Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning system which can sufficiently give a notification to a user via a notification system.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning system 10 comprises: an indoor machine 11; a detection unit 16 for detecting leakage of refrigerant; and a notification system 17 for giving a notification about the leakage of refrigerant. The notification system 17 comprises: a first notification machine 21 that includes a first notification unit 31 for giving a notification by generating any of a sound, light and vibration with electric power, where the first notification unit 31 is activated when the detection unit 16 has detected leakage of refrigerant; and a second notification machine 22 that includes a second notification unit 32 for giving a notification by generating any of a sound, light and vibration with electric power, where the second notification unit 32 is activated when the detection unit 16 has detected leakage of refrigerant. The first notification machine 21 and the second notification machine 22 are connected to the single indoor machine 11 and supplied with electric power from the indoor machine 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an air conditioning system provided with a notification system for notifying a user of the occurrence of refrigerant leakage has been known (see Patent Document 1). When the notification system detects the occurrence of refrigerant leakage, the air conditioning system notifies the user by displaying a message on the display unit of a remote control provided in the target space where air conditioning is performed or outputting a sound from the speaker of the remote control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the target space for air conditioning is large, the air conditioning system may not be able to sufficiently notify a user who is located at a position far from the remote control by the notification system.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system capable of sufficiently notifying a user by a notification system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) An air conditioning system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises an indoor unit, a detection unit for detecting refrigerant leaks, and a notification system for notifying of refrigerant leaks, wherein the notification system has a first notification unit that uses electricity to generate sound, light, or vibration for notification, and a first notification device that activates the first notification unit when the detection unit detects a refrigerant leak, and a second notification unit that uses electricity to generate sound, light, or vibration for notification, and a second notification device that activates the second notification unit when the detection unit detects a refrigerant leak, wherein the first notification device and the second notification device are connected to and powered by one indoor unit.

[0007] According to the air conditioning system of this disclosure, even when the space to be air-conditioned is large, by providing multiple alarms for a single indoor unit, the alarm system can adequately notify the user when it detects a refrigerant leak.

[0008] (2) An air conditioning system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein, after detection of refrigerant leakage by the detection unit, the processing period, which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit or the second notification unit to the end of operation of both the first notification unit and the second notification unit, preferably includes a first period in which the first notification unit is in operation and a second period in which the second notification unit is in operation, wherein the second period has a period that overlaps with a period in which the first notification unit is stopped, or the first period has a period that overlaps with a period in which the second notification unit is stopped.

[0009] In this case, by having an overlapping period between the first period and the period during which the second alarm is stopped, or an overlapping period between the second period and the period during which the first alarm is stopped, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the applied voltage to the first and second alarm units, even with the limited power supplied from a single indoor unit.

[0010] (3) An air conditioning system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to the second aspect, wherein the second period is preferably the period during which the first notification unit is stopped, and the first period is preferably the period during which the second notification unit is stopped.

[0011] In this case, since the first notification unit and the second notification unit do not operate simultaneously, a decrease in the applied voltage to the first notification unit and the second notification unit can be suppressed.

[0012] (4) An air conditioning system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any of the first to third aspects, wherein the first notification unit and the second notification unit preferably include an audible notification unit that provides notification by sound.

[0013] In this case, if a refrigerant leak is detected, the notification system can provide sufficient audible notification to the user.

[0014] (5) An air conditioning system according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first notification unit and the second notification unit preferably include an optical notification unit that provides notification by light.

[0015] In this case, if a refrigerant leak is detected, the notification system can provide sufficient notification to the user using light.

[0016] (6) An air conditioning system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein, after detection of a refrigerant leak by the detection unit, the processing period, which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit or the second notification unit to the end of operation of both the first notification unit and the second notification unit, includes a third period in which a voltage of a predetermined value or higher is applied to the first notification unit and the first notification unit is in operation, and a fourth period in which a voltage of a predetermined value or higher is applied to the second notification unit and the second notification unit is in operation, wherein the fourth period has a period that overlaps with a period in which a voltage lower than the predetermined value is applied to the first notification unit and the first notification unit is in operation, or the third period has a period that overlaps with a period in which a voltage lower than the predetermined value is applied to the second notification unit and the second notification unit is in operation.

[0017] In this case, since a voltage above a predetermined value is not applied to both the first and second notification units simultaneously to perform notification, a decrease in the applied voltage to the first and second notification units can be suppressed. By applying a voltage lower than a predetermined value to one of the first and second notification units to perform notification, the notification by the other notification unit can be assisted by the first notification unit. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the power supplied from the indoor unit to the first and second notification units.

[0018] (7) An air conditioning system according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein the first notification unit of the notification system includes a first sound notification unit that notifies by sound and a first light notification unit that notifies by light, and the second notification unit includes a second sound notification unit that notifies by sound and a second light notification unit that notifies by light, and after the detection unit detects a refrigerant leak, the operation of either the first notification unit or the second notification unit starts and the operation of all of the first notification unit and the second notification unit ends. Preferably, the processing period until completion includes a fifth period in which the first sound notification unit is in operation and a sixth period in which the first light notification unit is in operation, which overlap with a period in which the second sound notification unit is stopped or a period in which the second light notification unit is stopped, or a seventh period in which the second sound notification unit is in operation and an eighth period in which the second light notification unit is in operation, which overlap with a period in which the first sound notification unit is stopped or a period in which the first light notification unit is stopped.

[0019] In this case, since the other audible or optical notification unit stops operating while one of the first or second notification units is operating, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the applied voltage to the operating notification unit, even if the power supplied from the indoor unit is limited.

[0020] (8) An air conditioning system according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein the treatment period preferably includes the fifth period and the sixth period alternately, and includes the seventh period and the eighth period alternately, with periods in which the fifth period and the eighth period overlap, and periods in which the sixth period and the seventh period overlap.

[0021] In this case, the first and second notification units switch between audible and luminous notification, allowing the notification system to adequately inform the user when a refrigerant leak is detected, even with the limited power supplied from the indoor unit.

[0022] (9) The air conditioning system according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein the processing period alternately includes the fifth period and the sixth period, and alternately includes the seventh period and the eighth period, the fifth period and the seventh period have a period overlapping with each other, and the sixth period and the eighth period preferably have a period overlapping with each other.

[0023] In this case, by the first notification unit and the second notification unit performing notification while switching between audio notification and optical notification, when refrigerant leakage is detected, the notification system can sufficiently notify the user with the limited power supplied from the indoor unit.

[0024] (10) The air conditioning system according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein the processing period coincides with one of the fifth period and the sixth period, and one of the seventh period and the eighth period, and the processing period preferably alternately includes the other of the fifth period and the sixth period, and the other of the seventh period and the eighth period.

[0025] In this case, by the first notification unit and the second notification unit constantly performing notification by either sound or light, and intermittently performing notification by the other, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the notification.

[0026] (11) The air conditioning system according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein after the detection of refrigerant leakage by the detection unit, in the processing period which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit and the second notification unit to the end of operation of all of the first notification unit and the second notification unit, it is preferable that the first notification device and the second notification device stop transmitting and receiving signals.

