AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent air conditioning systems, there has been a trend toward greater demand for faster communication speed to achieve advanced control and to realize services, such as analysis of failure and prediction of failure signs in air conditioners, using sensor data provided by the air conditioners.

To increase communication speed in air conditioning systems, adoption of a communication method using high-frequency signals of several MHz to several tens of MHz has been considered, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1.

In conventional air conditioning systems, one outdoor unit and one or more indoor units connected to the same refrigerant pipe are defined as one refrigerant system, and communication between air conditioners (the outdoor unit and the indoor units) is performed via the same communication line (hereinafter, referred to as the “internal/external communication line”) in each refrigerant system.

In such air conditioning systems, when a communication method using high-frequency signals is adopted in communication via the internal/external communication lines, crosstalk might occur between the internal/external communication lines in different refrigerant systems. When crosstalk occurs, there is a problem in that the outdoor unit cannot properly recognize the indoor units in the own refrigerant system, resulting in interference with air conditioning control.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6702471

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

To deal with the above crosstalk, for example, communication group information, such as a number or the like that indicates being included in the same communication group may be set to the outdoor unit and the indoor units in the same refrigerant system by a constructor at the time of construction. In this case, each air conditioner is configured to store the set communication group information into a communication frame to be send, and when receiving a communication frame storing different communication group information from the own communication group information, discard the communication frame storing the different communication group information without executing processing thereto. This enables normal air conditioning control even when crosstalk occurs.

However, the constructor may make incorrect setting of the communication group information, and proposal of new technique to deal with such a case is desired.

The present disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system capable of notifying a user, such as a constructor, of useful information relating to incorrect setting of communication group information.

Solution to Problem

To achieve the above objective, an air-conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes two or more refrigerant systems connected to a plurality of air conditioners via a refrigerant pipe and a communication line, and communication between the plurality of air conditioners via the communication line is performed with high-frequency signal. The air-conditioning system includes:

• • notification means, wherein
  • each of air conditioners included in the air conditioning system includes
    • signal level determination means for determining a signal level of a communication frame received from another air conditioner included in the air conditioning system,
    • notification necessity determination means for determining necessity of notification to the notification means, based on the signal level determined by the signal level determination means, communication group information set to the another air conditioner, and communication group information set to the air conditioner itself, and
    • notification information transmission means for generating, when the notification necessity determination means determines that notification to the notification means is necessary, notification information including information relating to the another air conditioner, information relating to the air conditioner itself, and information relating to the signal level, and transmitting the generated notification information to the notification means, and
  • when receiving the notification information from any of the air conditioners included in the air conditioning system, the notification means performs notification to a user based on the notification information.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present disclosure enables notifying a user of useful information relating to incorrect setting of communication group information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an overall configuration of an air conditioning system in an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an outdoor unit in the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an indoor unit in the embodiment:

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a remote controller in the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control circuit included in the outdoor unit in the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control circuit included in the indoor unit in the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating procedures of connection confirmation processing in the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating procedures of upon-connection-confirmation-command-reception processing in the embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an example of a system configuration diagram displayed by the remote controller in a modified example of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinafter in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an overall configuration of an air conditioning system 1 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The air conditioning system 1 is an example of an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure. The air conditioning system 1 is a system that performs air conditioning of a building, such as an office building or a shop. The air conditioning system 1 includes a plurality of refrigerant systems (A, B) and a remote controller 4.

Refrigerant System A

The refrigerant system A is an example of a refrigerant system according to the present disclosure. The refrigerant system A includes an outdoor unit 2a, an indoor unit 3a, and an indoor unit 3b. The outdoor unit 2a and the indoor units 3a and 3b are connected to an internal/external communication line Sa, and connected to each other via a non-illustrated first refrigerant pipe for circulating a refrigerant. The internal/external communication line Sa is an example of a communication line according to the present disclosure.

Refrigerant System B

The refrigerant system B is an example of the refrigerant system according to the present disclosure. The refrigerant system B includes an outdoor unit 2b, an indoor unit 3c, and an indoor unit 3d. The outdoor unit 2b and the indoor units 3c and 3d are connected to the internal/external communication line Sb, and connected to each other via a non-illustrated second refrigerant pipe different from the first refrigerant pipe described above.

Hereinafter, in explanation of matters that are common between the outdoor units 2a and 2b, these outdoor units are referred to as the outdoor units 2 without individual designation, in explanation of matters that are common among the indoor units 3a to 3d, these indoor units are referred to as the indoor units 3 without individual designation, and in explanation of matters that are common between the internal/external communication lines Sa and 5b, these internal/external communication lines are referred to as the internal/external communication lines 5 without individual designation.

