Air conditioning control system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an air conditioning control system capable of continuing air conditioning control even when an abnormality occurs in a remote controller.　An air conditioning control system according to the present disclosure comprises: a first remote controller; a second remote controller; a plurality of indoor units including a first remote controller-associated indoor unit, which is associated with the first remote controller; and a control device capable of controlling the plurality of indoor units. When an abnormality occurs in the first remote controller, the control device controls the first remote controller-associated indoor unit on the basis of an operation performed on the second remote controller.

Description

Air conditioning control system

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing group management on indoor units to be controlled by a remote controller in an air conditioning system without depending on the connection of communication lines.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7407834

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning control system that can continue air conditioning control even when an abnormality occurs in a remote controller.

[0005] The air conditioning control system according to the present disclosure includes a first remote controller, a second remote controller, a plurality of indoor units including a first remote controller-corresponding indoor unit associated with the first remote controller, and a control device capable of controlling the plurality of indoor units, wherein when an abnormality occurs in the first remote controller, the control device controls the first remote controller-corresponding indoor unit based on an operation performed on the second remote controller. This specification includes the entire content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-055923 filed on March 28, 2025.

[0006] The air conditioning control system according to the present disclosure can control the indoor unit to be controlled by the remote controller in which an abnormality has occurred even when an abnormality occurs in the remote controller. Therefore, air conditioning control can be continued even when an abnormality occurs in the remote controller.

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 Figure 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication system of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 Figure 3 is a diagram showing configurations of an outdoor unit and indoor units according to Embodiment 1 Figure 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a centralized management device according to Embodiment 1 Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an association process performed by the centralized management device according to Embodiment 1 Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an instruction information transmission / reception process performed by the centralized management device according to Embodiment 1 Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a remote controller according to Embodiment 1 Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an association process performed by a centralized management device according to Embodiment 2 Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an association process performed by a centralized management device according to Embodiment 3

[0008] (Knowledge and other information forming the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology in air conditioning systems that allowed for group management of indoor units controlled by a remote control, without relying on communication line connections. However, the inventors discovered that with the conventional technology, if a malfunction occurred in the remote control, it would become impossible to operate the indoor unit controlled by the malfunctioning remote control. To solve this problem, the subject matter of this disclosure was established. Therefore, this disclosure provides an air conditioning control system that can continue air conditioning control even when a malfunction occurs in the remote control.

[0009] 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.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) [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 Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant system of the air conditioning system 10 in Embodiment 1. 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. Embodiment 1 describes the case in which the air conditioning system 10 is arranged on one floor. The air conditioning system 10 corresponds to an example of an "air conditioning control system".

[0011] Let us explain using an example where the floor in which the air conditioning system 10 is located consists of rooms R1, R2, and R3. As shown in the figure, rooms R1 and R3 are separated by wall W1, and rooms R2 and R3 are separated by wall W2.

[0012] 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 to the indoor unit 1. The remote control 3 consists of a remote control 3A installed in room R1, a remote control 3B installed in room R2, and an add-on remote control 3C installed in room R3.

[0013] When each remote control 3 is installed, an association is made between each remote control 3 and the indoor unit 1 to be controlled. Specifically, the association between each remote control 3 and the indoor unit 1 is made based on the user's operation on the touch panel 440 of the centralized management device 4, which will be described later. For example, in this embodiment, indoor unit 1A and indoor unit 1B installed in room R1 are associated with remote control 3A. Indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F installed in room R2 are associated with remote control 3B. Indoor unit 1C and indoor unit 1D installed in room R3 are associated with the add-on remote control 3C.

[0014] The retrofit remote control 3C was installed when the floor where the air conditioning system 10 is located was renovated. Specifically, the floor before the renovation had only two rooms, one on the left and one on the right. However, the wall separating these two rooms was removed, and walls W1 and W2 were newly installed. As a result, room R3 was newly added to the renovated floor. At that time, the retrofit remote control 3C was installed to receive operations related to the air conditioning control of room R3. The newly installed retrofit remote control 3C is controlled via a different communication method than the remote controls 3A and 3B that were installed before the renovation.

[0015] In this embodiment, remote controls 3A and 3B are configured to receive DC power from a remote control wire connected to the indoor unit 1 via a wired connection. For example, remote control 3A is supplied with DC power from indoor unit 1A via communication line LR1. Remote control 3B is supplied with DC power from indoor unit 1F via communication line LR2. The add-on remote control 3C is configured to be powered by a battery. Note that the add-on remote control 3C is not limited to battery power; it may also be configured to receive power from an AC power source.

