Communication system and communication device

Abstract

In the present invention, an outdoor unit (100) supplies power supplied from an external power source via power lines (20A, 20B) to an indoor unit (200) via a power line (31) and a shared line (32), and sends and receives analog signals of a multi-carrier transmission system to and from the indoor unit (200) via a signal line (33) and the shared line (32). The indoor unit (200) operates by electric power supplied by the outdoor unit (100) via the power line (31) and the shared line (32), and sends and receives analog signals to and from the outdoor unit (100) via the signal line (33) and the shared line (32).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system, And, Communication Equipment Place Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there is known an air conditioning system that includes a plurality of units, each of which includes an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. In each unit, the outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit are connected to each other via an internal and external transmission path, and communicate with each other via the internal and external transmission path. In addition, the outdoor units included in each unit are connected to each other via various transmission paths, and communicate with each other via the various transmission paths.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes such an air conditioning system. Patent Document 1 describes that in each unit, an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units are connected to each other so that data can be transmitted via an internal and external transmission path. Patent Document 1 also describes that the outdoor units included in each unit are connected to each other so that data can be transmitted via a centralized transmission path. The centralized transmission path is a transmission path compatible with Ethernet (registered trademark), and is capable of high-speed data transmission. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-20092 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in general, the communication speed between an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units is often not high, and it is considered that the communication speed between the outdoor unit and multiple indoor units is also not high in the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1. For this reason, it is difficult to increase the communication speed of the entire system in the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, a technology that realizes high-speed data transmission in the entire system is desired.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a communication system that realizes high-speed data transmission as a whole system, And, Communication Equipment Place The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the communication system according to the present disclosure includes: A communication system including: a first communication device connected to an external power source via a power line; and a second communication device connected to the first communication device via a power line, a shared line, and a signal line, the first communication device supplies power supplied from the external power source via the power line to the second communication device via the power line and the shared line, and transmits and receives analog signals of a multicarrier transmission system between the first communication device and the second communication device via the signal line and the shared line; The second communication device operates with the power supplied from the first communication device via the power supply line and the shared line, and transmits and receives the analog signal between the second communication device and the first communication device via the signal line and the shared line. death , At least one of the first communication device and the second communication device includes an inductor connected in series to a load circuit connected between the power supply line and the shared line on a leakage path through which a leakage current flows; The leakage path includes the power supply line and the shared line, and is a path that shares the shared line with a communication path through which a current for communication flows, the communication path including the signal line and the shared line. . Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the present disclosure, a first communication device and a second communication device transmit and receive analog signals in a multicarrier transmission system, and therefore, according to the present disclosure, high-speed data transmission can be realized in the entire system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to embodiment 1 [Diagram 2] Configuration diagram of an outdoor unit according to the first embodiment [Diagram 3] An explanatory diagram of the connections between devices in an air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] A flowchart showing the startup process executed by the air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit according to embodiment 2 [Figure 7] A flowchart showing a startup process executed by an air conditioning unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] Configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit according to embodiment 3 [Figure 9] Configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit according to embodiment 4 [Figure 10] Configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit according to embodiment 5 [Figure 11] Configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit according to embodiment 6 [Figure 12] Configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit according to embodiment 7 [Figure 13] Configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit according to embodiment 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 2000 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 2000 is a system for conditioning the air inside a building, a condominium, an apartment, a factory, or the like. The air conditioning system 2000 includes a plurality of air conditioning units 1000 and a transmission path 40 that connects the plurality of air conditioning units 1000 to each other. The number of air conditioning units 1000 included in the air conditioning system 2000 can be adjusted as appropriate. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 2000 includes at least two air conditioning units 1000, an air conditioning unit 1000A and an air conditioning unit 1000B. The air conditioning unit 1000A and the air conditioning unit 1000B are collectively referred to as the air conditioning unit 1000 as appropriate.

[0012] The transmission path 40 is a transmission path capable of high-speed baseband communication, for example, a transmission path compatible with Ethernet (registered trademark). The transmission path 40 connects the outdoor units 100 of the multiple air conditioning units 1000 to each other. The communication speed of the baseband communication using the transmission path 40 is preferably as fast as possible (for example, 1 Mbps or more) so that high-speed data transmission is realized in the entire system. The communication speed of the baseband communication using the transmission path 40 is, for example, 100 Mbps. A LAN (Local Area Network) is constructed by the transmission path 40.

[0013] The air conditioning unit 1000 is a unit that conditions indoor air. The air conditioning unit 1000 includes an outdoor unit 100, at least one indoor unit 200, and a transmission path 30 that interconnects the outdoor unit 100 and at least one indoor unit 200. The number of indoor units 200 can be adjusted as appropriate. In this embodiment, the air conditioning unit 1000A includes an outdoor unit 100A, an indoor unit 200AA, an indoor unit 200AB, an indoor unit 200AC, and a transmission path 30A. The air conditioning unit 1000B includes an outdoor unit 100B, an indoor unit 200BA, an indoor unit 200BB, an indoor unit 200BC, and a transmission path 30B.

[0014] The air conditioning unit 1000 is an example of a communication system. The air conditioning unit 1000A is an example of a first unit. The air conditioning unit 1000B is an example of a second unit. The outdoor unit 100A is an example of a first outdoor unit. The outdoor unit 100B is an example of a second outdoor unit. The indoor unit 200AA, the indoor unit 200AB, and the indoor unit 200AC are an example of a first indoor unit. The indoor unit 200BA, the indoor unit 200BB, and the indoor unit 200BC are an example of a second indoor unit.

[0015] The outdoor unit 100A and the outdoor unit 100B are collectively referred to as the outdoor unit 100 as appropriate. The indoor unit 200AA, the indoor unit 200AB, the indoor unit 200AC, the indoor unit 200BA, the indoor unit 200BB, and the indoor unit 200BC are collectively referred to as the indoor unit 200 as appropriate. The transmission path 30A and the transmission path 30B are collectively referred to as the transmission path 30 as appropriate.

[0016] The outdoor unit 100 is a facility device that conditions indoor air and is installed outdoors. Conditioning the indoor air means adjusting the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, etc. of the indoor air. The outdoor unit 100 communicates with at least one indoor unit 200 via a transmission path 30. The outdoor unit 100 circulates refrigerant between the outdoor unit 100 and the at least one indoor unit 200 via a refrigerant piping (not shown). The outdoor unit 100 is an example of a first communication device.

[0017] The configuration of the outdoor unit 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 mainly shows only the configuration related to communication among the configuration of the outdoor unit 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor unit 100 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a first communication unit 13, and a second communication unit 14.

[0018] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, central arithmetic unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central arithmetic processing unit that executes processes and calculations related to the control of the outdoor unit 100. In the control unit 11, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to centrally control the outdoor unit 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit having a clocking function. The CPU can identify the current date and time from the time information read out from the RTC.

[0019] The storage unit 12 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 to execute various processes. The storage unit 12 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 executing various processes.

