Air conditioning system

Abstract

To obtain an air conditioning system that can detect incorrect connections between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and incorrect connections between the indoor unit and the remote controller. [Solution] The air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioner 1 having an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12, and a remote controller 2 that remotely controls the air conditioner 1. The indoor unit 11 has an indoor unit storage unit 11b that stores normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2, and an indoor unit control unit 11d that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2, based on the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2, and the normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data stored in the indoor unit storage unit 11b.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system including an air conditioner and a remote controller.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an air conditioning system including an air conditioner and a remote controller, a system for managing device information of the air conditioner is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system (device information management system) that determines a test operation result based on test operation information of the air conditioner and displays the test operation result on a terminal device.

[0003] Specifically, when the remote controller receives a user operation related to a test operation start instruction, the remote controller transmits a test operation start signal for starting the test operation to the air conditioner, and the air conditioner starts the test operation based on the test operation start signal. Further, the remote controller transmits test operation information related to the test operation (information such as blowout temperature information, indoor refrigerant temperature, refrigerant temperature information, and opening degree information of an indoor expansion valve) to the terminal device. The terminal device determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the air conditioner based on the test operation information and a preset threshold value, and displays the determined test operation result. In the air conditioning system disclosed in Patent Document 1, since a maintenance worker can recognize the test operation result, an effect of enabling efficient maintenance is obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In air conditioning systems, misconnections can occur due to human error, such as connecting an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that are not permitted for installation, or connecting an indoor unit and a remote controller that are not permitted for installation. Even in such cases, abnormalities and malfunctions in the air conditioning system may not occur immediately after the misconnection; rather, irregular behavior may occur in the operating status of the indoor unit or the screen transitions of the remote controller after some time has passed since the misconnection. However, it may not be possible to immediately identify that the cause of such irregular behavior is a misconnection. In particular, if the configuration of the air conditioning system is complex, it may take time to identify the cause of the irregular behavior. Note that connecting an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that are not permitted for installation means connecting an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of different models, or connecting an indoor unit and a remote controller of the same model in a combination that is not permitted for installation. Connecting an indoor unit and a remote controller that are not permitted for installation means connecting an indoor unit and a remote controller of different models, or connecting an indoor unit and a remote controller of the same model in a combination that is not permitted for installation.

[0006] In the air conditioning system disclosed in Patent Document 1, while it is possible to detect abnormalities such as insufficient refrigerant in the air conditioner, fan failure, and expansion valve failure based on trial run information and preset thresholds, it is difficult to detect incorrect connections between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and incorrect connections between the indoor unit and the remote controller.

[0007] This disclosure is made in view of the above and aims to provide an air conditioning system that can detect misconnections between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and misconnections between the indoor unit and the remote controller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the air conditioning system according to this disclosure comprises an air conditioner having an indoor unit installed in a room that is an area to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit installed outside the room, and a remote controller that can communicate with the air conditioner and controls the air conditioner remotely. The indoor unit has an indoor unit storage unit that stores normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and between the indoor unit and the remote controller, and an indoor unit control unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and the communication between the indoor unit and the remote controller based on the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and between the indoor unit and the remote controller, and the normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data stored in the indoor unit storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The air conditioning system described herein has the effect of being able to detect incorrect connections between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and incorrect connections between the indoor unit and the remote controller. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example configuration of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the indoor unit, outdoor unit, and remote controller of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Front view showing the remote controller of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Flowchart illustrating the operation of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Block diagram showing an example configuration of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the indoor unit and wireless communication adapter of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7]Flowchart illustrating the operation of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 8] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control unit in Embodiments 1 and 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The air conditioning system according to an embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioning system 100 comprises an air conditioner 1 and a remote controller 2. The air conditioner 1 has an indoor unit 11 installed in the room which is the area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning system 100, and an outdoor unit 12 installed outside. The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected to each other via a communication cable 3. The remote controller 2, which operates the air conditioner 1, is connected to the indoor unit 11 via a communication cable 4. The remote controller 2 can communicate with the air conditioner 1 and controls the air conditioner 1 remotely. Hereinafter, the remote controller may be referred to as a remote control.

