Air conditioning system

Abstract

An air conditioning system (100) comprises: a heat source (10); a first indoor unit (20a); a first cut-off unit (30a); a control device; and a display. The heat source (10) and the first indoor unit (20a) are connected by first piping (121). The first cut-off unit (30a) closes the first piping (121) by means of first cut-off valves if refrigerant leakage is detected. The control device acquires configuration information by communicating with the first cut-off unit (30a) and the first indoor unit (20a). The configuration information includes information pertaining to the first cut-off unit (30a) and to the first indoor unit (20a). If the control device receives a startup command, the control device controls the air conditioning system so that the same enters an interlocked state. In the interlocked state, the display displays the configuration information. If the control device receives information indicating a user's approval, the control device releases the interlocked state.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

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

[0002] Air conditioning systems require sufficient safety measures against refrigerant leakage. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-52785 (Patent Document 1) discloses an air conditioning system including, as devices prepared for refrigerant leakage, a gas sensor that detects refrigerant leakage, an alarm device, and a shut-off valve that shuts off refrigerant flow. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-52785 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Devices prepared for refrigerant leakage must be appropriately installed in the air conditioning system. Therefore, a contractor constructing the system in a building needs to confirm that the devices prepared for refrigerant leakage are arranged in the air conditioning system as designed. However, the types of devices prepared for refrigerant leakage may vary depending on the environment where the air conditioning system is installed. For this reason, the contractor needs to carefully check that the devices prepared for refrigerant leakage are constructed according to the design drawings. Accordingly, there has conventionally been a problem that such confirmation work imposes a burden on the contractor.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to describe embodiments that solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system capable of reducing the work burden on a contractor when the contractor checks that devices prepared for refrigerant leakage are constructed according to design drawings. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] This disclosure relates to an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system comprises a heat source unit, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the heat source unit via a refrigerant, a first indoor unit that blows conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned, a first shut-off unit having a first shut-off valve, a control device, and a display unit. The heat source unit and the first indoor unit are connected by a first pipe through which the refrigerant flows. The first indoor unit has a sensor terminal for connecting a refrigerant sensor that detects refrigerant leaks. The first shut-off unit closes the first pipe with the first shut-off valve when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor. The control device obtains configuration information regarding equipment to prepare for refrigerant leaks by communicating with the first shut-off unit and the first indoor unit. The configuration information includes information regarding the first shut-off unit and the first indoor unit, respectively. When the control device receives a command to start the air conditioning system, it controls the air conditioning system to an interlock state in which air conditioning operation is prohibited. The display unit displays the configuration information in the interlock state. The control device releases the interlock state when it receives information indicating user approval of the configuration information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The air conditioning system of this disclosure provides an air conditioning system that can reduce the workload for contractors when they need to verify that equipment for preventing refrigerant leaks has been installed according to the design drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the basic patterns that make up an air conditioning system. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the spatial relationship between the indoor unit, the shut-off unit, the alarm unit, and the remote controller. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the circuit breaker unit. [Figure 5]This block diagram shows the configuration of the outdoor unit, indoor unit, shutoff unit, and alarm unit. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram showing the process when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor in the indoor unit. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor in the alarm unit. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the process by which the shut-off unit closes the shut-off valve during a power outage. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates the process by which the indoor unit disables and enables the refrigerant sensor function in response to the operation of the sensor setting switch. [Figure 10] This figure shows other examples of air conditioning system configurations. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows the communication path of the air conditioning system. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the process flow performed by an air conditioning system when it is started up. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the grouping determination process. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart illustrating the process for displaying the equipment configuration and releasing interlocks. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating the information displayed on the remote controller's screen. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating the information displayed on the remote controller's screen. [Figure 17] This diagram shows an example of an air conditioning system configuration for large spaces. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will not be provided.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment. The air conditioning system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a shutoff unit 30, an alarm unit 40, and remote controllers 50, 60. An example in which the air conditioning system 100 is applied to rooms A and B, which are examples of air conditioning target spaces, and a manager's office will be described herein.

[0011] The air conditioning system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of each of the indoor unit 20, the shutoff unit 30, the alarm unit 40, and the remote controller 50. In the following description, in order to distinguish each of these plurality of components, the indoor unit 20, the shutoff unit 30, the alarm unit 40, and the remote controller 50 may be respectively denoted as indoor units 20a, 20b..., shutoff units 30a, 30b..., alarm units 40a, 40b..., remote controllers 50a, 50b..., and the like.

[0012] In each of the rooms A and B, an indoor unit 20, an alarm unit 40, and a remote controller 50 are arranged. The indoor unit 20 includes a refrigerant sensor 23 that detects refrigerant leakage. The alarm unit 40 has a function of detecting refrigerant leakage and a function of issuing an alarm for refrigerant leakage. The alarm unit 40 is arranged at a location where it is considered easy to detect refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit 20. For example, the alarm unit 40 may be arranged on a floor, a wall surface, a ceiling, or the like. A plurality of alarm units 40 may be arranged in one room. By detecting refrigerant leakage with the alarm unit 40 separately from the refrigerant sensor 23 included in the indoor unit 20, refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit 20 can be detected more reliably.

[0013] The remote controller 50 is, for example, attached to a wall of a room. In addition to a function of transmitting setting information such as air conditioning temperature to the indoor unit 20, the remote controller 50 has a function of issuing a refrigerant leakage alarm. The remote controller 50 is an example of an alarm device.

[0014] A remote controller 60 is disposed in an administrator room. For example, an administrator who manages an air-conditioned space is permanently stationed in the administrator room. The administrator room is, for example, a night security room. The remote controller 60 is an example of a management alarm device. The remote controller 60 issues a refrigerant leakage alarm when refrigerant leakage occurs in any one of rooms A and B. The administrator takes appropriate measures in response to the alarm issued by the remote controller 50.

[0015] The outdoor unit 10, the indoor units 20, and the shutoff units 30 are connected by a pipe 120 through which refrigerant flows. The pipe 120 includes a pair of pipes 121 connecting the indoor unit 20a and the shutoff unit 30a, and a pair of pipes 122 connecting the indoor unit 20b and the shutoff unit 30b.

[0016] Refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20a via the pipe 120 passing through the shutoff unit 30a. Refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20b via the pipe 120 passing through the shutoff unit 30b. The outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20a, the shutoff unit 30a, and the pipe 120 constitute a refrigerant circulation flow path through which refrigerant circulates. Similarly, the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20b, the shutoff unit 30b, and the pipe 120 constitute a refrigerant circulation flow path through which refrigerant circulates. Here, the outdoor unit 10 is an example of a heat source device.

[0017] Indoor units 20a and 20b air-condition rooms A and B respectively by exchanging heat with the outdoor unit 10 via refrigerant circulating through a refrigerant circulation path. Shut-off unit 30a has the function of shutting off the flow of refrigerant to indoor unit 20a by closing pipe 121 if a refrigerant leak occurs in room A. Similarly, shut-off unit 30b has the function of shutting off the flow of refrigerant to indoor unit 20b by closing pipe 122 if a refrigerant leak occurs in room B.

[0018] In the following, indoor units connected to the shut-off unit 30a by piping 121 may be referred to as indoor units under the shut-off unit 30a, and indoor units connected to the shut-off unit 30b by piping 122 may be referred to as indoor units under the shut-off unit 30b. In this case, indoor unit 20a is an indoor unit under the shut-off unit 30a, and indoor unit 20b is an indoor unit under the shut-off unit 30b.

[0019] The outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20a, indoor unit 20b, and disconnection unit 30a and disconnection unit 30b communicate through communication path L1. Communication path L1 is an example of a communication path for establishing communication between the outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20a, indoor unit 20b, and disconnection unit 30a and disconnection unit 30b.

[0020] The blocking unit 30a and the alarm unit 40a communicate through communication path L2. Similarly, the blocking unit 30b and the alarm unit 40b communicate through communication path L2. Communication path L2 is an example of a communication path for establishing communication between the blocking unit 30 and the alarm unit 40.

[0021] The indoor unit 20a and the remote controller 50a communicate through communication path L3. Similarly, the indoor unit 20b and the remote controller 50b communicate through communication path L3. Communication path L3 is an example of a communication path for establishing communication between the indoor unit 20 and the remote controller 50. In particular, in Embodiment 1, the indoor unit 20b and the remote controller 60 located in the caretaker's room communicate through communication path L3.

[0022] The indoor unit 20a and alarm unit 40a notify the shut-off unit 30a of a refrigerant leak. Based on the notification of the refrigerant leak, the shut-off unit 30a closes the piping 121. Similarly, the indoor unit 20b and alarm unit 40b notify the shut-off unit 30b of a refrigerant leak. Based on the notification of the refrigerant leak, the shut-off unit 30b closes the piping 122.

