Air Conditioning System

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that can suppress malfunctions caused by signals other than those addressed to the own device.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system includes an indoor unit, an air-conditioning auxiliary device that cooperates with the indoor unit, an operation device that operates the indoor unit, and an auxiliary operation device, and connect a plurality of devices including the indoor unit, the air conditioning auxiliary device, the operation device, and the auxiliary operation device by short-range wireless communication. The indoor unit include a first table that stores different identification information for each attribute related to the air conditioning auxiliary device, the operation device, and the auxiliary operating device, an addition portion that adds identification information related to the device to a signal addressed to the device, and a first transmission device that transmits the signal addressed to the device to which the identification information is added. The device includes a second table that stores identification information that identifies the device itself, a determination unit that determines whether the identification information added to the signal addressed to the device received from the indoor unit and the identification information of the device itself match, and a processing unit that receives the signal received from the indoor unit when the identification information matches.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of home appliances with communication functions has been increasing. For example, when adding a new air conditioner to a home network, there is a technology in which a remote controller (hereinafter abbreviated as remote control) acquires wireless setting information from an information terminal, the remote control transmits the wireless setting information to the air conditioner, and sets the wireless setting information between the air conditioner and the remote control, thereby communicatively connecting the air conditioner to the home network (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-156691 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Also, in an air conditioning system, for example, there is a system that has an indoor unit, an auxiliary air conditioning device that cooperates with the indoor unit, and a remote control that operates the indoor unit, and the indoor unit, the auxiliary air conditioning device, and the remote control are connected by BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy: registered trademark) communication. For example, the indoor unit transmits a signal addressed to the auxiliary air conditioning device to the auxiliary air conditioning device by BLE communication. Then, the auxiliary air conditioning device executes an auxiliary air conditioning processing operation in response to the received signal addressed to the auxiliary air conditioning device. Also, the remote control transmits a signal addressed to the indoor unit by BLE communication to the indoor unit. Then, the indoor unit executes a predetermined processing operation in response to the received signal addressed to the indoor unit.

[0005] In general air conditioning systems, due to the limitations of computing devices and memory, the indoor unit does not distinguish between BLE communication destinations, and sends signals addressed to the auxiliary air conditioning device by broadcasting BLE communication. In that case, for example, when the remote control receives a signal addressed to the auxiliary air conditioning device from the indoor unit, it may malfunction in response to the signal addressed to the auxiliary air conditioning device because the received signal is not addressed to the remote control.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide an air conditioning system that can suppress malfunctions caused by signals other than those addressed to its own equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air conditioning system of the present invention includes an indoor unit, an auxiliary air conditioning device linked to the indoor unit, an operation device for operating the indoor unit, and an auxiliary operation device for operating the indoor unit, and connects a plurality of devices including the indoor unit, the auxiliary air conditioning device, the operation device, and the auxiliary operation device by short-range wireless communication. The indoor unit includes a first table that stores different identification information for each attribute related to the auxiliary air conditioning device, the operation device, and the auxiliary operation device, an addition unit that adds the identification information related to the device to a signal addressed to the device, and a first transmission unit that transmits the signal addressed to the device to which the identification information has been added by the addition unit. The device includes a second table that stores the identification information that identifies the device body, a determination unit that, when a signal addressed to the device is received from the indoor unit, determines whether the identification information added to the received signal addressed to the device matches the identification information of the device body, and a processing unit that accepts the signal received from the indoor unit when the identification information matches in the determination unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The air conditioning system of the present invention can suppress malfunctions caused by signals other than those addressed to its own equipment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the indoor unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the management table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the reception management table. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the auxiliary operating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioning auxiliary device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence showing an example of a processing operation related to pairing registration between a manipulation device and an indoor unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation related to pairing registration of an air conditioning auxiliary device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation related to pairing registration of an auxiliary operating device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operations of the operating device, the auxiliary operating device, and the air conditioning auxiliary device when a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device is received from the indoor unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the air conditioning system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, each embodiment shown below may be modified as appropriate within a range that does not cause contradictions. EXAMPLES

[0011] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 shown in FIG. 1 has an indoor unit 2 in an air conditioner, an outdoor unit 3 in the air conditioner, an operation device 4, an auxiliary operation device 5, and an air conditioning auxiliary device 6. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 communicate with each other, for example, by a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) or the like. The indoor unit 2 communicates bidirectionally with the operation device 4, the auxiliary operation device 5, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, for example, by short-range wireless communication such as BLE communication. Also, the operation device 4 communicates bidirectionally with the auxiliary operation device 5 by BLE communication.