[0013] The air conditioner 1 forms a complete refrigeration cycle with an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12. The air conditioner 1 uses a refrigerant circulating between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 through refrigerant pipes (not shown) to transfer heat between the indoor air and the outdoor air, which constitute the area to be air-conditioned, thereby achieving air conditioning for the indoor space. Multiple indoor units 11 may be connected to a single outdoor unit 12.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the indoor unit 11, outdoor unit 12, and remote controller 2 of the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The indoor unit 11 includes an indoor unit sensor 11a, an indoor unit storage unit 11b, an indoor unit communication unit 11c, and an indoor unit control unit 11d.

[0015] The indoor unit sensor 11a is a detector that detects the state of the air conditioner 1 and the state of the usage environment of the air conditioner 1 in order to control the air conditioner 1. The indoor unit sensor 11a is an indoor temperature sensor that detects the indoor temperature, an indoor humidity sensor that detects the indoor humidity, a dust sensor that detects dust contained in indoor air, an indoor human presence sensor that detects a person present in the room, an indoor camera that captures images of the room, a sound sensor that detects indoor sound, and the like.

[0016] The indoor unit storage unit 11b is a storage unit that stores various control set values, control programs, and the like for controlling the air conditioner 1. The indoor unit storage unit 11b is a non-volatile storage unit, and is configured by a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0017] The indoor unit communication unit 11c communicates with devices external to the indoor unit 11. That is, the indoor unit communication unit 11c communicates with the communication units of devices external to the indoor unit 11, such as the later-described remote controller communication unit 24 of the remote controller 2 and the later-described outdoor unit communication unit 12c of the outdoor unit 12. The indoor unit communication unit 11c transmits information (communication data and the like) received from the communication unit of the device external to the indoor unit 11 to the indoor unit control unit 11d. The indoor unit communication unit 11c transmits the information received from the indoor unit control unit 11d to the communication unit of the device external to the indoor unit 11.

[0018] The communication method between the communication unit of the external device and the indoor unit communication unit 11c may be wired communication, or may be wireless communication using infrared communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

[0019] The indoor unit control unit 11d is a control unit that controls the overall operation of the indoor unit 11, and controls the operation of the indoor unit 11 to control the operation of the air conditioner 1. The indoor unit control unit 11d has a timer function.

[0020] The outdoor unit 12 includes an outdoor unit sensor 12a, an outdoor unit storage unit 12b, an outdoor unit communication unit 12c, and an outdoor unit control unit 12d.

[0021] The outdoor unit sensor 12a is a detector that detects the status of the air conditioner 1 and the operating environment of the air conditioner 1 in order to control the air conditioner 1. The outdoor unit sensor 12a includes an outdoor temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air, and an outdoor humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the outside air.

[0022] The outdoor unit memory unit 12b is a memory unit that stores various control setting values, control programs, etc., for controlling the air conditioner 1. The outdoor unit memory unit 12b is a non-volatile memory unit and is composed of a semiconductor memory medium such as flash memory.

[0023] The outdoor unit communication unit 12c communicates with external devices of the outdoor unit 12. Specifically, the outdoor unit communication unit 12c communicates with the communication unit of an external device of the outdoor unit 12, such as the indoor unit communication unit 11c of the indoor unit 11. The outdoor unit communication unit 12c transmits the information received from the communication unit of the external device of the outdoor unit 12 to the outdoor unit control unit 12d. The outdoor unit communication unit 12c transmits the information received from the outdoor unit control unit 12d to the communication unit of an external device of the outdoor unit 12.

[0024] The communication method between the communication unit of the external device and the outdoor unit communication unit 12c may be wired communication, or it may be wireless communication using infrared communication, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

[0025] The outdoor unit control unit 12d is a control unit that controls the overall operation of the outdoor unit 12, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 by controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 12.

[0026] Remote control 2 is an operating device for the air conditioning system 100 that controls the operation of the air conditioning system 100 by transmitting control instruction information to the indoor unit 11. In other words, remote control 2 is an operating device that allows the user to directly operate and set control instruction information to the air conditioning system 100 in order to control the air conditioning system 100, and transmits the control instruction information operated by the user to the indoor unit 11. Remote control 2 may be a remote control for the air conditioner 1, or it may be a terminal device such as a smartphone that has application software installed that enables remote operation of the air conditioner 1 and can communicate with the air conditioner 1.

