Indoor unit control system, control method for indoor unit control system, and control program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an indoor unit control system capable of easily associating each of a plurality of indoor units with one remote controller among a plurality of remote controllers.　An indoor unit control system according to the present disclosure comprises: a first number of remote controllers, the first number being two or more; a second number of indoor units, the second number being greater than the first number; and a control device that controls operations of the second number of indoor units. The control device displays, on the basis of a user operation, an association screen for associating each of the second number of indoor units with one remote controller among the first number of remote controllers.

Description

Indoor Unit Control System, Control Method of Indoor Unit Control System, and Control Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit control system, a control method of the indoor unit control system, and a control program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for grouping an indoor unit and an indoor unit having a different refrigerant system from the indoor unit into the same group.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 095125

[0004] The present disclosure provides an indoor unit control system, a control method of the indoor unit control system, and a control program that can easily associate each of a plurality of indoor units with one of a plurality of remote controls.

[0005] The indoor unit control system in the present disclosure includes two or more first-number remote controls, a second-number indoor units that is more than the first number, and a control device that controls the operation of the second-number indoor units. The control device displays an association screen for associating each of the second-number indoor units with one of the first-number remote controls based on a user's operation.

[0006] Further, the control method of the indoor unit control system in the present disclosure is a control method of an indoor unit control system including two or more first-number remote controls, a second-number indoor units that is more than the first number, and a control device that controls the operation of the second-number indoor units. The control device executes an association step of displaying an association screen for associating each of the second-number indoor units with one of the first-number remote controls based on a user's operation.

[0007] Further, the control program in the present disclosure is a control program of an indoor unit control system including two or more first-number remote controls, a second-number indoor units that is more than the first number, and a control device that controls the operation of the second-number indoor units. The processor of the control device executes an association step of displaying an association screen for associating each of the second-number indoor units with one of the first-number remote controls based on a user's operation.

[0008] The indoor unit control system, the control method for the indoor unit control system, and the control program in this disclosure allow each of the multiple indoor units to be easily associated with one of the multiple remote controls.

[0009] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the refrigerant system of the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. Figure 2 shows the configuration of the communication system of the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the outdoor unit and indoor unit in the first embodiment. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the centralized control device in the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the group setting screen in the first embodiment. Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the group setting screen in the first embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the group setting screen in the first embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the group setting screen in the first embodiment. Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of the group setting screen in the first embodiment. Figure 10 shows an example of a table showing group setting information in the first embodiment. Figure 11 shows another configuration of the group setting screen in the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the group setting process of the centralized control device in the first embodiment. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the instruction process to the indoor unit of the centralized control device in the first embodiment. Flowchart 14 shows the instruction information transmission and reception processing of the centralized control device in the state; Flowchart 15 shows the processing of the indoor unit in the first embodiment; Figure 16 shows the configuration of the outdoor unit and indoor unit in the second embodiment; Figure 17 shows the configuration of the centralized control device in the second embodiment; Flowchart 18 shows the instruction processing of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit in the second embodiment; Flowchart 19 shows the instruction information transmission and reception processing between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit in the second embodiment; Flowchart 20 shows the processing of the indoor unit in the second embodiment; Figure 21 shows the configuration of the outdoor unit and indoor unit in the third embodiment; Figure 22 shows the configuration of the centralized control device in the third embodiment; Flowchart 23 shows the instruction processing of a representative indoor unit to the indoor unit in the third embodiment; Flowchart 24 shows the instruction information transmission and reception processing between a representative indoor unit and the indoor unit in the third embodiment; Flowchart 24 shows the processing of the indoor unit in the third embodiment.

[0010] (Knowledge and other information forming the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology, as described in Patent Document 1, for grouping indoor units and indoor units with different refrigerant systems into the same group. However, the inventors discovered that Patent Document 1 did not disclose a method for setting up groups of indoor units, and in order to solve this problem, they came to constitute the subject matter of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure provides an indoor unit control system, a control method for the indoor unit control system, and a control program that can easily associate each of a plurality of indoor units with one of a plurality of remote controls.

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some descriptions may be omitted to avoid unnecessary detail. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] Furthermore, this embodiment, which is an embodiment relating to the present disclosure, includes the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment.

[0013] (First Embodiment) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the Air Conditioning System] First, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the refrigerant system of the air conditioning system 10 in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant system of the air conditioning system 10 in the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 10 is a system that harmonizes the air in a space to be air-conditioned. The air conditioning system 10 is applied to facilities such as buildings and schools. In the first embodiment, the case in which the air conditioning system 10 is arranged on one floor will be described. The air conditioning system 10 corresponds to an example of an "indoor unit control system".

[0014] The air conditioning system 10 comprises an indoor unit 1, an outdoor unit 2, and a remote control 3. The remote control 3 transmits various instruction information CM to the indoor unit 1. In the first embodiment, the remote control 3 is composed of two or more remote controls of a first number N1. As shown in Figure 1, the first number N1 is, for example, five. The remote control 3 is composed of remote control 3A, remote control 3B, remote control 3C, remote control 3D, and remote control 3E.

[0015] The indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction information CM from the remote control 3. In the first embodiment, the indoor unit 1 is composed of a second number N2 which is greater than the first number N1. As shown in Figure 1, the second number N2 is, for example, 14. The indoor unit 1 is composed of indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P.

[0016] The outdoor unit 2 forms a refrigeration cycle with the indoor unit 1. As shown in Figure 2, in the first embodiment, the outdoor unit 2 is composed of outdoor unit 2A and outdoor unit 2B.

[0017] The outdoor unit 2A forms a refrigeration cycle with indoor units 1A and 1B via refrigerant piping P1. Furthermore, the outdoor unit 2A forms a refrigeration cycle with indoor units 1C and 1D via refrigerant piping P1. Additionally, the outdoor unit 2A forms a refrigeration cycle with indoor units 1G, 1H, and 1J via refrigerant piping P3 and P4. Finally, the outdoor unit 2A forms a refrigeration cycle with indoor units 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P via refrigerant piping P3.

[0018] The outdoor unit 2B forms a refrigeration cycle with the indoor units 1E and 1F via refrigerant piping P5. In the following explanation, refrigerant piping P1-P5 may be referred to as refrigerant piping P.

[0019] Indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P are all so-called "multi-split air conditioners for buildings" that can be operated individually. Indoor units 1E and 1F are so-called "package air conditioners" that cannot be operated individually. In other words, indoor units 1E and 1F are set to the same conditions.

[0020] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configuration of the communication system of the air conditioning system 10 in the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 10 includes a centralized control device 4. The centralized control device 4 controls the operation of the indoor unit 1. The centralized control device 4 corresponds to an example of a "control device".

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 10 has a high-frequency communication system shown by a thick solid line and a dedicated communication system shown by a thin solid line. The high-frequency communication system connects the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 1 in a high-frequency communication manner. The high-frequency communication system also connects the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized control device 4 in a high-frequency communication manner. The high-frequency communication system performs communication in accordance with a predetermined communication method related to the transmission and reception of high-frequency signals (for example, 100 kHz or higher) (hereinafter simply referred to as "high-frequency signals"). In the first embodiment, for example, the Nessum® signal corresponds to the high-frequency signal.

[0022] The high-frequency communication system includes communication lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, and L6. Communication line L1 connects the outdoor unit 2A to the indoor units 1A and 1B in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line L2 connects the outdoor unit 2A to the indoor units 1C and 1D in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line L3 connects the outdoor unit 2A to the indoor units 1E and 1F in a high-frequency communication manner. Furthermore, when comparing the high-frequency communication system with a dedicated communication system, the communication speed of the high-frequency communication system is faster than that of the dedicated communication system.

[0023] Communication line L4 connects outdoor unit 2A to indoor units 1G, 1H, and 1J in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line L5 connects outdoor unit 2A to indoor units 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line L6 connects outdoor unit 2A to outdoor unit 2B in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line L7 connects outdoor unit 2A to the centralized control device 4 in a high-frequency communication manner.

[0024] The dedicated communication system includes communication lines LR1, LC1, LR2, LC2, LP, LR3, LC3, LR4, LC41, LC42, LR5, LC51, LC52, LC53, and LC54. The dedicated communication system connects, for example, the remote control 3 and the indoor unit 1 in a communicative manner. The remote control 3 transmits instruction information CM to the indoor unit 1 via the dedicated communication system.

[0025] Communication lines LR1, LR2, LR3, LR4, and LR5 connect the remote control 3 and the indoor unit 1 in a way that enables communication. Communication lines LC1, LC2, LC3, LC41, LC42, LC51, LC52, LC53, and LC54 connect the two indoor units 1 in a way that enables communication. Communication line LP connects the outdoor unit 2B and the indoor unit 1F in a way that enables communication.

[0026] The instruction signal SGA from remote control 3A is transmitted to indoor unit 1A via communication line LR1. The instruction signal SGA transmitted to indoor unit 1A is then transmitted to indoor unit 1B via communication line LC1. The instruction signal SGA corresponds to the instruction information CMA from remote control 3A. The instruction information CMA corresponds to an example of instruction information CM. Note that communication lines LR1 and LC1 are physically connected signal lines. The instruction signal SGB from remote control 3B is transmitted to indoor unit 1C via communication line LR2. The instruction signal SGB transmitted to indoor unit 1C is then transmitted to indoor unit 1D via communication line LC2. The instruction signal SGB corresponds to the instruction information CMB from remote control 3B. The instruction information CMB corresponds to an example of instruction information CM. Note that communication lines LR2 and LC2 are physically connected signal lines. The instruction signal SGC from remote control 3C is transmitted to indoor unit 1F via communication line LR3. The instruction signal SGC transmitted to indoor unit 1F is then transmitted to indoor unit 1E via communication line LC3. The instruction signal SGC corresponds to the instruction information CMC from remote control 3C. The instruction information CMC corresponds to an example of instruction information CM. Note that communication lines LR3 and LC3 are physically connected signal lines.

[0027] The instruction signal SGD from remote control 3D is transmitted to indoor unit 1G via communication line LR4. The instruction signal SGD transmitted to indoor unit 1G is transmitted to indoor unit 1H via communication line LC41. The instruction signal SGD transmitted to indoor unit 1H is transmitted to indoor unit 1J via communication line LC42. The instruction signal SGD corresponds to the instruction information CMD from remote control 3D. The instruction information CMD corresponds to an example of instruction information CM. Note that communication lines LR4 and LC41 are physically connected signal lines, and communication lines LC41 and LC42 are physically connected signal lines. The instruction signal SGE from remote control 3E is transmitted to indoor unit 1K via communication line LR5. The instruction signal SGE transmitted to indoor unit 1K is transmitted to indoor unit 1L via communication line LC51. The instruction signal SGE transmitted to indoor unit 1L is transmitted to indoor unit 1M via communication line LC52. The instruction signal SGE transmitted to indoor unit 1M is transmitted to indoor unit 1N via communication line LC53. The instruction signal SGE transmitted to indoor unit 1N is transmitted to indoor unit 1P via communication line LC54. The instruction signal SGE corresponds to the instruction information CME from remote control 3E. The instruction information CME corresponds to an example of instruction information CM. Note that communication lines LR5 and LC51 are physically connected signal lines, communication lines LC51 and LC42 are physically connected signal lines, and communication lines LC52 and LC43 are physically connected signal lines.

[0028] In the initial state, that is, before the "group setting process" is executed, the indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction signals from the remote control 3, as described above. The "group setting process" is a process executed by the centralized management device 4, which associates each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3, based on user operation.

[0029] For example, indoor units 1A and 1B operate based on instruction signal SGA from remote control 3A. Indoor units 1A and 1B correspond to an example of indoor unit 1 that is pre-connected to communicate with remote control 3A. Indoor units 1C and 1D operate based on instruction signal SGB from remote control 3B. Indoor units 1C and 1D correspond to an example of indoor unit 1 that is pre-connected to communicate with remote control 3B. Indoor units 1E and 1F operate based on instruction signal SGC from remote control 3C. Indoor units 1E and 1F correspond to an example of indoor unit 1 that is pre-connected to communicate with remote control 3C.

[0030] Indoor units 1G, 1H, and 1J operate based on the instruction signal SGD from remote control 3D. Indoor units 1G, 1H, and 1J correspond to examples of indoor units 1 that are pre-connected to communicate with remote control 3D. Indoor units 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P operate based on the instruction signal SGE from remote control 3E. Indoor units 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P correspond to examples of indoor units 1 that are pre-connected to communicate with remote control 3E.

