Outdoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an outdoor unit and an air conditioner capable of shortening a time for stopping an operation of the air conditioner when firmware of the outdoor unit is updated.SOLUTION: An outdoor unit includes: a first portion that constitutes an air conditioning mechanism that conditions air; a first storage unit that stores firmware; a second storage unit different from the first storage unit; and an outdoor control unit that executes the firmware to control the first portion and stores update data for updating the firmware in the second storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit and an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner. The air conditioner has an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The storage unit of the indoor unit stores a control program and an update program downloaded from a server to the indoor unit. The stop unit of the indoor unit fully opens the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve after stopping the operation of the air conditioner. The update unit of the indoor unit updates the software of the indoor unit that has been stopped by the stop unit. The update unit updates the software of the indoor unit by replacing the update program with the control program and installing it. The start unit of the indoor unit restarts the compressor after the software is updated by the update unit, and if the restart of the compressor fails, the start process of the compressor is repeated until the restart of the compressor is successful. Thereby, the time from operation stop to restart can be minimized (paragraphs 0010, 0021, and 0025 - 0028).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not consider the update of the software of the outdoor unit.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. An aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide an outdoor unit and an air conditioner capable of shortening the time for stopping the operation of the air conditioner when updating the firmware of the outdoor unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An outdoor unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first part constituting an air conditioning mechanism for conditioned air, a first storage unit for storing firmware, a second storage unit different from the first storage unit, and an outdoor control unit that executes the firmware to control the first part and causes the second storage unit to store update data for updating the firmware.

[0007] An air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises an outdoor unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure and an indoor unit having a second part that constitutes the air conditioning mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure schematically illustrates the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a server provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of a terminal provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the download of update data for the indoor unit in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the updating of the indoor unit firmware and communication firmware in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the download of update data for the outdoor unit in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the download of update data for the outdoor unit in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the firmware update for the outdoor unit in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 10]It is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update performed by the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update performed by the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing update data stored in the communication storage unit provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing update data stored in the communication storage unit provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update performed by the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update performed by the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Air Conditioning System FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment includes an air conditioner 11, a server 12, and a terminal 13.

[0012] The air conditioner 11, the server 12, and the terminal 13 are communicably connected to the network 14 and communicate with each other via the network 14.

[0013] The air conditioner 11 conditions the air in the room 21. The air conditioner 11 performs cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, air blowing, air purification, etc. The air conditioner 11 executes firmware. The air conditioner 11 receives update data 31 for updating the executed firmware from the server 12, and upon completion of the reception of the update data 31, transmits an updatable notification 32 to the terminal 13 notifying that the firmware can be updated. The air conditioner 11 may transmit the updatable notification 32 to the terminal 13 via the server 12, or may directly transmit the updatable notification 32 to the terminal 13. The air conditioner 11 receives an update start notification 33 from the terminal 13 notifying that the firmware update may be started, and upon reception of the update start notification 33, updates the firmware according to the received update data 31. The air conditioner 11 may receive the update start notification 33 from the terminal 13 via the server 12, or may directly receive the update start notification 33 from the terminal 13.

[0014] The server 12 transmits the update data 31 to the air conditioner 11.

[0015] The terminal 13 receives the updatable notification 32 from the air conditioner 11, and upon reception of the updatable notification 32, notifies that the firmware can be updated. The terminal 13 accepts an update start operation indicating that the firmware update may be started, and upon acceptance of the update start operation, transmits an update start notification 33 to the air conditioner 11.

[0016] The network 14 includes the Internet, and the server 12 is a cloud server.

[0017] 1.2 Air conditioner As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 11 includes an indoor unit 41, an outdoor unit 42, a first pipe 43, a second pipe 44, and a communication line 45.

[0018] The indoor unit 41 is installed in the room 21 and performs heat exchange between the air in the room 21 and the refrigerant. The indoor unit 41 is connected to the network 14 and communicates with the server 12 and terminal 13 via the network 14.

[0019] The outdoor unit 42 is installed outside 22 and performs heat exchange between the air outside 22 and the refrigerant.

[0020] One of the first pipes 43 and the second pipe 44 leads the refrigerant from the indoor unit 41 to the outdoor unit 42. The other of the first pipes 43 and the second pipe 44 leads the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 42 to the indoor unit 41.

[0021] The communication line 45 transmits control signals from the indoor unit 41 to the outdoor unit 42, and from the outdoor unit 42 to the indoor unit 41.

[0022] 1.3 Air Conditioning System Figure 2 is a block diagram of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioner 11 includes an air conditioning mechanism 51.

[0024] The air conditioning system 51 harmonizes the air in the room 21.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning mechanism 51 includes a circulation pipe 61, a four-way valve 62, a compressor 63, a heat exchanger 64, an expansion valve 65, a heat exchanger 66, a blower unit 67, a blower unit 68, and a wind direction adjustment unit 69.

[0026] A portion of the circulation piping 61, four-way valve 62, compressor 63, heat exchanger 64, expansion valve 65, and air blower 67 provided in the outdoor unit 42 constitute the first part 71 of the air conditioning mechanism 51. A portion of the circulation piping 61, heat exchanger 66, air blower 68, and air direction adjustment unit 69 provided in the indoor unit 41 constitute the second part 72 of the air conditioning mechanism 51.

[0027] The circulation piping 61 includes a first pipe 43 and a second pipe 44.

[0028] When the air conditioning system 51 is performing cooling, the circulation piping 61 circulates the refrigerant so that it is guided from the compressor 63 to the compressor 63, sequentially through the four-way valve 62, heat exchanger 64, expansion valve 65, heat exchanger 66 and the four-way valve 62.

