended, or by being wall-mounted on indoor walls. The indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a are connected to the outdoor unit 110a via liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 103a, low-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 104a, high-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 105a, and connection units 190a, 290a, and 390a, and constitute part of the refrigerant circuit 102a.

[0112] Next, we will explain the configuration of indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a. Since indoor units 120a and 220a / 320a have the same configuration, we will only explain the configuration of indoor unit 120a here, and omit the explanation of each part of indoor units 220a and 320a.

[0113] The indoor unit 120a constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 102a and mainly comprises an indoor expansion valve 126a and an indoor heat exchanger 121a. In this embodiment, the indoor expansion valve 126a is a valve with an open-degree controllable opening that is connected to the liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 121a in order to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor unit 120a. In this embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 121a is a device for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 120a is equipped with a blower fan (not shown) for drawing in indoor air into the unit, exchanging heat with it, and supplying it indoors as supply air, and is capable of exchanging heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 121a.

[0114] The indoor unit 120a is equipped with an indoor controller 125a that controls the operation of each part that constitutes the indoor unit 120a. The indoor controller 125a, like the indoor controller 25a in the above embodiment, is equipped with an indoor microcomputer (not shown) provided for controlling the indoor unit 120a and an indoor communicator (not shown) provided for controlling communication with other devices, and exchanges signals etc. between the outdoor controller 117a of the outdoor unit 110a and the connection controller 197a of the connection unit 190a. Similarly, the indoor controller 225a exchanges signals etc. between the outdoor controller 117a and the connection controller 297a, and the indoor controller 325a exchanges signals etc. between the outdoor controller 117a and the connection controller 397a.

[0115] The outdoor unit 110a is installed on the rooftop of a building or the like, and is connected to the indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a via connection units 190a, 290a, and 390a, and liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 103a, low-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 104a, and high-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 105a, forming a refrigerant circuit 102a between the indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a.

[0116] Next, the configuration of the outdoor unit 110a will be described. The outdoor unit 110a constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 102a and mainly includes a compressor 111a, a four-way switching valve 112a, an outdoor heat exchanger 113a, a gas-liquid separator 114a, and a capillary tube 116a.

[0117] In this embodiment, the compressor 111a is a positive displacement compressor whose operating capacity can be varied by inverter control.

[0118] The outdoor heat exchanger 113a is a heat exchanger capable of functioning as both a refrigerant evaporator and a refrigerant condenser. The gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 113a is connected to the four-way switching valve 112a, and the liquid side is connected to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 103a.

[0119] The capillary tube 116a connects the four-way switching valve 112a and the gas-liquid separator 114a.

[0120] The outdoor unit 110a is equipped with an outdoor controller 117a that controls the operation of each component of the outdoor unit 110a. The outdoor controller 117a, like the outdoor controller 17a in the above embodiment, is equipped with an outdoor microcomputer (not shown) provided for controlling the outdoor unit 110a and an outdoor communicator (not shown) provided for communication control with other devices, and exchanges signals etc. between the indoor controllers 125a, 225a, and 325a of the indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a, and the connection controllers 197a, 297a, and 391a of the connection units 190a, 290a, and 390a.

[0121] The connection units 190a, 290a, and 390a are installed indoors in buildings, etc., together with the indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a. The connection units 190a, 290a, and 390a, along with the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 103a, the low-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 104a, and the high-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 105a, are interposed between the indoor units 120a, 220a, and 320a and the outdoor unit 110a, and constitute part of the refrigerant circuit 102a.

[0122] Next, we will explain the configurations of connection units 190a, 290a, and 390a. Since connection unit 190a and connection units 290a and 390a have similar configurations, we will only explain the configuration of connection unit 190a here, and omit the explanations of each part of connection units 290a and 390a.

[0123] The connection unit 190a constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 102a and mainly includes a liquid connection pipe 191a, a low-pressure gas connection pipe 192a, a high-pressure gas connection pipe 193a, a combined gas connection pipe 194a, a high-pressure gas shut-off valve 195a, and a low-pressure gas shut-off valve 196a.

