air conditioning system

Abstract

An air conditioner comprises: a notification necessity determination unit (241) that determines the necessity of issuing a notification to a remote controller (4) on the basis of the signal level of a communication frame received from another air conditioner, communication group information set in the other air conditioner, and communication group information set in the air conditioner itself; and a notification information transmission unit (242) that, if it has been determined by the notification necessity determination unit (241) that issuing a notification to the remote controller (4) is necessary, generates and transmits, to the remote controller (4), notification information including information related to the other air conditioner, information related to the air conditioner itself, and information related to the signal level. The remote controller (4) issues a notification based on the notification information to a user upon receiving the notification information from any air conditioner.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend toward higher communication speeds in air conditioning systems in order to achieve advanced control, and to realize services such as air conditioner failure analysis and failure prediction using sensor data installed in the air conditioners.

[0003] In order to increase the communication speed in air conditioning systems, the adoption of a communication method using high frequency signals of several MHz to several tens of MHz, as in Patent Document 1, is being considered.

[0004] In conventional air conditioning systems, one outdoor unit and one or more indoor units connected to the same refrigerant piping constitute one refrigerant system, and communication between each air conditioner (outdoor unit, indoor unit) is carried out via the same communication line (hereinafter referred to as "internal and external communication line") for each refrigerant system.

[0005] In such an air conditioning system, if a communication method using high-frequency signals is used for communication between the internal and external communication lines, crosstalk (also called leakage) may occur between the internal and external communication lines of different refrigerant systems. When crosstalk occurs, the outdoor unit will be unable to correctly recognize the indoor unit in its own refrigerant system, causing problems with air conditioning control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6702471 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] One way to deal with the above-mentioned crosstalk is for the installer to set communication group information, such as a number indicating that outdoor and indoor units of the same refrigerant system belong to the same communication group, during installation. In this case, each air conditioner stores the set communication group information in the communication frame it transmits, and if it receives a communication frame containing communication group information different from its own communication group information, it discards the communication frame without processing it. This ensures normal air conditioning control even when crosstalk occurs.

[0008] However, there is a possibility that the installer may make a mistake in setting the communication group information, and the reality is that there is a need to propose new technology to deal with such cases.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and aims to provide an air conditioning system that is capable of notifying users such as installers of significant information regarding incorrect settings of communication group information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure comprises: An air conditioning system comprising two or more refrigerant systems in which a plurality of air conditioners are connected via refrigerant piping and communication lines, and communication between the air conditioners via the communication lines is performed using high-frequency signals, Equipped with a notification means, Each of the air conditioners is a signal level determination means for determining the signal level of a communication frame received from another air conditioner; A notification to the notification means is sent based on the signal level determined by the signal level determination means, the communication group information set in the other air conditioners, and the communication group information set in the air conditioner itself. Regarding incorrect settings of communication group information a notification necessity determination means for determining whether a notification is necessary; a notification information sending means for, when it is determined by the notification necessity determining means that a notification to the notifying means is necessary, generating notification information including information about the other air conditioners, information about the air conditioner itself, and information about the signal level, and sending the notification information to the notifying means; When the notification means receives the notification information from any one of the air conditioners, it notifies the user based on the notification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to notify a user of significant information regarding erroneous settings of communication group information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an indoor unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a remote control according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control circuit provided in an outdoor unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control circuit provided in an indoor unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for connection confirmation processing according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for processing when a connection confirmation command is received in an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration diagram displayed on a remote control in a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The air conditioning system 1 is an example of an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure. The air conditioning system 1 is a system that provides air conditioning for a building such as a building or store, and includes multiple refrigerant systems (A, B) and a remote control 4.

[0015] <Refrigerant system A> Refrigerant system A is an example of a refrigerant system according to the present disclosure. Refrigerant system A includes an outdoor unit 2a, an indoor unit 3a, and an indoor unit 3b. The outdoor unit 2a, the indoor unit 3a, and the indoor unit 3b are connected to an internal / external communication line 5a and are also connected via a first refrigerant pipe (not shown) for circulating the refrigerant. The internal / external communication line 5a is an example of a communication line according to the present disclosure.

[0016] <Refrigerant system B> Refrigerant system B is an example of a refrigerant system according to the present disclosure. Refrigerant system B includes an outdoor unit 2b, an indoor unit 3c, and an indoor unit 3d. The outdoor unit 2b, the indoor unit 3c, and the indoor unit 3d are connected to an internal / external communication line 5b and are also connected via a second refrigerant pipe (not shown) that is different from the first refrigerant pipe.

[0017] Hereinafter, in explanations common to the outdoor units 2a and 2b, they will be referred to as outdoor unit 2 without any particular designation, in explanations common to the indoor units 3a to 3d they will be referred to as indoor unit 3 without any particular designation, and in explanations common to the internal and external communication lines 5a and 5b they will be referred to as internal and external communication lines 5 without any particular designation.

