Air conditioning device

Abstract

An outdoor unit comprises: a communication line power supply unit which supplies power to an indoor unit (200) via a communication line (150); and a communication unit which communicates with the indoor unit (200) via the communication line (150). The indoor unit (200) comprises a relay unit (240) which runs on power supplied via the communication line (150), supplies power based on the supplied power to an indoor unit (300) via a communication line (250), and communicates with the outdoor unit via the communication line (150) and with the indoor unit (300) via the communication line (250). The indoor unit (300) comprises a relay unit (340) which runs on power supplied via the communication line (250) and communicates with the indoor unit (200) via the communication line (250).

Description

air conditioning equipment

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

[0002] In recent years, communication traffic has been increasing in air conditioners equipped with an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units due to more advanced control and the realization of services such as failure analysis and failure sign prediction that utilize sensor data equipped in the air conditioner. To accommodate this increase in communication traffic, the use of higher-speed communication methods such as Ethernet (registered trademark) is being considered.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a transmission device for an air conditioning system in which a centralized control unit and multiple outdoor units are daisy-chained via a centralized transmission line configured using Ethernet (registered trademark). A daisy-chain connection is a multi-stage connection when there are three or more devices. For example, if an apparatus includes a first device, a second device, and a third device, a daisy-chain connection is a connection method in which the first device is connected to the second device, the second device is connected to the third device, the first device is not connected to the third device, and communication between the first device and the third device is via the second device.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which, in the transmission device of the above-mentioned air conditioning unit, multiple outdoor units are connected using a spanning tree method using a three-port switching hub, and a detour transmission line is formed connecting the inlet and outlet ports in the network of daisy-chained outdoor units, and if a communication abnormality occurs in the centralized transmission line, which is the original communication path, communication is carried out using this detour transmission line.

[0005] Patent No. 4165581

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the detour transmission line itself is expensive, and the wiring work is laborious and costly. Also, there is the problem that it is not possible to deal with power supply problems that occur in devices that communicate via the detour transmission line.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning device that can realize, at low cost, a configuration that prevents communication from being interrupted even if a power supply problem occurs in one of the indoor units on the communication path.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning apparatus comprising an outdoor unit, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit, the outdoor unit and the first indoor unit being connected via a first communication line, and the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit being connected via a second communication line, wherein the outdoor unit comprises: a communication line power supply unit that supplies power to the first indoor unit via the first communication line; and a communication unit that communicates with the first indoor unit via the first communication line, the first indoor unit operates using power supplied via the first communication line and supplies power based on the supplied power to the second indoor unit via the second communication line, and comprises a first relay unit that communicates with the outdoor unit via the first communication line and with the second indoor unit via the second communication line, and the second indoor unit operates using power supplied via the second communication line and comprises a second relay unit that operates using power supplied via the second communication line and communicates with the first indoor unit via the second communication line.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize at low cost a configuration that prevents communication from being interrupted even if a power supply problem occurs in one of the indoor units on the communication path.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning apparatus in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an outdoor unit in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control unit provided in the outdoor unit in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a superposition / separation unit provided in the outdoor unit in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an indoor unit in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining power supply in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining power supply in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining power supply in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining processing of the outdoor unit when command data is transmitted and received in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining processing of the indoor unit when command data is received in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining processing of the indoor unit when command data is transmitted and received in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining processing of the indoor unit when command data is transmitted and received in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the outdoor unit when command data is received in embodiment 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the indoor unit when command data is received in embodiment 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the indoor unit when command data is sent ... showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner in embodiment 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the indoor unit in embodiment 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the switching unit provided in the indoor unit in embodiment 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the switching unit provided in the indoor unit in embodiment 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the indoor unit in embodiment 4. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the indoor unit in embodiment 5. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the switching unit provided in the indoor unit in embodiment 5. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device in embodiment 6. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another configuration of the power supply device in embodiment 6. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioner in embodiment 7. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a remote control in embodiment 7. Flowchart showing the procedure of applied voltage determination processing in embodiment 7.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioning apparatus 1 is an example of an air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure. The air conditioning apparatus 1 is an apparatus that conditions the air of a building, such as a building or a store, and includes an outdoor unit 100, an indoor unit 200, and an indoor unit 300. The outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 are connected via a communication line 150, and the indoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 300 are connected via a communication line 250. The indoor unit 300 is also connected to another indoor unit (not shown) via a communication line 350. There is no limit to the number of indoor units included in the air conditioning apparatus 1, as long as there are two or more.

[0013] <Outdoor Unit 100> The outdoor unit 100 is an example of an outdoor unit according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2 , the outdoor unit 100 includes a power supply unit 110, a control unit 120, a communication line power supply unit 130, and a communication unit 140. The outdoor unit 100 also includes mechanisms necessary for air conditioning, such as a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, and an expansion valve (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as the "outdoor unit main unit"). The power supply unit 110 receives power from an external power source 10 and supplies the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 120, the communication line power supply unit 130, the communication unit 140, and the outdoor unit main unit. The external power source 10 is, for example, a commercial power source supplied by a power company. Note that the external power source 10 may also be, for example, a private power generator or a power source based on renewable energy.

[0014] The control unit 120 performs overall control of the outdoor unit 100. As shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 120 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 121, a read-only memory (ROM) 122, a random-access memory (RAM) 123, an input / output (I / O) interface 124, and an auxiliary storage device 125. The control unit 120 generates command data or notification data for each indoor unit (e.g., indoor unit 200, indoor unit 300), performs processing based on the command data or notification data received from each indoor unit, and controls the outdoor unit main unit. Here, command data refers to data indicating instructions to other devices, and notification data refers to data to be notified to other devices (e.g., response data to received command data). The command data and notification data include a destination address, which is information indicating the destination device.

[0015] The communication line power supply unit 130 is an example of a communication line power supply unit according to the present disclosure. The communication line power supply unit 130 generates DC power based on power supplied from the power supply unit 110 and sends it to the communication line 150. The communication line 150 is an example of a first communication line according to the present disclosure. The communication unit 140 is an example of a communication unit according to the present disclosure. The communication unit 140 includes a protocol conversion unit 141 and a superposition / separation unit 142. The protocol conversion unit 141 converts the protocol of the command data or notification data for each indoor unit generated by the control unit 120 into a format that can be exchanged with each indoor unit, and sends the protocol-converted command data or notification data to the superposition / separation unit 142. The superposition / separation unit 142 superimposes the command data or notification data sent from the protocol conversion unit 141 on the communication line 150 and transmits it to the indoor unit 200. Furthermore, the superposition / separation unit 142 separates the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 150 to extract the command data or notification data sent from the indoor unit 200 and sends it to the protocol conversion unit 141 .

