【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、空気調和機のシステムにおける空気調和機の制御方法に係り、特に、通信異常が発生した場合の制御方法に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より複数台の、室外機と室内機とを通信線で接続した空気調和機のシステムが知られている。この種の空気調和機のシステムにおいては、信号線の遮断や、室内機の故障などにより通信異常が発生した場合、システムの稼動状態を変更し通信異常により支障がないように制御されている。
【０００３】
例えば、図７に示すように、室外機８と複数台の室内機１１とを、１階から４階を夫々グループ別にして冷媒配管１０で接続すると共に、室外機８の制御部と全ての室内機１１の制御部とを共通の通信線１２で接続した空気調和システムにおいて、グループ毎に設けられ、それぞれ自己のグループの室内機１１の制御部の故障や自己のグループの信号線１２の断線のとき、自己のグループを迂回する第２の通信線１３を介して、他のグループの室内機１１の制御部にインテリジェントコントローラ９からの信号を送信する交換ユニット１４を備えている。
【０００４】
このように、図７に示す空気調和システムでは、第２の通信線１３を介して自己のグループを迂回することにより、システム全体のダウンを防止している（特許文献１参照）。
【０００５】
また、その他の例では、図８に示すように、室外ユニット１５と室内ユニット１６とを、冷媒配管（図示せず）によって接続すると共に、室外ユニット１５を制御する室外制御ユニット１７と室内ユニット１６を制御する室内制御ユニット１８とを通信線１９によって接続し、各室外ユニット１５と集中制御するための集中コントローラ２０が送受信可能に通信線２１によって接続した空調システムにおいて、室外制御ユニット１７と室内制御ユニット１８を接続する通信線１９が断線などにより通信異常が生じたとき、その通信線１９が存在する室内外の制御ユニット１７、１８を遮断状態とする通信路遮断手段２２を備えている。
【０００６】
この図８に示す空調システムでは、通信路遮断手段２２を遮断状態とし、通信異常が生じた室内外の制御ユニット１７、１８を、他の正常な室内外の制御ユニット１７、１８から切り離してシステム全体の機能停止を回避している（特許文献２参照）。
【０００７】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−１２２６３４号公報（第４−５頁、図１）
【特許文献２】
特開平８−１７０８５１号公報（第２−３頁、図１）
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
以上のように、特許文献１および特許文献２のシステムでは、任意の室内機（室内ユニット）にて通信線の遮断などにより通信異常が発生した場合、その室内機（室内ユニット）は室外機（室外ユニット）と通信を行なうことが出来ず、通信異常の発生した通信線に接続される室内機（室内ユニット）をシステムから切り離して運転を継続する構成となっており、通信異常が発生した室内機（室内ユニット）が存在しないものとして運転を継続するため、この室内機分の能力が低下してしまうといった問題を有していた。
【０００９】
本発明は、上記の問題点に鑑みなされたもので、任意の室内機において、通信線の遮断により通信異常が発生した場合においても能力を落とさずに、システムの稼動を可能とする空気調和機の制御方法を提供することを目的とするものである。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１に記載の発明は、室内機と制御信号を送受信する室外送受信手段を備える一台の室外機と、前記室外機と制御信号を送受信する第１室内送受信部と他の室内機と制御信号を送受信する第２室内送受信部を備える複数台の室内機からなり、
前記室外送受信手段と前記第１室内送受信部とを共通の第１通信線で接続すると共に、前記室内機をグループ分けしてグループ内の前記第２室内送受信部同士を第２通信線で接続した空気調和機のシステムを構成してなり、
前記室内機が前記第１通信線の遮断により通信異常となった場合、通信異常の前記室内機を、前記第２通信線を介しグループ内の他の前記室内機を通じて制御することを特徴とするものである。
【００１１】
このような構成においては、任意の室内機において、通信線の遮断により通信異常が発生した場合においても能力を落とさずに、システムを稼動することがききる。
【００１２】
請求項２に記載の発明は、室内機と制御信号を送受信する室外送受信手段を備える複数台の室外機と、前記室外機と制御信号を送受信する第１室内送受信部と他の室内機と制御信号を送受信する第２室内送受信部を備える複数台の室内機からなり、
前記室外送受信手段と前記第１室内送受信部とを共通の第１通信線で接続すると共に、前記室内機をグループ分けしてグループ内の前記第２室内送受信部同士を第２通信線で接続し、グループ毎に前記室外機の夫々を割り当てた空気調和機のシステムを構成してなり、
前記室内機が前記第１通信線の遮断により通信異常となった場合、通信異常の前記室内機を、前記第２通信線を介しグループ内の他の前記室内機を通じて制御することを特徴とするものである。
【００１３】
このような構成においては、請求項１に記載の発明と同様に、任意の室内機において、能力を落とさずに、システムを稼動することがききる。
【００１４】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１または請求項２に記載の発明において、任意の室内機における制御信号の仲介を容易にするために、前記第２室内送受信部はグループ内の他の前記室内機から通信異常の情報を受信した場合、グループ内の他の前記室内機から送信元アドレスと制御信号を受信し、前記送信元アドレスと制御信号を前記第１室内送受信部に送信し、前記第１室内送受信部は前記室外送受信手段に前記第２室内送受信部よりの前記送信元アドレスと制御信号を送信し、前記室外送受信手段よりのグループ内の他の前記室内機への制御信号を受信し、前記第２室内送受信部へグループ内の他の前記室内機への制御信号を送信する構成としてなることを特徴とするものである。
【００１５】
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項３に記載の発明において、任意の室内機の構成を簡単にするために、前記第２室内送受信部がグループ内の他の前記室内機から通信異常の情報を受信しかつ制御信号の送信要求がある場合、前記送信元アドレスと制御信号を、前記室外送受信手段に送信するように設定し、前記第１室内送受信部が設定した前記送信元アドレスと制御信号を、通信異常の前記室内機の情報として前記室外送受信手段に送信することを特徴とするものである。