[0023] If a refrigerant leak is detected in the indoor unit 20a or the alarm unit 40a, the alarm unit 40a and the remote controller 50a will sound an alarm. Similarly, if a refrigerant leak is detected in the indoor unit 20b or the alarm unit 40b, the alarm unit 40b and the remote controller 50b will sound an alarm. The remote controller 60 located in the management room will sound an alarm in each case: if a refrigerant leak is detected in the indoor unit 20a or the alarm unit 40a, and if a refrigerant leak is detected in the indoor unit 20b or the alarm unit 40b.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 100 has redundant configurations for detecting refrigerant leaks and for notifying of refrigerant leaks in rooms A and B, respectively. Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 can provide enhanced safety measures against refrigerant leaks compared to systems that do not employ such redundant configurations.

[0025] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100, the communication paths for notifying the shut-off unit 30 of refrigerant leaks are different for the indoor unit 20 and the alarm unit 40 (communication paths L1 and L2). Therefore, even if a communication failure occurs in one of the two communication paths (L1 and L2), the other communication path can reliably notify the shut-off unit 30 of the refrigerant leak.

[0026] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100, the communication path L2 for notifying the alarm unit 40 of refrigerant leaks and the communication path L3 for notifying the remote controllers 50 and 60 of refrigerant leaks are different. Therefore, even if a communication failure occurs in one of the two communication paths (L2, L3), the refrigerant leak alarm can be reliably issued through the other communication path.

[0027] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100, the shut-off units 30a and 30b divide the area where the refrigerant flow is stopped. Therefore, for example, even if the operation of indoor unit 20a in room A is stopped due to the detection of a refrigerant leak in room A, the operation of indoor unit 20b in room B can continue.

[0028] This section describes an example of the configuration of the air conditioning system 100. The configuration shown in Figure 1 includes equipment to prepare for refrigerant leaks. Hereafter, the equipment to prepare for refrigerant leaks may be referred to as "safety devices."

[0029] The air conditioning system 100 can be constructed in various configurations, as will be described later. The air conditioning system 100 may be constructed using one of several basic patterns, or it may be constructed by combining two or more basic patterns. These basic patterns include patterns that include safety devices and patterns that do not. Next, an example of these basic patterns will be described.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the basic patterns that make up the air conditioning system 100. Figure 2 shows basic patterns 1 to 3.

[0031] Basic Pattern 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a shut-off unit 30, and a remote controller 50. Basic Pattern 1 does not include an alarm unit 40. In Basic Pattern 1, the shut-off unit 30, refrigerant sensor 23, and remote controller 50 function as safety devices.

[0032] Basic Pattern 2 includes an alarm unit 40 in addition to the equipment configuration of Basic Pattern 1. In Basic Pattern 2, the shut-off unit 30, refrigerant sensor 23, remote controller 50, and alarm unit 40 function as safety devices. In Basic Pattern 2, the refrigerant sensor 23 may be designed not to function, because refrigerant leaks are detected by the alarm unit 40. In this case, the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23 may be turned off, or the refrigerant sensor 23 itself may be removed from the indoor unit 20.

[0033] Basic Pattern 3 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a remote controller 50. Basic Pattern 3 does not include a shut-off unit 30 and an alarm unit 40. In Basic Pattern 3, a refrigerant sensor 23 is not connected to the indoor unit 20. Therefore, Basic Pattern 3 does not have any safety devices. Basic Pattern 3 may be applied to rooms with large indoor spaces. In rooms with large indoor spaces, even if a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit 20, the leaked refrigerant will diffuse throughout the large space of the room, making it unlikely that the refrigerant leak will immediately have an adverse effect on the air conditioning environment.

[0034] The designer designs the air conditioning system 100 by combining various basic patterns 1 to 3. The contractor constructs the system based on the design and verifies that the constructed system is configured as designed before commissioning the system.

[0035] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the indoor unit 20, the shut-off unit 30, the alarm unit 40, and the remote controller 50. Here, the arrangement of the indoor unit 20 (20a), etc., is explained using room A shown in Figure 1 as a representative example.

[0036] The indoor unit 20a is embedded in the ceiling of room A, which is the space to be air-conditioned. The shut-off unit 30a is located in the space above the ceiling of room A. The alarm unit 40a is located on the floor of room A or the like. The alarm unit 40a is equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 45 for displaying an alarm. The alarm unit 40a is connected to the shut-off unit 30a via a communication path L2. Power is supplied from the shut-off unit 30a to the alarm unit 40a. The alarm unit 40 and the shut-off unit 30 may be configured to be wirelessly connected. The shut-off unit 30 is an example of a shut-off device, the alarm unit 40 is an example of an alarm sensor device, and the remote controllers 50 and 60 are examples of alarm devices.

[0037] The remote controller 50a is positioned on the wall of room A for user convenience. The remote controller 50a is connected to the shut-off unit 30a via a communication path L3. The remote controller 50a includes a display 51 and an operation unit 52. The user inputs setting information, including the room temperature setting, to the remote controller 50a by operating the operation unit 52. The display 51 shows the room temperature and various other information.

[0038] The shut-off unit 30a and the indoor unit 20a are connected by a pair of pipes 121 through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant sensor 23 is located near the pipes 121 passing through the indoor unit 20a. When the refrigerant sensor 23 detects a refrigerant leak, the refrigerant leak is notified to the remote controller 50a via the communication path L3. Based on the notification of the refrigerant leak, the remote controller 50a emits an alarm sound and displays alarm information on the display 51. The remote controller 50a may be equipped with an LED for displaying the alarm. When the remote controller 50a displays alarm information on the display 51, it may also illuminate the backlight of the display 51.

[0039] Here, using Room A as a representative example, the arrangement of the indoor unit 20 (20a) and other components was explained. In Room B, the indoor unit 20b, the shut-off unit 30b, the alarm unit 40b, and the remote controller 50b are arranged in a similar manner to Room A.

[0040] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the general configuration of the shut-off unit 30. Here, using room A as a representative example, the general configuration of the shut-off unit 30 (30a) will be explained. The shut-off unit 30a includes a shut-off valve 34 that shuts off a pair of pipes 121, and a circuit board 300 that opens and closes the shut-off valve 34.

[0041] A pair of pipes 121 includes pipe 121a through which refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 20a, and pipe 121b through which refrigerant flows from the indoor unit 20a to the outdoor unit 10. Liquid refrigerant flows through one of the pipes 121a, 121b, and gaseous refrigerant flows through the other. When the outdoor unit 10 functions as a condenser and the indoor unit 20a functions as an evaporator, room A is cooled. When the outdoor unit 10 functions as an evaporator and the indoor unit 20a functions as a condenser, room A is heated.

[0042] The shut-off valve 34 includes a shut-off valve 34a attached to the piping 121a and a shut-off valve 34b attached to the piping 121b. The shut-off valve 34 is, for example, a linear expansion valve.

[0043] The circuit board 300 communicates with the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20a via communication path L1, and with the alarm unit 40a via communication path L2. The circuit board 300 is provided with multiple terminals 370 for connecting multiple alarm units 40. When the circuit board 300 receives notification of a refrigerant leak from the indoor unit 20a, and when it receives notification of a refrigerant leak from the alarm unit 40a, the circuit board 300 closes the shut-off valves 34a and 34b. This closes the piping 121a and 121b. As shown by the dashed line, multiple indoor units 20 may be connected in parallel to the piping 121.

[0044] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20, shut-off unit 30, and alarm unit 40. Figure 5 shows the outdoor unit 10, indoor units 20a and 20b, shut-off units 30a and 30b, and alarm units 40a and 40b. Indoor units 20a and 20b have a common configuration, shut-off units 30a and 30b have a common configuration, and alarm units 40a and 40b have a common configuration. In Figure 5, the configuration details of indoor unit 20a, shut-off unit 30a, and alarm unit 40a are shown, while the configuration details of indoor unit 20b, shut-off unit 30b, and alarm unit 40b are omitted.

[0045] The outdoor unit 10 includes an air conditioning mechanism 14. The air conditioning mechanism 14 includes a compressor 141, a heat exchanger 142, a fan 144, and a four-way valve 145. A control device 15 is located on the outdoor unit 10. The control device 15 controls the air conditioning mechanism 14 and communicates with the equipment in the air conditioning system 100, including the indoor unit 20 and the shut-off unit 30. The control device 15 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication circuit 13.

[0046] The processor 11 is typically composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Multi-Processing Unit). The control device 15 is also an example of processing circuitry. The processor 11 is an example of an arithmetic unit. The processor 11 controls various devices according to a program. This control is not limited to software processing; it can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0047] Memory 12 includes an area where the program executed by the processor 11 is stored, an area where the processor 11 temporarily stores program code and work memory, and an area where an ID is stored for other devices such as the shut-off unit 30 to identify the outdoor unit 10. Memory 12 includes volatile memory such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and flash memory. Memory 12 may also be an SSD (solid state drive) or HDD (hard disk drive). Memory 12 stores an ID (address) for devices that communicate with the outdoor unit 10 to identify the outdoor unit 10.