[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the superposition / separation unit 142. In this example, the superposition / separation unit 142 utilizes the characteristics of a capacitor, which blocks DC voltage and DC current and passes AC voltage and AC current. The example illustrates the passage of an AC signal between areas with different DC voltages, i.e., between the terminals of a capacitor. The command data or notification data received from each indoor unit is transmitted as an AC signal (i.e., signal voltage) and can pass through the superposition / separation unit 142. On the other hand, the power transmitted via the communication line 150 is DC and therefore cannot pass through the superposition / separation unit 142. Therefore, the signal after passing through the capacitor does not have DC power superimposed on it, and the superposition / separation unit 142 can separate the signal voltage and extract the command data or notification data. Note that in FIG. 4, V1 and V2 may have the same value.

[0017] The protocol conversion unit 141 converts the protocol of the command data or notification data sent from the superposition / separation unit 142 into a format that can be understood by the control unit 120 , and sends the protocol-converted command data or notification data to the control unit 120 .

[0018] <Indoor unit 200> The indoor unit 200 is an example of a first indoor unit according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5, the indoor unit 200 includes a power supply unit 210, a control unit 220, a communication unit 230, and a relay unit 240. Although not shown, the indoor unit 200 also includes mechanisms necessary for air conditioning, such as a heat exchanger, solenoid valves, and fans (hereinafter referred to as the "indoor unit main unit").

[0019] The power supply unit 210 receives power from an external power supply 20, which is a power supply system separate from the external power supply 10 used by the outdoor unit 100, and supplies the power required for the operation of the control unit 220, the communication unit 230, and the indoor unit main unit. The external power supply 20 is, for example, a commercial power supply supplied by an electric power company. Note that the external power supply 20 may also be, for example, a private power generator or a power supply based on renewable energy.

[0020] The control unit 220 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an I / O interface, and an auxiliary storage device, similar to the control unit 120 of the outdoor unit 100 (see FIG. 3 ). The control unit 220 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 210, and performs processing based on command data or notification data received from other devices (the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 300, etc.), generates command data or notification data for other devices, controls the indoor unit main unit, etc.

[0021] The communication unit 230 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 230 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 210, and performs protocol conversion for command data or notification data.

[0022] Relay unit 240 is an example of a first relay unit according to the present disclosure. Relay unit 240 includes a communication line power supply unit 241, a first superimposition / separation unit 242, an intermediary unit 243, and a second superimposition / separation unit 244. Relay unit 240 does not receive power from power supply unit 210, but operates using power sent from outdoor unit 100 via communication line 150.

[0023] The communication line power supply unit 241 receives power sent from the outdoor unit 100 via the communication line 150, supplies power to the relay unit 243, and supplies power to the indoor unit 300 via the communication line 250. The communication line 250 is an example of a second communication line according to the present disclosure.

[0024] The first superposition / separation unit 242 extracts the command data or notification data sent from the outdoor unit 100 via the communication line 150 by separating the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 150, and sends the extracted command data or notification data to the relay unit 243. The first superposition / separation unit 242 also superimposes the command data or notification data sent from the relay unit 243 onto the communication line 150 and transmits it to the outdoor unit 100. The configuration of the first superposition / separation unit 242 is the same as the superposition / separation unit 142 of the outdoor unit 100 (see FIG. 4 ).

[0025] Intermediary unit 243 checks the destination address of the command data or notification data sent from first superposition separation unit 242 and determines whether it is addressed to itself (i.e., indoor unit 200). As a result, intermediary unit 243 sends the command data or notification data addressed to itself to communication unit 230, and sends the command data or notification data not addressed to itself to second superposition separation unit 244. Intermediary unit 243 also checks the destination address of the command data or notification data sent from second superposition separation unit 244 and determines whether it is addressed to itself. As a result, intermediary unit 243 sends the command data or notification data addressed to itself to communication unit 230, and sends the command data or notification data not addressed to itself to first superposition separation unit 242.

[0026] The second superposition / separation unit 244 extracts the command data or notification data sent from the indoor unit 300 via the communication line 250 by separating the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 250, and sends the extracted command data or notification data to the relay unit 243. The second superposition / separation unit 244 also superimposes the command data or notification data sent from the relay unit 243 onto the communication line 250 and sends it to the indoor unit 300. The configuration of the second superposition / separation unit 244 is the same as the superposition / separation unit 142 of the outdoor unit 100 (see FIG. 4 ).

[0027] <Indoor unit 300> The indoor unit 300 is an example of a second indoor unit according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5, the indoor unit 300 includes a power supply unit 310, a control unit 320, a communication unit 330, and a relay unit 340. Although not shown, the indoor unit 300 also includes an indoor unit main unit, which is a mechanism necessary for air conditioning, such as a heat exchanger, a solenoid valve, and a fan.

[0028] The power supply unit 310 receives power from an external power supply 30, which is a power supply system separate from the external power supply 10 used by the outdoor unit 100, and supplies the power required for the operation of the control unit 320, the communication unit 330, and the indoor unit main unit. The external power supply 30 is, for example, a commercial power supply supplied by an electric power company. Note that the external power supply 30 may also be, for example, a private generator or a power source based on renewable energy.

[0029] The control unit 320 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an I / O interface, and an auxiliary storage device, similar to the control unit 120 of the outdoor unit 100 (see FIG. 3 ). The control unit 320 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 310, and performs processing based on command data or notification data received from other devices (the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, etc.), generates command data or notification data for other devices, controls the indoor unit main unit, etc.

[0030] The communication unit 330 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 330 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 310, and performs protocol conversion for command data or notification data.

[0031] Relay unit 340 is an example of a second relay unit according to the present disclosure. Relay unit 340 includes a communication line power supply unit 341, a first superimposition / separation unit 342, an intermediary unit 343, and a second superimposition / separation unit 344. Relay unit 340 does not receive power from power supply unit 310, but operates using power sent from indoor unit 200 via communication line 250.

[0032] The communication line power supply unit 341 receives power sent from the indoor unit 200 via the communication line 250, supplies power to the relay unit 343, and also supplies power to other indoor units (not shown) via the communication line 350.

[0033] The first superposition / separation unit 342 extracts the command data or notification data sent from the indoor unit 200 via the communication line 250 by separating the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 250, and sends the extracted command data or notification data to the relay unit 343. The first superposition / separation unit 342 also superimposes the command data or notification data sent from the relay unit 343 onto the communication line 250 and transmits it to the indoor unit 200. The configuration of the first superposition / separation unit 342 is the same as the superposition / separation unit 142 of the outdoor unit 100 (see FIG. 4 ).

[0034] Intermediary unit 343 checks the destination address of the command data or notification data sent from first superposition separation unit 342 and determines whether it is addressed to itself (i.e., indoor unit 300). As a result, intermediary unit 343 sends the command data or notification data addressed to itself to communication unit 330, and sends the command data or notification data not addressed to itself to second superposition separation unit 344. Intermediary unit 343 also checks the destination address of the command data or notification data sent from second superposition separation unit 344 and determines whether it is addressed to itself. As a result, intermediary unit 343 sends the command data or notification data addressed to itself to communication unit 330, and sends the command data or notification data not addressed to itself to first superposition separation unit 342.

[0035] The second superposition / separation unit 344 extracts command data or notification data sent from other indoor units via the communication line 350 by separating the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 350, and sends the extracted command data or notification data to the relay unit 343. The second superposition / separation unit 344 also superimposes the command data or notification data sent from the relay unit 343 onto the communication line 350 and sends it to other indoor units. The configuration of the second superposition / separation unit 344 is the same as the superposition / separation unit 142 of the outdoor unit 100 (see FIG. 4 ).