[0018] <Hardware configuration of outdoor unit 2> The outdoor unit 2 is an example of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2 , the outdoor unit 2 includes, as hardware components, a communication group setting reception unit 20, a communication address setting reception unit 21, a signal level analysis circuit 22, a communication interface 23, and a control circuit 24. Similar to a typical outdoor unit, the outdoor unit 2 also includes actuators such as a compressor, a fan, and an electronic expansion valve, and sensors such as an outdoor air temperature sensor; however, these components are not shown or described here. The communication group setting reception unit 20 includes, for example, a dip switch, a rotary switch, and the like, and receives a communication group number setting from a user such as an installer or system administrator. The communication group number is an example of communication group information according to the present disclosure.

[0019] A unique communication group number is assigned to each refrigerant system, and the user sets a communication group number for each air conditioner (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) that corresponds to the refrigerant system to which it belongs. In this embodiment, the communication group number is set to "1" for each air conditioner that belongs to refrigerant system A, and "2" for each air conditioner that belongs to refrigerant system B. Each air conditioner uses the communication group number to determine whether the air conditioner with which it is communicating belongs to the same refrigerant system as itself.

[0020] The communication address setting reception unit 21 is configured to include, for example, a dip switch, a rotary switch, etc., and receives the setting of the communication address from the user. The communication address is an address that identifies the air conditioner in communication via the internal and external communication line 5, and is set for each air conditioner so that it is different from each other within the same refrigerant system.

[0021] The signal level analysis circuit 22 is an example of a signal level determination means according to the present disclosure. The signal level analysis circuit 22 includes a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), auxiliary storage device, etc., all of which are not shown. The auxiliary storage device includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, etc.

[0022] The signal level analysis circuit 22 analyzes the signal when a communication frame from another air conditioner is received by the communication interface 23, and determines the signal level (amplitude). The signal level analysis circuit 22 notifies the control circuit 24 of the determined signal level. In this embodiment, the signal level analysis circuit 22 uses a plurality of predetermined level determination thresholds to determine which of three levels (levels 1 to 3) the signal level belongs to.

[0023] The communication interface 23 is an interface for communicating with each indoor unit 3 via the internal and external communication lines 5. In this embodiment, communication is carried out between each air conditioner via the internal and external communication lines 5 using a communication method that uses high-frequency signals of several MHz to several tens of MHz. For this reason, the communication interface 23 is also able to receive communication frames from air conditioners belonging to other refrigerant systems due to crosstalk (also called crosstalk). For example, a communication signal between the indoor unit 3a and the outdoor unit 2a communicated via the internal and external communication line 5a of refrigerant system A is superimposed on the internal and external communication line 5b of refrigerant system B due to crosstalk, allowing the outdoor unit 2b to receive the communication frame between the indoor unit 3a and the outdoor unit 2a.

[0024] The control circuit 24 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, auxiliary storage device, etc., all of which are not shown, and performs overall control of the outdoor unit 2. The auxiliary storage device includes readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as EEPROM and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device stores an outdoor unit program, which is a program for executing a connection confirmation process (described below) and for air conditioning control, and data used when the outdoor unit program is executed.

[0025] The outdoor unit 2 can acquire the outdoor unit program or an update program for updating the outdoor unit program via communication from another device such as a cloud server. These programs can also be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magneto-optical disk, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a memory card. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to the outdoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 2 can read and acquire the outdoor unit program or update program from the recording medium.

[0026] <Hardware configuration of indoor unit 3> The indoor unit 3 is an example of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3, the indoor unit 3 includes, as its hardware configuration, an indoor / external communication interface 30, a signal level analysis circuit 31, a communication group setting reception unit 32, a communication address setting reception unit 33, a remote control communication interface 34, and a control circuit 35. In addition, like a typical indoor unit, the indoor unit 3 also includes actuators such as a fan and sensors such as an indoor temperature sensor, but these components are not shown or described here. The indoor / external communication interface 30 is an interface for communicating with the outdoor unit 2 via the indoor / external communication line 5. Similar to the communication interface 23 of the outdoor unit 2 described above, the indoor / external communication interface 30 is also capable of receiving communication frames from air conditioners belonging to other refrigerant systems.

[0027] The signal level analysis circuit 31 is an example of a signal level determination means according to the present disclosure. The signal level analysis circuit 31 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, auxiliary storage device, etc., all of which are not shown. The auxiliary storage device includes a readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM or flash memory. The signal level analysis circuit 31 analyzes a signal when a communication frame from another air conditioner is received by the internal / external communication interface 30, and determines the signal level (amplitude). The signal level analysis circuit 31 notifies the control circuit 35 of the determined signal level. In this embodiment, the signal level analysis circuit 31 uses a plurality of predetermined level determination thresholds to determine which of three levels (levels 1 to 3) the signal level belongs to.

[0028] The communication group setting reception unit 32 is configured to include, for example, a dip switch, a rotary switch, etc., and receives a communication group number setting from the user. The communication address setting reception unit 33 is configured to include, for example, a dip switch, a rotary switch, etc., and receives a communication address setting from the user.

