JP2002013761A - Air-conditioning system and its outdoor machine and indoor machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize facilitation of a work to install an antenna and to realize further stable transmission and receipt of a radio signal. SOLUTION: The antenna 162 is situated at an outdoor machine 150. Further, outgoing piping 170a and return piping 170b are utilized as wiring through which a signal received by the antenna 162 is transmitted. In this case, the outgoing piping 170a and the return piping 170b are insulated from each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, and more particularly to an air conditioning system having a mechanism contributing to a wireless connection with a network or the like, and an outdoor unit and an indoor unit thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Information technology (IT)
Technology) The revolution is progressing rapidly. As an important infrastructure, there is a network represented by the Internet. Networks are spreading not only in corporations but also in households.

[0003] At present, connection to the Internet, etc.
It is generally done through a wired line.
In the future, with the spread of mobile communications such as mobile phones, it is expected that wireless connections will increase.

[0004] This wireless communication is divided into two types depending on the area. The first is wireless communication between each home (telephone, terminal adapter) and a base station. Second
The third is wireless communication at home, that is, a personal computer and a telephone (or terminal adapter).
It is wireless between.

[0005]

The connection to a network by a wireless system has great advantages in that it can be moved freely and wiring work is not required. However, on the other hand, the connection state tends to be unstable because the connection state depends on the radio wave condition. In order to secure a reliable connection, the installation position of the antenna is important.

[0006] In the first wireless communication described above, it is preferable to install the antenna outdoors. However, it is difficult for an amateur to reliably install an antenna because the outdoors are affected by wind and rain. Asking a specialized contractor to install the antenna is cumbersome and requires extra construction costs. If an antenna is installed indoors, there is a possibility that radio waves may not reach sufficiently. Particularly, in an apartment or the like employing reinforced concrete, such radio interference tends to occur.

[0007] Under the present situation that various services utilizing more important information such as banking and financial information are going to be started beyond the use of merely browsing a homepage, it is strongly required to improve the reliability of connection.

[0008] Further, the problem of such an antenna is not limited to connection to a network. It was also a problem when receiving satellite broadcasts. That is, in order to receive a satellite broadcast, the parabola antenna needs to be correctly oriented in the direction of the satellite. Nevertheless, this parabolic antenna is likely to be disturbed in its installation angle and the like due to the influence of wind and rain due to its form. Therefore, it is necessary to fix the satellite broadcasting antenna more firmly than the terrestrial broadcasting antenna. Under such circumstances, it is not easy to install a parabolic antenna on the roof of a house constructed without assuming the installation of a parabolic antenna. For this reason, the parabolic antenna is generally mounted on the handrail of the veranda. However, the shape of the veranda, such as the handrail, is various, and it is difficult to prepare an attachment unit corresponding to all of them.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioning system having a mechanism contributing to wireless connection with a network or the like, and an outdoor unit and an indoor unit thereof. .

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, an outdoor unit of an air conditioning system according to the first aspect is provided with an indoor unit installed in a room to be temperature-controlled and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. In an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of the room by circulating a refrigerant between the outdoor unit and a heat exchanger while adjusting the temperature of the room, a return line connected to a return line through which the refrigerant returning from the indoor unit flows is connected. A pipe connection part, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat of the refrigerant returned through the return pipe connection part, and an outward pipe connection to which an outward pipe through which the refrigerant after the heat exchange is flowed toward the indoor unit is connected. And an antenna for receiving a radio wave.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to install an antenna with the installation of the outdoor unit.

[0012] The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 2 is:
The invention according to claim 1, further comprising: a conductor circuit that is electrically connected to the antenna and transmits a signal received by the antenna or a signal transmitted from the antenna.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the signal received by the antenna or the signal transmitted from the antenna is transmitted by the conductor circuit.