[0012] The indoor unit 2 is, for example, a part of an air conditioner that is placed indoors and heats or cools the air in the room. A user of the indoor unit 2 can remotely control the indoor unit 2 by operating the operation device 4 and auxiliary operation device 5. The outdoor unit 3 is connected to the indoor unit 2 by a refrigerant piping, and is equipped with an outdoor fan, a compressor, etc. (not shown). For example, the indoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 3, the operation device 4, and the auxiliary operation device 5 make up an air conditioner.

[0013] The operation device 4 and the auxiliary operation device 5 are remote controls that remotely operate the indoor unit 2. The operation device 4 is an attached remote control that can instruct the indoor unit 2 to perform detailed operations such as timer setting and air direction adjustment in addition to turning on / off the operation of cooling, heating, dehumidification, etc. and adjusting the temperature. In contrast, the auxiliary operation device 5 is a simple remote control that can instruct the indoor unit 2 to perform only simple operations such as turning on / off the operation and adjusting the temperature. For convenience of explanation, the auxiliary operation device 5 is exemplified as a simple remote control, but it may be replaced by, for example, a smartphone terminal or tablet terminal equipped with a BLE communication function, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0014] The air conditioning auxiliary equipment 6 is equipment that cooperates with the indoor unit 2 to assist in air conditioning of the indoor space in which the indoor unit 2 is disposed. Examples of the air conditioning auxiliary equipment 6 include a humidifier, a circulator, and an air purifier.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the indoor unit 2. The indoor unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 has a BLE communication unit 21, an outdoor unit communication unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, an indoor unit main body 25, a storage unit 26, and a control unit 27. The BLE communication unit 21 is a communication interface that communicates with each device such as the operation device 4, the auxiliary operation device 5, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 using BLE (Blue Tooth Low Energy). The outdoor unit communication unit 22 is a communication interface that communicates with the outdoor unit 3 using UART, for example. The operation unit 23 is an input interface that inputs commands to the control unit 27. The display unit 24 is an output interface that displays and outputs various information. The indoor unit main body 25 is, for example, an indoor fan, an expansion valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an air direction plate, etc., which are not shown. The storage unit 26 has, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is an area that stores various information such as data and programs. The control unit 27 controls the indoor unit 2 as a whole.

[0016] The operation unit 23 has, for example, a remote control connection button 23A. The remote control connection button 23A is a button that starts a pairing preparation period for pairing registration by BLE communication between the indoor unit 2 and the control device 4. The pairing preparation period is a predetermined period during which the indoor unit 2 starts preparation for pairing registration with the control device 4 in response to button operation of the remote control connection button 23A.

[0017] The storage unit 26 stores a management table 26A, which is a first table for managing different identification numbers for each attribute of devices such as the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, the operation device 4, and the auxiliary operation device 5. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the management table 26A. The management table 26A shown in FIG. 3 is a table for managing a BD (Bluetooth Device) address 262A and a function type 263A in association with each identification number 261A. The identification number 261A is identification information that is initially assigned to a device registered by the operation device 4 in pairing registration through BLE communication. The BD address 262A is an address that is assigned at the time of manufacture and is used to identify a device registered in pairing registration through BLE communication. The function type 263A is information indicating device attributes such as a function of a device registered in pairing registration through BLE communication. The operation device 4 is stored in the management table 26A as an identification number "1", a BD address "XXX", and a function type "remote control". The air conditioning auxiliary device 6 is stored in the management table 26A with an identification number of “2”, a BD address of “YYY”, and a function type of “air conditioning auxiliary device”. The auxiliary operation device 5 is stored in the management table 26A with an identification number of “3”, a BD address of “ZZZ”, and a function type of “remote control”.

[0018] The control unit 27, for example, adjusts the opening of the expansion valve of the indoor unit main body 25 to allow the amount of refrigerant required to provide the air conditioning capacity required by the user to flow into the indoor heat exchanger, and drives the indoor fan to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger, and controls the air direction plate to deflect the airflow so that the indoor air is blown into the air-conditioned space. This provides heating, cooling, and dehumidification for the air-conditioned space.

[0019] The control unit 27 also includes an addition unit 27A and a first transmission unit 27B. The addition unit 27A adds an identification number related to the device to a signal addressed to the device. The first transmission unit 27B transmits the signal addressed to the device to which the identification number has been added by the addition unit 27A.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation device 4. The operation device 4 shown in FIG. 4 has a BLE communication unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45. The BLE communication unit 41 is a communication interface that communicates with each device, such as the indoor unit 2, the auxiliary operation device 5, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, using BLE. The operation unit 42 is an input interface that inputs commands to the control unit 45. The display unit 43 is an output interface that displays and outputs various information. The storage unit 44 has, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is an area that stores various information such as data and programs. The control unit 45 controls the entire operation device 4.