[0029] The remote control communication interface 34 is an interface for communicating with the remote control 4 via the remote control communication line 6. The control circuit 35 is configured to include a CPU, ROM, RAM, auxiliary storage device, etc., all of which are not shown, and performs overall control of the indoor unit 3. The auxiliary storage device is configured to include readable and writable non-volatile semiconductor memory, such as EEPROM and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device stores an indoor unit program, which is a program for executing processing upon reception of a connection confirmation command, which will be described later, and for air conditioning control, as well as data used when the indoor unit program is executed.

[0030] The indoor unit 3 can acquire the indoor unit program or an update program for updating the indoor unit program via communication from another device such as a cloud server. These programs can also be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, optical magnetic disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, or memory card. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to the indoor unit 3, the indoor unit 3 can read and acquire the indoor unit program or update program from the recording medium.

[0031] <Hardware configuration of Remote Control 4> The remote control 4 is an example of a notification means according to the present disclosure. The remote control 4 is a remote controller for air conditioning, and is connected to one indoor unit 3 in each refrigerant system via a remote control communication line 6. As shown in FIG. 4 , the remote control 4 includes, as hardware components, a communication interface 40, a display 41, an operation reception unit 42, and a control circuit 43. The communication interface 40 is an interface for communicating with the indoor units 3 via the remote control communication line 6. In this embodiment, the remote control 4 is connected to be able to communicate with the indoor unit 3a of refrigerant system A and the indoor unit 3c of refrigerant system B via the remote control communication line 6.

[0032] In refrigerant system A, communication between the remote control 4 and the outdoor unit 2a and indoor unit 3b is performed via the indoor unit 3a. In refrigerant system B, communication between the remote control 4 and the outdoor unit 2b and indoor unit 3d is performed via the indoor unit 3c.

[0033] The display 41 is configured to include display devices such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display 41 displays various screens under the control of the control circuit 43. For example, the display 41 displays an air conditioning operation screen for accepting air conditioning operations from users of the building, such as switching between starting and stopping operation, switching between operation modes such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and fan operation, and changing the set temperature, set humidity, and air speed. Furthermore, when the display 41 receives notification information (described later) from any of the air conditioners during startup of the air conditioning system 1, it displays a notification screen based on the notification information to users such as the installer or system administrator.

[0034] The operation reception unit 42 is configured to include one or more input devices, such as push buttons, touch panels, touch pads, etc., and receives input operations from users of the building, contractors, system administrators, etc., and outputs signals related to the received input operations to the control circuit 43.

[0035] The control circuit 43 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, auxiliary storage device, etc., all of which are not shown, and performs overall control of the remote control 4. The auxiliary storage device includes a readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM or flash memory. The auxiliary storage device stores a remote control program related to the operation of the remote control 4 and data used when the remote control program is executed.

[0036] The remote control 4 can acquire the above remote control program or an update program for updating the remote control program via communication from a terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer). These programs can also be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, optical magnetic disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, or memory card. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to the remote control 4, the remote control 4 may read and acquire the remote control program or update program from the recording medium.

[0037] <Functional configuration of the control circuit 24 of the outdoor unit 2> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control circuit 24 provided in the outdoor unit 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the control circuit 24 has, as characteristic functions according to the present disclosure, a signal level acquisition unit 240, a notification necessity determination unit 241, and a notification information transmission unit 242. These functional units are realized by the CPU of the control circuit 24 executing the above-mentioned outdoor unit program stored in the auxiliary storage device. In addition to these, the control circuit 24 has functions for controlling the general operation of the outdoor unit 2, but a description of these functions will be omitted.

[0038] The signal level acquisition unit 240 acquires from the signal level analysis circuit 22 the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 22. The signal level acquisition unit 240 notifies the notification necessity determination unit 241 of the acquired signal level.

[0039] The notification necessity determination unit 241 is an example of a notification necessity determination means according to the present disclosure. The notification necessity determination unit 241 determines whether or not a notification to the remote control 4 is necessary based on the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 22, the communication group number set in the other air conditioner, i.e., the air conditioner that is the sender of the received communication frame, and the communication group number set in itself (i.e., the outdoor unit 2 equipped with the control circuit 24).

[0040] In detail, the notification necessity determination unit 241 compares the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 22 with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the signal level is large or small. Usually, the signal level superimposed on the internal and external communication line 5 due to crosstalk is smaller than the original signal level on the internal and external communication line 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, the notification necessity determination unit 241 determines that the signal level is small (i.e., there is a possibility of crosstalk) when the signal level is equal to or less than level 2 (an example of a first threshold value according to the present disclosure), and determines that the signal level is large (i.e., there is an extremely low possibility of crosstalk) when the signal level is equal to or greater than level 3 (an example of a second threshold value according to the present disclosure).

[0041] The notification necessity determination unit 241 also determines whether the communication group number stored in the received communication frame, i.e., the communication group number set in the air conditioner that sent the received communication frame, matches the communication group number set in the air conditioner itself. If both communication group numbers match and the signal level is low, the notification necessity determination unit 241 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. If both communication group numbers do not match and the signal level is high, the notification necessity determination unit 241 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. If both communication group numbers match and the signal level is high, or if both communication group numbers do not match and the signal level is low, the notification necessity determination unit 241 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary.