[0048] The processor 11 is equipped with a communication function. The processor 11 allows the recipient to identify the source of the communication by sending data containing an ID to the recipient. The processor 11 communicates with the shut-off units 30 (30a, 30b) via the communication circuit 13. Furthermore, the processor 11 communicates with the indoor units 20 (20a, 20b) via the communication circuit 13 and the shut-off units 30. In addition, the processor 11 communicates with the remote controller 60 located in the management room via the communication circuit 13, the shut-off units 30a and 30b, and the indoor units 20b.

[0049] The indoor unit 20 (20a, 20b) includes a processor 21, memory 22, refrigerant sensor 23, sensor terminal 23a, air conditioning mechanism 24, sensor setting switch 25, communication circuit 26, and communication interface (I / F) 27. The air conditioning mechanism 24 includes a heat exchanger 242, expansion valve 243, and fan 244. The heat exchanger 242 is an example of a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with a heat source unit. The air conditioning mechanism 14 of the outdoor unit 10, the air conditioning mechanism 24 of the indoor unit 20, and the piping 120 (see Figure 1) constitute a refrigerant circulation path and refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0050] Memory 22 includes an area where IDs (addresses) are stored for the outdoor unit 10 and the shut-off unit 30 to identify the indoor unit 20. The detailed configuration of the processor 21 and memory 22 is the same as that of the processor 11 and memory 12 already described, so that description will not be repeated here.

[0051] The refrigerant sensor 23 is connected to the sensor terminal 23a. The refrigerant sensor 23 detects refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 20. The sensor setting switch 25 is a switch for switching the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23 on and off. The sensor setting switch 25 is operated, for example, by a worker performing maintenance on the indoor unit 20. The worker may also disable the refrigerant sensor 23 by disconnecting it from the sensor terminal 23a.

[0052] If the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23 is set to ON by the sensor setting switch 25, the processor 21 acquires sensor information from the refrigerant sensor 23.

[0053] The processor 21 has a communication function. The processor 21 allows the communication destination to identify the source of the communication by sending data containing an ID stored in the memory 22. The processor 21 communicates with the blocking unit 30 through the communication circuit 26. The processor 21 communicates with the remote controller 50 through the communication interface 27.

[0054] The shut-off unit 30 (30a, 30b) includes a processor 31, a memory 32, shut-off valves 34 (34a, 34b), a backup power supply 35, a communication circuit 33, a normally closed relay 36, and a communication interface (I / F) 37. The communication interface 37 includes a plurality of terminals 370 as shown in Figure 3.

[0055] The normally closed (b) contact relay 36 is located in the communication path L1 that connects the communication circuit 13 of the outdoor unit 10 and the communication circuit 26 of the indoor unit 20. The normally closed (b) contact relay 36 is composed of, for example, a drive coil and a contact.

[0056] The communication circuit 33 of the interruption unit 30 controls the state of the b-contact relay 36 between open and closed states based on commands from the outdoor unit 10. The b-contact relay 36 functions as a switch that turns off when current flows through the drive coil to interrupt the communication path L1, and turns on when no current flows through the drive coil to conduct the communication path L1. Therefore, when the power supply to the interruption unit 30 is stopped, the conduction state of the communication path L1 is maintained. For this reason, compared to the case where an a-contact relay is used as the relay, it is possible to prevent the communication circuit from being interrupted during a power outage. In addition, the b-contact relay 36 may be replaced with other switching elements such as transistors and filters to switch the communication path L1 between open and closed states.

[0057] Memory 32 includes an area where an ID is stored for other devices such as the outdoor unit 10 to identify the shut-off unit 30. The detailed configuration of the processor 31 and memory 32 is the same as that of the processor 11 and memory 12 already described, so that description will not be repeated here.

[0058] The processor 31 has a communication function. The processor 31 allows the communication destination to identify the source of the communication by sending data containing an ID stored in the memory 32 to the communication destination. The processor 31 communicates with the outdoor unit 10 through the communication circuit 33. The processor 31 communicates with the indoor unit 20 through the communication circuit 33. The processor 31 communicates with the alarm unit 40 through the communication interface 37.

[0059] The processor 31 closes shut-off valves 34a and 34b when it is notified of a refrigerant leak from the indoor unit 20 and when it is notified of a refrigerant leak from the alarm unit 40. This closes off the piping 121a and 121b. In the event of a power outage, the shut-off unit 30 switches the power source from the main power supply to the backup power supply 35. The backup power supply 35 is configured, for example, by a secondary battery. When a power outage occurs, the processor 31 operates on power supplied from the backup power supply 35 and closes the shut-off valves 34a and 34b. This stops the supply of refrigerant to the indoor unit 20 during the power outage.

[0060] The alarm unit 40 includes a processor 41, memory 42, refrigerant sensor 43, speaker 44, LED 45, and communication interface (I / F) 47.

[0061] Memory 42 includes an area where an ID is stored for other devices, such as the shut-off unit 30, to identify the alarm unit 40. The detailed configuration of the processor 41 and memory 42 is the same as that of the processor 11 and memory 12 already described, so that description will not be repeated here.

[0062] The refrigerant sensor 43 detects refrigerant leaks. The refrigerant sensor 43 is an example of an indoor refrigerant sensor. The processor 41 acquires sensor information from the refrigerant sensor 43. If a refrigerant leak is detected, the processor 41 generates an alarm sound from the speaker 44 and lights up the LED 45.

[0063] The processor 41 is equipped with a communication function. The processor 41 allows the communication destination to identify the source of the communication by sending data containing an ID stored in the memory 42 to the communication destination. The processor 41 communicates with the blocking unit 30 through the communication interface 47.

[0064] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the process when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor 23 of the indoor unit 20a. In the sequence diagram, the alarm unit 40b and remote controller 50b located in room B are not shown. The process will be explained below based on Figure 6.

[0065] The refrigerant sensor 23 detects a refrigerant leak in the indoor unit 20a (step S1). In this case, the indoor unit 20a notifies the remote controller 50a of the refrigerant leak (step S2), the shut-off unit 30a of the refrigerant leak (step S4), and the outdoor unit 10 of the refrigerant leak (step S8). Subsequently, the indoor unit 20a saves the history of the refrigerant leak in the memory 22 (see Figure 5) (step S13) and stops the air conditioning operation (step S14). The order in which steps S2, S4, S8, S13, and S14 are executed may be changed.

[0066] The remote controller 50a issues an alarm based on a notification from the indoor unit 20a (step S3). More specifically, the remote controller 50a emits an alarm sound and displays alarm information based on the notification of a refrigerant leak. This allows the user in room A to be aware of the refrigerant leak. Subsequently, the remote controller 50a saves the history of the refrigerant leak (step S18).

[0067] The shut-off unit 30a closes the shut-off valves 34a and 34b based on a notification from the indoor unit 20a (step S5). By closing the shut-off valves 34a and 34b, the shut-off unit 30a closes the pipes 121a and 121b. This prevents the refrigerant leak from spreading. The shut-off unit 30a further notifies the alarm unit 40a of the refrigerant leak (step S6). Subsequently, the shut-off unit 30a saves the history of the refrigerant leak in the memory 32 (see Figure 5) (step S15).

[0068] The order in which steps S5, S6, and S15 are performed may be changed. As shown in Figure 6, the shut-off unit 30a may notify the outdoor unit 10 of a refrigerant leak (step S8a).

[0069] The alarm unit 40a issues an alarm based on a notification from the shut-off unit 30a (step S7). More specifically, the alarm unit 40a emits an alarm sound and illuminates the LED 45 (see Figure 5) based on the notification of a refrigerant leak. This allows the user in room A to be aware of the refrigerant leak.

[0070] Based on a notification from the indoor unit 20a, the outdoor unit 10 notifies the remote controller 60 located in the management room of the refrigerant leak (step S9). The outdoor unit 10 further notifies the shut-off unit 30b and indoor unit 20b located in room B of the refrigerant leak in room A, based on a notification from the indoor unit 20a. More specifically, the outdoor unit 10 notifies the shut-off unit 30b and indoor unit 20b of the message "maintenance abnormality" (steps S11, S12). The order in which steps S9, S11, and S12 are performed may be changed. After that, the outdoor unit 10 saves the history of refrigerant leaks in memory 12 (see Figure 4) (step S19).

[0071] The remote controller 60 issues an alarm based on a notification from the outdoor unit 10 (step S10). More specifically, the remote controller 60 emits an alarm sound and displays alarm information based on the notification of a refrigerant leak. This allows the caretaker to be aware of the refrigerant leak. Subsequently, the remote controller 60 saves the history of the refrigerant leak (step S20).

[0072] The shut-off unit 30b located in room B stores refrigerant leak history information in memory 32 (see Figure 5) based on a notification from the outdoor unit 10 (step S16). The indoor unit 20b located in room B stores refrigerant leak history information in memory 22 (see Figure 5) based on a notification from the outdoor unit 10 (step S17).