[0027] In this case, the limited power supplied from the indoor unit can be effectively used for the operation of the notification unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the air conditioning system of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Block diagram of the air conditioning system disclosed herein. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the alarm system's configuration. [Figure 4] A diagram schematically showing the notification process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram schematically showing the notification process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram schematically showing the notification process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram schematically showing the notification process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram schematically showing the notification process according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram schematically showing the notification process according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the air conditioning system with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] (Overall configuration of the air conditioning system) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system of the present disclosure. The air conditioning system 10 shown in Figure 1 is one embodiment of the air conditioning system of the present disclosure, and adjusts the temperature of the air in the target space to be air-conditioned to a predetermined target temperature. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 10 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, connecting piping 13, connecting wiring 14, a power supply 15, a detection unit 16, and a notification system 17. The air conditioning system 10 shown in this embodiment is installed in building B, and the room A1 inside building B is the air-conditioned space. In this description, the outside of building B is referred to as the outdoor space A2, and the space above room A1 inside building B is referred to as the ceiling space A3.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the indoor unit 11 of this embodiment has a so-called cassette type form and is installed across the room A1 and the ceiling space A3. The outdoor unit 12 is installed outside A2. In this embodiment, a configuration in which one indoor unit 11 is connected to one outdoor unit 12 is illustrated, but the configuration of the air conditioning system of this disclosure is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit may also be used.

[0032] The connecting pipe 13 connects the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12. In addition to the connecting pipe 13, the air conditioning system 10 includes a compressor, a four-way switching valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, an indoor heat exchanger, and refrigerant piping connecting these, and comprises a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates. The type of refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 10 is, for example, R32. The jumper wiring 14 includes signal lines and power lines.

[0033] (Regarding the control unit) Figure 2 is a block diagram of the air conditioning system of this disclosure. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air conditioning system 10 includes an indoor control unit 11a and an outdoor control unit 12a that control the operation of the air conditioning system 10. The indoor control unit 11a and the outdoor control unit 12a are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by a connecting wire 14. In the air conditioning system 10, power is supplied from a power supply 15 to the outdoor unit 12 and also to the indoor unit 11 via the connecting wire 14. The power supplied from the power supply 15 to the outdoor unit 12 is also supplied to the outdoor control unit 12a. The power supplied to the outdoor control unit 12a is also supplied to the indoor control unit 11a via the connecting wire 14. The air conditioning system 10 may also be configured to have a separate power supply (not shown) that supplies power to the indoor unit 11, in addition to the power supply 15. In this case, power is supplied from the power supply for the indoor unit 11 to the indoor control unit 11a.

[0034] The indoor control unit 11a is a device that controls the operation of the indoor unit 11, and is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a processor such as a CPU, and memory such as RAM and ROM. The indoor control unit 11a may also be implemented as hardware using an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, etc. The indoor control unit 11a performs predetermined functions by having the processor execute a program installed in memory.

[0035] The outdoor control unit 12a is a device that controls the operation of the outdoor unit 12, and is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a processor such as a CPU, and memory such as RAM and ROM. The outdoor control unit 12a may also be implemented as hardware using an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, etc. The outdoor control unit 12a performs predetermined functions by having the processor execute a program installed in memory.

[0036] (Regarding the detection unit) The detection unit 16 is composed of a gas sensor capable of detecting gaseous refrigerant floating in the air. As shown in Figure 1, in the air conditioning system 10, the detection unit 16 is located inside the housing of the indoor unit 11. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 10, if there is a refrigerant leak inside the indoor unit 11, the detection unit 16 can detect the leaked refrigerant. In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, the detection unit 16 is located inside the indoor unit 11, but the location of the detection unit 16 does not need to be anywhere other than the vicinity of the indoor unit 11, and it may be located in the room A1, the ceiling space A3, etc.

[0037] In the air conditioning system 10, when the detection unit 16 detects refrigerant, the indoor control unit 11a determines that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the indoor unit 11 and outputs a signal to the notification system 17 indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected. In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, the detection unit 16 is configured with a gas sensor that detects gaseous refrigerant, but the configuration of the detection unit 16 in the air conditioning system 10 is not limited to this, and various sensors provided in the refrigerant circuit may be used as the detection unit 16. In this case, the indoor control unit 11a or the outdoor control unit 12a detects a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant circuit based on the operating data of the air conditioning system 10 detected by the detection unit 16 (various sensors in the refrigerant circuit) (for example, the degree of subcooling of the refrigerant at the evaporator outlet). In addition, the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure may configure the detection unit 16 by using a gas sensor capable of detecting gaseous refrigerant and various sensors provided in the refrigerant circuit in combination.

[0038] In the air conditioning system 10, power supplied to the indoor control unit 11a is supplied to a plurality of alarm devices 20 (the first alarm device 21 and the second alarm device 22, which will be described later). Thus, in the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, power is supplied to a plurality of alarm devices 20 from one indoor control unit 11a.

[0039] (Regarding the notification system) The notification system 17 is a system that notifies the user of the detection result when the detection unit 16 detects a refrigerant leak occurring in the air conditioning system 10. The notification system 17 has a plurality of notification devices 20 and wiring 23.

[0040] In the air conditioning system 10 shown in Figure 1, multiple alarms 20 are provided for each indoor unit 11. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 10, the distance between the user in the air-conditioned space and the alarm 20 can be shortened compared to a system where one alarm (remote control) is provided for each indoor unit. With such an air conditioning system 10, it is easier for the user to recognize the alarm from the alarm 20 compared to a system where one alarm is provided for each indoor unit.

[0041] The air conditioning system 10 shown in this embodiment is equipped with two alarm devices 20 in a room A1 where one indoor unit 11 is responsible for air conditioning. In the following description, one of the two alarm devices 20 will be referred to as the first alarm device 21 and the other as the second alarm device 22. In this description, when simply referred to as "alarm device 20", the description refers to the configuration common to both the first alarm device 21 and the second alarm device 22. In this embodiment, the case in which two alarm devices 20 are provided for one indoor unit 11 is illustrated, but the air conditioning system of this disclosure may have three or more alarm devices connected to one indoor unit.

[0042] (Regarding the alarm system) Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the alarm system. As shown in Figure 3, the alarm system 17 is a remote control used by the user to operate and set the air conditioning system 10. The alarm system 20 is electrically connected to the indoor control unit 11a by wiring 23. The wiring 23 includes power lines and signal lines. In the alarm system 17, the remote control for the air conditioning system 10 is used as the alarm system 20, but the alarm system constituting the air conditioning system of this disclosure may be a dedicated product (separate from the remote control) for providing alarms. In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, the specifications of the first alarm system 21 and the second alarm system 22 are the same, but the specifications of the first alarm system 21 and the second alarm system 22 may be different.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the alarm unit 20 has a display unit 20a. The display unit 20a is the part that displays the operating status and set values ​​of the air conditioning system 10, and is composed of a liquid crystal panel. In the air conditioning system 10, the user can understand the operating status and set values ​​of the air conditioning system 10, as well as the temperature of the room A1, based on the information (characters and graphics) displayed on the display unit 20a. If the liquid crystal panel that constitutes the display unit 20a has a backlight, the backlight of the display unit 20a may be used as a light alarm unit (first light alarm unit 31B and second light alarm unit 32B) which will be described later.