[0036] Next, power supply in the air conditioning apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. In Figure 6, when the external power source 10 is started up (step S100), the external power source 10 supplies power to the power supply unit 110 of the outdoor unit 100 (step S101). The power supply unit 110 starts up when it receives power from the external power source 10 (step S102). The power supply unit 110 also supplies power to the control unit 120 of the outdoor unit 100 (step S103), the communication line power supply unit 130 of the outdoor unit 100 (step S104), and the protocol conversion unit 141 in the communication unit 140 of the outdoor unit 100 (step S105).

[0037] The control unit 120 starts up when it receives power from the power supply unit 110 (step S106). The communication line power supply unit 130 starts up when it receives power from the power supply unit 110 (step S107). The communication line power supply unit 130 also supplies power to the indoor unit 200 via the communication line 150 (step S108). The protocol conversion unit 141 starts up when it receives power from the power supply unit 110 (step S109).

[0038] 7 , when the external power source 20 is started up (step S200), the external power source 20 supplies power to the power source unit 210 of the indoor unit 200 (step S201). The power source unit 210 starts up when it receives power from the external power source 20 (step S202). The power source unit 210 also supplies power to the control unit 220 of the indoor unit 200 (step S203) and to the communication unit 230 of the indoor unit 200 (step S204). The control unit 220 starts up when it receives power from the power source unit 210 (step S205), and the communication unit 230 starts up when it receives power from the power source unit 210 (step S206).

[0039] The communication line power supply unit 241 in the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200 starts up when it receives power from the outdoor unit 100 (step S207). The communication line power supply unit 241 also supplies power to the indoor unit 300 via the communication line 250 (step S208) and to the intermediary unit 243 in the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200 (step S209). The intermediary unit 243 starts up when it receives power from the communication line power supply unit 241 (step S210).

[0040] 8 , when the external power source 30 is started up (step S300), the external power source 30 supplies power to the power source unit 310 of the indoor unit 300 (step S301). The power source unit 310 starts up when it receives power from the external power source 30 (step S302). The power source unit 310 also supplies power to the control unit 320 of the indoor unit 300 (step S303) and to the communication unit 330 of the indoor unit 300 (step S304). The control unit 320 starts up when it receives power from the power source unit 310 (step S305), and the communication unit 330 starts up when it receives power from the power source unit 310 (step S306).

[0041] The communication line power supply unit 341 in the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300 starts up when it receives power from the indoor unit 200 (step S307). The communication line power supply unit 341 also supplies power to the other indoor units via the communication line 350 (step S308) and to the intermediary unit 343 in the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300 (step S309). The intermediary unit 343 starts up when it receives power from the communication line power supply unit 341 (step S310).

[0042] Next, with reference to Figures 9 to 11, the processing of each device (outdoor unit 100, indoor unit 200, and indoor unit 300) when command data is transmitted from the outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 300 will be described. Note that in Figures 9 to 11, "command" refers to "command data." In Figure 9, the control unit 120 of the outdoor unit 100 generates command data addressed to the indoor unit 300 (step S110). The command data addressed to the indoor unit 300 generated by the control unit 120 includes the address of the indoor unit 300 as the destination address. The control unit 120 sends the generated command data to the protocol conversion unit 141 of the communication unit 140 (step S111).

[0043] The protocol conversion unit 141 converts the protocol of the command data sent from the control unit 120 (step S112). The protocol conversion unit 141 sends the protocol-converted command data to the superimposing / separating unit 142 (step S113).

[0044] The superimposing / separating unit 142 superimposes the command data sent from the protocol conversion unit 141 onto the communication line 150 (step S114), and transmits the superimposed command data to the indoor unit 200 (step S115).

[0045] 10 , the first superposition / separation unit 242 in the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200 extracts the command data sent from the outdoor unit 100 via the communication line 150 by separating the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 150 (step S211). The first superposition / separation unit 242 sends the extracted command data to the relay unit 243 (step S212).

[0046] The relay unit 243 determines whether the command data sent from the first superimposition / separation unit 242 is addressed to itself (i.e., indoor unit 200). In this example, the command data includes the address of indoor unit 300 as the destination address, so the relay unit 243 determines that the command is not addressed to itself. In this case, the relay unit 243 sends the command data to the second superimposition / separation unit 244 (step S213).

[0047] The second superimposing / separating unit 244 superimposes the command data sent from the intermediary unit 243 onto the communication line 250 (step S214), and transmits the superimposed command data to the indoor unit 300 (step S215).

[0048] If the command data sent from the first superposition / separation unit 242 is addressed to itself, the intermediary unit 243 sends the command data to the communication unit 230 (step S216). The communication unit 230 converts the protocol of the command data (step S217) and sends it to the control unit 220 (step S218). The control unit 220 executes processing (for example, processing to control the indoor main unit) based on the content indicated in the command data sent from the communication unit 230 (step S219).

[0049] 11 , the first superposition / separation unit 342 in the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300 extracts the command data sent from the indoor unit 200 via the communication line 250 by separating the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 250 (step S311). The first superposition / separation unit 342 sends the extracted command data to the relay unit 343 (step S312).

[0050] The relay unit 343 determines whether the command data sent from the first superposition / separation unit 342 is addressed to itself (i.e., the indoor unit 300). In this example, the command data includes the address of the indoor unit 300 as the destination address, so the relay unit 343 determines that the command data is addressed to itself. In this case, the relay unit 343 sends the command data to the communication unit 330 (step S313). The communication unit 330 converts the protocol of the command data (step S314) and sends it to the control unit 320 (step S315). The control unit 320 executes processing (e.g., processing to control the indoor unit main unit) based on the content indicated in the command data sent from the communication unit 330 (step S316).

[0051] If the command data sent from the first superimposition / separation unit 342 is not addressed to the relay unit 343, the relay unit 343 sends the command data to the second superimposition / separation unit 344 (step S317). The second superimposition / separation unit 344 superimposes the command data sent from the relay unit 343 onto the communication line 350 (step S318), and transmits it to another indoor unit (step S319).

[0052] Next, with reference to Figures 9, 12, and 13, the processing of each device (outdoor unit 100, indoor unit 200, and indoor unit 300) when command data is transmitted from the indoor unit 300 to the outdoor unit 100 will be described. Note that in Figures 12 and 13, "command" refers to "command data." In Figure 12, the control unit 320 of the indoor unit 300 generates command data addressed to the outdoor unit 100 (step S320). The command data addressed to the outdoor unit 100 generated by the control unit 320 includes the address of the outdoor unit 100 as the destination address. The control unit 320 sends the generated command data to the communication unit 330 (step S321).

[0053] The communication unit 330 converts the protocol of the command data sent from the control unit 320 (step S322). The communication unit 330 sends the protocol-converted command data to the intermediary unit 343 of the relay unit 340 (step S323).