[0029] When the air conditioning system 51 is performing heating, the circulation piping 61 circulates the refrigerant so that it is guided from the compressor 63 to the compressor 63 via the four-way valve 62, heat exchanger 66, expansion valve 65, heat exchanger 64 and the four-way valve 62 in sequence.

[0030] When the air conditioning system 51 is performing cooling, the four-way valve 62 sets the direction of refrigerant circulation to a first direction, in which the refrigerant is guided from the compressor 63 through the four-way valve 62, heat exchanger 64, expansion valve 65, heat exchanger 66 and the four-way valve 62 in sequence back to the compressor 63.

[0031] When the air conditioning system 51 is performing heating, the four-way valve 62 directs the refrigerant circulation in a second direction, where the refrigerant is guided from the compressor 63 through the four-way valve 62, heat exchanger 66, expansion valve 65, heat exchanger 64, and the four-way valve 62 in sequence back to the compressor 63.

[0032] When the air conditioning system 51 performs cooling, the compressor 63 compresses the low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant to produce a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant. The heat exchanger 64 then causes heat to be released from the produced high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant to the outside air 22 to produce a high-pressure, high-temperature liquid refrigerant. The expansion valve 65 then expands the produced high-pressure, high-temperature liquid refrigerant to produce a low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant. The heat exchanger 66 then causes heat to be absorbed from the indoor air 21 to the produced low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant to produce a low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant. As a result, heat is transferred from the indoor air 21 to the outdoor air 22, and the indoor air 21 is cooled.

[0033] When the air conditioning system 51 performs heating, the compressor 63 compresses the low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant to produce a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant. The heat exchanger 66 causes the generated high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant to release heat into the indoor air 21, producing a high-pressure, high-temperature liquid refrigerant. The expansion valve 65 expands the generated high-pressure, high-temperature liquid refrigerant to produce a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant. The heat exchanger 64 causes the generated low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air 21, producing a low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant. As a result, heat is transferred from the outdoor air 22 to the indoor air 21, warming the indoor air 21.

[0034] The air blower 67 enters the outdoor unit 42, hits the heat exchanger 64, and blows out the air coming out of the outdoor unit 42.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the blower unit 67 includes a fan 81 and a fan drive unit 82.

[0036] The fan drive unit 82 drives the fan 81 to generate the airflow.

[0037] The air blower 68 enters the indoor unit 41, passes through the heat exchanger 66, and blows out the air coming out of the indoor unit 41.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the blower unit 68 includes a fan 91 and a fan drive unit 92.

[0039] The fan drive unit 92 drives the fan 91 to generate the airflow.

[0040] The airflow adjustment unit 69 adjusts the direction of the air coming out of the indoor unit 41.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the wind direction adjustment unit 69 includes a wind deflector 101 and a wind deflector drive unit 102.

[0042] The wind vane drive unit 102 changes the wind direction by driving the wind vane 101 and changing the orientation of the wind vane 101.

[0043] 1.4 Indoor circuit board As shown in Figure 2, the indoor unit 41 includes an indoor circuit board 111. The indoor circuit board 111 includes an indoor microcontroller (microcontroller) 121.

[0044] The indoor microcontroller 121 is connected to the communication unit 112 via a communication line and is connected to the outdoor microcontroller 161 (described later) via a communication line 45.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the indoor microcomputer 121 includes a storage unit 131 and an indoor control unit 132.

[0046] The memory unit 131 is an internal read-only memory (ROM) that constitutes one indoor microcomputer 121. The indoor control unit 132 is a central processing unit (CPU) that constitutes the said indoor microcomputer 121.

[0047] The memory unit 131 stores the firmware 141 for the indoor unit.

[0048] The indoor control unit 132 executes the stored indoor unit firmware 141 to control the second unit 72. For example, the indoor control unit 132 controls the fan drive unit 92 to change the airflow rate. The indoor control unit 132 also controls the wind vane drive unit 102 to change the wind direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the indoor control unit 132 communicates with the outdoor control unit 172, which will be described later, to transmit control signals necessary for the coordination between the control of the first part 71 by the outdoor control unit 172 and the control of the second part 72 by the indoor control unit 132 to the outdoor control unit 172, and receives the control signals necessary for the coordination from the outdoor control unit 172. The indoor-to-outdoor communication is serial communication. The transmitted and received control signals are transmitted via the communication line 45.

[0050] 1.5 Outdoor circuit board As shown in Figure 2, the outdoor unit 42 includes an outdoor circuit board 151. The outdoor circuit board 151 includes an outdoor microcontroller 161 and a second storage unit 162.

[0051] The outdoor microcontroller 161 is communicatively connected to the indoor microcontroller 121 via a communication line 45 and is electrically connected to the second storage unit 162.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the outdoor microcontroller 161 includes a first storage unit 171 and an outdoor control unit 172.

[0053] The first memory unit 171 is an internal ROM that constitutes one outdoor microcontroller 161. The second memory unit 162 is an external ROM that is electrically connected to the said outdoor microcontroller 161. The indoor control unit 132 is a CPU that constitutes the said outdoor microcontroller 161.

[0054] The first memory unit 171 stores the firmware 142 for the outdoor unit.

[0055] The second storage unit 162 stores outdoor unit update data 145 for updating the outdoor unit firmware 142 when the outdoor unit firmware 142 is updated.