[0020] The first communication unit 13 communicates with other outdoor units 100 via the transmission path 40 in accordance with the control of the control unit 11. The first communication unit 13 includes a communication interface for connecting to the transmission path 40. The first communication unit 13 includes, for example, a LAN card compatible with Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0021] The second communication unit 14 communicates with at least one indoor unit 200 via the transmission path 30 in accordance with the control of the control unit 11. The second communication unit 14 communicates with the indoor unit 200 using a multicarrier transmission method. The multicarrier transmission method is a transmission method in which a signal is superimposed on subcarriers having multiple frequency spectra that do not interfere with each other. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 14 communicates with the indoor unit 200 using an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method that uses carrier waves in a frequency band of 10 kHz or more. The second communication unit 14 has a communication interface for connecting to the transmission path 30. The second communication unit 14 has a communication interface compatible with the OFDM method, for example.

[0022] The indoor unit 200 is a facility device that is installed indoors and that conditions the air in the room. The indoor unit 200 blows out conditioned air into the room. The conditioned air is air for conditioning the air in the room, and is basically heated air or cooled air. The heated air is air for heating the room, and has a higher temperature than the air in the room. The cooled air is air for cooling the room, and has a lower temperature than the air in the room.

[0023] The indoor unit 200 includes a control unit (not shown), a memory unit (not shown), and a communication unit (not shown). The control unit is basically configured similarly to the control unit 11. The memory unit is basically configured similarly to the memory unit 12. The communication unit is basically configured similarly to the second communication unit 14. The indoor unit 200 is an example of a second communication device.

[0024] The transmission path 30 is a transmission path that connects the outdoor unit 100 and at least one indoor unit 200 to each other in one air conditioning unit 1000. The transmission path 30 is used for both power supply and communication. That is, the transmission path 30 includes a power supply line for the outdoor unit 100 to supply power to the indoor unit 200, and a communication line for communication between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. When the air conditioning unit 1000 includes a plurality of indoor units 200, the transmission path 30 connects the plurality of indoor units 200 in parallel to the outdoor unit 100. The transmission path 30 is an example of an internal / external transmission path. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the connection between the devices in the air conditioning unit 1000 will be described using the air conditioning unit 1000A as an example.

[0025] The outdoor unit 100A includes a terminal 111, a terminal 112, a terminal 121, a terminal 122, and a terminal 123. The indoor unit 200AA includes a terminal 221A, a terminal 222A, and a terminal 223A. The indoor unit 200AB includes a terminal 221B, a terminal 222B, and a terminal 223B. The indoor unit 200AC includes a terminal 221C, a terminal 222C, and a terminal 223C. The terminals 221A, 221B, and 221C are collectively referred to as terminals 221 as appropriate. The terminals 222A, 222B, and 222C are collectively referred to as terminals 222 as appropriate. The terminals 223A, 223B, and 223C are collectively referred to as terminals 223 as appropriate.

[0026] The power supply 300 is a power supply that supplies power to the outdoor unit 100A. The power supply 300 supplies power to the outdoor unit 100A as AC or DC. In this embodiment, the power supply 300 is a commercial power supply that supplies single-phase 200V AC power. One end of the power supply 300 is connected to a terminal 111 via a power line 20A. The other end of the power supply 300 is connected to a terminal 112 via a power line 20B. The power lines 20A and 20B are collectively referred to as power lines 20 as appropriate. The power supply 300 supplies power to the outdoor unit 100A via the power line 20. The power supply 300 is an example of an external power supply.

[0027] Terminal 121 and terminal 221A are connected by power line 31A. Terminal 122 and terminal 222A are connected by shared line 32A. Terminal 123 and terminal 223A are connected by signal line 33A. Terminal 221A and terminal 221B are connected by power line 31B. Terminal 222A and terminal 222B are connected by shared line 32B. Terminal 223A and terminal 223B are connected by signal line 33B. Terminal 221B and terminal 221C are connected by power line 31C. Terminal 222B and terminal 222C are connected by shared line 32C. Terminal 223B and terminal 223C are connected by signal line 33C.

[0028] Power line 31A, power line 31B, and power line 31C are collectively referred to as power line 31 as appropriate. Shared line 32A, shared line 32B, and shared line 32C are collectively referred to as shared line 32 as appropriate. Signal line 33A, signal line 33B, and signal line 33C are collectively referred to as signal line 33 as appropriate. Power line 31 is an electric line used for power supply. Shared line 32 is an electric line used for power supply and communication. Signal line 33 is an electric line used for communication. Power line 31 and shared line 32 are power supply lines. Signal line 33 and shared line 32 are communication lines.

[0029] The transmission path 30 includes a power line 31, a common line 32, and a signal line 33. The power line 31, the common line 32, and the signal line 33 are insulated from each other and are combined into one cable. Examples of such cables include a VVF (Vinyl insulated Vinyl sheathed Flat-type) cable and a cab-tyre cable. In this embodiment, the cable is a VVF cable with three core wires. In this manner, the outdoor unit 100A and the three indoor units 200 are connected in order by a cable including the power line 31, the common line 32, and the signal line 33.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning unit 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. When the air conditioning unit 1000 includes multiple indoor units 200, the configurations of the multiple indoor units 200 are basically the same. Therefore, in Fig. 4, the indoor units 200 other than one of the at least one indoor unit 200 included in the air conditioning unit 1000 are omitted from the illustration.

[0031] The outdoor unit 100 is connected to a power source 300 via a power line 20. The outdoor unit 100 supplies power supplied from the power source 300 via the power line 20 to the indoor unit 200 via a power source line 31 and a shared line 32. The outdoor unit 100 transmits and receives analog signals of a multicarrier transmission system between the indoor unit 200 via a signal line 33 and the shared line 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the outdoor unit 100 includes a terminal block 110, a terminal block 120, a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, a coupling circuit 150, and a drive power generation circuit 160.

[0032] The terminal block 110 is a terminal block for connecting the power line 20. The terminal block 110 includes a terminal 111 and a terminal 112. The terminal block 120 is a terminal block for connecting the transmission line 30. The terminal block 120 includes a terminal 121, a terminal 122, and a terminal 123.

[0033] The control circuit 130 generates or analyzes transmission and reception data transmitted and received between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. More specifically, the control circuit 130 generates data to be transmitted from the outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 200, and supplies a digital signal indicating the generated data to the communication control circuit 140. The control circuit 130 also analyzes the digital signal supplied from the communication control circuit 140, and acquires data received by the outdoor unit 100 from the indoor unit 200. The control circuit 130 includes, for example, various types of ICs (Integrated Circuits). The control circuit 130 is an example of a first control means.

[0034] The communication control circuit 140 converts between a digital signal indicating transmission / reception data handled by the control circuit 130 and an analog signal of a multicarrier transmission system. More specifically, the communication control circuit 140 converts the digital signal supplied from the control circuit 130 into an analog signal of a multicarrier transmission system, and supplies the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system obtained by the conversion to the coupling circuit 150. The communication control circuit 140 also converts the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system supplied from the coupling circuit 150 into a digital signal, and supplies the digital signal obtained by the conversion to the control circuit 130. The communication control circuit 140 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit, a modulation circuit, a demodulation circuit, and the like. The communication control circuit 140 is an example of a first communication control means.