[0073] It is desirable that the outdoor unit 10 transmits the ID of the indoor unit 20a in which a refrigerant leak was detected in each of steps S9, S11, and S12. This allows the remote controller 60, the shut-off unit 30b, and the indoor unit 20b to identify the indoor unit 20 in which the refrigerant leak is occurring. In this case, the remote controller 60 may issue an alarm that includes the ID of the indoor unit 20 in which the refrigerant leak is occurring. The shut-off unit 30b and the indoor unit 20b may also store a history that includes the ID of the indoor unit 20 in which the refrigerant leak is occurring.

[0074] This section describes the process when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor 23 of indoor unit 20a. The process when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor 23 of indoor unit 20b is the same as described above, except that the symbols of each component are different. Therefore, that explanation will not be repeated here.

[0075] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor 43 of the alarm unit 40a. In the sequence diagram, the alarm unit 40b and remote controller 50b located in room B are not shown. The processing flow will be explained below based on Figure 7.

[0076] The refrigerant sensor 43 detects a refrigerant leak in room A (step S31). In this case, the alarm unit 40a issues an alarm (step S32). More specifically, the alarm unit 40a emits an alarm sound and lights up the LED 45 (see Figure 5) based on the notification of the refrigerant leak. This allows the user in room A to be aware of the refrigerant leak. The alarm unit 40a further notifies the shut-off unit 30a of the refrigerant leak (step S33). The order in which steps S31 and S32 are performed may be changed.

[0077] The shut-off unit 30a closes the shut-off valves 34a and 34b based on a notification from the alarm unit 40a (step S34). By closing the shut-off valves 34a and 34b, the shut-off unit 30a closes the pipes 121a and 121b. This prevents the refrigerant leak from spreading. The shut-off unit 30a further notifies the indoor unit 20a and the outdoor unit 10 of the refrigerant leak (steps S35 and S38). The shut-off unit 30a then saves the history of the refrigerant leak in the memory 32 (see Figure 5) (step S45). The order in which steps S33, S34, S38, and S45 are performed may be changed.

[0078] The indoor unit 20a notifies the remote controller 50a of a refrigerant leak based on a notification from the shut-off unit 30a (step S36). Subsequently, the indoor unit 20a saves the history of the refrigerant leak to the memory 22 (see Figure 5) (step S43) and stops the air conditioning operation (step S44). The order in which steps S36, S43, and S44 are performed may be changed.

[0079] The remote controller 50a issues an alarm based on a notification from the indoor unit 20a (step S37). More specifically, the remote controller 50a emits an alarm sound and displays alarm information based on the notification of a refrigerant leak. This allows a user in room A to be aware of the refrigerant leak. Subsequently, the remote controller 50a saves the history of the refrigerant leak (step S48).

[0080] Based on a notification from the shut-off unit 30a, the outdoor unit 10 notifies the remote controller 60 located in the management room of a refrigerant leak (step S39). The outdoor unit 10 further notifies the shut-off unit 30b located in room B and the indoor unit 20b of a refrigerant leak in room A, based on a notification from the shut-off unit 30a. More specifically, the outdoor unit 10 notifies the shut-off unit 30b and the indoor unit 20b of a "maintenance abnormality" message (steps S41, S42). The order in which steps S39, S41, and S42 are performed may be changed. The outdoor unit 10 then saves the history of refrigerant leaks in memory 12 (see Figure 4) (step S49).

[0081] The remote controller 60 issues an alarm based on a notification from the outdoor unit 10 (step S40). More specifically, the remote controller 60 emits an alarm sound and displays alarm information based on the notification of a refrigerant leak. This allows the caretaker to be aware of the refrigerant leak. Subsequently, the remote controller 60 saves the history of the refrigerant leak (step S50).

[0082] The shut-off unit 30b located in room B stores refrigerant leak history information in memory 32 (see Figure 5) based on a notification from the outdoor unit 10 (step S46). The indoor unit 20b located in room B stores refrigerant leak history information in memory 22 (see Figure 5) based on a notification from the outdoor unit 10 (step S47).

[0083] It is desirable for the outdoor unit 10 to transmit the ID of the indoor unit 20a in which a refrigerant leak was detected in each of steps S39, S41, and S42. The reason for this has already been clarified when describing steps S9, S11, and S12 in Figure 6, so we will not repeat the explanation here.

[0084] This section describes the processing flow when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor 43 of the alarm unit 40a. The processing flow when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor 43 of the alarm unit 40b (see Figure 1) is the same as the above description, except that the symbols of each component are different. Therefore, that explanation will not be repeated here.

[0085] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process by which the shut-off unit 30 closes the shut-off valves 34 (34a, 34b) during a power outage. The following describes the processes performed by the shut-off unit 30 based on the flowchart.

[0086] If a power outage occurs (step S101), the circuit breaker unit 30 detects the power outage (step S102). Next, the circuit breaker unit 30 starts supplying power from the backup power supply 35 before the power supplied from the main power supply falls below a threshold (step S103). Next, the circuit breaker unit 30 closes the circuit breaker valve 34 using the power supplied from the backup power supply 35 (step S104).

[0087] Thus, in the event of a power outage, the shut-off unit 30 initiates power supply from the backup power supply 35 before the power supplied from the main power supply falls below a threshold, and closes the shut-off valve 34 (step S104). Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 can prevent refrigerant leakage from occurring in the event of a power outage.

[0088] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process by which the indoor unit 20 disables and enables the function of the refrigerant sensor 23 in response to the operation of the sensor setting switch 25. The processes performed by the indoor unit 20 based on the flowchart are described below.

[0089] First, the indoor unit 20 determines whether or not it has detected an operation to turn off the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23 (step S201). If the indoor unit 20 detects an operation to turn off the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23, it disables the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23 (step S202).

[0090] If the indoor unit 20 does not detect an operation to turn off the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23, it determines whether or not it has detected an operation to turn on the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23 (step S203). If the indoor unit 20 detects an operation to turn on the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23, it activates the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23 (step S204). If the indoor unit 20 does not detect an operation to turn on the sensor function of the refrigerant sensor 23, it terminates the process based on this flowchart.

[0091] The process described above enables or disables the refrigerant sensor 23 of the indoor unit 20. The designer may turn off the function of the refrigerant sensor 23 of the indoor unit 20 if sufficient safety measures against refrigerant leakage are in place depending on the room's air conditioning environment. For example, the function of the refrigerant sensor 23 may be turned off if a large number of alarm units 40 are placed in the room, or if a ventilation device with high ventilation capacity is placed in the room.

[0092] Here, an example has been described in which the shut-off unit 30 is placed as a separate device from the indoor unit 20. However, the shut-off unit 30 may be built into the indoor unit 20. For example, in Figure 1, the shut-off unit 30a may be built into the indoor unit 20a, and the shut-off unit 30b may be built into the indoor unit 20b. Through such modifications, a configuration is disclosed in which the shut-off unit 30 is built into the indoor unit 20 in an air conditioning system 100 comprising an indoor unit 20 and a shut-off unit 30.

[0093] Figure 10 shows another example of the configuration of the air conditioning system 100. Figure 10 shows an example in which multiple indoor units 20 are connected in parallel under each of the shut-off units 30a and 30b. Under the shut-off unit 30a, indoor units 20a, 20c, and 20d are provided. Under the shut-off unit 30b, indoor units 20b and 20e are provided.

[0094] Indoor units 20a, 20c, and 20d are connected in parallel to the piping 121 that is connected to the shut-off unit 30a. As a result, refrigerant flows between the outdoor unit 10 and indoor unit 20a through piping 121, between the outdoor unit 10 and indoor unit 20c through piping 121, and between the outdoor unit 10 and indoor unit 20d through piping 121.

[0095] Indoor units 20b and 20e are connected in parallel to the piping 122 that is connected to the shut-off unit 30b. As a result, refrigerant flows between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20b through piping 122, and refrigerant also flows between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20e through piping 122.

[0096] Indoor units 20a and 20c are located in room A. Indoor unit 20b is located in room B. Indoor unit 20d is located in room C. Indoor unit 20e is located in room D. In room A, remote controllers 50a and 50c are provided, corresponding to indoor units 20a and 20c, respectively. In room B, a remote controller 50b is provided, corresponding to indoor unit 20b. In room C, a remote controller 50d is provided, corresponding to indoor unit 20d. In room D, a remote controller 50e is provided, corresponding to indoor unit 20e.

[0097] Rooms A through C employ the configuration of Basic Pattern 2 shown in Figure 2. Room D employs the configuration of Basic Pattern 1 shown in Figure 2. Alarm units 40a and 40c are located in Room A. Alarm unit 40b is located in Room B. Alarm unit 40d is located in Room C.

[0098] Indoor units 20a, 20c, 20d and alarm units 40a, 40c notify shut-off unit 30a of refrigerant leaks. Indoor units 20b, 20e and alarm unit 40b notify shut-off unit 30b of refrigerant leaks. When shut-off unit 30a is notified of a refrigerant leak, it closes the piping 121 with the shut-off valve 34 and stops the air conditioning operation of indoor units 20a, 20c, 20d. When shut-off unit 30b is notified of a refrigerant leak, it closes the piping 122 with the shut-off valve 34 and stops the air conditioning operation of indoor units 20b, 20e.