[0014] The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 3 is:
An air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of the room by performing heat exchange while circulating a refrigerant between an indoor unit installed in a room to be temperature-controlled and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. In the outdoor unit, a return pipe connection to which a return pipe through which the refrigerant returning from the indoor unit flows is connected, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat of the refrigerant returned through the return pipe connection, and after the heat exchange is performed. And a mounting section configured to be able to mount an antenna prepared separately, to which a forward pipe in which the refrigerant flows toward the indoor unit is connected.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the antenna can be mounted on the mounting portion of the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 4 is
The invention according to claim 3, further comprising a conductor circuit electrically connected to the antenna mounted on the mounting portion and transmitting a signal received by the antenna or a signal transmitted from the antenna. Is what you do.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the signal received by the antenna mounted on the mounting portion or the signal transmitted from the antenna is transmitted by the conductor circuit.

[0018] The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 5 includes:
The invention according to claim 4, wherein the conductor circuit includes a connector that is electrically connected to the antenna when the antenna is mounted on the mounting portion. Is what you do.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the conductor circuit is electrically connected to the antenna by the connector when the antenna is mounted on the mounting portion.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 6 is:
In the invention according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 5, in a case where the outgoing pipe and the return pipe are provided with conductivity, the conductor circuit includes the antenna, the outgoing pipe and And connecting to the return pipe.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, signals transmitted and received from the antenna are transmitted through the conductor circuit, and subsequently through the outgoing pipe and the return pipe.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 7 is:
In the invention according to claim 6, the outward piping connection portion and the return piping connection portion are insulated from each other,
The conductor circuit is electrically connected to the outgoing pipe at the outgoing pipe connecting portion, and is electrically connected to the incoming pipe at the incoming pipe connecting portion. is there.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the outgoing pipe and the conductor circuit are electrically connected by connecting the outgoing pipe to the outgoing pipe connecting portion. Similarly, by connecting the return pipe to the return pipe connection part, the return pipe and the conductor circuit are electrically connected.

The indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 8 is:
An air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of the room by performing heat exchange while circulating a refrigerant between an indoor unit installed in a room to be temperature-controlled and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. In the outdoor unit, an inflow pipe connection to which a forward pipe having conductivity through which the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit flows is connected, and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant sent through the inflow pipe connection. An outflow pipe connection part to which a return pipe having conductivity is connected to which the refrigerant after the heat exchange is returned to the outdoor unit is connected, and other equipment is connected to input and / or output signals. Terminals
And a conductor wiring for electrically connecting the terminal and the outgoing pipe and the return pipe.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the signal input through the outgoing pipe and the return pipe is output to the terminal through the conductor wiring. Conversely, the signal input to the terminal is output to the outbound piping and the inbound piping through the conductor wiring.

The indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 9 is:
An air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of the room by performing heat exchange while circulating a refrigerant between an indoor unit installed in a room to be temperature-controlled and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. In the outdoor unit, an inflow pipe connection to which a forward pipe having conductivity is passed through which a refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit flows, and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the refrigerant sent through the inflow pipe connection And an outflow pipe connection portion to which a return pipe having conductivity in which the refrigerant after the heat exchange has been returned to the outdoor unit is connected, and at least one of a signal reception process and a signal transmission process And a terminal to which other devices are connected and to which signals are input and / or output, and a conductor wiring that connects the outgoing pipe and the return pipe, the signal processing circuit, and the terminal. And it is characterized in and.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when a signal is input from the terminal, the signal processing circuit performs transmission processing on the signal, and transmits the signal through the conductor wiring, the outgoing pipe, and the return pipe. . If the outgoing pipe and the return pipe are connected to an antenna, this signal will be transmitted from this antenna. Conversely, when the outgoing pipe and the return pipe are connected to the antenna, the signal captured by the antenna is input to the signal processing circuit through the outgoing pipe and the return pipe, and further through the conductor wiring.
Then, the signal processing circuit performs reception processing on the signal. Then, the received signal is output from the terminal.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the inflow pipe connection and the outflow pipe connection are insulated from each other. Is electrically connected to the outgoing pipe at the inflow pipe connection, and electrically connected to the return pipe at the outflow pipe connection.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the outgoing pipe is electrically connected to the conductor wiring by connecting the outgoing pipe to the inflow pipe connecting portion. Similarly, by connecting the return pipe to the outflow pipe connection portion, the return pipe and the conductor wiring are electrically connected.