[0031] Furthermore, from among multiple indoor units 1 that are pre-connected to a single remote control 3 for communication, one indoor unit 1 is pre-set as the "representative indoor unit". In the first embodiment, from among the multiple indoor units 1, the indoor unit 1 located furthest downstream in the transmission of the instruction signal SG from the remote control 3 is pre-set as the "representative indoor unit".

[0032] For example, among indoor units 1A and 1B, which are pre-connected to remote control 3A for communication, indoor unit 1B is pre-set as the "representative indoor unit". Also, for example, among indoor units 1C and 1D, which are pre-connected to remote control 3B for communication, indoor unit 1D is pre-set as the "representative indoor unit". Also, for example, among indoor units 1E and 1F, which are pre-connected to remote control 3C for communication, indoor unit 1E is pre-set as the "representative indoor unit".

[0033] Furthermore, for example, among indoor units 1G, 1H, and 1J that are pre-connected to the remote control 3D for communication, indoor unit 1J is pre-set as the "representative indoor unit". Also, for example, among indoor units 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P that are pre-connected to the remote control 3E for communication, indoor unit 1P is pre-set as the "representative indoor unit". The "representative indoor unit" performs processes that are not performed by indoor units 1 that are not the representative indoor unit. The "representative indoor unit" will be further explained with reference to Figures 3, 15, and 20.

[0034] In the first embodiment, indoor units 1 that are not the "representative indoor unit," namely indoor units 1A, 1C, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1K, 1L, 1M, and 1N, have substantially the same configuration. Also, indoor units 1 that are the "representative indoor unit," namely indoor units 1B, 1D, 1E, 1J, and 1P, have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, indoor units 1 that are not the "representative indoor unit" may be referred to as general indoor unit 1Q, and indoor units 1 that are the "representative indoor unit" may be referred to as representative indoor unit 1R. Furthermore, in the following description, when general indoor unit 1Q and representative indoor unit 1R are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as indoor unit 1.

[0035] [1-1-2. Configuration of the Outdoor Unit and Indoor Unit] Next, the configuration of the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment.

[0036] First, the configuration of the outdoor unit 2A will be described with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the outdoor unit 2A is equipped with a high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 230. The high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 230 is equipped with a transmitter and receiver that conform to a predetermined communication method for transmitting and receiving high-frequency signals (for example, 100 kHz or higher) (hereinafter simply referred to as "high-frequency signals"). The high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 230 transmits and receives high-frequency signals according to instructions from the outdoor control unit 200, which will be described later. In the first embodiment, for example, the Nessum® signal corresponds to the high-frequency signal.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the indoor unit 1 is equipped with a high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 130. The high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 130 is equipped with a transmitter and a receiver that conform to a predetermined communication method for transmitting and receiving high-frequency signals. The high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 130 transmits and receives high-frequency signals according to instructions from the indoor control unit 100, which will be described later.

[0038] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the configuration of the control systems for the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 1 will be described. First, with reference to Figure 3, the configuration of the control system for the outdoor unit 2A will be described.

[0039] The outdoor unit 2A includes an outdoor control unit 200. The outdoor control unit 200 includes an outdoor processor 210 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an outdoor memory 220, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. A high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 230 is connected to the outdoor control unit 200. Various devices equipped in the outdoor unit 2A, such as a compressor, an outdoor blower fan, and various sensors, are connected to the outdoor control unit 200.

[0040] The outdoor memory 220 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The outdoor memory 220 stores the control program 221, the outdoor address 222, and data to be processed by the outdoor processor 210. The outdoor memory 220 has a non-volatile storage area. The outdoor memory 220 also has a volatile storage area that constitutes the work area of ​​the outdoor processor 210. The outdoor memory 220 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0041] The control program 221 is a program that causes the outdoor processor 210 to function as a functional unit described later. The outdoor address 222 is an address for identifying the outdoor unit 2A. In the first embodiment, an IP (Internet Protocol) address is given as an example for the outdoor address 222, but the outdoor address 222 is not limited to an IP address and may be another network address or an address other than a network address that identifies the outdoor unit 2A.

[0042] The outdoor processor 210 functions as an outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 by reading and executing a control program 221 stored in the outdoor memory 220.

[0043] The outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 transmits information to the indoor unit 1 and the centralized management device 4 through the high-frequency transceiver circuit 230. Also, the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 receives information from the indoor unit 1 and the centralized management device 4 by receiving high-frequency signals from the indoor unit 1 and the centralized management device 4 through the high-frequency transceiver circuit 230. In the first embodiment, the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 transmits and receives various information according to instructions from the centralized management device 4.

[0044] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit 1 will be described. The indoor unit 1 includes an indoor control unit 100. The indoor control unit 100 includes an indoor processor 110 such as a CPU or MPU, an indoor memory 120, and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices and sensors. A high-frequency transceiver circuit 130 is connected to the indoor control unit 100. Note that an indoor blower fan that sends air to the heat exchanger included in the indoor unit 1, an indoor expansion valve that adjusts the refrigerant flow rate to the heat exchanger, and various sensors included in the indoor unit 1 are connected to the indoor control unit 100.

[0045] The indoor memory 120 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The indoor memory 120 stores a control program 121, an indoor address 122, and data to be processed by the indoor processor 110. The indoor memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. Also, the indoor memory 120 includes a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area of the indoor processor 110. The indoor memory 120 is composed of, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0046] The control program 121 is a program that causes the indoor processor 110 to function as a functional unit described later. The indoor address 122 is an address for identifying the indoor unit 1. In the first embodiment, an IP address is exemplified as the indoor address 122. However, the indoor address 122 is not limited to the IP address, and may be another network address or an address for identifying the indoor unit 1 other than the network address.

[0047] The indoor processor 110 functions as an indoor high-frequency communication unit 111, a first control execution unit 112, and a second control execution unit 113 by reading and executing the control program 121 stored in the indoor memory 120.

[0048] The indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits information to the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized management device 4 by transmitting a high-frequency signal to the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized management device 4 through the high-frequency transceiver circuit 130. Also, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives information from the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized management device 4 by receiving a high-frequency signal from the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized management device 4 through the high-frequency transceiver circuit 130. In the first embodiment, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits and receives various information according to an instruction from the centralized management device 4.

[0049] The first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1 according to an instruction from the centralized management device 4. In the initial state, that is, before the group setting process is executed by the centralized management device 4, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1 according to an instruction from the centralized management device 4.

[0050] In the first control CT1, the indoor unit 1 operates based on the instruction information CM from the remote controller 3 that is communicably connected in advance. In other words, the first control execution unit 112 operates the indoor unit 1 based on the instruction information CM from the remote controller 3 that is communicably connected in advance.

[0051] The second control execution unit 113 executes the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4. After the group setting process is performed by the centralized management device 4, the second control execution unit 113 executes the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4.

[0052] In the second control CT2, the indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction information from the remote control 3, which has been associated through the group setting process. In other words, the second control execution unit 113 operates the indoor unit 1 based on instruction information from the remote control 3, which has been associated through the group setting process.

[0053] The representative indoor unit 1R further has the following configuration. Specifically, the indoor memory 120 includes a management address 123. The management address 123 is an address for identifying the centralized management device 4. In the first embodiment, an IP address is given as an example for the management address 123, but the management address 123 is not limited to an IP address and may be another network address or an address other than a network address that identifies the indoor unit 1.

[0054] Furthermore, when the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication, in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4, it transmits the received instruction information CM to the management address 123, i.e., the centralized management device 4. In other words, after the group setting process is performed by the centralized management device 4, when the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication, it transmits the received instruction information CM to the management address 123, i.e., the centralized management device 4.

[0055] If, for example, all indoor units 1 transmit instruction information CM from the remote control 3 to the centralized management device 4 without designating a representative indoor unit 1R, there is a concern that throughput will decrease due to an increase in communication volume. Also, the centralized management device 4 will receive multiple identical instruction information CMs, making processing more complex. Therefore, by designating a representative indoor unit 1R, only the representative indoor unit 1R among multiple indoor units 1 that are pre-connected to communicate with a single remote control 3 will transmit instruction information CM from the remote control 3 to the centralized management device 4, thereby preventing the aforementioned problems.

[0056] [1-1-3. Configuration of the Centralized Management Device] Next, the configuration of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment. The centralized management device 4 is composed of, for example, a personal computer. However, in addition to the configuration of a typical personal computer, the centralized management device 4 is equipped with a high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 430.

[0057] The centralized control device 4 displays information collected from the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1, and also transmits control signals to the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1. The centralized control device 4 is installed in the building, school, or other facility where the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1 are installed.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the centralized control device 4 includes a high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 430. The high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 430 includes a transmitter and a receiver that conform to a predetermined communication method for transmitting and receiving high-frequency signals (for example, 100 kHz or higher) (hereinafter simply referred to as "high-frequency signals"). The high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 430 transmits and receives high-frequency signals according to instructions from the management control unit 400, which will be described later.

[0059] The centralized control device 4 also includes a touch panel 440. The touch panel 440 accepts user input. The touch panel 440 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch sensor. The display shows various images according to instructions from the management control unit 400, which will be described later. The touch sensor is formed integrally with the display surface of the display and accepts touch operations from the user. When the touch sensor receives a touch operation, it outputs a signal indicating the touch operation to the management control unit 400.

[0060] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the configuration of the control system of the centralized management device 4 will be described. The centralized management device 4 includes a management control unit 400. The management control unit 400 includes a management processor 410 such as a CPU or MPU, a management memory 420, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. A high-frequency transceiver circuit 430 is connected to the management control unit 400.

[0061] The management memory 420 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The management memory 420 stores the control program 421, the management address 422, and data to be processed by the management processor 410. The management memory 420 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the management memory 420 has a volatile storage area that constitutes the work area of ​​the management processor 410. The management memory 420 is composed of, for example, ROM or RAM.

[0062] Furthermore, the management memory 420 has a group storage unit 423. The group storage unit 423 stores group information set in the group setting process executed by the correspondence processing unit 412, which will be described later, as, for example, a table TBL. The table TBL, which shows the group information, is stored in the group storage unit 423 by the correspondence processing unit 412. As shown in Figure 9, the table TBL stores the group identification information GD, the remote control identification information RD, and the IP address of the indoor unit 1 in association. The table TBL will be further explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0063] The control program 421 is a program that causes the management processor 410 to function as a functional unit described later. The management address 422 is an address for identifying the centralized management device 4. In the first embodiment, an IP address is given as an example for the management address 422, but the management address 422 is not limited to an IP address and may be another network address or an address other than a network address that identifies the centralized management device 4.

[0064] The management processor 410 functions as a management high-frequency communication unit 411, a correspondence processing unit 412, a determination unit 413, and an instruction unit 414 by reading and executing the control program 421 stored in the management memory 420.

[0065] The management high-frequency communication unit 411 transmits information to the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2A by sending high-frequency signals to them via the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 430. The indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 also receives information from the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2A by receiving high-frequency signals from them via the high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 430.

[0066] The correspondence processing unit 412 performs a group setting process that associates each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3 based on user operation. The second number N2 is, for example, 14 units, and the first number N1 is, for example, 5 units. The correspondence processing unit 412 displays the group setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5 on the touch panel 440 and associates each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3 based on user touch operation on the group setting screen 500. When the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process, it stores the group information set in the group setting process in the group storage unit 423, for example, as a table TBL. The table TBL will be further explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0067] In the following description, the correspondence processing unit 412 will mainly describe the case where it displays the group setting screens 500, 550, 560, and 570 shown in Figures 5-8 on the touch panel 440. However, the correspondence processing unit 412 may also display the group setting screen 600 shown in Figure 10 on the touch panel 440. In the following description, the group setting screens 500, 550, 560, 570, and 600 may be collectively referred to as the group setting screen GSS.