[0054] The intermediary unit 343 sends the command data sent from the communication unit 330 to the first superimposition / separation unit 342 (step S324). The first superimposition / separation unit 342 superimposes the command data sent from the intermediary unit 343 onto the communication line 250 (step S325), and transmits the superimposed command data to the indoor unit 200 (step S326).

[0055] 13 , the second superposition / separation unit 244 in the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200 extracts the command data sent from the indoor unit 300 via the communication line 250 by separating the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 250 (step S220). The second superposition / separation unit 244 sends the extracted command data to the relay unit 243 (step S221).

[0056] The relay unit 243 determines whether the command data sent from the second superimposition / separation unit 244 is addressed to itself (i.e., the indoor unit 200). In this example, the command data includes the address of the outdoor unit 100 as the destination address, so the relay unit 243 determines that the command data is not addressed to itself. In this case, the relay unit 243 sends the command data to the first superimposition / separation unit 242 (step S222).

[0057] The first superimposing / separating unit 242 superimposes the command data sent from the intermediary unit 243 onto the communication line 150 (step S223) and transmits it to the outdoor unit 100 (step S224). Although not shown, if the intermediary unit 243 determines that the command data sent from the second superimposing / separating unit 244 is addressed to itself, it sends the command data to the communication unit 230. The communication unit 230 converts the protocol of the command data sent from the intermediary unit 243 and sends it to the control unit 220. The control unit 220 executes processing (for example, processing to control the indoor unit main unit) based on the content indicated in the command data sent from the communication unit 230.

[0058] 9 , the superposition / separation unit 142 in the communication unit 140 of the outdoor unit 100 extracts the command data sent from the indoor unit 200 via the communication line 150 by separating the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 150 (step S116). The superposition / separation unit 142 sends the extracted command data to the protocol conversion unit 141 (step S117).

[0059] The protocol conversion unit 141 converts the protocol of the command data sent from the superimposing / separating unit 142 (step S118), and sends the protocol-converted command data to the control unit 120 (step S119).

[0060] The control unit 120 executes a process (for example, a process for controlling the outdoor main unit) based on the content indicated by the command data sent from the protocol conversion unit 141 (step S120).

[0061] As described above, in the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment, power is supplied from the communication line power supply unit 130 of the outdoor unit 100 to the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200 via the communication line 150, and power is supplied from the relay unit 240 to the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300 via the communication line 250. In other words, the power required for operation of the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200 can be secured without relying on the external power supply 20, and the power required for operation of the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300 can be secured without relying on the external power supply 30. This makes it possible to ensure that communication is not interrupted even if a power supply problem occurs in the indoor unit 200, the indoor unit 300, etc. Furthermore, because there is no need to provide a detour communication path, the effort required for wiring work can be reduced, and costs can also be reduced.

[0062] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, components and the like common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 1A according to Embodiment 2. The air conditioning apparatus 1A is an example of an air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure. The air conditioning apparatus 1A includes an outdoor unit 100A, an indoor unit 200A, and an indoor unit 300A. The outdoor unit 100A and the indoor unit 200A are connected via a power supply line 151 and a communication line 152, and the indoor unit 200A and the indoor unit 300A are connected via a power supply line 251 and a communication line 252. The indoor unit 300A is also connected to another indoor unit (not shown) via a power supply line 351 and a communication line 352. There is no limit to the number of indoor units included in the air conditioning apparatus 1A, as long as there are two or more.

[0064] The power lines and communication lines between the devices are configured with a multi-core cable that includes multiple core wires in a single cable, such as PoE (Power over Ethernet). Note that the power lines and communication lines between the devices may also be configured with a power cable arranged in parallel with an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable.

[0065] <Outdoor unit 100A> The outdoor unit 100A is an example of an outdoor unit according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 15 , the outdoor unit 100A includes a power supply unit 110, a control unit 120, a communication line power supply unit 130, and a communication unit 140. Although not shown, the outdoor unit 100A also includes an outdoor unit main unit, which is a mechanism necessary for air conditioning, such as a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, and an expansion valve.

[0066] The power supply unit 110 receives power from the external power source 10 and supplies the power required for the operation of the control unit 120, the communication line power supply unit 130, the communication unit 140, and the outdoor unit main unit. The external power source 10 is, for example, a commercial power source supplied by an electric power company. Note that the external power source 10 may also be, for example, a private power generator or a power source based on renewable energy.

[0067] Communication line power supply unit 130 is an example of a communication line power supply unit according to the present disclosure. Communication line power supply unit 130 generates DC power based on the power supplied from power supply unit 110 and sends it to power line 151. Power line 151 is an example of a first power line according to the present disclosure.

[0068] The communication unit 140 is an example of a communication unit according to the present disclosure. The communication unit 140 includes a protocol conversion unit 141. The protocol conversion unit 141 converts the protocol of the command data or notification data for each indoor unit generated by the control unit 120 into a format that can be exchanged with each indoor unit, and transmits the protocol-converted command data or notification data to the indoor unit 200A via the communication line 152. The protocol conversion unit 141 also converts the protocol of the command data or notification data received from the indoor unit 200A via the communication line 152 into a format that can be understood by the control unit 120, and transmits the protocol-converted command data or notification data to the control unit 120. The communication line 152 is an example of a first communication line according to the present disclosure.

[0069] <Indoor unit 200A> The indoor unit 200A is an example of a first indoor unit according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 16 , the indoor unit 200A includes a power supply unit 210, a control unit 220, a communication unit 230, and a relay unit 240. Although not shown, the indoor unit 200A also includes an indoor unit main unit, which is a mechanism necessary for air conditioning, such as a heat exchanger, solenoid valve, and fan.

[0070] The power supply unit 210 receives power from an external power supply 20, which is a power supply system separate from the external power supply 10 used by the outdoor unit 100A, and supplies the power required for the operation of the control unit 220, the communication unit 230, and the indoor unit main unit. The external power supply 20 is, for example, a commercial power supply supplied by an electric power company. Note that the external power supply 20 may also be, for example, a private power generator or a power supply based on renewable energy.

[0071] The control unit 220 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an I / O interface, and an auxiliary storage device, similar to the control unit 120 of the outdoor unit 100 in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 3 ). The control unit 220 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 210, and performs processing based on command data or notification data received from other devices (outdoor unit 100A, indoor unit 300A, etc.), generates command data or notification data for other devices, controls the indoor unit main unit, etc.

[0072] The communication unit 230 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 230 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 210, and performs protocol conversion for command data or notification data.

[0073] Relay unit 240 is an example of a first relay unit according to the present disclosure. Relay unit 240 includes communication line power supply unit 241 and intermediary unit 243. Relay unit 240 does not receive power from power supply unit 210, but operates using power sent from outdoor unit 100A via power line 151.

[0074] The communication line power supply unit 241 receives power sent from the outdoor unit 100A via the power supply line 151, supplies power to the relay unit 243, and also supplies power to the indoor unit 300A via the power supply line 251. The power supply line 251 is an example of a second power supply line according to the present disclosure.