[0056] The outdoor control unit 172 executes the stored firmware 142 for the outdoor unit to control the first part 71. For example, the outdoor control unit 172 controls the four-way valve 62 to change the direction in which the refrigerant circulates through the four-way valve 62. The outdoor control unit 172 also controls the compressor 63 to change the compression state of the refrigerant in the compressor 63. The outdoor control unit 172 also controls the fan drive unit 82 to change the airflow rate of the fan drive unit 82.

[0057] Furthermore, the outdoor control unit 172 communicates with the indoor control unit 132 to transmit control signals necessary for the coordination between the control of the first section 71 by the outdoor control unit 172 and the control of the second section 72 by the indoor control unit 132, and receives the control signals necessary for this coordination from the indoor control unit 132. The communication is serial communication. The transmitted and received control signals are transmitted via the communication line 45.

[0058] The outdoor control unit 172 must disable interrupts when writing data to the first storage unit 171 and when erasing data stored in the first storage unit 171. However, the outdoor control unit 172 does not need to disable interrupts when writing data to the second storage unit 162 and when erasing data stored in the second storage unit 162. Therefore, the outdoor control unit 172 cannot execute the outdoor unit firmware 142 to control the first part 71 when writing data to the first storage unit 171 and when erasing data stored in the first storage unit 171. However, the outdoor control unit 172 can execute the outdoor unit firmware 142 to control the first part 71 when writing data to the second storage unit 162 and when erasing data stored in the second storage unit 162. Therefore, if the first storage unit 171 stores the outdoor unit update data 145, the operation of the air conditioner 11 must be stopped while the outdoor unit update data 145 is being written to the first storage unit 171. However, if the second storage unit 162 stores the outdoor unit update data 145, the operation of the air conditioner 11 does not need to be stopped while the outdoor unit update data 145 is being written to the second storage unit 162.

[0059] Some microcontrollers can perform normal operations while writing data to and erasing data stored in internal ROM are carried out in separate processes. However, the variety of such microcontrollers is limited.

[0060] 1.6 Communications Department As shown in Figure 2, the indoor unit 41 is equipped with a communication unit 112. The communication unit 112 is connected to the network 14 and communicates with the server 12 and terminal 13 via the network 14. The communication unit 112 is, for example, a wireless adapter that connects to the network 14 via wireless communication. Wireless communication may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the communication unit 112 includes a communication storage unit 181 and a communication control unit 182.

[0062] The communication memory unit 181 stores the communication firmware 143.

[0063] The update data 31 received by the air conditioner 11 may include indoor unit update data 144 for updating the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the communication firmware 143, and outdoor unit update data 145 for updating the outdoor unit firmware 142. The communication storage unit 181 stores the indoor unit update data 144 when the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the communication firmware 143 are updated, and stores the outdoor unit update data 145 when the outdoor unit firmware 142 is updated.

[0064] The communication memory unit 181 has a storage capacity that allows it to simultaneously store both the indoor unit update data 144 and the outdoor unit update data 145.

[0065] The communication control unit 182 controls communication by executing the communication firmware 143.

[0066] 1.7 Server Figure 3 is a block diagram of a server provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0067] Server 12 is a computer or similar device.

[0068] As shown in Figure 3, the server 12 includes a processor 191, memory 192, storage 193, and a communication unit 194. The storage 193 stores the program 201 and can store indoor unit update data 144 and outdoor unit update data 145.

[0069] The processor 191 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The memory 192 includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc. The storage 193 includes a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive, etc. The processor 191 executes the program 201 loaded into the memory 192 to operate the computer, etc., as a server 12 that constitutes the air conditioning system 1.

[0070] The communications unit 194 communicates with the air conditioner 11 and the terminal 13.

[0071] 1.8 Device Figure 4 is a block diagram of the terminals provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0072] Terminal 13 includes smartphones, tablet devices, personal computers, feature phones, etc.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, the terminal 13 comprises a processor 211, memory 212, storage 213, communication unit 214, notification unit 215, and operation unit 216. The storage 213 stores the program 221.

[0074] The processor 211 is a CPU, GPU, etc. The memory 212 is RAM, ROM, etc. The storage 213 is an SSD, hard disk drive, etc. The processor 211 executes the program 221 loaded into the memory 212 to operate smartphones, tablet devices, personal computers, feature phones, etc. as terminals 13 that constitute the air conditioning system 1.

[0075] The communications unit 214 communicates with the air conditioner 11 and the server 12.

[0076] The notification unit 215 provides notification. The notification unit 215 includes a display, lamp, speaker, buzzer, vibrator, etc.

[0077] The control unit 216 accepts input. The control unit 216 can be a touch panel, buttons, dials, sliders, keyboard, mouse, trackpad, etc.

[0078] 1.9 Download of update data for indoor units and update of indoor unit firmware and communication firmware Figure 5 illustrates the download of update data for the indoor unit in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. Figure 6 illustrates the updating of the indoor unit firmware and communication firmware in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0079] If indoor unit update data 144 for updating indoor unit firmware 141 and / or communication firmware 143 is available, as shown in Figure 5, the communication unit 112 communicates with the server 12 to download the indoor unit update data 144 from the server 12 and stores the downloaded indoor unit update data 144 in the communication storage unit 181.

[0080] Furthermore, if the stored indoor unit update data 144 includes update data for updating the indoor unit firmware 141, the indoor control unit 132 updates the indoor unit firmware 141 according to the indoor unit update data 144, as shown in Figure 6. The indoor control unit 132 updates the indoor unit firmware 141, for example, by erasing the indoor unit firmware 141 stored in the storage unit 131 and writing the new indoor unit firmware 141 to the storage unit 131.