[0068] The correspondence processing unit 412 sets the first group GR1 by associating indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D with remote control 3A, for example. The correspondence processing unit 412 also sets the second group GR2 by associating indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D with remote control 3B, for example. The correspondence processing unit 412 also sets the third group GR3 by associating indoor units 1E and 1F with remote control 3C, for example. The correspondence processing unit 412 also sets the fourth group GR4 by associating indoor units 1G, 1H, 1J, 1N, and 1P with remote control 3D, for example. The correspondence processing unit 412 also sets the fifth group GR5 by associating indoor units 1K, 1L, and 1M with remote control 3E, for example. The processing of the correspondence processing unit 412 will be further explained with reference to Figures 5-9.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the case in which the correspondence processing unit 412 identifies the indoor unit 1 included in the second group GR2 as the same as the indoor unit 1 included in the first group GR1 is described. However, the correspondence processing unit 412 may also set the indoor unit 1 included in the second group GR2 as a different indoor unit 1 from the indoor unit 1 included in the first group GR1. For example, the correspondence processing unit 412 may associate indoor units 1A and 1B with the remote control 3A to set up the first group GR1, and associate indoor units 1C and 1D with the remote control 3B to set up the second group GR2.

[0070] The determination unit 413 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 has associated each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3. In other words, the determination unit 413 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process.

[0071] The instruction unit 414, according to the determination result of the determination unit 413, instructs each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 to either execute the first control CT1 or execute a second control CT2 that is different from the first control CT1. If the instruction unit 414 determines that the determination unit 413 has not completed the group setting process, it instructs each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 to execute the first control CT1. If the instruction unit 414 determines that the determination unit 413 has completed the group setting process, it instructs each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 to execute the second control CT2.

[0072] In the first control CT1, each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 operates based on instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication. In the second control CT2, each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 operates based on instruction information CM from the remote control 3 that has been associated by the association processing unit 412.

[0073] When the determination unit 413 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 414 instructs the representative indoor unit 1R to transmit the received instruction information CM to the central management device 4 when it receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected to the representative indoor unit 1R in advance. The representative indoor unit 1R is indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1D, indoor unit 1E, indoor unit 1J, and indoor unit 1P.

[0074] In other words, when the determination unit 413 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 414 instructs each of the representative indoor units 1R (indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1D, indoor unit 1E, indoor unit 1J, and indoor unit 1P) to transmit the received instruction information CM to the centralized management device 4 when it receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected to it for communication purposes.

[0075] When the determination unit 413 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 414 instructs, for example, indoor unit 1B, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, to transmit the received instruction information CMA from remote control 3A to the centralized management device 4 when it receives the instruction information CMA from remote control 3A. Also, when the determination unit 413 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 414 instructs, for example, indoor unit 1D, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, to transmit the received instruction information CMB from remote control 3B to the centralized management device 4 when it receives the instruction information CMB from remote control 3B. Also, when the determination unit 413 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 414 instructs, for example, indoor unit 1E, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, to transmit the received instruction information CMC from remote control 3C to the centralized management device 4 when it receives the instruction information CMC from remote control 3C.

[0076] Furthermore, if the determination unit 413 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 414 instructs, for example, the representative indoor unit 1R, which is indoor unit 1J, to transmit the received instruction information CMD from the remote control 3D to the central management device 4 when it receives the instruction information CMD from the remote control 3D. Also, if the determination unit 413 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 414 instructs, for example, the representative indoor unit 1R, which is indoor unit 1P, to transmit the received instruction information CME from the remote control 3E to the central management device 4 when it receives the instruction information CME from the remote control 3E.

[0077] Furthermore, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit the instruction information CM to the indoor unit 1 associated with the remote control 3.

[0078] For example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CMA from the remote control 3A from indoor unit 1B, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit the instruction information CMA to the indoor units 1 that constitute the first group GR1. The indoor units 1 that constitute the first group GR1 are indoor unit 1A, indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1C, and indoor unit 1D. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CMA from the remote control 3A from indoor unit 1B, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit the instruction information CMA to indoor units 1A, indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1C, and indoor unit 1D.

[0079] For example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CMB from the remote control 3B from indoor unit 1D, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit the instruction information CMB to the indoor units 1 that constitute the second group GR2. The indoor units 1 that constitute the second group GR2 are indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CMB from the remote control 3B from indoor unit 1D, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit the instruction information CMB to indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D.

[0080] For example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CMC from the remote control 3C from indoor unit 1E, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit the instruction information CMC to the indoor units 1 that constitute the third group GR3. The indoor units 1 that constitute the third group GR3 are indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CMC from the remote control 3C from indoor unit 1E, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit the instruction information CMC to indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F.

[0081] For example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CMD from the remote control 3D from indoor unit 1J, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit instruction information CMD to the indoor units 1 that constitute the fourth group GR4. The indoor units 1 that constitute the fourth group GR4 are indoor unit 1G, indoor unit 1H, indoor unit 1J, indoor unit 1N, and indoor unit 1P. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CMD from the remote control 3D from indoor unit 1J, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit instruction information CMD to indoor units 1G, indoor unit 1H, indoor unit 1J, indoor unit 1N, and indoor unit 1P.

[0082] For example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CME from the remote control 3E from indoor unit 1P, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit instruction information CME to the indoor units 1 that constitute the fifth group GR5. The indoor units 1 that constitute the fifth group GR5 are indoor unit 1K, indoor unit 1L, and indoor unit 1M. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 414 receives instruction information CME from the remote control 3E from indoor unit 1P, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the management high-frequency communication unit 411 to transmit instruction information CME to indoor units 1K, indoor unit 1L, and indoor unit 1M.

[0083] [1-1-4. Group Settings Screen, etc.] Next, with reference to Figures 5-8, the group settings screen 500, group settings screen 550, group settings screen 560, and group settings screen 570 that the correspondence processing unit 412 displays on the touch panel 440 will be described.

[0084] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the group setting screen 500 in the first embodiment. The group setting screen 500 shown in Figure 5 is displayed on the touch panel 440 by the correspondence processing unit 412 when the correspondence processing unit 412 starts the group setting process. The group setting screen 500 includes a remote control display unit 510 and a floor display unit 520.

[0085] The remote control display unit 510 displays the remote control 3 located on the floor that is the target of the group setting process, making it selectable. The remote control display unit 510 includes buttons 3A 511, 3B 512, 3C 513, 3D 514, and 3E 515. Button 3A 511 is touched by the user when selecting remote control 3A. Button 3B 512 is touched by the user when selecting remote control 3B. Button 3C 513 is touched by the user when selecting remote control 3C. Button 3D 514 is touched by the user when selecting remote control 3D. Button 3E 515 is touched by the user when selecting remote control 3E. On the group setting screen 500, each of the buttons 3A 511, 3B 512, 3C 513, 3D 514, and 3E 515 is in an unselected state.

[0086] The floor display unit 520 displays a floor plan. The floor plan shows the arrangement of the indoor units 1 and remote controls 3 on the floor. The indoor units 1 consist of indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P. The remote controls 3 consist of remote controls 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E. In the group setting screen 500, the floor display unit 520 does not show any partitions, walls, or other room dividers.

[0087] Furthermore, the floor display unit 520 displays the package air conditioner mark MP. The package air conditioner mark MP is displayed surrounding the indoor unit 1E, indoor unit 1F, and remote control 3C. The package air conditioner mark MP indicates that the indoor unit 1E, indoor unit 1F, and remote control 3C constitute a so-called "package air conditioner." The indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F, which are included in the "package air conditioner," operate in conjunction with each other. In other words, the indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F are set to the same conditions. Therefore, the indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F need to be set to the same group.

[0088] In other words, the MP mark for packaged air conditioners indicates that indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F must be set in the same group.

[0089] The group setting screen 500 includes a floor plan update button BT1, a selection button BT2, a confirmation button BT3, and a cancel button BT4. The floor plan update button BT1 is touched by the user to update the floor plan displayed on the floor display unit 520. The selection button BT2 is touched by the user to select one of the 3A button 511, 3B button 512, 3C button 513, 3D button 514, and 3E button 515. The confirmation button BT3 is touched by the user to confirm the selection of indoor units 1 that constitute the group. The cancel button BT4 is touched by the user to cancel the selection of indoor units 1 that constitute the group.

[0090] When the group settings screen 500 is displayed on the touch panel 440, if the floor plan update button BT1 is touched by a user, as indicated by the hand mark H1, the group settings screen 550 shown in Figure 6 will be displayed. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the group settings screen 550 in the first embodiment.

[0091] When the floor plan update button BT1 is touched, the corresponding processing unit 412 updates the floor plan displayed on the floor display unit 520. As shown in Figure 6, the floor display unit 520 displays a floor plan that includes, for example, partition members PT in addition to the indoor unit 1 and the remote control 3. The partition members PT divide the floor into multiple rooms R.

[0092] When the floor plan update button BT1 is touched, the correspondence processing unit 412 displays, for example, a floor plan update screen (not shown). The user then updates the floor plan using this floor plan update screen. Alternatively, instead of the above method, floor plan update data, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, may be pre-stored on a USB memory stick or server, and when the floor plan update button BT1 is touched, the correspondence processing unit 412 may display a screen prompting the user to load this floor plan update data.

[0093] The partition members PT consist of partition members PT1, PT2, PT3, PT4, PT5, and PT6. The multiple rooms R consist of a first room R1, a second room R2, a third room R3, and a fourth room R4. Partition members PT1 and PT2 partition the first room R1 on the floor. Partition members PT2 and PT3 partition the second room R2 on the floor. Partition members PT4 and PT5 partition the third room R3 on the floor. Partition members PT5 and PT6 partition the fourth room R4 on the floor. In this way, by arranging the partition members PT, the first room R1, the second room R2, the third room R3, and the fourth room R4 are partitioned on the floor.

[0094] When the group setting screen 550 is displayed on the touch panel 440, if the following touch operations are performed sequentially, the correspondence processing unit 412 displays the group setting screen 560 shown in Figure 7 on the touch panel 440. That is, as indicated by the hand mark H2, the selection button BT2 is touched by the user, and then the 3A button 511 is touched by the user. Furthermore, images showing indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are then touched by the user. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the group setting screen 560 in the first embodiment.

[0095] As shown in Figure 7, when the 3A button 511 is touched by the user, the 3A button 511 on the remote control display unit 510 becomes selected, as shown in the group setting screen 560. In Figure 7, the selected state of the 3A button 511 is indicated by hatching on the 3A button 511. The selected state of the 3A button 511 indicates that the remote control 3A is selected. In other words, it indicates that the selection of the indoor unit 1 associated with the remote control 3A is possible.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the user touches the images representing indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are selected as indoor units 1 to be associated with remote control 3A. As a result, rectangles with the line type (in this case, solid lines) shown around the 3A button 511 are displayed around the images representing indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. The solid line rectangles indicate that an indoor unit 1 has been selected to be associated with remote control 3A.

[0097] Furthermore, when the group setting screen 560 shown in Figure 7 is displayed and the OK button BT3 is touched by the user as indicated by the hand mark H3, the correspondence processing unit 412 associates indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D with the remote control 3A and sets the first group GR1. Note that when the group setting screen 560 shown in Figure 7 is displayed and the cancel button BT4 is touched by the user, the selection state of indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D is canceled. That is, the rectangle with the line type (in this case, a solid line) shown around the 3A button 511 is erased around the images showing indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D.

[0098] By repeating operations similar to the touch operations described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the correspondence processing unit 412 sets the second group GR2, the third group GR3, the fourth group GR4, and the fifth group GR5.

[0099] For example, when setting the second group GR2, the user performs the following touch operations in this order. First, when the group setting screen 550 shown in Figure 6 is displayed on the touch panel 440, the user touches the selection button BT2, and then the user touches the 3B button 512. Next, when the user touches the images showing indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are selected as indoor units 1 to be associated with the remote control 3B. Then, when the user touches the confirm button BT3, the association processing unit 412 associates indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D with the remote control 3B, setting the second group GR2.

[0100] For example, when setting the third group GR3, the user performs the following touch operations in this order. First, when the group setting screen 550 shown in Figure 6 is displayed on the touch panel 440, the user touches the select button BT2, and then the user touches the 3C button 513. Next, when the user touches the images showing indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F, indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F are selected as indoor unit 1 to be associated with remote control 3C. Since indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F constitute a package air conditioner, when the user touches the image showing at least one of indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F, indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F are selected as indoor unit 1 to be associated with remote control 3C. Then, when the user touches the confirm button BT3, the association processing unit 412 associates indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F with remote control 3C and sets the third group GR3.

[0101] For example, when setting the fourth group GR4, the user performs the following touch operations in this order. First, when the group setting screen 550 shown in Figure 6 is displayed on the touch panel 440, the user touches the selection button BT2, and then the user touches the 3D button 514. Next, when the user touches the images showing indoor units 1G, 1H, 1J, 1N, and 1P, indoor units 1G, 1H, 1J, 1N, and 1P are selected as indoor units 1 to be associated with the remote control 3D. Then, when the user touches the confirm button BT3, the association processing unit 412 associates indoor units 1G, 1H, 1J, 1N, and 1P with the remote control 3D, setting the fourth group GR4.