[0044] The alarm 20 has an operation button 20b. The air conditioning system 10 can be started and stopped by the user by operating (pressing) the operation button 20b. In the air conditioning system 10, a lamp is provided on the operation button 20b. The lamp lights up when power is supplied to it when the air conditioning system 10 is in operation, and turns off when the air conditioning system 10 is stopped. In the alarm system 17 of this disclosure, the lamp is used as an optical alarm unit (first optical alarm unit 31B and second optical alarm unit 32B) which will be described later.

[0045] The alarm device 20 has a first setting button 20c and a second setting button 20d. The first setting button 20c is used by the user to input a set value (such as a set temperature). The second setting button 20d is used by the user to select various setting items.

[0046] The notification device 20 has a sound generator built into its housing. The sound generator provides information to the user by emitting sound (such as a buzzer sound or voice) when power is supplied to it. In the notification system 17 of this disclosure, the sound generator is used as an audible notification unit (first audible notification unit 31A and second audible notification unit 32A) which will be described later.

[0047] (About the Hochi Department) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the alarm device 20 is equipped with an alarm unit 30. In the following description, the alarm unit 30 equipped in the first alarm device 21 will be referred to as the first alarm unit 31, and the alarm unit 30 equipped in the second alarm device 22 will be referred to as the second alarm unit 32. In this description, when simply referred to as "alarm unit 30," it describes the configuration common to both the first alarm unit 31 and the second alarm unit 32.

[0048] The first notification unit 31 includes a first sound notification unit 31A that provides notification using sound generated by electricity, and a first light notification unit 31B that provides notification using light generated by electricity. The second notification unit 32 includes a second sound notification unit 32A that provides notification using sound generated by electricity, and a second light notification unit 32B that provides notification using light generated by electricity. In this embodiment, the notification system 17 has a notification unit 30 that includes a sound notification unit (first sound notification unit 31A and second sound notification unit 32A) and a light notification unit (first light notification unit 31B and second light notification unit 32B), but the notification system 17 may be configured to include either a sound notification unit or a light notification unit. The notification system 17 of this embodiment includes a notification unit 30 that provides notification using sound and light generated by electricity, but the notification unit included in the notification system 17 may be a notification unit that provides notification by generating something other than sound and light using electricity. The air conditioning system of this disclosure may include, for example, a notification unit that provides notification using vibrations generated by electricity, or a notification unit that provides notification using characters displayed by electricity.

[0049] (Regarding notification processing) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the notification process according to the first embodiment. The notification system 17 shown in Figures 1 and 2 performs notification processing when a signal indicating the detection of a refrigerant leak is input from the indoor control unit 11a to the notification device 20. Notification processing is a process that includes the operation or stopping of the notification unit 30. Specifically, in the notification system 17, the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 perform notification processing. In the following description, the notification processing performed by the first notification device 21 will be referred to as the first notification processing, and the notification processing performed by the second notification device 22 will be referred to as the second notification processing. In the following description, the period during which the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 perform notification processing will be referred to as the processing period S. In other words, in the notification system 17, the first notification device 21 performs the first notification processing during the processing period S, and the second notification device 22 performs the second notification processing during the processing period S. The first notification process includes the process of the first notification device 21 activating the first notification unit 31, the process of instructing the first notification unit 31 to continue operating, and the process of stopping the first notification unit 31. The second notification process includes the process of the second notification device 22 activating the second notification unit 32, the process of instructing the second notification unit 32 to continue operating, and the process of stopping the second notification unit 32. The notification process includes the process of stopping the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32, but does not necessarily include the process of instructing the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 to continue operating. The notification process may also include the process of instructing the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 to continue operating.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the processing period S is the period from time t1 to time t2. Time t1 is the time when at least one of the first alarm unit 31 and the second alarm unit 32 first becomes operational after a signal indicating that the detection unit 16 has detected a refrigerant leak is input from the indoor control unit 11a to the first alarm unit 21 and the second alarm unit 22. Time t2 is the time when the first alarm unit 31 and the second alarm unit 32 complete their final operation after they have become operational. For example, time t2 may be the time when the set time of the timer has elapsed if the first alarm unit 21 and the second alarm unit 22 have a timer that sets the sounding period, or the time when the user performs an operation to stop the alarm processing on the first alarm unit 21 or the second alarm unit 22. In other words, the processing period S is the period from when either the first notification unit 31 or the second notification unit 32 starts operating after the detection unit 16 detects a refrigerant leak (time t1) until when all operations of the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 are completed (time t2). The processing period S includes the period during which the first notification unit 31 is operating and the period during which the second notification unit 32 is operating. The processing period S may include the period during which the first notification unit 31 is stopped. The processing period S may include the period during which the second notification unit 32 is stopped. Although Figure 4 illustrates a case where the notification processing performed by the first notification unit 21 and the second notification unit 22 is completed in one processing period S, the first notification unit 21 and the second notification unit 22 may also have a period for further notification processing (the next processing period S) after one processing period S (the same applies to each embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 9).

[0051] In the notification system 17, it is preferable that the first and second alarms 21 and 22 stop transmitting and receiving signals to the outside while they are performing their respective notification processes (in other words, during the processing period S). In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, when a signal indicating the detection of a refrigerant leak is input to the first and second alarms 21 and 22, the operation of the first and second alarms 31 and 22 is controlled by control means (microcomputer, etc.) of the first and second alarms 21 and 22, respectively. For example, in the alarm 20, when a signal indicating the detection of a refrigerant leak is input, a timer in the alarm 20 is activated, and the operating state and stopped state of the alarm 30 may be switched according to the setting of the timer. In the first and second alarms 21 and 22 having such a configuration, there is no need to transmit or receive signals to the outside for notification processing while they are performing notification processing (during the processing period S).

[0052] In the notification system 17, during the processing period S, the notification device 20 stops transmitting and receiving signals with the outside, thereby concentrating the limited power supplied from the indoor control unit 11a on the operation of the notification unit 30. This makes it possible for multiple notification devices 20 (first notification device 21 and second notification device 22) to perform notification processing in a notification system 17 configured to supply power from one indoor control unit 11a. In addition, the notification system 17 may continue transmitting and receiving signals between the notification device 20 and the indoor control unit 11a during the processing period S, in which case the indoor control unit 11a may control the notification processing of the notification device 20.

[0053] (Notification processing according to the first embodiment) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the notification process according to the first embodiment. In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 can perform notification processing in the form shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, in the notification process according to the first embodiment, the processing period S includes a first operating period X1 and a second operating period X2. The first operating period X1 is the period during which the first notification unit 31 is in operation. The second operating period X2 is the period during which the second notification unit 32 is in operation. In the notification process according to the first embodiment, the processing period S includes a first stop period Y1 and a second stop period Y2. The first stop period Y1 is the period during which the first notification unit 31 is in a stopped state. The second stop period Y2 is the period during which the second notification unit 32 is in a stopped state.