【００１６】
請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項３または請求項４に記載の発明において、グループ内の前記室内機全部が通信異常となった場合の対処を容易にするために、前記第１通信線に前記室内機の通信状態を監視する監視手段を接続し、前記監視手段に異常情報を表示することを特徴とするものである。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施形態例を図面を用いて説明する。
図１は本発明による空気調和機の制御方法を実現するシステム構成図、図２はは本発明による遮断状態が発生した場合の動作を説明する部分構成図であり、（ａ）は室内機からの送信動作、（ｂ）は室外機からの送信動作を示す図、図３は図２（ａ）の通信異常の室内機の送信手順を示す図、図４は通信異常の室内機とグループ化された室内機の送受信手順を示す図、図５は図２（ｂ）の動作を受け通信異常の室内機の受信手順を示す図、図６は通信異常の室内機とグループ化された室内機の受信手順を示す図である。
【００１８】
図１において、１は室外機、２Ａ、２Ｂは室内機、３は第１通信線で例えば、ＬＡＮ、インターネットなどのネットワーク通信線、４は第２通信線、５Ａ、５Ｂは第２室内送受信部、６Ａ、６Ｂは第１室内送受信部、７は室外送受信手段である。
【００１９】
これらの構成の関係を説明すると、１台の室外機１には、室内機２Ａ、２Ｂと制御信号を送受信する室外送受信手段７を備え、４台の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂには、前記室外機１と制御信号を送受信する第１室内送受信部６Ａ、６Ｂと他の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂと制御信号を送受信する第２室内送受信部５Ａ、５Ｂからなる室内送受信手段を備えてなり、室外送受信手段７と第１室内送受信部６Ａ、６Ｂとを共通の第１通信線３で接続すると共に、４台の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂを２台ずつにグループ分けしてグループ内の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂ同士を第２通信線４で接続した空気調和機のシステムとなっている。
そして、室外機１と室内機２Ａ、２Ｂとの制御信号の送受信は、通常、共通の第１通信線３を介して行なわれる。
【００２０】
このように空気調和機のシステムが稼動している場合、室外機１は、各室内機２Ａ、２Ｂの第１室内送受信部６Ａ、６Ｂよりの第１通信線３へと送信する制御信号を受信して、各室内機２Ａ、２Ｂの要求する能力情報に応じて動作し、各室内機２Ａ、２Ｂは、室外機１の室外送受信手段７よりの第１通信線３へと送信する制御信号を受信して、室外機１の運転状態を認識し、対応する動作が行なわれる。
【００２１】
ところで、第１通信線３の遮断により室内機２Ａ、２Ｂにて通信異常が発生した場合、室内機２Ａ、２Ｂの第１室内送受信部６Ａ、６Ｂから送信される制御信号は、室外機１では受信できないため、室内機２Ａ、２Ｂが室外機１へと要求する能力は伝達されず、室外機１は室内機２Ａ、２Ｂが要求する能力が欠落した状態で動作することになり、一方、室内機２Ａ、２Ｂでは室外機１の室外送受信手段７が第１通信線３へと送信する制御信号を受信できないため、室外機１の運転状態に対応した動作を行なうことが出来ない。
【００２２】
このような場合、動作を継続して行なうための本発明の実施形態例の作用を、図２乃至図６を併用して説明する。
図２（ａ）に示すように、室内機２Ａに接続する第１通信線３の遮断により室内機２Ａにて通信異常が発生した場合、室内機２Ａが室外機１に要求する能力情報を送信するため、室内機２Ａの第２室内送受信部５Ａは、第２通信線４を介して、室内機２Ｂの第２室内送受信部５Ｂへと第１通信線３による通信異常の発生及び室内機２Ａの送信元アドレスを送信し、室内機２Ｂの第２室内送受信部５Ｂは室内機２Ａからの送信情報を受信し、室内機２Ａの送信元アドレスを保持する（図２▲１▼）。
その後、室内機２Ａは第１通信線３による通信異常が発生した状態で、第１通信線３へと送信すべき制御信号の送信要求が発生した場合（例えば、室内機２Ａがリモコンによる温度設定の変更、暖房から冷房への切換等の信号を受信した場合）、室内機２Ａの第２室内送受信部５Ａは第２通信線４を介して、室内機２Ｂの第２室内送受信部５Ｂへと送信要求を第１通信線３へ送信すべき制御信号を通知する（図２▲２▼）。
そして、室内機２Ｂの第１室内送受信部６Ｂは室内機２Ａからの制御信号の通知に基づき、通知された制御信号の情報を、図２▲１▼で保持した室内機２Ａの送信元アドレスと共に、第１通信線３へ送信する（図２▲３▼）。
この結果、室外機１は室内機２Ｂが第１通信線３へ送信した室内機２Ａの送信元アドレスの信号を受信し、室外機１は室内機２Ａが送信した制御信号として動作が行なわれる。
【００２３】
次に、図２（ｂ）に示すように、室外機１の室外送受信手段７が室内機２Ａが送信した制御信号を受けて、第１通信線３へと送信する制御信号を室内機２Ａにて通知するため、第１通信線３の遮断により室内機２Ａにて第１通信線３による通信異常が発生した場合、室内機２Ａの第２室内送受信部５Ａは第２通信線４を介して、室内機２Ｂの第２室内送受信部５Ｂへと第１通信線３による通信異常の発生及び室内機２Ａの送信元アドレスを送信し、室内機２Ｂの第２室内送受信部５Ｂは室内機２Ａからの送信情報を受信し、室内機２Ａの送信元アドレスを保持する（図２▲４▼）。
その後、室外機１の室外送受信手段７が第１通信線３へと制御信号を送信し（図３▲５▼）、室内機２Ｂの第１室内送受信部６Ｂは第１通信線３より送信先が室内機２Ａである制御信号を受信し、室内機２Ｂの第２室内送受信部５Ｂは第２通信線４を介して、室内機２Ａへとこの受信通知と制御信号の情報を送信する（図２▲６▼）。
この結果、室内機２Ａは室内機２Ｂからの送信情報を受け、この送信情報の制御信号を、室外機１に要求した能力情報に対する制御信号として、第１通信線３より受信した情報として室内機２Ａの動作が行なわれる。
【００２４】
以上の説明は、本発明の実施形態例の作用の概要であるが、図３から図６に示すように、室内機２Ａ、２Ｂ、室外機１の各送受信手順を詳細に説明する。
図３に示すように、まず、第１通信線３の遮断によりいずれかの室内機２Ａ、２Ｂにて通信異常発生中か否かを検出する（Ｓ１）。