[0075] Intermediary unit 243 checks the destination address of the command data or notification data received via communication line 152 and determines whether it is addressed to itself (i.e., indoor unit 200A). As a result, intermediary unit 243 sends the command data or notification data addressed to itself to communication unit 230, and sends the command data or notification data not addressed to itself to indoor unit 300A via communication line 252. Intermediary unit 243 also checks the destination address of the command data or notification data received via communication line 252 and determines whether it is addressed to itself. As a result, intermediary unit 243 sends the command data or notification data addressed to itself to communication unit 230, and sends the command data or notification data not addressed to itself to outdoor unit 100A via communication line 152. Communication line 252 is an example of a second communication line according to the present disclosure.

[0076] <Indoor unit 300A> The indoor unit 300A is an example of a second indoor unit according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 16 , the indoor unit 300A includes a power supply unit 310, a control unit 320, a communication unit 330, and a relay unit 340. Although not shown, the indoor unit 300A also includes an indoor unit main unit, which is a mechanism necessary for air conditioning, such as a heat exchanger, solenoid valve, and fan.

[0077] The power supply unit 310 receives power from an external power supply 30, which is a power supply system separate from the external power supply 10 used by the outdoor unit 100A, and supplies the power required for the operation of the control unit 320, the communication unit 330, and the indoor unit main unit. The external power supply 30 is, for example, a commercial power supply supplied by an electric power company. Note that the external power supply 30 may also be, for example, a private power generator or a power supply based on renewable energy.

[0078] The control unit 320 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an I / O interface, and an auxiliary storage device, similar to the control unit 120 of the outdoor unit 100 in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 3 ). The control unit 320 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 310, and performs processing based on command data or notification data received from other devices (outdoor unit 100A, indoor unit 200A, etc.), generates command data or notification data for other devices, controls the indoor unit main unit, etc.

[0079] The communication unit 330 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 330 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 310, and performs protocol conversion for command data or notification data.

[0080] Relay unit 340 is an example of a second relay unit according to the present disclosure. Relay unit 340 includes a communication line power supply unit 341 and an intermediary unit 343. Relay unit 340 does not receive power from power supply unit 310, but operates using power sent from indoor unit 200A via power line 251.

[0081] The communication line power supply unit 341 receives power sent from the indoor unit 200A via the power supply line 251, supplies power to the relay unit 343, and also supplies power to other indoor units not shown via the power supply line 351.

[0082] The relay unit 343 checks the destination address of the command data or notification data received via communication line 252 and determines whether it is addressed to itself (i.e., indoor unit 300A). As a result, the relay unit 343 sends the command data or notification data addressed to itself to the communication unit 330, and transmits the command data or notification data not addressed to itself to another indoor unit (not shown) via communication line 352. The relay unit 343 also checks the destination address of the command data or notification data received via communication line 352 and determines whether it is addressed to itself. As a result, the relay unit 343 sends the command data or notification data addressed to itself to the communication unit 330, and transmits the command data or notification data not addressed to itself to indoor unit 200A via communication line 252.

[0083] The power supply logic in the air conditioner 1A configured as above is the same as that in the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 6 to 8), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] Next, with reference to Figures 17 to 19, the processing of each device (outdoor unit 100A, indoor unit 200A, and indoor unit 300A) when command data is transmitted from the outdoor unit 100A to the indoor unit 300A will be described. Note that in Figures 17 to 19, "command" refers to "command data." In Figure 17, the control unit 120 of the outdoor unit 100A generates command data addressed to the indoor unit 300A (step S130). The command data generated by the control unit 120 and addressed to the indoor unit 300A includes the address of the indoor unit 300A as the destination address. The control unit 120 sends the generated command data to the protocol conversion unit 141 of the communication unit 140 (step S131).

[0085] The protocol conversion unit 141 performs protocol conversion of the command data sent from the control unit 120 (step S132). The protocol conversion unit 141 transmits the protocol-converted command data to the indoor unit 200A via the communication line 152 (step S133).

[0086] 18 , the relay unit 243 in the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200A receives the command data sent from the outdoor unit 100A via the communication line 152 and determines whether the received command data is addressed to itself (i.e., the indoor unit 200A). In this example, the command data includes the address of the indoor unit 300A as the destination address, so the relay unit 243 determines that the command data is not addressed to itself. In this case, the relay unit 243 transmits the command data to the indoor unit 300A via the communication line 252 (step S230).

[0087] If the command data sent from outdoor unit 100A is addressed to itself, relay unit 243 sends the command data to communication unit 230 (step S231). Communication unit 230 converts the protocol of the command data (step S232) and sends it to control unit 220 (step S233). Control unit 220 executes processing (for example, processing to control the indoor unit main unit) based on the content indicated in the command data sent from communication unit 230 (step S234).

[0088] In FIG. 19 , the relay unit 343 in the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300A receives command data sent from the indoor unit 200A via the communication line 252 and determines whether the received command data is addressed to itself (i.e., the indoor unit 300A). In this example, the command data includes the address of the indoor unit 300A as the destination address, so the relay unit 343 determines that the command data is addressed to itself. In this case, the relay unit 343 sends the command data to the communication unit 330 (step S330). The communication unit 330 converts the protocol of the command data (step S331) and sends it to the control unit 320 (step S332). The control unit 320 executes processing (e.g., processing to control the indoor unit main unit) based on the content indicated in the command data sent from the communication unit 330 (step S333).

[0089] If the command data sent from the indoor unit 200A is not addressed to itself, the relay unit 343 transmits the command data to another indoor unit via the communication line 352 (step S334).

[0090] Next, with reference to Figures 17, 20, and 21, the processing of each device (outdoor unit 100A, indoor unit 200A, and indoor unit 300A) when command data is transmitted from the indoor unit 300A to the outdoor unit 100A will be described. Note that in Figures 20 and 21, "command" refers to "command data." In Figure 20, the control unit 320 of the indoor unit 300A generates command data addressed to the outdoor unit 100A (step S335). The command data generated by the control unit 320 and addressed to the outdoor unit 100A includes the address of the outdoor unit 100A as the destination address. The control unit 320 sends the generated command data to the communication unit 330 (step S336).

[0091] The communication unit 330 converts the protocol of the command data sent from the control unit 320 (step S337). The communication unit 330 sends the protocol-converted command data to the intermediary unit 343 of the relay unit 340 (step S338).

[0092] The intermediary unit 343 transmits the command data sent from the communication unit 330 to the indoor unit 200A via the communication line 252 (step S339).

[0093] 21 , the relay unit 243 in the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200A determines whether the command data sent from the indoor unit 300A via the communication line 252 is addressed to itself (i.e., the indoor unit 200A). In this example, the command data includes the address of the outdoor unit 100A as the destination address, so the relay unit 243 determines that the command data is not addressed to itself. In this case, the relay unit 243 transmits the command data to the outdoor unit 100A via the communication line 152 (step S235).

[0094] Although not shown, when the intermediary unit 243 determines that the command data sent from the indoor unit 300A is addressed to itself, it sends the command data to the communication unit 230. The communication unit 230 converts the protocol of the command data sent from the intermediary unit 243 and sends it to the control unit 220. The control unit 220 executes processing based on the content indicated in the command data sent from the communication unit 230 (for example, processing to control the indoor unit main unit).