[0102] For example, when setting the fifth group GR5, the user performs the following touch operations in this order. First, when the group setting screen 550 shown in Figure 6 is displayed on the touch panel 440, the user touches the selection button BT2, and then the user touches the 3E button 515. Next, when the user touches the images showing indoor units 1K, 1L, and 1M, indoor units 1K, 1L, and 1M are selected as indoor units 1 to be associated with the remote control 3E. Then, when the user touches the confirm button BT3, the association processing unit 412 associates indoor units 1K, 1L, and 1M with the remote control 3E, setting the fifth group GR5.

[0103] As described above, when the correspondence processing unit 412 sets the first group GR1, the second group GR2, the third group GR3, the fourth group GR4, and the fifth group GR5, the correspondence processing unit 412 displays the group setting screen 580 shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the group setting screen 580 in the first embodiment.

[0104] In Figure 8, around the images of indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, rectangles with the line type shown around the 3A button 511 (in this case, solid lines) are displayed. The solid rectangles indicate that the indoor unit 1 has been selected to correspond to remote control 3A. Also, around the images of indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, rectangles with the line type shown around the 3B button 512 (in this case, dashed lines) are displayed. The dashed rectangles indicate that the indoor unit 1 has been selected to correspond to remote control 3B. Furthermore, around the images of indoor units 1E and 1F, rectangles with the line type shown around the 3C button 513 (in this case, dashed lines) are displayed. The dashed rectangles indicate that the indoor unit 1 has been selected to correspond to remote control 3C. Furthermore, around the images showing indoor units 1G, 1H, 1J, 1N, and 1P, a rectangle with the same line type as around the 3D button 514 (in this case, a dashed-dot line) is displayed. The dashed-dot line rectangle indicates that it has been selected as the indoor unit 1 to be associated with the 3D remote control. Similarly, around the images showing indoor units 1K, 1L, and 1M, a rectangle with the same line type as around the 3E button 515 (in this case, a long dashed line) is displayed. The long dashed line rectangle indicates that it has been selected as the indoor unit 1 to be associated with the 3E remote control.

[0105] Next, with reference to Figure 9, a table TBL showing group setting information in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a table TBL showing group setting information in the first embodiment. The table TBL showing group setting information is stored in the group storage unit 423 of the centralized management device 4 shown in Figure 4. The table TBL showing group information is stored in the group storage unit 423 by the correspondence processing unit 412.

[0106] As shown in Figure 9, table TBL stores the group identification information GD, the remote control identification information RD, the IP address ADR of the representative indoor unit 1, and the IP address AD of indoor unit 1 in association with each other. The group identification information GD is the information that identifies each of the first group GR1 to the fifth group GR5. In Figure 9, the group identification information GD for the Nth group (a natural number N is 1-5) is "N".

[0107] The remote control identification information RD is information that identifies each of the remote controls 3A through 3E. In Figure 9, the remote control identification information RD corresponds to the respective reference codes of remote controls 3A through 3E.

[0108] The IP address ADR of representative indoor unit 1 is the IP address of representative indoor unit 1R included in each of the first group GR1 to the fifth group GR5. For example, the IP address ADR of representative indoor unit 1R included in the first group GR1 indicates the IP address of indoor unit 1B. Also, for example, the IP address ADR of representative indoor unit 1R included in the second group GR2 indicates the IP address of indoor unit 1D. Also, for example, the IP address ADR of representative indoor unit 1R included in the third group GR3 indicates the IP address of indoor unit 1E. Also, for example, the IP address ADR of representative indoor unit 1R included in the fourth group GR4 indicates the IP address of indoor unit 1J. Also, for example, the IP address ADR of representative indoor unit 1R included in the fifth group GR4 indicates the IP address of indoor unit 1P.

[0109] The IP address AD of indoor unit 1 is the IP address AD of indoor unit 1 that belongs to each of the first group GR1 to the fifth group GR5. For example, the IP address AD of indoor unit 1 that belongs to the first group GR1 represents the IP addresses of indoor unit 1A, indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1C, and indoor unit 1D, respectively. Also, for example, the IP address AD of indoor unit 1 that belongs to the second group GR2 represents the IP addresses of indoor unit 1A, indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1C, and indoor unit 1D, respectively. Also, for example, the IP address AD of indoor unit 1 that belongs to the third group GR3 represents the IP addresses of indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F, respectively.

[0110] For example, the IP address AD of indoor unit 1 included in the fourth group GR4 represents the IP addresses of indoor unit 1G, indoor unit 1H, indoor unit 1J, indoor unit 1N, and indoor unit 1P, respectively. Also, for example, the IP address AD of indoor unit 1 included in the fifth group GR5 represents the IP addresses of indoor unit 1K, indoor unit 1L, and indoor unit 1M, respectively.

[0111] Next, with reference to Figure 10, other configurations of the group settings screen 600 will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram showing other configurations of the group settings screen 600 in the first embodiment. In other words, the group settings screen 600 is a modified version of the group settings screen 500, group settings screen 550, group settings screen 560, and group settings screen 570 described with reference to Figures 5-8.

[0112] As shown in Figure 10, the group setting screen 600 includes a remote control display unit 610, an indoor unit display unit 620, and a change button display unit 630. The remote control display unit 610 displays the remote controls 3 included in each of the first group GR1 to the fifth group GR5. The first group GR1 includes remote control 3A. That is, the display unit 610 showing "remote control 3A" indicates the first group GR1. Similarly, the display unit 610 showing "remote control 3B" indicates the second group GR2. Similarly, the display unit 610 showing "remote control 3C" indicates the third group GR2. In other words, the remote control display unit 610 displays first identification information indicating each of the first number N1 remote controls 3. "Remote control 3A", "remote control 3B", and "remote control 3C" correspond to examples of the first identification information. In Figure 10, for convenience, the labels "Remote Control 3D" and "Remote Control 3E" have been omitted from the remote control display unit 610.

[0113] The indoor unit display unit 620 shows the indoor unit 1 included in each of the first group GR1 to the fifth group GR5. In Figure 10, the indoor unit display unit 620 shows "Indoor unit 1A, Indoor unit 1B" in the position corresponding to "Remote control 3A" on the remote control display unit 610, indicating that indoor unit 1A and indoor unit 1B are included in the first group GR1. Also, the indoor unit display unit 620 shows "Indoor unit 1C, Indoor unit 1D" in the position corresponding to "Remote control 3B" on the remote control display unit 610, indicating that indoor unit 1C and indoor unit 1D are included in the second group GR2. Furthermore, the indoor unit display unit 620 shows "Indoor unit 1E, Indoor unit 1F" in the position corresponding to "Remote control 3C" on the remote control display unit 610, indicating that indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F are included in the third group GR2.

[0114] The change button display unit 630 includes a first change button 631, a second change button 632, and a third change button 633. The first change button 631 is touched by the user when changing an indoor unit 1 included in the first group GR1. When the first change button 631 is touched, for example, all of the second number N2 indoor units 1 are displayed as selectable. That is, indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P are displayed as selectable. Then, from among the displayed indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P, the indoor unit 1 that the user touches is selected as the indoor unit 1 included in the first group GR1.

[0115] The second change button 632 is touched by the user when changing the indoor unit 1 included in the second group GR2. When the second change button 632 is touched, for example, all indoor units 1 of the second number N2 are displayed as selectable. That is, indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P are displayed as selectable. Then, from the displayed indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P, the indoor unit 1 touched by the user is selected as the indoor unit 1 included in the second group GR2.

[0116] The third change button 633 is touched by the user when changing the indoor unit 1 included in the third group GR3. When the third change button 633 is touched, for example, all of the second number N2 indoor units 1 are displayed as selectable. That is, indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P are displayed as selectable. Then, from the displayed indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, and 1P, the indoor unit 1 touched by the user is selected as the indoor unit 1 included in the third group GR3.

[0117] In other words, when a user touches any of the first change button 631, second change button 632, or third change button 633 included in the change button display unit 630, the correspondence processing unit 412 selectably displays second identification information indicating each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 as the indoor unit 1 to be associated with each of the first number N1 remote controls 3. "Indoor unit 1A, indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1C, indoor unit 1D, indoor unit 1E, indoor unit 1F, indoor unit 1G, indoor unit 1H, indoor unit 1J, indoor unit 1K, indoor unit 1L, indoor unit 1M, indoor unit 1N, and indoor unit 1P" corresponds to an example of the second identification information.

[0118] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 10 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11-13. First, the group setting process of the centralized control device 4 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the group setting process of the centralized control device 4 in the first embodiment. The group setting process shown in Figure 11 is performed by the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized control device 4. The "group setting process" is a process that associates each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3 based on the user's touch operation on the group setting screen 500.

[0119] First, in step SA101, the correspondence processing unit 412 displays the group setting screen 500 on the touch panel 440. Next, in step SA103, the correspondence processing unit 412 receives the indoor unit 1 corresponding to each of the first number N1 remote controls 3.

[0120] Next, in step SA105, the correspondence processing unit 412 determines whether it has completed setting up the group corresponding to each of the first number N1 remote controls 3. The first number N1 is, for example, 5. Therefore, the correspondence processing unit 412 sets up 5 groups corresponding to each of the 5 remote controls 3. The 5 groups are the first group GR1 to the fifth group GR5.

[0121] If the mapping processing unit 412 determines that the group settings are not complete (step SA105; NO), the process returns to step SA103. If the mapping processing unit 412 determines that the group settings are complete (step SA105; YES), the process proceeds to step SA107. In step SA107, the mapping processing unit 412 causes the group storage unit 423 to store the group information set in the group setting process. As part of the group setting process, the mapping processing unit 412 stores, for example, the table TBL shown in Figure 9, in the group storage unit 423. After that, the process ends.

[0122] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the instruction processing of the centralized control device 4 to the indoor units 1 in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the instruction processing of the centralized control device 4 to the indoor units 1 in the first embodiment. The instruction processing shown in Figure 12 is performed by the determination unit 413 and the instruction unit 414 of the centralized control device 4. "Instruction processing" is the process of instructing each of the indoor units 1 to operate. Note that the indoor units 1 include the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0123] First, in step SA131, the determination unit 413 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process. If the determination unit 413 determines that the correspondence processing unit 412 has not completed the execution of the group setting process (step SA131; NO), the process proceeds to step SA133. Then, in step SA133, the instruction unit 414 instructs each of the indoor units 1 to execute the first control CT1. After that, the process is terminated.

[0124] If the determination unit 413 determines that the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process (step SA131; YES), the process proceeds to step SA135. In step SA135, the instruction unit 414 instructs the representative indoor unit 1R to transmit the received instruction information CM to the central management device 4 when it receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected to the unit for communication. Next, in step SA137, the instruction unit 414 instructs the indoor unit 1 to execute the second control CT2. After that, the process returns to step SA131.

[0125] Next, with reference to Figure 13, the instruction information transmission and reception process of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the instruction information transmission and reception process of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment. The "instruction information transmission and reception process" shown in Figure 13 is performed by the determination unit 413 and the instruction unit 414. The "instruction information transmission and reception process" is a process in which, when the determination unit 413 determines that the execution of the group setting process has been completed, it receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R and transmits the instruction information CM to the indoor unit 1 associated with the remote control 3.

[0126] First, in step SA151, the determination unit 413 determines whether the mapping processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process. If the determination unit 413 determines that the mapping processing unit 412 has not completed the execution of the group setting process (step SA151; NO), the process enters a waiting state. If the determination unit 413 determines that the mapping processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process (step SA151; YES), the process proceeds to step SA153.

[0127] Then, in step SA153, the instruction unit 414 determines whether or not it has received instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R. If the instruction unit 414 determines that it has not received instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R (step SA153; NO), the process enters a standby state. If the instruction unit 414 determines that it has received instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R (step SA153; YES), the process proceeds to step SA155.

[0128] Then, in step SA155, the instruction unit 414 extracts the indoor unit 1 that is included in the group corresponding to the remote control 3 of the instruction information CM received in step SA153, based on the group information stored in the group storage unit 423. Next, in step SA157, the instruction unit 414 transmits the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 received in step SA153 to the indoor unit 1 extracted in step SA155. After that, the process returns to step SA151.