[0054] In the notification process according to the first embodiment, the first operating period X1 has a period that overlaps with the second stop period Y2. In the notification process according to the first embodiment, the second operating period X2 has a period that overlaps with the first stop period Y1.

[0055] The first alarm unit 21 and the second alarm unit 22 switch the operating state of their respective alarm units 31 and 32 during the processing period S, over a period T. Note that the period T may be "0" (the same applies in the following description). Figure 4 illustrates a case where the first operating period X1 and the second operating period X2 do not overlap (in other words, at each timing included in the processing period S, at least one of the first alarm unit 21 and the second alarm unit 22 is not in an operating state). However, in the alarm processing according to the first embodiment, the first operating period X1 and the second operating period X2 may overlap to some extent. In other words, the processing period S may include a period during which the first alarm unit 21 and the second alarm unit 22 are in an operating state simultaneously, at least to some extent. In this case, it is preferable that the overlapping period of the first operating period X1 and the second operating period X2 be as short as possible.

[0056] During the first operating period X1, the first light notification unit 31B or the first sound notification unit 31A is in an operating state. During the first stop period Y1, the first light notification unit 31B or the first sound notification unit 31A is in a stop state. During the second operating period X2, the second light notification unit 32B or the second sound notification unit 32A is in an operating state. During the second stop period Y2, the second light notification unit 32B or the second sound notification unit 32A is in a stop state. In Figure 4, an example is shown in which the first operating period X1, the first stop period Y1, the second operating period X2, and the second stop period Y2 are all provided once in the processing period S, but the number of times each period X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 in the notification processing according to the first embodiment occurs does not have to be once. Figure 4 illustrates a case in which, during the processing period S, the first operating period X1 is set before the second operating period X2, and the second stop period Y2 is set before the first stop period Y1. However, the order in which each period X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 are set in the notification processing according to the first embodiment is not limited to this.

[0057] In the notification process according to the first embodiment, at each timing included in the processing period S, at least one of the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B is stopped. In other words, in the notification process according to the first embodiment, during the processing period S, the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B are never all operating simultaneously. Therefore, the notification system 17 that executes the notification process according to the first embodiment can have the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 execute their respective notification processes using the limited power supplied from the indoor control unit 11a. The notification system 17 can perform notification by multiple notification devices 20 (first notification device 21 and second notification device 22) in a configuration where power is supplied from one indoor control unit 11a to multiple notification devices 20 (first notification device 21 and second notification device 22).

[0058] (Notification process according to the second embodiment) Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the notification process according to the second embodiment. In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 can perform the notification process in the manner shown in Figure 5. When the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 perform the notification process according to the second embodiment, during the processing period S, they switch the operating states of the first alarm unit 31 and the second alarm unit 32 as shown in Figure 5. In the notification process according to the second embodiment, the first notification process performed by the first alarm 21 includes a process of applying a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher to the first alarm unit 31 to activate the first alarm unit 31, and a process of applying a voltage lower than the predetermined value V to the first alarm unit 31 to activate the first alarm unit 31. In the notification process according to the second embodiment, the second notification process performed by the second notification device 22 includes a process of applying a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher to the second notification unit 32 to activate the second notification unit 32, and a process of applying a voltage lower than the predetermined value V to the second notification unit 32 to activate the second notification unit 32.

[0059] In the notification process according to the second embodiment, the processing period S includes a period during which a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher is applied to the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 and the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 are in operation, and a period during which a voltage lower than the predetermined value V is applied to the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 and the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 are in operation. In the following description, the period during which a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher is applied to the first notification unit 31 and the first notification unit 31 is in operation will be referred to as the third operating period X3, and the period during which a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher is applied to the second notification unit 32 and the second notification unit 32 is in operation will be referred to as the fourth operating period X4. In the following description, the period during which the first notification unit 31 is in operation when a voltage lower than a predetermined value V is applied to it will be referred to as the (first) low-voltage operating period Y3, and the period during which the second notification unit 32 is in operation when a voltage lower than a predetermined value V is applied to it will be referred to as the (second) low-voltage operating period Y4.

[0060] The predetermined value V is the voltage value at which the notification unit 30 can perform the desired function and performance, and is also referred to as the "rated value". The predetermined value V includes a first predetermined value V1, which is the predetermined value V for the sound notification unit (first sound notification unit 31A and second sound notification unit 32A), and a second predetermined value V2, which is the predetermined value V for the light notification unit (first light notification unit 31B and second light notification unit 32B).

[0061] The first sound notification unit 31A and the second sound notification unit 32A can generate a sound at a desired sound pressure level (for example, 60 dB or more at a distance of 1 m from the sound generator) when a voltage of a first predetermined value V1 or higher is applied, and can generate a sound at a sound pressure level lower than the desired sound pressure level when a voltage lower than the first predetermined value V1 is applied.

[0062] The first light signaling unit 31B and the second light signaling unit 32B (the lamp) emit light at a brightness equal to or greater than the desired brightness when a voltage equal to or greater than the second predetermined value V2 is applied, and emit light at a brightness lower than the desired brightness when a voltage lower than the second predetermined value V2 is applied.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, in the notification process according to the second embodiment, the processing period S includes a third operating period X3, a fourth operating period X4, a low-voltage operating period Y3, and a low-voltage operating period Y4. In the notification process according to the second embodiment, the third operating period X3 has a period that overlaps with the low-voltage operating period Y4. In the notification process according to the second embodiment, the fourth operating period X4 has a period that overlaps with the low-voltage operating period Y3. Although Figure 5 illustrates a case where the third operating period X3 and the fourth operating period X4 do not overlap, the third operating period X3 and the fourth operating period X4 in the notification process according to the second embodiment may overlap to some extent. In this case, it is preferable that the overlapping period of the third operating period X3 and the fourth operating period X4 be as short as possible.

[0064] During the third operating period X3, a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher is applied to the first sound notification unit 31A or the first light notification unit 31B, and the first sound notification unit 31A or the first light notification unit 31B is in operation. During the low-voltage operating period Y3, a voltage lower than the predetermined value V is applied to the first sound notification unit 31A or the first light notification unit 31B, and the first sound notification unit 31A or the first light notification unit 31B is in operation. During the fourth operating period X4, a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher is applied to the second sound notification unit 32A or the second light notification unit 32B, and the second sound notification unit 32A or the second light notification unit 32B is in operation. During the low-voltage operation period Y4, a voltage lower than a predetermined value V is applied to the second sound notification unit 32A or the second light notification unit 32B, causing the second sound notification unit 32A or the second light notification unit 32B to be in operation. In Figure 5, an example is shown in which the third operation period X3, the low-voltage operation period Y3, the fourth operation period X4, and the low-voltage operation period Y4 are all provided once during the processing period S. However, the number of times each period X3, Y3, X4, and Y4 are provided in the notification processing according to the second embodiment does not have to be once. In Figure 5, an example is shown in which the third operation period X3 is provided before the fourth operation period X4 and the low-voltage operation period Y4 is provided before the low-voltage operation period Y3 during the processing period S. However, the order in which each period X3, X4, Y3, and Y4 are provided in the notification processing according to the second embodiment is not limited to this.