[0099] The blocking unit 30a communicates with alarm units 40a, 40c, and 40d via the communication path L2. The blocking unit 30b communicates with alarm unit 40b via the communication path L2.

[0100] Indoor unit 20a communicates with remote controller 50a via communication path L3. Indoor unit 20b communicates with remote controller 50b via communication path L3. Indoor unit 20c communicates with remote controller 50c via communication path L3. Indoor unit 20d communicates with remote controller 50d via communication path L3. Indoor unit 20e communicates with remote controller 50e via communication path L3.

[0101] The outdoor unit 10 and the shut-off units 30a and 30b communicate via the communication path L1. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor units 20a to 20e communicate via the communication path L1. The shut-off unit 30a and the indoor units 20a, 20c, and 20d communicate via the communication path L1. The shut-off unit 30b and the indoor units 20b and 20e communicate via the communication path L1.

[0102] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the communication path L1 of the air conditioning system 100 shown in Figure 10. In Figure 11, "OC" means "outdoor unit", "IC" means "indoor unit", and "SV" means "shutdown unit".

[0103] As shown in Figure 11, the communication path L1 connects the communication circuit 13 of the outdoor unit 10, the communication circuits 33 of the circuit breaker units 30a and 30b, and the communication circuits 26 of the indoor units 20a to 20e. The communication circuit 13 of the outdoor unit 10 and the communication circuit 33 of the circuit breaker unit 30a are connected by wiring. The communication circuit 13 of the outdoor unit 10 and the communication circuit 33 of the circuit breaker unit 30b are connected by wiring.

[0104] The communication circuit 13 of the outdoor unit 10 and the communication circuit 26 of the indoor unit 20a are connected by wiring via the communication circuit 33 of the circuit breaker unit 30a and the b-contact relay 36 of the circuit breaker unit 30a. The communication circuit 13 of the outdoor unit 10 and the communication circuit 26 of the indoor unit 20b are connected by wiring via the communication circuit 33 of the circuit breaker unit 30b and the b-contact relay 36 of the circuit breaker unit 30b.

[0105] The communication circuit 26 of indoor unit 20a, the communication circuit 26 of indoor unit 20c, and the communication circuit 26 of indoor unit 20d are connected in series by wiring. The communication circuit 26 of indoor unit 20b and the communication circuit 26 of indoor unit 20e are connected by wiring.

[0106] The communication circuit 33 of the interruption unit 30a turns the b-contact relay 36 of the interruption unit 30a on / off in response to a command from the outdoor unit 10. When the b-contact relay 36 of the interruption unit 30a is turned off, communication between the indoor units 20a, 20c, and 20d and the outdoor unit 10 is interrupted.

[0107] The communication circuit 33 of the interruption unit 30b turns the normally closed (b) contact relay 36 of the interruption unit 30b on / off in response to a command from the outdoor unit 10. When the normally closed (b) contact relay 36 of the interruption unit 30b is turned off, communication between the indoor units 20b and 20e and the outdoor unit 10 is interrupted.

[0108] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 10 identifies the indoor unit 20 located under each circuit breaker unit 30 by controlling the state of the b-contact relay 36 provided in each circuit breaker unit 30. Details of this identification method will be described below.

[0109] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processes performed by the air conditioning system 100 when it is started up. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 100 receives a start command from the contractor and then the interlock is set to ON. This puts the air conditioning system 100 in a state where air conditioning operation is prohibited. After the contractor confirms that the configuration of the air conditioning system 100 is as designed, they input a command to the air conditioning system 100 to release the interlock. Based on the command to release the interlock, the air conditioning system 100 starts air conditioning operation. Here, the contractor is an example of a user.

[0110] The following describes the process from the startup of the air conditioning system 100 to the release of the interlock, referring to the flowchart.

[0111] First, when the control device 15 receives a start command from the contractor, it starts the air conditioning system 100 (step S301). In step S301, an interlock to prohibit the air conditioning operation of the air conditioning system 100 is set to ON. The interlock may be, for example, a data flag that prohibits the system from operating the air conditioning. If the data flag is ON, the control device 15 does not perform the air conditioning operation.

[0112] Instructions from the contractor are input to the control device 15 of the outdoor unit 10, for example, via the remote controller 50. Alternatively, a maintenance controller owned by the contractor may be used instead of the remote controller 50.

[0113] Next, the control device 15 performs a unit search process (step S302). In step S302, the control device 15 requests a response from the devices connected to the system, targeting a certain range of IDs (addresses). The range of IDs is, for example, 0 to 255. In this embodiment, it is assumed that each device, including the indoor unit 20, the shut-off unit 30, and the alarm unit 40, has an ID stored in it. When each device receives a response containing its own ID, it sends a response containing attribute information and capability information to the control device 15.

[0114] Attribute information is information that indicates the attributes of equipment such as a circuit breaker unit and an indoor unit. Capability information is information that indicates the capabilities of the equipment. The control device 15 identifies the IDs of the indoor unit 20 and the circuit breaker unit 30 connected to the system by performing a unit search process.

[0115] Next, the control device 15 performs an error determination process based on the information collected in the unit search process (step S303). More specifically, the control device 15 confirms that the number of connected devices and the capacity of the connected indoor units do not exceed the allowable capacity.

[0116] Next, the control device 15 identifies the system configuration (step S304). Step S304 includes a grouping determination process. In the grouping determination process, the control device 15 identifies the relationship between the shut-off unit 30 and the indoor unit 20 under it. In other words, the control device 15 identifies the "connection relationship between the shut-off unit 30 and the indoor unit 20".

[0117] The control device 15 turns on / off the b-contact relay 36 provided on each circuit breaker unit 30 in order to determine the connection relationship between the circuit breaker unit 30 and the indoor unit 20. This control will be explained later using Figure 13. Note that the control device 15 skips this process if the system does not include a circuit breaker unit 30.

[0118] Furthermore, in step S304, the control device 15 acquires information about each shut-off unit 30 and information about each indoor unit 20.

[0119] Information regarding the shut-off unit 30 includes information regarding the alarm unit 40 connected to the shut-off unit 30. This information includes the number of alarm units 40 and information regarding whether the alarms of the alarm units 40 are enabled or disabled. Information regarding the indoor unit 20 includes whether the refrigerant sensor 23 is connected, information regarding whether the function of the refrigerant sensor 23 is enabled or disabled, and information regarding whether the alarm function of the remote controller 50 is enabled or disabled.

[0120] In step S304, the control device 15 further determines the number and connection relationships of the shut-off units 30 and indoor units 20. If the system includes one or more ventilation devices, the control device 15 also determines the number of ventilation devices. At this stage, the control device 15 has not yet acquired any information regarding the alarm unit 40. The control device 15 transmits the determined connection relationship information to each indoor unit 20 and each shut-off unit 30.

[0121] Step S304 further includes processing by the indoor unit 20. The content of this processing will be explained. First, based on the connection relationship information received from the control device 15, the indoor unit 20 identifies the shut-off unit 30 that is connected to the indoor unit 20 from among the multiple shut-off units 30. For example, in the configuration example shown in Figure 10, indoor unit 20a identifies that it is connected to shut-off unit 30a. Indoor unit 20b also identifies that it is connected to shut-off unit 30b. Furthermore, indoor unit 20 identifies the alarm unit 40 that is connected to communicate with the shut-off unit 30 that it is connected to. For example, in the configuration example shown in Figure 10, indoor unit 20a identifies the alarm units 40a and 40c that are connected to communicate with shut-off unit 30a. Indoor unit 20b also identifies the alarm unit 40b that is connected to communicate with shut-off unit 30b. In this way, in this embodiment, some of the information regarding the system configuration is acquired by the indoor unit 20.

[0122] Next, the control device 15 performs the connection information setting process (step S305). More specifically, the control device 15 transmits information regarding the "connection relationship between the shut-off unit 30 and the indoor unit 20" to each shut-off unit 30 and each indoor unit 20 included in the system. At this time, the indoor unit 20 and the shut-off unit 30 confirm various setting information with the control device 15. For example, the shut-off unit 30 or the indoor unit 20 may determine whether the function of the refrigerant leak detection sensor is enabled or disabled by querying the outdoor unit 10 for the model of the outdoor unit 10. For example, if the outdoor unit 10 is a model that handles non-flammable refrigerants (such as R410a) rather than mildly flammable refrigerants (such as R32), safety measures against refrigerant leaks are not necessary. In this case, the indoor unit 20 may disable the function of the refrigerant sensor 23. The indoor unit 20 receives information from the control device 15 regarding the connection relationship between the shut-off unit 30 and the indoor unit 20, and also acquires information regarding the alarm unit 40 itself, thereby enabling the system's equipment configuration to be displayed on the remote control 50.