Hardware Configuration of Outdoor Unit 2

The outdoor unit 2 is an example of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the outdoor unit 2 includes, as hardware components, a communication group setting receiver 20, a communication address setting receiver 21, a signal level analysis circuit 22, a communication interface 23, and a control circuit 24. As with general outdoor units, the outdoor unit 2 further includes actuators such as a compressor, a fan, and an electronic expansion valve, and a sensor such as an outdoor temperature sensor. Illustration and description of these components are omitted. The communication group setting receiver 20 includes, for example, a dual in-line package (DIP) switch, a rotary switch, or the like. The communication group setting receiver 20 receives setting of a communication group number from a user, such as a constructor or a system administrator. The communication group number is an example of communication group information according to the present disclosure.

The communication group number is a unique number assigned to each of the refrigerant systems. To each of the air conditioners (the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor units 3), the communication group number corresponding to the own refrigerant system is set by the user. In the present embodiment, as the communication group numbers, the number “1” is set to each of the air conditioners included in the refrigerant system A, and the number “2” is set to each of the air conditioners included in the refrigerant system B. Each of the air conditioners determines, based on the communication group number, whether an air conditioner being a communication counterpart is included in the same refrigerant system as the own.

The communication address setting receiver 21 includes, for example, a DIP switch, a rotary switch, or the like. The communication address setting receiver 21 receives setting of a communication address from the user. The communication address is an address for identifying each of the air conditioners in communication via the internal/external communication line 5, and is set to each of the air conditioners so as to be different from the communication addresses of the other air conditioners in the same refrigerant system.

The signal level analysis circuit 22 is an example of signal level determination means according to the present disclosure. The signal level analysis circuit 22 includes a non-illustrated central processing unit (CPU), a non-illustrated read only memory (ROM), a non-illustrated random access memory (RAM), a non-illustrated auxiliary storage device, and the like. The auxiliary storage device includes, for example, a readable/rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, or the like.

The signal level analysis circuit 22 analyzes a signal at reception of the communication frame from another air conditioner by the communication interface 23, to determine a signal level (an amplitude). The signal level analysis circuit 22 notifies the control circuit 24 of the determined signal level. In the present embodiment, the signal level analysis circuit 22 determines, using a plurality of predetermined level determination thresholds, which of three levels (levels 1 to 3) the signal level is.

The communication interface 23 is an interface for communication with each indoor unit 3 via the internal/external communication line 5. In the present embodiment, communication is performed between the air conditioners via the internal/external communication lines 5 by a communication method using high-frequency signals of several MHz to several tens of MHz. Thus, due to crosstalk, the communication interface 23 may receive the communication frames from the air conditioners included in the other refrigerant system. For example, a communication signal between the indoor unit 3a and the outdoor unit 2a communicated with each other via the internal/external communication line Sa in the refrigerant system A is superimposed on the internal/external communication line 5b in the refrigerant system B due to the crosstalk, and the outdoor unit 2b may thus receive the communication frame between the indoor unit 3a and the outdoor unit 2a.

The control circuit 24 includes a non-illustrated CPU, a non-illustrated ROM, a non-illustrated RAM, a non-illustrated auxiliary storage device, and the like, and performs overall control of the outdoor unit 2. The auxiliary storage device includes, for example, a readable/writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, such as an EEPROM, a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device stores an outdoor unit program that is a program for execution of connection confirmation processing and air conditioning control described later, and data for use in execution of the outdoor unit program.

The outdoor unit 2 can acquire, from another device such as a cloud server, the outdoor unit program or an update program for updating the outdoor unit program, through communication. These programs can be distributed by storage in a computer-readable recording medium, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magneto-optical disc, a universal serial bus (USB) memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD) and a memory card. The outdoor unit 2 may read and acquire, upon direct or indirect attachment thereto of such a recording medium, the outdoor unit program or the update program from the recording medium.

Hardware Configuration of Indoor Unit 3

The indoor unit 3 is an example of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 3 includes, as hardware components, an internal/external communication interface 30, a signal level analysis circuit 31, a communication group setting receiver 32, a communication address setting receiver 33, a remote controller communication interface 34, and a control circuit 35. As with general indoor units, the indoor unit 3 further includes an actuator such as a fan, and a sensor such as an indoor temperature sensor. Illustration and description of these components are omitted. The internal/external communication interface 30 is an interface for communication with the outdoor unit 2 via the internal/external communication line 5. As with the communication interface 23 of the outdoor unit 2 above, the internal/external communication interface 30 can receive the communication frames from the air conditioners included in the other refrigerant system.

The signal level analysis circuit 31 is an example of the signal level determination means according to the present disclosure. The signal level analysis circuit 31 includes a non-illustrated CPU, a non-illustrated ROM, a non-illustrated RAM, a non-illustrated auxiliary storage device, and the like. The auxiliary storage device includes, for example, a readable/writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, such as an EEPROM, a flash memory, or the like. The signal level analysis circuit 31 analyzes a signal at reception of the communication frame from another air conditioner by the internal/external communication interface 30, to determine a signal level (an amplitude). The signal level analysis circuit 31 notifies the control circuit 35 of the determined signal level. In the present embodiment, the signal level analysis circuit 31 determines, using a plurality of predetermined level determination thresholds, which of three levels (levels 1 to 3) the signal level is.