例えば、室内機２Ａにて通信異常発生を検出した場合、第２通信線４（室内機２Ｂ）へ室内機２Ａの「送信元アドレス」と「通信異常発生」を付加した送信情報を送信し（Ｓ２）、いずれかの室内機２Ａ、２Ｂにて通信異常発生を検出しない場合、手順Ｓ３へ移行する。
次に、いずれかの室内機２Ａ、２Ｂにて第１通信線３へ送信要求が発生したか否かを検出し（Ｓ３）、送信要求発生を検出すると、いずれかの室内機２Ａ、２Ｂにて自身の「送信元アドレス」と「出力情報」（例えば、温度設定情報）の制御信号の送信情報をセットし（Ｓ４）、送信要求発生を検出しないと、現状運転を継続する。
その後、手順Ｓ４にて制御信号の情報がセットされたいずれかの室内機２Ａ、２Ｂのうち、前述のように通信異常発生中か否かを検出し（Ｓ５）、通信異常発生を検出した室内機２Ａである場合、室内機２Ａより第２通信線（室内機２Ｂ）へ送信要求、制御信号の送信情報を送信し（Ｓ６）、通信異常発生を検出した室内機２Ａでない場合、室内機２Ｂより第１通信線３へ制御信号の送信情報を送信する（Ｓ７）。
この結果、室外機１はいずれかの室内機２Ａ、２Ｂが送信した制御信号の送信情報に基づいて動作する。
【００２５】
図４に示すように、例えば、室内機２Ｂにて図３の手順Ｓ２を受けて第２通信線４より「通信異常発生」の送信情報を受信したか否かを検出し（Ｓ８）、「通信異常発生」の送信情報を受信した場合、「通信異常発生」の送信情報に付加された室内機２Ａの「送信元アドレス」を保持し（Ｓ９）、受信しない場合は手順Ｓ１０へ移行する。
次に、室内機２Ｂにて図３の手順Ｓ６を受けて第２通信線４より送信要求を受信したか否かを検出し（Ｓ１０）、送信要求を受信した場合、「送信元アドレス」と「出力情報」の制御信号の送信情報を、受信情報として格納し、室内機２Ａの第１通信線３への制御信号の送信情報として設定し（Ｓ１１）、受信しない場合は現状運転を継続する。
その後、手順Ｓ１１において室内機２Ｂにて設定した制御信号の送信情報を第１通信線３へ送信する（Ｓ１２）。
【００２６】
このようにして、室外機１においては、いずれかの室内機２Ａ、２Ｂより制御信号の送信情報を受信する。
図５に示すように、室外機１から対応するいずれかの室内機２Ａ、２Ｂに制御信号を送信した場合、例えば、室内機２Ａにて室外機１より第１通信線３へと送信する制御信号を受信したか否かを検出し（Ｓ１３）、制御信号を受信した場合、室内機２Ａは第１通信線３よりの制御信号の「受信情報」を格納し（Ｓ１４）、受信しない場合、室内機２Ａは通信異常が発生しているため、手順Ｓ１５へと移行する。
室内機２Ａは第２通信線４より「受信通知」を受信したか否かを検出し（Ｓ１５）、「受信通知」を受信した場合、室内機２Ａは室外機１より第１通信線３へと室内機２Ａに通知されたものとして、「受信情報」を格納し（Ｓ１６）、受信しない場合、室内機２Ａにて制御信号の送信情報を取得していないものとして、その運転状態を継続する。
このように、手順Ｓ１４と手順Ｓ１６において格納した「受信情報」に基づき、室内機２Ａの運転状態が制御される。
【００２７】
図６に示すように、例えば、室内機２Ｂが第１通信線３より制御信号を受信したか否かを検出し（Ｓ１７）、受信した場合、手順Ｓ１８へ、受信しない場合、その運転状態を継続する。
受信した制御信号の送信先が通信異常発生中の室内機２Ａの「送信元アドレス」か否か確認し（Ｓ１８）、「送信元アドレス」である場合、受信した制御信号の受信情報を第２通信線４（室内機２Ａ）への前述の「受信通知」と「受信情報」からなる送信情報として設定し（Ｓ１９）、「送信元アドレス」でない場合、その運転状態を継続する。
その後、手順Ｓ１９において室内機２Ｂにて設定した「受信通知」と「受信情報」の送信情報を第２通信線４へ送信する（Ｓ２０）。
この結果、室内機２Ａは室内機２Ｂからの送信情報を受け、この送信情報の「受信情報」に基づき、室外機１に要求した能力情報に対する制御信号として、室内機２Ａの動作が行なわれる。
【００２８】
前記実施形態例では、１台の室外機１と４台の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂを第１通信線３で接続し、４台の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂを２台ずつにグループ分けしてグループ内の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂ同士を第２通信線４で接続した場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限るものでなく、１台の室外機１と複数台の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂを第１通信線３で接続し、室内機２Ａ、２Ｂをグループ分けしてグループ内の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂ同士を第２通信線４で接続した場合も適用できる。
また、図１に点線で示すように、複数台の室外機１と複数台の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂを第１通信線３で接続し、室内機２Ａ、２Ｂをグループ分けしてグループ内の室内機２Ａ、２Ｂ同士を第２通信線４で接続し、グループ毎に室外機１の夫々を割り当てた場合も適用できる。
【００２９】
前記実施形態例では、室外機１と室内機２Ａ、２Ｂを接続した空気調和機のシステムとした場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限るものでなく、グループ内の前記室内機２Ａ、２Ｂ全部が通信異常となった場合の対処を容易にするために、図１に点線で示すように、前記第１通信線３に前記室内機２Ａ、２Ｂの通信状態を監視する監視手段１’を接続し、前記監視手段１’に異常情報を表示する場合も適用できる。
【００３０】
以上の説明のように、本発明の空気調和機の制御方法によれば、任意の室内機において、通信線の遮断により通信異常が発生した場合においても能力を落とさずに、システムの稼動を可能とする。
また、グループ内の他の前記室内機から送信元アドレスを受信し、前記室内機から制御信号の送信要求がある場合、前記室内機から制御信号を受信し、前記室外機１の室外送受信手段７にその制御信号を送信する室内送受信手段を構成したことにより、任意の室内機における制御信号の仲介を容易にすることができる。
【００３１】