[0021] Operation unit 42 has, for example, decision button 42A and touch panel 42B that indicates various buttons on the display screen being displayed on display unit 43. Storage unit 44 has device holding unit 44A, which is a second table that manages the identification number that identifies the device body, and reception management table 44B. Device holding unit 44A is a table that stores BD address 441A that identifies manipulation device 4, function type 442A of manipulation device 4, and identification number 443A assigned to manipulation device 4 in association with each other. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that device holding unit 44A stores "1" as the identification number, "XXX" as the BD address, and "remote control" as the function type.

[0022] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of reception management table 44B. Reception management table 44B shown in Fig. 5 is a table that stores, in association with each other, an identification number 441B, a BD address 442B, and a function type 443B for each device for which pairing has been accepted by manipulation device 4.

[0023] The control unit 45 has an assigning unit 45A, a generating unit 45B, a second transmitting unit 45C, a determining unit 45D, and a processing unit 45E. When the assigning unit 45A detects a connection request such as a pairing request from a device, the assigning unit 45A assigns a different identification number to the device. When the generating unit 45B assigns an identification number to the operating device 4, the generating unit 45B generates operating device information including the identification number, BD address, and function type of the operating device 4. When the generating unit 45B assigns an identification number to the auxiliary operating device 5, the generating unit 45B generates auxiliary operating device information including the identification number, BD address, and function type of the auxiliary operating device 5. When the generating unit 45B assigns an identification number to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, the generating unit 45B generates air conditioning auxiliary device information including the identification number, BD address, and function type of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6.

[0024] The second transmission unit 45C transmits the identification number assigned by the assignment unit 45A to the device, and transmits information including the identification number, BD address, and function type assigned by the assignment unit 45A to the indoor unit 2. When a signal addressed to a device is received from the indoor unit 2, the determination unit 45D determines whether the identification number assigned to the received signal addressed to the device matches the identification number of the control device 4, which is the device body, stored in the device holding unit 44A. When the determination unit 45D determines that the identification numbers match, the processing unit 45E accepts the signal received from the indoor unit 2. When the determination unit 45D determines that the identification numbers do not match, the processing unit 45E discards the signal received from the indoor unit 2.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the auxiliary operation device 5. The auxiliary operation device 5 shown in FIG. 6 has a BLE communication unit 51, an operation unit 52, a display unit 53, a storage unit 54, and a control unit 55. The BLE communication unit 51 is a communication interface that communicates with each device, such as the indoor unit 2, the operation device 4, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, using BLE. The operation unit 52 is an input interface that inputs commands to the control unit 55. The display unit 53 is an output interface that displays and outputs various information. The storage unit 54 has, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is an area that stores various information such as data and programs. The control unit 55 controls the entire auxiliary operation device 5.

[0026] The operation unit 52 has, for example, an air conditioner connection button 52A. The air conditioner connection button 52A is a button that starts a pairing preparation period for pairing registration by BLE communication between the indoor unit 2 and the auxiliary operation device 5. The pairing preparation period is a predetermined period until preparation for pairing registration is started from the auxiliary operation device 5 to the indoor unit 2 in response to button operation of the air conditioner connection button 52A.

[0027] The storage unit 54 has a device holding unit 54A which is a second table that manages an identification number that identifies the auxiliary operation device 5 which is the device main body. The device holding unit 54A is a table that stores a BD address 541A that identifies the auxiliary operation device 5, a function type 542A of the auxiliary operation device 5, and an identification number 543A given to the auxiliary operation device 5 in association with each other. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that the device holding unit 54A stores "3" as the identification number, "ZZZ" as the BD address, and "remote control" as the function type.

[0028] The control unit 55 has a determination unit 55A and a processing unit 55B. When the determination unit 55A receives a signal addressed to a device from the indoor unit 2, it determines whether or not the identification number added to the received signal addressed to the device matches the identification number of the auxiliary operation device 5, which is the device body, stored in the device holding unit 54A. When the determination unit 55A determines that the identification numbers match, the processing unit 55B accepts the signal received from the indoor unit 2. When the determination unit 55A determines that the identification numbers do not match, the processing unit 55B discards the signal received from the indoor unit 2.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6. The air conditioning auxiliary device 6 shown in FIG. 7 has a BLE communication unit 61, an operation unit 62, a display unit 63, an air conditioning main body 64, a storage unit 65, and a control unit 66. The BLE communication unit 61 is a communication interface that communicates with each device, such as the indoor unit 2, the operation device 4, and the auxiliary operation device 5, using BLE. The operation unit 62 is an input interface that inputs commands to the control unit 66. The display unit 63 is an output interface that displays and outputs various information. The storage unit 65 has, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is an area that stores various information such as data and programs. The control unit 66 controls the entire air conditioning auxiliary device 6.

