EP1036995B1 - Indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner - Google Patents

Indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1036995B1
EP1036995B1 EP99900032A EP99900032A EP1036995B1 EP 1036995 B1 EP1036995 B1 EP 1036995B1 EP 99900032 A EP99900032 A EP 99900032A EP 99900032 A EP99900032 A EP 99900032A EP 1036995 B1 EP1036995 B1 EP 1036995B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
indoor
outdoor
coupler
power supply
photo
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99900032A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1036995A1 (en
EP1036995A4 (en
Inventor
Masaya Daikin Industries Ltd. NISHIMURA
Kunitoshi Daikin Industries Ltd. HISAOKA
Mitsuhiko Daikin Industries Ltd. YAMAMOTO
Akira Daikin Industries Ltd. MURAI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Daikin Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Daikin Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Daikin Industries Ltd filed Critical Daikin Industries Ltd
Publication of EP1036995A1 publication Critical patent/EP1036995A1/en
Publication of EP1036995A4 publication Critical patent/EP1036995A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1036995B1 publication Critical patent/EP1036995B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/52—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/54—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication using one central controller connected to several sub-controllers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/32—Details or features not otherwise provided for preventing human errors during the installation, use or maintenance, e.g. goofy proof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner. More particularly, the present invention relates to an indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner which comprises an outdoor unit and indoor units connected to the outdoor unit via three connection lines including commercial power supply lines.
  • an air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via three indoor-outdoor connection lines including commercial power supply lines, is proposed.
  • an arrangement to turn off a power switch means using a timer means when indoor-outdoor communication is not realized for a predetermined time period (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open Gazette No. Tokukaihei 6-147616), and an arrangement to stop operation of a transmission switch section of a transmission-reception circuitry section by providing an abnormal voltage detection protection section (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open Gazette No. Tokukaihei 8-271022) are proposed from the past.
  • the power switch means is optionally required.
  • the power switch means should have sufficient voltage-resistance for commercial power voltage, and the power switch means have nothing to do with normal indoor-outdoor communication operation. Therefore, it is difficult to suppress the cost of communication circuitry section.
  • installation space for installing the power switch means is necessary. Therefore, it is difficult to suppress the installation space of the communication circuitry section.
  • the abnormal voltage detection protection section is optionally required.
  • the abnormal voltage detection protection section should have sufficient voltage-resistance for commercial power voltage, and the abnormal voltage detection protection section have nothing to do with normal indoor-outdoor communication operation. Therefore, it is difficult to suppress the cost of communication circuitry section.
  • installation space for installing the abnormal voltage detection protection section is necessary. Therefore, it is difficult to suppress the installation space of the communication circuitry section.
  • the present invention was made in view of the above problems.
  • An indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner of claim 1 which air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit and indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via three connection lines including commercial power supply lines, wherein one of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit includes first control means, first power supply means for supplying power to the first control means, a first transmission photo-coupler and a first reception photo-coupler for transmitting and receiving signals between the first control means whose photo-couplers are connected between terminals of a commercial A.C. power supply via a D.C.
  • the other of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit includes second control means, a second reception photo-coupler and a second transmission photo-coupler for transmitting and receiving signals between the second control means whose photo-couplers are connected in parallel with the first reception photo-coupler via two connection lines among the three connection lines, and a second resistance means for suppressing over current due to mis-wiring which resistance means is connected in series with the second transmission photo-coupler.
  • An indoor-outdoor communication device of claim 2 for use in an air conditioner which air conditioner comprises one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit via three connection lines including commercial power supply lines in parallel with each other, wherein the outdoor unit includes outdoor control means, outdoor controlling power supply means for supplying power to the outdoor control means, an outdoor transmission photo-coupler and an outdoor reception photo-coupler for transmitting and receiving signals between the outdoor control means whose photo-couplers are connected between terminals of a commercial A.C. power supply via D. C. power supply means in series with each other, and a first resistance means connected in parallel with the outdoor reception photo-coupler, and each indoor unit includes indoor controlling power supply means connected between terminals of the commercial A.C.