[0095] 17, the protocol conversion unit 141 in the communication unit 140 of the outdoor unit 100A converts the protocol of the command data sent from the indoor unit 200A via the communication line 152 (step S134). The protocol conversion unit 141 sends the protocol-converted command data to the control unit 120 (step S135).

[0096] The control unit 120 executes a process (for example, a process for controlling the outdoor main unit) based on the content indicated by the command data sent from the protocol conversion unit 141 (step S136).

[0097] As described above, in the air conditioning apparatus 1A of this embodiment, power is supplied from the communication line power supply unit 130 of the outdoor unit 100A to the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200A via the power line 151, and power is supplied from the relay unit 240 to the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300A via the power line 251. In other words, the power required for operation of the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200A can be secured without relying on the external power source 20, and the power required for operation of the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300A can be secured without relying on the external power source 30. This makes it possible to ensure that communication is not interrupted even if a power supply problem occurs in the indoor unit 200A, the indoor unit 300A, etc. Furthermore, because there is no need to provide a detour communication path, the effort required for wiring work can be reduced, and costs can also be reduced.

[0098] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, components and the like common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 1B according to embodiment 3. Air conditioning apparatus 1B is an example of an air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure. Air conditioning apparatus 1B includes an outdoor unit 100, an indoor unit 200B, and an indoor unit 300B. Outdoor unit 100 and indoor unit 200B are connected via communication line 150, and indoor unit 200B and indoor unit 300B are connected via communication line 250. In addition, indoor unit 300B is connected to another indoor unit (not shown) via communication line 350. There is no limit to the number of indoor units included in air conditioning apparatus 1B, as long as there are two or more. Indoor unit 200B is an example of a first indoor unit according to the present disclosure, and indoor unit 300B is an example of a second indoor unit according to the present disclosure.

[0100] 23 , switching units 245a and 245b are added to relay unit 240 of indoor unit 200B, and switching units 345a and 345b are added to relay unit 340 of indoor unit 300B. As a result, if the power supply from outdoor unit 100 is interrupted or the supply voltage drops, it becomes possible for indoor unit 200B to switch the power supply source to external power source 20 (i.e., power supply unit 210), and for indoor unit 300B to switch to external power source 30 (i.e., power supply unit 310). Switching units 245a and 245b are examples of a first switching unit according to the present disclosure.

[0101] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of switching units 245a, 245b, 345a, and 345b. In FIG. 24, a DC voltage is applied to terminal C, but unwanted high-frequency signals or noise may be superimposed on this DC voltage. Coil L1 is provided to remove this unwanted high-frequency signal or noise. Resistors R1 and R2 divide voltage V1 at node 1 and output the divided voltage to node 2. REF1 is a reference voltage generator that generates a reference voltage Vref. When Vref<V1, REF1 outputs a constant voltage value Vref. Conversely, when Vref>V1, REF1 no longer functions as a reference voltage generator, and Vref may become close to V1 or may become approximately equal to GND.

[0102] Q1 and Q2 are digital transistors. SW1 is a normally-off relay that opens its contacts when no control current I1 flows. SW2 is a normally-on relay that closes its contacts when no control current I2 flows. D1 is a diode that prevents the generation of back electromotive force in SW1. D2 is a diode that prevents the generation of back electromotive force in SW2.

[0103] 25, when the voltage V1 of node1 becomes smaller than the value calculated by Vref×(R1+R2) / R1, a low-level voltage (almost GND) is output from comparator COMP1. In this case, no base current flows through digital transistors Q1 and Q2, so they are turned off. As a result, the control current I1 of relay SW1 and the control current I2 of relay SW2 are cut off, so the contacts of relay SW1 are opened and the contacts of relay SW2 are closed. This brings the PO terminal and PB terminal into conduction.

[0104] When the voltage V1 of node1 becomes larger than the value calculated by Vref×(R1+R2) / R1, the comparator COMP1 outputs a high-level voltage (approximately equal to V1). In this case, base currents flow through the digital transistors Q1 and Q2, turning them on. As a result, the control current I1 of relay SW1 and the control current I2 of relay SW2 flow, closing the contacts of relay SW1 and opening the contacts of relay SW2. This establishes continuity between the PO terminal and the PA terminal.

[0105] The power supply switching operation in the indoor unit 200B when the power supplied from the communication line power supply unit 130 of the outdoor unit 100 is interrupted will be described in detail below.

[0106] In this case, the voltage of the communication line 150 becomes approximately equal to the GND potential, so for the switching units 245a and 245b in the relay unit 240 of the indoor unit 200B, a value close to the GND potential is input to the C terminal, and the PO terminal and the PB terminal become conductive. As a result, power from the power supply unit 210 of the indoor unit 200B is supplied to the relay unit 243 and also to the communication line 250. In the indoor unit 300B, the voltage of the communication line 250 becomes a value exceeding Vs, so the PO terminal and the PA terminal become conductive in the switching units 345a and 345b. As a result, power is supplied to the relay unit 343 by the communication line power supply unit 341, and power is also supplied to other indoor units (not shown) via the communication line 350.

[0107] As explained above, with the air conditioning apparatus 1B of this embodiment, even if the supply of power from the outdoor unit 100 is interrupted, power can be supplied to the relay unit 240, the relay unit 340 of the indoor unit 300B, and the relay units of one or more other indoor units connected thereafter, using power generated by the power supply unit 210 of the indoor unit 200B. This makes it possible to avoid a disruption in communication between the indoor units due to a disruption in the supply of power from the outdoor unit 100.

[0108] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the configurations of indoor unit 200B and indoor unit 300B according to the present embodiment. Indoor unit 200B according to the present embodiment further includes a switching unit 245c in addition to the configuration of indoor unit 200B according to the third embodiment. Furthermore, indoor unit 300B according to the present embodiment further includes a switching unit 345c in addition to the configuration of indoor unit 300B according to the third embodiment. Furthermore, the PO terminal of switching unit 245c is electrically connected to solenoid valve 246, and the PO terminal of switching unit 345c is electrically connected to solenoid valve 346. Note that one or more other actuators may be connected to switching unit 245c instead of solenoid valve 246 or together with solenoid valve 246. Similarly, one or more other actuators may be connected to switching unit 345c instead of solenoid valve 346 or together with solenoid valve 346.

[0109] In the indoor unit 200B of the present embodiment, under normal circumstances, power is supplied to the solenoid valve 246 from the power supply unit 210. On the other hand, if the power supply from the power supply unit 210 is interrupted due to an abnormality in the external power supply 20 or the power supply unit 210, power is supplied to the solenoid valve 246 from the communication line power supply unit 241 (i.e., the communication line 150). Specifically, when the power supply from the power supply unit 210 is interrupted, the voltage at the C terminal of the switching unit 245c drops, so that the PO terminal and the PB terminal are connected and the source of power supply to the solenoid valve 246 switches to the communication line 150. The switching unit 245c is an example of a second switching unit according to the present disclosure. Similarly, in the indoor unit 300B of this embodiment, if the power supply from the power supply unit 310 is interrupted due to an abnormality in the external power supply 30 or the power supply unit 310, the voltage at the C terminal of the switching unit 345c drops, causing the PO terminal and the PB terminal to become conductive, and the source of power supply to the solenoid valve 346 switches from the power supply unit 310 to the communication line 250.