[0030] The operation unit 62 has, for example, an air conditioner connection button 62A. The air conditioner connection button 62A is a button that starts a pairing preparation period for pairing registration by BLE communication between the indoor unit 2 and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6. The pairing preparation period is a predetermined period during which the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 starts preparation for pairing registration with the indoor unit 2 in response to button operation of the air conditioner connection button 62A.

[0031] The storage unit 65 has a device holding unit 65A which is a second table that stores an identification number for identifying the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 which is the device main body. The device holding unit 65A is a table that stores, in association with each other, a BD address 651A for identifying the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, a function type 652A of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, and an identification number 653A given to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that the device holding unit 65A stores "2" as the identification number, "YYY" as the BD address, and "air conditioning auxiliary device" as the function type.

[0032] For example, when the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 is a humidifier, the air conditioning main body 64 heats water contained in a water supply tank (not shown) built into the humidifier main body to steam, and releases the steam into the indoor space to humidify the indoor space. The humidifier main body has, for example, a water supply tank and an air filter (not shown).

[0033] The control unit 66 has a determination unit 66A and a processing unit 66B. When the determination unit 66A receives a signal addressed to the device from the indoor unit 2, it determines whether or not the identification number added to the received signal addressed to the device matches the identification number of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, which is the device body, stored in the device holding unit 65A. When the determination unit 66A determines that the identification numbers match, the processing unit 66B accepts the signal received from the indoor unit 2. When the determination unit 66A determines that the identification numbers do not match, the processing unit 66B discards the signal received from the indoor unit 2.

[0034] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation related to pairing registration between the control device 4 and the indoor unit 2.

[0035] When the control unit 45 in the indoor unit 2 detects a button operation of the remote control connection button 23A (step S11), it transmits a remote control connection request to the control device 4 by BLE communication (step S12). When the assignment unit 45A in the control device 4 detects the remote control connection request, it extracts the BD address and function type of its own control device 4 from the device storage unit 44A (step S13). The assignment unit 45A in the control device 4 assigns an unassigned identification number that has not been assigned to other devices to the BD address and function type of the control device 4 (step S14). The identification number is, for example, "1". The assignment unit 45A in the control device 4 stores the BD address and function type of the control device 4 in the reception management table 44B in association with the assigned identification number (step S15).

[0036] The generating unit 45B in the controlled device 4 generates controlled device information including an identification number, a BD address, and a function type (step S16). The controlled device information is information including an identification number given to the controlled device 4, the BD address of the controlled device 4, and a function type of the controlled device 4. The second transmitting unit 45C in the controlled device 4 stores the generated controlled device information in a pairing request (step S17). The pairing request is a request signal format standardized in BLE communication, and stores the controlled device information in the payload of the pairing request. Furthermore, the second transmitting unit 45C in the controlled device 4 transmits the pairing request storing the controlled device information to the indoor unit 2 by BLE communication (step S18).

[0037] When the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 receives the pairing request, it extracts the operation device information from the pairing request (step S19). Then, the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 stores the identification number, BD address, and function type related to the operation device 4 in the extracted operation device information in the management table 26A (step S20). Then, the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 transmits a pairing completion to the operation device 4 by BLE communication (step S21).

[0038] When control unit 45 in control device 4 receives the notification of pairing completion, control unit 45 displays the connection completion on display unit 43 (step S22). As a result, the user of control device 4 can see the connection completion displayed on display unit 43 and recognize that pairing registration via BLE communication between control device 4 and indoor unit 2 has been completed.

[0039] 8, the indoor unit 2 receives a pairing request storing operation device information including an identification number, a BD address, and a function type from the operation device 4 in response to button operation of the remote control connection button 23A. Then, the indoor unit 2 extracts the operation device information from the received pairing request, stores the identification number, the BD address, and the function type in the operation device information in the management table 26A, and completes pairing registration with the operation device 4 via BLE communication. As a result, the indoor unit 2 can realize pairing with the operation device 4 via BLE communication.

[0040] Furthermore, when controlling device 4 detects a remote control connection request from indoor unit 2, it extracts its own BD address and function type from device holding unit 44A and assigns an identification number to the BD address and function type. Then controlling device 4 generates controlling device information including its own identification number, BD address and function type, and transmits a pairing request including the generated controlling device information to indoor unit 2. As a result, controlling device 4 can provide indoor unit 2 with controlling device information including its own identification number.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation related to pairing registration of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6. In Fig. 9, when pairing registration by BLE communication with the indoor unit 2 is completed, for example, the control unit 45 in the operation device 4 displays a connection request screen for the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 on the display unit 43 (step S30). For ease of explanation, the operation device 4 shows an example in which the connection request screen for the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 is displayed when pairing with the indoor unit 2 is completed, but the connection request screen for the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 may be displayed in response to a predetermined operation, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0042] When the control unit 45 in the operation device 4 detects a connection request operation on the connection request screen of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 through the touch panel 42B (step S31), the control unit 45 transmits a pairing acceptance request with the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 to the indoor unit 2 (step S32). Then, the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 starts pairing acceptance in response to the pairing acceptance request (step S32A). Note that the indoor unit 2 has completed preparation for pairing with the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 in response to the start of pairing acceptance.