[0081] If the stored indoor unit update data 144 includes update data for updating the communication firmware 143, the communication control unit 182 updates the communication firmware 143 according to the stored indoor unit update data 144, as shown in Figure 6. The communication control unit 182 updates the communication firmware 143, for example, by erasing the communication firmware 143 stored in the communication storage unit 181 and writing the new communication firmware 143 to the communication storage unit 181.

[0082] The processes of downloading the indoor unit update data 144, storing the downloaded indoor unit update data 144 in the communication storage unit 181, and updating the communication firmware 143 can be performed while the outdoor control unit 172 is controlling the first part 71 and while the indoor control unit 132 is controlling the second part 72. Therefore, these processes can be performed without stopping the operation of the air conditioner 11.

[0083] On the other hand, the process of updating the indoor unit firmware 141 cannot be performed while the outdoor control unit 172 is controlling the first part 71 and while the indoor control unit 132 is controlling the second part 72. Therefore, this process must be performed with the air conditioner 11 stopped. However, since this process does not take a long time, having to stop the air conditioner 11 when performing this process does not have a significant impact on maintaining the comfort level of the room 21.

[0084] 1.10 Downloading update data for the outdoor unit and updating the firmware for the outdoor unit. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the download of update data for the outdoor unit in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. Figure 9 illustrates the updating of the firmware for the outdoor unit in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0085] If update data 145 for updating the outdoor unit firmware 142 is available, as shown in Figure 7, the communication unit 112 communicates with the server 12 to download the update data 145 from the server 12 and stores the downloaded update data 145 in the communication storage unit 181. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the outdoor control unit 172 communicates with the indoor control unit 132 to download the update data 145 from the indoor unit 41 and stores the downloaded update data 145 in the second storage unit 162. The downloaded update data 145 is transmitted via the communication line 45.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the outdoor control unit 172 updates the outdoor unit firmware 142 according to the stored outdoor unit update data 145. The outdoor control unit 172 updates the outdoor unit firmware 142, for example, by erasing the outdoor unit firmware 142 stored in the first storage unit 171 and writing the new outdoor unit firmware 142 to the first storage unit 171.

[0087] The process of downloading the outdoor unit update data 145 from the server 12 and storing the downloaded outdoor unit update data 145 in the communication storage unit 181 can be performed while the outdoor control unit 172 is controlling the first part 71 and while the indoor control unit 132 is controlling the second part 72. Therefore, this process can be performed without stopping the operation of the air conditioner 11.

[0088] The outdoor control unit 172 stores the outdoor unit update data 145 in a second storage unit 162, which is different from the first storage unit 171 that stores the outdoor unit firmware 142. Therefore, the outdoor control unit 172 does not need to disable interrupts while downloading the outdoor unit update data 145. Thus, the process of downloading the outdoor unit update data 145 from the indoor unit 41 and storing the downloaded outdoor unit update data 145 in the second storage unit 162 can be performed while the outdoor control unit 172 is controlling the first part 71 and while the indoor control unit 132 is controlling the second part 72. Consequently, this process can be performed without stopping the operation of the air conditioner 11. This reduces the time that the air conditioner 11 needs to be stopped when updating the outdoor unit firmware 142, and prevents the comfort of the room 21 from being compromised by stopping the operation of the air conditioner 11. Furthermore, the outdoor microcontroller 161 does not need to be selected from a variety of microcontrollers that can perform normal processing while writing data to the internal ROM and erasing data stored in the internal ROM are performed in separate processes; it can be selected from a wide range of microcontroller varieties.

[0089] The speed of communication between the indoor and outdoor units via the communication line 45 is slow. Furthermore, the transmission of update data 145 for the outdoor unit via the communication line 45 is carried out in parallel with the transmission of control signals via the communication line 45. For this reason, it takes a long time to download the update data 145 for the outdoor unit from the indoor unit 41 to the outdoor unit 42. However, since the operation of the air conditioner 11 does not need to be stopped while this download is taking place, the long time required for this download does not significantly affect the maintenance of comfort in the room 21.

[0090] On the other hand, the process of updating the firmware 142 for the outdoor unit cannot be performed while the outdoor control unit 172 is controlling the first part 71 and while the indoor control unit 132 is controlling the second part 72. Therefore, this process must be performed with the operation of the air conditioner 11 stopped. However, since this process does not take a long time, having to stop the operation of the air conditioner 11 when performing this process does not have a significant impact on maintaining the comfort level of the room 21.

[0091] 1.11 Firmware update process Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the firmware update process performed by the air conditioner in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0092] During the firmware update while the air conditioner 11 is in operation, steps S101 to S120 shown in Figures 10 and 11 are performed.

[0093] In step S101, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the outdoor unit update data 145 is available. At that time, the indoor control unit 132 causes the communication unit 112 to send a first availability notification request to the server 12, requesting that the server 12 inform it whether or not the outdoor unit update data 145 is available. In response to the first availability notification request being received by the communication unit 194 of the server 12, the processor 191 of the server 12 determines whether or not the outdoor unit update data 145 is available, and causes the communication unit 194 of the server 12 to send a first availability notification to the air conditioner 11 informing it whether or not the outdoor unit update data 145 is available. The processor 191 of server 12 determines that the outdoor unit update data 145 is available if it is stored in the storage 193 of server 12, and determines that the outdoor unit update data 145 is not available if it is not stored in the storage 193 of server 12. In addition, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the outdoor unit update data 145 is available based on the first availability notification received by the communication unit 112. If it is determined that the outdoor unit update data 145 is available, steps S102 to S104 are executed, followed by step S106. If it is determined that the outdoor unit update data 145 is not available, step S105 is executed, followed by step S106.