[0016] The indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction information from the central control device 4. The indoor unit 1 consists of indoor unit 1A installed in room R1, indoor unit 1B installed in room R1, indoor unit 1C installed in room R3, indoor unit 1D installed in room R3, indoor unit 1E installed in room R2, and indoor unit 1F installed in room R2.

[0017] The outdoor unit 2 forms a refrigeration cycle with the indoor unit 1. As shown in Figure 1, in Embodiment 1, the outdoor unit 2 is composed of outdoor unit 2A and outdoor unit 2B.

[0018] The outdoor unit 2A forms a refrigeration cycle with the indoor units 1A, 1B, and 1C via refrigerant piping. The outdoor unit 2B also forms a refrigeration cycle with the indoor units 1D, 1E, and 1F via refrigerant piping.

[0019] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configuration of the communication system of the air conditioning system 10 in Embodiment 1 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".

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 10 has a high-frequency communication system and a dedicated communication system. The high-frequency communication system connects the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 1A 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 Embodiment 1, for example, the Nessum® signal corresponds to a high-frequency signal.

[0021] The high-frequency communication system includes communication lines L1, L2, and L3. Communication line L1 connects the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 1A in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line L2 connects the outdoor unit 2A and the outdoor unit 2B in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line L3 connects the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized control device 4 in a high-frequency communication manner. The high-frequency communication system also includes communication lines LC11, LC12, LC21, LC22, and LC23. Communication line LC11 connects the indoor unit 1A and the indoor unit 1B in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line LC12 connects the indoor unit 1B and the indoor unit 1C in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line LC21 connects the outdoor unit 2B and the indoor unit 1D in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line LC22 connects the indoor unit 1D and the indoor unit 1E in a high-frequency communication manner. Communication line LC23 connects indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F in a way that enables high-frequency communication. Furthermore, when comparing the high-frequency communication system with the dedicated communication system, the communication speed of the high-frequency communication system is faster than that of the dedicated communication system.

[0022] The dedicated communication system includes communication lines LR1 and LR2. Note that communication lines LR1 and LR2 may also be included in the high-frequency communication system. The dedicated communication system connects, for example, remote control 3A and indoor unit 1A in a communication-enabled manner. Furthermore, the dedicated communication system connects, for example, remote control 3B and indoor unit 1F in a communication-enabled manner. Remote control 3 transmits instruction information to indoor unit 1 via the dedicated communication system.

[0023] Communication cable LR1 connects remote control 3A and indoor unit 1A for communication. Communication cable LR2 connects remote control 3B and indoor unit 1F for communication.

[0024] The instruction signal from the remote control 3A is transmitted to the indoor unit 1A via the communication line LR1. The instruction signal transmitted to the indoor unit 1A is then transmitted to the outdoor unit 2A via the communication line L1. The instruction signal transmitted to the outdoor unit 2A is then transmitted to the central control device 4 via the communication line L3. The central control device 4 then executes control according to the instructions from the remote control 3A.

[0025] The instruction signal from remote control 3B is transmitted to indoor unit 1F via communication line LR2. The instruction signal transmitted to indoor unit 1F is transmitted to indoor unit 1E via communication line LC23. The instruction signal transmitted to indoor unit 1E is transmitted to indoor unit 1D via communication line LC22. The instruction signal transmitted to indoor unit 1D is transmitted to outdoor unit 2B via communication line LC21. The instruction signal transmitted to outdoor unit 2B is transmitted to outdoor unit 2A via communication line L2. The instruction signal transmitted to outdoor unit 2A is transmitted to central control device 4 via communication line L3. The central control device 4 then executes control according to the instruction content from remote control 3B. Note that communication lines L1, L2, L3, communication line LC11, communication line LC12, communication line LC22, and communication line LC23 may be configured to be electrically connected to each other.

[0026] Furthermore, the centralized management device 4 is connected to the server device 6 via the router 5 and the network NW. The centralized management device 4 and the router 5 are connected by a LAN cable, but this is not limited to wired communication and may be wireless. The add-on remote control 3C and the router 5 are connected by Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark. Communication between the add-on remote control 3C and the indoor unit 1 is performed at least via the router 5, the centralized management device 4, and the outdoor unit 2A, but is not limited to this. For example, the add-on remote control 3C and the indoor unit 1 may communicate directly by wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a registered trademark.

[0027] The instruction signals from the add-on remote control 3C are transmitted to the centralized management device 4 via the router 5. The centralized management device 4 then executes control according to the instructions from the add-on remote control 3C.

[0028] [1-1-2. Configuration of the Outdoor Unit and Indoor Unit] Next, the configuration of the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 1A in Embodiment 1 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 1A in Embodiment 1.

[0029] 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 the instructions of the outdoor control unit 200, which will be described later. In Embodiment 1, for example, the Nessum® signal corresponds to the high-frequency signal.