[0124] In this embodiment, the liquid connection pipe 191a connects the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 103a to the indoor expansion valve 126a of the indoor unit 120a. The combined gas connection pipe 194a is connected to the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 121a of the indoor unit 120a and combines the high-pressure gas connection pipe 193a, which is connected to the high-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 105a, and the low-pressure gas connection pipe 192a, which is connected to the low-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 104a. The high-pressure gas shut-off valve 195a is connected to the high-pressure gas connection pipe 193a and is a solenoid valve capable of controlling the flow and shut-off of refrigerant. The low-pressure gas shut-off valve 196a is connected to the low-pressure gas connection pipe 192a and is a solenoid valve capable of controlling the flow and shut-off of refrigerant.

[0125] As a result, when the indoor unit 120a is operating in cooling mode, the connection unit 190a is controlled to close the high-pressure gas shut-off valve 195a and open the low-pressure gas shut-off valve 196a. This causes the refrigerant flowing into the liquid connection pipe 191a through the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 103a to be depressurized by the indoor expansion valve 126a of the indoor unit 120a, then evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger 121a, and flow back to the low-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 104a through the combined gas connection pipe 194a and the low-pressure gas connection pipe 192a.

[0126] Furthermore, when the indoor unit 120a is operating in heating mode, the connection unit 190a is controlled to close the low-pressure gas shut-off valve 196a and open the high-pressure gas shut-off valve 195a. As a result, the refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 105a to the high-pressure gas connecting pipe 193a and the combined gas connecting pipe 194a is sent to the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 121a of the indoor unit 120a, where it is condensed, depressurized by the indoor expansion valve 126a, and then flows back to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 103a through the liquid connecting pipe 191a.

[0127] Furthermore, the connection unit 190a is equipped with a connection controller 197a that controls the operation of each part constituting the connection unit 190a. The connection controller 197a corresponds to the indoor controller 25a in the above embodiment and is equipped with a connection microcontroller (not shown) provided for controlling the connection unit 190a and a connection communicator (not shown) provided for controlling communication with other devices, and exchanges signals etc. between the outdoor controller 117a of the outdoor unit 110a and the indoor controller 125a of the indoor unit 120a, etc. Similarly, the connection controller 297a exchanges signals etc. between the outdoor controller 117a and the indoor controller 225a, etc., and the connection controller 397a exchanges signals etc. between the outdoor controller 117a and the indoor controller 325a, etc.

[0128] As described above, the outdoor unit 110a, liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 103a, low-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 104a, high-pressure gas refrigerant connecting pipe 105a, connection units 190a, 290a, 390a, and indoor units 120a, 220a, 320a are connected to form the refrigerant circuit 102a of the air conditioning system 101. In this embodiment of the air conditioning system 101, it is possible to perform so-called simultaneous cooling and heating operation, for example, when indoor units 120a and 220a perform cooling operation while indoor unit 320a performs heating operation.

[0129] (Note) While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 1: Air conditioning system 10a: Outdoor unit (main air conditioner, 1st outdoor unit) 10b: Outdoor unit (child air conditioner, 2nd outdoor unit) 17a: Outdoor controller 20a: Indoor unit (1st sub-air conditioner, sub-air conditioner, 1st indoor unit) 20b: Indoor unit (child air conditioner, 2nd indoor unit) 31a: Outdoor communication device 31b: Outdoor communication device 33a: ROM 32a: Processor 41a: Indoor communication device 41b: Indoor communication device 61a: Indoor communication device 50a: Indoor unit (2nd sub-air conditioner, sub-air conditioner, 1st indoor unit) 101: Air conditioning system 110a: Outdoor unit (main air conditioner, 1st outdoor unit) 120a: Indoor unit (first sub-air conditioner, sub-air conditioner) 190a: Connection unit (sub-air conditioner) 290a: Connection unit (sub-air conditioner) 390a: Connection unit (sub-air conditioner) 220a: Indoor unit (second child air conditioner, child air conditioner) 320a: Indoor unit (child air conditioner) A: Refrigerant system (First refrigerant system) A': Refrigerant system B: Refrigerant system (second refrigerant system) [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0131] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-071809