[0030] An air conditioner system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention provides an outdoor unit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects,
0. The indoor unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 3,

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, signals can be transmitted and received through an antenna provided in the outdoor unit.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiment.

The air-conditioning system of this embodiment is characterized in that an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves is provided in an outdoor unit. A main feature is that a signal received (or transmitted) by the antenna is transmitted through a pipe connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The details will be described below.

The air-conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, an indoor unit 1 that generates and blows cold air or the like
10, an outdoor unit 150 that compresses the refrigerant, and the like, and a pipe 170 (outgoing pipe 170a and return pipe 170b) that constitutes a flow path of the refrigerant. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the outbound piping 170a and the inbound piping 170b, they are simply referred to as piping 170.

The outdoor unit 150 liquefies the refrigerant to convert the indoor unit 1
10 to supply. A heat exchanger, a radiating fan motor 152, a compressor 153, a driving circuit 1 are provided in an exterior frame 151 constituting an outer shape of the outdoor unit 150.
54 and the like are accommodated (see FIG. 3). Exterior frame 1
A pipe connection part 155 is provided at the lower part of the side surface of the pipe 51, and the pipe 170 through which the refrigerant flows is connected to the pipe connection part 155. As will be described later, this piping connection 15
Reference numeral 5 forms a part of a signal path for transmitting a signal. As the name suggests, the outdoor unit 150 is generally installed outdoors (for example, on a roof or on a veranda).

Further, the outdoor unit 150 of this embodiment is
As a mechanism for transmitting and receiving radio waves, as shown in FIG. 2, an antenna mounting portion 161, an antenna 162, and a cable 163 are provided.

The antenna mounting portion 161 is provided for the antenna 1
This is for mechanically fixing 62, and is provided on the upper surface of the exterior frame 151. The antenna mounting portion 161 is configured so that the antenna 162 can be attached and detached. The antenna mounting portion 161 is also provided with a connector mechanism for connecting the antenna 162 and the cable 163. For this reason, the antenna mounting portion 161
The antenna 162 is configured to be electrically connected to the cable 163 with the antenna 162 when the antenna 162 is attached (mechanically fixed) to the antenna 162. Needless to say, this connector mechanism is sufficiently waterproofed.

The antenna 162 is for receiving or transmitting radio waves. The antenna 162 is configured to be attachable / detachable to / from the antenna mounting portion 161 as necessary. For this reason, an antenna having an optimal shape and characteristics can be selected according to the application (transmission / reception), the frequency of a radio wave, and the like.

The cable 163 guides the signal received by the antenna 162 to the pipe 170, and includes two signal lines insulated from each other. To prevent noise, the cable 163 is shielded. The cable 163 is actually configured to connect a signal pin of a connector mechanism provided in the antenna mounting section 161 to a pipe connection section 155 to which the pipe 170 is connected.

The pipe connection part 155 is a part to which the pipe 170 is connected. When the pipe 170 is connected, the pipe connection part 155 is in direct contact with the pipe 170. As shown in FIG. 2, the pipe connection part 155 is connected to the pipe connection part 1 to which the outbound pipe 170a is connected.
Piping connection part 1 to which 55a and return pipe 170b are connected
55b. Transmission of the received signal by the antenna 162 requires two mutually isolated signal paths. For this reason, the pipe connection 155a and the pipe connection 1
55b has conductivity and is insulated from each other.
Further, although it is not clear in the drawings, sufficient waterproofing measures are taken to prevent the two from becoming conductive due to rain or the like.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of wiring from the antenna 162 to the input / output terminal 125 of the indoor unit 110 and a control configuration inside the outdoor unit 150. In FIG. 3, two signal lines forming a pair are separately drawn for a portion from the antenna 162 to the transmission / reception circuit 124.
In other parts, a plurality of signal lines forming a set are drawn by one line. The same applies to FIG. 5 described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the radiating fan motor 152, the compressor 153 and the like are driven by the drive circuit 1 based on an instruction from a control circuit 126 of the indoor unit 110 which will be described later.
54. In addition, it is naturally operated by electric power supplied from the outside. In order to prevent electromagnetic waves (that is, noise) generated by the heat radiation fan motor 152 and the like from impairing transmission and reception of signals through the antenna 162, these are sufficiently provided with measures for suppressing the generation of noise.