[0129] Next, the processing of the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment.

[0130] First, in step SA201, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the centralized control device 4 to execute the second control CT2. If the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines that it has not received an instruction to execute the second control CT2 (step SA201; NO), the process proceeds to step SA203. Then, in step SA203, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1. In other words, the first control execution unit 112 operates the indoor unit 1 based on instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected in advance for communication. After that, the process returns to step SA201.

[0131] If the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines that it has received an instruction to execute the second control CT2 (step SA201; YES), the process proceeds to step SA205. In step SA205, the indoor control unit 100 determines whether or not indoor unit 1 is set as representative indoor unit 1R.

[0132] If the indoor control unit 100 determines that indoor unit 1 is not set as representative indoor unit 1R (step SA205; NO), the process proceeds to step SA207. In step SA207, the second control execution unit 113 causes indoor unit 1 to execute the second control CT2 according to instructions from the central management device 4. In other words, the second control execution unit 113 causes indoor unit 1 to operate based on instruction information CM from remote control 3 associated by the group setting process. As explained in step SA157 of Figure 13, the instruction information CM from remote control 3 associated by the group setting process is transmitted to indoor unit 1 by the central management device 4.

[0133] If the indoor control unit 100 determines that indoor unit 1 is set as representative indoor unit 1R (step SA205; YES), the process proceeds to step SA209. In step SA209, when the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is pre-connected for communication, it transmits the received instruction information CM to the management address 123, i.e., the centralized management device 4. Next, in step SA211, the second control execution unit 113 causes the representative indoor unit 1R to execute the second control CT2 according to the instructions from the centralized management device 4. In other words, the second control execution unit 113 causes the representative indoor unit 1R to operate based on the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which has been associated by the group setting process. As explained in step SA157 of Figure 13, the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which has been associated by the group setting process is transmitted to the representative indoor unit 1R by the centralized management device 4.

[0134] As explained with reference to Figures 11-14, the indoor unit 1 executes either the first control CT1 or the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the central control device 4. In the first control CT1, the indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication. In the second control CT2, the indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction information from the remote control 3 that has been associated through group setting processing.

[0135] (Second Embodiment) Next, the air conditioning system 10 in the second embodiment will be described. [2-1. Configuration] [2-1-1. Configuration of the Air Conditioning System] The configuration of the air conditioning system 10 in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the air conditioning system 10 in the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the air conditioning system 10 in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0136] [2-1-2. Configuration of Outdoor and Indoor Units] Next, the configuration of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment. In the following description, we will describe the configurations of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 15 that differ from the configurations of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. In addition, the description of the configurations of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 15 that are the same as the configurations of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 3 will be omitted.

[0137] As shown in Figure 15, the outdoor control unit 200 of the outdoor unit 2A differs from the outdoor unit 2A in that, in addition to the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211, it also includes a determination unit 212, an instruction unit 213, and a group storage unit 223.

[0138] The outdoor processor 210 functions as an outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211, a determination unit 212, an instruction unit 213, and a group storage unit 223 by reading and executing the control program 221 stored in the outdoor memory 220.

[0139] The group storage unit 223 has substantially the same function as the group storage unit 423 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0140] The group storage unit 223 stores the group information set in the group setting process executed by the correspondence processing unit 412 based on the information received from the first communication control unit 415 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 16, for example, as a table TBL. That is, according to the instruction information received from the first communication control unit 415 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 16, the table TBL showing the group information is stored in the group storage unit 223. As explained with reference to Figure 9, the table TBL stores the group identification information GD, the remote control identification information RD, and the IP address of the indoor unit 1 in association with each other.

[0141] The determination unit 212 has substantially the same function as the determination unit 413 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0142] The determination unit 413 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 16 has associated each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3. In other words, the determination unit 413 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process. Based on the information received from the first communication control unit 415 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 16, the determination unit 212 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process.

[0143] The instruction unit 213 has substantially the same function as the instruction unit 414 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0144] The instruction unit 213 instructs each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 to either execute the first control CT1 or execute a second control CT2 that is different from the first control CT1, according to the determination result of the determination unit 212. If the instruction unit 213 determines that the determination unit 212 has not completed the group setting process, it instructs each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 to execute the first control CT1. If the instruction unit 213 determines that the determination unit 212 has completed the group setting process, it instructs each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 to execute the second control CT2.

[0145] In the first control CT1, each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 operates based on instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication. In the second control CT2, each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 operates based on instruction information CM from the remote control 3 that has been associated by the association processing unit 412.

[0146] When the determination unit 212 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 213 instructs the representative indoor unit 1R to transmit the received instruction information CM to the central management device 4 when it receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected to the representative indoor unit 1R in advance. The representative indoor unit 1R is indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1D, indoor unit 1E, indoor unit 1J, and indoor unit 1P.

[0147] In other words, when the determination unit 212 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 213 instructs each of the representative indoor units 1R (indoor units 1B, 1D, 1E, 1J, and 1P) to transmit the received instruction information CM to the outdoor unit 2A when it receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected to it for communication.

[0148] If the determination unit 212 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 213 will, for example, instruct indoor unit 1B, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, to transmit the received instruction information CMA from remote control 3A to outdoor unit 2A when it receives the instruction information CMA from remote control 3A. Also, if the determination unit 212 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 213 will, for example, instruct indoor unit 1D, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, to transmit the received instruction information CMB from remote control 3B to outdoor unit 2A when it receives the instruction information CMB from remote control 3B. Also, if the determination unit 212 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 213 will, for example, instruct indoor unit 1E, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, to transmit the received instruction information CMC from remote control 3C to outdoor unit 2A when it receives the instruction information CMC from remote control 3C.

[0149] Furthermore, if the determination unit 212 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 213 instructs, for example, the representative indoor unit 1R, which is indoor unit 1J, to transmit the received instruction information CMD from the remote control 3D to the outdoor unit 2A. Also, if the determination unit 212 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the instruction unit 213 instructs, for example, the representative indoor unit 1R, which is indoor unit 1P, to transmit the received instruction information CME from the remote control 3E to the outdoor unit 2A.

[0150] Furthermore, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 via the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CM to the indoor unit 1 associated with the remote control 3.

[0151] For example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CMA from the remote control 3A from indoor unit 1B, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CMA to the indoor units 1 that constitute the first group GR1. The indoor units 1 that constitute the first group GR1 are indoor unit 1A, indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1C, and indoor unit 1D. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CMA from the remote control 3A from indoor unit 1B, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CMA to indoor units 1A, indoor unit 1B, indoor unit 1C, and indoor unit 1D.

[0152] For example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CMB from the remote control 3B from indoor unit 1D, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CMB to the indoor units 1 that constitute the second group GR2. The indoor units 1 that constitute the second group GR2 are indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CMB from the remote control 3B from indoor unit 1D, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CMB to indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D.

[0153] For example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CMC from the remote control 3C from indoor unit 1E, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CMC to the indoor units 1 that constitute the third group GR3. The indoor units 1 that constitute the third group GR3 are indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CMC from the remote control 3C from indoor unit 1E, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CMC to indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F.

[0154] For example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CMD from the remote control 3D from indoor unit 1J, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CMD to the indoor units 1 that constitute the fourth group GR4. The indoor units 1 that constitute the fourth group GR4 are indoor unit 1G, indoor unit 1H, indoor unit 1J, indoor unit 1N, and indoor unit 1P. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CMD from the remote control 3D from indoor unit 1J, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit the instruction information CMD to indoor units 1G, indoor unit 1H, indoor unit 1J, indoor unit 1N, and indoor unit 1P.

[0155] For example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CME from the remote control 3E from indoor unit 1P, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit instruction information CME to the indoor units 1 that constitute the fifth group GR5. The indoor units 1 that constitute the fifth group GR5 are indoor unit 1K, indoor unit 1L, and indoor unit 1M. Therefore, for example, when the instruction unit 213 receives instruction information CME from the remote control 3E from indoor unit 1P, which is the representative indoor unit 1R, it causes the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 to transmit instruction information CME to indoor units 1K, indoor unit 1L, and indoor unit 1M.

[0156] Next, the configuration of the indoor unit 1 will be described with reference to Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15, the indoor unit 1 has substantially the same configuration as the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 3. The differences between the indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment and the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment will be described below.

[0157] In the first embodiment, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits and receives various information in accordance with instructions from the centralized control device 4. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits and receives various information in accordance with instructions from the outdoor unit 2A.

[0158] In the first embodiment, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1 in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1 in accordance with instructions from the outdoor unit 2A.

[0159] In the first embodiment, the second control execution unit 113 executes the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the second control execution unit 113 executes the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the outdoor unit 2A.

[0160] In the first embodiment, the indoor memory 120 of the representative indoor unit 1R includes a management address 123. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the indoor memory 120 of the representative indoor unit 1R includes an outdoor address 124.

[0161] Furthermore, the transmission and reception processing by the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 of the representative indoor unit 1R differs from the transmission and reception processing by the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 of the representative indoor unit 1R in the first embodiment. The transmission and reception processing by the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 of the representative indoor unit 1R in the second embodiment will be described below.

[0162] In other words, in the second embodiment, when the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication, in accordance with instructions from the outdoor unit 2A, it transmits the received instruction information CM to the outdoor address 124, i.e., the outdoor unit 2A. In other words, after the group setting process is performed by the centralized management device 4, when the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication, it transmits the received instruction information CM to the outdoor address 124, i.e., the outdoor unit 2A.

[0163] [2-1-3. Configuration of the Centralized Control Device] Next, the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the second embodiment. In the following description, we will describe the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 16 that differs from the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. In addition, the description of the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 16 that is the same as the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 will be omitted.

[0164] As shown in Figure 16, the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 differs from the centralized management device 4 in that it does not have the determination unit 413 and instruction unit 414 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment, but instead has a first communication control unit 415.

[0165] When the correspondence processing unit 412 completes the execution of the group setting process, the first communication control unit 415 causes the group storage unit 223 of the outdoor control unit 200 of the outdoor unit 2A to store a table TBL indicating the group information.

[0166] Furthermore, when the correspondence processing unit 412 completes the execution of the group setting process, the first communication control unit 415 transmits information to the determination unit 212 of the outdoor control unit 200 of the outdoor unit 2A indicating that the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process.

[0167] Furthermore, the processing of the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment is the same as the processing of the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment displays the group setting screen 500, group setting screen 550, group setting screen 560, and group setting screen 570, as described with reference to Figures 5-8, on the touch panel 440. Alternatively, the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment may also display the group setting screen 600, as described with reference to Figure 10, on the touch panel 440.

[0168] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 10 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17-19. Note that the group setting process by the correspondence processing unit 412 in the second embodiment is the same as the group setting process by the correspondence processing unit 412 in the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figure 11, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0169] Next, with reference to Figure 17, the instruction processing of the outdoor unit 2A to the indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the instruction processing of the outdoor unit 2A to the indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment. The instruction processing shown in Figure 17 is performed by the determination unit 212 and the instruction unit 213 of the outdoor unit 2A. "Instruction processing" is the process of instructing each of the indoor units 1 to perform an operation. Note that the indoor unit 1 includes the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0170] First, in step SB131, the determination unit 212 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process based on information received from the first communication control unit 415 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4. If the determination unit 212 determines that the correspondence processing unit 412 has not completed the execution of the group setting process (step SB131; NO), the process proceeds to step SB133. Then, in step SB133, the instruction unit 213 instructs each of the indoor units 1 to execute the first control CT1. After that, the process returns to step SB131.

[0171] If the determination unit 212 determines that the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process (step SB131; YES), the process proceeds to step SB135. In step SB135, the instruction unit 213 instructs the representative indoor unit 1R to transmit the received instruction information CM to the outdoor unit 2A when it receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected for communication purposes. Next, in step SB137, the instruction unit 213 instructs the indoor unit 1 to execute the second control CT2. After that, the process returns to step SB131.

[0172] Next, with reference to Figure 18, the instruction information transmission and reception process of the outdoor unit 2A in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 18 is a flowchart of the instruction information transmission and reception process of the outdoor unit 2A in the second embodiment. The "instruction information transmission and reception process" shown in Figure 18 is performed by the determination unit 212 and the instruction unit 213 of the outdoor unit 2A. The "instruction information transmission and reception process" is a process in which, when the determination unit 212 determines that the execution of the group setting process has been completed, it receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R and transmits the instruction information CM to the indoor unit 1 associated with the remote control 3.