[0027] Figure 3 is a front view showing the remote controller 2 of the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the remote control 2 is a remote control for the air conditioner 1 and includes a box-shaped remote control body 26 that is installed on a wall or the like inside a room. The front of the remote control body 26 is provided with a remote control display unit 22 such as a liquid crystal display panel and a plurality of operation buttons 21a to 21d that constitute the remote control operation unit 21. As shown in Figure 2, the remote control 2 includes a remote control operation unit 21, a remote control display unit 22, a remote control storage unit 23, a remote control communication unit 24, and a remote control control unit 25.

[0028] The remote control unit 21 receives setting operations related to the air conditioning of the air conditioning system 100 requested by the user. In other words, the remote control unit 21 is an interface for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioning system 100, and receives operations related to the operation of the air conditioning system 100 from the user. When the remote control unit 21 receives an operation from the user, it transmits information corresponding to the user's operation as control instruction information to the remote control control unit 25.

[0029] The remote control unit 21 is configured to allow the user to arbitrarily select various functions related to the operation of the air conditioning system 100. The functions that the user can arbitrarily select include starting the air conditioning system 100, stopping the air conditioning system 100, selecting the operating mode of the air conditioning system 100, changing the set temperature, changing the set humidity, setting the airflow, setting the airflow direction, and changing the settings for prohibited operations.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the remote control unit 21 has a plurality of operation buttons 21a to 21d that receive operations from the user to input control instruction information for various operations of the air conditioner 1. That is, when the remote control unit 21 receives an operation from the user made to the operation buttons 21a to 21d, it transmits information corresponding to the user's operation as control instruction information to the remote control unit 25. For example, when a user controls the operation of the air conditioner 1, operation button 21a is used to input information such as commands to start or stop operations such as heating, cooling, and fan operation of the air conditioner 1.

[0031] The remote control display unit 22 is a display unit that displays various information, including the set temperature and operating mode of the air conditioner 1, as well as information and status necessary for air conditioning by the air conditioner 1, and switches and displays screens corresponding to operations on the remote control operation unit 21.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the remote control memory unit 23 stores various information necessary for air conditioning processing in the air conditioner 1, and temporarily or permanently stores information such as settings to be displayed on the remote control display unit 22 and image data related to the settings. The remote control memory unit 23 also stores information from the indoor unit 11 received by the remote control communication unit 24.

[0033] The remote control communication unit 24 is capable of bidirectional communication of information with the indoor unit communication unit 11c of the indoor unit 11. The communication between the indoor unit communication unit 11c and the remote control communication unit 24 may be wired communication, as in this embodiment, or wireless communication.

[0034] The remote control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire remote control 2. The remote control unit 25 controls the remote control 2 based on the control instruction information transmitted from the remote control operation unit 21. The remote control unit 25 also transmits the control instruction information transmitted from the remote control operation unit 21 to the indoor unit communication unit 11c of the indoor unit 11.

[0035] Next, the indoor unit storage unit 11b, indoor unit control unit 11d, remote control control unit 25, and remote control display unit 22 will be described in more detail.

[0036] The indoor unit storage unit 11b stores actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2. The indoor unit storage unit 11b also stores normal and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2. Normal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 refers to the communication pattern data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 when they are connected in a manner permitted by the installation. Normal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 refers to the communication pattern data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 when they are connected in a manner permitted by the installation. Abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 refers to the communication pattern data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 when they are connected in a manner not permitted by the installation. The abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 refers to the communication pattern data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 when they are connected in a manner not permitted by the installation.

[0037] Here, the communication data used in communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and in communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, is data consisting of a combination of Hi (high) and Lo (low) digital signals. The indoor unit control unit 11d determines the communication data based on the combination of Hi (high) and Lo (low). If there are determined communication data a, b, c…, then the communication pattern data refers to the combination data of communication data a, b, c…. Normal communication pattern data is, for example, when the indoor unit 11 transmits communication data a to the remote control 2 and the outdoor unit 12, the indoor unit 11 receives communication data b from the remote control 2, and the indoor unit 11 receives communication data c from the outdoor unit 12. On the other hand, abnormal communication pattern data is, for example, when the indoor unit 11 transmits communication data a to the remote control 2 and the outdoor unit 12, the indoor unit 11 receives communication data d from the remote control 2, and the indoor unit 11 receives communication data e from the outdoor unit 12.