[0030] Furthermore, the configuration of the indoor unit 1A will be described with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the indoor unit 1A 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 the instructions of the indoor control unit 100, which will be described later.

[0031] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the configuration of the control systems for the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 1A will be described. First, with reference to Figure 3, the configuration of the control system for the outdoor unit 2A will be described.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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 Embodiment 1, 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.

[0035] The outdoor processor 210 functions as an outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 by reading and executing the control program 221 stored in the outdoor memory 220.

[0036] The outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 transmits information to the indoor unit 1A and the centralized control device 4 via the high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 230. The outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 also receives information from the indoor unit 1A and the centralized control device 4 by receiving high-frequency signals from them via the high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 230. In Embodiment 1, the outdoor high-frequency communication unit 211 transmits and receives various types of information according to instructions from the centralized control device 4.

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit 1A will be described. The indoor unit 1A 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 other devices and sensors. A high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 130 is connected to the indoor control unit 100. The indoor control unit 100 is also connected to an indoor fan that supplies air to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit 1A, an indoor expansion valve that adjusts the refrigerant flow rate to the heat exchanger, and various sensors of the indoor unit 1A.

[0038] The internal memory 120 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The internal memory 120 stores the control program 121, the internal address 122, and data to be processed by the internal processor 110. The internal memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the internal memory 120 has a volatile storage area that constitutes the work area of ​​the internal processor 110. The internal memory 120 is composed of, for example, ROM or RAM.

[0039] 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 Embodiment 1, an IP address is given as an example for the indoor address 122, but the indoor address 122 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 1A.

[0040] The indoor processor 110 functions as an indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 and a control execution unit 112 by reading and executing the control program 121 stored in the indoor memory 120.

[0041] The indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits high-frequency signals to the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized management device 4 via the high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 130, thereby transmitting information to the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized management device 4. In addition, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives high-frequency signals from the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized management device 4 via the high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 130, thereby receiving information from the outdoor unit 2A and the centralized management device 4. In the first embodiment, the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 transmits and receives various types of information in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4.

[0042] The control execution unit 112 executes control in accordance with instructions from the centralized management device 4.

[0043] The indoor unit 1 operates based on instruction information from the centralized management device 4. In other words, the control execution unit 112 causes the indoor unit 1 to operate based on the instruction information from the centralized management device 4.

[0044] In addition, 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 exemplified as the management address 123, but the management address 123 is not limited to an IP address; it may be another network address, or may be an address for identifying the indoor unit 1 other than a network address.

[0045] In addition, when the indoor high-frequency communication unit 111 receives instruction information from the remote controller 3 connected to enable communication in advance, it transmits the received instruction information to the management address 123, that is, the centralized management device 4.

[0046] [1-1-3. Configuration of Centralized Management Device] Next, the configuration of the centralized management device 4 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the centralized management device 4 according to the first embodiment. The centralized management device 4 is constituted by, for example, a personal computer. However, the centralized management device 4 includes a high-frequency transmitting and receiving circuit 430 in addition to the configuration of a general personal computer.

[0047] The centralized management device 4 displays information collected from the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1, and transmits control signals to the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1. In addition, the centralized management device 4 is installed in facilities such as buildings and schools where the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1 are installed.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the centralized management device 4 includes a high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 430. The high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 430 includes a transmitter and a receiver that conform to a predetermined communication method related to transmission and reception of high-frequency (for example, 100 kHz or higher) signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "high-frequency signals"). The high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 430 transmits and receives high-frequency signals in accordance with instructions from a management control unit 400 described later.

[0049] In addition, the centralized management device 4 includes a touch panel 440. The touch panel 440 receives operations from a user. The touch panel 440 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch sensor. The display displays various images in accordance with instructions from the management control unit 400 described later. The touch sensor is formed integrally with the display surface of the display and receives a touch operation from a user. When the touch sensor receives a touch operation, it outputs a signal indicating the touch operation to the management control unit 400.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the control system of the centralized management device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. 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 an MPU, a management memory 420, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. A high-frequency transmitting / receiving circuit 430 is connected to the management control unit 400.

[0051] The management memory 420 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The management memory 420 stores a control program 421, a management address 422, and data processed by the management processor 410. The management memory 420 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the management memory 420 includes a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the management processor 410. The management memory 420 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0052] Furthermore, the management memory 420 has a group storage unit 423. The group storage unit 423 stores, for example, the group information set in the group setting process executed by the correspondence execution unit 413, which will be described later, as a table. The table showing the group information is stored in the group storage unit 423 by the correspondence execution unit 413. The table stores the group identification information, the remote control identification information, and the IP address of the indoor unit 1 in association with each other.

[0053] 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 Embodiment 1, 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.