[0123] Next, the control device 15 performs error determination regarding the grouping of the indoor unit 20 and the circuit breaker unit 30 (step S306). More specifically, the control device 15 determines that there is an error if the "connection relationship between the circuit breaker unit 30 and the indoor unit 20" differs from the expected relationship.

[0124] For example, the control device 15 determines that there is an error if the number of indoor units 20 connected to the circuit breaker unit 30 exceeds the upper limit, or if no indoor units 20 are connected to the circuit breaker unit 30. In this case, the control device 15 displays an error code on the remote controller 50 or the like and prompts the installer to restart the system. The control device 15 may also send the error code to the indoor unit 20 where the error occurred. In this case, the indoor unit 20 may display the error code on the corresponding remote controller 50. If no error has occurred, the control device 15 stores information regarding the connection relationship between the circuit breaker unit 30 and the indoor units 20 in the control device 15's memory 12.

[0125] Next, the indoor unit 20 displays the system's equipment configuration on the remote controller 50 based on the information about the alarm unit 40 acquired in step S304 and the information received from the control device 15 in step S305 (step S307). For example, in the case of indoor unit 20a, the equipment configuration information is displayed on the remote controller 50a. The installer compares the equipment configuration displayed on the remote controller 50 with the equipment configuration described in the design drawings to confirm that the system's safety devices have been installed according to the design drawings.

[0126] Before step S307, the control device 15 may check the number of alarm units 40 and the presence or absence of shut-off valves 34 in the shut-off unit 30 and transmit the confirmation results to the indoor unit 20. Alternatively, before step S307, the indoor unit 20 may check the connection status of the refrigerant sensor 23 and the connection status of the remote controller 50 and transmit the confirmation results to the control device 15. In step 307, the indoor unit 20 may also display the confirmation results of the control device 15 and the indoor unit 20 on the remote controller 50.

[0127] Next, the control device 15 determines whether or not to release the interlock (step S308). More specifically, the control device 15 releases the interlock and completes the process based on this flowchart if it obtains approval from the contractor for the configuration displayed in step S307. As a result, the air conditioning system 100 is in a state where air conditioning operation is permitted. The processes in steps S307 and 308 will be explained in detail later with reference to Figure 14.

[0128] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the grouping determination process. This process is included in step S304 of Figure 12. First, the control device 15 sets an initial value for n (step S401). n is a variable used to identify each of the multiple blocking units 30 to be determined. Here, it is assumed that the blocking units 30 to be determined are changed as n is updated in step S406. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 11, blocking unit 30a is the blocking unit corresponding to n=1, and blocking unit 30b is the blocking unit corresponding to n=2.

[0129] Next, the control device 15 opens only the b-contact relay 36 of the circuit breaker unit n and closes the b-contact relays 36 of the other circuit breaker units (step S402). Next, the control device 15 sends a request to all indoor units 20 in the system (step S403). Next, the control device 15 identifies the indoor units 20 that do not respond to the sent request as indoor units under the control of circuit breaker unit n (step S404).

[0130] Consider the configuration shown in Figure 11, where the b-contact relay 36 of the circuit breaker unit 30a is opened and the b-contact relay 36 of the circuit breaker unit 30b is closed. In this case, the request sent from the control device 15 does not reach the indoor units 20a, 20c, and 20d under the circuit breaker unit 30a, but reaches the indoor units 20b and 20e under the circuit breaker unit 30b. In this case, the control device 15 can confirm the response from indoor units 20b and 20e, but cannot confirm the response from indoor units 20a, 20c, and 20d. At this time, the control device 15 identifies that indoor units 20a, 20c, and 20d are under the circuit breaker unit 30a. In other words, the control device 15 identifies that indoor units 20a, 20c, and 20d are connected to the circuit breaker unit 30a.

[0131] After step S404, the control device 15 determines whether it has completed the processing in step S402 for all the interruption units 30 (step S405). If the control device 15 has not completed the processing in step S402 for all the interruption units 30, it updates n (step S406). Then the control device 15 returns to step S402.

[0132] If the control device 15 has completed the processing in step S402 for all the circuit breaker units 30, it opens the b-contact relays 36 of all the circuit breaker units 30 (step S407). Next, if there is an indoor unit 20 that responds, the control device 15 identifies such an indoor unit 20 as an indoor unit 20 that is not connected to any of the circuit breaker units 30 (basic pattern 3) (step S408). Next, the control device 15 closes the b-contact relays 36 of all the circuit breaker units 30 (step S409). After that, the control device 15 stores the identification results from the processing in steps S404 and S408 in the memory 12 (step S410), and finishes the processing based on this flowchart. At this time, the memory 12 of the control device 15 stores information indicating the connection relationship between the circuit breaker unit 30 and the indoor unit 20 for each circuit breaker unit 30.

[0133] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process related to displaying the equipment configuration and releasing interlocks. Figures 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating the information displayed on the remote controller screen. The process shown in Figure 14 corresponds to steps S307 and S308 in Figure 12.

[0134] The process shown in Figure 14 will be explained below, with reference to Figure 15 or Figure 16 as needed. First, the indoor unit 20 displays a screen for selecting a basic pattern on the display 51 of the remote controller 50 (step S501). Figure 15 shows an example of the screen for selecting a basic pattern. When the air conditioning system 100 is started, the remote controller 50 displays a screen for selecting a basic pattern following the startup screen. The screen displays three basic patterns along with the message "Please select a configuration".

[0135] "1. Using the indoor unit's sensor" corresponds to basic pattern 1 in Figure 2. "2. Using the alarm unit" corresponds to basic pattern 2 in Figure 2. "3. Large space setting" corresponds to basic pattern 3 in Figure 2.

[0136] The installer selects the basic pattern they wish to check from among the various basic patterns that may be included in the system by touching the display 51 of the remote controller 50. The indoor unit 20 accepts the installer's operation to select the basic pattern (step S502).

[0137] Next, the indoor unit 20 displays the equipment configuration of the selected basic pattern on the remote controller 50 (step S503). At this time, the indoor unit 20 reflects the equipment configuration identified in step S304 of Figure 12 on the screen of the remote controller 50. Figure 15 shows examples of equipment configurations for the selected basic pattern, categorized by basic pattern.

[0138] For example, if "1. Use of indoor unit sensor" is selected, the configuration corresponding to basic pattern 1 will be displayed for each indoor unit 20. The displayed items include information such as the ID (address) of the indoor unit 20, whether it is connected to the shut-off unit 30, whether it is connected to the refrigerant sensor 23, whether there is an alarm on the remote controller 50 (enabled / disabled), whether there is a remote controller 60 in the management room, and whether the mechanical ventilation system is on or off. This screen is an example of the first screen that displays information about the indoor unit 20. The first screen includes information indicating whether there is a refrigerant sensor 23. The installer can check information about other indoor units 20 by switching the screen pages.

[0139] Note that while Figure 15 shows an example of information for one indoor unit 20 corresponding to "1. Use of indoor unit sensor," if the air conditioning system 100 includes multiple indoor units 20, the remote controller 50 will display information corresponding to each indoor unit 20.

[0140] If "2. Use Alarm Unit" is selected, the configuration corresponding to basic pattern 2 will be displayed for each indoor unit 20. The displayed items include information such as the ID (address) of the indoor unit 20, whether or not it is connected to the shut-off unit 30, whether or not the refrigerant sensor 23 is connected, and whether or not there is an alarm on the remote controller 50. The installer can check the ID (address) of the shut-off unit 30 and the number of alarm units 40 by switching the screen page.

[0141] The 1 / 3 page screen corresponding to "2. Alarm Unit Usage" is an example of the first screen displaying information about the indoor unit 20. The 2 / 3 page screen corresponding to "2. Alarm Unit Usage" is an example of the second screen displaying information about the shut-off unit 30. The second screen includes information about the alarm unit 40. The information about the alarm unit 40 includes the number of alarm units 40. For example, from the 2 / 3 page screen, the installer can identify that three alarm units 40, alarm units 1 to 3, are installed in the system. The installer can further view information about other indoor units 20 by switching pages on the screen.

[0142] In Figure 15, information for one indoor unit 20 and one shut-off unit 30 corresponding to "2. Alarm Unit Use" is shown as an example. However, if the air conditioning system 100 includes multiple indoor units 20 and multiple shut-off units 30, the remote controller 50 will display information corresponding to each indoor unit 20 and each shut-off unit 30.

[0143] If "3. Large Space Setting" is selected, the configuration corresponding to Basic Pattern 3 will be displayed. In this case, the screen will indicate that the refrigerant sensor function will be disabled.

[0144] The contractor compares the equipment configuration displayed on the remote controller 50 screen with the equipment configuration described in the design drawings to confirm that the system's safety devices are installed according to the design drawings. If the system includes multiple basic patterns, the contractor repeats the process of selecting a configuration and confirming the selected configuration. In other words, the contractor checks the equipment configuration displayed on the remote controller 50 screen with the equipment configuration described in the design drawings for each basic pattern. After that, the contractor touches the screen and operates either the OK button or the NG button. Operating the OK button corresponds to the contractor's approval operation. Operating the NG button corresponds to the contractor's rejection operation.