また、前記室内送受信手段を第１室内送受信部６Ａ、６Ｂと第２室内送受信部５Ａ、５Ｂから構成して、前記室外機１とグループ内の他の前記室内機との送受信を夫々分担して処理するようにしたので、任意の室内機における制御信号の仲介を容易にすると共に、室内機の構成を簡単にすることができる。
【００３２】
更に、前記第１通信線３に前記室内機２Ａ、２Ｂの通信状態を監視する監視手段１’を接続し、前記監視手段１’に異常情報を表示する空気調和機のシステムを構成したことにより、グループ内の前記室内機２Ａ、２Ｂ全部が通信異常となった場合の対処を容易にすることができる。
【００３３】
【発明の効果】
請求項１に記載の発明は、室内機と制御信号を送受信する室外送受信手段を備える一台の室外機と、前記室外機と制御信号を送受信する第１室内送受信部と他の室内機と制御信号を送受信する第２室内送受信部を備える複数台の室内機からなり、
前記室外送受信手段と前記第１室内送受信部とを共通の第１通信線で接続すると共に、前記室内機をグループ分けしてグループ内の前記第２室内送受信部同士を第２通信線で接続した空気調和機のシステムを構成してなり、
前記室内機が前記第１通信線の遮断により通信異常となった場合、通信異常の前記室内機を、前記第２通信線を介しグループ内の他の前記室内機を通じて制御することを特徴とするものである。
【００３４】
このような構成においては、任意の室内機において、通信線の遮断により通信異常が発生した場合においても能力を落とさずに、システムを稼動することがききる。
【００３５】
請求項２に記載の発明は、室内機と制御信号を送受信する室外送受信手段を備える複数台の室外機と、前記室外機と制御信号を送受信する第１室内送受信部と他の室内機と制御信号を送受信する第２室内送受信部を備える複数台の室内機からなり、
前記室外送受信手段と前記第１室内送受信部とを共通の第１通信線で接続すると共に、前記室内機をグループ分けしてグループ内の前記第２室内送受信部同士を第２通信線で接続し、グループ毎に前記室外機の夫々を割り当てた空気調和機のシステムを構成してなり、
前記室内機が前記第１通信線の遮断により通信異常となった場合、通信異常の前記室内機を、前記第２通信線を介しグループ内の他の前記室内機を通じて制御することを特徴とするものである。
【００３６】
このような構成においては、請求項１に記載の発明と同様に、任意の室内機において、能力を落とさずに、システムを稼動することができる。
【００３７】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１または請求項２に記載の発明において、前記第２室内送受信部はグループ内の他の前記室内機から通信異常の情報を受信した場合、グループ内の他の前記室内機から送信元アドレスと制御信号を受信し、前記送信元アドレスと制御信号を前記第１室内送受信部に送信し、前記第１室内送受信部は前記室外送受信手段に前記第２室内送受信部よりの前記送信元アドレスと制御信号を送信し、前記室外送受信手段よりのグループ内の他の前記室内機への制御信号を受信し、前記第２室内送受信部へグループ内の他の前記室内機への制御信号を送信する構成としてなることにより、任意の室内機における制御信号の仲介を容易にすることができる。
【００３８】
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項３に記載の発明において、前記第２室内送受信部がグループ内の他の前記室内機から通信異常の情報を受信しかつ制御信号の送信要求がある場合、前記送信元アドレスと制御信号を、前記室外送受信手段に送信するように設定し、前記第１室内送受信部が設定した前記送信元アドレスと制御信号を、通信異常の前記室内機の情報として前記室外送受信手段に送信することにより、任意の室内機の構成を簡単にすることができる。
【００３９】
請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項３または請求項４に記載の発明において、前記第１通信線に前記室内機の通信状態を監視する監視手段を接続し、前記監視手段に異常情報を表示することにより、グループ内の前記室内機全部が通信異常となった場合の対処を容易にすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明による空気調和機の制御方法を実現するシステム構成図である。
【図２】本発明による遮断状態が発生した場合の動作を説明する部分構成図であり、（ａ）は室内機からの送信動作、（ｂ）は室外機からの送信動作を示す図である。
【図３】図２（ａ）の通信異常の室内機の送信手順を示す図である。
【図４】通信異常の室内機とグループ化された室内機の送受信手順を示す図である。
【図５】図２（ｂ）の動作を受け通信異常の室内機の受信手順を示す図である。
【図６】通信異常の室内機とグループ化された室内機の送受信手順を示す図である。
【図７】従来例１による空気調和システムの構成図である。
【図８】従来例２による空調システムの構成図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 室外機
２Ａ、２Ｂ 室内機
３ 第１通信線
４ 第２通信線
５Ａ、５Ｂ 第２室内送受信部
６Ａ、６Ｂ 第１室内送受信部
７ 室外送受信手段[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control method for an air conditioner in an air conditioner system, and more particularly to a control method when a communication abnormality occurs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an air conditioner system in which a plurality of outdoor units and indoor units are connected by a communication line has been known. In a system of this type of air conditioner, when a communication abnormality occurs due to a break of a signal line, a failure of an indoor unit, or the like, the operation state of the system is changed so that the communication abnormality does not cause any trouble.