[0035] The coupling circuit 150 connects the communication control circuit 140 between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32, and transmits and receives analog signals of the multicarrier transmission method. More specifically, the coupling circuit 150 superimposes the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method supplied from the communication control circuit 140 between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32, and transmits the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method to the indoor unit 200. The coupling circuit 150 also acquires the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method superimposed between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32 by the indoor unit 200, and supplies the acquired analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method to the communication control circuit 140. The coupling circuit 150 includes, for example, a transformer including a coil connected between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32 and a coil connected to the communication control circuit 140. The coupling circuit 150 is an example of a first coupling means.

[0036] The drive power generation circuit 160 generates drive power for driving the control circuit 130 and the communication control circuit 140 from power supplied from the power source 300 via the power line 20. The drive power generated by the drive power generation circuit 160 is drive power for driving the circuits used for communication, and is power supplied as a DC voltage. In other words, generating drive power corresponds to generating a drive voltage. In FIG. 4, the drive voltage generated by the drive power generation circuit 160 is indicated as "DC."

[0037] The drive power generation circuit 160 includes, for example, an AC / DC (Alternating Current / Direct Current) converter that converts the AC voltage supplied from the power source 300 into a predetermined DC voltage. The drive power generation circuit 160 is an example of a first drive power generation means. The drive power generation circuit 160 is an example of an AC load that operates with AC power supplied from the power source 300. The outdoor unit 100 includes, as an AC load other than the drive power generation circuit 160, a motor (not shown) for driving a compressor (not shown), a fan (not shown), etc.

[0038] The indoor unit 200 is connected to the outdoor unit 100 via a power line 31, a common line 32, and a signal line 33. The indoor unit 200 operates with power supplied from the outdoor unit 100 via the power line 31 and the common line 32. The indoor unit 200 transmits and receives analog signals to and from the outdoor unit 100 via the signal line 33 and the common line 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor unit 200 includes a terminal block 220, a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, a coupling circuit 250, and a drive power generation circuit 260.

[0039] The terminal block 220 is a terminal block for connecting the transmission line 30. The terminal block 220 includes a terminal 221, a terminal 222, and a terminal 223.

[0040] The control circuit 230 generates or analyzes transmission and reception data transmitted and received between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. More specifically, the control circuit 230 generates data to be transmitted from the indoor unit 200 to the outdoor unit 100, and supplies a digital signal indicating the generated data to the communication control circuit 240. In addition, the control circuit 230 analyzes the digital signal supplied from the communication control circuit 240, and acquires data received by the indoor unit 200 from the outdoor unit 100. The control circuit 230 includes, for example, various types of ICs. The control circuit 230 is an example of a second control means.

[0041] The communication control circuit 240 converts between a digital signal indicating transmission / reception data handled by the control circuit 230 and an analog signal of a multicarrier transmission system. More specifically, the communication control circuit 240 converts the digital signal supplied from the control circuit 230 into an analog signal of a multicarrier transmission system, and supplies the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system obtained by the conversion to the coupling circuit 250. The communication control circuit 240 also converts the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system supplied from the coupling circuit 250 into a digital signal, and supplies the digital signal obtained by the conversion to the control circuit 230. The communication control circuit 240 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit, a modulation circuit, a demodulation circuit, and the like. The communication control circuit 240 is an example of a second communication control means.

[0042] The coupling circuit 250 connects the communication control circuit 240 between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32, and transmits and receives an analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method. More specifically, the coupling circuit 250 superimposes the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method supplied from the communication control circuit 240 between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32, and transmits the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method to the outdoor unit 100. The coupling circuit 250 also acquires the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method superimposed between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32 by the outdoor unit 100, and supplies the acquired analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method to the communication control circuit 240. The coupling circuit 250 includes, for example, a transformer including a coil connected between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32 and a coil connected to the communication control circuit 240. The coupling circuit 250 is an example of a second coupling means.

[0043] The drive power generation circuit 260 generates drive power for driving the control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240 from power supplied from the outdoor unit 100 via the power supply line 31 and the common line 32. The drive power generated by the drive power generation circuit 260 is for driving the circuits used for communication, and is power supplied as a DC voltage. In other words, generating drive power corresponds to generating a drive voltage. In FIG. 4, the drive voltage generated by the drive power generation circuit 260 is indicated as "DC".

[0044] The drive power generation circuit 260 includes, for example, an AC / DC converter that converts the AC voltage supplied from the outdoor unit 100 into a predetermined DC voltage. The drive power generation circuit 260 is an example of a second drive power generation means. The drive power generation circuit 260 is an example of an AC load that operates on the AC power supplied from the outdoor unit 100. The indoor unit 200 includes, as an AC load other than the drive power generation circuit 260, a motor (not shown) for driving a fan (not shown).

[0045] The second communication unit 14 provided in the outdoor unit 100 includes a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, and a coupling circuit 150. The communication unit (not shown) provided in the indoor unit includes a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, and a coupling circuit 250.

[0046] Next, the startup process executed by the air conditioning unit 1000 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The air conditioning unit 1000 starts executing the startup process in response to, for example, power being supplied from the power source 300 to the outdoor unit 100.

[0047] First, the outdoor unit 100 supplies AC power to the indoor unit 200 (step S101). In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 100 does not execute control of power supply to the indoor unit 200. That is, in this embodiment, the terminal 111 connected to the power line 20A is directly connected to the terminal 121 connected to the power supply line 31, and the terminal 112 connected to the power line 20B is directly connected to the terminal 122 connected to the common line 32. The outdoor unit 100 supplies the AC power supplied from the power supply 300 via the power line 20A and the power line 20B to the indoor unit 200 as it is via the power supply line 31 and the common line 32. When the outdoor unit 100 starts supplying power to the indoor unit 200, the indoor unit 200 starts receiving power from the outdoor unit 100.

[0048] When the process of step S101 is completed, the outdoor unit 100 generates drive power from AC power (step S102). Specifically, the drive power generation circuit 160 converts the AC power supplied from the power source 300 via the power lines 20A and 20B into DC drive power. The drive power generation circuit 160 supplies the generated drive power to the control circuit 130 and the communication control circuit 140. The process of step S102 may be executed before the process of step S101, or may be executed simultaneously with the process of step S101.

[0049] When the process of step S102 is completed, the indoor unit 200 generates drive power from AC power (step S103). Specifically, the drive power generation circuit 260 converts the AC power supplied from the outdoor unit 100 via the power supply line 31 and the common line 32 into DC drive power. The drive power generation circuit 260 supplies the generated drive power to the control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240. The process of step S103 may be executed before the process of step S102, or may be executed simultaneously with the process of step S102.

[0050] When the process of step S103 is completed, the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 establish a communication link between them (step S104). Specifically, the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 establish a communication link between them by transmitting and receiving analog signals of a multicarrier transmission method via the signal line 33 and the shared line 32. The trigger for starting the establishment of the communication link can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0051] For example, in the case where the outdoor unit 100 periodically transmits a beacon frame after being supplied with AC power from the power source 300 via the power line 20, the indoor unit 200 may receive this beacon frame from the outdoor unit 100 as a trigger to start the establishment of a communication link. Alternatively, in the case where the indoor unit 200 transmits a signal to the outdoor unit 100 after being supplied with AC power from the outdoor unit 100 via the power line 31 and the shared line 32, the indoor unit 200 may transmit this signal as a trigger to start the establishment of a communication link.