[0145] The indoor unit 20 detects whether the OK button or NG button has been pressed (step S504). The indoor unit 20 determines whether or not the OK button has been pressed (step S505). If the indoor unit 20 detects the OK button has been pressed, it sends information to the control device 15 requesting the release of the interlock and displays the startup screen (step S506). Next, the control device 15, having received the information requesting the release of the interlock, releases the interlock and automatically starts the air conditioning operation (trial run) of the air conditioning system 100 (step S507). Here, the information sent from the indoor unit 20 to the control device 15 based on the OK button press is an example of information indicating user approval of the configuration information.

[0146] When the indoor unit 20 detects the operation of the NG button, it displays a screen prompting the user to confirm the system configuration (step S508). The indoor unit 20 also sends information to the control device 15 requesting that the interlock be maintained. In this case, the interlock state is maintained. Here, the information sent from the indoor unit 20 to the control device 15 based on the operation of the NG button is an example of information indicating the user's disapproval of the configuration information. Figure 16 shows examples of a startup screen displayed based on the operation of the OK button and an example of a screen displayed based on the operation of the NG button.

[0147] The configuration corresponding to the menu "1. Use indoor unit sensor" shown in Figure 15 is an extremely basic configuration. Therefore, if the system detects this configuration, the remote controller 50 may be configured to automatically transition from the startup screen to the "Connected device detection" screen. In this case, the remote controller 50 will display the "1. Use indoor unit sensor" screen after the startup screen without displaying "Please select a configuration."

[0148] The remote controller 50 may automatically display the screen shown in Figure 15 when new equipment such as an alarm unit 40 and a ventilation device is installed in the current system. However, if there are multiple remote controllers 50 in the system, it is sufficient for the remote controller 50 related to the newly installed equipment to display the screen shown in Figure 15; it is not necessary for all remote controllers 50 to display the screen. Also, if the new equipment is not, for example, "equipment for preparing for refrigerant leaks," such as a temperature sensor, the remote controller 50 does not need to display the screen shown in Figure 15.

[0149] As described above, when the air conditioning system 100 is started, it identifies the configuration related to the safety devices of the air conditioning system 100 and displays the identification result on the remote controller 50. Therefore, the installer can easily confirm that the safety devices are installed in the air conditioning system 100 as shown in the design drawings. Accordingly, this embodiment provides an air conditioning system that can reduce the workload for the installer when confirming that the equipment for preventing refrigerant leaks is installed according to the design drawings.

[0150] In this embodiment, the control device 15 is located on the outdoor unit 10. However, the control device 15 may be located on the indoor unit 20 or the shut-off unit 30. Alternatively, the control device 15 may be located in the air conditioning system 100 separately from the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, and the shut-off unit 30.

[0151] Figure 17 shows an example configuration of an air conditioning system 100 related to large-space settings. In the configuration shown in Figure 17, it is assumed that the spatial size of room D is significantly larger than the spatial sizes of rooms A to C. Room D is, for example, a large hall. Room D employs the configuration related to basic pattern 3 shown in Figure 2.

[0152] Assuming Room D is a large room, even if a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit 20e, the leaked refrigerant will diffuse throughout the large space of Room D, making it unlikely that the leak will immediately have a negative impact on the air conditioning environment. Therefore, no safety device is installed in Room D.

[0153] (Variation 1) Figure 18 shows an example configuration of the air conditioning system 100 related to Modification 1. As shown in Figure 18, the air conditioning system 100 may include a flow divider controller 90.

[0154] The flow divider controller 90 is installed between the outdoor unit 10 and the shut-off units 30a and 30b. The flow divider controller 90 is connected to the outdoor unit 10 by a pair of pipes 123. The flow divider controller 90 includes a flow divider mechanism 91 for dividing the refrigerant. The flow divider mechanism 91 consists of an expansion valve, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerant branch path, etc. The flow divider controller 90 is connected to the shut-off unit 30a by a pair of pipes 124. The flow divider controller 90 is connected to the shut-off unit 30b by a pair of pipes 125. The flow divider controller 90 is connected to the indoor unit 20e by a pair of pipes 126.

[0155] As shown in Figure 18, Room A has an indoor unit 20a under the control of the shut-off unit 30a, Room B has an indoor unit 20b under the control of the shut-off unit 30b, and Room C has indoor units 20c and 20d under the control of the shut-off unit 30b. Room D has an indoor unit 20e.

[0156] The flow divider controller 90 controls the refrigerant flow in the pipes 124 to 126, thereby controlling the air conditioning mode of the indoor unit 20a under the shut-off unit 30a, the air conditioning modes of the indoor units 20b to 20d under the shut-off unit 30b, and the air conditioning mode of the indoor unit 20e. For example, the flow divider controller 90 can operate the indoor unit 20a under the shut-off unit 30a in cooling mode while operating the indoor unit 20e and the indoor units 20b to 20d under the shut-off unit 30b in heating mode.

[0157] Here, an example has been described in which the shut-off unit 30 is placed as a separate device from the current splitting controller 90. However, the shut-off unit 30 may be built into the current splitting controller 90. For example, in Figure 18, the shut-off units 30a and 30b may be built into the current splitting controller 90. Through such modifications, a configuration is disclosed in which the shut-off unit 30 is built into the current splitting controller 90 in an air conditioning system 100 comprising an indoor unit 20, a shut-off unit 30, and a current splitting controller 90. Note that the control device 15 may also be placed in the current splitting controller 90.

[0158] (Modification 2) In this embodiment, an example of configuring an air conditioning system 100 by combining basic patterns 1 to 3 related to safety devices has been described. The air conditioning system 100 may accept an operation to change the type of basic pattern. For example, the air conditioning system 100 may accept an operation by a contractor or the like to change the configuration of basic pattern 2 to basic pattern 1 or basic pattern 3. If the air conditioning system 100 accepts an operation to change basic pattern 2 to basic pattern 3, for example, it will disable the functions of the refrigerant sensor 23 and the alarm unit 40. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 may have a function to determine the type of refrigerant (R32VRF, HVRF (R32, propane), etc.) when the air conditioning system 100 is powered on and to automatically change the setting range necessary for the interlock configuration. In this case, the air conditioning system 100 determines the type of refrigerant by referring to the settings of the outdoor unit 10.

[0159] (Variation 3) In this embodiment, the contractor verifies whether the configuration of the air conditioning system 100 matches the design drawings. However, the air conditioning system 100 may perform such verification. In this case, the contractor inputs the design drawing data into the air conditioning system 100. The air conditioning system 100 determines whether the system configuration matches the design drawings by comparing the system configuration it has identified with the design drawing data. The air conditioning system 100 then displays the determination result on the remote controller 50. Based on the determination result, the contractor decides whether or not to release the interlock. By configuring the system in this way, the process from system startup to commissioning can be automated.

[0160] (Other variations) In this embodiment, an example was described in which the indoor unit 20 and the remote controller 50 communicate via communication path L3. However, the indoor unit 20 and the remote controller 50 may be configured to communicate via communication path L1 instead of communication path L3. Similarly, the remote controller 60 located in the management room may also be configured to communicate via communication path L1 instead of communication path L3.

[0161] The refrigerant sensor 23 connected to the indoor unit 20 may be installed inside the indoor unit 20 or outside the indoor unit 20.

[0162] In this embodiment, an example was described in which various information is notified to a remote controller 60 installed in the management room. However, instead of the remote controller 60, the same information may be notified to the system controller of the air conditioning system.

[0163] The above embodiments are summarized below. (Section 1) The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system (100) comprising a heat source unit (10), a first indoor unit (20a) having a heat exchanger (242) that exchanges heat with the heat source unit via a refrigerant and blows conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned, a first shut-off unit (30a) having a first shut-off valve (34), a control device (15), and a display unit (51), wherein the heat source unit and the first indoor unit are connected by a first pipe (121) through which the refrigerant flows, the first indoor unit has a sensor terminal (23a) for connecting a refrigerant sensor (23) that detects refrigerant leaks, and the first shut-off unit closes the first pipe with the first shut-off valve when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor (STE) Step S5) The control device communicates with the first shut-off unit and the first indoor unit to obtain configuration information regarding equipment for preparing for refrigerant leaks (Step S304). The configuration information includes information regarding the first shut-off unit and the first indoor unit, respectively. When the control device receives a command to start the air conditioning system, it controls the air conditioning system to an interlock state in which air conditioning operation is prohibited (Step S301). The display unit shows the configuration information in the interlock state (Step S307). When the control device receives information indicating user approval of the configuration information, it releases the interlock state (Step S506).