[0094] In step S102, the indoor control unit 132 sets the update flag for the outdoor unit 42.

[0095] In the following step S103, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is not stopped, and the communication unit 112 downloads the update data 145 for the outdoor unit from the server 12 to the communication storage unit 181.

[0096] In the subsequent step S104, the outdoor control unit 172 downloads the outdoor unit update data 145 from the indoor unit 41 to the second storage unit 162 without stopping the operation of the air conditioner 11. At this time, the outdoor control unit 172 stores the outdoor unit update data 145 in the second storage unit 162 in parallel with executing the outdoor unit firmware 142 to control the first part 71. This allows the outdoor unit update data 145 to be downloaded without stopping the operation of the air conditioner 11 and compromising the comfort of the room 21.

[0097] Meanwhile, in step S105, the indoor control unit 132 clears the update flag for the outdoor unit 42.

[0098] According to steps S101 to S105, the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 is set when the first availability notification request is sent after the latest update data 145 for the outdoor unit has been uploaded to the server 12 and the latest update data 145 for the outdoor unit has become available. The update data 145 for the outdoor unit is also downloaded to the communication storage unit 181. After the download of the update data 145 for the outdoor unit to the communication storage unit 181 is complete, the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 is downloaded to the second storage unit 162. However, at the point when the download of the update data 145 for the outdoor unit to the second storage unit 162 is complete, the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 is only set, and the update of the outdoor unit firmware 142 is not started.

[0099] In step S106, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the indoor unit update data 144 is available. At that time, the indoor control unit 132 causes the communication unit 112 to send a second availability notification request to the server 12, requesting that the server 12 be notified whether or not the indoor unit update data 144 is available. In response to the server 12's communication unit 194 receiving the second availability notification request, the server 12's processor 191 determines whether or not the indoor unit update data 144 is available and causes the server 12's communication unit 194 to send a second availability notification to the air conditioner 11, informing it whether or not the indoor unit update data 144 is available. The processor 191 of server 12 determines that the indoor unit update data 144 is available if it is stored in the storage 193 of server 12, and determines that the indoor unit update data 144 is not available if it is not stored in the storage 193 of server 12. In addition, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the indoor unit update data 144 is available based on the second availability notification received by the communication unit 112. If it is determined that the indoor unit update data 144 is available, step S110 is executed after steps S107 and S108. If it is determined that the indoor unit update data 144 is not available, step S110 is executed after step S109.

[0100] In step S107, the indoor control unit 132 sets the update flag for the indoor unit 41.

[0101] In the following step S108, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is not stopped, and the communication unit 112 downloads the indoor unit update data 144 from the server 12 to the communication storage unit 181.

[0102] Meanwhile, in step S109, the indoor control unit 132 clears the update flag for the indoor unit 41.

[0103] According to steps S106 to S109, if the indoor unit update data 144 is uploaded to the server 12 and becomes available, and then a second availability notification request is sent, the update flag for the indoor unit 41 is set. The indoor unit update data 144 is also downloaded to the communication storage unit 181. However, even after the download of the indoor unit update data 144 to the communication storage unit 181 is complete, the update flag for the indoor unit 41 is only set, and the update of the indoor unit firmware 141 does not begin.

[0104] In the first embodiment, steps S101 to S105 are executed first, followed by steps S106 to S109. However, steps S101 to S105 may be executed after steps S106 to S109 have been executed, or steps S106 to S109 may be executed in parallel with the execution of steps S101 to S105.

[0105] In step S110, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether the update flag for the indoor unit 41 and / or the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 are set. If it is determined that the update flag for the indoor unit 41 and / or the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 are set, step S111 is executed. If it is determined that neither the update flag for the indoor unit 41 nor the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 are set, the process ends.

[0106] In step S111, the indoor control unit 132 causes the communication unit 112 to send an update availability notification 32 to the terminal 13 to inform it that the indoor unit firmware 141, the outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or the communication firmware 143 can be updated.

[0107] In response to receiving an update availability notification 32 from the communication unit 112 of terminal 13, the processor 211 of terminal 13 causes the notification unit 215 of terminal 13 to notify that the indoor unit firmware 141, the outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or the communication firmware 143 can be updated. The notification is made by displaying a message or icon on the display, illuminating a lamp, emitting a sound from the speaker, vibrating a vibrator, etc.

[0108] Furthermore, the processor 211 of terminal 13, after notifying the notification unit 215 of terminal 13 that it is possible to update the indoor unit firmware 141, outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or communication firmware 143, and then receiving an update start operation from the operation unit 216 of terminal 13, causes the communication unit 214 of terminal 13 to send an update start notification 33 to the air conditioner 11, informing it that it is OK to start updating the indoor unit firmware 141, outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or communication firmware 143. This allows the user to trigger the update of the indoor unit firmware 141, outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or communication firmware 143 to the air conditioner 11 by performing an update start operation on terminal 13 after being notified that it is possible to update the indoor unit firmware 141, outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or communication firmware 143.

[0109] According to steps S101 to S111, after the indoor control unit 132 has finished storing the outdoor unit update data 145 in the second storage unit 162 in step S104, it causes the communication unit 112 to send an update availability notification 32 in step S111 to inform the terminal 13 that it is possible to update the outdoor unit firmware 142. Also, after the indoor control unit 132 has finished storing the indoor unit update data 144 in the communication storage unit 181 in step S108, it causes the communication unit 112 to send an update availability notification 32 in step S111 to inform the terminal 13 that it is possible to update the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the communication firmware 143. This allows the user to be notified that it is possible to update the indoor unit firmware 141, outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or communication firmware 143 at a time when the update of the indoor unit firmware 141, outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or communication firmware 143 can be started immediately, and the user can be prompted to update the indoor unit firmware 141, outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or communication firmware 143.