[0043] Furthermore, when the control unit 66 in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 detects power startup (step S33) and further detects button operation of the air conditioner connection button 62A (step S34), it completes preparation for pairing with the operating device 4. Note that, for ease of explanation, a case is illustrated in which the pairing preparation for the operating device 4 is completed before the pairing preparation for the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 is completed, but the pairing preparation for the operating device 4 may be completed after the pairing preparation for the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 is completed, or the pairing preparations for the operating device 4 and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 may be completed simultaneously.

[0044] The control unit 66 in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 extracts the BD address and function type of its own air conditioning auxiliary device 6 from the device holding unit 65A (step S35). The control unit 66 in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 generates air conditioning auxiliary device information including the BD address and function type of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 (step S36). The control unit 66 in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 stores the air conditioning auxiliary device information in a pairing request (step S37). The pairing request is a request signal format standardized in BLE communication, and stores the air conditioning auxiliary device information in the payload of the pairing request. Furthermore, the control unit 66 in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 transmits the pairing request storing the air conditioning auxiliary device information to the indoor unit 2 by BLE communication (step S38). Then, the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 extracts the air conditioning auxiliary device information from the received pairing request, and transmits the extracted air conditioning auxiliary device information to the operating device 4 (step S39).

[0045] When the assignment unit 45A in the operating device 4 receives the air conditioning auxiliary device information from the indoor unit 2, it extracts the BD address and function type of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 from the air conditioning auxiliary device information (step S40). The assignment unit 45A in the operating device 4 assigns an unassigned identification number that has not been assigned to other devices to the BD address and function type in the air conditioning auxiliary device information (step S41). The identification number is, for example, "2." The assignment unit 45A in the operating device 4 stores the BD address and function type of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 in association with the identification number in the reception management table 44B (step S42).

[0046] Furthermore, the generation unit 45B in the control device 4 generates air conditioning auxiliary device information including the identification number, BD address, and function type of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 (step S43). The second transmission unit 45C in the control device 4 stores the air conditioning auxiliary device information in a pairing request (step S44). Then, the second transmission unit 45C in the control device 4 transmits the pairing request storing the air conditioning auxiliary device information to the indoor unit 2 by BLE communication (step S45).

[0047] When the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 receives a pairing request from the control device 4, it extracts air conditioning auxiliary device information from the pairing request (step S46), and stores the identification number, BD address, and function type related to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 in the extracted air conditioning auxiliary device information in management table 26A (step S47). Then, the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 transmits a pairing completion to the control device 4 by BLE communication (step S48).

[0048] When the control unit 45 in the operating device 4 receives the notification of the pairing completion from the indoor unit 2, it displays the completion of the connection of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 on the display unit 43 (step S49). As a result, the user of the operating device 4 can see the completion of the connection of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 displayed on the display unit 43 and recognize that the pairing registration via BLE communication between the indoor unit 2 and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 has been completed.

[0049] In FIG. 9, the indoor unit 2 completes pairing preparation in response to a request from the control device 4, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 completes pairing preparation in response to button operation of the air conditioner connection button 62A. The air conditioning auxiliary device 6 transmits a pairing request storing air conditioning auxiliary device information including its own BD address and function type to the indoor unit 2. The indoor unit 2 transmits the air conditioning auxiliary device information to the control device 4. The control device 4 assigns an identification number to the BD address and function type in the air conditioning auxiliary device information, and transmits the air conditioning auxiliary device information including the identification number to the indoor unit 2. Then, the indoor unit 2 stores the identification number, BD address, and function type of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 in the air conditioning auxiliary device information in the management table 26A, and completes pairing registration with the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 through BLE communication. As a result, the indoor unit 2 can realize pairing registration with the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 through BLE communication.

[0050] Furthermore, when the operating device 4 detects air conditioning auxiliary device information from the indoor unit 2, it extracts the BD address and function type of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 from the air conditioning auxiliary device information and assigns an identification number to the BD address and function type. Then, the operating device 4 generates air conditioning auxiliary device information including the identification number, BD address and function type of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, and transmits a pairing request including the generated air conditioning auxiliary device information to the indoor unit 2. As a result, the operating device 4 can provide the indoor unit 2 with the air conditioning auxiliary device information including the identification number assigned to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6.