[0003]
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the outdoor unit 8 and the plurality of indoor units 11 are connected to the first floor to the fourth floor by the refrigerant pipes 10 for each group, and the control unit of the outdoor unit 8 and all the units are connected. In an air conditioning system in which the control unit of the indoor unit 11 is connected to the control unit of the indoor unit 11 by a common communication line 12, a failure of the control unit of the indoor unit 11 of the own group or disconnection of the signal line 12 of the own group is provided for each group. In this case, the switching unit 14 is provided for transmitting a signal from the intelligent controller 9 to the control unit of the indoor unit 11 of another group via the second communication line 13 bypassing the own group.
[0004]
As described above, in the air conditioning system illustrated in FIG. 7, the entire system is prevented from being down by bypassing the own group via the second communication line 13 (see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
In another example, as shown in FIG. 8, the outdoor unit 15 and the indoor unit 16 are connected by a refrigerant pipe (not shown), and the outdoor control unit 17 and the indoor unit 16 for controlling the outdoor unit 15 are connected. In an air-conditioning system in which an outdoor control unit 18 is connected by a communication line 19 and a centralized controller 20 for centrally controlling each outdoor unit 15 is connected by a communication line 21 so that transmission and reception can be performed, the outdoor control unit 17 and the indoor control unit 18 are connected to each other. When a communication abnormality occurs due to a disconnection of the communication line 19 connecting the unit 18 or the like, a communication path shutoff means 22 is provided to shut off the indoor and outdoor control units 17 and 18 where the communication line 19 exists.
[0006]
In the air conditioning system shown in FIG. 8, the communication path cutoff means 22 is set to the cutoff state, and the indoor and outdoor control units 17 and 18 in which the communication abnormality has occurred are separated from other normal indoor and outdoor control units 17 and 18. The entire function stop is avoided (see Patent Document 2).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-122634 (page 4-5, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-170851 (page 2-3, FIG. 1)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the systems of Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, when a communication abnormality occurs due to interruption of a communication line in an arbitrary indoor unit (indoor unit), the indoor unit (indoor unit) is connected to the outdoor unit (indoor unit). Communication with the outdoor unit), the indoor unit (indoor unit) connected to the communication line where the communication error occurred is disconnected from the system and the operation is continued. Since the operation is continued assuming that the unit (indoor unit) does not exist, there is a problem that the capacity of the indoor unit is reduced.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has been made in consideration of the above problems, and is an air conditioner capable of operating a system without losing performance even in a case where a communication abnormality occurs due to interruption of a communication line in an arbitrary indoor unit. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a control method.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 controls one outdoor unit including an outdoor transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from an indoor unit, a first indoor transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from the outdoor unit, and another indoor unit. A plurality of indoor units including a second indoor transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving signals,
The outdoor transmission / reception unit and the first indoor transmission / reception unit were connected by a common first communication line, and the indoor units were divided into groups, and the second indoor transmission / reception units in the group were connected by a second communication line. The system of the air conditioner
When the indoor unit has a communication error due to the interruption of the first communication line, the indoor unit having the communication error is controlled through another of the indoor units in the group via the second communication line. Things.
[0011]
In such a configuration, in any indoor unit, even when a communication error occurs due to a cutoff of a communication line, the system can be operated without reducing the capability.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 2 controls the plurality of outdoor units including an outdoor transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from an indoor unit, a first indoor transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from the outdoor unit, and other indoor units. A plurality of indoor units including a second indoor transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving signals,
The outdoor transmission / reception means and the first indoor transmission / reception unit are connected by a common first communication line, and the indoor units are divided into groups and the second indoor transmission / reception units in the group are connected by a second communication line. , Comprising an air conditioner system to which each of the outdoor units is assigned to each group,
When the indoor unit has a communication error due to the interruption of the first communication line, the indoor unit having the communication error is controlled through another of the indoor units in the group via the second communication line. Things.