[0038] The indoor unit control unit 11d stores the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, in the indoor unit storage unit 11b. When the air conditioning system 100 is started up, the indoor unit control unit 11d starts measuring the elapsed time using a timer. At regular intervals, the indoor unit control unit 11d determines whether there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, based on the actual communication data, normal communication pattern data, and abnormal communication pattern data stored in the indoor unit storage unit 11b. An example of a regular interval is one hour. If the indoor unit control unit 11d determines that there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, it transmits an abnormality signal, which is a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormal condition, to at least one of the outdoor unit 12 and the remote control 2. When the remote control 2 receives an abnormality signal, it displays information about the abnormality signal on the remote control display unit 22, which is a remote controller display unit. Specifically, the remote control unit 25 controls the remote control display unit 22 based on the abnormal signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 11d, and displays information about the abnormal signal on the remote control display unit 22.

[0039] Next, with reference to Figure 4, an example of the processing during operation of the air conditioning system 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0040] First, in step S11, it is determined whether a certain amount of time has elapsed. Specifically, when the air conditioning system 100 is started, the indoor unit control unit 11d starts measuring the elapsed time with a timer and determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed.

[0041] If it is determined that a certain amount of time has not elapsed (Step S11: No), the process in Step S11 is repeated.

[0042] On the other hand, if it is determined that a certain amount of time has elapsed (Step S11: Yes), proceed to Step S12.

[0043] In step S12, the actual communication data, normal communication pattern data, and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are acquired. Specifically, the indoor unit control unit 11d acquires the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, as well as the normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, which are stored in the indoor unit storage unit 11b. After that, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0044] In step S13, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12. Specifically, the indoor unit control unit 11d determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 based on the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, which is stored in the indoor unit storage unit 11b, and the normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12.

[0045] If it is determined that there is an abnormality in communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 (step S13: Yes), proceed to step S14.

[0046] In step S14, an abnormality signal is transmitted to the remote control 2. Specifically, the indoor unit control unit 11d transmits an abnormality signal to the remote control 2. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0047] In step S15, information about the abnormal signal is displayed. Specifically, the remote control display unit 22 displays information about the abnormal signal when it receives one. Then, the process returns to step S11. The indoor unit control unit 11d then executes the processes from step S11 onwards every certain amount of time has elapsed since the previous determination process.

[0048] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0049] In step S16, the actual communication data between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, as well as normal and abnormal communication pattern data, are acquired. Specifically, the indoor unit control unit 11d acquires the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, as well as the normal and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, which are stored in the indoor unit storage unit 11b. The process then proceeds to step S17.

[0050] In step S17, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2. Specifically, the indoor unit control unit 11d determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 based on the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, which is stored in the indoor unit storage unit 11b, and the normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2.

[0051] If it is determined that there is an abnormality in communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 (step S17: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. After that, the process proceeds to step S15, and then returns to step S11. The indoor unit control unit 11d then executes the processes from step S11 onwards at regular intervals since the previous determination process.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 (step S17: No), the process returns to step S11. Then, the indoor unit control unit 11d executes the processes from step S11 onwards at regular intervals since the previous determination process. Each of these processes is executed until the air conditioning system 100 stops.

[0053] Next, the effects of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioner 1 having an indoor unit 11 installed in a room that is the area to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 12 installed outside. The air conditioning system 100 also includes a remote controller 2 that can communicate with the air conditioner 1 and control the air conditioner 1 remotely. The indoor unit 11 has an indoor unit storage unit 11b and an indoor unit control unit 11d. The indoor unit storage unit 11b stores normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the indoor unit control unit 11d determines whether there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2, based on the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2, and the normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data stored in the indoor unit storage unit 11b. If the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are incorrectly connected, an abnormality will occur in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12. Therefore, the above configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to detect an incorrect connection between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12. Similarly, if the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2 are incorrectly connected, an abnormality will occur in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2. Therefore, the above configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to detect an incorrect connection between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2.

[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the indoor unit control unit 11d determines that there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, or in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2, it transmits an abnormality signal, which is a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormal condition, to at least one of the outdoor unit 12 and the remote controller 2. With this configuration, it is possible to notify at least one of the outdoor unit 12 and the remote controller 2 of a misconnection between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, or a misconnection between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2.