[0110] In the following step S112, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the update start notification 33 has been received by the communication unit 112. If it is determined that the update start notification 33 has been received, step S113 is executed. If it is determined that the update start notification 33 has not been received, step S112 is executed again. As a result, the indoor control unit 132 waits without updating the indoor unit firmware 141, the outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or the communication firmware 143 until the update start notification 33 is received by the communication unit 112, and can then update the indoor unit firmware 141, the outdoor unit firmware 142, and / or the communication firmware 143 after the update start notification 33 has been received by the communication unit 112.

[0111] In step S113, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not there is an update for the indoor unit firmware 141. The indoor control unit 132 determines that there is an update for the indoor unit firmware 141 if the indoor unit firmware 141 has been downloaded and the indoor unit update data 144 contains update data for updating the indoor unit firmware 141. The indoor control unit 132 determines that there is no update for the indoor unit firmware 141 if the indoor unit firmware 141 has been downloaded but the indoor unit update data 144 does not contain update data for updating the indoor unit firmware 141. The indoor control unit 132 also determines that there is no update for the indoor unit firmware 141 if the indoor unit firmware 141 has not been downloaded. If it is determined that there is an update for the indoor unit firmware 141, step S114 is executed. If it is determined that there is no update for the indoor unit firmware 141, step S115 is executed.

[0112] In steps S114 and S115, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not there is an update for the outdoor unit firmware 142. The indoor control unit 132 determines that there is an update for the outdoor unit firmware 142 if the outdoor unit firmware 142 has been downloaded. The indoor control unit 132 determines that there is no update for the outdoor unit firmware 142 if the outdoor unit firmware 142 has not been downloaded. If it is determined in step S114 that there is an update for the outdoor unit firmware 142, step S116 is executed followed by step S119. If it is determined in step S114 that there is no update for the outdoor unit firmware 142, step S117 is executed followed by step S119. If it is determined in step S115 that there is an update for the outdoor unit firmware 142, step S118 is executed followed by step S119. If it is determined in step S115 that there is no update for the outdoor unit firmware 142, step S119 is executed.

[0113] In step S116, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily suspended, and while the indoor control unit 132 updates the indoor unit firmware 141 according to the indoor unit update data 144, the outdoor control unit 172 updates the outdoor unit firmware 142 according to the outdoor unit update data 145. Therefore, if both the indoor unit update data 144 for updating the indoor unit firmware 141 and the outdoor unit update data 145 for updating the outdoor unit firmware 142 are available, after both the indoor unit update data 144 and the outdoor unit update data 145 have been downloaded, the indoor control unit 132 updates the indoor unit firmware 141 according to the indoor unit update data 144, while the outdoor control unit 172 updates the outdoor unit firmware 142 according to the outdoor unit update data 145. The operation of the air conditioner 11 must be temporarily suspended while the indoor unit update data 144 and / or the outdoor unit update data 145 are being updated. However, by updating the indoor unit update data 144 and the outdoor unit update data 145 at the same time, the time during which the air conditioner 11 must be shut down can be reduced compared to the case where the indoor unit update data 144 and the outdoor unit update data 145 are updated at different times.

[0114] Furthermore, according to steps S101 to S109, the indoor unit firmware 141 and the outdoor unit firmware can be updated in parallel not only when both the indoor unit update data 144 and the outdoor unit update data 145 are available when the availability notification request is first sent to the server 12, but also when both the indoor unit update data 144 and the outdoor unit update data 145 become available during the update preparation after the availability notification request is first sent to the server 12.

[0115] In step S117, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily suspended, and the indoor control unit 132 updates the indoor unit firmware 141 according to the indoor unit update data 144.

[0116] In step S118, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily suspended, and the outdoor control unit 172 updates the outdoor unit firmware 142 according to the outdoor unit update data 145.

[0117] In step S104, the indoor control unit 132 completes storing the outdoor unit update data 145 in the second storage unit 162, and then in steps S116 and S118, it updates the outdoor unit firmware 142 according to the outdoor unit update data 145. Also, in step S108, the indoor control unit 132 completes storing the indoor unit update data 144 in the communication storage unit 181, and then in steps S116 and S117, it updates the indoor unit firmware 141 according to the indoor unit update data 144. The process of storing the outdoor unit update data 145 in the second storage unit 162 takes a long time, but the process of updating the outdoor unit firmware 142 according to the outdoor unit update data 145 does not take a long time. Therefore, even if the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily stopped in step S116 and step S118 for the latter process, the time during which the operation of the air conditioner 11 is stopped will not be long, and the comfort of the room 21 will not be significantly impaired.

[0118] In step S119, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not there is an update for the communication firmware 143. The indoor control unit 132 determines that there is an update for the communication firmware 143 if the indoor unit firmware 141 has been downloaded and the indoor unit update data 144 includes update data for updating the communication firmware 143. The indoor control unit 132 determines that there is no update for the communication firmware 143 if the indoor unit firmware 141 has been downloaded but the indoor unit update data 144 does not include update data for updating the communication firmware 143. The indoor control unit 132 also determines that there is no update for the communication firmware 143 if the indoor unit firmware 141 has not been downloaded. If it is determined that there is an update for the communication firmware 143, step S120 is executed. If it is determined that there is no update for the communication firmware 143, the process ends.