[0042] The notification information sending unit 242 is an example of a notification information sending means according to the present disclosure. When the notification necessity determining unit 241 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary, the notification information sending unit 242 generates notification information. The notification information includes information about the other air conditioner, i.e., the air conditioner that sent the received communication frame, information about itself (i.e., the outdoor unit 2), and information about the signal level. Specifically, the notification information includes the communication group numbers and communication addresses of both units, and the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 22.

[0043] The notification information transmitting unit 242 transmits the generated notification information to the remote control 4 via the communication interface 23. In this case, the notification information transmitting unit 242 broadcasts a communication frame storing information indicating that the notification information is addressed to the remote control 4 via the communication interface 23 (i.e., via the internal and external communication line 5), and the indoor unit 3 (indoor unit 3a or indoor unit 3c) that is in the same refrigerant system as the outdoor unit 2 and is connected to the remote control communication line 6 may receive the communication frame via the internal and external communication line 5 and transfer it to the remote control 4 via the remote control communication interface 34 (i.e., via the remote control communication line 6).

[0044] Alternatively, if the indoor unit 3 connected to the remote control communication line 6 has previously notified the outdoor unit 2 of the same refrigerant system of its communication address and that it will be connected to the remote control communication line 6, the notification information sending unit 242 may send a communication frame containing the notification information to the indoor unit 3 by unicast via the internal and external communication line 5, and the indoor unit 3 may then forward the received communication frame to the remote control 4 via the remote control communication line 6.

[0045] When the remote control 4 receives notification information sent from any of the outdoor units 2, it notifies the user based on the received notification information. For example, if the signal level is level 1 even though the communication group numbers of both units match, or if the signal level is level 3 even though the communication group numbers of both units do not match, the remote control 4 displays a notification screen on the display 41 that includes a message such as "It is highly likely that the communication group number setting for air conditioner *** or air conditioner *** is incorrect." "***" indicates a communication address.

[0046] Furthermore, since the signal level on the internal and external communication line 5 tends to decrease as the communication distance (i.e., wiring length) increases and the number of connected air conditioners increases, for example, if the signal level is level 2 even though the communication group numbers of both units match, the remote control 4 may display a notification screen on the display 41 that includes a message such as "Is the wiring length between air conditioner *** and air conditioner *** XX m or more? Are the number of connected indoor units YY or more?" If the remote control 4 holds information that associates communication addresses with air conditioner names, the display 41 may display the names corresponding to the communication addresses.

[0047] <Functional configuration of the control circuit 35 of the indoor unit 3> Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control circuit 35 provided in the indoor unit 3. As shown in Fig. 6, the control circuit 35 has, as characteristic functions according to the present disclosure, a signal level acquisition unit 350, a notification necessity determination unit 351, and a notification information transmission unit 352. These functional units are realized by the CPU of the control circuit 35 executing the above-mentioned indoor unit program stored in the auxiliary storage device. In addition to these, the control circuit 35 has functions for controlling the general operation of the indoor unit 3, but a description of these functions will be omitted.

[0048] The signal level acquisition unit 350 acquires from the signal level analysis circuit 31 the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 31. The signal level acquisition unit 350 notifies the notification necessity determination unit 351 of the acquired signal level.

[0049] The notification necessity determination unit 351 is an example of a notification necessity determination means according to the present disclosure. The notification necessity determination unit 351 determines whether or not a notification to the remote control 4 is necessary based on the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 31, the communication group number set in the other air conditioner, i.e., the air conditioner that is the sender of the received communication frame, and the communication group number set in itself (i.e., the indoor unit 3 equipped with the control circuit 35). The method used by the notification necessity determination unit 351 to determine whether or not a notification to the remote control 4 is necessary is the same as the method used by the notification necessity determination unit 241 described above.

[0050] The notification information sending unit 352 is an example of a notification information sending means according to the present disclosure. The notification information sending unit 352 generates notification information when the notification necessity determining unit 351 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. The notification information generated here includes information about the other air conditioner, i.e., the air conditioner that sent the received communication frame, information about itself (i.e., the indoor unit 3), and information about the signal level. Specifically, the notification information includes the communication group numbers and communication addresses of both units, and the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 31.

[0051] The notification information transmitting unit 352 transmits the generated notification information to the remote control 4. For example, when the indoor unit 3 is connected to the remote control communication line 6 (i.e., when the indoor unit 3 is the indoor unit 3a or the indoor unit 3c), the notification information transmitting unit 352 transmits a communication frame in which the generated notification information is stored directly to the remote control 4 via the remote control communication interface 34 (i.e., via the remote control communication line 6).

[0052] On the other hand, if the indoor unit 3 is not connected to the remote control communication line 6, the notification information transmitting unit 352 broadcasts a communication frame containing information indicating that it is addressed to the remote control 4 and the notification information via the internal / external communication interface 30 (i.e., via the internal / external communication line 5), and an indoor unit 3 (indoor unit 3a or indoor unit 3c) that is in the same refrigerant system as the indoor unit 3 and is connected to the remote control communication line 6 may transfer the communication frame received via the internal / external communication line 5 to the remote control 4 via the remote control communication line 6.