[0051] Fig. 10 is a sequence showing an example of a processing operation related to pairing registration of the auxiliary operation device 5. In Fig. 10, the control unit 45 in the operation device 4 displays a connection request screen of the auxiliary operation device 5 on the display unit 43 when pairing between the indoor unit 2 and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 by BLE communication is completed, for example (step S51). For convenience of explanation, the operation device 4 displays a connection request screen of the auxiliary operation device 5 when pairing registration between the indoor unit 2 and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 is completed, but the connection request screen of the auxiliary operation device 5 may be displayed in response to a predetermined operation, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0052] When the control unit 45 in the operating device 4 detects a connection request operation of the auxiliary operating device 5 through the touch panel 42B (step S52), it completes the pairing preparation with the auxiliary operating device 5. When the control unit 55 in the auxiliary operating device 5 detects a button operation of the air conditioner connection button 52A, it completes the pairing preparation with the operating device 4. Note that, for convenience of explanation, a case is illustrated in which the pairing preparation of the auxiliary operating device 5 is completed after the pairing preparation of the operating device 4 is completed, but the pairing preparation of the operating device 4 may be completed after the pairing preparation of the auxiliary operating device 5 is completed, or the pairing preparation of the operating device 4 and the auxiliary operating device 5 may be completed simultaneously.

[0053] The control unit 55 in the auxiliary operation device 5 extracts the BD address and function type of its own auxiliary operation device 5 from the device holding unit 54A (step S54). The control unit 55 in the auxiliary operation device 5 generates auxiliary operation device information including the BD address and function type of the auxiliary operation device 5 (step S55). The control unit 55 in the auxiliary operation device 5 stores the auxiliary operation device information in a pairing request (step S56). Note that the pairing request is a request signal format standardized in BLE communication, and stores the auxiliary operation device information in the payload of the pairing request. Furthermore, the control unit 55 in the auxiliary operation device 5 transmits the pairing request storing the auxiliary operation device information to the operation device 4 by BLE communication (step S57).

[0054] When the assigning unit 45A in the operation device 4 receives a pairing request from the auxiliary operation device 5, it extracts the auxiliary operation device information from the pairing request (step S58). The assigning unit 45A in the operation device 4 assigns an unassigned identification number that has not been assigned to other devices to the BD address and function type in the auxiliary operation device information (step S59). The assigning unit 45A in the operation device 4 stores the BD address and function type of the auxiliary operation device 5 in association with the identification number in the reception management table 44B (step S60).

[0055] Furthermore, the generation unit 45B in the manipulation device 4 generates auxiliary manipulation device information including the identification number, BD address, and function type of the auxiliary manipulation device 5 (step S61). The second transmission unit 45C in the manipulation device 4 stores the auxiliary manipulation device information in a pairing request (step S62). Then, the second transmission unit 45C in the manipulation device 4 transmits the pairing request storing the auxiliary manipulation device information to the indoor unit 2 by BLE communication (step S63).

[0056] When the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 receives a pairing request from the control device 4, it extracts air conditioning auxiliary device information from the pairing request (step S64). The control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 stores the identification number, BD address, and function type related to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 in the extracted air conditioning auxiliary device information in the management table 26A (step S65). Then, the control unit 27 in the indoor unit 2 transmits a pairing completion to the control device 4 by BLE communication (step S66).

[0057] When the control unit 45 in the operating device 4 receives the notification of the pairing completion, it displays the completion of connection of the auxiliary operating device 5 on the display unit 43 (step S67). As a result, the user of the operating device 4 can see the completion of connection of the auxiliary operating device 5 displayed on the display unit 43 and recognize that the pairing registration by BLE between the operating device 4, the indoor unit 2, and the auxiliary operating device 5 has been completed.

[0058] 10, the auxiliary operation device 5 transmits a pairing request storing auxiliary operation device information including its own BD address and function type to the operation device 4. The operation device 4 assigns an identification number to the BD address and function type in the auxiliary operation device information, and transmits the auxiliary operation device information including the identification number to the indoor unit 2. Then, the indoor unit 2 stores the identification number, BD address, and function type of the auxiliary operation device 5 in the auxiliary operation device information in the management table 26A, and completes pairing registration with the auxiliary operation device 5 via BLE communication. As a result, the indoor unit 2 can realize pairing registration with the auxiliary operation device 5 via BLE communication.

[0059] Furthermore, when the manipulation device 4 detects auxiliary manipulation device information from the indoor unit 2, it extracts the BD address and function type of the auxiliary manipulation device 5 from the auxiliary manipulation device information and assigns an identification number to the BD address and function type. Then, the manipulation device 4 generates auxiliary manipulation device information including the identification number, BD address and function type of the auxiliary manipulation device 5, and transmits a pairing request including the generated auxiliary manipulation device information to the indoor unit 2. As a result, the manipulation device 4 can provide the indoor unit 2 with the auxiliary manipulation device information including the identification number assigned to the auxiliary manipulation device 5.