[0054] The management processor 410 functions as a management high-frequency communication unit 411, an anomaly detection unit 412, and a corresponding execution unit 413 by reading and executing the control program 421 stored in the management memory 420.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The abnormality detection unit 412 can detect abnormalities in the add-on remote control 3C. Examples of abnormalities in the add-on remote control 3C include the add-on remote control 3C malfunctioning, the add-on remote control 3C running out of battery, or the router 5 malfunctioning. Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 412 periodically sends a confirmation signal to the add-on remote control 3C. Upon receiving this confirmation signal, the add-on remote control 3C outputs a response signal to the centralized management device 4. Upon receiving this response signal, the management control unit 400 of the centralized management device 4 determines that the add-on remote control 3C is properly connected. If the response signal is not received properly for a predetermined number of consecutive times, the abnormality detection unit 412 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the add-on remote control 3C. In Embodiment 1, the abnormality detection unit 412 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the add-on remote control 3C if the response signal is not received properly for five consecutive times. Other methods for detecting abnormalities in the add-on remote control 3C include the following: For example, the add-on remote control 3C spontaneously sends a connection signal to the centralized management device 4 at least periodically to indicate that it is connected. The centralized control device 4 may be configured to detect an abnormality in the add-on remote control 3C if the reception of the connection signal is interrupted for a predetermined period of time or longer, that is, if a predetermined period of time or longer has passed since the last reception of the connection signal without receiving a new connection signal. With this configuration, the add-on remote control 3C does not need to be constantly powered on to receive signals from the centralized control device 4, and can be controlled to consume power only when it is time to transmit the connection signal. As a result, the battery operating time of the add-on remote control 3C can be extended.

[0057] The correspondence execution unit 413 can associate the indoor unit 1 with the remote control 3.

[0058] For example, in Embodiment 1, if an abnormality occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, the matching execution unit 413 associates the remote control 3A with all the indoor units installed in room R3, namely indoor units 1C and 1D. At that time, the matching execution unit 413 associates indoor units 1C and 1D as a different group from all the indoor units installed in room R1, namely indoor units 1A and 1B.

[0059] Furthermore, when the centralized control device 4 controls the indoor units 1 based on operations on the add-on remote control 3C, it is possible to control the indoor units 1 in groups. For example, it is possible to control the indoor units 1 belonging to one group for cooling operation with a set temperature of 24°C, and control the indoor units 1 belonging to other groups for cooling operation with a set temperature of 28°C.

[0060] When the correspondence execution unit 413 completes the execution of the group setting process, it causes the group storage unit 423 to store the group information set in the group setting process, for example, as a table.

[0061] [1-2. Operation] Next, the mapping process by the centralized management device 4 in Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the mapping process of the centralized management device 4 in Embodiment 1. The mapping process shown in Figure 5 is executed by the management processor 410 of the centralized management device 4.

[0062] First, in the matching process, the anomaly detection unit 412 sets the number of non-receptions N, which indicates the number of times the centralized management device 4 has not received a response signal properly from the add-on remote control 3C, to 0 (step S100). Then, the anomaly detection unit 412 determines whether or not one hour has elapsed since the start of measurement (step S101). If one hour has elapsed since the start of measurement, the anomaly detection unit 412 proceeds to step S100. In this configuration, the number of non-receptions N is reset based on the elapsed time since the start of measurement being one hour, but the specific value of the elapsed time required to reset the number of non-receptions N is not limited to one hour, and any value may be used.

[0063] If one hour has not elapsed since the start of measurement, the anomaly detection unit 412 determines whether five minutes have passed since the last confirmation signal was sent (step S102). If five minutes have not elapsed since the last confirmation signal was sent, the anomaly detection unit 412 waits until five minutes have elapsed. However, for the first time the process in step S102 is performed, it is assumed that five minutes have elapsed since the last confirmation signal was sent, and the process proceeds to step S103.

[0064] Then, if five minutes have elapsed since the previous confirmation signal was sent, the abnormality detection unit 412 outputs a confirmation signal to the add-on remote control 3C (step S103). The confirmation signal is a signal to confirm that the add-on remote control 3C is properly connected. Upon receiving this confirmation signal, the add-on remote control 3C outputs a response signal to the centralized management device 4. In this configuration, the confirmation signal is output based on the elapsed time since the previous confirmation signal was sent being five minutes, but the specific value of the elapsed time for outputting the confirmation signal is not limited to five minutes and may be any value.