The pipe 170 is connected to the outdoor unit 150 and the indoor unit 11.
It constitutes a flow path for circulating the refrigerant between 0 and 0. Although not clear in the drawing, this pipe 17
0 is passed through the hole provided in the wall and the outdoor unit 150 and the indoor unit 11
Connects to 0. From the outdoor unit 150 to the indoor unit 11
The outgoing pipe 170a through which the refrigerant flowing to zero passes is connected to the pipe connection 155a and the pipe connection 114a. On the other hand, the return pipe 170b through which the refrigerant returning from the indoor unit 110 to the outdoor unit 150 passes is connected to the pipe connection part 155b and the pipe connection part 114b. Piping 170
It is made of copper (or an alloy containing copper as a main component).

The pipe 170 in this embodiment transmits signals transmitted and received by the antenna 162 to the outdoor unit 15.
It constitutes a part of a circuit for transmitting data between 0 and the indoor unit 110. As described above, two signal paths that are insulated from each other are required to transmit a signal. For this reason, in this embodiment, the outgoing pipe 170a and the return pipe 170b are insulated from each other, and each is used as a signal path. This insulation is realized by providing an insulating layer made of a non-conductive resin on the outer peripheral surface of each of the outward pipe 170a and the return pipe 170b. This insulating layer also plays a role as a heat insulating material. In addition,
Since the refrigerant such as CFC flowing through the pipe 170 has an insulating property even in a liquefied state, the refrigerant does not break the insulation between the two.

The indoor unit 110 is for maintaining the indoor environment in a desired state by generating cool air or the like and blowing it, and is installed indoors (for example, on a wall surface). Indoor unit 1
As shown in FIG. 4, an outlet 112 for cool air or the like, an infrared light emitting / receiving unit 113, and the like are provided on the front surface of the housing 111. Inside the housing 111, a heat exchanger, a blower fan, and a blower fan motor 121 for operating the same.
(See FIG. 3) are accommodated.

Further, on the back side of the casing 111, there are provided pipe connecting portions 114a and 114b connected to the heat exchanger. The piping connection portion 114a is a portion to which the outward piping 170a is mechanically connected, and the refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 150 flows into the heat exchanger therethrough. The pipe connection part 114b is a part to which the return pipe 170b is mechanically connected, and the refrigerant returned to the outdoor unit 150 passes through here. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the pipe connection part 114a and the pipe connection part 114b, they may be simply referred to as the pipe connection part 114. As described later, the pipe connection part 114a and the pipe connection part 114b
It forms a part of the signal path. For this reason, the pipe connection part 114a and the pipe connection part 114b are insulated from each other.

The control configuration of the indoor unit 110 will be described with reference to FIG. The indoor unit 110 includes a blower fan motor 121 for driving a blower fan (not shown), various sensors 122 for detecting temperature and the like, and an infrared transmitting / receiving circuit 123 for sending and receiving infrared signals to and from a remote controller (not shown) (light receiving / emitting unit 113 ), A control circuit 126 and the like.

Further, the indoor unit 110 of this embodiment
A transmission / reception circuit 124 and an input / output terminal 125 are provided as a mechanism for transmitting / receiving a signal through the pipe 170 (that is, the antenna 162).

The transmission / reception circuit 124 is for transmitting / receiving a signal through the pipe 170. This transmission / reception circuit 1
24 is electrically connected to the pipe connection part 114.
The transmission / reception circuit 124 operates based on an instruction from the control circuit 126.

The input / output terminal 125 is for inputting / outputting a signal transmitted / received by the transmission / reception circuit 124. An information processing device or the like can be connected to the input / output terminal 125.