  • indoor control means which is supplied power from the indoor controlling power supply means
  • indoor reception photo-coupler and an indoor transmission photo-coupler for transmitting and receiving signals between the indoor control means whose photo-couplers are connected with the outdoor reception photo-coupler in parallel via two connection lines among the three connection lines, and a second resistance means for suppressing over current due to mis-wiring which resistance means is connected to the indoor transmission photo-coupler.
  • the indoor-outdoor communication device of claim 3 employs a positive temperature characteristic thermistor as the second resistance means.
  • the indoor-outdoor communication device of claim 4 further includes in the other of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit of claim 1 a transformer connected to terminals of the commercial A.C. power supply via the commercial power supply lines, a rectification means for transforming the output voltage from the transformer to a D.C. voltage, an abnormal voltage detection means which operates based upon the transformed D.C. voltage, a second power supply means connected between output terminals of the rectification means.
  • the indoor-outdoor communication device of claim 5 further includes in each indoor unit of claim 2 a transformer connected to terminals of the commercial A.C. power supply via the commercial power supply lines, a rectification means for transforming the output voltage from the transformer to a D.C. voltage, an abnormal voltage detection means which operates based upon the transformed D. C. voltage, an indoor controlling power supply means connected between output terminals of the rectification means.
  • the second resistance means is connected in series with the indoor transmission photo-coupler.
  • A.C. power is supplied to one of the outdoor unit and indoor unit from the commercial A.C. power supply and A.C. power is supplied to the other of the outdoor unit and indoor unit from the commercial A.C. power supply via the commercial power supply lines.
  • Communication signal from the first control means is received by the second reception photo-coupler via the first transmission photo-coupler, reception signal of the second reception photo-coupler is supplied to the second control means so as to control the other of the outdoor unit and indoor unit.
  • communication signal from the second control means is received by the first reception photo-coupler via the second transmission photo-coupler, the reception signal of the first reception photo-coupler is supplied to the first control means so as to perform monitoring or the like of the other of the outdoor unit and indoor unit.
  • each control means is operated for performing signal transmission and signal reception between the outdoor unit and indoor unit just after the connection of the outdoor unit and indoor unit using the three connection lines
  • normal signal transmission and signal reception are performed under a condition that the three connection lines are connected normally
  • normal signal transmission and signal reception are not performed under a condition that the three connection lines are not connected normally. Therefore, it is judged whether or not the three connection lines are connected normally.
  • A.C. power is supplied to the outdoor unit from the commercial A.C. power supply and A.C. power is supplied to the indoor controlling power supply means of each indoor unit from the commercial A.C. power supply via the commercial power supply lines.
  • Communication signal from the outdoor control means is received by the indoor reception photo-coupler via the outdoor transmission photo-coupler, reception signal of the indoor reception photo-coupler is supplied to the indoor control means so as to control the indoor unit.
  • communication signal from the indoor control means is received by the outdoor reception photo-coupler via the indoor transmission photo-coupler, the reception signal of the outdoor reception photo-coupler is supplied to the outdoor control means so as to perform monitoring or the like of the indoor unit.
  • each control means is operated for performing signal transmission and signal reception between the outdoor unit and indoor units just after the connection of the outdoor unit and indoor units using the three connection lines
  • normal signal transmission and signal reception are performed under a condition that the three connection lines are connected normally
  • normal signal transmission and signal reception are not performed under a condition that the three connection lines are not connected normally. Therefore, it is judged whether or not the three connection lines are connected normally.
  • A.C. power is supplied to one of the outdoor unit and indoor unit from the commercial A.C. power supply and A.C. power is supplied to the second power supply means of the other of the outdoor unit and indoor unit from the commercial A.C. power supply via the commercial power supply lines and the transformer.
  • Communication signal from the first control means is received by the second reception photo-coupler of the other of the outdoor unit and indoor unit via the first transmission photo-coupler, reception signal of the second reception photo-coupler is supplied to the second control means so as to control the other of the outdoor unit and indoor unit. Further, communication signal from the second control means is received by the first reception photo-coupler of the one of the outdoor unit and indoor unit via the second transmission photo-coupler, the reception signal of the first reception photo-coupler is supplied to the first control means so as to perform monitoring or the like of the other of the outdoor unit and indoor unit.