[0065] The abnormality detection unit 412 determines whether or not it has successfully received a response signal from the aftermarket remote control 3C (step S104). If the abnormality detection unit 412 has successfully received a response signal from the aftermarket remote control 3C, it proceeds to step S102. If the abnormality detection unit 412 has not successfully received a response signal from the aftermarket remote control 3C, it adds 1 to N (step S105). Then, the abnormality detection unit 412 determines whether or not the value of N after the addition has reached 5 (step S106). If it has not reached 5, the abnormality detection unit 412 proceeds to step S102.

[0066] If the value of N after addition reaches 5, the correspondence execution unit 413 considers that an abnormality has occurred and performs a process to associate indoor units 1C and 1D installed in room R3 with remote controls other than the add-on remote control 3C. Specifically, the correspondence execution unit 413 performs a process to associate indoor units 1C and 1D, which are all indoor units installed in room R3, with remote control 3A (step S107). At this time, the correspondence execution unit 413 performs a process to associate indoor units 1C and 1D as a different group from indoor units 1A and 1B, which are all indoor units installed in room R1. Note that although the configuration here proceeds to step S107 based on the value of the number of non-receptions N becoming 5, the specific value of the number of non-receptions N required to proceed to step S107 is not limited to 5, but can be any value.

[0067] Specifically, in step S107, the mapping execution unit 413 performs a process to update the table stored in the group storage unit 423. Here, the group to which the IP addresses of indoor units 1A and 1B are associated is referred to as the first group, and the group to which the IP addresses of indoor units 1E and 1F are associated is referred to as the second group. In step S107, the mapping execution unit 413 performs a process to associate the group identification information of a third group, which is different from the first and second groups, the remote control identification information of the remote control 3A, and the IP addresses of indoor units 1C and 1D with each other and store them in the table.

[0068] Subsequently, the management processor 410 instructs the display unit of the remote control 3A to display the room switching button (step S108). The room switching button is a button image that allows the user to select whether the target of air conditioning control is indoor units 1A and 1B in room R1, or indoor units 1C and 1D in room R3. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the remote control 3A in Embodiment 1. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the remote control 3A consists of an operation unit 701 made up of a plurality of switches that can be operated by the user, and a display unit 702 that displays a setting screen. The display unit 702 displays a room switching button 703 labeled "Change Room". When the user operates the directional keys on the operation unit 701 and the cursor selects the room switching button 703, and the OK button on the operation unit 701 is operated, the management processor 410 can switch the room to be controlled by air conditioning. Specifically, if the remote control 3A is operated while the room to be controlled by air conditioning is Room R1, air conditioning control will be performed using indoor units 1A and 1B installed in Room R1. Furthermore, if the remote control 3A is operated while the room to be controlled by air conditioning is Room R3, air conditioning control will be performed using indoor units 1C and 1D installed in Room R3.

[0069] In step S108, the remote control 3A receives the group identification information for the first group and the group identification information for the third group. Upon receiving the group identification information for each group, the remote control 3A transmits instruction information including the group identification information for the first group to the central control device 4 when controlling indoor units 1A and 1B in room R1 based on user operations. Similarly, upon receiving the group identification information for each group, the remote control 3A transmits instruction information including the group identification information for the third group to the central control device 4 when controlling indoor units 1C and 1D in room R3 based on user operations. This enables room-by-room air conditioning control.

[0070] After step S108, the management processor 410 determines whether or not it has received a recovery signal from the add-on remote control 3C (step S109). If the correspondence execution unit 413 has received a recovery signal from the add-on remote control 3C, it performs a recovery process to restore the system to the state it was in before the abnormality was detected (step S110). Specifically, the correspondence execution unit 413 performs a process to associate the indoor units 1C and 1D installed in room R3 with the add-on remote control 3C.

[0071] Specifically, in step S110, the mapping execution unit 413 performs a process to update the table stored in the group storage unit 423. Here, the group to which the IP addresses of indoor units 1A and 1B are associated is referred to as the first group, and the group to which the IP addresses of indoor units 1E and 1F are associated is referred to as the second group. In step S110, the mapping execution unit 413 performs a process to associate the group identification information of a third group, which is different from the first and second groups, the remote control identification information of the add-on remote control 3C, and the IP addresses of indoor units 1C and 1D with each other and store them in the table.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the instruction information transmission and reception process of the centralized management device 4 in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the instruction information transmission and reception process of the centralized management device 4 in Embodiment 1.

[0073] First, the management processor 410 determines whether or not it has received instruction information from the remote control 3 from the indoor unit 1 (step S501).

[0074] If the management processor 410 determines that it has not received instruction information from the remote control 3 from the indoor unit 1, the process enters a standby state. If the management processor 410 receives instruction information from the remote control 3 from the indoor unit 1, it extracts the indoor unit 1 corresponding to the group information contained in the instruction information received in step S501, based on the group information stored in the group storage unit 423 (step S502).