The control circuit 126 controls and controls the entire air conditioning system. The control circuit 126 includes a memory storing a control program and the like,
And a PU. The CPU realizes various functions by executing the control program. For example, the control circuit 126 realizes a functional operation as an air conditioner by controlling each unit described above. Also, transmission and reception of signals by the transmission / reception circuit 124 are realized.

"Return piping" referred to in the claims
"" In this embodiment corresponds to the return line piping 170b. "Return pipe connection" means a pipe connection 155b.
Is equivalent to The “outgoing pipe” corresponds to the outgoing pipe 170a. The “outgoing pipe connection” is a pipe connection 155a
Is equivalent to The “antenna” corresponds to the antenna 162. The “conductor circuit” corresponds to the cable 163.
The “mounting portion” corresponds to the antenna mounting portion 161. The “connector” corresponds to a connector attached to the antenna attachment portion 161 and connected to the cable 163. The “inflow pipe connection” is a pipe connection 114
a. "Outflow pipe connection" means pipe connection 1
14b. “Terminal” corresponds to the input / output terminal 125. The “conductor wiring” refers to the input / output terminal 125, the transmission / reception circuit 124, and the pipe connection unit 11 shown in FIG.
4 corresponds to a wiring portion connecting the four. The “signal processing circuit” corresponds to the transmission / reception circuit 124 and the like.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the work of installing the air conditioning system 100 will be described.

The operation is basically the same as the installation operation of the conventional air conditioning system. In this embodiment, the pipe 170
Serves also as a wiring for transmitting and receiving signals between the outdoor unit 150 and the indoor unit 110. Accordingly, an electrical connection is also made with the piping work for mechanically connecting and fixing the pipe 170 to the pipe connection part 114 and the pipe connection part 155. Then, the antenna 162 is attached to the antenna mounting portion 1.
Attach to 61. With this mounting, the electrical connection between the antenna 162 and the cable 163 is made. Note that an antenna 162 having an optimum characteristic and shape is selected in advance depending on the application. Thereafter, the antenna 162 is directed in a desired direction. Since the outdoor unit 150 is sufficiently heavy, the installation position and the installation angle of the antenna 162 do not change carelessly after the installation.

Next, transmission and reception of signals by the antenna 162 will be described. The radio wave received by the antenna 162 reaches the transmission / reception circuit 124 through the cable 163, the pipe connection 155, the pipe 170, and the pipe connection 114. The transmission / reception circuit 124 extracts only a component of a predetermined frequency from the signal, amplifies the signal, and outputs the signal from the input / output terminal 125. Therefore, if an information device is connected to the input / output terminal 125, the received information (signal) can be output to the information device. If a wireless transceiver is connected to the input / output terminal 125, the received signal can be wirelessly transmitted to another information processing device or the like.

Conversely, the signal input from the input / output terminal 125 is processed in the transmission / reception circuit 124 and the like, and then, contrary to the reception, the pipe connection 114, the pipe 170, the pipe connection 155, the cable 163 Through the antenna 162. The signal is output from the antenna 162 to the air as a radio wave.

A signal path (piping connection section 155a, outgoing pipe 170a and pipe connection section 114a) formed using the refrigerant outward path, and a signal path (piping connection section 155b, The return pipe 170b and the pipe connection part 114b) are insulated from each other and have sufficient waterproofing measures, so that no short circuit or the like occurs on the way from the antenna 162 to the input / output terminal 125. . In addition, since the pipe 170 is made of copper (or an alloy containing copper as a main component), signal loss in the pipe 170 is small.

The operation as an "air-conditioning system" is the same as the conventional one. That is, in the outdoor unit 150, the drive circuit 15
4 liquefies the refrigerant by operating the compressor 153, the radiating fan motor 152, and the like. Then, the liquefied refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit 110 through the outbound piping 170a.
To send to. In the indoor unit 110, the control circuit 126 activates a heat exchanger or the like, thereby generating cold air or the like using the refrigerant. Then, the blower fan motor 121 blows out the cool air or the like from a blow-out port 112 provided on the front surface of the housing 111 to keep the indoor environment (for example, temperature and humidity) in a desired state. The refrigerant vaporized in the indoor unit 110 is supplied to the return pipe 1
The process returns to the outdoor unit 150 again through 70b.