[0013]
In such a configuration, as in the first aspect of the present invention, the system can be operated in any indoor unit without reducing the capacity.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the second indoor transmission / reception unit is connected to another indoor unit in order to facilitate mediation of a control signal in an arbitrary indoor unit. When receiving the communication abnormality information from the indoor unit, receives a source address and a control signal from the other indoor units in the group, transmits the source address and the control signal to the first indoor transceiver, The first indoor transmission / reception unit transmits the source address and the control signal from the second indoor transmission / reception unit to the outdoor transmission / reception unit, and transmits a control signal to the other indoor unit in the group from the outdoor transmission / reception unit. Receiving a control signal to the other indoor units in the group to the second indoor transmission / reception unit.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, in order to simplify the configuration of an arbitrary indoor unit, the second indoor transmission / reception unit detects a communication abnormality from another indoor unit in the group. When information is received and there is a transmission request for a control signal, the source address and the control signal are set to be transmitted to the outdoor transmitting / receiving means, and the source address and the control set by the first indoor transmitting / receiving unit are set. A signal is transmitted to the outdoor transmission / reception unit as information on the indoor unit having a communication abnormality.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect or the fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to easily cope with a case where all of the indoor units in the group have a communication error, the first communication line is provided. And monitoring means for monitoring the communication state of the indoor unit, and displaying abnormality information on the monitoring means.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram for realizing an air conditioner control method according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial configuration diagram illustrating an operation when a cutoff state according to the present invention occurs. (B) is a diagram showing a transmission operation from an outdoor unit, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission procedure of a communication abnormality indoor unit in FIG. 2 (a), and FIG. 4 is a grouping with a communication abnormality indoor unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transmission / reception procedure of the indoor unit that has been performed, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a reception procedure of the indoor unit having a communication abnormality due to the operation of FIG. 2B, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the receiving procedure.
[0018]
In FIG. 1, 1 is an outdoor unit, 2A and 2B are indoor units, 3 is a first communication line, for example, a network communication line such as a LAN or the Internet, 4 is a second communication line, 5A and 5B are second indoor transmission / reception units. , 6A and 6B are first indoor transmitting / receiving units, and 7 is an outdoor transmitting / receiving unit.
[0019]
Explaining the relationship between these configurations, one outdoor unit 1 includes an outdoor transmission / reception unit 7 for transmitting and receiving control signals to and from the indoor units 2A and 2B, and four indoor units 2A and 2B include the outdoor unit. 1. An indoor transmission / reception unit comprising first indoor transmission / reception units 6A and 6B for transmitting and receiving control signals to and from other indoor units 2A and 2B, and second indoor transmission / reception units 5A and 5B for transmitting / receiving control signals to / from the outdoor transmission / reception unit 7 and the first indoor transmission / reception units 6A and 6B are connected by a common first communication line 3, and the four indoor units 2A and 2B are grouped into two units, and the indoor units 2A and 2B in the group are connected to each other. Are connected by a second communication line 4 to form an air conditioner system.
The transmission and reception of control signals between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 2A and 2B are usually performed via the common first communication line 3.
[0020]
When the air conditioner system is operating as described above, the outdoor unit 1 receives the control signal transmitted from the first indoor transmission / reception units 6A and 6B of each of the indoor units 2A and 2B to the first communication line 3. Then, each of the indoor units 2A and 2B operates according to the required capability information, and each of the indoor units 2A and 2B transmits a control signal transmitted from the outdoor transmission / reception unit 7 of the outdoor unit 1 to the first communication line 3. Upon reception, the operation state of the outdoor unit 1 is recognized, and a corresponding operation is performed.
[0021]
By the way, when a communication abnormality occurs in the indoor units 2A and 2B due to the interruption of the first communication line 3, the control signal transmitted from the first indoor transmission / reception units 6A and 6B of the indoor units 2A and 2B is Since reception is not possible, the ability requested by the indoor units 2A and 2B to the outdoor unit 1 is not transmitted, and the outdoor unit 1 operates in a state where the ability required by the indoor units 2A and 2B is lacking. In the units 2A and 2B, since the outdoor transmission / reception means 7 of the outdoor unit 1 cannot receive the control signal transmitted to the first communication line 3, the operation corresponding to the operation state of the outdoor unit 1 cannot be performed.
[0022]
In such a case, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention for continuously performing the operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 2A, when a communication abnormality occurs in the indoor unit 2A due to the interruption of the first communication line 3 connected to the indoor unit 2A, the indoor unit 2A transmits the capability information requested by the outdoor unit 1. Therefore, the second indoor transmission / reception unit 5A of the indoor unit 2A transmits the second communication line 4 to the second indoor transmission / reception unit 5B of the indoor unit 2B via the second communication line 4 due to the occurrence of communication abnormality by the first communication line 3 and the indoor unit 2A. The second indoor transmission / reception section 5B of the indoor unit 2B receives the transmission information from the indoor unit 2A and holds the transmission source address of the indoor unit 2A (FIG. 2 (1)).
Thereafter, when a request for transmission of a control signal to be transmitted to the first communication line 3 occurs in a state where the communication abnormality has occurred in the first communication line 3 (for example, the indoor unit 2A has Of the indoor unit 2A via the second communication line 4 to the second indoor transmitting / receiving unit 5B of the indoor unit 2B. A control signal to transmit a transmission request to the first communication line 3 is notified (FIG. 2 (2)).
Then, based on the notification of the control signal from the indoor unit 2A, the first indoor transmission / reception unit 6B of the indoor unit 2B stores the information of the notified control signal together with the transmission source address of the indoor unit 2A held in FIG. Is transmitted to the first communication line 3 ((3) in FIG. 2).
As a result, the outdoor unit 1 receives the signal of the transmission source address of the indoor unit 2A transmitted by the indoor unit 2B to the first communication line 3, and the outdoor unit 1 operates as a control signal transmitted by the indoor unit 2A.