[0110] As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the supply of power from the power supply unit 210 is interrupted, power can be supplied from the communication line 150 to actuators such as the solenoid valve 246 provided in the indoor unit 200B. Similarly, even if the supply of power from the power supply unit 310 is interrupted, power can be supplied from the communication line 250 to actuators such as the solenoid valve 346 provided in the indoor unit 300B. Therefore, for example, it becomes possible to close the solenoid valves 246, 346 that are in an open state, preventing unnecessary circulation of the refrigerant.

[0111] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 27 is a diagram showing the configurations of indoor unit 200B and indoor unit 300B in the present embodiment. Indoor unit 200B in the present embodiment differs from indoor unit 200B in the fourth embodiment in that it is provided with switching unit 247 instead of switching unit 245c. Furthermore, indoor unit 300B in the present embodiment differs from indoor unit 300B in the fourth embodiment in that it is provided with switching unit 347 instead of switching unit 345c.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 27, switching unit 247 and switching unit 347 are provided with PF terminals, which are connected to relay unit 243 and relay unit 343, respectively. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing the configuration of switching units 247 and 347. As shown in Fig. 28, the PF terminals are connected to the output (node ​​3) of comparator COMMP1.

[0113] In indoor unit 200B of this embodiment, when an external power supply drop signal is output from the PF terminal of switching unit 247, intermediary unit 243 of relay unit 240 determines that an abnormality has occurred in power supply unit 210 or external power supply 20, and issues a report to that effect to other devices (outdoor unit 100, indoor unit 300B, etc.). Similarly, in indoor unit 300B of this embodiment, when an external power supply drop signal is output from the PF terminal of switching unit 347, intermediary unit 343 of relay unit 340 determines that an abnormality has occurred in power supply unit 310 or external power supply 30, and issues a report to that effect to other devices (outdoor unit 100, indoor unit 200B, etc.).

[0114] By configuring as described above, it is possible to prevent command data or notification data from being sent to an indoor unit in which a power supply abnormality is occurring, thereby reducing unnecessary communication traffic.

[0115] Sixth Embodiment The air conditioning apparatus 1 of the first embodiment may be configured to include an additional power supply device that supplies power to the communication lines between the indoor units. For example, as shown in Fig. 29 , a power supply device 400A may be connected between indoor unit 200 and indoor unit 300.

[0116] Similarly, a power supply device may be added to the air conditioning apparatus 1A in Embodiment 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 30 , a power supply device 400B may be connected between the indoor unit 200A and the indoor unit 300A.

[0117] 29 , the power supply device 400A includes a power supply unit 410, an intermediary unit 420, a first superposition / separation unit 430, and a second superposition / separation unit 440. The power supply unit 410 generates a power supply voltage based on power supplied from an external power source 40, which is a power source on a system separate from the external power source 10 used by the outdoor unit 100, and supplies the power supply voltage to the intermediary unit 420 and the communication line 250b. The external power source 40 is, for example, a commercial power source supplied by an electric power company. Note that the external power source 40 may also be, for example, a private power generator or a power source based on renewable energy. The first superposition / separation unit 430 separates a signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 250a, extracts command data or notification data sent from the indoor unit 200 via the communication line 250a, and sends the extracted command data or notification data to the intermediary unit 420. Furthermore, the first superimposition / separation unit 430 superimposes the command data or notification data sent from the intermediary unit 420 onto the communication line 250 a and transmits it to the indoor unit 200 .

[0118] Intermediary unit 420 receives a supply of power necessary for operation from power supply unit 410. Intermediary unit 420 sends the command data or notification data sent from first superposition separation unit 430 to second superposition separation unit 440. Intermediary unit 420 also sends the command data or notification data sent from second superposition separation unit 440 to first superposition separation unit 430.

[0119] The second superposition / separation unit 440 superimposes the command data or notification data sent from the relay unit 420 onto the communication line 250b and transmits it to the indoor unit 300. The second superposition / separation unit 440 also separates the signal voltage from the voltage applied to the communication line 250b, thereby extracting the command data or notification data sent from the indoor unit 300 via the communication line 250b and sending it to the relay unit 420. In this embodiment, the relay unit 420 is only intended to relay the command data or notification data, but it may also be configured to perform operations such as traffic management when each device transmits simultaneously.

[0120] 30 , the power supply device 400B includes a power supply unit 410 and an intermediary unit 420. The power supply unit 410 generates a power supply voltage based on power supplied from the external power source 40 and supplies it to the intermediary unit 420 and power line 251b. In other words, the power supply device 400B does not use power supplied from the indoor unit 200A via the power line 251a. The intermediary unit 420 receives the power necessary for operation from the power supply unit 410. The intermediary unit 420 receives command data or notification data sent from the indoor unit 200A via the communication line 252a and transmits the received command data or notification data to the indoor unit 300A via the communication line 252b. The intermediary unit 420 also receives command data or notification data sent from the indoor unit 300A via the communication line 252b and transmits the received command data or notification data to the indoor unit 200A via the communication line 252a.

[0121] In this embodiment, the intermediary units 420 of the power supply devices 400A and 400B are assumed to only relay command data or notification data, but may also perform operations such as traffic management when each device transmits simultaneously.

[0122] As described above, by providing the power supply devices 400A and 400B, it is possible to reduce the power supply capacity of the communication line power supply unit 130 in the outdoor unit 100 or the outdoor unit 100A, while allowing a larger number of indoor units to be connected.

[0123] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, components and the like common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 1C according to Embodiment 7. Air conditioning apparatus 1C is an example of an air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure. Air conditioning apparatus 1C includes an outdoor unit 100, an indoor unit 200, an indoor unit 300, and a remote control 500. The outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 are connected via a communication line 150, the indoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 300 are connected via a communication line 250, and the indoor unit 300 and the remote control 500 are connected via a communication line 350. In this way, the configuration of air conditioning apparatus 1C differs from the configuration of air conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the remote control 500 is connected to the end. Note that there is no limit to the number of indoor units included in air conditioning apparatus 1C, as long as there are two or more.

[0125] The remote control 500 is a remote controller for receiving air conditioning-related operations from the user. As shown in FIG. 32 , the remote control 500 includes a communication line power supply unit 510, a user I / F unit 520, a control unit 530, and a communication unit 540. The communication line power supply unit 510 receives power sent from a connected indoor unit (indoor unit 300 in this example) via a communication line (communication line 350 in this example) and supplies power to the user I / F unit 520, the control unit 530, and the communication unit 540. An identification resistor R is provided at the power receiving end of the communication line power supply unit 510. The input voltage Vri of the communication line power supply unit 510 is lower than the input voltage Vii of the communication line power supply units of each indoor unit (communication line power supplies 241, 341 in this example).