The communication group setting receiver 32 includes, for example, a DIP switch, a rotary switch, or the like. The communication group setting receiver 32 receives setting of the communication group number from the user. The communication address setting receiver 33 includes, for example, a DIP switch, a rotary switch, or the like. The communication address setting receiver 33 receives setting of the communication address from the user.

The remote controller communication interface 34 is an interface for communication with the remote controller 4 via a remote controller communication line 6. The control circuit 35 includes a non-illustrated CPU, a non-illustrated ROM, a non-illustrated RAM, a non-illustrated auxiliary storage device, and the like, and performs overall control of the indoor units 3. The auxiliary storage device includes, for example, a readable/writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, such as an EEPROM, a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device stores an indoor unit program that is a program for execution of upon-connection-confirmation-command-reception processing and air conditioning control described later, and data for use in execution of the indoor unit program.

The indoor unit 3 can acquire, from another device such as a cloud server, the indoor unit program or an update program for updating the indoor unit program, through communication. These programs can be distributed by storage in a computer-readable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, a magneto-optical disc, a USB memory, an HDD, an SSD, and a memory card. The indoor unit 3 may read and acquire, upon direct or indirect attachment thereto of such a recording medium, the indoor unit program or the update program from the recording medium.

Hardware Configuration of Remote Controller 4

The remote controller 4 is an example of notification means according to the present disclosure. The remote controller 4 is a remote controller for air conditioning, and is connected, via the remote controller communication line 6, to one of the indoor units 3 in each of the refrigerant systems. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the remote controller 4 includes, as hardware components, a communication interface 40, a display 41, an operation receiver 42, and a control circuit 43. The communication interface 40 is an interface for communication with the indoor unit 3 via the remote controller communication line 6. In the present embodiment, the remote controller 4 is communicatively connected to the indoor unit 3a in the refrigerant system A and the indoor unit 3c in the refrigerant system B via the remote controller communication line 6.

In the refrigerant system A, communication between the remote controller 4 and the outdoor unit 2a and communication between the remote controller 4 and the indoor unit 3b are performed via the indoor unit 3a. In the refrigerant system B, communication between the remote controller 4 and the outdoor unit 2b and communication between the remote controller 4 and the indoor unit 3d are performed via the indoor unit 3c.

The display 41 includes a display device, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electro luminescence (EL) display, or the like. The display 41 displays various types of screens under control by the control circuit 43. The display 41 displays, for example, an air conditioning operation screen for receiving operation relating to air conditioning from a user of the building. The operation relating to air conditioning is, for example, switching of start/stop of operation, switching of operation modes, such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, air blowing, and the like, or change of setting temperature, setting humidity, air volume, and the like. When receiving notification information described later from any of the air conditioners at startup of the air conditioning system 1, the display 41 displays, for a user such as a constructor or a system administrator, a notification screen based on the notification information.

The operation receiver 42 includes one or more input devices, such as a push button, a touch panel, a touch pad, and the like. The operation receiver 42 receives input operation from a user, a constructor, or a system administrator of the building, and outputs to the control circuit 43 a signal relating to the received input operation.

The control circuit 43 includes a non-illustrated CPU, a non-illustrated ROM, a non-illustrated RAM, a non-illustrated auxiliary storage device, and the like, and performs overall control of the remote controller 4. The auxiliary storage device includes, for example, a readable/writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, such as an EEPROM, a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device stores a remote controller program relating to operation of the remote controller 4 and data for use in execution of the remote controller program.

The remote controller 4 can acquire, from a terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook personal computer (PC), the remote controller program or an update program for updating the remote controller program, through communication. These programs can be distributed by storage in a computer-readable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, a magneto-optical disc, a USB memory, an HDD, an SSD, and a memory card. The remote controller 4 may read and acquire, upon direct or indirect attachment thereto of such a recording medium, the remote controller program or the update program from the recording medium.

Functional configuration of Control Circuit 24 of Outdoor Unit 2

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control circuit 24 included in the outdoor unit 2. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control circuit 24 includes, as characteristic functions according to the present disclosure, a signal level acquirer 240, a notification necessity determiner 241, and a notification information transmitter 242. These functional components are achieved by execution, by the CPU of the control circuit 24, of the above-described outdoor unit program stored in the auxiliary storage device. The control circuit 24 further has other functions for control of general operation of the outdoor unit 2, although description of these functions is omitted.

The signal level acquirer 240 acquires, from the signal level analysis circuit 22, the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 22. The signal level acquirer 240 notifies the notification necessity determiner 241 of the acquired signal level.

The notification necessity determiner 241 is an example of notification necessity determination means according to the present disclosure. The notification necessity determiner 241 determines necessity of notification to the remote controller 4 based on the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 22, the communication group number set to another air conditioner, that is, an air conditioner being a transmission source of the received communication frame, and the communication group number set to the air conditioner including the notification necessity determiner 241 (that is, the outdoor unit 2 including the control circuit 24).