[0065] In the notification process according to the second embodiment, at each timing during the processing period S, at least one of the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B is in operation with a voltage lower than a predetermined value V applied to it. In other words, in the notification process according to the second embodiment, during the processing period S, a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher is not applied simultaneously to all of the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B. Therefore, in the notification system 17 that executes the notification process according to the second embodiment, the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 can execute their respective notification processes using the limited power supplied from the indoor control unit 11a.

[0066] As described above, the notification system 17 that performs notification processing according to the second embodiment applies a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher to some of the multiple notification units 30, and applies a voltage lower than the predetermined value V to the remaining notification units 30. In this case, the some notification units 30 to which a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher is applied will exhibit the desired function and performance, while the remaining notification units 30 to which a voltage lower than the predetermined value V is applied will exhibit a function and performance that falls short of the desired function and performance. In a notification system 17 with such a configuration, notification by some notification units 30 that exhibit the desired function and performance can be supplemented by notification by the remaining notification units 30.

[0067] (Notification processing according to the third embodiment) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the notification system 17 includes a first notification unit 31 comprising a first sound notification unit 31A and a first light notification unit 31B, and a second notification unit 32 comprising a second sound notification unit 32A and a second light notification unit 32B. In the following description, the period during which the first sound notification unit 31A is in operation will be referred to as the fifth operation period X5, the period during which the first light notification unit 31B is in operation will be referred to as the sixth operation period X6, the period during which the second sound notification unit 32A is in operation will be referred to as the seventh operation period X7, and the period during which the second light notification unit 32B is in operation will be referred to as the eighth operation period X8. In the following explanation, the period during which the first sound notification unit 31A is in a stopped state will be referred to as the fifth stop period Y5, the period during which the first light notification unit 31B is in a stopped state will be referred to as the sixth stop period Y6, the period during which the second sound notification unit 32A is in a stopped state will be referred to as the seventh stop period Y7, and the period during which the second light notification unit 32B is in a stopped state will be referred to as the eighth stop period Y8.

[0068] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the notification process according to the third embodiment. In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 can perform the notification process in the manner shown in Figure 6. When performing the notification process according to the third embodiment, the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 switch the operating states of the first sound alarm unit 31A, the first light alarm unit 31B, the second sound alarm unit 32A, and the second light alarm unit 32B during the processing period S, as shown in Figure 6. In the notification process according to the third embodiment, the processing period S includes the fifth operating period X5, the sixth operating period X6, the seventh operating period X7, and the eighth operating period X8. In the notification process according to the third embodiment, the processing period S may include the fifth stop period Y5, the sixth stop period Y6, the seventh stop period Y7, and the eighth stop period Y8.

[0069] In the notification processing according to the third embodiment, during the processing period S, the fifth operating period X5 and the eighth operating period X8 have periods that overlap with the sixth stop period Y6 and the seventh stop period Y7. In other words, in the notification processing according to the third embodiment, the fifth operating period X5 and the sixth operating period X6 have periods that overlap with the seventh stop period Y7 or the eighth stop period Y8, and the seventh operating period X7 and the eighth operating period X8 have periods that overlap with the fifth stop period Y5 or the sixth stop period Y6. Although Figure 6 illustrates a case where the fifth operating period X5, the sixth operating period X6, the seventh operating period X7, and the eighth operating period X8 do not overlap, each operating period X5, X6, X7, and X8 in the notification processing according to the third embodiment may overlap to some extent. In this case, it is preferable that the overlapping period between each operating period X5, X6, X7, and X8 be as short as possible.

[0070] In the notification process according to the third embodiment, the first sound notification unit 31A and the second light notification unit 32B may be operating simultaneously. In this case, the first light notification unit 31B and the second sound notification unit 32A are in a stopped state. In the notification process according to the third embodiment, the first light notification unit 31B and the second sound notification unit 32A may be operating simultaneously. In this case, the first sound notification unit 31A and the second light notification unit 32B are in a stopped state. In Figure 6, an example is shown in which each operating period X5, X6, X7, X8 and each stopping period Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 are all provided once during the processing period S. However, the number of times each operating period X5, X6, X7, X8 and each stopping period Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 occur in the notification process according to the third embodiment does not have to be once. Figure 6 illustrates a case in which, during processing period S, the fifth operating period X5 and the eighth operating period X8 are provided before the sixth operating period X6 and the seventh operating period X7, and the sixth stop period Y6 and the seventh stop period Y7 are provided before the fifth stop period Y5 and the eighth stop period Y8. However, the order in which each operating period X5, X6, X7, X8 and each stop period Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 are provided in the notification processing according to the third embodiment is not limited to this.

[0071] In the notification process according to the third embodiment, at least one of the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B is stopped at each timing during the processing period S. In other words, in the notification process according to the third embodiment, the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B do not all operate simultaneously during the processing period S. Therefore, the notification system 17 that executes the notification process according to the third embodiment can have the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 perform their respective notification processes using the limited power supplied from the indoor control unit 11a.

[0072] In the notification process according to the third embodiment, at each timing during the processing period S, either the first notification device 21 or the second notification device 22 provides audible notification, while the other provides luminous notification. Therefore, the notification system 17 that performs the notification process according to the third embodiment can continuously provide both audible and luminous notification as a whole. As a result, the notification system 17 that performs the notification process according to the third embodiment makes it easier for the user to recognize the notification provided by the notification system 17.

[0073] (Notification processing according to the fourth embodiment) Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the notification process according to the fourth embodiment. In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 can perform the notification process in the manner shown in Figure 7. When performing the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 switch the operating states of the first sound alarm unit 31A, the first light alarm unit 31B, the second sound alarm unit 32A, and the second light alarm unit 32B during the processing period S, as shown in Figure 7. In the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, the processing period S includes the fifth operating period X5, the sixth operating period X6, the seventh operating period X7, and the eighth operating period X8. In the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, the processing period S may include the fifth stop period Y5, the sixth stop period Y6, the seventh stop period Y7, and the eighth stop period Y8.

[0074] In the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, during the processing period S, the fifth operating period X5 and the seventh operating period X7 have periods that overlap with the sixth stop period Y6 and the eighth stop period Y8. In the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, during the processing period S, the sixth operating period X6 and the eighth operating period X8 have periods that overlap with the fifth stop period Y5 and the seventh stop period Y7. In other words, in the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, the fifth operating period X5 and the sixth operating period X6 have periods that overlap with the seventh stop period Y7 or the eighth stop period Y8, and the seventh operating period X7 and the eighth operating period X8 have periods that overlap with the fifth stop period Y5 or the sixth stop period Y6. Although Figure 7 illustrates a case where the fifth operating period X5, the sixth operating period X6, the seventh operating period X7, and the eighth operating period X8 do not overlap, each operating period X5, X6, X7, and X8 in the notification process according to the fourth embodiment may overlap to some extent. In this case, it is preferable that the overlapping period between each operating period X5, X6, X7, and X8 be as short as possible.