In this case, the control circuit 126
Is used to constantly monitor the indoor temperature. And
The indoor temperature and the like are measured by the infrared transmitting / receiving circuit 123 (the light emitting / receiving section 11).
The above series of operations are controlled so that the target value input from a remote controller (not shown) through 3) is obtained.

As described above, according to the air conditioner system of this embodiment, the antenna 162 can be installed easily and reliably. Also, connect the pipe 170 to an antenna line (crossover line).
Since it was used as a part of the project, there is no need for construction just for installing the antenna. Also, there is no need to provide a hole in the wall just to draw the antenna line indoors.

Further, the outdoor unit 150 has a sufficient weight and does not move carelessly. Therefore, the antenna is securely fixed, the installation angle is hardly deviated, and stable connection is always possible.

Since the antenna 162 can be mounted / removed,
An antenna having an optimal shape and characteristics can be selected in accordance with the frequency of radio waves transmitted and received, the application, and the like. Therefore, the purpose,
It can be used properly depending on the application. Antenna 162
Is not limited to an antenna for a wireless LAN or the like. A satellite dish for receiving satellite broadcasting may be attached. In this case, of course,
It is preferable to adopt a type corresponding to this.

The form of wiring between the antenna 162 and the input / output terminal 125 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the following various wiring forms are conceivable.

In this embodiment, the cable 163 is provided in the outdoor unit 150, but this is not necessarily required.
It is not necessary to prepare for 0 in advance. The pipe connection part 155 and the antenna attachment part 161 may be connected by a separately prepared cable.

In this embodiment, the antenna 162 and the pipe 170 (strictly speaking, the antenna attachment section 161 and the pipe connection section 155) are connected by the cable 163, but the form of connection is not limited to this. . For example, both may be electrically connected using the exterior frame 151 itself.

In this embodiment, the cable 163 connects the pipe connection part 155 and the antenna attachment part 161. However, the antenna 162 and the pipe 170 may be directly connected by a cable. In this case, the pipe 170 is preferably provided with a terminal for connecting a cable. However, since the length of the pipe 170 is appropriately cut in accordance with the actual installation environment, it is necessary to provide this terminal portion over the entire length of the pipe 170 (or at predetermined intervals). Alternatively, it is preferable that this terminal is prepared as a part separate from the pipe 170 and is attached to a desired position of the pipe 170 for use.

In this embodiment, the wiring between the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 150 is performed using the pipe 170, but the pipe 170 is not necessarily used. Separately, wiring between the two may be performed using a prepared cable. Even in such a case, if the cable is passed through a hole formed in the wall for the pipe 170, the wiring work is easy.

In addition, the antenna 162 and the indoor unit 110
May be directly connected by a cable.

Since power is supplied to outdoor unit 150 in the first place, outdoor unit 150 may be provided with an amplifier or the like for amplifying received radio waves. Since the pipe 170 is not shielded, it is expected that noise or the like will be added when the pipe 170 is transmitted. Therefore, by amplifying it before such noise is added,
Transmission and reception of higher quality signals can be performed. The reception signal may be amplified in the outdoor unit 150, while the transmission signal may be amplified in the indoor unit 110.

In this embodiment, the antenna 162 is configured to be detachable, but is not limited to this, and may be fixedly installed in the outdoor unit 150 from the beginning.

In this embodiment, the transmission / reception circuit 124 is provided in the indoor unit 110 for processing signals transmitted / received via the antenna 162. However, the indoor unit 110 may not include this. In this case, the pipe connection part 114 and the input / output terminal 125 are directly connected by wiring. The transmission / reception processing is performed in a transmission / reception device or the like connected to the input / output terminal 125.

The installation position of the antenna is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Any location is acceptable as long as transmission and reception of radio waves are not hindered. For example, a side surface, a front surface, or the like of the exterior frame 151 may be used.