[0052] In addition, when the air conditioning unit 1000 includes a plurality of indoor units 200, a communication link may be established between the outdoor unit 100 and each of the plurality of indoor units 200, or a communication link may be established between the outdoor unit 100 and each of the plurality of indoor units 200. In addition, in this embodiment, a multi-carrier transmission method of the OFDM transmission method is assumed, but the frequency band used by the carrier wave can be adjusted as appropriate. The frequency band used by the carrier wave may be a narrow band (for example, 10 kHz to 450 kHz) or a wide band (2 MHz to 30 MHz). In the case of a wide band, the communication speed is faster but the communication distance is shorter than in the case of a narrow band. It is preferable that the frequency band used by the carrier wave is selected in consideration of various conditions.

[0053] When the process of step S104 is completed, the startup process is completed. When the startup process is completed, communication between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 is possible using the multicarrier transmission method.

[0054] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 transmit and receive analog signals using a multicarrier transmission method. The communication speed of the multicarrier transmission method is high. In this embodiment, the outdoor units 100 communicate with each other using high-speed baseband communication. Therefore, according to this embodiment, high-speed data transmission can be realized in the entire system.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, the common line 32 is used for both power supply and communication, so the number of electric wires used is small. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the cost of electric wires and the labor required for wiring during construction.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, analog signals are transmitted and received using a multicarrier transmission method between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32, rather than between the power line 31 through which AC power passes and the shared line 32. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the propagation path of the analog signal is closed between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200, and the occurrence of communication failures and an increase in communication traffic due to the influence of other devices connected to the power line 20 are suppressed. More specifically, the occurrence of communication failures due to the influence of impedance fluctuations, noise radiation, and the like, due to other devices connected to the power line 20 is suppressed. Also, an increase in communication traffic due to the influence of communication of other communication devices that use the power line 20 as a transmission path is suppressed.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the indoor unit 200 generates drive power for driving the control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240 from power supplied from the outdoor unit 100 via the power supply line 31 and the shared line 32. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to supply the drive power from the outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 200.

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, the power line 31, the common line 32, and the signal line 33 are integrated into a single cable. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the hassle of wiring each electric wire individually when installing the indoor unit 200 is eliminated, and the wiring work when installing the indoor unit 200 is simplified.

[0059] In addition, in this embodiment, the multicarrier transmission method used in the communication between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 is an OFDM transmission method using carrier waves in a frequency band of 10 kHz or more. In the OFDM transmission method, the frequency bands of the carrier waves overlap, making it possible to transmit data in multiple frequency bands. Therefore, according to this embodiment, frequencies can be used with high efficiency in a high frequency band, and faster transmission can be achieved between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200.

[0060] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the indoor unit 200 generates drive power for driving the control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the outdoor unit 101 generates drive power for driving the control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240. Hereinafter, descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 6, an air conditioning unit 1001 according to this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 101 and at least one indoor unit 201. In Fig. 6, the indoor units 201 other than one of the at least one indoor unit 201 included in the air conditioning unit 1001 are not shown. In the case where the air conditioning unit 1001 includes the outdoor unit 101 and multiple indoor units 201, the multiple indoor units 201 are connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 101 by a transmission path 30.

[0062] The outdoor unit 101 includes a terminal block 110, a terminal block 120, a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, a coupling circuit 150, and a drive power generation circuit 160. The indoor unit 201 includes a terminal block 220, a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, and a coupling circuit 250, but does not include a drive power generation circuit 260.

[0063] In this embodiment, the drive power generation circuit 160 generates drive power for driving the control circuit 130, the communication control circuit 140, the control circuit 230, and the communication control circuit 240. The drive power generation circuit 160 supplies the generated drive power to the indoor unit 201 via the signal line 33 and the shared line 32. Specifically, the drive power generation circuit 160 applies the generated drive voltage, DC, to the signal line 33, and connects the shared line 32 to GND.

[0064] The coupling circuit 150 superimposes an analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method between the signal line 33 to which the drive voltage is applied and the shared line 32, and transmits the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method to the indoor unit 201. The coupling circuit 150 also acquires the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method superimposed between the signal line 33 to which the drive voltage is applied and the shared line 32, and supplies the acquired analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method to the communication control circuit 140.

[0065] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 201 obtains driving power supplied from the outdoor unit 101 via the signal line 33 and the shared line 32. The control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240 are driven by the driving power supplied from the outdoor unit 101 via the signal line 33 and the shared line 32. In other words, the control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240 operate by DC, which is the driving voltage applied to the signal line 33, with the shared line 32 as GND.

[0066] The coupling circuit 250 superimposes an analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method between the signal line 33 to which the drive voltage is applied and the shared line 32, and transmits the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method to the outdoor unit 101. The coupling circuit 250 also acquires the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method superimposed between the signal line 33 to which the drive voltage is applied and the shared line 32, and supplies the acquired analog signal of the multicarrier transmission method to the communication control circuit 240.

[0067] Next, the startup process executed by the air conditioning unit 1001 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. The air conditioning unit 1001 starts executing the startup process in response to power being supplied from the power source 300 to the outdoor unit 101, for example.

[0068] First, the outdoor unit 101 supplies AC power to the indoor unit 201 (step S201). On the other hand, when the outdoor unit 101 starts supplying power to the indoor unit 201, the indoor unit 201 starts receiving power from the outdoor unit 101. When the process of step S201 is completed, the outdoor unit 101 generates driving power from the AC power (step S202).

[0069] When the process of step S202 is completed, the outdoor unit 101 supplies driving power to the indoor unit 201 (step S203). That is, the driving power generating circuit 160 applies the generated driving voltage between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32. When the process of step S203 is completed, the outdoor unit 101 and the indoor unit 201 establish a communication link between the outdoor unit 101 and the indoor unit 201 (step S204). When the process of step S204 is completed, the start-up process is completed. When the start-up process is completed, communication by the multicarrier transmission method becomes possible between the outdoor unit 101 and the indoor unit 201.

[0070] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 101 supplies the indoor unit 201 with the driving power required to drive the control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the indoor unit 201 does not need to generate driving power, and the cost of the indoor unit 201 can be reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when AC power is not supplied from the outdoor unit 101 to the indoor unit 201, the indoor unit 201 can communicate with the outdoor unit 101 using the drive power supplied from the outdoor unit 101.

[0072] (Embodiment 3) In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the impedance between the power line 31 and the shared line 32 is not particularly considered. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the impedance between the power line 31 and the shared line 32 is increased. Hereinafter, descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8, an air conditioning unit 1002 according to this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 102 and at least one indoor unit 202. In Fig. 8, the indoor units 202 other than one of the at least one indoor unit 202 included in the air conditioning unit 1002 are not shown. The outdoor unit 102 includes a terminal block 110, a terminal block 120, a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, a coupling circuit 150, a drive power generation circuit 160, an inductor 171, and an inductor 172. The indoor unit 202 includes a terminal block 220, a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, a coupling circuit 250, and a drive power generation circuit 260.