[0075] In the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, the first sound notification unit 31A and the second sound notification unit 32A may be operating simultaneously. In this case, the first light notification unit 31B and the second light notification unit 32B are in a stopped state. In the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, the first light notification unit 31B and the second light notification unit 32B may be operating simultaneously. In this case, the first sound notification unit 31A and the second sound notification unit 32A are in a stopped state. Note that in Figure 7, an example is shown in which each operating period X5, X6, X7, X8 and each stopping period Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 are all provided once during the processing period S. However, the number of times each operating period X5, X6, X7, X8 and each stopping period Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 occur in the notification process according to the fourth embodiment does not have to be once. Figure 7 illustrates a case in which, during processing period S, the fifth operating period X5 and the seventh operating period X7 are provided before the sixth operating period X6 and the eighth operating period X8, and the sixth stop period Y6 and the eighth stop period Y8 are provided before the fifth stop period Y5 and the seventh stop period Y7. However, the order in which each operating period X5, X6, X7, X8 and each stop period Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8 are provided in the notification processing according to the fourth embodiment is not limited to this.

[0076] In the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, at each timing during the processing period S, at least one of the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B is stopped. In other words, in the notification process according to the fourth embodiment, during the processing period S, the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B do not all operate simultaneously. Therefore, the notification system 17 that performs the notification process according to the fourth embodiment can have the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 perform the notification process using the limited power supplied from the indoor control unit 11a.

[0077] In the notification processing according to the fourth embodiment, each sound notification unit 31A, 32A may simultaneously provide audible notification. In this case, the sound pressure level of the notification sound is increased, making it easier for the user to recognize the notification from the notification system 17. In the notification processing according to the fourth embodiment, each light notification unit 31B, 32B may simultaneously provide light notification. In this case, light emission occurs at multiple locations in the room A1, making it easier for the user to recognize the notification from the notification system 17.

[0078] (Notification processing according to the fifth embodiment) Figures 8 and 9 schematically show the notification process according to the fifth embodiment. In the air conditioning system 10 of this disclosure, the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 can perform notification processing in the manner shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0079] Here, the notification process according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 8 will be described. When the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 execute the notification process according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 8, they switch the operating states of the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B during the processing period S as shown in Figure 8. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S includes the fifth operating period X5, the sixth operating period X6, the seventh operating period X7, and the eighth operating period X8. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S includes the sixth stop period Y6 and the eighth stop period Y8.

[0080] In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the first sound notification unit 31A and the second sound notification unit 32A are always in operation during the processing period S. In other words, in the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S coincides with the fifth operating period X5 and the seventh operating period X7. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S alternately includes the sixth operating period X6 and the eighth operating period X8. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S alternately includes the sixth stop period Y6 and the eighth stop period Y8.

[0081] In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the sixth operating period X6 has a period that overlaps with the eighth stop period Y8, and the eighth operating period X8 has a period that overlaps with the sixth stop period Y6. Although Figure 8 illustrates the case where the sixth operating period X6 and the eighth stop period Y8 coincide, in the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, it is sufficient that the sixth operating period X6 and the eighth stop period Y8 have an overlapping period. Although Figure 8 illustrates the case where the eighth operating period X8 and the sixth stop period Y6 coincide, in the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, it is sufficient that the eighth operating period X8 and the sixth stop period Y6 have an overlapping period.

[0082] Here, the notification process according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 9 will be described. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, during the processing period S, the operating states of the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B are switched as shown in Figure 9. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 9, the processing period S includes the fifth operating period X5, the sixth operating period X6, the seventh operating period X7, and the eighth operating period X8. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S includes the fifth stop period Y5 and the seventh stop period Y7.

[0083] In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the first optical notification unit 31B and the second optical notification unit 32B are always in operation during the processing period S. In other words, in the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S coincides with the sixth operating period X6 and the eighth operating period X8. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S alternately includes the fifth operating period X5 and the seventh operating period X7. In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the processing period S alternately includes the fifth stop period Y5 and the seventh stop period Y7.

[0084] In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the fifth operating period X5 has a period that overlaps with the seventh stop period Y7, and the seventh operating period X7 has a period that overlaps with the fifth stop period Y5. Although Figure 9 illustrates the case where the fifth operating period X5 and the seventh stop period Y7 coincide, in the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, it is sufficient that the fifth operating period X5 and the seventh stop period Y7 have an overlapping period. Although Figure 9 illustrates the case where the seventh operating period X7 and the fifth stop period Y5 coincide, in the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, it is sufficient that the seventh operating period X7 and the fifth stop period Y5 have an overlapping period.

[0085] In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the first sound notification unit 31A and the second sound notification unit 32A may be operating simultaneously. In this case, either the first light notification unit 31B or the second light notification unit 32B is in a stopped state (see Figure 8). In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the first light notification unit 31B and the second light notification unit 32B may be operating simultaneously. In this case, either the first sound notification unit 31A or the second sound notification unit 32A is in a stopped state (see Figure 9). In Figure 8, the notification unit 30 that provides continuous notification is aligned with the sound notification unit (first sound notification unit 31A and second sound notification unit 32A), and in Figure 9, the optical notification unit is aligned with the optical notification unit (first optical notification unit 31B and second optical notification unit 32B). However, the notification processing according to the fifth embodiment may also be configured such that continuous notification is provided by the sound notification unit (first sound notification unit 31A or second sound notification unit 32A) of the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22, while continuous notification is provided by the optical notification unit (first optical notification unit 31B or second optical notification unit 32B) of the other device.

[0086] In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, at least one of the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B is stopped at each timing during the processing period S. In other words, in the notification process according to the fifth embodiment, the first sound notification unit 31A, the first light notification unit 31B, the second sound notification unit 32A, and the second light notification unit 32B do not all operate simultaneously during the processing period S. Therefore, the notification system 17 that performs the notification process according to the fifth embodiment can have the first notification device 21 and the second notification device 22 perform the notification process using the limited power supplied from the indoor control unit 11a.

[0087] In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 8, the sound notification units 31A and 32A simultaneously and continuously provide audible notification to increase the sound pressure level of the notification sound, while the light notification units 31B and 32B flash alternately to provide light notification, making it easier for the user to recognize the notification from the notification system 17.

[0088] In the notification process according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 9, each optical notification unit 31B, 32B provides notification by light simultaneously and continuously, while each audible notification unit 31A, 32A sounds alternately and intermittently to emit a characteristic sound, making it easier for the user to recognize the notification from the notification system 17.

[0089] [Effects of the Embodiment] (1) The air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment includes an indoor unit 11, a detection unit 16 for detecting refrigerant leaks, and a notification system 17 for notifying of refrigerant leaks. In the air conditioning system 10, the notification system 17 includes a first notification unit 31 that uses electricity to generate sound, light, or vibration for notification, and a first notification unit 21 which activates the first notification unit 31 when the detection unit 16 detects a refrigerant leak, and a second notification unit 32 which uses electricity to generate sound, light, or vibration for notification, and a second notification unit 22 which activates the second notification unit 32 when the detection unit 16 detects a refrigerant leak. In the air conditioning system 10, the first notification unit 21 and the second notification unit 22 are connected to one indoor unit 11 and powered by the indoor unit 11.