[0075] For example, if the instruction information includes group information indicating a first group, the management processor 410 extracts indoor units 1A and 1B as the indoor units 1 to be controlled. For example, if the instruction information includes group information indicating a second group, the management processor 410 extracts indoor units 1E and 1F as the indoor units 1 to be controlled. For example, if the instruction information includes group information indicating a third group, the management processor 410 extracts indoor units 1C and 1D as the indoor units 1 to be controlled.

[0076] Next, the management processor 410 transmits the instruction information from the remote control 3 received in step S501 to the indoor unit 1 extracted in step S502 (step S503).

[0077] By performing the processes in steps S502 and S503, the same process is performed for each group of indoor units 1. In Embodiment 1, as described above, if an abnormality occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, the corresponding execution unit 413 performs a process to associate indoor units 1C and 1D with indoor units 1A and 1B, which are all indoor units installed in room R1, as a different group. Therefore, in steps S502 and S503, even when instruction information is received from the remote control 3A, there are cases where control is performed on indoor units 1C and 1D, and cases where control is performed on indoor units 1A and 1B. In other words, when instruction information is received from the remote control 3A, it is possible to control each indoor unit 1 in the room in which it is installed.

[0078] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the air conditioning system 10 includes an add-on remote control 3C, a remote control 3A, a plurality of indoor units 1 including indoor units 1C and 1D associated with the add-on remote control 3C, and a centralized control device 4 capable of controlling the plurality of indoor units 1. If an abnormality occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, the centralized control device 4 controls indoor units 1C and 1D based on operations on the remote control 3A.

[0079] This allows control of indoor units 1C and 1D, which are controlled by the faulty remote control 3C, even if a malfunction occurs in the aftermarket remote control 3C. Therefore, air conditioning control can continue even when a malfunction occurs in the aftermarket remote control 3C.

[0080] In this embodiment, indoor units 1C and 1D are installed in room R3, the add-on remote control 3C is installed in room R3, and the remote control 3A is installed in room R1, which is different from room R3. The centralized control device 4 includes a mapping execution unit 413 that can associate the indoor units 1 with the remote control 3A. If an abnormality occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, the mapping execution unit 413 will associate all indoor units 1, namely indoor units 1C and 1D, installed in room R3, with the remote control 3A. Based on the operation of the remote control 3A, the centralized control device 4 can control the indoor units 1 in each room in which they are installed.

[0081] This allows control of the indoor unit 1 in each room where it is installed, even if a malfunction occurs in the add-on remote control 3C. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, air conditioning control for each room can be continued as before the malfunction occurred in the add-on remote control 3C.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the remote control 3A is equipped with a display unit capable of displaying information, and the centralized management device 4, in the event of an abnormality in the add-on remote control 3C, displays a selection indicator on the display unit allowing the user to choose between the setting state of the air conditioning control for indoor units 1A and 1B installed in room R1 where the remote control 3A is installed, and the setting state of the air conditioning control for indoor units 1C and 1D installed in room R3.

[0083] This allows for individual room air conditioning control according to the user's preferences, even if a malfunction occurs in the add-on remote control 3C.

[0084] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 2, when an abnormality occurs in the connection status with a remote control, the centralized management device 4 performs a process to associate the indoor unit that was the target of control of the remote control that had the abnormality with the same group as indoor units that were associated with other remote controls.

[0085] In Embodiment 2, if an abnormality occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, the matching execution unit 413 associates indoor units 1C and 1D with remote control 3A. At that time, the matching execution unit 413 associates indoor units 1C and 1D with the same group as indoor units 1A and 1B, which are all indoor units installed in room R1.

[0086] Referring to Figure 8, the mapping process by the centralized management device 4 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the mapping process of the centralized management device 4 in Embodiment 2.

[0087] In the mapping process shown in Figure 8, if the management control unit 400 determines in step S106 that the value of N after addition has reached 5, it performs a process to associate indoor units 1C and 1D, which are all indoor units installed in room R3, with the remote control 3A (step S201). At this time, the management control unit 400 performs a process to associate indoor units 1C and 1D with indoor units 1A and 1B, which are all indoor units installed in room R1, as being in the same group. After that, the management control unit 400 proceeds to step S109.

[0088] As described above, in Embodiment 2, indoor units 1C and 1D are installed in room R3, the add-on remote control 3C is installed in room R3, and the remote control 3A is installed in room R1, which is different from room R3. The centralized control device 4 includes a mapping execution unit 413 that can associate the indoor units 1 with the remote control 3A. The plurality of indoor units 1 include indoor units 1A and 1B that are pre-associated with the remote control 3A. If an abnormality occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, the mapping execution unit 413 will associate the indoor units 1C and 1D with the remote control 3A. Based on the operation on the remote control 3A, the centralized control device 4 will perform the same control on indoor units 1C and 1D and indoor units 1A and 1B.