[0074] In order to increase the impedance between the power line 31 and the shared line 32, for example, it is preferable that at least one of the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor unit 202 is provided with an inductor connected in series to a load circuit connected between the power line 31 and the shared line 32 on the leakage path through which the leakage current flows. The leakage path is a path that includes the power line 31 and the shared line 32 and shares the communication path with the shared line 32. The communication path is a path that includes the signal line 33 and the shared line 32 and through which a current for communication flows.

[0075] 8, the communication path is indicated by a dashed line 191, and is a path that sequentially connects the coupling circuit 150, the terminal 123, the signal line 33, the terminal 223, the coupling circuit 250, the connection point 184, the terminal 222, the shared line 32, the terminal 122, the connection point 183, and the coupling circuit 150. Also, in FIG. 8, the leakage path is indicated by, for example, a dashed line 192, and is a path that sequentially connects the connection point 184, the driving power generating circuit 260, the terminal 221, the power line 31, the terminal 121, the inductor 171, the connection point 181, the driving power generating circuit 160, the connection point 182, the inductor 172, the connection point 183, the terminal 122, the shared line 32, the terminal 222, and the connection point 184. The leakage path indicated by the dashed line 192 is an internal leakage path through which an internal leakage current (described later) and an external leakage current (described later) flow. Although not shown in the figure, an external leakage path through which an external leakage current flows, which will be described later, is also a leakage path.

[0076] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 102 and the power source 300 are connected by a power line 20A and a power line 20B. In this embodiment, the load circuit is a drive power generation circuit 160 inside the outdoor unit 102, which is connected to a connection point 181 on a first path that connects the power line 20A and the power source line 31, and to a connection point 182 on a second path that connects the power line 20B and the shared line 32.

[0077] In this embodiment, the inductor 171 is provided on the first path at a portion closer to the power line 31 than the connection point 181. The inductor 172 is provided on the second path at a portion closer to the shared line 32 than the connection point 182 and closer to the power line 20B than the connection point 183. The connection point 183 is a point on the second path where the coupling circuit 150 is connected. The connection point 184 is a point where the coupling circuit 250 and the driving power generating circuit 260 are connected, and is a point where the communication path and the leakage path branch off. The power line 20A is an example of a first power line. The power line 20B is an example of a second power line. The connection point 181 is an example of a first connection point. The connection point 182 is an example of a second connection point.

[0078] The purpose of inserting inductors 171 and 172 is to increase the impedance between power line 31 and shared line 32 and achieve the following two points. The first point is to suppress the occurrence of communication failure by suppressing the pick-up of noise emitted by equipment or circuits on the leakage path. The second point is to suppress the occurrence of communication failure by reducing the leakage current and suppressing the decrease in signal current. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the reason why the occurrence of communication failure is suppressed by inserting inductors 171 and 172 will be described.

[0079] First, the output current output from the coupling circuit 150 when the coupling circuit 150 transmits an analog signal in a multicarrier transmission system is expressed as I O Let us assume that O The magnitude of is basically determined by the magnitude of the output power of the communication control circuit 140. The output current flows through the communication path, and at the connection point 184, the signal current I Sand leakage current I L It branches into I O =I S +I L Therefore, the larger the leakage current, the smaller the signal current, and the more likely communication failure will occur.

[0080] The signal current is the current used to transmit and receive analog signals, and flows through the communication path. The leakage current is the current that leaks from the communication path, and flows through the leakage path. S The size of and I L The magnitude of is determined by the ratio of the impedance between the path connecting the power supply line 31 and the power line 20A and the path connecting the shared line 32 and the power line 20B to the impedance between the signal line 33 and the shared line 32.

[0081] The signal current flows through the shared line 32 and returns to the coupling circuit 150. The leakage current flows through the leakage path and is an internal leakage current I LA and the external leakage current I LP Here, I L =I LA +I LP The internal leakage current is a leakage current that flows between the power line 31 and the common line 32 inside the outdoor unit 102. The external leakage current is a leakage current that flows between the power line 20A and the power line 20B outside the outdoor unit 102.

[0082] I LA The size of and I LP The magnitude of is determined by the ratio between the impedance of a load connected between the power line 31 and the common line 32 inside the outdoor unit 102 and the impedance of a load connected between the power line 20A and the power line 20B outside the outdoor unit 102. Note that since the analog signals used in communication are AC signals, the directions of the output current, signal current, leakage current, internal leakage current, and external leakage current flow switch periodically.

[0083] Both the internal leakage current and the external leakage current flow through inductors 171 and 172. Therefore, inductors 171 and 172 reduce the internal leakage current and the external leakage current. The rated current required for inductors 171 and 172 is equal to or greater than the total load current flowing through all indoor units 202 connected to the outdoor unit 102. Therefore, the rated current of inductors 171 and 172 needs to be large.

[0084] Moreover, the inductance values ​​of the inductors 171 and 172 are set to values ​​that provide high impedance in the frequency band of the carrier wave used in communication of the OFDM transmission system. In other words, it is preferable to set the inductance values ​​of the inductors 171 and 172 so that noise or signals in the above frequency band are sufficiently attenuated when they flow through the leakage path.

[0085] In this embodiment, an inductor is provided in series with the load circuit on the leakage path, and the impedance between the power line 31 and the shared line 32 is high. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the propagation path of the analog signal is tightly closed between the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor unit 202, and the occurrence of communication failure and the increase in communication traffic due to the influence of other devices connected to the power line 20 are significantly suppressed. More specifically, the occurrence of communication failure due to the influence of impedance fluctuation, noise radiation, etc., due to other devices connected to the power line 20 is significantly suppressed. In addition, the increase in communication traffic due to the influence of communication of other communication devices that use the power line 20 as a transmission path is significantly suppressed.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, internal leakage current and external leakage current are reduced by inductor 171 and inductor 172. Therefore, according to this embodiment, with a small number of inductors, it is possible to significantly reduce leakage current and suppress the occurrence of communication failure.

[0087] (Embodiment 4) In the third embodiment, an example in which an inductor is provided on a path through which an internal leakage current and an external leakage current flow has been described. In the present embodiment, an example in which an inductor is provided on a path through which an internal leakage current flows will be described. Hereinafter, the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first to third embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 9, an air conditioning unit 1003 according to this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 103 and at least one indoor unit 203. In Fig. 9, the indoor units 203 other than one of the at least one indoor unit 203 included in the air conditioning unit 1003 are not shown. The outdoor unit 103 includes a terminal block 110, a terminal block 120, a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, a coupling circuit 150, a drive power generation circuit 160, an inductor 173, and an inductor 174. The indoor unit 203 includes a terminal block 220, a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, a coupling circuit 250, and a drive power generation circuit 260.

[0089] 9, the communication path is indicated by a dashed line 191, and is a path that sequentially connects the coupling circuit 150, the terminal 123, the signal line 33, the terminal 223, the coupling circuit 250, the connection point 184, the terminal 222, the shared line 32, the terminal 122, the connection point 183, and the coupling circuit 150. Also, in FIG. 9, the leakage path is indicated by, for example, a dashed line 192, and is a path that sequentially connects the connection point 184, the drive power generation circuit 260, the terminal 221, the power line 31, the terminal 121, the connection point 181, the inductor 173, the drive power generation circuit 160, the inductor 174, the connection point 182, the connection point 183, the terminal 122, the shared line 32, the terminal 222, and the connection point 184.