[0060] Fig. 11 is a sequence showing an example of the processing operation of the operation device 4, the auxiliary operation device 5, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 when a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device is received from the indoor unit 2. In Fig. 11, when the addition unit 27A in the indoor unit 2 generates command contents addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 (step S71), for example, it extracts the identification number and BD address corresponding to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 from the management table 26A (step S72). Furthermore, the addition unit 27A in the indoor unit 2 generates a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device including the command contents addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, the identification number and BD address of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 (step S73). Then, the first transmission unit 27B in the indoor unit 2 broadcasts the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device by BLE communication (step S74).

[0061] When the determination unit 45D in the control device 4 receives a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device from the indoor unit 2, it extracts an identification number from the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device (step S75A). The determination unit 45D in the control device 4 determines whether the extracted identification number matches its own identification number in the device storage unit 44A (step S76A). The processing unit 45E in the control device 4 discards the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device (step S77A) because the extracted identification number does not match its own identification number.

[0062] Furthermore, when the determination unit 55A in the auxiliary operation device 5 receives a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device from the indoor unit 2, it extracts an identification number from the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device (step S75B). The determination unit 55A in the auxiliary operation device 5 determines whether the extracted identification number matches its own identification number in the device storage unit 54A (step S76B). The processing unit 55B in the auxiliary operation device 5 discards the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device because the extracted identification number does not match its own identification number (step S77B).

[0063] Furthermore, when the determination unit 66A in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 receives a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device from the indoor unit 2, it extracts an identification number from the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device (step S75). The determination unit 66A in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 determines whether the extracted identification number matches its own identification number in the device storage unit (step S76). Since the extracted identification number matches its own identification number, the processing unit 66B in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 extracts command content from the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device (step S77). Then, the processing unit 66 in the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 executes a processing operation based on the extracted command content (step S78).

[0064] When the indoor unit 2 generates command content addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, it generates a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device including an identification number and a BD address corresponding to the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, and broadcasts the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device by BLE communication. As a result, each device that receives the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device can determine whether or not the signal is addressed to itself, based on the identification number.

[0065] When the control device 4 receives a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device, it determines whether the identification number in the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device is its own identification number, and discards the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device because the identification numbers do not match. As a result, the control device 4 can prevent malfunctions caused by signals addressed to other devices.

[0066] When the auxiliary operation device 5 receives a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device, it determines whether the identification number in the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device is its own identification number, and discards the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary device because the identification numbers do not match. As a result, the auxiliary operation device 5 can prevent malfunctions caused by signals addressed to other devices.

[0067] When the air conditioning auxiliary equipment 6 receives a signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary equipment, it determines whether the identification number in the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary equipment is its own identification number, and since the identification numbers match, it executes a processing operation based on the command content in the signal addressed to the air conditioning auxiliary equipment. As a result, the air conditioning auxiliary equipment 6 can execute a process according to the command content addressed to itself from the indoor unit 2.

[0068] The indoor unit 2 of this embodiment refers to the management table 26A that stores the identification numbers that are different for each of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, the operation device 4, and the auxiliary operation device 5, adds the identification number assigned to the device to a signal addressed to the device, and transmits the signal addressed to the device to which the identification number is added. Furthermore, each of the operation device 4, the auxiliary operation device 5, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 refers to the device storage unit 44A (54A, 65A) that manages the identification number that identifies the device body, and when a signal is received from the indoor unit 2, determines whether the identification number added to the received signal matches the identification number of the device body, and when the identification numbers match, accepts the signal addressed to the device received from the indoor unit 2. As a result, each device can execute processing according to the command content addressed to itself from the indoor unit 2.

[0069] Each device discards the signal received from the indoor unit 2 if the identification number added to the received signal does not match the identification number of the device itself. As a result, each device can prevent malfunction due to signals other than those addressed to itself.

[0070] When the control device 4 detects a connection request from a device, it assigns a different identification number to that device and transmits the identification number to that device, and also transmits the identification number and the BD address of the device to the indoor unit 2. As a result, the indoor unit 2 can recognize the identification number assigned to each device, and the device can recognize the identification number assigned to itself.

[0071] When the indoor unit 2 receives the device identification number and the device BD address, the indoor unit 2 associates the identification number with each device BD address and stores them in the management table 26A. As a result, the indoor unit 2 can recognize the identification number of each device by referring to the management table 26A.

[0072] When manipulation device 4 detects a connection request such as a pairing request from a device, it assigns an identification number to the device according to the device attributes of the device. As a result, manipulation device 4 can assign an identification number to each device.