[0053] Alternatively, if an indoor unit 3 connected to the remote control communication line 6 has previously notified an indoor unit 3 of the same refrigerant system of its communication address and that it will be connected to the remote control communication line 6, the notification information sending unit 352 may send a communication frame containing the notification information to the indoor unit 3 by unicast via the internal and external communication line 5, and the indoor unit 3 may then forward the received communication frame to the remote control 4 via the remote control communication line 6.

[0054] When the remote control 4 receives notification information from any of the indoor units 3, it notifies the user based on the received notification information. The specific notification mode is as described above.

[0055] <Connection confirmation process> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the connection confirmation process executed by the outdoor unit 2 when the air conditioning system 1 is started up.

[0056] (Step S100) The outdoor unit 2 broadcasts a communication frame indicating a connection confirmation command via the internal and external communication line 5. The connection confirmation command stores the communication group number and communication address set for itself. Thereafter, the process of the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S101.

[0057] (Step S101) The outdoor unit 2 determines whether or not it has received a communication frame indicating a response to the connection confirmation command from any of the indoor units 3. If it has received the communication frame (step S101; YES), the processing of the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if it has not received the communication frame (step S101; NO), the processing of the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S105.

[0058] (Step S102) The outdoor unit 2 analyzes the signal at the time of receiving the communication frame and acquires the signal level. After that, the process of the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S103.

[0059] (Step S103) The outdoor unit 2 determines whether or not notification to the remote control 4 is necessary based on the acquired signal level, the communication group number included in the received communication frame, and the communication group number set in the outdoor unit 2 itself. For example, if the communication group number included in the received communication frame and the communication group number set in the outdoor unit 2 match (for example, both are "1") and the signal level is low (i.e., level 1 or 2), the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. On the other hand, if both communication group numbers match and the signal level is high (i.e., level 3), the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary.

[0060] Furthermore, if the communication group numbers are different and the signal level is high, for example, the communication group number included in the received communication frame is "2" and the communication group number set in the outdoor unit 2 is "1", the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. On the other hand, if the communication group numbers are different and the signal level is low, the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary.

[0061] If it is determined that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary (step S103; YES), the processing of the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary (step S103; NO), the processing of the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S105.

[0062] (Step S104) The outdoor unit 2 generates notification information including both communication group numbers and communication addresses, and a signal level. Then, the outdoor unit 2 transmits a communication frame storing the generated notification information to the remote control 4. Thereafter, the processing of the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S105.

[0063] (Step S105) The outdoor unit 2 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed since broadcasting a communication frame indicating a connection check command. If the certain time has elapsed (step S105; YES), the processing of the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the certain time has not elapsed (step S105; NO), the processing of the outdoor unit 2 returns to step S101.

[0064] (Step S106) The outdoor unit 2 stores information such as the communication addresses of the indoor units 3 that have the same communication group number as the outdoor unit 2, i.e., the indoor units 3 that are connected to the outdoor unit 2, in the auxiliary storage device of the control circuit 24. Thereafter, the outdoor unit 2 ends the connection confirmation process.

[0065] <Processing when receiving a connection confirmation command> 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for processing when a connection check command is received. When the indoor unit 3 receives a communication frame indicating a connection check command from the outdoor unit 2, the indoor unit 3 executes the following processing when a connection check command is received.

[0066] (Step S200) The indoor unit 3 transmits a communication frame indicating a response to the connection confirmation command to the outdoor unit 2. The communication frame stores the communication group number and communication address set for the indoor unit 3. Thereafter, the processing of the indoor unit 3 proceeds to step S201.

[0067] (Step S201) The indoor unit 3 analyzes the signal received when receiving the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command and acquires the signal level. After that, the process of the indoor unit 3 proceeds to step S202.

[0068] (Step S202) The indoor unit 3 determines whether or not notification to the remote control 4 is necessary based on the acquired signal level, the communication group number included in the received communication frame, and the communication group number set in the indoor unit 3 itself. For example, if the communication group number included in the received communication frame matches the communication group number set in the indoor unit 3 itself and the signal level is low, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. On the other hand, if both communication group numbers match and the signal level is high, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, if the communication group number included in the received communication frame differs from the communication group number set for the indoor unit 3 itself and the signal level is high, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. On the other hand, if the two communication group numbers differ and the signal level is low, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary.

[0070] If it is determined that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary (step S202; YES), the processing of the indoor unit 3 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if it is determined that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary (step S202; NO), the indoor unit 3 ends the processing when receiving the connection confirmation command.

[0071] (Step S203) The indoor unit 3 generates notification information including both communication group numbers and communication addresses, and signal levels. Then, the indoor unit 3 transmits a communication frame storing the generated notification information to the remote control 4. Thereafter, the indoor unit 3 ends the process upon receiving the connection confirmation command.

[0072] As explained above, in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, the air conditioners (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) determine whether or not to notify the remote control 4, in other words, whether or not there is a possibility of a setting error, based on the signal level when receiving a communication frame from another air conditioner, the communication group number set for the other air conditioner, and the communication group number set for the air conditioner itself. If a notification is necessary, the air conditioner then sends notification information to the remote control 4 that includes both communication group numbers and communication addresses, and the signal level.