[0090] In this embodiment, inductor 173 is provided between drive power generating circuit 160 and connection point 181, and inductor 174 is provided between drive power generating circuit 160 and connection point 182. That is, in this embodiment, inductor 173 and inductor 174 are provided on both ends of drive power generating circuit 160.

[0091] In this embodiment, the internal leakage current flows through inductors 173 and 174. Therefore, the internal leakage current is reduced by inductors 173 and 174. The rated current required for inductors 173 and 174 is equal to or greater than the load current flowing through drive power generating circuit 160, which is a load circuit, inside outdoor unit 103. Therefore, the rated current of inductors 173 and 174 does not need to be very large.

[0092] The inductance values ​​of the inductors 173 and 174 are set to values ​​that provide high impedance in the frequency band of the carrier wave used in communication of the OFDM transmission system. In other words, it is preferable to set the inductance values ​​of the inductors 173 and 174 so that noise or signals in the above frequency band are sufficiently attenuated when they flow through the leakage path.

[0093] In this embodiment, the internal leakage current is reduced by inductor 173 and inductor 174. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the leakage current and suppress the occurrence of communication failure with a small number of inductors each having a small rated current.

[0094] (Embodiment 5) In the third and fourth embodiments, an example in which an inductor is provided inside an outdoor unit has been described. In the present embodiment, an example in which an inductor is provided inside an indoor unit will be described. Hereinafter, the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 10, an air conditioning unit 1004 according to this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 104 and at least one indoor unit 204. In Fig. 10, the indoor units 204 other than one of the at least one indoor unit 204 included in the air conditioning unit 1004 are not shown. The outdoor unit 104 includes a terminal block 110, a terminal block 120, a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, a coupling circuit 150, and a drive power generation circuit 160. The indoor unit 204 includes a terminal block 220, a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, a coupling circuit 250, a drive power generation circuit 260, an inductor 271, and an inductor 272.

[0096] 10, the communication path is indicated by a dashed line 191, and is a path that sequentially connects the coupling circuit 150, the terminal 123, the signal line 33, the terminal 223, the coupling circuit 250, the connection point 184, the terminal 222, the shared line 32, the terminal 122, the connection point 183, and the coupling circuit 150. Also, in FIG. 10, the leakage path is indicated by, for example, a dashed line 192, and is a path that sequentially connects the connection point 184, the inductor 272, the driving power generating circuit 260, the inductor 271, the terminal 221, the power line 31, the terminal 121, the connection point 181, the driving power generating circuit 160, the connection point 182, the connection point 183, the terminal 122, the shared line 32, the terminal 222, and the connection point 184.

[0097] In this embodiment, the load circuit is a driving power generation circuit 260 provided on a third path connecting the power supply line 31 and the common line 32 inside the indoor unit 204. Inductor 271 is provided between the driving power generation circuit 260 and terminal 221 on the third path, and inductor 272 is provided between the driving power generation circuit 260 and connection point 184 on the third path. That is, in this embodiment, inductor 271 and inductor 272 are provided on both ends of driving power generation circuit 260.

[0098] In this embodiment, the internal leakage current and the external leakage current flow through inductors 271 and 272. Therefore, the internal leakage current and the external leakage current are reduced by inductors 271 and 272. The rated current required for inductors 271 and 272 is equal to or greater than the load current flowing through drive power generation circuit 260, which is a load circuit, inside indoor unit 204. Therefore, the rated current of inductors 271 and 272 does not need to be very large.

[0099] The inductance values ​​of the inductors 271 and 272 are set to values ​​that result in high impedance in the frequency band of the carrier wave used in communication in the OFDM transmission system. In other words, it is preferable to set the inductance values ​​of the inductors 271 and 272 so that noise or signals in the above frequency band are sufficiently attenuated when they flow through the leakage path. In this embodiment, the inductors 271 and 272 are provided on both ends of the drive power generating circuit 260 inside each indoor unit 204. Therefore, the number of inductors 271 and inductors 272 required is the same as the number of indoor units 204.

[0100] In this embodiment, the internal leakage current and the external leakage current are reduced by inductor 271 and inductor 272. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to significantly reduce the leakage current and suppress the occurrence of communication failure using an inductor with a small rated current.

[0101] (Embodiment 6) In the second embodiment, an example in which the power supply from the outdoor unit 101 to the indoor unit 201 is not controlled has been described. In the present embodiment, an example in which the power supply is controlled will be described. Hereinafter, the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 11, an air conditioning unit 1005 according to this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 105 and at least one indoor unit 205. In Fig. 11, the indoor units 205 other than one of the at least one indoor unit 205 included in the air conditioning unit 1005 are not shown. The outdoor unit 105 includes a terminal block 110, a terminal block 120, a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, a coupling circuit 150, a drive power generation circuit 160, and a power supply switching circuit 165. The indoor unit 205 includes a terminal block 220, a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, and a coupling circuit 250, but does not include a drive power generation circuit 260.

[0103] The power supply switching circuit 165 controls the power supply from the outdoor unit 105 to the indoor unit 205. For example, the power supply switching circuit 165 starts power supply from the outdoor unit 105 to the indoor unit 205 or stops power supply from the outdoor unit 105 to the indoor unit 205 in accordance with the control of the control circuit 130. The power supply switching circuit 165 includes a switch 166 and a switch 167. The switch 166 is provided on a first path connecting the power line 20A and the power supply line 31 inside the outdoor unit 105. The switch 167 is provided on a second path connecting the power line 20B and the shared line 32 inside the outdoor unit 105.

[0104] When the switches 166 and 167 are short-circuited, the AC power supplied from the power source 300 to the outdoor unit 105 is supplied to the indoor unit 205. When the switches 166 and 167 are open, the AC power supplied from the power source 300 to the outdoor unit 105 is not supplied to the indoor unit 205. The drive power generation circuit 160 applies DC, which is the generated drive voltage, to the signal line 33, and connects the common line 32 to GND.

[0105] In this embodiment, it is possible to control the power supply from the outdoor unit 105 to the indoor unit 205. Also, in this embodiment, driving power is supplied from the outdoor unit 105 to the indoor unit 205 via the signal line 33 and the shared line 32. Therefore, in this embodiment, the indoor unit 205 can communicate with the outdoor unit 105 without receiving AC power supply from the outdoor unit 105.

[0106] (Embodiment 7) In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the power supplied from the power source 300 to the outdoor unit 100 is supplied directly to the indoor unit 200. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the power supplied from the power source 300 to the outdoor unit 106 is converted and supplied to the indoor unit 206. Hereinafter, explanations of configurations and functions similar to those of the first to sixth embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 12, an air conditioning unit 1006 according to this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 106 and at least one indoor unit 206. In Fig. 12, the indoor units 206 other than one of the at least one indoor unit 206 included in the air conditioning unit 1006 are not shown. The outdoor unit 106 includes a terminal block 110, a terminal block 120, a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, a coupling circuit 150, a drive power generation circuit 160, and a power conversion circuit 168. The indoor unit 206 includes a terminal block 220, a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, a coupling circuit 250, and a drive power generation circuit 260.