[0056] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the indoor unit control unit 11d transmits an abnormal signal to the remote controller 2, and the remote controller 2 has a remote control display unit 22 that displays information about the abnormal signal when it receives it. With this configuration, users of the air conditioning system 100 can recognize incorrect connections between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and incorrect connections between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2. Therefore, it is possible to quickly request repair work for incorrect connections from a maintenance company and suppress the occurrence of malfunctions in the air conditioning system 100.

[0057] Next, a modified example of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a determination process is performed to determine whether there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and then a determination process is performed to determine whether there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2. However, the latter determination process may be performed before the former determination process. Also, the former and latter determination processes may be performed independently of each other.

[0059] In this embodiment, the indoor unit control unit 11d is configured to store the actual communication data in the indoor unit storage unit 11b and to acquire the actual communication data from the indoor unit storage unit 11b during the determination process. However, it is also possible to configure the unit to not store the actual communication data in the indoor unit storage unit 11b and to directly acquire the actual communication data from the indoor unit communication unit 11c during the determination process.

[0060] Embodiment 2. Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, an air conditioning system 100A according to Embodiment 2 will be described. This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 described above in that it transmits an abnormality signal to the maintenance contractor's terminal device 8. In Embodiment 2, parts that overlap with Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0061] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an air conditioning system 100A according to Embodiment 2. A wireless communication adapter 5, for example, which performs wireless communication via Wi-Fi, is connected to the indoor unit 11 by a communication cable 6. The air conditioning system 100 includes a terminal device 8 for a maintenance contractor. Communication between the maintenance contractor's terminal device 8 and the wireless communication adapter 5 is conducted via wireless communication 7. The maintenance contractor's terminal device 8 is connected to the indoor unit 11 via a network (wireless communication adapter 5 and wireless communication 7) for communication purposes. Note that the entire communication between the maintenance contractor's terminal device 8 and the wireless communication adapter 5 does not need to be wireless communication 7; a section using wired communication may be included.

[0062] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the indoor unit 11 and wireless communication adapter 5 of the air conditioning system 100A according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 6, the wireless communication adapter 5 includes a wireless adapter storage unit 51, a wireless adapter communication unit 52, and a wireless adapter control unit 53.

[0063] The wireless adapter storage unit 51 stores information about the indoor unit 11 received by the remote control communication unit 24, various information about the maintenance company's terminal device 8, and the results of the abnormality detection.

[0064] The wireless adapter communication unit 52 communicates with external devices of the wireless communication adapter 5. Specifically, the wireless adapter communication unit 52 communicates with the communication units of external devices of the wireless communication adapter 5, such as the terminal device 8 of the maintenance company and the indoor unit communication unit 11c of the indoor unit 11. The wireless adapter communication unit 52 transmits the information received from the communication unit of the external device of the wireless communication adapter 5 to the wireless adapter control unit 53. The wireless adapter communication unit 52 transmits the information received from the wireless adapter control unit 53 to the communication unit of the external device of the wireless communication adapter 5.

[0065] The wireless adapter control unit 53 controls the overall operation of the wireless communication adapter 5.

[0066] If the indoor unit control unit 11d determines that there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, or in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2, it transmits an abnormality signal, which is a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormal condition, to the maintenance contractor's terminal device 8. Specifically, the indoor unit control unit 11d transmits an abnormality signal to the wireless communication adapter 5, and the wireless communication adapter 5, upon receiving the abnormality signal, transmits an abnormality signal to the maintenance contractor's terminal device 8 via wireless communication 7.

[0067] Next, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the processing during operation of the air conditioning system 100A will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the air conditioning system 100A according to Embodiment 2.

[0068] Steps S21 and S22 are the same as the processes in steps S12 and S13 of Embodiment 1 described above, and steps S25 and S26 are the same as the processes in steps S16 and S17 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0069] If it is determined that there is an abnormality in communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 (step S22: Yes), proceed to step S23.

[0070] In step S23, an abnormal signal is transmitted to the wireless communication adapter 5. Specifically, the indoor unit control unit 11d transmits an abnormal signal to the wireless communication adapter 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0071] In step S24, an abnormality signal is transmitted to the maintenance company's terminal device 8. Specifically, the wireless communication adapter 5 transmits an abnormality signal to the maintenance company's terminal device 8. After that, the air conditioning system 100A terminates its operation.