  • each control means is operated for performing signal transmission and signal reception between the outdoor unit and indoor unit just after the connection of the outdoor unit and indoor unit using the three connection lines
  • normal signal transmission and signal reception are performed under a condition that the three connection lines are connected normally
  • normal signal transmission and signal reception are not performed under a condition that the three connection lines are not connected normally. Therefore, it is judged whether or not the three connection lines are connected normally.
  • mis-wiring is realized, a normal voltage is not generated in the output side of the transformer due to generation of a current loop passing through the first resistance means. Therefore, species of mis-wiring is recognized by detecting the above condition using the abnormal voltage detection means.
  • A.C. power is supplied to the outdoor unit from the commercial A.C. power supply and A.C. power is supplied to the indoor controlling power supply means of each indoor unit from the commercial A.C. power supply via the commercial power supply lines.
  • Communication signal from the outdoor control means is received by the indoor reception photo-coupler via the outdoor transmission photo-coupler, reception signal of the indoor reception photo-coupler is supplied to the indoor control means so as to control the indoor unit.
  • communication signal from the indoor control means is received by the outdoor reception photo-coupler via the indoor transmission photo-coupler, the reception signal of the outdoor reception photo-coupler is supplied to the outdoor control means so as to perform monitoring or the like of the indoor unit.
  • each control means is operated for performing signal transmission and signal reception between the outdoor unit and indoor units just after the connection of the outdoor unit and indoor units using the three connection lines
  • normal signal transmission and signal reception are performed under a condition that the three connection lines are connected normally
  • normal signal transmission and signal reception are not performed under a condition that the three connection lines are not connected normally. Therefore, it is judged whether or not the three connection lines are connected normally.
  • Fig. 1 is an electric diagram illustrating an indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner of an embodiment according to the present invention.
  • This air conditioner includes one outdoor unit 1 and a plurality of indoor units 2.
  • the plurality of indoor units 2 are connected to the outdoor unit 1 via three connection lines 3 in parallel with each other.
  • the outdoor unit 1 includes a half-wave rectification D.C. power supply circuitry (D.C. power supply means) 12 connected between terminals of a commercial A.C. power supply 10, an outdoor controlling D.C. power supply 11 as an outdoor controlling power supply means connected between terminals of the commercial A.C. power supply 10, an outdoor micro-computer 14 as a outdoor control means, an outdoor transmission photo-coupler 15 connected to a transmission port of the outdoor micro-computer 14, an outdoor reception photo-coupler 16 connected to a reception port of the outdoor micro-computer 14, and a termination resistance 17 as a first resistance means connected in parallel with the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16.
  • D.C. power supply circuitry D.C. power supply means
  • the termination resistance 17 is a resistance for determining an impedance of a communication line to be a constant impedance and for devising a countermove to mis-operation due to floating capacity of wiring cables (communication lines) for connecting the indoor unit and outdoor unit.
  • the termination resistance 17 is a resistance which is necessary for usual communication.
  • a collector terminal of a transistor 15c is connected in series to a light emitting element 15a of the outdoor transmission photo-coupler 15. An emitter terminal of the transistor 15c is connected to the ground.
  • a resistance 15d is connected between a base terminal and the emitter terminal of the transistor 15c.
  • a resistor 15e is connected between the base terminal of the transistor 15c and the transmission port of the outdoor micro-computer 14. Further, a reference numeral 15f represents a resistance connected between the output terminal of the output controlling D.C. power supply 11 and the light emitting element 15a of the outdoor transmission photo-coupler 15.
  • An emitter terminal of a light receiving element 16a of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16 is connected to the ground via a resistance 16c, and a connection point of an emitter terminal of the light receiving element 16b and the resistance 16c is connected to the reception port of the outdoor micro-computer 14.
  • a digital transistor can be employed instead the electric circuitry consisting of the transistor 15c, and the resistances 15d and 15e, and the porality can be determined to suit a signal which is intended to be output.
  • the three indoor-outdoor connection lines 3 consist a pair of commercial power supply lines 3a and 3b and one communication signal line 3c.
  • the pair of commercial power supply lines 3a and 3b are connected to both terminals of the commercial A.C. power supply 10, and the communication signal line 3c is connected to a connection point of the third resistance 18b and second diode 18c.