[0119] In step S120, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is not stopped, and the communication control unit 182 updates the communication firmware 143 according to the indoor unit update data 144. At this time, while the communication control unit 182 updates the communication firmware 143, the outdoor control unit 172 controls the first part 71 and the indoor control unit 132 controls the second part 72.

[0120] 2. Second Embodiment The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. For aspects not described, the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment is used in the second embodiment.

[0121] Figures 12 and 13 show the update data stored in the communication memory unit provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment.

[0122] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the communication storage unit 181 has a storage capacity that can simultaneously store indoor unit update data 144 for updating indoor unit firmware 141 and communication firmware 143, and outdoor unit update data 145 for updating outdoor unit firmware 142.

[0123] In contrast, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the communication storage unit 181 has a storage capacity that can simultaneously store indoor unit update data 144 for updating indoor unit firmware 141 and outdoor unit update data 145 for updating outdoor unit firmware 142. Also, as shown in Figure 13, the communication storage unit 181 has a storage capacity that can store communication update data 146 for updating communication firmware 143. However, the communication storage unit 181 does not necessarily have a storage capacity that can simultaneously store indoor unit update data 144, outdoor unit update data 145, and communication update data 146.

[0124] Figures 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the firmware update process performed by the air conditioner in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment.

[0125] During the firmware update, steps S201 to S223, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, are executed.

[0126] In step S201, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the communication update data 146 is available. At that time, the indoor control unit 132 causes the communication unit 112 to send a first availability notification request to the server 12, requesting that the server 12 inform the server whether or not the communication update data 146 is available. The processor 191 of the server 12, in response to the first availability notification request being received by the communication unit 194 of the server 12, determines whether or not the communication update data 146 is available and causes the communication unit 194 of the server 12 to send a first availability notification to the air conditioner 11 informing the server whether or not the communication update data 146 is available. The processor 191 of the server 12 determines that the communication update data 146 is available if it is stored in the storage 193 of the server 12, and determines that the outdoor unit update data 145 is not available if it is not stored in the storage 193 of the server 12. Furthermore, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the communication update data 146 is available based on the first availability notification received by the communication unit 112. If it is determined that the communication update data 146 is available, steps S202 to S205 are executed, followed by step S206. If it is determined that the communication update data 146 is not available, step S206 is executed.

[0127] In step S202, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is not stopped, and the communication unit 112 downloads the communication update data from the server 12 to the communication storage unit 181.

[0128] In the following step S203, the indoor control unit 132 causes the communication unit 112 to send a first update availability notification to the terminal 13 to inform it that the communication firmware 143 can be updated.

[0129] In response to receiving a first update availability notification from the communication unit 112 of the terminal 13, the processor 211 of the terminal 13 causes the notification unit 215 of the terminal 13 to notify that the communication firmware 143 can be updated. The notification is made by displaying a message or icon on the display, illuminating a lamp, emitting a sound from the speaker, vibrating a vibrator, etc.

[0130] Furthermore, the processor 211 of terminal 13, after notifying the notification unit 215 of terminal 13 that it is possible to update the communication firmware 143, and after receiving a first update start operation from the operation unit 216 of terminal 13, causes the communication unit 112 of terminal 13 to send a first update start notification to the air conditioner 11 informing it that it is OK to start updating the communication firmware 143. This allows the user to trigger the update of the communication firmware 143 to the air conditioner 11 by performing the first update start operation on terminal 13 after being notified that it is possible to update the communication firmware 143.

[0131] In the following step S204, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the first update start notification has been received by the communication unit 112. If it is determined that the first update start notification has been received, step S205 is executed. If it is determined that the update start notification 33 has not been received, step S204 is executed again. As a result, the indoor control unit 132 waits without updating the communication firmware until the first update start notification is received by the communication unit 112, and can update the communication firmware 143 after the first update start notification is received by the communication unit 112.

[0132] In step S205, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is not stopped, and the communication control unit 182 updates the communication firmware 143 according to the communication update data 146. At this time, while the communication control unit 182 updates the communication firmware 143, the outdoor control unit 172 controls the first part 71, and the indoor control unit 132 controls the second part 72.

[0133] After step S205 is executed, the communication update data 146 is not used. Therefore, after step S205 is executed, the communication update data 146 may be erased. For this reason, the communication storage unit 181 does not need to have a storage capacity that can simultaneously store the communication update data 146 in addition to the indoor unit update data 144 and the outdoor unit update data 145.

[0134] In steps S206 to S214, the same processes as those performed in steps S101 to S109 are carried out, respectively.

[0135] In step S215, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether the update flag for the indoor unit 41 and / or the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 are set. If it is determined that the update flag for the indoor unit 41 and / or the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 are set, step S216 is executed. If it is determined that neither the update flag for the indoor unit 41 nor the update flag for the outdoor unit 42 are set, the process ends.

[0136] In step S216, the indoor control unit 132 causes the communication unit 112 to send a second update availability notification to the terminal 13 to inform it that the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the outdoor unit firmware 142 can be updated.

[0137] In response to receiving a second update availability notification via the communication unit 112 of terminal 13, the processor 211 of terminal 13 causes the notification unit 215 of terminal 13 to notify that the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or outdoor unit firmware 142 can be updated. The notification is made by displaying a message, icon, etc. on the display, illuminating a lamp, emitting a sound from the speaker, vibrating a vibrator, etc.