Specifically, the notification necessity determiner 241 determines, by comparing the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 22 and a predetermined threshold, whether the signal level is high or low. In general, the signal level superimposed on the internal/external communication line 5 due to crosstalk is lower than the signal level on the internal/external communication line 5 in the other refrigerant system. For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the signal level is level 2 (an example of a first threshold according to the present disclosure) or lower, the notification necessity determiner 241 determines that the signal level is low (that is, crosstalk may exist), and when the signal level is level 3 (an example of a second threshold according to the present disclosure) or higher, the notification necessity determiner 241 determines that the signal level is high (that is, crosstalk is less likely to exist).

The notification necessity determiner 241 determines whether the communication group number stored in the received communication frame, that is, the communication group number set to the air conditioner being the transmission source of the received communication frame matches the communication group number set to the air conditioner including the notification necessity determiner 241. When both the communication group numbers match each other and the signal level is low, the notification necessity determiner 241 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When both the communication group numbers do not match each other and the signal level is high, the notification necessity determiner 241 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When both the communication group numbers match each other and the signal level is high, or when both the communication group numbers do not match each other and the signal level is low, the notification necessity determiner 241 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary.

The notification information transmitter 242 is an example of notification information transmission means according to the present disclosure. When the notification necessity determiner 241 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary, the notification information transmitter 242 generates the notification information. The notification information includes information relating to the other air conditioner, that is, the air conditioner being the transmission source of the received communication frame, information relating to the air conditioner including the notification information transmitter 242 (that is, the outdoor unit 2), and information relating to the signal level. Specifically, the notification information includes the communication group numbers and the communication addresses of both the air conditioners and the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 22.

The notification information transmitter 242 transmits the generated notification information via the communication interface 23 to the remote controller 4. In this transmission, a configuration may be provided in which the notification information transmitter 242 performs broadcast transmission, via the communication interface 23 (that is, via the internal/external communication line 5), of the communication frame storing the notification information and information indicating that a destination is the remote controller 4, and the indoor unit 3 included in the same refrigerant system as the outdoor unit 2 and connected to the remote controller communication line 6 (the indoor unit 3a or the indoor unit 3c) transfers, via the remote controller communication interface 34 (that is, via the remote controller communication line 6) to the remote controller 4, the communication frame received via the internal/external communication line 5.

Alternatively, when the indoor unit 3 connected to the remote controller communication line 6 has notified in advance the outdoor unit 2 in the same refrigerant system of the own communication address and the own connection to the remote controller communication line 6, a configuration may be provided in which the notification information transmitter 242 performs unicast transmission of the communication frame storing the notification information via the internal/external communication line 5 to the indoor unit 3, and the indoor unit 3 transfers the received communication frame via the remote controller communication line 6 to the remote controller 4.

When receiving the notification information transmitted from any of the outdoor units 2, the remote controller 4 performs notification to a user based on the received notification information. For example, when the signal level is level 1 although the communication group numbers of the both air conditioners match each other, or when the signal level is level 3 although the communication group numbers of the both air conditioners do not match each other, the remote controller controls the display 41 to display the notification screen containing a message such as “setting of the communication group number of the air conditioner *** or the air conditioner *** is highly likely incorrect”. The expression “***” indicates the communication address.

The signal level on the inside/external communication line 5 tends to become lower as the communication distance (that is, the wiring length) is greater and the number of the connected air conditioners is greater. Thus, for example, when the signal level is level 2 although the communication group numbers of the both air conditioners match each other, the remote controller may control the display 41 to display the notification screen containing a massage such as “Is the wiring length between the air conditioner *** and the air conditioner *** XX m or greater? Is the number of the connected air conditioners YY or greater?”. When the remote controller 4 holds information in which the communication address and the name of the air conditioner is associated with each other, the remote controller 4 may control the display 41 to display the name of the air conditioner corresponding to the communication address.

Functional Configuration of Control Circuit 35 of Indoor Unit 3

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control circuit 35 included in the indoor unit 3. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control circuit 35 includes, as characteristic functions according to the present disclosure, a signal level acquirer 350, a notification necessity determiner 351, and a notification information transmitter 352. These functional components are achieved by execution, by the CPU of the control circuit 35, of the above-described indoor unit program stored in the auxiliary storage device. The control circuit 35 further has other functions for control of general operation of the indoor unit 3, although description of these functions is omitted.

The signal level acquirer 350 acquires, from the signal level analysis circuit 31, the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 31. The signal level acquirer 350 notifies the notification necessity determiner 351 of the acquired signal level.

The notification necessity determiner 351 is an example of the notification necessity determination means according to the present disclosure. The notification necessity determiner 351 determines necessity of notification to the remote controller 4 based on the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 31, the communication group number set to another air conditioner, that is, an air conditioner being a transmission source of the received communication frame, and the communication group number set to the air conditioner including the notification necessity determiner 351 (that is, the indoor unit 3 including the control circuit 35). method for determining necessity of notification to the remote controller 4 by the notification necessity determiner 351 is the same as the method by the notification necessity determiner 241 described above.