  • the indoor unit 2 includes a control D.C. power supply 21 as a indoor controlling power supply means connected between the pair of commercial power supply lines 3a and 3b, an indoor micro-computer 22 as an indoor control means, an indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 connected to a transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22, an indoor reception photo-coupler 24 connected to a reception port of the indoor micro-computer 22, and a positive temperature characteristic thermister 25 for protecting against over current as a second resistance having a positive temperature coefficient which thermister 25 is connected in series with a collector terminal of a photo-transistor 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23.
  • a control D.C. power supply 21 as a indoor controlling power supply means connected between the pair of commercial power supply lines 3a and 3b
  • an indoor micro-computer 22 as an indoor control means
  • an indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 connected to a transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22
  • an indoor reception photo-coupler 24 connected to a reception port of the indoor micro-computer 22
  • a third diode 26a, a fifth resistance 26b (a resistance having a resistance value for limiting a current so as to prevent destroyment of a light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 when mis-wiring is realized and for performing communication using the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24), the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 and a zener diode 26c are connected in series, and this series connection circuitry is connected in parallel with the termination resistance 17 via the commercial power supply line 3b and the communication signal line 3c.
  • the series connection circuitry consisting of the positive temperature characteristic thermister 25 and the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is connected in parallel with the series connection circuitry consisting of the fifth resistance 26b, the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 and the zener diode 26c.
  • a cathode terminal of the light emitting element 23a of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is connected to the ground via a resistance 23c
  • an anode terminal of the light emitting element 23a is connected to a collector terminal of a transistor 23d
  • a resistance 23e is connected between the emitter terminal and a base terminal of the transistor 23d
  • the base terminal of the transistor 23d is connected to a transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22 via a resistance 23f.
  • a reference numeral 23g represents a pull-up resistance connected to the transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22.
  • An emitter terminal of a light reception element 24b of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 is connected to the ground via a resistance 24c, and a connection point of the emitter terminal of the light reception element 24b and the resistance 24c is connected to the reception port of the indoor micro-computer 22.
  • a digital transistor can be employed instead the electric circuitry consisting of the transistor 23c, and the resistances 23d and 23e, and the porality can be determined to suit a signal which is intended to be output.
  • the positive temperature characteristic thermister 25 has function and operation which protect a switching over current of the light reception element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 when normal communication is carried out.
  • Fig. 2 is a flowchart useful in understanding mis-wiring judgment operation of the indoor unit.
  • step SP1 the transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22 is turned ON (the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is turned OFF).
  • step SP2 it is judged whether or not a commercial power frequency interruption exists.
  • step SP3 it is recognized that the connection of the indoor-outdoor connection lines 3 is abnormal.
  • step SP4 the transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22 is turned OFF (the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is turned ON). Then, the series of operation is finished.
  • step SP5 when it is judged in step SP2 that the commercial power frequency interruption does not exist, in step SP5, it is recognized that the connection of the indoor-outdoor connection lines 3 is normal. In step SP6, an operation based upon the normal sequence is carried out.
  • Fig. 3 is a flowchart useful in understanding mis-wiring judgment operation of the outdoor unit.
  • step SP1 the transmission port of the outdoor micro-computer 14 is turned OFF (the light receiving element 15b of the outdoor transmission photo-coupler 15 is turned OFF).
  • step SP2 it is judged whether or not a reception data interruption exists. When it is judged that the reception data interruption exists, in step 8, it is recognized that the connection of the indoor-outdoor connection lines 3 is abnormal. Then, the operation in step SP1 is carried out again. On the contrary, when it is judged that the reception data interruption does not exist in step SP2, in step SP3, waiting operation is carried out till a mis-wiring judgment time period of the indoor unit 2 has passed.
  • step SP4 the transmission port of the outdoor micro-computer 14 is turned ON (the light receiving element 15b of the outdoor transmission photo-coupler 15 is turned ON).
  • step SP5 it is judged whether or not a transmission output and a reception input are equal to one another.
  • step SP8 the operation in step SP8 is carried out.
  • step SP6 it is recognized that the connection of the indoor-outdoor connection lines 3 is normal.
  • step 7 an operation based upon the normal sequence is carried out.
  • Figs. 4(A) through 4(F) are signal waveform diagrams useful in understanding a mis-wiring judgment timing when the power is turned ON.