There are various uses of the system of this embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a signal transmitted by the information processing device 180 is received by the antenna 162 and is connected to the indoor unit 110.
1 may be connected to the network 190. In this use mode, for example, an information processing apparatus 1 such as a notebook personal computer is placed in a nearby park or garden.
It is also conceivable to take out the 80 and use it. In this case, unlike the case where the antenna is installed indoors, radio waves are not blocked by the thick walls that make up the house, so the range that can be taken out (the range that can be connected by wireless) is more. spread. In addition, when the personal computer is used outdoors, the personal computer is driven by a battery, so it is necessary to minimize power consumption. If the antenna is installed outside the room, the output intensity of the radio wave from the personal computer can be suppressed, so that the power consumption can be suppressed and the operable time can be extended. In addition,
In FIG. 5, the configurations inside the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 150 are simplified.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, an information processing device 180 such as a personal computer is connected to the input / output terminal 125 of the indoor unit 110, and the base station 191 is transmitted by a radio signal transmitted through the antenna 162. It may be connected to a network (for example, a public line or the Internet) via the Internet. In such a use form, the connection to the network is ensured because it is less susceptible to the walls constituting the house.

[0075]

As described above, in the air conditioning system, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit according to the present invention, it is easy to install the antenna outside the room. The details are as follows.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since signals can be transmitted and received using the antenna provided in the outdoor unit, there is no need to install an antenna. Further, since the outdoor unit has a sufficient weight, its position and angle do not fluctuate carelessly. Therefore, stable transmission and reception can be expected.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the outdoor unit is provided with a conductor circuit in advance, it is not necessary to prepare a cable or the like for connecting the antenna to another device. Therefore, the installation work of the antenna is easier.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the antenna can be installed only by mounting the antenna on the mounting portion provided in the outdoor unit, the installation work is easy. Since the outdoor unit has a sufficient weight, its position and angle are not inadvertently changed. Therefore, stable transmission and reception can be expected. Furthermore, since an antenna having an optimum characteristic and shape can be selected according to the application, purpose, and the like, the versatility is excellent, and more excellent transmission and reception are possible.
Further, when the antenna is unnecessary, the antenna can be left unmounted (or removed). The antenna is not in the way.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the outdoor unit is provided with a conductor circuit in advance, there is no need to prepare a cable or the like for connecting the antenna to another device. Therefore, the installation work of the antenna is easier.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the work of mounting the antenna and the work of electrically connecting the conductor circuit and the antenna can be performed at once, the work is easier and more reliable.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the signal can be transmitted using the outgoing pipe and the return pipe through which the refrigerant flows, the wiring work is easy. Further, since it is not necessary to separately prepare a cable, the cost required for wiring is also low. Since the outgoing pipe and the return pipe are passed through the wall when the air conditioning system is installed, it is not necessary to provide a hole in the wall only for the signal transmission wiring.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, as a part of the outdoor unit installation work, the outgoing pipe and the return pipe through which the refrigerant flows are connected to the outgoing pipe connection and the inbound pipe connection.
Electrical connection is made between the conductor circuits and these. Therefore, work only for connection is unnecessary. It is not necessary to provide a special mechanism for connection with the conductor circuit in the forward pipe and the return pipe, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, signals can be transmitted and received between a device connected to a terminal in a room and a device provided outside the room through a forward pipe and a return pipe. Since there is no need for wiring work just to connect the two devices, convenience is high. For example, if the outgoing pipe and return pipe are used in combination with an outdoor unit equipped with an antenna (or an antenna can be mounted),
An output signal from an indoor communication device can be transmitted from an antenna of the outdoor unit. Conversely, a signal received by the antenna of the outdoor unit can be received by a communication device in the room. Therefore, wireless connection to a network or the like is easy.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to connect indoor equipment and an antenna installed outdoors.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the electrical connection between the conductor wiring and the outgoing pipe and the outgoing pipe connecting part is performed with the work of connecting the outgoing pipe and the returning pipe through which the refrigerant flows. It is. Therefore, work only for connection is unnecessary. It is not necessary to provide a special mechanism for connection with the conductor wiring in the forward pipe and the return pipe, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