The notification information transmitter 352 is an example of the notification information transmission means according to the present disclosure. When the notification necessity determiner 351 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary, the notification information transmitter 352 generates the notification information. The generated notification information includes information relating to the other air conditioner, that is, the air conditioner being the transmission source of the received communication frame, information relating to the air conditioner including the notification information transmitter 352 (that is, the indoor unit 3), and information relating to the signal level. Specifically, the notification information includes the communication group numbers and the communication addresses of both the air conditioners and the signal level determined by the signal level analysis circuit 31.

The notification information transmitter 352 transmits the generated notification information to the remote controller 4. For example, when the indoor unit 3 is connected to the remote controller communication line 6 (that is, when the indoor unit 3 is the indoor unit 3a or the indoor unit 3c), the notification information transmitter 352 transmits the communication frame storing the generated notification information via the remote controller communication interface 34 (that is, via the remote controller communication line 6) directly to the remote controller 4.

When the indoor unit 3 is not connected to the remote controller communication line 6, a configuration may be provided in which the notification information transmitter 352 performs broadcast transmission, via the internal/external communication interface 30 (that is, via the internal/external communication line 5), of the communication frame storing the notification information and information indicating that a destination is the remote controller 4, and the other indoor unit 3 included in the same refrigerant system as the above-described indoor unit 3 and connected to the remote controller communication line 6 (the indoor unit 3a or the indoor unit 3c) transfers, via the remote controller communication line 6 to the remote controller 4, the communication frame received via the internal/external communication line 5.

Alternatively, when the indoor unit 3 connected to the remote controller communication line 6 has notified in advance the other indoor unit 3 in the same refrigerant system of the own communication address and the own connection to the remote controller communication line 6, a configuration may be provided in which the notification information transmitter 352 performs unicast transmission of the communication frame storing the notification information via the internal/external communication line 5 to the indoor unit 3 connected to the remote controller communication line 6, and this indoor unit 3 transfers the received communication frame via the remote controller communication line 6 to the remote controller 4.

When receiving the notification information transmitted from any of the indoor units 3, the remote controller 4 performs notification to a user based on the received notification information. The specific manner of notification is described above.

Connection Confirmation Processing

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating procedures of the connection confirmation processing executed by the outdoor unit 2 at startup of the air conditioning system 1.

Step S100

The outdoor unit 2 performs broadcast transmission, via the internal/external communication line 5, of the communication frame indicating a connection confirmation command. The connection confirmation command stores the communication group number and the communication address that are set to the outdoor unit 2. Thereafter, the processing by the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S101.

Step S101

The outdoor unit 2 determines whether the communication frame indicating response to the connection confirmation command is received from any of the indoor units 3. When the communication frame is received (YES in step S101), the processing by the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S102. When the communication frame is not received (NO in step S101), the processing by the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S105.

Step S102

The outdoor unit 2 analyzes the signal at reception of the communication frame to acquire the signal level. Thereafter, the processing by the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S103.

Step S103

The outdoor unit 2 determines necessity of notification to the remote controller 4 based on the acquired the signal level, the communication group number included in the received communication frame, and the communication group number set to the outdoor unit 2. For example, when the communication group number included in the received communication frame and the communication group number set to the outdoor unit 2 match each other (for example, both the numbers are “1”) and the signal level is low (that is, level 1 or 2), the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When both the communication group numbers match each other and the signal level is high (that is, level 3), the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary.

When both the communication group numbers are different from each other, for example, the communication group number included in the received communication frame is “2” and the communication group number set to the outdoor unit 2 is “1”, and the signal level is high, the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When both the communication group numbers are different from each other and the signal level is low, the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary.

When notification to the remote controller 4 is determined to be necessary (YES in step S103), the processing by the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S104. When notification to the remote controller 4 is determined not to be necessary (NO in step S103), the processing by the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S105.

Step S104

The outdoor unit 2 generates the notification information including both the communication group numbers, both the communication addresses, and the signal level. The outdoor unit 2 transmits the communication frame storing the generated notification information to the remote controller 4. Thereafter, the processing by the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S105.

Step S105

The outdoor unit 2 determines whether a certain period has elapsed since broadcast transmission of the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command. When the certain period has elapsed (YES in step S105), the processing by the outdoor unit 2 proceeds to step S106. When the certain period has not elapsed (NO in step S105), the processing by the outdoor unit 2 returns to step S101.

Step S106

The outdoor unit 2 stores, into the auxiliary storage device of the control circuit 24, information such as the communication address of the indoor unit 3 to which the same communication group number as the outdoor unit 2 is set, that is, the indoor unit 3 connected to the outdoor unit 2. Thereafter, the outdoor unit 2 ends the connection confirmation processing.

Upon-Connection-Confirmation-Command-Reception Processing

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating procedures of the upon-connection-confirmation-command-reception processing. When receiving, from the outdoor unit 2, the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command, the indoor unit 3 executes the upon-connection-confirmation-command-reception processing described below.