[0126] The user I / F unit 520 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and one or more input devices such as push buttons, a touch panel, or a touch pad. Under the control of the control unit 530, the user I / F unit 520 displays various screens and receives operational inputs from the user. Similar to the control unit 120 of the outdoor unit 100 (see FIG. 3 ), the control unit 530 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an I / O interface, and an auxiliary storage device. The control unit 530 performs user I / F processing, generates command data for other devices (in this example, the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, or the indoor unit 300), and performs processing based on notification data received from other devices. The communication unit 540 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices.

[0127] As described above, the input voltages are different between the communication line power supply units 241, 341 of the indoor units 200, 300 and the communication line power supply unit 510 of the remote control 500. For this reason, in this embodiment, the communication line power supply units 241, 341 of the indoor units 200, 300 need to determine whether the downstream device connected to them is the remote control 500 or not, and execute a process to determine the DC voltage to be applied to the communication line between them (hereinafter referred to as the "applied voltage determination process").

[0128] 33 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the applied voltage determination process. In the following description, the communication line power supply units 241 and 341 will be referred to as the "communication line power supply units" without the reference numerals, and the communication lines 250 and 350 will be referred to as the "communication lines" without the reference numerals.

[0129] (Step S400) The communication line power supply unit applies voltages V0 and V0' to the rear communication line, which are smaller than input voltage Vri of communication line power supply unit 510 in remote controller 500, and measures the respective current values. After that, the process of the communication line power supply unit proceeds to step S401.

[0130] (Step S401) The communication line power supply unit calculates the gradient of the measured current value. After that, the processing of the communication line power supply unit proceeds to step S402.

[0131] (Step S402) The communication line power supply unit determines whether or not an identification resistor R is implemented in the rear device, in other words, whether or not the rear device is the remote control 500, based on the slope of the calculated current value. If it is determined that an identification resistor R is not implemented in the rear device (step S402; NO), the processing of the communication line power supply unit proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if it is determined that an identification resistor R is implemented in the rear device (step S402; YES), the processing of the communication line power supply unit proceeds to step S404.

[0132] (Step S403) The communication line power supply unit applies the voltage Vii corresponding to the indoor unit to the rear communication line, and ends the applied voltage determination process.

[0133] (Step S404) The communication line power supply unit applies the voltage Vri corresponding to the remote controller 500 to the rear communication line, and ends the applied voltage determination process.

[0134] As explained above, in the air conditioning apparatus 1C of this embodiment, each indoor unit applies a voltage corresponding to the equipment connected to the rear to the communication line between the equipment. Therefore, even if equipment other than the indoor unit, such as a remote control 500 or a sensor, is connected to the rear, the indoor unit can supply power appropriately to the equipment.

[0135] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0136] For example, in each of the above embodiments, if the outdoor unit detects an indoor unit that has not transmitted command data or notification data for a certain period of time, it may broadcast a notification to each indoor unit that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the indoor unit. Similarly, in each of the above embodiments, if the indoor unit detects a device (outdoor unit, indoor unit) that has not transmitted command data or notification data for a certain period of time, it may broadcast a notification to each device that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the device. This configuration makes it possible to prevent command data or notification data from being sent to a device that is experiencing an abnormality, thereby reducing unnecessary communication traffic.

[0137] Furthermore, the technical ideas according to the above-described embodiments may be realized independently or in appropriate combination.

[0138] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0139] The present disclosure can be suitably employed in an air conditioner equipped with multiple indoor units.

[0140] 1, 1A to 1C Air conditioning apparatus, 10, 20, 30, 40 External power supply, 100, 100A Outdoor unit, 200, 200A, 200B, 300, 300A, 300B Indoor unit, 110, 210, 310 Power supply unit, 120, 220, 320, 530 Control unit, 121 CPU, 122 ROM, 123 RAM, 124 I / O interface, 125 Auxiliary storage device, 130 Communication line power supply unit, 140, 230, 330, 540 Communication unit, 141 Protocol conversion unit, 142 Superposition separation unit, 150, 152, 250, 250a, 250b, 252, 252a, 252b, 350, 352 Communication line, 151, 251, 251a, 251b, 351 Power line, 240, 340 Relay unit, 241, 341, 510 Communication line power supply unit, 242, 342, 430 First superposition separation unit, 243, 343, 420 Intermediary unit, 244, 344, 440 Second superposition separation unit, 245a to 245c, 247, 345a to 345c, 347 Switching unit, 246, 346 Solenoid valve, 400A, 400B Power supply device, 410 Power supply unit, 500 Remote control, 520 User I / F unit

Claims

1. An air conditioning apparatus comprising an outdoor unit, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit, the outdoor unit and the first indoor unit being connected via a first communication line, and the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit being connected via a second communication line, The outdoor unit is a communication line power supply unit that supplies power to the first indoor unit via the first communication line; a communication unit that communicates with the first indoor unit via the first communication line, the first indoor unit operates using power supplied via the first communication line, supplies power based on the supplied power to the second indoor unit via the second communication line, and communicates with the outdoor unit via the first communication line and with the second indoor unit via the second communication line; and a first power supply unit that supplies power necessary for operating an actuator included in the first indoor unit; the second indoor unit is operated by power supplied via the second communication line, and a second relay unit that communicates with the first indoor unit via the second communication line; a second power supply unit that supplies power necessary for operating an actuator provided in the second indoor unit.

2. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first indoor unit further includes a first switching unit that switches a source of power supply to the first relay unit to the first power supply unit when power required for operation of the first relay unit is not supplied from the first communication line.

3. 3. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second switching unit that switches a source of power supply to the actuator to the first communication line when the power required to operate the actuator provided in the first indoor unit is not supplied from the first power supply unit.

4. The air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the first indoor unit notifies the outdoor unit and the second indoor unit of a power supply abnormality when the power required to operate the actuator is not supplied from the first power supply unit.

5. An air conditioning apparatus comprising an outdoor unit, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit, the outdoor unit and the first indoor unit being connected via a first power supply line and a first communication line, and the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit being connected via a second power supply line and a second communication line, The outdoor unit is a communication line power supply unit that supplies power to the first indoor unit via the first power supply line; a communication unit that communicates with the first indoor unit via the first communication line, the first indoor unit is operated by power supplied via the first power supply line, supplies power based on the supplied power to the second indoor unit via the second power supply line, and includes a first relay unit that communicates with the outdoor unit via the first communication line and communicates with the second indoor unit via the second communication line; an air conditioning apparatus, wherein the second indoor unit is operated by power supplied via the second power supply line and includes a second relay unit that communicates with the first indoor unit via the second communication line.

6. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a first switching unit that switches a source of power supply to the first relay unit to a power supply unit provided in the first indoor unit when the power required for operation of the first relay unit is not supplied from the first power line.

7. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein the first indoor unit further comprises a second switching unit that switches the source of power supply to the actuator to the first power line when the power required to operate the actuator provided in the first indoor unit is not supplied from the power supply unit provided in the first indoor unit.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7 , wherein the first indoor unit notifies the outdoor unit and the second indoor unit of a power supply abnormality when the power required to operate the actuator is not supplied from the power supply unit.