  • the judgment for the reception data interruption in step SP2 of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3 is carried out.
  • the waiting operation in step SP3 of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3 is carried out.
  • the input-output coincidence judgment operation in step SP5 of the flowchart illustrated in Fig.3 is carried out so that it is judged whether or not the connection of the indoor-outdoor connection lines 3 is normal.
  • the light receiving element 15b of the outdoor transmission photo-coupler 15 managing the generation of the outdoor unit transmission signal is turned OFF.
  • the outdoor unit reception circuitry receives some pulse signal despite of that the power supply for communication of the outdoor unit is not carried out, it is judged that the outdoor unit is mis-wired and the light receiving element 15b of the outdoor transmission photo-coupler 15 is maintained to be in OFF condition, so that communication circuitry elements are protected when mis-wired condition is realized.
  • the reception circuitry of the indoor unit detects pulses having a commercial power frequency based upon the input of the reception circuitry, the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is turned ON which operation is reverse to the operation of the light receiving element 15b of the outdoor transmission photo-coupler 15 so as to make short circuit of the communication signal line 3c and one of the commercial power supply lines. Therefore, the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is protected so as not to applied a voltage which is over the resistance voltage of the photo-coupler even when the outdoor unit does not know the mis-wiring and when the outdoor unit transmits data. Further, the commercial power supply lines become short circuit condition when this operation is carried out in some mis-wired pattern.
  • the positive temperature characteristic thermistor 25 for protecting against over current is connected in series to the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 for the purpose of communication current limitation and damping so that the transmission and reception circuitry of the indoor unit suffers no damage even when the commercial power supply lines become short circuit condition. Therefore, the resistance value of the positive temperature characteristic thermister 25 rapidly increases due to the self-heating thereof when the commercial power supply lines become short circuit condition. As a result, the short circuit current is suppressed so as to protect the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23.
  • the automatic reset is possible so that the communication circuitry is protected prior to destroyment by employing the arrangement in which the micro-computer can be self-reset using a watchdog-timer even when the micro-computer runs away due to mis-wiring.
  • Figs. 5(A) through 5(F) are waveform diagrams useful in understanding communication from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit when mis-wiring is not realized.
  • Figs. 5(A), 5(B), 5(C), 5(D), 5(E) and 5(F) represent an outdoor transmission waveform, outdoor reception waveform, indoor 1 transmission waveform, indoor 1 reception waveform, indoor 2 transmission waveform and indoor 2 reception waveform, respectively.
  • actual communication waveforms are determined based upon the communication rule between outdoor unit and indoor unit, therefore the waveforms illustrated in Figs. 5(A) through 5(F) are not always realized.
  • the light emitting element 15a of the outdoor transmission photocoupler 15 is controlled by the electric circuitry consisting of the transistor 15c, and resistances 15d and 15e, and a reception signal outputting terminal from the light receiving element 16b of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16 and a reception signal outputting terminal from the light receiving element 24b of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 are determined to have the arrangements which are illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • the outdoor reception waveform becomes a waveform which is coincident to the outdoor transmission waveform
  • the indoor 1 reception waveform and indoor 2 reception waveform become waveforms each is coincident to the outdoor transmission waveform.
  • the indoor unit 1 and indoor unit 2 do not transmit signals, therefore the indoor 1 transmission waveform and indoor 2 transmission waveform are maintained to be ON condition.
  • Figs. 6(A) through 6(F) are waveform diagrams of an example useful in understanding communication from the indoor unit 1 to the outdoor unit and indoor unit 2 when mis-wiring is not realized.
  • Figs. 6(A), 6(B), 6(C), 6(D), 6(E) and 6(F) represent an outdoor transmission waveform, outdoor reception waveform, indoor 1 transmission waveform, indoor 1 reception waveform, indoor 2 transmission waveform and indoor 2 reception waveform, respectively.
  • actual communication waveforms are determined based upon the communication rule between outdoor unit and indoor unit, therefore the waveforms illustrated in Figs. 6(A) through 6(F) are not always realized.