Step S200

The indoor unit 3 transmits, to the outdoor unit 2, the communication frame indicating response to the connection confirmation command. The communication frame stores the communication group number and the communication address that are set to the indoor unit 3. Thereafter, the processing by the indoor unit 3 proceeds to step S201.

Step S201

The indoor unit 3 analyzes the signal at reception of the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command to acquire the signal level. Thereafter, the processing by the indoor unit 3 proceeds to step S202.

Step S202

The indoor unit 3 determines necessity of notification to the remote controller 4 based on the acquired the signal level, the communication group number included in the received communication frame, and the communication group number set to the indoor unit 3. For example, when the communication group number included in the received communication frame and the communication group number set to the indoor unit 3 match each other and the signal level is low, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When both the communication group numbers match each other and the signal level is high, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary.

For example, when the communication group number included in the received communication frame and the communication group number set to the indoor unit 3 are different from each other and the signal level is high, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When both the communication group numbers are different from each other and the signal level is low, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary.

When notification to the remote controller 4 is determined to be necessary (YES in step S202), the processing by the indoor unit 3 proceeds to step S203. When notification to the remote controller 4 is determined not to be necessary (NO in step S202), the indoor unit 3 ends the upon-connection-confirmation-command-reception processing.

Step S203

The indoor unit 3 generates the notification information including both the communication group numbers, both the communication addresses, and the signal level. The indoor unit 3 transmits the communication frame storing the generated notification information to the remote controller 4. Thereafter, the indoor unit 3 ends the upon-connection-confirmation-command-reception processing.

As described above, in the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, each of the air conditioners (the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3) determines necessity of notification to the remote controller 4, in other words, whether incorrect setting may be made, based on the signal level at reception of the communication frame from another air conditioner, the communication group number set to the other air conditioner, and the communication group number set to the air conditioner itself. When notification is necessary, the air conditioner transmits, to the remote controller 4, the notification information including both the communication group numbers, both the communication addresses, and the signal level.

When receiving the notification information transmitted from any of the air conditioners, the remote controller 4 performs notification to a user by, for example, controlling the display 41 to display the notification screen containing the massage based on the received notification information. As described above, the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment enables notifying a user of useful information relating to incorrect setting of the communication group number.

Modified Example 1

In the above embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 includes two refrigerant systems. In some embodiments, the air conditioning system 1 may include three or more refrigerant systems. The number of the indoor units 3 included in each refrigerant system of the air conditioning system 1 is not limited, and may be one or may be three or more.

Modified Example 2

In the above embodiment, each of the air conditioners (the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3) determines which of three levels (levels 1 to 3) the signal level is. In some embodiments, each of the air conditioners may determine, using more level determination thresholds, the further subdivided signal levels (for example, 10 levels).

Modified Example 3

The remote controller 4 may perform notification to a user in various manners. For example, instead of controlling the display 41 to display the notification screen, or in addition to display of the notification screen, the remote controller 4 may control a non-illustrated light emitting diode (LED) to emit light in a predetermined manner or control a non-illustrated speaker to output voice, to perform notification to a user.

Modified Example 4

When receiving the communication frame indicating response to the connection confirmation command from the indoor unit 3, in a case where the communication group number of the indoor unit 3 and the communication group number of the outdoor unit 2 are different from each other, the outdoor unit 2 may discard the communication frame without determining necessity of notification to the remote controller 4. Similarly, when receiving the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command from the outdoor unit 2, in a case where the communication group number of the outdoor unit 2 and the communication group number of the indoor unit 3 are different from each other, the indoor unit 3 may discard the communication frame without responding to the outdoor unit 2 and without determining necessity of notification to the remote controller 4.

In this configuration as well, each of the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3 can notify the remote controller 4 of a situation where the signal level is low although the communication group numbers match each other, that is, a situation where incorrect setting may be made, enabling notifying a user of useful information relating to incorrect setting of the communication group number.

Modified Example 5

In the above embodiment, each of the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3 analyzes the signal at reception of the communication frame to acquire the signal level (the amplitude), and uses the acquired signal level to determine necessity of notification to the remote controller 4. In some embodiments, each of the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3 may acquire an indicator by which difference in the signal level can be determine, such as a signal-to-noise ratio (a S/N ratio), and use such an indicator to determine necessity of notification to the remote controller 4.

Modified Example 6

Each of the air conditioners (the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3) may notify a user of information relating to incorrect setting of communication group number. In this case, the air conditioner performs notification to a user via, for example, a liquid crystal display, an LED, a speaker, or the like included in the air conditioner.

Modified Example 7

A configuration may be provided in which each of the air conditioners (the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3) transmits the notification information to a terminal device, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a cloud server, or the like, and the terminal device, the cloud server, or the like performs, as an example of the notification means according to the present disclosure, notification based on the received notification information. In this case, the terminal device, the cloud server, or the like displays, for example, the same notification screen as the remote controller 4 in the above embodiment.