According to the eleventh aspect, it is easy to install the antenna outside the room.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main part of the outdoor unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a wiring configuration and a control configuration.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of an indoor unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a use form of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 air conditioning system 110 indoor unit 111 housing 114 pipe connection part 124 transmission / reception circuit 125 input / output terminal 126 control circuit 150 outdoor unit 151 exterior frame 155 pipe connection part 161 antenna mounting part 162 antenna 163 cable 170 pipe 170a outbound pipe 170b return pipe

Claims (11)

[Claims] The temperature of the room is controlled by performing heat exchange while circulating a refrigerant between an indoor unit installed in a room to be temperature-controlled and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. In the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system to be adjusted, a return pipe connection to which a return pipe through which the refrigerant returning from the indoor unit flows is connected; a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant returned through the return pipe connection; An outdoor unit for an air-conditioning system, comprising: an outward piping connection portion to which an outward piping through which the refrigerant having been subjected to the flow is directed toward the indoor unit is connected; and an antenna for receiving a radio wave. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising: a conductor circuit electrically connected to the antenna and transmitting a signal received by the antenna or a signal transmitted from the antenna. Outdoor unit. 3. The temperature of the room is controlled by performing heat exchange while circulating a refrigerant between an indoor unit installed in a room to be temperature-controlled and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. In the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system to be adjusted, a return pipe connection to which a return pipe through which the refrigerant returning from the indoor unit flows is connected; a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant returned through the return pipe connection; Having an outgoing pipe connecting part to which an outgoing pipe connected to the indoor unit through which the refrigerant after the flow is performed is connected, and a mounting part configured to mount a separately prepared antenna. Outdoor unit of air conditioning system. 4. A conductor circuit electrically connected to an antenna mounted on the mounting portion and transmitting a signal received by the antenna or a signal transmitted from the antenna. An outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to item 1. 5. The conductor circuit according to claim 4, wherein the conductor circuit includes a connector that is electrically connected to the antenna when the antenna is mounted on the mounting portion. An outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to item 1. 6. In the case where the outgoing pipe and the return pipe are provided with conductivity, the conductor circuit connects the antenna to the outgoing pipe and the return pipe. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 5, wherein 7. The outward piping connection portion and the return piping connection portion are mutually insulated from each other, and the conductor circuit is electrically connected to the outward piping at the outward piping connection portion. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 6, wherein the outdoor unit is electrically connected to the return line at a return line connection part. 8. The temperature of the room is controlled by performing heat exchange while circulating a refrigerant between an indoor unit installed in a room to be subjected to temperature adjustment and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. In the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system to be adjusted, an inflow piping connection portion to which an outward piping having conductivity through which the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit flows is connected, and the refrigerant sent through the inflow piping connection portion is heated. A heat exchanger to be exchanged; an outflow pipe connection to which a return pipe having conductivity in which the refrigerant after the heat exchange has been returned to the outdoor unit is connected; and a signal connected to another device, An indoor unit for an air conditioning system, comprising: a terminal to be input and / or output; and a conductor wiring that electrically connects the terminal and the outgoing pipe and the return pipe. 9. The temperature of the room is controlled by performing heat exchange while circulating a refrigerant between an indoor unit installed in a room targeted for temperature adjustment and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. In the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system to be adjusted, an inflow piping connection portion to which a forward piping having conductivity through which the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit flows is connected, and a refrigerant sent through the inflow piping connection portion. A heat exchanger for performing heat exchange, an outflow pipe connection to which a return pipe having conductivity for returning the refrigerant after the heat exchange is returned to the outdoor unit, a signal reception process and a signal transmission A signal processing circuit that performs at least one of processing, a terminal to which another device is connected to input and / or output a signal, and a conductor that connects the outgoing pipe and the return pipe, the signal processing circuit, and the terminal An indoor unit of an air conditioning system, comprising: wiring; 10. The inflow pipe connection and the outflow pipe connection are insulated from each other, and the conductor wiring is electrically connected to the outgoing pipe at the inflow pipe connection. The indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the indoor unit is electrically connected to the return pipe at an outflow pipe connection part. 11. An air conditioning system comprising: the outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and the indoor unit according to any one of claims 8 to 10.