  • the light emitting element 23a of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is controlled by the electric circuitry consisting of the transistor 23c, and resistances 23d and 23e, and a reception signal outputting terminal from the light receiving element 16b of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16 and a reception signal outputting terminal from the light receiving element 24b of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 are determined to have the arrangements which are illustrated in Fig. 1. Therefore, the indoor 1 reception waveform becomes a waveform which is coincident to the indoor 1 transmission waveform, and the outdoor reception waveform and indoor 2 reception waveform become waveforms each is coincident to the indoor 1 transmission waveform. And, the outdoor unit and indoor unit 2 do not transmit signals, therefore the outdoor transmission waveform and indoor 2 transmission waveform are maintained to be ON condition.
  • Figs. 7(A) through 7(E) are waveform diagrams of an example useful in understanding communication data between the outdoor unit and indoor unit and communication signal line operation.
  • Figs. 7(A), 7(B), 7(C), 7(D) and 7(E) represent an outdoor transmission waveform, outdoor reception waveform, communication line waveform, indoor 1 transmission waveform and indoor 1 reception waveform, respectively.
  • actual communication waveforms are determined based upon the communication rule between outdoor unit and indoor unit, therefore the waveforms illustrated in Figs. 7(A) through 7(E) are not always realized.
  • this data is supplied to the indoor unit 1 via the signal line 3c, and the reception signal outputting terminal from the light receiving element 24b of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 is determined to have the arrangements which is illustrated in Fig. 1. Therefore, the communication line waveform and indoor 1 reception waveform become waveforms each is coincident to the outdoor transmission waveform. And, the indoor unit 1 does not transmit signals, therefore the indoor 1 transmission waveform is maintained to be ON condition.
  • the indoor 1 transmission photo-coupler 23 After the data transmission from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit 1 has carried out in the above manner, data is transmitted by carrying out turning OFF-ON of the indoor 1 transmission waveform following the transmission signal.
  • the light emitting element 23a of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is controlled by the electric circuitry consisting of the transistor 23c, and resistances 23d and 23e, and a reception signal outputting terminal from the light receiving element 24b of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 24 is determined to have the arrangements which is illustrated in Fig. 1. Therefore, the indoor 1 reception waveform becomes a waveform which is coincident to the indoor 1 transmission waveform, consequently the transmission data can be monitored.
  • this data is supplied to the outdoor unit via the signal line 3c, and the reception signal outputting terminal from the light receiving element 16b of the indoor reception photo-coupler 16 is determined to have the arrangements which is illustrated in Fig. 1. Therefore, the communication line waveform and outdoor reception waveform become waveforms each is coincident to the indoor 1 transmission waveform. And, the outdoor unit does not transmit signals, therefore the outdoor transmission waveform is maintained to be ON condition.
  • Figs. 8(A) through 8(E) represent cases in which an outdoor unit and one indoor unit exist
  • Figs. 9(AA) through 9(AE) represent cases in which an outdoor unit and two indoor units exist.
  • Figs. 9(AA) through 9(AE) represent cases in which mis-wired pattern illustrated in Fig. 8(A) is realized between the outdoor unit and the first indoor unit, and mis-wired patterns illustrated in Figs. 8(A) through 8(E) are realized between the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit, respectively. That is, Figs. 9(AA) through 9(AE) represent cases in which the above mis-wired patterns are combined. Therefore, mis-wired patterns illustrated in Figs. 9(AA) through 9(AE) are principally same to the mis-wired patterns illustrated in Figs. 8(A) through 8(E). Even when a number of mis-wired indoor units is increased, mis-wired patterns are principally same to the mis-wired patterns illustrated in Figs. 8(A) through 8(E).
  • Fig. 10 is a diagram representing a condition that the commercial power supply line 3a and the signal line 3c are mis-wired.
  • the third diode 26a, the fifth resistance 26b, the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 and the zener diode 26c are connected in series between the output terminals of the commercial A.C. power supply 10. Therefore, a current flows at every half cycle of the commercial A.C. power supply 10 as is illustrated with an arrow A1 in Fig. 10.
  • the indoor controlling D.C. power supply 21 is shut off from the commercial A.C. power supply 10 so that the operation power is not supplied to the indoor micro-computer 22. Consequently, the indoor micro-computer 22 does not operate.
  • the current directly flows the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24.
  • the fifth resistance 26b is connected in series so that destroyment of the light emitting element 24a is prevented from occurrence.