[0073] When the remote control 4 receives notification information transmitted from one of the air conditioners, it notifies the user by, for example, displaying a notification screen containing a message based on the received notification information on the display 41. In this way, the air conditioning system 1 in this embodiment makes it possible to notify the user of significant information regarding an incorrect setting of the communication group number.

[0074] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 has two refrigerant systems, but the air conditioning system 1 may have a configuration including three or more refrigerant systems. Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of indoor units 3 included in each refrigerant system of the air conditioning system 1, and it may be one, or three or more.

[0075] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the air conditioners (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) determined which of three levels (levels 1 to 3) the signal level was, but more level determination thresholds may be used to determine more detailed signal levels (for example, 10 levels).

[0076] (Variation 3) The remote control 4 can notify the user in various ways. For example, instead of or in addition to displaying a notification screen on the display 41, the remote control 4 may notify the user by causing an LED (not shown) to emit light in a predetermined manner or by outputting sound through a speaker (not shown).

[0077] (Variation 4) When the outdoor unit 2 receives a communication frame indicating a response to the connection confirmation command from the indoor unit 3, if the communication group number of the indoor unit 3 differs from its own communication group number, it may discard the communication frame without determining whether or not it needs to notify the remote control 4. Similarly, when the indoor unit 3 receives a communication frame indicating a connection confirmation command from the outdoor unit 2, if the communication group number of the outdoor unit 2 differs from its own communication group number, it may discard the communication frame without returning a response to the outdoor unit 2 or without determining whether or not it needs to notify the remote control 4.

[0078] Even in this way, the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 can notify the remote control 4 of a situation where the communication group number matches but the signal level is low, i.e., a situation where there is a possibility of incorrect setting, so it is possible to notify the user of significant information regarding incorrect setting of the communication group number.

[0079] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 analyze the signal when receiving the communication frame to obtain the signal level (amplitude), and use the obtained signal level to determine whether or not a notification to the remote control 4 is required. However, it is also possible to obtain an index that can determine the difference in signal level, such as an S / N ratio (signal-to-noise ratio), and use this index to determine whether or not a notification to the remote control 4 is required.

[0080] (Variation 6) The air conditioners (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) themselves may notify the user of information related to the incorrect setting of the communication group number. In this case, the air conditioners may notify the user via their own LCD displays, LEDs, speakers, etc.

[0081] (Variation 7) The air conditioners (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) may transmit notification information to a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, a cloud server, etc., and the terminal device, cloud server, etc. may issue a notification based on the received notification information as an example of a notification means according to the present disclosure. In this case, the terminal device, cloud server, etc. may display a notification screen similar to that of the remote control 4 in the above embodiment, for example.

[0082] (Variation 8) In the above embodiment, the air conditioners (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) use a plurality of predetermined level determination thresholds to determine which of three stages (levels 1 to 3) the signal level falls into, but the level determination thresholds may also be determined based on system information input by the installer during installation, such as the wiring length of the internal and external communication lines 5, the number of indoor units 3, and the line type of the internal and external communication lines 5. In this case, the air conditioner holds a table that associates system information with level determination thresholds, and references this table from the system information input by the user to determine the plurality of level determination thresholds to be used in determining the signal level.

[0083] By doing so, it is possible to use a level determination threshold that is more appropriate for the characteristics of the air conditioning system 1, and for example, the range of signal levels determined to be Level 2 can be narrowed, making it possible to distinguish between the range of signal levels during normal communication and the range of signal levels due to crosstalk. This improves the accuracy of the information notified to the user. Note that the air conditioner may also determine the threshold used to determine whether the signal level is large or small based on system information, just like the level determination threshold.

[0084] For example, a user inputs the system information via a user interface such as a dip switch or rotary switch provided on the air conditioner. This user interface is an example of a system information input receiving means according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, for example, if the air conditioner is provided with a wireless communication interface, the system information may be input to the air conditioner through communication between the air conditioner and a terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or laptop PC, or may be input to the air conditioner through communication between the air conditioner and a cloud server.

[0085] (Variation 9) In the above embodiment, the air conditioners (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) transmitted notification information to the remote control 4 only when it was determined that notification to the remote control 4 was necessary. However, the air conditioners may also transmit notification information to the remote control 4 without determining whether notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. In this case, the remote control 4 determines whether or not a notification to the user is necessary based on the notification information received from each air conditioner, and if it determines that a notification to the user is necessary, it notifies the user based on the notification information received. For example, the remote control 4 may display a system configuration diagram such as that shown in FIG. 9 on the display 41. This allows the user to visually determine which air conditioners are likely to have a communication group number that has been incorrectly set.

[0086] (Variation 10) As in Variation 9, the air conditioners may send notification information to the remote control 4 without determining whether notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. In this case, the remote control 4 may check the relationship between the communication group numbers and signal levels between the air conditioners based on the notification information received from each air conditioner, identify air conditioners that are likely to have had their communication group numbers set incorrectly, and notify the user of information about the identified air conditioners. This allows users such as installers and system administrators to check the settings of air conditioners that are likely to have had their settings set incorrectly, reducing the user's workload.