[0173] Furthermore, when the group setting process executed by the correspondence processing unit 412 is completed, the group storage unit 223 stores the group information set in the group setting process executed by the correspondence processing unit 412 as, for example, a table TBL. In addition, the group storage unit 223 stores the group information set in the group setting process executed by the correspondence processing unit 412 as a table TBL based on the information received from the first communication control unit 415 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 16.

[0174] First, in step SB151, the determination unit 212 determines whether the mapping processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process. If the determination unit 212 determines that the mapping processing unit 412 has not completed the execution of the group setting process (step SB151; NO), the process enters a waiting state. If the determination unit 212 determines that the mapping processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process (step SB151; YES), the process proceeds to step SB153.

[0175] Then, in step SB153, the instruction unit 213 determines whether or not it has received instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R. If the instruction unit 213 determines that it has not received instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R (step SB153; NO), the process enters a standby state. If the instruction unit 213 determines that it has received instruction information CM from the remote control 3 from the representative indoor unit 1R (step SB153; YES), the process proceeds to step SB155.

[0176] Then, in step SB155, the instruction unit 213 extracts the indoor unit 1 that is included in the group corresponding to the remote control 3 of the instruction information CM received in step SB153, based on the group information stored in the group storage unit 223. Next, in step SB157, the instruction unit 213 transmits the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 received in step SB153 to the indoor unit 1 extracted in step SB155. After that, the process returns to step SB151.

[0177] Next, the processing of the indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the processing of the indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment.

[0178] First, in step SB201, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the outdoor unit 2A to execute the second control CT2. If the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines that it has not received an instruction to execute the second control CT2 (step SB201; NO), the process proceeds to step SB203. Then, in step SB203, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1. In other words, the first control execution unit 112 operates the indoor unit 1 based on instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected in advance for communication. After that, the process returns to step SB201.

[0179] If the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines that it has received an instruction to execute the second control CT2 (step SB201; YES), the process proceeds to step SB205. In step SB205, the indoor control unit 100 determines whether or not indoor unit 1 is set as representative indoor unit 1R.

[0180] If the indoor control unit 100 determines that indoor unit 1 is not set as representative indoor unit 1R (step SB205; NO), the process proceeds to step SB207. In step SB207, the second control execution unit 113 causes indoor unit 1 to execute the second control CT2 according to instructions from outdoor unit 2A. In other words, the second control execution unit 113 causes indoor unit 1 to operate based on instruction information CM from remote control 3, which has been associated through the group setting process. As explained in step SB157 of Figure 18, the instruction information CM from remote control 3, which has been associated through the group setting process, is transmitted to indoor unit 1 by outdoor unit 2A.

[0181] If the indoor control unit 100 determines that indoor unit 1 is set as representative indoor unit 1R (step SB205; YES), the process proceeds to step SB209. In step SB209, when the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is pre-connected for communication, it transmits the received instruction information CM to the outdoor address 124, i.e., the outdoor unit 2A. Next, in step SB211, the second control execution unit 113 causes the representative indoor unit 1R to execute the second control CT2 according to the instructions from the outdoor unit 2A. In other words, the second control execution unit 113 causes the representative indoor unit 1R to operate based on the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which has been associated by the group setting process. As explained in step SB157 of Figure 18, the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which has been associated by the group setting process is transmitted to the representative indoor unit 1R by the outdoor unit 2A.

[0182] As explained with reference to Figures 17-19, the indoor unit 1 executes either the first control CT1 or the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the outdoor unit 2A. In the first control CT1, the indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication. In the second control CT2, the indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction information from the remote control 3 that has been associated through group setting processing.

[0183] (Third Embodiment) Next, the air conditioning system 10 in the third embodiment will be described. [3-1. Configuration] [3-1-1. Configuration of the Air Conditioning System] The configuration of the air conditioning system 10 in the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the air conditioning system 10 in the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the air conditioning system 10 in the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0184] [3-1-2. Configuration of Outdoor and Indoor Units] Next, the configuration of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 20. Figure 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the third embodiment. In the following description, we will describe the configurations of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 20 that differ from the configurations of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. In addition, the description of the configurations of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 20 that are the same as the configurations of the outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 3 will be omitted.

[0185] As shown in Figure 20, the outdoor unit 2A has the same configuration as the outdoor unit 2A in the first embodiment. Therefore, a description of the outdoor unit 2A will be omitted.

[0186] Next, the configuration of the indoor unit 1 will be described with reference to Figure 20. The general indoor unit 1Q in the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 3. The general indoor unit 1Q refers to an indoor unit 1 that is not the representative indoor unit 1R. The differences between the general indoor unit 1Q in the third embodiment and the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 3 will be described below.

[0187] In the third embodiment, the indoor control unit 100 of the general indoor unit 1Q includes an indoor high-frequency communication unit 111, a first control execution unit 112, and a second control execution unit 113.

[0188] In the first embodiment, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits and receives various information in accordance with instructions from the centralized control device 4. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 of the general indoor unit 1Q transmits and receives various information in accordance with instructions from the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0189] In the first embodiment, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1 in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1 in accordance with instructions from the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0190] In the first embodiment, the second control execution unit 113 executes the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the second control execution unit 113 executes the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0191] The indoor control unit 100 of the representative indoor unit 1R in the third embodiment differs from the indoor control unit 100 of the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figure 3, in that it includes a determination unit 114, a third communication control unit 115, and a group storage unit 125. That is, the indoor control unit 100 of the representative indoor unit 1R in the third embodiment functions as an indoor high-frequency communication unit 111, a first control execution unit 112, a second control execution unit 113, a determination unit 114, a third communication control unit 115, and a group storage unit 125.

[0192] First, we will explain the differences between the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111, the first control execution unit 112, and the second control execution unit 113 of the indoor control unit 100 of the representative indoor unit 1R in the third embodiment and the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 3.

[0193] In the first embodiment, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits and receives various information in accordance with instructions from the instruction unit 414 of the centralized control device 4. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 of the representative indoor unit 1R transmits and receives various information in accordance with instructions from the third communication control unit 115.

[0194] In the first embodiment, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1 in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1 in accordance with instructions from the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0195] In the first embodiment, the second control execution unit 113 executes the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the second control execution unit 113 executes the second control CT2 in accordance with instructions from the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0196] The group storage unit 125 has the same function as a part of the group storage unit 423 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. The group storage unit 125 stores group information relating to a group that includes a remote control 3 to which a representative indoor unit 1R is pre-connected for communication, in accordance with instructions from the second communication control unit 416 of the centralized management device 4. The second communication control unit 416 will be further described with reference to Figure 21.

[0197] If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1B, then the remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication is remote control 3A. The group including remote control 3A is the first group GR1, as shown in Figure 9. The first group GR1 includes remote control 3A and indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. That is, if the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1B, the group storage unit 125 stores the group information of the first group GR1.

[0198] If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1D, then the remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication is remote control 3B. The group including remote control 3B is the second group GR2, as shown in Figure 9. The second group GR2 includes remote control 3B and indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. That is, if the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1D, the group storage unit 125 stores the group information of the second group GR2.

[0199] If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1E, then the remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication is remote control 3C. The group including remote control 3C is the third group GR3, as shown in Figure 9. The third group GR3 includes remote control 3C, indoor unit 1E, and indoor unit 1F. That is, if the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1E, the group storage unit 125 stores the group information of the third group GR3.

[0200] If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1J, then the remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication is remote control 3D. The group including remote control 3D is the fourth group GR4, as shown in Figure 9. The fourth group GR4 includes remote control 3D, indoor units 1G, 1H, 1J, 1N, and 1P. That is, if the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1J, the group storage unit 125 stores the group information of the fourth group GR4.

[0201] If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1P, then the remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication is remote control 3E. The group including remote control 3E is the fifth group GR5, as shown in Figure 9. The fifth group GR5 includes remote control 3E, indoor unit 1K, indoor unit 1L, and indoor unit 1M. That is, if the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1P, the group storage unit 125 stores the group information of the fifth group GR5.

[0202] The determination unit 114 determines, based on information from the second communication control unit 416 of the centralized management device 4, whether or not the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized management device 4 has completed the execution of the group setting process.

[0203] If the determination unit 114 determines that the group setting process has not been completed, the third communication control unit 115 transmits instruction information to the indoor unit 1 included in the group information stored in the group storage unit 125, instructing it to execute the first control CT1.

[0204] When the determination unit 114 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the third communication control unit 115 transmits instruction information to the indoor unit 1 included in the group information stored in the group storage unit 125, instructing it to execute the second control CT2.

[0205] Furthermore, when the determination unit 114 determines that the group setting process has been completed, and the representative indoor unit 1R receives instruction information CM from a remote control 3 that is pre-connected for communication, the third communication control unit 115 transmits instruction information CM to the indoor unit 1 included in the group information stored in the group storage unit 125.

[0206] If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1B, the third communication control unit 115 transmits instruction information CMA to indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1D, the third communication control unit 115 transmits instruction information CMB to indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1E, the third communication control unit 115 transmits instruction information CMC to indoor units 1E and 1F. If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1J, the third communication control unit 115 transmits instruction information CMD to indoor units 1G, 1H, 1J, 1N, and 1P. If the representative indoor unit 1R is, for example, indoor unit 1P, the third communication control unit 115 transmits instruction information CMD to indoor units 1K, 1L, and 1M.

[0207] [3-1-3. Configuration of the Centralized Control Device] Next, the configuration of the centralized control device 4 will be described with reference to Figure 21. The centralized control device 4 in the third embodiment differs from the centralized control device 4 in the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figure 4, in the following respects. In the following description, we will explain the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the third embodiment shown in Figure 21 that differs from the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the explanation of the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the third embodiment shown in Figure 21 that is the same as the configuration of the centralized control device 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 will be omitted.

[0208] As shown in Figure 21, the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the third embodiment differs from the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment in that it does not include a determination unit 413 and an instruction unit 414, but does include a second communication control unit 416.

[0209] When the correspondence processing unit 412 completes the execution of the group setting process, the second communication control unit 416 causes the group storage unit 125 of the indoor control unit 100 of the representative indoor unit 1R to store group information relating to the group that includes the remote control 3 to which the representative indoor unit 1R is pre-connected for communication.

[0210] Furthermore, when the correspondence processing unit 412 completes the execution of the group setting process, the second communication control unit 416 transmits information to the determination unit 114 of the indoor control unit 100 of the representative indoor unit 1R indicating that the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized management device 4 has completed the execution of the group setting process.

[0211] In the third embodiment, the correspondence processing unit 412 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 performs the same processing as the correspondence processing unit 412 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment displays the group setting screen 500, group setting screen 550, group setting screen 560, and group setting screen 570, as described with reference to Figures 5-8, on the touch panel 440. Alternatively, the correspondence processing unit 412 of the centralized management device 4 in the second embodiment may also display the group setting screen 600, as described with reference to Figure 10, on the touch panel 440.

[0212] [3-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 10 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 22-24. Note that the group setting process by the correspondence processing unit 412 in the third embodiment is the same as the group setting process by the correspondence processing unit 412 in the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figure 11, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0213] Next, with reference to Figure 22, the instruction processing of the representative indoor unit 1R to the indoor unit 1 in the third embodiment will be described. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the instruction processing of the representative indoor unit 1R to the indoor unit 1 in the third embodiment.

[0214] First, in step SC131, the determination unit 114 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the group setting process based on information received from the second communication control unit 416 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4. If the determination unit 114 determines that the correspondence processing unit 412 has not completed the group setting process (step SC131; NO), the process proceeds to step SC133. Then, in step SC133, the third communication control unit 115 instructs each of the indoor units 1 to execute the first control CT1. After that, the process returns to step SC131.

[0215] If the determination unit 114 determines that the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process (step SC131; YES), the process proceeds to step SC135. In step SC135, the third communication control unit 115 instructs each of the indoor units 1 to execute the second control CT2. After that, the process returns to step SC131.

[0216] Next, with reference to Figure 23, the instruction information transmission and reception process of the representative indoor unit 1R in the third embodiment will be described. Figure 23 is a flowchart of the instruction information transmission and reception process of the representative indoor unit 1R in the third embodiment. The "instruction information transmission and reception process" shown in Figure 23 is performed by the determination unit 114 and the third communication control unit 115 of the representative indoor unit 1R. The "instruction information transmission and reception process" is a process in which, when the determination unit 114 determines that the group setting process has been completed, the third communication control unit 115 of the representative indoor unit 1R transmits the instruction information CM received by the representative indoor unit 1R from the remote control 3 to the indoor unit 1 associated with the remote control 3.