[0108] The power conversion circuit 168 converts AC power supplied from the power source 300 to the outdoor unit 106 via the power line 20A and the power line 20B into various forms of power. The power conversion circuit 168 supplies the power obtained by the conversion to the indoor unit 206 via the power source line 31 and the common line 32. The power conversion performed by the power conversion circuit 168 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the power conversion circuit 168 may change the voltage of the AC power supplied from the power source 300 by AC / AC conversion. Furthermore, the power conversion circuit 168 may convert the AC power supplied from the power source 300 into DC power having a predetermined DC voltage by AC / DC conversion.

[0109] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 106 converts the power supplied from the power source 300 into various types of power and supplies it to the indoor unit 206. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, in a case where the indoor unit 206 cannot directly use the power supplied from the power source 300, it is not necessary to provide a circuit for performing power conversion inside the indoor unit 206.

[0110] (Embodiment 8) In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the indoor unit 200 receives power from the power source 300 via the outdoor unit 100. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the indoor unit 207 receives power from the power source 300 without passing through the outdoor unit 107. Hereinafter, explanations of configurations and functions similar to those of the first to seventh embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 13, an air conditioning unit 1007 according to this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 107 and at least one indoor unit 207. In FIG. 13, the indoor units 207 other than one of the at least one indoor unit 207 included in the air conditioning unit 1007 are omitted from illustration. Although not shown, the air conditioning system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of air conditioning units 1007, similar to the air conditioning system 2000 according to embodiment 1, and the air conditioning units 1007 are connected to each other via a transmission path 40. In each air conditioning unit 1007, the outdoor unit 107 and at least one indoor unit 207 are connected to each other via a transmission path 30 including a signal line 34 and a signal line 35. The signal line 34 and the signal line 35 are insulated from each other and are combined into one cable.

[0112] The outdoor unit 107 includes a terminal block 110, a terminal block 120A, a control circuit 130, a communication control circuit 140, a coupling circuit 150, and a drive power generation circuit 160. The indoor unit 207 includes a terminal block 210, a terminal block 220A, a control circuit 230, a communication control circuit 240, a coupling circuit 250, and a drive power generation circuit 260. The terminal block 120A includes a terminal 122 and a terminal 123. The terminal block 210 includes a terminal 211 and a terminal 212. The terminal block 220A includes a terminal 222 and a terminal 223.

[0113] The driving power generating circuit 160 is connected to the terminal 111 and the terminal 112. The coupling circuit 150 is connected to the terminal 122 and the terminal 123. The terminal 211 is connected to the power source 300 via the power line 20C. The terminal 212 is connected to the power source 300 via the power line 20D. The driving power generating circuit 260 is connected to the terminal 211 and the terminal 212. The coupling circuit 250 is connected to the terminal 222 and the terminal 223. The terminal 122 and the terminal 222 are connected to each other via the signal line 35. The terminal 123 and the terminal 223 are connected to each other via the signal line 34.

[0114] The driving power generating circuit 160 generates driving power for driving the control circuit 130 and the communication control circuit 140 from AC power supplied from the power source 300 via the power lines 20A and 20B. The communication control circuit 140 supplies an analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system to the coupling circuit 150 and superimposes the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system between the signal lines 34 and 35. The communication control circuit 140 also acquires the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system superimposed between the signal lines 34 and 35 from the coupling circuit 150. The communication control circuit 140 converts the acquired analog signal into a digital signal and supplies the digital signal to the control circuit 130.

[0115] The driving power generating circuit 260 generates driving power for driving the control circuit 230 and the communication control circuit 240 from AC power supplied from the power source 300 via the power lines 20C and 20D. The communication control circuit 240 supplies an analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system to the coupling circuit 250 and superimposes the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system between the signal lines 34 and 35. The communication control circuit 240 also acquires the analog signal of the multicarrier transmission system superimposed between the signal lines 34 and 35 from the coupling circuit 250. The communication control circuit 240 converts the acquired analog signal into a digital signal and supplies the digital signal to the control circuit 230.

[0116] As described above, in this embodiment, the outdoor unit 107 and the indoor unit 207 transmit and receive analog signals in a multicarrier transmission system via the transmission path 30 including the signal lines 34 and 35. Also, in this embodiment, the outdoor unit 107 provided in each air conditioning unit 1007 communicates by high-speed baseband communication via the transmission path 40. This high-speed baseband communication is, for example, baseband communication compatible with Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0117] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 107 provided in each air conditioning unit 1007 communicates using high-speed baseband communication via the transmission path 40, and in each air conditioning unit 1007, the outdoor unit 107 and the indoor unit 207 transmit and receive analog signals using a multicarrier transmission method via the transmission path 30. The communication speed of the high-speed baseband communication and the communication speed of the multicarrier transmission method are both high. Therefore, according to this embodiment, high-speed data transmission can be achieved in the entire system.

[0118] (Modification) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible when implementing the present disclosure. It is optional which parts of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments are adopted in the present disclosure. In addition to the above-mentioned configurations, functions, and operations, further configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted in the present disclosure. The configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0119] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the outdoor unit 100 receives power from the power source 300, and the indoor unit 200 receives power from the outdoor unit 100. That is, in the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the outdoor unit 100 is the first communication device, and the indoor unit 200 is the second communication device. The outdoor unit 100 may receive power from the indoor unit 200, and the indoor unit 200 may receive power from the power source 300. That is, the outdoor unit 100 may be the second communication device, and the indoor unit 200 may be the first communication device.

[0120] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the outdoor unit 100 and the multiple indoor units 200 are connected in sequence by the power line 31, the common line 32, and the signal line 33. Any connection is acceptable as long as the multiple indoor units 200 are connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 100. For example, the outdoor unit 100 and each of the multiple indoor units 200 may be connected by the power line 31, the common line 32, and the signal line 33.

[0121] In the first embodiment, an example in which the OFDM transmission method is adopted as the multicarrier transmission method has been described. A multicarrier transmission method other than the OFDM transmission method may be adopted. For example, a multicarrier transmission method in which the frequency bands of the carriers do not overlap may be adopted.

[0122] In the embodiments 3-5, examples in which two inductors are provided in the leakage path have been described. One inductor may be provided in the leakage path, or three or more inductors may be provided in the leakage path. For example, in the embodiment 3, only one of inductor 171 and inductor 172 may be provided in the leakage path, or another inductor may be provided in addition to inductor 171 and inductor 172 in the leakage path.

[0123] Moreover, in the fourth embodiment, only one of inductor 173 and inductor 174 may be provided in the leakage path, or another inductor may be provided in the leakage path in addition to inductor 173 and inductor 174. Moreover, in the fifth embodiment, only one of inductor 271 and inductor 272 may be provided in the leakage path, or another inductor may be provided in the leakage path in addition to inductor 271 and inductor 272.

[0124] The total inductance value of the inductors in the leakage path is preferably a value that results in high impedance in the frequency band of the carrier wave used in communication in the OFDM transmission system. Therefore, the more inductors in the leakage path, the smaller the inductance value of each inductor can be used.

[0125] In principle, the larger the rated current of an inductor, the larger its size and the higher its cost. Also, the fewer the number of inductors provided in the leakage path, the higher the rated current required for each inductor. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the arrangement and number of inductors by taking into account the total cost, size, etc.