[0073] The device attributes include device attributes of device types that operate the indoor unit 2 and device attributes of device types that are operated by the indoor unit 2. As a result, each device can prevent malfunction due to signals addressed to other devices. By assigning and managing device attributes collectively by attribute in this way, the cost of the storage unit 26 can be reduced compared to the case where all devices can be individually identified.

[0074] For convenience of explanation, the case where a different identification number is assigned to each device of the operation device 4 has been exemplified, but a different identification number may be assigned not for each device but for each function type of the device, and this can be changed as appropriate. Also, while the case where an identification number is assigned has been exemplified, this is not limited to a number, and any identification information that identifies the device, such as a symbol or an identifier, can be used, and this can be changed as appropriate.

[0075] Although the above description illustrates that the operating device 4 starts preparation for pairing with the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 after pairing with the indoor unit 2 for BLE communication is completed, the operating device 4 may start preparation for pairing with the auxiliary operating device 5 instead of the air conditioning auxiliary device 6, and this can be changed as appropriate.

[0076] In addition, in this embodiment, the configuration is such that the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 and the operating device 4, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 and the auxiliary operating device 5 cannot be connected via BLE communication, but it is also possible to make it possible to connect the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 and the operating device 4, and the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 and the auxiliary operating device 5 via BLE communication. In this case, the air conditioning auxiliary device 6 may send a pairing request including the air conditioning auxiliary device information to the operating device 4 without sending a pairing request including the air conditioning auxiliary device information to the indoor unit 2, as shown in step S38 of Figure 9, and this can be changed as appropriate.

[0077] For ease of explanation, the communication terminal 7 is exemplified as displaying an alarm in response to an alarm from the indoor unit 2, but the alarm may be displayed by lighting a lamp or the like provided on the communication terminal 7, or the alarm may be output as an audible sound or the like, and modifications can be made as appropriate.

[0078] Furthermore, each component of each unit shown in the figure does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each unit is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, the various processing functions performed by each device may be executed in whole or in part on a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (or a microcomputer such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit)). It goes without saying that the various processing functions may be executed in whole or in part on a program analyzed and executed by a CPU (or a microcomputer such as an MPU or an MCU), or on hardware using wired logic. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Air conditioning system 2 Indoor unit 4 Operating equipment 5 Auxiliary operating equipment 6 Air conditioning auxiliary equipment 26A Management Table 27A Addition 27B First transmitter 44A Equipment holding part 45A Granting Department 45B Generation part 45C Second transmitter 45D Judgment section 45E Processing section 54A Equipment holding part 55A Judgment section 55B Processing section 65A Equipment holding part 66A Judgment section 66B Processing section

Claims

1. An air conditioning system having an indoor unit, an air conditioning auxiliary device linked to the indoor unit, an operation device that operates the indoor unit, and an auxiliary operation device that operates the indoor unit, and connecting a plurality of devices including the indoor unit, the air conditioning auxiliary device, the operation device, and the auxiliary operation device by short-range wireless communication, The operating device includes: an assigning unit that assigns different identification information for each device type of the device that has made the connection request when a connection request from the device is detected; a second transmission unit that transmits the identification information assigned by the assignment unit to the device of the connection request, and transmits the identification information that identifies the device of the connection request assigned by the assignment unit to the indoor unit, The indoor unit includes: a first table that stores the identification information of the air conditioning auxiliary device, the operating device, and the auxiliary operating device obtained from the operating device; an adding unit that adds the identification information for identifying the device to a signal addressed to the device; a first transmitting unit that transmits a signal addressed to the device to which the identification information has been added by the adding unit; having Each of the operating device, the air conditioning auxiliary device, or the auxiliary operating device is a second table for storing the identification information for identifying the device body obtained from the operation device; a determination unit that, when receiving a signal addressed to the device from the indoor unit, determines whether or not the identification information added to the received signal addressed to the device matches the identification information of the device body; a processing unit that accepts a signal received from the indoor unit when the identification information matches in the determination unit, and discards the signal received from the indoor unit when the identification information does not match in the determination unit; An air conditioning system comprising:

2. The second transmission unit is The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that device information including the identification information for identifying the device of the connection request assigned by the assignment unit and a device address of the device of the connection request is transmitted to the indoor unit.

3. The indoor unit includes: The air conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein when the identification information and the device information are received, the identification information is associated with each piece of device information and stored in the first table.

4. The applying unit is 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein when a connection request from the device is detected, the identification information according to the device type of the device is given to the device that has made the connection request.

5. The device type is: The air conditioning system according to claim 4, further comprising a device type indicating a device that operates the indoor unit, and a device type indicating a device that is operated by the indoor unit.

Images