[0087] Furthermore, the remote control 4 may reset the communication group number of an air conditioner that is likely to have been set incorrectly. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, if the correct communication group number is set to "1" for each air conditioner belonging to refrigerant system A and "2" for each air conditioner belonging to refrigerant system B, and the installer mistakenly sets the communication group number to "2" for the indoor unit 3b, the remote control 4 resets the indoor unit 3b to "1," which is the same communication group number as the outdoor unit 2a that sent the communication frame with a high signal level received by the indoor unit 3b. This eliminates the need for users, such as installers and system administrators, to correct the incorrect setting, significantly reducing their workload. In this case, the remote control 4 may also ask the user whether or not to reset the communication group number before resetting it, and reset the communication group number for the air conditioner only if the user gives permission.

[0088] (Variation 11) In the above embodiment, the setting of communication addresses for the air conditioners (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) is performed by the installer via the communication address setting reception unit 21 or the communication address setting reception unit 33, but the communication addresses may also be set automatically for each air conditioner when the air conditioning system 1 is started up. The automatic setting of communication addresses by the air conditioning system 1 in this modified example will now be described.

[0089] When the air conditioning system 1 starts up, the outdoor unit 2 broadcasts a communication frame indicating a connection confirmation command, as in the first embodiment. The indoor units 3 that receive this communication frame use a temporary communication address to transmit a communication frame indicating a response to the connection confirmation command to that outdoor unit 2. The outdoor unit 2 determines the signal level of the communication frame indicating the response to the connection confirmation command received from each indoor unit 3, and transmits a communication frame indicating a communication address setting command to notify the indoor units 3 of their official communication addresses to those indoor units 3 that are within a normal signal level range. The communication address setting command stores the official communication address assigned to that indoor unit 3.

[0090] An indoor unit 3 that receives a communication frame indicating a communication address setting command sets the communication address assigned to it, which is stored in the communication address setting command, as its own communication address. On the other hand, the outdoor unit 2 does not transmit a communication frame indicating a communication address setting command to indoor units 3 within a signal level range where crosstalk is possible. In this way, the communication address is automatically set when the air conditioning system 1 is started up, eliminating the need for communication address setting work during installation.

[0091] (Variation 12) In the above embodiment, the user sets a communication group number for each air conditioner (outdoor unit 2, indoor unit 3) that corresponds to the refrigerant system to which it belongs. However, instead of setting a communication group number, a configuration may be adopted in which the user sets device-specific information that can uniquely identify the air conditioner with which communication is intended as a whitelist for each air conditioner. The device-specific information is, for example, a manufacturing number. In the configuration according to this modification, in the connection confirmation process (see FIG. 7), the outdoor unit 2 broadcasts a communication frame indicating a connection confirmation command that stores its own device-specific information and communication address via the internal and external communication line 5 (step S100).

[0092] Then, when the outdoor unit 2 receives a communication frame indicating a response to the connection confirmation command from the indoor unit 3 (step S101; YES), it analyzes the signal at the time of receiving the communication frame to acquire the signal level (step S102), and determines whether or not a notification to the remote control 4 is necessary based on the acquired signal level, the device-specific information of the indoor unit 3 that is the sender of the communication frame and contained in the received communication frame, and the whitelist set in the outdoor unit 2 (step S103). For example, if the indoor unit 3 is included in the communication targets and the signal level is low (i.e., level 1 or 2), the outdoor unit 2 determines that a notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. On the other hand, if the indoor unit 3 is included in the communication targets and the signal level is high (i.e., level 3), the outdoor unit 2 determines that a notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, if the indoor unit 3 is not included in the communication targets and the signal level is high, the outdoor unit 2 determines that it is necessary to notify the remote control 4. On the other hand, if the indoor unit 3 is not included in the communication targets and the signal level is low, the outdoor unit 2 determines that it is not necessary to notify the remote control 4. If it is determined that it is necessary to notify the remote control 4 (step S103; YES), the outdoor unit 2 generates notification information including the device unique information and communication address of the indoor unit 3, its own device unique information and communication address, information indicating whether the indoor unit 3 is a communication target or not, and the signal level, and transmits a communication frame storing the generated notification information to the remote control 4 (step S104).

[0094] When the remote control 4 receives notification information from the outdoor unit 2, it notifies the user based on the received notification information. For example, if the signal level is level 1 even though the indoor unit 3 is the target of communication, or if the signal level is level 3 even though the indoor unit 3 is not the target of communication, the remote control 4 displays a notification screen on the display 41 that includes a message such as "There is a high possibility that the whitelist settings for air conditioner *** or air conditioner *** are incorrect." "***" indicates the communication address.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, if the signal level is level 2 even though the indoor unit 3 is the target of communication, the remote control 4 may display on the display 41 a notification screen including a message such as "Is the wiring length between air conditioner *** and air conditioner *** XX m or more? Is the number of indoor units connected YY or more?"