[0126] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the outdoor unit 100 is directly connected to the transmission path 40. The outdoor unit 100 may be connected to the transmission path 40 via a conversion device for a transmission method (for example, a gateway or a communication adapter). In this case, the transmission method between the conversion device and the outdoor unit 100 is not limited to baseband communication.

[0127] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the outdoor unit 100 includes the terminal block 110 including the terminals 111 and 112, and the terminal block 120 including the terminals 121, 122, and 123. When the power supply from the outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 200 is not controlled as in the first embodiment, the terminals 111 and 121 may be common, and the terminals 112 and 122 may be common. For example, the outdoor unit 100 may not include the terminal block 110, but may include the terminal block 120 including the terminal 121 common to the terminal 111, the terminal 122 common to the terminal 112, and the terminal 123.

[0128] The form of power handled by each unit is not limited to the form shown in each embodiment. For example, the power supplied by the power source 300 may be DC power. Furthermore, the drive power generated by the drive power generation circuit 160 may be AC ​​power. Furthermore, the power source 300 may supply three-phase AC power. In this case, one of the three electric wires for supplying three-phase AC power from the outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 200 is used as a common line 32 for communication.

[0129] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the communication system is an air conditioning unit 1000 including an outdoor unit 100 and an indoor unit 200. The communication system is not limited to the air conditioning unit 1000, and may be various types of systems in which a plurality of devices communicate with each other.

[0130] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0131] The present disclosure is applicable to air conditioning systems including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 11 control unit, 12 memory unit, 13 first communication unit, 14 second communication unit, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D power line, 30, 30A, 30B, 40 transmission path, 31, 31A, 31B, 31C power line, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C shared line, 33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 34, 35 signal line, 100, 100A, 100B, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 outdoor unit, 110, 120, 120A, 210, 220, 220A Terminal block, 111, 112, 121, 122, 123, 211, 212, 221, 221A, 221B, 221C, 222, 222A, 222B, 222C, 223, 223A, 223B, 223C Terminal, 130, 230 Control circuit, 140, 240 Communication control circuit, 150, 250 Coupling circuit, 160, 260 Drive power generation circuit, 165 Power supply switching circuit, 166, 167 Switch, 168 Power conversion circuit, 171, 172, 173, 174, 271, 272 Inductor, 181, 182, 183, 184 Connection point, 191, 192 Dashed line, 200, 200AA, 200AB, 200AC, 200BA, 200BB, 200BC, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 Indoor unit, 300 Power supply, 1000, 1000A, 1000B, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007 Air conditioning unit, 2000 Air conditioning system

Claims

1. A communication system including: a first communication device connected to an external power source via a power line; and a second communication device connected to the first communication device via a power line, a shared line, and a signal line, the first communication device supplies power supplied from the external power source via the power line to the second communication device via the power line and the shared line, and transmits and receives analog signals of a multicarrier transmission system between the first communication device and the second communication device via the signal line and the shared line; the second communication device operates with the power supplied from the first communication device via the power supply line and the shared line, and transmits and receives the analog signal between the second communication device and the first communication device via the signal line and the shared line; At least one of the first communication device and the second communication device includes an inductor connected in series to a load circuit connected between the power supply line and the shared line on a leakage path through which a leakage current flows; the leakage path includes the power supply line and the shared line, and is a path that shares the shared line with a communication path through which a current for communication flows, the communication path including the signal line and the shared line. Communication systems.

2. The first communication device is a first control means for generating or analyzing transmission / reception data transmitted and received between the first communication device and the second communication device; a first communication control means for converting between a digital signal representing the transmission / reception data handled by the first control means and an analog signal; a first coupling means for connecting the first communication control means between the signal line and the shared line and transmitting / receiving the analog signal; The second communication device is A second control means for generating or analyzing the transmission and reception data; a second communication control means for converting between the digital signal and the analog signal, the digital signal indicating the transmission / reception data handled by the second control means; and second coupling means for connecting the second communication control means between the signal line and the shared line to transmit and receive the analog signal. The communication system according to claim 1 .

3. the first communication device further includes a first drive power generation means for generating drive power for driving the first control means and the first communication control means from the power supplied from the external power source via the power line; the second communication device further includes a second drive power generating means for generating drive power for driving the second control means and the second communication control means from the power supplied from the first communication device via the power supply line and the shared line; The communication system according to claim 2.

4. the first communication device further includes a first drive power generation means for generating drive power for driving the first control means, the first communication control means, the second control means, and the second communication control means from the power supplied from the external power source via the power line; the first communication device supplies the driving power generated by the first driving power generating means to the second communication device via the signal line and the shared line; the second control means and the second communication control means are driven by the driving power supplied from the first communication device via the signal line and the shared line. The communication system according to claim 2.

5. The power line, the common line, and the signal line are insulated from each other and are bundled together into a single cable. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The multicarrier transmission method is an OFDM transmission method using a carrier wave in a frequency band of 10 kHz or more. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. the first communication device and the external power source are connected by a first power line and a second power line; the load circuit is connected, inside the first communication device, to a first connection point on a first path connecting the first power line and the power supply line and to a second connection point on a second path connecting the second power line and the shared line; the inductor is provided in a portion on the first path closer to the power supply line than the first connection point, or in a portion on the second path closer to the shared line than the second connection point, A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. the first communication device and the external power source are connected by a first power line and a second power line; the load circuit is connected, inside the first communication device, to a first connection point on a first path connecting the first power line and the power supply line and to a second connection point on a second path connecting the second power line and the shared line; The inductor is provided between the load circuit and the first connection point or between the load circuit and the second connection point. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. the load circuit is provided on a third path connecting the power supply line and the shared line inside the second communication device, the inductor is provided between the load circuit and the power supply line on the third path, or between the load circuit and the shared line on the third path. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. the first communication device is a first outdoor unit in an air conditioning system including a first unit including a first outdoor unit and a first indoor unit and a second unit including a second outdoor unit and a second indoor unit, the second communication device is the first indoor unit in the air conditioning system, the first outdoor unit and the second outdoor unit are connected to each other by a transmission path capable of high-speed baseband communication, The first outdoor unit and the first indoor unit transmit and receive analog signals of a multicarrier transmission system via the signal line and the shared line. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. A communication device that is connected to an external power source via a power line and is connected to another communication device via the power line, a common line, and a signal line, supplying power supplied from the external power source via the power line to the other communication device via the power line and the shared line, and transmitting / receiving an analog signal of a multicarrier transmission system between the other communication device and the signal line and the shared line; an inductor connected in series to a load circuit connected between the power supply line and the common line on a leakage path through which a leakage current flows; the leakage path includes the power supply line and the shared line, and is a path that shares the shared line with a communication path through which a current for communication flows, the communication path including the signal line and the shared line. Communications equipment.

12. a first driving power generating means for generating driving power used for communication between the communication device and the other communication device from the power supplied from the external power source via the power line; communicating with the other communication device using the driving power generated by the first driving power generating means; supplying the driving power generated by the first driving power generating means to the other communication device via the signal line and the shared line; The communication device according to claim 11.

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