[0217] Furthermore, when the correspondence processing unit 412 completes the group setting process, the group storage unit 125 stores the group information set during the group setting process. In addition, the group storage unit 125 stores the group information set during the group setting process based on the information received from the second communication control unit 416 of the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 in the third embodiment shown in Figure 21.

[0218] First, in step SC151, the determination unit 114 determines whether the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process. If the determination unit 114 determines that the correspondence processing unit 412 has not completed the execution of the group setting process (step SC151; NO), the process enters a waiting state. If the determination unit 114 determines that the correspondence processing unit 412 has completed the execution of the group setting process (step SC151; YES), the process proceeds to step SC153.

[0219] Then, in step SC153, the third communication control unit 115 determines whether or not it has received instruction information CM from the remote control 3. If the third communication control unit 115 determines that it has not received instruction information CM from the remote control 3 (step SC153; NO), the process enters a standby state. If the third communication control unit 115 determines that it has received instruction information CM from the remote control 3 (step SC153; YES), the process proceeds to step SC155.

[0220] Then, in step SC155, the third communication control unit 115 extracts the indoor unit 1 that is included in the group corresponding to the remote control 3 of the instruction information CM received in step SC153, based on the group information stored in the group storage unit 125. Next, in step SC157, the third communication control unit 115 transmits the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 received in step SC153 to the indoor unit 1 extracted in step SC155. After that, the process returns to step SC151.

[0221] Next, the processing of the indoor unit 1 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 24. Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the processing of the indoor unit 1 in the third embodiment.

[0222] First, in step SC201, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the representative indoor unit 1R to execute the second control CT2. If the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines that it has not received an instruction to execute the second control CT2 (step SC201; NO), the process proceeds to step SC203. Then, in step SC203, the first control execution unit 112 executes the first control CT1. In other words, the first control execution unit 112 operates the indoor unit 1 based on instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is connected in advance for communication. After that, the process returns to step SC201.

[0223] If the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 determines that it has received an instruction to execute the second control CT2 (step SC201; YES), the process proceeds to step SC205. In step SC205, the indoor control unit 100 determines whether or not indoor unit 1 is set as representative indoor unit 1R.

[0224] If the indoor control unit 100 determines that indoor unit 1 is not set as representative indoor unit 1R (step SC205; NO), the process proceeds to step SC207. In step SC207, the second control execution unit 113 causes indoor unit 1 to execute the second control CT2 according to instructions from representative indoor unit 1R. In other words, the second control execution unit 113 causes indoor unit 1 to operate based on instruction information CM from remote control 3, which has been associated through the group setting process. As explained in step SC157 of Figure 23, the instruction information CM from remote control 3, which has been associated through the group setting process, is transmitted to indoor unit 1 by representative indoor unit 1R.

[0225] If the indoor control unit 100 determines that indoor unit 1 is set as representative indoor unit 1R (step SC205; YES), the process proceeds to step SC209. In step SC209, when the third communication control unit 115 receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 which is pre-connected for communication, it transmits the received instruction information CM to the indoor unit 1 which is included in the group corresponding to the remote control 3. The process in step SC209 corresponds to the process in the flowchart shown in Figure 23. In other words, in step SC209, representative indoor unit 1R executes the process in the flowchart shown in Figure 23.

[0226] Next, in step SC211, the second control execution unit 113 causes the representative indoor unit 1R to execute the second control CT2 in accordance with the instructions of the third communication control unit 115 of the representative indoor unit 1R. In other words, the second control execution unit 113 causes the representative indoor unit 1R to operate based on the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 associated by the group setting process. As explained in step SC157 of Figure 23, the instruction information CM from the remote control 3 associated by the group setting process is transmitted to the representative indoor unit 1R by the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0227] The representative indoor unit 1R that transmits instruction information CM from the remote control 3 to the indoor unit 1 and the representative indoor unit 1R that receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 may be the same representative indoor unit 1R, or they may be different representative indoor units 1R.

[0228] If the representative indoor unit 1R that transmits instruction information CM from the remote control 3 to the indoor unit 1 and the representative indoor unit 1R that receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 are the same representative indoor unit 1R, the following process is executed in step SC211. That is, the second control execution unit 113 of the representative indoor unit 1R causes the representative indoor unit 1R to execute the second control CT2 in accordance with the instructions of the third communication control unit 115 of the representative indoor unit 1R.

[0229] If the representative indoor unit 1R that transmits instruction information CM from the remote control 3 to the indoor unit 1 and the representative indoor unit 1R that receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3 are different representative indoor units 1R, the following process is executed in step SC211. That is, the second control execution unit 113 of the representative indoor unit 1R causes the representative indoor unit 1R to execute the second control CT2 in accordance with the instructions of the third communication control unit 115 of the other representative indoor unit 1R. In this case, the other representative indoor unit 1R corresponds to the representative indoor unit 1R that transmits instruction information CM from the remote control 3 to the indoor unit 1, and the said representative indoor unit 1R corresponds to the representative indoor unit 1R that receives instruction information CM from the remote control 3.

[0230] [4. Effects] The air conditioning system 10 comprises two or more first number N1 remote controls 3, a second number N2 indoor unit 1 which is greater than the first number N1, and a centralized control device 4 that controls the operation of the second number N2 indoor unit 1. Based on user operation, the centralized control device 4 displays a group setting screen GSS which associates each of the second number N2 indoor unit 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3.

[0231] According to this, a group setting screen GSS is displayed that associates each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3, based on the user's operation. Therefore, the user can easily associate each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3.

[0232] The group setting screen GSS displays first identification information for each of the first number N1 remote controls 3, and displays second identification information for each of the second number N2 indoor units 1, which are associated with each of the first number N1 remote controls 3.

[0233] According to this, since the second identification information indicating each of the second number of indoor units 1 (N2) is displayed as an indoor unit 1 to be associated with each of the first number of remote controls 3 (N1), the user can easily associate each of the second number of indoor units 1 (N2) with one of the remote controls 3 (N1).

[0234] The second number N2 indoor unit 1 is arranged on one floor, and the centralized management device 4 displays an image on the group setting screen GSS showing the arrangement of the second number N2 indoor unit 1 on the floor.

[0235] According to this, the group settings screen GSS displays an image showing the arrangement of the second number N2 indoor units 1 on the floor, so the user can easily see the arrangement of the second number N2 indoor units 1.

[0236] The centralized management device 4 displays an image on the group setting screen GSS showing the arrangement of the first number N1 of remote controls 3 on the floor.

[0237] According to this, the group settings screen GSS displays an image showing the arrangement of the first number N1 of remote controls 3 on the floor, so that the user can easily see the arrangement of the first number N1 of remote controls 3.

[0238] The centralized management device 4 displays an image on the group setting screen GSS showing the arrangement of partition members PT that divide the floor on the floor.

[0239] According to this, the group settings screen GSS displays an image showing the arrangement of partition members PT that divide the floor, so that the user can easily see the arrangement of the partition members PT. In addition, since the partition members PT divide the floor into multiple rooms R, for example, the user can easily see the arrangement of the multiple rooms R.

[0240] The centralized control device 4 receives a first selection operation to select one remote control 3 from a first number N1 of remote controls 3, and receives a second selection operation to select at least one indoor unit 1 from a second number N2 of indoor units 1 as the indoor unit 1 to be associated with the one remote control, and associates the at least one indoor unit 1 with the one remote control.

[0241] According to this, by performing a first selection operation and a second selection operation, the user can easily associate each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3.

[0242] When the centralized control device 4 associates at least one indoor unit 1 with one remote control 3, it displays a mark on the image showing the arrangement of the at least one indoor unit 1 to indicate that it has been associated with one remote control 3.

[0243] According to this, a mark indicating that the at least one indoor unit 1 is associated with the one remote control 3 is displayed on the image showing the arrangement of the at least one indoor unit 1, so that the user can easily see that the at least one indoor unit 1 is associated with the one remote control 3.

[0244] The mark includes at least one of the shapes, patterns, and colors that represent one of the remote controls 3 in an image showing the arrangement of a first number N1 of remote controls 3 on the floor.

[0245] According to this, it is easy to see that at least one indoor unit 1 is associated with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3.

[0246] The second number N2 of indoor units 1 includes at least two indoor units 1 that operate in conjunction with each other, and the centralized management device 4 associates the at least two indoor units 1 with the one remote control 3 when one of the at least two indoor units 1 is selected in the second selection operation.

[0247] According to this, the user can associate at least two indoor units 1 that operate in conjunction with each other with one remote control 3. The at least two indoor units 1 that operate in conjunction with each other constitute a so-called package air conditioner.

[0248] The centralized control device 4 displays the package air conditioner mark MP, which indicates that the at least two indoor units 1 are operating in conjunction with each other.

[0249] According to this, the user can visually confirm that the at least two indoor units 1 operate in conjunction with each other by the package air conditioner mark MP.

[0250] The centralized control device 4 transmits the instruction information CM of the one remote control 3 to the indoor unit 1 associated with the one remote control.

[0251] According to this, the instruction information CM of the one remote control 3 is transmitted to the indoor unit 1 associated with the one remote control, so that the indoor unit 1 associated with the one remote control can be operated according to the instruction information CM of the one remote control 3.

[0252] The control method for the air conditioning system 10 comprises two or more first number N1 remote controls 3, a second number N2 indoor unit 1 which is greater than the first number N1, and a centralized control device 4 that controls the operation of the second number N2 indoor unit 1, wherein the centralized control device 4 performs a correspondence step of displaying a group setting screen GSS that associates each of the second number N2 indoor unit 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3 based on user operation.

[0253] According to this, it will produce the same effects as the air conditioning system 10.

[0254] The control program 421 is a control program 421 for an air conditioning system 10 comprising two or more first number N1 remote controls 3, a second number N2 indoor unit 1 which is greater than the first number N1, and a centralized management device 4 that controls the operation of the second number N2 indoor unit 1, and causes the management processor 410 of the centralized management device 4 to execute a correspondence step, which displays a group setting screen GSS that associates each of the second number N2 indoor unit 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3 based on user operation.

[0255] According to this, it will produce the same effects as the air conditioning system 10.

[0256] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the first, second, and third embodiments have been explained as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in the first, second, and third embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0257] In the embodiment described above, the air conditioning system 10 is configured to have five refrigerant systems, but the number of refrigerant systems provided by the air conditioning system 10 is not limited to five.

[0258] In the embodiment described above, two to five indoor units 1 belong to one refrigerant system, but the number of indoor units 1 belonging to one refrigerant system is not limited to two to five.

[0259] In the embodiment described above, the air conditioning system 10 has a configuration that includes two types of refrigerant systems: one in which the outdoor unit 1 operates in multiple modes and another in which the outdoor unit 1 does not operate in multiple modes. However, the air conditioning system 10 may also have a configuration that includes only one type of refrigerant system in which the outdoor unit 1 operates in multiple modes.

[0260] In the embodiment described above, the group setting screens 500, 550, 560, 570, and 600 shown in Figures 5-8 and 10 correspond to examples of "mapping screens". The "mapping screen" is not limited to the screens shown in Figures 5-8 and 10. The "mapping screen" can be any screen that, based on user operation, associates each of the second number N2 indoor units 1 with one of the first number N1 remote controls 3.

[0261] In the embodiment described above, images showing the arrangement of the indoor unit 1 and the arrangement of the remote control 3 were displayed on the group setting screens 500, 550, 560, 570, and 10 shown in Figures 5-8. However, an image showing the refrigerant piping P may also be displayed.

[0262] In the embodiment described above, the package air conditioner mark MP, explained with reference to Figure 5, corresponds to an example of "an image indicating that they operate in conjunction with each other." The "image indicating that they operate in conjunction with each other" is not limited to the package air conditioner mark MP.

[0263] In the embodiment described above, the partition member PT explained with reference to Figure 6 corresponds to an example of an "image showing the arrangement of partition members." The "image showing the arrangement of partition members" is not limited to the partition member PT.

[0264] In the embodiment described above, a user touch operation on any of the 3A buttons 511 to 3E buttons 515, as explained with reference to Figure 7, corresponds to an example of a "first selection operation," but the "first selection operation" is not limited to this. The "first selection operation" can be any operation that selects one of the first number N1 remote controls 3.