[0023]
Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the outdoor transmission / reception means 7 of the outdoor unit 1 receives the control signal transmitted by the indoor unit 2A, and sends a control signal transmitted to the first communication line 3 to the indoor unit 2A. When the communication abnormality by the first communication line 3 occurs in the indoor unit 2A due to the interruption of the first communication line 3, the second indoor transmission / reception unit 5A of the indoor unit 2A communicates via the second communication line 4. The occurrence of a communication abnormality by the first communication line 3 and the source address of the indoor unit 2A are transmitted to the second indoor transmission / reception unit 5B of the indoor unit 2B, and the second indoor transmission / reception unit 5B of the indoor unit 2B is transmitted from the indoor unit 2A. Is received, and the source address of the indoor unit 2A is held (FIG. 2, (4)).
Thereafter, the outdoor transmission / reception means 7 of the outdoor unit 1 transmits a control signal to the first communication line 3 (FIG. 3 (5)), and the first indoor transmission / reception unit 6B of the indoor unit 2B transmits the control signal from the first communication line 3 to the destination. Receives the control signal of the indoor unit 2A, and the second indoor transmission / reception unit 5B of the indoor unit 2B transmits the reception notification and the information of the control signal to the indoor unit 2A via the second communication line 4 (FIG. 2-6).
As a result, the indoor unit 2A receives the transmission information from the indoor unit 2B, and converts the control signal of the transmission information into the indoor unit 2 as the information received from the first communication line 3 as the control signal for the capability information requested to the outdoor unit 1. Operation 2A is performed.
[0024]
The above description is an outline of the operation of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, each transmission / reception procedure of the indoor units 2A and 2B and the outdoor unit 1 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 3, first, it is detected whether or not a communication abnormality is occurring in one of the indoor units 2A and 2B due to the interruption of the first communication line 3 (S1).
For example, when the occurrence of a communication abnormality is detected in the indoor unit 2A, the transmission information including the “source address” and the “communication abnormality occurrence” of the indoor unit 2A is transmitted to the second communication line 4 (the indoor unit 2B) ( S2) If no communication abnormality is detected in any of the indoor units 2A and 2B, the process proceeds to step S3.
Next, it is detected whether or not a transmission request to the first communication line 3 has occurred in any of the indoor units 2A and 2B (S3). Then, the transmission information of the control signal of its own “transmission source address” and “output information” (for example, temperature setting information) is set (S4), and if no transmission request is detected, the current operation is continued.
Thereafter, among the indoor units 2A and 2B in which the information of the control signal is set in step S4, it is detected whether or not a communication abnormality is occurring as described above (S5), and the indoor unit in which the communication abnormality is detected is detected. In the case of the indoor unit 2A, the indoor unit 2A transmits a transmission request and transmission information of a control signal to the second communication line (the indoor unit 2B) (S6). The transmission information of the control signal is transmitted to the first communication line 3 (S7).
As a result, the outdoor unit 1 operates based on the transmission information of the control signal transmitted by any of the indoor units 2A and 2B.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the indoor unit 2 </ b> B receives the procedure S <b> 2 in FIG. If the transmission information of "communication abnormality has occurred" is received, the "source address" of the indoor unit 2A added to the transmission information of "communication abnormality has occurred" is held (S9), and if not received, the process proceeds to step S10.
Next, the indoor unit 2B receives the procedure S6 of FIG. 3 to detect whether or not a transmission request has been received from the second communication line 4 (S10). The transmission information of the control signal of "output information" is stored as reception information, set as the transmission information of the control signal to the first communication line 3 of the indoor unit 2A (S11), and if not received, the current operation is continued. .
After that, the transmission information of the control signal set by the indoor unit 2B in the step S11 is transmitted to the first communication line 3 (S12).
[0026]
In this way, the outdoor unit 1 receives the transmission information of the control signal from any of the indoor units 2A and 2B.
As shown in FIG. 5, when a control signal is transmitted from the outdoor unit 1 to any of the corresponding indoor units 2A and 2B, for example, control is performed in which the indoor unit 2A transmits the signal from the outdoor unit 1 to the first communication line 3. It is detected whether or not a signal has been received (S13). If a control signal has been received, the indoor unit 2A stores "reception information" of the control signal from the first communication line 3 (S14). Since a communication error has occurred in the indoor unit 2A, the process proceeds to step S15.
The indoor unit 2A detects whether or not a “reception notification” has been received from the second communication line 4 (S15), and if the “reception notification” has been received, the indoor unit 2A transmits from the outdoor unit 1 to the first communication line 3. And the indoor unit 2A is notified of the "received information" (S16). If the received information is not received, the indoor unit 2A determines that the transmission information of the control signal has not been acquired and continues its operation state. .
As described above, the operating state of the indoor unit 2A is controlled based on the “reception information” stored in steps S14 and S16.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 6, for example, it is detected whether or not the indoor unit 2B has received a control signal from the first communication line 3 (S17). continue.
It is checked whether or not the destination of the received control signal is the “source address” of the indoor unit 2A in which a communication error has occurred (S18). If the destination is the “source address”, the reception information of the received control signal is stored in the second information. The transmission information is set as the transmission information including the above-mentioned “reception notification” and “reception information” to the communication line 4 (the indoor unit 2A) (S19). If the transmission information is not the “source address”, the operation state is continued.
Thereafter, the transmission information of the “reception notification” and the “reception information” set in the indoor unit 2B in step S19 is transmitted to the second communication line 4 (S20).
As a result, the indoor unit 2A receives the transmission information from the indoor unit 2B, and based on the “reception information” of the transmission information, performs the operation of the indoor unit 2A as a control signal for the capability information requested to the outdoor unit 1.
[0028]
In the above embodiment, one outdoor unit 1 and four indoor units 2A and 2B are connected by the first communication line 3, and the four indoor units 2A and 2B are grouped into two units and the indoor units are grouped into two groups. The case where the indoor units 2A and 2B are connected to each other by the second communication line 4 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and one outdoor unit 1 and a plurality of indoor units 2A and 2B are connected to the first unit. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the indoor units 2A and 2B are connected by the communication line 3 and the indoor units 2A and 2B in the group are connected to each other by the second communication line 4.