[0072] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 (step S22: No), the process proceeds to step S25, and then to step S26.

[0073] If it is determined that there is an abnormality in communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 (step S26: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23, and then to step S24. The air conditioning system 100A then terminates its process.

[0074] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2 (step S26: No), the air conditioning system 100A terminates processing.

[0075] Next, the effects of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the air conditioning system 100A includes a maintenance worker's terminal device 8 that is communicatively connected to the indoor unit 11 via a network. As shown in Figure 7, the indoor unit control unit 11d transmits an abnormality signal to the maintenance worker's terminal device 8. With these configurations, the maintenance worker can recognize misconnections between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 2. Therefore, the maintenance worker can quickly perform corrective work for misconnections, thereby suppressing the occurrence of failures in the air conditioning system 100A.

[0077] Next, a modified example of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0078] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a determination process is performed to determine whether there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and then a determination process is performed to determine whether there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote control 2. However, the latter determination process may be performed before the former determination process. Also, the former and latter determination processes may be performed independently of each other.

[0079] Next, the hardware configuration of the indoor unit control unit 11d, outdoor unit control unit 12d, remote control control unit 25, and wireless adapter control unit 53 in Embodiments 1 and 2 will be described. Hereinafter, the indoor unit control unit 11d, outdoor unit control unit 12d, remote control control unit 25, and wireless adapter control unit 53 will be collectively referred to as the control unit. The control unit is implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a control circuit equipped with a processor, or it may be dedicated hardware.

[0080] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control unit in Embodiments 1 and 2. The control circuit that implements the control unit comprises a processor 60 and a memory 70, as shown in Figure 8. The processor 60 and the memory 70 can send and receive data from each other, for example, via a bus. The processor 60 performs each function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 70. The processor 60 includes, for example, one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0081] Memory 70 includes one or more of the following: RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The program stored in memory 70 is provided, for example, by a recording medium. The recording medium includes one or more of the following: non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, flexible memory, optical disk, compact disk, and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The program stored in memory 70 may also be provided by a communication medium. If the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit includes, for example, at least one of the following: FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and system LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0082] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is possible to combine them with other known technologies, combine different embodiments, and omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1 Air conditioner, 2 Remote controller, 3, 4, 6 Communication cable, 5 Wireless communication adapter, 7 Wireless communication, 8 Terminal device for maintenance personnel, 11 Indoor unit, 11a Indoor unit sensor, 11b Indoor unit memory unit, 11c Indoor unit communication unit, 11d Indoor unit control unit, 12 Outdoor unit, 12a Outdoor unit sensor, 12b Outdoor unit memory unit, 12c Outdoor unit communication unit, 12d Outdoor unit control unit, 21 Remote control operation unit, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Operation buttons, 22 Remote control display unit, 23 Remote control memory unit, 24 Remote control communication unit, 25 Remote control control unit, 26 Remote control body, 51 Wireless adapter memory unit, 52 Wireless adapter communication unit, 53 Wireless adapter control unit, 60 Processor, 70 Memory, 100, 100A Air conditioning system.

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an indoor unit installed in a room that is the area to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit installed outside, A remote controller capable of communicating with the aforementioned air conditioner and controlling the air conditioner remotely, Equipped with, The aforementioned indoor unit is An indoor unit storage unit that stores normal communication pattern data and abnormal communication pattern data between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and between the indoor unit and the remote controller, An indoor unit control unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and the communication between the indoor unit and the remote controller, based on the actual communication data transmitted and received between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit and between the indoor unit and the remote controller, and the normal communication pattern data and the abnormal communication pattern data stored in the indoor unit storage unit. Having, Air conditioning system.

2. When the indoor unit control unit determines that there is an abnormality in the communication between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, or in the communication between the indoor unit and the remote controller, it transmits an abnormality signal, which is a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormal condition, to at least one of the outdoor unit and the remote controller. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The indoor unit control unit transmits the abnormal signal to the remote controller. The remote controller has a remote controller display unit that displays information about the abnormal signal when it receives the abnormal signal. The air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The system includes a terminal device for a maintenance contractor that is connected to the indoor unit via a network, The indoor unit control unit transmits the abnormal signal to the maintenance company's terminal device. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 or 3.

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