[0138] Furthermore, the processor 211 of terminal 13, after notifying the notification unit 215 of terminal 13 that it is possible to update the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the outdoor unit firmware 142, and then receiving a second update start operation from the operation unit 216 of terminal 13, causes the communication unit 214 of terminal 13 to send a second update start notification to the air conditioner 11 informing it that it is OK to start updating the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the outdoor unit firmware 142. This allows the user to trigger the update of the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the outdoor unit firmware 142 to the air conditioner 11 by performing the second update start operation on terminal 13 after being notified that it is possible to update the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the outdoor unit firmware 142.

[0139] In the following step S217, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the second update start notification has been received by the communication unit 112. If it is determined that the second update start notification has been received, step S218 is executed. If it is determined that the second update start notification has not been received, step S217 is executed again. As a result, the indoor control unit 132 waits without updating the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the outdoor unit firmware 142 until it receives the second update start notification from the communication unit 112, and can update the indoor unit firmware 141 and / or the outdoor unit firmware 142 after the second update start notification has been received by the communication unit 112.

[0140] In step S218, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the indoor unit update data 144 has been downloaded. If it is determined that the indoor unit update data 144 has been downloaded, step S219 is executed. If it is determined that the indoor unit update data 144 has not been downloaded, step S220 is executed. In steps S219 and S220, the indoor control unit 132 determines whether or not the outdoor unit update data 145 has been downloaded. If it is determined in step S219 that the outdoor unit update data 145 has been downloaded, step S221 is executed. If it is determined in step S219 that the outdoor unit update data 145 has not been downloaded, step S222 is executed. If it is determined in step S220 that the outdoor unit update data 145 has been downloaded, step S223 is executed. If it is determined in step S220 that the outdoor unit update data 145 has not been downloaded, the process ends.

[0141] In step S221, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily suspended, and while the indoor control unit 132 updates the indoor unit firmware 141 according to the indoor unit update data 144, the outdoor control unit 172 updates the outdoor unit firmware 142 according to the outdoor unit update data 145.

[0142] In step S222, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily suspended, and the indoor control unit 132 updates the indoor unit firmware 141 according to the indoor unit update data 144.

[0143] In step S223, the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily suspended, and the outdoor control unit 172 updates the outdoor unit firmware 142 according to the outdoor unit update data 145.

[0144] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be replaced with configurations that are substantially the same as those shown in the embodiments, configurations that produce the same effects, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 Air conditioning system, 11 Air conditioner, 12 Server, 13 Terminal, 14 Network, 21 Indoor, 22 Outdoor, 31 Update data, 32 Update available notification, 33 Update start notification, 41 Indoor unit, 42 Outdoor unit, 43 First piping, 44 Second piping, 45 Communication line, 51 Air conditioning mechanism, 61 Circulation piping, 62 Four-way valve, 63 Compressor, 64 Heat exchanger, 65 Expansion valve, 66 Heat exchanger, 67 Blower unit, 68 Blower unit, 69 Air direction adjustment unit, 71 First part, 72 Second part, 81 Fan, 82 Fan drive unit, 91 Fan, 92 Fan drive unit, 101 Air deflector, 102 Air deflector drive unit, 111 Indoor circuit board, 112 Communication unit, 121 Indoor microcontroller (MPC), 131 Memory unit, 132 Indoor control unit, 141 Firmware for indoor unit, 142 Firmware for outdoor unit, 143 Firmware for communication, 144 Update data for indoor unit, 145 Update data for outdoor unit, 146 Update data for communication, 151 Outdoor board, 161 Outdoor microcontroller, 162 Second memory unit, 171 First memory unit, 172 Outdoor control unit, 181 Communication memory unit, 182 Communication control unit, 191 Processor, 192 Memory, 193 Storage, 194 Communication unit, 201 Program, 211 Processor, 212 Memory, 213 Storage, 214 Communication unit, 215 Notification unit, 216 Operation unit, 221 Program.

Claims

1. A first part comprising an air conditioning mechanism for harmonizing air, A first memory unit for storing firmware, A second storage unit different from the first storage unit, An outdoor control unit that executes the firmware to control the first part and stores update data for updating the firmware in a second storage unit, An outdoor unit equipped with, An indoor unit comprising a second part that constitutes the air conditioning mechanism, An air conditioner equipped with, The aforementioned indoor unit is Communications Department and, An indoor control unit, which, after completing the storage of the update data in the second storage unit, causes the communication unit to send a notification to the terminal to inform it that the firmware can be updated, Equipped with Air conditioner.

2. A first part comprising an air conditioning mechanism for harmonizing air, A first memory unit for storing firmware, A second storage unit different from the first storage unit, An outdoor control unit that executes the firmware to control the first part and stores update data for updating the firmware in a second storage unit, An outdoor unit equipped with, An indoor unit comprising a second part that constitutes the air conditioning mechanism, An air conditioner equipped with, The aforementioned indoor unit is A memory unit that stores firmware for the indoor unit, An indoor control unit that executes the firmware for the indoor unit and controls the second part, Equipped with, The indoor control unit determines whether or not update data for the indoor unit is available for updating the firmware for the indoor unit, and determines whether or not the update data is available. If it is determined that only the update data for the indoor unit is available, the indoor control unit updates only the firmware for the indoor unit according to the update data for the indoor unit. If it is determined that only the aforementioned update data is available, the outdoor control unit updates only the firmware according to the aforementioned update data. If it is determined that both the indoor unit update data and the update data are available, the indoor control unit updates the indoor unit firmware according to the indoor unit update data, and in parallel, the outdoor control unit updates the firmware according to the update data. Air conditioner.

Images