[0265] In the embodiment described above, the user's touch operation of the images showing indoor units 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, as explained with reference to Figure 7, corresponds to an example of a "second selection operation," but the "second selection operation" is not limited to this. The "second selection operation" is any operation that selects at least one indoor unit 1 from a second number N2 of indoor units 1 to be associated with one remote control 3.

[0266] In the embodiment described above, the solid rectangle, dashed rectangle, double-dotted rectangle, and long dashed rectangle shown in Figure 8 each correspond to an example of a "mark indicating that it is associated with one remote control," and the solid line, dashed line, double-dotted line, and long dashed line each correspond to an example of a "shape indicating that it is associated with one remote control." The "mark indicating that it is associated with one remote control" is not limited to these. The "mark indicating that it is associated with one remote control" only needs to include at least one of the shapes, patterns, and colors that indicate one remote control.

[0267] In the first embodiment described above, the centralized control device 4 corresponds to an example of a "control device," but the "control device" is not limited to this. For example, in the second embodiment described above, the centralized control device 4 corresponds to a part of the "control device," and the outdoor unit 2A corresponds to a part of the "control device." Also, for example, in the second embodiment described above, the centralized control device 4 corresponds to a part of the "control device," and the representative indoor unit 1R corresponds to a part of the "control device."

[0268] In the embodiment described above, the "representative indoor unit" is pre-set as the indoor unit 1 located furthest downstream in the transmission of the instruction signal SG from the remote control 3 among a plurality of indoor units 1. However, the method of determining the "representative indoor unit" is not limited to this. It is sufficient for one indoor unit 1 to be pre-set as the "representative indoor unit" from among a plurality of indoor units 1 that are pre-connected to a single remote control 3 for communication. For example, the indoor unit 1 located furthest upstream in the transmission of the instruction signal SG from the remote control 3 among a plurality of indoor units 1 may be pre-set. Furthermore, when installing multiple indoor units 1, the "representative indoor unit" may be set by an operator using, for example, a switch on the circuit board of the indoor unit 1.

[0269] In the above-described embodiment, step SA103 shown in Figure 11 corresponds to an example of a "matching step". Also, in the above-described first embodiment, step SA135 shown in Figure 12 and step SA157 shown in Figure 13 correspond to an example of a "transmission step". Also, in the above-described second embodiment, step SB135 shown in Figure 17 and step SB157 shown in Figure 18 correspond to an example of a "transmission step". Also, in the above-described third embodiment, step SC157 shown in Figure 23 corresponds to an example of a "transmission step".

[0270] The management processor 410, the outdoor processor 210, and the indoor processor 110 may each consist of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0271] The configurations of the indoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 2 shown in Figures 3, 15, and 20 are examples, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually; it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0272] The configurations of the parts of the centralized management device 4 shown in Figures 4, 16, and 21 are examples, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually, and it is also possible to configure the device so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented as software.

[0273] The step units in the flowcharts shown in Figures 11-14, 17-19, and 22-24 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the process, and the processing is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not hinder the intent of this disclosure.

[0274] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0275] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technology.

[0276] (Technology 1) An indoor unit control system comprising two or more first-number remote controls, a second-number greater than the first-number indoor units, and a control device for controlling the operation of the second-number indoor units, wherein the control device displays a mapping screen that associates each of the second-number indoor units with one of the first-number remote controls, and transmits instruction information for the one remote control to the indoor unit associated with the one remote control. According to this, since a mapping screen is displayed that associates each of the second-number indoor units with one of the first-number remote controls based on the user's operation, the user can easily associate each of the second-number indoor units with one of the first-number remote controls.

[0277] (Technology 2) The indoor unit control system according to Technology 1, wherein the mapping screen displays first identification information indicating each of the first number of remote controls, and displays second identification information indicating each of the second number of indoor units as the indoor unit to be associated with each of the first number of remote controls in a selectable manner. With this, since the second identification information indicating each of the second number of indoor units as the indoor unit to be associated with each of the first number of remote controls is displayed in a selectable manner, the user can easily associate each of the second number of indoor units with one of the remote controls from the first number of remote controls.

[0278] (Technology 3) An indoor unit control system according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the second number of indoor units are arranged on one floor, and the control device displays an image on the correspondence screen showing the arrangement of the second number of indoor units on the floor. With this, since the correspondence screen displays an image showing the arrangement of the second number of indoor units on the floor, the user can easily visually confirm the arrangement of the second number of indoor units.

[0279] (Technical 4) The indoor unit control system according to Technical 3, wherein the control device displays an image on the correspondence screen showing the arrangement of the first number of remote controls on the floor. With this, since the correspondence screen displays an image showing the arrangement of the first number of remote controls on the floor, the user can easily visually confirm the arrangement of the first number of remote controls.

[0280] (Technical 5) The indoor unit control system according to Technical 3, wherein the control device displays an image on the mapping screen showing the arrangement of partition members that divide the floor on the floor. With this, since the mapping screen displays an image showing the arrangement of partition members that divide the floor on the floor, the user can easily visually confirm the arrangement of the partition members. In addition, since the partition members divide the floor into multiple rooms, for example, the user can easily visually confirm the arrangement of the multiple rooms.

[0281] (Technical 6) The indoor unit control system according to Technical 4 or Technical 5, wherein the control device receives a first selection operation to select one of the first number of remote controls, and receives a second selection operation to select at least one of the second number of indoor units as an indoor unit to be associated with the one remote control, and associates the at least one indoor unit with the one remote control. With this, the user can easily associate each of the second number of indoor units with one of the first number of remote controls by performing the first selection operation and the second selection operation.

[0282] (Technical 7) The indoor unit control system according to Technical 6, wherein when the control device associates at least one indoor unit with one remote control, it displays a mark on an image showing the arrangement of the at least one indoor unit indicating that it has been associated with one remote control. With this, since a mark indicating that it has been associated with one remote control is displayed on an image showing the arrangement of the at least one indoor unit, the user can easily visually confirm that the at least one indoor unit has been associated with one remote control.

[0283] (Technical 8) The indoor unit control system according to Technical 7, wherein the mark includes at least one of the shape, pattern, and color that represent one of the remote controls in an image showing the arrangement of the first number of remote controls on the floor. With this, it is easy to visually confirm that the at least one indoor unit is associated with one of the first number of remote controls.

[0284] (Technology 9) An indoor unit control system according to any one of Technologies 6 to 8, wherein the second number of indoor units includes at least two indoor units that operate in conjunction with each other, and the control device associates the at least two indoor units with the one remote control when one of the at least two indoor units is selected in the second selection operation. According to this, a user can associate at least two indoor units that operate in conjunction with each other with the one remote control. The at least two indoor units that operate in conjunction with each other constitute a so-called package air conditioner.

[0285] (Technical 10) The indoor unit control system according to Technical 9, wherein the control device displays an image indicating that the at least two indoor units operate in conjunction with each other. With this, the user can visually confirm that the at least two indoor units 1 operate in conjunction with each other by the image indicating that the at least two indoor units operate in conjunction with each other.

[0286] (Technical 11) An indoor unit control system according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 10, wherein the control device transmits instruction information of one remote control to an indoor unit associated with one remote control. According to this, since the instruction information of one remote control is transmitted to an indoor unit associated with one remote control, the indoor unit associated with one remote control can be operated in accordance with the instruction information of one remote control.

[0287] (Technical 12) A control method for an indoor unit control system comprising two or more first numbers of remote controls, a second number of indoor units greater than the first number, and a control device for controlling the operation of the second number of indoor units, wherein the control device performs a mapping step of displaying a mapping screen that maps each of the second number of indoor units to one of the first number of remote controls based on user operation. This method provides the same effects as the indoor unit control system described in Technical 1.

[0288] (Technical 13) A control program for an indoor unit control system comprising two or more first-number remote controls, a second-number greater than the first-number indoor units, and a control device for controlling the operation of the second-number indoor units, wherein the control program causes the processor of the control device to execute a mapping step of displaying a mapping screen that maps each of the second-number indoor units to one of the first-number remote controls based on user operation. This provides the same effects as the indoor unit control system described in Technical 1.

[0289] As described above, the indoor unit control system, the control method for the indoor unit control system, and the control program according to the present invention can be used to associate each of a plurality of indoor units with one of a plurality of remote controls.

[0290] 10 Air Conditioning System (Indoor Unit Control System) 1, 1A-1H, 1J-1N, 1P Indoor Unit 1R Representative Indoor Unit 1Q General Indoor Unit 110 Indoor Processor 111 Indoor High-Frequency Communication Unit 112 First Control Execution Unit 113 Second Control Execution Unit 114 Judgment Unit 115 Third Communication Control Unit 120 Indoor Memory 121 Control Program 122 Indoor Address 123 Management Address 124 Outdoor Address 125 Group Storage Unit 2, 2A, 2B Outdoor Unit 200 Outdoor Control Unit 210 Outdoor Processor 211 Outdoor High-Frequency Communication Unit 212 Judgment Unit 213 Instruction Unit 220 Outdoor Memory 221 Control Program 222 Outdoor Address 223 Group Storage Unit 3, 3A-3E Remote Control 4 Centralized Management Device (Control Device) 400 Management control unit 410 Management processor 411 Management high-frequency communication unit 412 Correspondence processing unit 413 Determination unit 414 Instruction unit 415 First communication control unit 416 Second communication control unit 420 Management memory 421 Control program 422 Management address 423 Group storage unit 440 Touch panel CM, CMA-CME Instruction information CT1 First control CT2 Second control GSS, 500, 550, 560, 570, 600 Group setting screen (correspondence screen) MP Package air conditioner mark N1 First quantity N2 Second quantity PT Partition member R Room TBL Table

Claims

1. An indoor unit control system comprising: two or more first numbers of remote controls; a second number of indoor units greater than the first number; and a control device for controlling the operation of the second number of indoor units, wherein the control device displays a mapping screen that associates each of the second number of indoor units with one of the first number of remote controls based on user operation.

2. The indoor unit control system according to claim 1, wherein the mapping screen displays first identification information indicating each of the first number of remote controls, and displays second identification information indicating each of the second number of indoor units as the indoor unit to be associated with each of the first number of remote controls in a selectable manner.

3. The indoor unit control system according to claim 1, wherein the second number of indoor units are arranged on one floor, and the control device displays an image on the correspondence screen showing the arrangement of the second number of indoor units on the floor.

4. The indoor unit control system according to claim 3, wherein the control device displays an image on the correspondence screen showing the arrangement of the first number of remote controls on the floor.

5. The indoor unit control system according to claim 3, wherein the control device displays an image on the correspondence screen showing the arrangement of partition members that divide the floor on the floor.

6. The indoor unit control system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control device receives a first selection operation to select one remote control from the first number of remote controls, receives a second selection operation to select at least one indoor unit from the second number of indoor units as an indoor unit to be associated with the one remote control, and associates the at least one indoor unit with the one remote control.

7. The indoor unit control system according to claim 6, wherein when the control device associates the at least one indoor unit with the one remote control, it displays a mark indicating that it has been associated with the one remote control on an image showing the arrangement of the at least one indoor unit.

8. The indoor unit control system according to claim 7, wherein the mark includes at least one of the shape, pattern, and color representing one remote control in an image showing the arrangement of the first number of remote controls on the floor.

9. The indoor unit control system according to claim 6, wherein the second number of indoor units includes at least two indoor units that operate in conjunction with each other, and the control device associates the at least two indoor units with the one remote control when one of the at least two indoor units is selected in the second selection operation.

10. The indoor unit control system according to claim 9, wherein the control device displays an image indicating that the at least two indoor units operate in conjunction with each other.

11. The indoor unit control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device transmits instruction information of one remote control to an indoor unit associated with one remote control.

12. A control method for an indoor unit control system comprising: two or more first numbers of remote controls; a second number of indoor units greater than the first number; and a control device for controlling the operation of the second number of indoor units, wherein the control device performs a mapping step of displaying a mapping screen that maps each of the second number of indoor units to one of the first number of remote controls based on user operation.

13. A control program for an indoor unit control system comprising: two or more first numbers of remote controls; a second number of indoor units greater than the first number; and a control device for controlling the operation of the second number of indoor units, the control program causing the processor of the control device to execute a mapping step of displaying a mapping screen that maps each of the second number of indoor units to one of the first number of remote controls based on user operation.

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