[0090] With this type of air conditioning system 10, by providing a first alarm 21 and a second alarm 22 for each indoor unit 11, even when the indoor space A1 (air-conditioned space) is large, the alarm system 17 can adequately notify the user when a refrigerant leak is detected.

[0091] (2) In the above embodiment, the air conditioning system 10, after detection of refrigerant leakage by the detection unit 16, has a processing period S from the start of operation of either the first notification unit 31 or the second notification unit 32 to the end of operation of both the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32, which includes a first operating period X1 in which the first notification unit 31 is in operation and a second operating period X2 in which the second notification unit 32 is in operation. The second operating period X2 has a period that overlaps with a period Y1 in which the first notification unit 31 is in a stopped state, and the first operating period X1 has a period that overlaps with a period Y2 in which the second notification unit 32 is in a stopped state. In this case, even with the limited power supplied from one indoor unit 11, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the applied voltage to the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit.

[0092] (3) In the air conditioning system 10 that performs the notification processing of the first embodiment described above, the second operating period X2 coincides with the first stop period Y1 in which the first notification unit 31 is in a stopped state, and the first operating period X1 coincides with the second stop period Y2 in which the second notification unit 32 is in a stopped state. In this case, since the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 do not operate simultaneously, a decrease in the applied voltage to the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 can be suppressed.

[0093] (4) The air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment includes a first notification unit 31 which provides notification by sound, and a second notification unit 32 which includes a second sound notification unit 32A which provides notification by sound. In this case, when a refrigerant leak is detected, the user can be adequately notified by sound.

[0094] (5) The air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment includes a first notification unit 31 which provides notification by light, and a second notification unit 32 which includes a second light notification unit 32B which provides notification by light. In this case, when a refrigerant leak is detected, the user can be adequately notified by light.

[0095] (6) The air conditioning system 10 that performs the notification process of the second embodiment described above has a processing period S which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit 31 or the second notification unit 32 to the end of operation of both the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 after the detection of refrigerant leakage by the detection unit 16, and includes a third operating period X3 in which a voltage of a predetermined value V or more is applied to the first notification unit 31 and the first notification unit 31 is in an operating state, and a fourth operating period X4 in which a voltage of a predetermined value V or more is applied to the second notification unit 32 and the second notification unit 32 is in an operating state. The fourth operating period X4 has a period that overlaps with the low-voltage operating period Y3 in which the first notification unit 31 is in operation by applying a voltage lower than a predetermined value V to the first notification unit 31, and the third operating period X3 has a period that overlaps with the low-voltage operating period Y4 in which the second notification unit 32 is in operation by applying a voltage lower than a predetermined value V to the second notification unit 32. In this case, since the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 are not simultaneously subjected to a voltage of a predetermined value V or higher to perform notification, a decrease in the applied voltage from the indoor unit 11 to each notification unit 31 and 32 can be suppressed. By applying a voltage lower than a predetermined value V to one of the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 to perform notification, the notification by the other of the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 can be assisted. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the power supplied from the indoor unit 11 to the first notification unit 21 and the second notification unit 22.

[0096] (7) The air conditioning system 10 that performs the notification processing of the third and fourth embodiments described above includes a first notification unit 31 which includes a first sound notification unit 31A that notifies by sound and a first light notification unit 31B that notifies by light, and a second notification unit 32 which includes a second sound notification unit 32A that notifies by sound and a second light notification unit 32B that notifies by light. In the air conditioning system 10 that performs the notification processing of the third and fourth embodiments described above, after the detection unit 16 detects a refrigerant leak, the processing period S, which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit 31 or the second notification unit 32 to the end of operation of both the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32, has a period in which the fifth operation period X5 when the first sound notification unit 31A is in operation and the sixth operation period X6 when the first light notification unit 31B is in operation overlap with the seventh stop period Y7 when the second sound notification unit 32A is stopped or the eighth stop period Y8 when the second light notification unit 32B is stopped. In the air conditioning system 10 that performs the notification processing of the third and fourth embodiments described above, the processing period S for performing the first notification processing and the second notification processing includes a period in which the seventh operating period X7 in which the second sound notification unit 32A is in operation and the eighth operating period X8 in which the second light notification unit 32B is in operation overlap with the fifth stop period Y5 in which the first sound notification unit 31A is stopped or the sixth stop period Y6 in which the first light notification unit 31B is stopped. In this case, since the other sound notification unit (first sound notification unit 31A or second sound notification unit 32A) or light notification unit (first light notification unit 31B or second light notification unit 32B) is stopped while one of the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32 is operating, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the applied voltage to the operating notification unit 30 even if the power supplied from the indoor unit 11 is limited.

[0097] (8) The air conditioning system 10 that performs the notification process of the third embodiment described above has a processing period S that alternately includes a fifth operating period X5 and a sixth operating period X6, and alternately includes a seventh operating period X7 and an eighth operating period X8, with periods in which the fifth operating period X5 and the eighth operating period X8 overlap with each other, and periods in which the sixth operating period X6 and the seventh operating period X7 overlap with each other. In this case, the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 switch between sound and light notification to provide sufficient notification to the user when a refrigerant leak is detected, using the limited power supplied from the indoor unit 11.

[0098] (9) The air conditioning system 10 that performs the notification process of the fourth embodiment described above has a processing period S that alternately includes a fifth operating period X5 and a sixth operating period X6, and alternately includes a seventh operating period X7 and an eighth operating period X8, with periods during which the fifth operating period X5 and the seventh operating period X7 overlap with each other, and periods during which the sixth operating period X6 and the eighth operating period X8 overlap with each other. In this case, the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 switch between sound and light notification to provide notification, so that when a refrigerant leak is detected, the user can be adequately notified using the limited power supplied from the indoor unit 11.

[0099] (10) The air conditioning system 10 that performs the notification process of the fifth embodiment described above has a processing period S that coincides with one of the fifth operating period X5 and the sixth operating period X6 and one of the seventh operating period X7 and the eighth operating period X8, and the processing period S alternately includes the other of the fifth operating period X5 and the sixth operating period X6 and the other of the seventh operating period X7 and the eighth operating period X8. In this case, the first alarm 21 and the second alarm 22 continuously provide notification by sound or light, and intermittently provide notification by the other, making it easier for the user to recognize the notification, and when a refrigerant leak is detected, the user can be adequately notified with the limited power supplied from the indoor unit 11.

[0100] (11) In the notification system 17 of the above embodiment, after the detection unit 16 detects a refrigerant leak, the first notification unit 21 and the second notification unit 22 stop transmitting and receiving signals during a processing period S, which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit 31 or the second notification unit 32 until the end of operation of both the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32. In this case, the limited power supplied from the indoor unit 11 can be effectively used for the operation of the first notification unit 31 and the second notification unit 32.