Claims

1. An air conditioning system (1, 101) comprising a master air conditioner (10a, 110a) and a plurality of slave air conditioners (20a, 50a, 10b, 20b, 120a, 220a, 320a, 190a, 290a, 390a) including a first slave air conditioner (20a, 120a) and a second slave air conditioner (50a, 220a) connected to the master air conditioner via a communication network, The first sub-air conditioner is configured to send a request to the parent air conditioner to start authentication processing after a first time has elapsed, which is determined according to a first predetermined condition. The second sub-air conditioner is configured to send a request to the parent air conditioner to start the authentication process after a second time has elapsed, which is determined according to the second predetermined condition. The master air conditioner, upon receiving the authentication process start request from the first slave air conditioner or the authentication process start request from the second slave air conditioner, whichever is earlier, transmits a start signal to both the first slave air conditioner and the second slave air conditioner indicating the start of the authentication process. The first sub-air conditioner is configured to cancel the transmission of the authentication process start request if it receives the start signal from the parent air conditioner before transmitting the authentication process start request. The second sub-air conditioner is configured to cancel the transmission of the authentication process start request if it receives the start signal from the parent air conditioner before transmitting the authentication process start request. Air conditioning system.

2. The main air conditioner and the multiple sub-air conditioners share a common power supply system. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The master air conditioner transmits the start signal to all of the slave air conditioners when it first receives a request to start the authentication process from any of the slave air conditioners. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the identification information of the first sub-air conditioner, The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the identification information of the second sub-air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. If the air conditioning system includes an outdoor unit (10a, 110a) and a plurality of indoor units (20a, 50a, 120a, 220a, 320a) that together with the outdoor unit constitute a refrigerant system (A, A'), then the master air conditioner includes the outdoor unit, and the slave air conditioner includes the plurality of indoor units. If the air conditioning system comprises an outdoor unit (110a), a plurality of indoor units (120a, 220a, 320a) that together with the outdoor unit constitute a part of the refrigerant system (A'), and a plurality of connection units (190a, 290a, 390a) interposed between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units in a one-to-one correspondence with the indoor units and constituting another part of the refrigerant system, then the master air conditioner includes the outdoor unit, and the slave air conditioner includes the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of connection units. If the air conditioning system includes a first outdoor unit (10a), one or more first indoor units (20a, 50a) that together constitute a first refrigerant system (A) with the first outdoor unit, a second outdoor unit (10b), and one or more second indoor units (20b) that together constitute a second refrigerant system (B) with the second outdoor unit, then the master air conditioner includes the first outdoor unit, and the slave air conditioner includes the second outdoor unit, the first indoor unit, and the second indoor unit. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A master air conditioner (10a, 110a) that forms an air conditioning system (1, 101) together with a plurality of sub-air conditioners (20a, 50a, 10b, 20b, 120a, 220a, 320a, 190a, 290a, 390a), including a first sub-air conditioner (20a, 120a) and a second sub-air conditioner (50a, 220a), and is connected to the plurality of sub-air conditioners via a communication network, The first sub-air conditioner is configured to send a request to the parent air conditioner to start authentication processing after a first time has elapsed, which is determined according to a first predetermined condition. The second sub-air conditioner is configured to send a request to the parent air conditioner to start the authentication process after a second time has elapsed, which is determined according to the second predetermined condition. The master air conditioner, upon receiving the authentication process start request from the first slave air conditioner or the authentication process start request from the second slave air conditioner, whichever is earlier, transmits a start signal to both the first slave air conditioner and the second slave air conditioner indicating the start of the authentication process. The first sub-air conditioner is configured to cancel the transmission of the authentication process start request if it receives the start signal from the parent air conditioner before transmitting the authentication process start request. The second sub-air conditioner is configured to cancel the transmission of the authentication process start request if it receives the start signal from the parent air conditioner before transmitting the authentication process start request. Main air conditioner.

7. An air conditioning system (1, 101) comprising a main air conditioner (10a, 110a) and a plurality of sub-air conditioners (20a, 50a, 10b, 20b, 120a, 220a, 320a, 190a, 290a, 390a), wherein one sub-air conditioner (20a, 50a, 10b, 20b, 120a, 220a, 320a, 190a, 290a, 390a), The aforementioned master air conditioner and the multiple aforementioned slave air conditioners are connected via a communication network. Multiple of the aforementioned sub-air conditioners are configured to send a request to the main air conditioner to start authentication processing after a time has elapsed that is determined according to their respective predetermined conditions. The master air conditioner, upon receiving the earliest start request, transmits a start signal to the plurality of slave air conditioners indicating the start of the authentication process. Multiple of the aforementioned sub-air conditioners are configured to cancel the transmission of the authentication process start request if they receive the start signal from the parent air conditioner before transmitting the authentication process start request. Sub-air conditioner.

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