Modified Example 8

In the above embodiment, each of the air conditioners (the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3) uses the plurality of predetermined level determination thresholds to determine which of three levels (levels 1 to 3) the signal level is. In some embodiments, the level determination thresholds may be determined based on system information, such as the wiring length of the internal/external communication line 5, the number of the indoor units 3, or the type of the internal/external communication line 5, input by a constructor at construction. In this case, the air conditioner holds a table in which the system information and the level determination thresholds are associated with each other, and refers to the table from the system information input by a user to determine the plurality of level determination thresholds for use in determination of the signal level.

This enables use of the more suitable level determination thresholds that match the characteristics of the air conditioning system 1, and thus enables reduction of the range of the signal level determined as level 2, for example, and distinction between the range of the signal level in normal communication and the range of the signal level when crosstalk occurs. This improves accuracy of information to be notified to a user. As with the level determination thresholds, the air conditioner may determine, based on the system information, the thresholds for use in determination of whether the signal level is high or low.

For example, a user inputs the above system information via a user interface, such as a DIP switch or a rotary switch, included in the air conditioner. The user interface is an example of system information input reception means according to the present disclosure. For example, when the air conditioner includes a wireless communication interface, the system information may be input to the air conditioner by communication between the air conditioner and a terminal device, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook PC, or may be input to the air conditioner by communication between the air conditioner and the cloud server.

Modified Example 9

In the above embodiment, each of the air conditioners (the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3) transmits the notification information to the remote controller 4 only when notification to the remote controller 4 is determined to be necessary. In some embodiment, the air conditioner may transmit the notification information to the remote controller 4 without determining necessity of notification to the remote controller 4. In this case, the remote controller 4 determines necessity of notification to a user based on the notification information received from each of the air conditioners, and when determining that notification to the user is necessary, performs notification, to the user, based on each received notification information. For example, the remote controller 4 may control the display 41 to display a system configuration diagram as illustrated in FIG. 9. This enables the user to visually determine the air conditioner of which the communication group number is highly likely incorrectly set.

Modified Example 10

As with Modified Example 9, each of the air conditioners may transmit the notification information to the remote controller 4 without determining necessity of notification to the remote controller 4. In this case, the remote controller 4 may examine, based on the notification information received from each of the air conditioner, the relationship between the communication group numbers and the signal level for each combination of the air conditioners to identify the air conditioner of which the communication group number is highly likely incorrectly set, and notify a user of information relating to the identified air conditioner. This enables a user, such as a constructor or a system administrator, to perform setting confirmation work from the air conditioner with high possibility of incorrect setting, resulting in reduction of workload of the user.

Further, the remote controller 4 may reset the communication group number of the air conditioner with high possibility of incorrect setting. For example, in a case where it is correct to set, as the communication group numbers, the number “1” to each of the air conditioners included in the refrigerant system A and the number “2” to each of the air conditioners included in the refrigerant system B as illustrated in FIG. 1, when a constructor incorrectly sets the communication group number “2” to the indoor unit 3b, the remote controller 4 resets, to the indoor unit 3b, the number “1” that is the same communication group number as the outdoor unit 2a being the transmission source of the communication frame with the high signal level received by the indoor unit 3b. This eliminates the need for a user, such as a constructor or a system administrator, to perform correction work of incorrect setting, resulting in great reduction of workload. In this case, a configuration may be provided in which the remote controller 4 asks the user, before resetting the communication group number, whether the user allows resetting, and only when the user allows resetting, resets the communication group number to the air conditioner.

Modified Example 11

In the above embodiment, the communication address is set to each of the air conditioners (the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3) by a constructor via the communication address setting receiver 21 or the communication address setting receiver 33. In some embodiments, the communication address may be automatically set to each of the air conditioners at startup of the air conditioning system 1. Automatic setting of the communication address by the air conditioning system 1 in the present modified example is described hereinafter.

At startup of the air conditioning system 1, the outdoor unit 2 performs broadcast transmission of the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command as with Embodiment 1. Upon receiving the communication frame, the indoor unit 3 transmits, using the temporary communication address, to the outdoor unit 2, the communication frame indicating response to the connection confirmation command. The outdoor unit 2 determines the signal level of the communication frame indicating response to the connection confirmation command received from each indoor unit 3, and transmits, to the indoor unit 3 with a normal signal level range, the communication frame indicating a communication address setting command for notification of the official communication address. The communication address setting command stores the official communication address assigned to the indoor unit 3.

Upon receiving the communication frame indicating the communication address setting command, the indoor unit 3 sets the communication address stored in the communication address setting command and assigned to the indoor unit 3 to the own communication address. The outdoor unit 2 does not transmit, to the indoor unit 3 with a signal level range in which crosstalk may occur, the communication frame indicating the communication address setting command. As described above, automatic setting of the communication address is performed at startup of the air conditioning system 1.

This eliminates communication address setting work at construction.