[0101] This disclosure is not limited to the above examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as shown, and equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10: Air conditioning system 11: Indoor unit 16: Detection unit 17: Notification System 21: First alarm unit 22: Second alarm unit 31A: First Sound Notification Department 31B: First Optical Information Unit 32A: Second Sound and Announcement Department 32B: Second Optical Information Unit S: Processing period X1: First operating period (first period) X2: Second operating period (second period) X3: Third operating period (third period) X4: Fourth operating period (fourth period) X5: 5th operation period (5th period) X6: Sixth operating period (sixth period) X7: 7th operating period (7th period) X8: Eighth operating period (Eighth period) Y1: First shutdown period (the period during which the first notification unit is in a shutdown state) Y2: Second shutdown period (the period during which the second notification unit is shut down) Y3: Low-voltage operation period (the period during which a voltage lower than a predetermined value is applied and the first notification unit is in operation) Y4: Low-voltage operation period (the period during which a voltage lower than a predetermined value is applied and the second notification unit is in operation) Y5: Fifth shutdown period (the period during which the first sound notification unit is in a shut-down state) Y6: Sixth shutdown period (the period during which the first optical notification unit is in a shutdown state) Y7: 7th shutdown period (the period during which the 2nd sound notification unit is in a shut-down state) Y8: Eighth shutdown period (the period during which the second optical signaling unit is in a shutdown state) V: predetermined value

Claims

1. Indoor unit (11) and A detection unit (16) for detecting refrigerant leaks, The system includes a notification system (17) for notifying of refrigerant leaks, The aforementioned notification system (17) A first alarm unit (21) has a first alarm unit (31) that generates sound, light, or vibration using electricity to provide notification, and the first alarm unit (31) is activated when the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, The system includes a second notification unit (32) that generates sound, light, or vibration using electricity to provide notification, and a second notification device (22) which activates the second notification unit (32) when the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, The first alarm (21) and the second alarm (22) are connected to one indoor unit (11) and powered by the indoor unit (11). After the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, the processing period (S), which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit (31) or the second notification unit (32) to the end of operation of both the first notification unit (31) and the second notification unit (32), includes a first period (X1) in which the first notification unit (31) is in operation and a second period (X2) in which the second notification unit (32) is in operation. An air conditioning system (10) wherein the second period (X2) includes a period that overlaps with the period (Y1) during which the first notification unit (31) is in a stopped state, and the first period (X1) includes a period that overlaps with the period (Y2) during which the second notification unit (32) is in a stopped state.

2. The second period (X2) coincides with the period (Y1) during which the first notification unit (31) is in a stopped state, The air conditioning system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first period (X1) coincides with the period (Y2) during which the second notification unit (32) is in a stopped state.

3. The air conditioning system (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first notification unit (31) and the second notification unit (32) include sound notification units (31A, 32A) that provide notification by sound.

4. The air conditioning system (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first notification unit (31) and the second notification unit (32) include light notification units (31B, 32B) that provide notification by light.

5. Indoor unit (11) and A detection unit (16) for detecting refrigerant leaks, The system includes a notification system (17) for notifying of refrigerant leaks, The aforementioned notification system (17) A first alarm unit (21) has a first alarm unit (31) that generates sound, light, or vibration using electricity to provide notification, and the first alarm unit (31) is activated when the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, The system includes a second notification unit (32) that generates sound, light, or vibration using electricity to provide notification, and a second notification device (22) which activates the second notification unit (32) when the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, The first alarm (21) and the second alarm (22) are connected to one indoor unit (11) and powered by the indoor unit (11). After the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, the processing period (S), which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit (31) or the second notification unit (32) to the end of operation of both the first notification unit (31) and the second notification unit (32), includes a third period (X3) in which a voltage of a predetermined value (V) or higher is applied to the first notification unit (31) and the first notification unit (31) is in operation, and a fourth period (X4) in which a voltage of a predetermined value (V) or higher is applied to the second notification unit (32) and the second notification unit (32) is in operation. An air conditioning system (10) wherein the fourth period (X4) includes a period (Y3) in which a voltage lower than the predetermined value (V) is applied to the first notification unit (31) and the first notification unit (31) is in operation, and the third period (X3) includes a period (Y4) in which a voltage lower than the predetermined value (V) is applied to the second notification unit (32) and the second notification unit (32) is in operation.

6. Indoor unit (11) and A detection unit (16) for detecting refrigerant leaks, The system includes a notification system (17) for notifying of refrigerant leaks, The aforementioned notification system (17) A first alarm unit (21) has a first alarm unit (31) that generates sound, light, or vibration using electricity to provide notification, and the first alarm unit (31) is activated when the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, The system includes a second notification unit (32) that generates sound, light, or vibration using electricity to provide notification, and a second notification device (22) which activates the second notification unit (32) when the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, The first alarm (21) and the second alarm (22) are connected to one indoor unit (11) and powered by the indoor unit (11). The first notification unit (31) includes a first sound notification unit (31A) that notifies by sound and a first light notification unit (31B) that notifies by light. The second notification unit (32) includes a second sound notification unit (32A) that provides notification by sound and a second light notification unit (32B) that provides notification by light. After the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, the processing period (S), which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit (31) or the second notification unit (32) to the end of operation of both the first notification unit (31) and the second notification unit (32), The fifth period (X5) in which the first sound notification unit (31A) is in operation and the sixth period (X6) in which the first light notification unit (31B) is in operation have periods that overlap with the period (Y7) in which the second sound notification unit (32A) is in a stopped state or the period (Y8) in which the second light notification unit (32B) is in a stopped state, or An air conditioning system (10) in which a seventh period (X7) in which the second sound notification unit (32A) is in operation and an eighth period (X8) in which the second light notification unit (32B) is in operation overlap with a period (Y5) in which the first sound notification unit (31A) is in a stopped state or a period (Y6) in which the first light notification unit (31B) is in a stopped state.

7. The processing period (S) includes the fifth period (X5) and the sixth period (X6) alternately, and includes the seventh period (X7) and the eighth period (X8) alternately. The air conditioning system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the fifth period (X5) and the eighth period (X8) have overlapping periods, and the sixth period (X6) and the seventh period (X7) have overlapping periods.

8. The processing period (S) includes the fifth period (X5) and the sixth period (X6) alternately, and includes the seventh period (X7) and the eighth period (X8) alternately. The air conditioning system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the fifth period (X5) and the seventh period (X7) have overlapping periods, and the sixth period (X6) and the eighth period (X8) have overlapping periods.

9. The processing period (S) coincides with one of the fifth period (X5) and the sixth period (X6), and one of the seventh period (X7) and the eighth period (X8). The air conditioning system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the processing period (S) alternately includes the other of the fifth period (X5) and the sixth period (X6) and the other of the seventh period (X7) and the eighth period (X8).

10. After the detection unit (16) detects a refrigerant leak, during the processing period (S), which is the period from the start of operation of either the first notification unit (31) or the second notification unit (32) to the end of operation of both the first notification unit (31) and the second notification unit (32), The air conditioning system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first alarm (21) and the second alarm (22) stop transmitting and receiving signals.

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