[0096] In the configuration according to this modification, in the process upon receiving a connection check command (see FIG. 8), when the indoor unit 3 receives a communication frame indicating a connection check command from the outdoor unit 2, it transmits a communication frame indicating a response to the connection check command to the outdoor unit 2 (step S200). The communication frame stores its own device-specific information and communication address. The indoor unit 3 analyzes the signal at the time of receiving the communication frame indicating the connection check command to acquire the signal level (step S201), and determines whether or not a notification to the remote control 4 is required based on the acquired signal level, the device-specific information of the outdoor unit 2 that is the sender of the communication frame, which is included in the received communication frame, and a whitelist set for the indoor unit 3 (step S202).

[0097] For example, if the outdoor unit 2 is included in the communication targets and the signal level is low, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. On the other hand, if the outdoor unit 2 is included in the communication targets and the signal level is high, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary. Also, for example, if the outdoor unit 2 is not included in the communication targets and the signal level is high, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary. On the other hand, if the outdoor unit 2 is not included in the communication targets and the signal level is low, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote control 4 is not necessary.

[0098] When it is determined that notification to the remote control 4 is necessary (step S202; YES), the indoor unit 3 generates notification information including the device unique information and communication address of the outdoor unit 2, its own device unique information and communication address, information indicating whether the outdoor unit 2 is a communication target, and a signal level, and transmits a communication frame storing the generated notification information to the remote control 4 (step S203). When the remote control 4 receives the notification information from the indoor unit 3, it notifies the user based on the received notification information.

[0099] As described above, according to this modification, it is possible to notify the user of significant information regarding incorrect settings in the whitelist.

[0100] (Variation 13) All or part of the functional units of the control circuit 24 of the outdoor unit 2 (see FIG. 5) may be realized by dedicated hardware. Also, all or part of the functional units of the control circuit 35 of the indoor unit 3 (see FIG. 6) may be realized by dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of these.

[0101] The technical ideas according to the above-described modifications may be realized independently or in appropriate combination.

[0102] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The present disclosure can be suitably employed in air conditioning systems having multiple refrigerant systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 air conditioning system, 2, 2a, 2b outdoor unit, 3, 3a to 3d indoor unit, 4 remote control, 5, 5a, 5b internal and external communication line, 6 remote control communication line, 20, 32 communication group setting reception unit, 21, 33 communication address setting reception unit, 22, 31 signal level analysis circuit, 23, 40 communication interface, 24, 35, 43 control circuit, 30 internal and external communication interface, 34 remote control communication interface, 41 display, 42 operation reception unit, 240, 350 signal level acquisition unit, 241, 351 notification necessity determination unit, 242, 352 notification information transmission unit

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising two or more refrigerant systems in which a plurality of air conditioners are connected via refrigerant pipes and communication lines, and communication between the air conditioners via the communication lines is performed using high-frequency signals, Equipped with a notification means, Each of the air conditioners is a signal level determination means for determining the signal level of a communication frame received from another air conditioner; a notification necessity determination means for determining whether or not a notification regarding an erroneous setting of communication group information needs to be sent to the notification means based on the signal level determined by the signal level determination means, the communication group information set in the other air conditioners, and the communication group information set in the air conditioner itself; a notification information sending means for, when it is determined by the notification necessity determining means that a notification to the notifying means is necessary, generating notification information including information about the other air conditioners, information about the air conditioner itself, and information about the signal level, and sending the notification information to the notifying means; The notification means, upon receiving the notification information from any one of the air conditioners, issues a notification to a user based on the notification information.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the notification necessity determination means determines that notification to the alarm means is necessary when the communication group information set in the other air conditioner matches the communication group information set in the air conditioner itself and the signal level is below a predetermined first threshold.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification necessity determination means determines that notification to the alarm means is necessary when the communication group information set in the other air conditioners is different from the communication group information set in the air conditioner itself and the signal level is equal to or higher than a predetermined second threshold.

4. further comprising a system information input receiving means for receiving input of system information including at least one of the wiring length of the communication line, the number of indoor units, and the line type of the communication line; 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the signal level determining means determines the signal level using a level determination threshold determined based on the input system information.

5. An air conditioning system comprising two or more refrigerant systems in which a plurality of air conditioners are connected via refrigerant pipes and communication lines, and communication between the air conditioners via the communication lines is performed using high-frequency signals, Equipped with a notification means, Each of the air conditioners is a signal level determination means for determining the signal level of a communication frame received from another air conditioner; a notification information transmitting means for generating notification information including communication group information set in the other air conditioners, communication group information set in the air conditioner itself, and the signal level determined by the signal level determining means, and transmitting the notification information to the notifying means; The air conditioning system wherein the notification means determines whether or not it is necessary to notify the user about incorrect setting of communication group information based on the notification information received from each of the air conditioners, and if it determines that it is necessary to notify the user, it notifies the user based on the notification information.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 5, wherein the notification means identifies air conditioners whose communication group information is likely to be incorrectly set based on the notification information received from each of the air conditioners, and notifies a user of information about the identified air conditioners.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6, wherein the notification means resets communication group information for the identified air conditioner.

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