[0164] (Section 2) The air conditioning system described in Section 1 further comprises a first alarm unit (40a) located in the space to be air-conditioned, the first alarm unit having an indoor refrigerant sensor (43) for detecting refrigerant leaks and alarm devices (44, 45) that emit an alarm when a refrigerant leak is detected by the indoor refrigerant sensor, the first shut-off unit is configured to communicate with the first alarm unit, and the first shut-off unit closes the first piping with a first shut-off valve when a refrigerant leak is detected by either the refrigerant sensor or the indoor refrigerant sensor (step S5, step S34), and the configuration information includes information about the first alarm unit.

[0165] (Section 3) In the air conditioning system described in Section 2, the first shutoff unit is configured to communicate with a plurality of alarm units, including a first alarm unit, and the configuration information includes the number of alarm units connected to the first shutoff unit (Figure 15).

[0166] (Article 4) In the air conditioning system described in Article 2 or Article 3, the display unit is configured to display a first screen that displays information about the first indoor unit and a second screen that displays information about the first shut-off unit (Figure 15), wherein the information about the first indoor unit includes information indicating the presence or absence of a refrigerant sensor, and the information about the first shut-off unit includes information about a first alarm unit configured to communicate with the first shut-off unit.

[0167] (Clause 5) The air conditioning system described in paragraph 3 further comprises a second indoor unit (20b) and a second shut-off unit (30b) having a second shut-off valve (34), wherein the heat source unit and the second indoor unit are connected by a second pipe (122) through which refrigerant flows, and the second shut-off unit closes the second pipe with the second shut-off valve when a refrigerant leak is detected by a refrigerant sensor connected to the second indoor unit and an alarm unit configured to communicate with the second shut-off unit, and the control device acquires configuration information by communicating with the first shut-off unit, the second shut-off unit, the first indoor unit, and the second indoor unit, and the configuration information includes information about the second indoor unit and the second shut-off unit, respectively.

[0168] (Item 6) In the air conditioning system described in any one of items 1 to 5, after displaying the configuration information, the display unit displays a message prompting confirmation of the configuration of the air conditioning system if information indicating the user's disapproval of the configuration information is input to the air conditioning system (step S508).

[0169] (Section 7) An air conditioning system described in any one of Sections 1 to 6 further comprises a remote controller (50) for communicating with and setting the first indoor unit, and the display is located on the remote controller (Figure 2).

[0170] (Clause 8) In the air conditioning system described in paragraph 7, the remote controller issues an alarm when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor (step S3).

[0171] (Section 9) In the air conditioning system described in any one of Sections 1 to 8, the control device is located in the heat source unit (Figure 5).

[0172] (Clause 10) The air conditioning system described in paragraph 1 comprises a plurality of shut-off units including a first shut-off unit and a plurality of indoor units including a first indoor unit, wherein the control device is located on the heat source unit, the control device identifies the number of plurality of shut-off units, the number of plurality of indoor units, and the connection relationship between the shut-off units and the indoor units, and the control device transmits information regarding the connection relationship to each of the plurality of indoor units and plurality of shut-off units.

[0173] (Clause 11) The air conditioning system described in paragraph 10 further comprises a first alarm unit located in the space to be air-conditioned, the first alarm unit having an indoor refrigerant sensor for detecting refrigerant leaks and an alarm that sounds an alarm when a refrigerant leak is detected by the indoor refrigerant sensor, the first shut-off unit is configured to communicate with the first alarm unit, the first shut-off unit closes the first piping with a first shut-off valve when a refrigerant leak is detected by either the refrigerant sensor or the indoor refrigerant sensor, the configuration information includes information about the first alarm unit, and the first indoor unit identifies the first shut-off unit and obtains information about the first alarm unit based on connection relationship information received from the control device.

[0174] (Section 12) The air conditioning system described in Section 11 further comprises a remote controller for communicating with and configuring a first indoor unit, wherein a display is located on the remote controller, and the indoor unit displays configuration information on the display based on connection relationship information received from the control unit and information on the first alarm unit.

[0175] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 10 Outdoor unit (heat source unit), 11,21,31,41 Processor, 12,22,32,42 Memory, 13,26,33 Communication circuit, 14,24 Air conditioning mechanism, 15 Control device, 20,20a~20e Indoor unit, 23,43 Refrigerant sensor, 23a Sensor terminal, 25 Sensor setting switch, 27,37,47 Communication interface, 30,30a,30b Shut-off unit, 34,34a,34b Shut-off valve, 35 Backup power supply, 36 b-contact relay, 40,40a~40d Alarm unit, 44 Speaker, 45 LED, 50,50a~50e,60 Remote controller, 51 Display, 52 Control unit, 90 Flow divider controller, 91 Flow divider mechanism, 100 Air conditioning system, 120~126,121a,121b Piping, L1-L3 communication paths, 141 compressor, 142, 242 heat exchangers, 243 expansion valve, 144, 244 fan, 145 four-way valve, 300 circuit board, 370 terminals, A-D rooms.

Claims

1. It is an air conditioning system, Heat source unit, A first indoor unit has a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the heat source unit via a refrigerant, and blows conditioned air into the space to be air-conditioned, A first shut-off unit having a first shut-off valve, Control device and Equipped with a display, The heat source unit and the first indoor unit are connected by a first pipe through which the refrigerant flows. The first indoor unit has a sensor terminal for connecting a refrigerant sensor for detecting refrigerant leaks, The first shut-off unit closes the first piping with the first shut-off valve when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor. The control device acquires configuration information regarding equipment for preparing for refrigerant leaks, The configuration information includes information relating to the first circuit breaker unit and the first indoor unit, When the control device receives a command to start the air conditioning system, it controls the air conditioning system to an interlock state in which air conditioning operation is prohibited. The display unit displays the configuration information in the interlock state, An air conditioning system in which the control device releases the interlock state when it receives information indicating user approval of the configuration information.

2. The air conditioning target space is further equipped with a first alarm unit, The first alarm unit is, An indoor refrigerant sensor that detects refrigerant leaks, The system includes an alarm that sounds an alarm when a refrigerant leak is detected by the indoor refrigerant sensor, The first interruption unit is configured to communicate with the first alarm unit, The first shut-off unit closes the first piping with the first shut-off valve when a refrigerant leak is detected by either the refrigerant sensor or the indoor refrigerant sensor. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information includes information relating to the first alarm unit.

3. The first interruption unit is configured to communicate with a plurality of alarm units, including the first alarm unit. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the configuration information includes the number of alarm units configured to communicate with the first shutoff unit.

4. The display unit is configured to display a first screen that displays information relating to the first indoor unit and a second screen that displays information relating to the first circuit breaker unit. The information relating to the first indoor unit includes information indicating the presence or absence of the refrigerant sensor. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the information relating to the first shut-off unit includes information relating to the first alarm unit configured to communicate with the first shut-off unit.

5. The second indoor unit, The system further comprises a second shut-off unit having a second shut-off valve, The heat source unit and the second indoor unit are connected by a second pipe through which the refrigerant flows. The second shut-off unit, when a refrigerant leak is detected by either the refrigerant sensor connected to the second indoor unit or the alarm unit configured to communicate with the second shut-off unit, closes the second piping with the second shut-off valve. The control device acquires the configuration information by communicating with the first shutoff unit, the second shutoff unit, the first indoor unit, and the second indoor unit. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the configuration information includes information relating to each of the second indoor unit and the second shutoff unit.

6. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit, after displaying the configuration information, displays a message prompting confirmation of the configuration of the air conditioning system when information indicating user disapproval of the configuration information is input to the air conditioning system.

7. The system further includes a remote controller for communicating with the first indoor unit and configuring the first indoor unit, The display unit is located on the remote controller, according to the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein the remote controller issues an alarm when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant sensor.

9. The control device is located in the heat source unit, and the air conditioning system is according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. A plurality of interruption units including the first interruption unit, The system comprises a plurality of indoor units, including the first indoor unit, The control device is placed in the heat source unit, The control device identifies the number of the plurality of shut-off units, the number of the plurality of indoor units, and the connection relationship between the shut-off units and the indoor units. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control device transmits information regarding the connection relationship to each of the plurality of indoor units and the plurality of shut-off units.

11. The air conditioning target space is further equipped with a first alarm unit, The first alarm unit is, An indoor refrigerant sensor that detects refrigerant leaks, The system includes an alarm that sounds an alarm when a refrigerant leak is detected by the indoor refrigerant sensor, The first interruption unit is configured to communicate with the first alarm unit, The first shut-off unit closes the first piping with the first shut-off valve when a refrigerant leak is detected by either the refrigerant sensor or the indoor refrigerant sensor. The configuration information includes information relating to the first alarm unit, The air conditioning system according to claim 10, wherein the first indoor unit identifies the first shutoff unit and obtains information regarding the first alarm unit based on the connection relationship information received from the control device.

12. The system further includes a remote controller for communicating with the first indoor unit and configuring the first indoor unit, The display unit is located on the remote controller. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein the indoor unit displays the configuration information on the display based on the connection relationship information received from the control device and the first alarm unit.

13. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires the configuration information by communicating with the first shutoff unit and the first indoor unit.

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