Modified Example 12

In the above embodiment, to each of the air conditioners (the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 3), the communication group number corresponding to the own refrigerant system is set by a user. In some embodiments, instead of setting of the communication group number, device-specific information by which the air conditioner to be a communication target can be uniquely identified is set by a user to each of the air conditioners as a white list. The device-specific information is, for example, a manufacturer's serial number. In a configuration according to the present modified example, in the connection confirmation processing (see FIG. 7), the outdoor unit 2 performs broadcast transmission, via the internal/external communication line 5, of the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command storing the own device-specific information and the own communication address (step S100).

When receiving, from the indoor unit 3, the communication frame indicating response to the connection confirmation command (YES in step S101), the outdoor unit 2 analyzes the signal at reception of the communication frame to acquire the signal level (step S102), and determines necessity of notification to the remote controller 4 based on the acquired signal level, the device-specific information of the indoor unit 3 included in the received communication frame and being the transmission source of the received communication frame, and the white list set to the outdoor unit 2 (step S103). For example, when the indoor unit 3 is included in the communication target and the signal level is low (that is, level 1 or 2), the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When the indoor unit 3 is included in the communication target and the signal level is high (that is, level 3), the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary.

For example, when the indoor unit 3 is not included in the communication target and the signal level is high, the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When the indoor unit 3 is not included in the communication target and the signal level is low, the outdoor unit 2 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary. When notification to the remote controller 4 is determined to be necessary (YES in step S103), the outdoor unit 2 generates the notification information including the device-specific information and communication address of the indoor unit 3, the own device-specific information and communication address, information indicating whether the indoor unit 3 is the communication target, and the signal level, and transmits, to the remote controller 4, the communication frame storing the generated notification information (step S104).

When receiving the notification information from the outdoor unit 2, the remote controller 4 performs notification to a user based on the received notification information. For example, when the signal level is level 1 although the indoor unit 3 is the communication target, or when the signal level is level 3 although the indoor unit 3 is not the communication target, the remote controller controls the display 41 to display the notification screen containing a message such as “setting of the white list of the air conditioner *** or the air conditioner *** is highly likely incorrect”. The expression “***” indicates the communication address.

For example, when the signal level is level 2 although the indoor unit 3 is the communication target, the remote controller 4 may control the display 41 to display the notification screen containing a massage such as “Is the wiring length between the air conditioner *** and the air conditioner *** XX m or greater? Is the number of the connected air conditioners YY or greater?”.

In a configuration according to the present modified example, in the upon-connection-confirmation-command-reception processing (see FIG. 8), when receiving, from the outdoor unit 2, the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command, the indoor unit 3 transmits, to the outdoor unit 2, the communication frame indicating response to the connection confirmation command (step S200). The communication frame stores the own device-specific information and communication address. The indoor unit 3 analyzes the signal at reception of the communication frame indicating the connection confirmation command to acquire the signal level (step S201), and determines necessity of notification to the remote controller 4 based on the acquired signal level, the device-specific information, included in the received communication frame, of the outdoor unit 2 being the transmission source of the communication frame, and the white list set to the indoor unit 3 (step S202).

For example, when the outdoor unit 2 is included in the communication target and the signal level is low, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When the outdoor unit 2 is included in the communication target and the signal level is high, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary. For example, when the outdoor unit 2 is not included in the communication target and the signal level is high, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is necessary. When the outdoor unit 2 is not included in the communication target and the signal level is low, the indoor unit 3 determines that notification to the remote controller 4 is not necessary.

When notification to the remote controller 4 is determined to be necessary (YES in step S202), the indoor unit 3 generates the notification information including the device-specific information and communication address of the outdoor unit 2, the own device-specific information and communication address, information indicating whether the outdoor unit 2 is the communication target, and the signal level, and transmits, to the remote controller 4, the communication frame storing the generated notification information (step S203). When receiving the notification information from the indoor unit 3, the remote controller 4 performs notification to a user based on the received notification information.

As described above, the present modified example enables notifying a user of useful information relating to incorrect setting of the white list.

Modified Example 13

All or part of the functional components of the control circuit 24 of the outdoor unit 2 (see FIG. 5) may be achieved by dedicated hardware. All or part of the functional components of the control circuit 35 of the indoor unit 3 (see FIG. 6) may be achieved by dedicated hardware. The dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.

The technical concepts for the above modified examples may be achieved independently or in combination as appropriate.

The foregoing describes some example embodiments for explanatory purposes. Although the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. This detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Industrial Applicability

The present disclosure can be preferably used in an air conditioning system including a plurality of refrigerant systems.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• • 1 Air conditioning system
  • 2, 2a, 2b Outdoor unit
  • 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d Indoor unit
  • 4 Remote controller
  • 5, 5a, 5b Internal/external communication line
  • 6 Remote controller communication line
  • 20, 32 Communication group setting receiver
  • 21, 33 Communication address setting receiver
  • 22, 31 Signal level analysis circuit
  • 23, 40 Communication interface
  • 24, 35, 43 Control circuit
  • 30 Internal/external communication interface
  • 34 Remote controller communication interface
  • 41 Display
  • 42 Operation receiver
  • 240, 350 Signal level acquirer
  • 241, 351 Notification necessity determiner
  • 242, 352 Notification information transmitter