[0089] This allows control of indoor units 1C and 1D, which are controlled by the faulty remote control 3C, even if a malfunction occurs in the aftermarket remote control 3C. Therefore, air conditioning control can continue even when a malfunction occurs in the aftermarket remote control 3C.

[0090] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In Embodiment 3, when an abnormality occurs in the connection status with a remote control, the centralized management device 4 performs a process to associate each of the multiple indoor units that were controlled by the remote control that had the abnormality with a different remote control.

[0091] In Embodiment 3, if an abnormality occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, the matching execution unit 413 matches the indoor unit 1C to the remote control 3A and matches the indoor unit 1D to the remote control 3B.

[0092] Referring to Figure 9, the mapping process by the centralized management device 4 in Embodiment 3 will be explained. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the mapping process of the centralized management device 4 in Embodiment 3.

[0093] In the mapping process shown in Figure 9, if the management control unit 400 determines in step S106 that the value of N after addition has reached 5, it performs a process to associate the indoor unit 1C installed in room R3 with the remote control 3A (step S301). At this time, the management control unit 400 performs a process to associate the indoor unit 1C with all the indoor units installed in room R1, namely indoor unit 1A and indoor unit 1B, as belonging to the same group.

[0094] Next, the control unit 400 performs a process to associate the indoor unit 1D installed in room R3 with the remote control 3B (step S302). At this time, the control unit 400 performs a process to associate the indoor unit 1D with all the indoor units installed in room R2, namely indoor unit 1E and indoor unit 1F, as belonging to the same group. After that, the control unit 400 proceeds to step S109.

[0095] As described above, in Embodiment 3, the indoor unit 1C is installed in room R3, the add-on remote control 3C is installed in room R3, and the remote control 3A is installed in room R1, which is different from room R3. The centralized control device 4 includes a mapping execution unit 413 that can map the indoor unit 1 to the remote control 3A. The plurality of indoor units 1 include indoor units 1A and 1B that are pre-mapped to the remote control 3A. If an abnormality occurs in the add-on remote control 3C, the mapping execution unit 413 maps the indoor unit 1C to the remote control 3A. Based on the operation on the remote control 3A, the centralized control device 4 performs the same control on the indoor unit 1C, as well as on the indoor units 1A and 1B.

[0096] This allows the indoor unit 1C, which is controlled by the faulty remote control 3C, to be controlled even if a malfunction occurs in the aftermarket remote control 3C. Therefore, air conditioning control can be continued even when a malfunction occurs in the aftermarket remote control 3C.

[0097] (Other Embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 to 3 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 Embodiments 1 to 3. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0098] In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the abnormality detection unit 412 detected an abnormality in the aftermarket remote control 3C based on the condition that it failed to receive a response signal normally five times in a row. However, the method for detecting an abnormality in the aftermarket remote control 3C by the abnormality detection unit 412 is not limited to this. For example, the abnormality detection unit 412 may detect an abnormality in the aftermarket remote control 3C based on the condition that it fails to receive a response signal normally over a predetermined period of time.

[0099] In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the retrofit remote control 3C is assumed to be a retrofit remote control installed when the floor where the air conditioning system 10 is installed is renovated, but it is not limited to this. For example, the remote control installed when the air conditioning system 10 is first installed may have the same functions as the retrofit remote control 3C described above.

[0100] Furthermore, although the centralized management device 4's group storage unit 423 is configured to store a table of group information, this is not the only configuration. For example, the server device 6 may store the table of group information. Also, the processing related to associating the indoor unit 1 with the remote control 3 may be performed by the control unit of the server device 6 instead of the centralized management device 4.

[0101] The indoor processor 110, the outdoor processor 210, and the management processor 410 may be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may also be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0102] The configurations of the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and centralized control device shown in Figures 3 and 4 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 as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented as software.

[0103] The operational step units shown in Figures 5, 6, 8, and 9 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation 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 impede the intent of this disclosure.

[0104] 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.

[0105] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technology.

[0106] (Technical 1) An air conditioning control system comprising a first remote control, a second remote control, a plurality of indoor units including an indoor unit compatible with the first remote control and associated with the first remote control, and a control device capable of controlling the plurality of indoor units, wherein the control device controls the indoor unit compatible with the first remote control based on an operation to the second remote control when an abnormality occurs in the first remote control. With this, even if an abnormality occurs in the remote control, the indoor unit that is controlled by the remote control that has the abnormality can be controlled.Therefore, air conditioning control can be continued even when an abnormality occurs in the remote control.