1, a plurality of outdoor units 1 and a plurality of indoor units 2A and 2B are connected by a first communication line 3, and the indoor units 2A and 2B are divided into groups and the indoor units in the group are divided. The case where the units 2A and 2B are connected to each other by the second communication line 4 and each of the outdoor units 1 is assigned to each group is also applicable.
[0029]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the air conditioner is a system in which the outdoor unit 1 is connected to the indoor units 2A and 2B has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the indoor units 2A and 2B in the group are not limited to this. In order to make it easy to cope with a case where all communication errors occur, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1, a monitoring means 1 'for monitoring the communication state of the indoor units 2A and 2B is provided on the first communication line 3. It can also be applied to a case where connection is made and abnormal information is displayed on the monitoring means 1 '.
[0030]
As described above, according to the air conditioner control method of the present invention, in any indoor unit, even if a communication error occurs due to a communication line cutoff, the system can be operated without reducing its capacity. And
Also, when a transmission source address is received from another indoor unit in the group, and a transmission request of a control signal is received from the indoor unit, a control signal is received from the indoor unit, and an outdoor transmission / reception unit 7 of the outdoor unit 1 is received. Since the indoor transmitting / receiving means for transmitting the control signal to the indoor unit is configured, it is possible to easily mediate the control signal in an arbitrary indoor unit.
[0031]
Further, the indoor transmission / reception means is constituted by first indoor transmission / reception units 6A and 6B and second indoor transmission / reception units 5A and 5B, and the transmission / reception between the outdoor unit 1 and the other indoor units in the group is shared. Since the processing is performed, mediation of control signals in an arbitrary indoor unit can be facilitated, and the configuration of the indoor unit can be simplified.
[0032]
Further, by connecting a monitoring means 1 'for monitoring the communication state of the indoor units 2A and 2B to the first communication line 3, and configuring an air conditioner system for displaying abnormality information on the monitoring means 1'. Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with a case where all the indoor units 2A and 2B in the group have a communication error.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
The invention according to claim 1 controls one outdoor unit including an outdoor transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from an indoor unit, a first indoor transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from the outdoor unit, and another indoor unit. A plurality of indoor units including a second indoor transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving signals,
The outdoor transmission / reception unit and the first indoor transmission / reception unit were connected by a common first communication line, and the indoor units were divided into groups, and the second indoor transmission / reception units in the group were connected by a second communication line. The system of the air conditioner
When the indoor unit has a communication error due to the interruption of the first communication line, the indoor unit having the communication error is controlled through another of the indoor units in the group via the second communication line. Things.
[0034]
In such a configuration, in any indoor unit, even when a communication error occurs due to a cutoff of a communication line, the system can be operated without reducing the capability.
[0035]
The invention according to claim 2 controls the plurality of outdoor units including an outdoor transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from an indoor unit, a first indoor transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from the outdoor unit, and other indoor units. A plurality of indoor units including a second indoor transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving signals,
The outdoor transmission / reception means and the first indoor transmission / reception unit are connected by a common first communication line, and the indoor units are divided into groups and the second indoor transmission / reception units in the group are connected by a second communication line. , Comprising an air conditioner system to which each of the outdoor units is assigned to each group,
When the indoor unit has a communication error due to the interruption of the first communication line, the indoor unit having the communication error is controlled through another of the indoor units in the group via the second communication line. Things.
[0036]
In such a configuration, the system can be operated in any indoor unit without reducing the capacity, as in the first aspect of the invention.
[0037]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, when the second indoor transmission / reception unit receives information of a communication abnormality from another indoor unit in the group, A source address and a control signal are received from the other indoor units, and the source address and the control signal are transmitted to the first indoor transmission / reception unit. The control unit transmits the source address and the control signal from the transmission / reception unit, receives the control signal to the other indoor unit in the group from the outdoor transmission / reception unit, and transmits the other indoor unit to the second indoor transmission / reception unit. Since the configuration is such that the control signal is transmitted to the indoor unit, it is possible to easily mediate the control signal in an arbitrary indoor unit.
[0038]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, when the second indoor transmitting / receiving section receives information on a communication abnormality from another indoor unit in the group and has a transmission request for a control signal. Setting the transmission source address and the control signal to be transmitted to the outdoor transmission / reception means, and setting the transmission source address and the control signal set by the first indoor transmission / reception unit as information on the indoor unit having a communication abnormality, By transmitting the information to the outdoor transmission / reception means, the configuration of an arbitrary indoor unit can be simplified.
[0039]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect, monitoring means for monitoring a communication state of the indoor unit is connected to the first communication line, and abnormality information is transmitted to the monitoring means. By displaying, it is possible to easily cope with a case where all the indoor units in the group have a communication error.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram for realizing an air conditioner control method according to the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are partial configuration diagrams illustrating an operation when a cutoff state according to the present invention occurs, wherein FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a transmission operation from an indoor unit and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a transmission operation from an outdoor unit; .
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission procedure of an indoor unit of a communication abnormality in FIG. 2 (a).
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a transmission / reception procedure of an indoor unit grouped with an indoor unit having a communication abnormality.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a reception procedure of an indoor unit having a communication error following the operation of FIG. 2 (b).
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a transmission / reception procedure of an indoor unit grouped with an indoor unit having a communication abnormality.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Conventional Example 1.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Conventional Example 2.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 outdoor unit 2A, 2B indoor unit 3 first communication line 4 second communication line 5A, 5B second indoor transmission / reception unit 6A, 6B first indoor transmission / reception unit 7 outdoor transmission / reception means