[0107] (Technology 2) The air conditioning control system according to Technology 1, wherein the first remote-controlled indoor unit is installed in a specific room, the first remote control is installed in the specific room, the second remote control is installed in a room different from the specific room, the control device includes a mapping execution unit capable of mapping the indoor unit to the second remote control, the mapping execution unit maps all indoor units installed in the specific room to the second remote control when an abnormality occurs in the first remote control, and the control device is capable of controlling the indoor unit in each room based on the operation of the second remote control. With this, even if an abnormality occurs in the first remote control, it is possible to control the indoor unit in each room where it is installed.Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in the first remote control, air conditioning control for each room can be continued as before the abnormality occurred in the first remote control.

[0108] (Technical 3) The air conditioning control system according to Technical 2, wherein the second remote control is equipped with a display unit capable of displaying information, and the control device, in the event of an abnormality in the first remote control, displays a selection display on the display unit allowing the user to select between the setting state of air conditioning control for the indoor unit installed in the room where the second remote control is installed, and the setting state of air conditioning control for the indoor unit installed in the specific room. With this, even if an abnormality occurs in the first remote control, it is possible to control the air conditioning for each room according to the user's wishes.

[0109] (Technical 4) The air conditioning control system according to Technical 1, wherein the first remote-controlled indoor unit is installed in a specific room, the first remote control is installed in the specific room, the second remote control is installed in a room different from the specific room, the control device includes a mapping execution unit capable of mapping the indoor unit to the second remote control, the plurality of indoor units include a second remote-controlled indoor unit that has been pre-mapped to the second remote control, the mapping execution unit maps the first remote-controlled indoor unit to the second remote control when an abnormality occurs in the first remote control, and the control device performs the same control on the first remote-controlled indoor unit and the second remote-controlled indoor unit based on the operation on the second remote control.

[0110] As described above, the air conditioning control system according to the present invention can control the indoor unit controlled by the remote control that has malfunctioned, even if a malfunction occurs in the remote control, and can be used in an air conditioning control system that can continue air conditioning control even when a malfunction occurs in the remote control.

[0111] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F Indoor unit 2, 2A, 2B Outdoor unit 3, 3A, 3B Remote control 3C Aftermarket remote control 4 Centralized management device 5 Router 6 Server device 10 Air conditioning control system 110 Indoor processor 111 Indoor high-frequency communication unit 112 Control execution unit 120 Indoor memory 121 Control program 122 Indoor address 123 Management address 130 High-frequency transmission / reception circuit 200 Outdoor control unit 210 Outdoor processor 211 Outdoor high-frequency communication unit 220 Outdoor memory 221 Control program 222 Outdoor address 230 High-frequency transmission / reception circuit 400 Management control unit 410 Management processor 411 Management high-frequency communication unit 412 Anomaly detection unit 413 Correspondence execution unit 420 Management memory 421 Control program 422 Management address 423 Group memory unit 430 High-frequency transceiver circuit 440 Touch panel L1, L2, L3, LR1, LR2, LC11, LC12, LC21, LC22, LC23 Communication line NW Network R1, R2, R3 Room W1, W2 Room

Claims

1. An air conditioning control system comprising: a first remote control; a second remote control; a plurality of indoor units, including an indoor unit compatible with the first remote control and associated with the first remote control; and a control device capable of controlling the plurality of indoor units, wherein the control device controls the indoor unit compatible with the first remote control based on an operation to the second remote control when an abnormality occurs in the first remote control.

2. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the first remote-controlled indoor unit is installed in a specific room, the first remote control is installed in the specific room, the second remote control is installed in a room different from the specific room, the control device includes a mapping execution unit capable of mapping the indoor unit to the second remote control, the mapping execution unit maps all indoor units installed in the specific room to the second remote control when an abnormality occurs in the first remote control, and the control device can control the indoor units in each room based on the operation of the second remote control.

3. The air conditioning control system according to claim 2, wherein the second remote control is equipped with a display unit capable of displaying information, and the control device, in the event of an abnormality in the first remote control, causes the display unit to display a selection display allowing the user to select between the setting state of the air conditioning control for an indoor unit installed in the room where the second remote control is installed, and the setting state of the air conditioning control for an indoor unit installed in the specific room.

4. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the first remote-controlled indoor unit is installed in a specific room, the first remote control is installed in the specific room, the second remote control is installed in a room different from the specific room, the control device includes a mapping execution unit capable of mapping the indoor unit to the second remote control, the plurality of indoor units include a second remote-controlled indoor unit that has been pre-mapped to the second remote control, the mapping execution unit maps the first remote-controlled indoor unit to the second remote control when an abnormality occurs in the first remote control, and the control device performs the same control on the first remote-controlled indoor unit and the second remote-controlled indoor unit based on the operation on the second remote control.

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