  • signal from the indoor unit 2 is not supplied to the outdoor unit 1 at all so that mis-wiring is detected in the outdoor unit 1 based upon the time-out after the signal transmission.
  • Fig. 11 is a diagram representing a condition that the commercial power supply line 3b and the signal line 3c are mis-wired.
  • the fifth resistance 26b is connected in series to the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 and the commercial power is supplied to this series connection circuitry through the controlling D.C. power supply 21, therefore a disadvantage is prevented from occurrence such that the light emitting element 24a is destroyed.
  • the fourth resistance 18d is connected in series to the light emitting element 16a of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16
  • the termination resistance 17 is connected in parallel with the light emitting element 16a of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16 and the commercial power is supplied to those circuits through the controlling D.C. power supply 21, therefore a disadvantage is prevented from occurrence such that the light emitting element 16a is destroyed.
  • Fig. 12 is a diagram representing a condition that the commercial power supply lines 3a and 3b are mis-wired.
  • a current flows only the controlling D.C. power supply 21 of the indoor unit 2 as is illustrated by an arrow A1 during a half cycle of the commercial A.C. power supply 10. Further, currents flow the termination diode 17 and the series connection circuitry consisting of the third diode 26a, the fifth resistance 26b, the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 and the zener diode 26c, then flow the controlling D.C. power supply 21 of the indoor unit 2 as is illustrated by an arrow A2 during the other half cycle of the commercial A.C. power supply 10. In this case, both terminals of the commercial A.C. power supply 10 are connected to the controlling D.C.
  • the fifth resistance 26b is connected in series to the light emitting diode 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24, and electricity passes through the termination resistance 17 and this series connection circuitry, therefore a disadvantage is prevented from occurrence such that the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 is destroyed.
  • Fig. 13 is a diagram representing a condition that the commercial power supply lines 3a is mis-wired with the signal line 3c, signal line 3c is mis-wired with the commercial power supply line 3b, and the commercial power supply line 3b is mis-wired with the commercial power supply line 3a.
  • the reception data interruption is generated for the outdoor micro-computer 14. Therefore, it is detected that mis-wiring is generated by the operation of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3.
  • the fifth resistance 26b and the termination resistance 17 are connected in series to the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24, the fifth resistance 26b, the fourth resistance 18d and the light emitting element 16a of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16 are connected in series to the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24, therefore disadvantages are prevented from occurrence such that the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 is destroyed and that the light emitting element 16a of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16 is destroyed.
  • the signal from the indoor unit 2 is not supplied to the outdoor unit 1 so that it is detected that mis-wiring is realized by the outdoor unit 1 based upon the time-out after the signal transmission.
  • Fig. 14 is a diagram representing a condition that the commercial power supply lines 3a is mis-wired with the commercial power supply line 3b, signal line 3c is mis-wired with the commercial power supply line 3a, and the commercial power supply line 3b is mis-wired with the signal line 3c.
  • Fig. 14 currents flow the controlling D. C. power supply 21 of the indoor unit 2, then flow the series connection circuitry consisting of the second diode 18c, the fourth resistance 18d, the light emitting element 16a of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16 and the termination resistance 17 connected in parallel with this series connection circuitry so that the reception data interruption is generated for the outdoor micro-computer 14 as is illustrated by an arrow A1 during a half cycle of the commercial A.C. power supply 10. Further, a current flows the termination resistance 17 and the controlling D.C.
  • the series connection circuitry consisting of the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 and the fifth resistance 26b.
  • a disadvantage is prevented from occurrence such that the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24 is destroyed because the fifth resistance 26b is connected in series to the light emitting element 24a of the indoor reception photo-coupler 24.
  • the fourth resistance 18d is connected in series to the light emitting element 16a of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16, and the termination resistance 17 is connected in parallel with the light emitting element 16a of the outdoor reception photo-coupler 16, so that a disadvantage is prevented from occurrence such that the light emitting element 16a is destroyed.
  • the positive temperature characteristic thermister 25 for protecting against over current is connected in series to the light receiving element 23b of the indoor reception photo-coupler 23. Therefore, a disadvantage is prevented from occurrence such that the light receiving element 23b of the indoor reception photo-coupler 23 is destroyed even when the commercial A.C. power voltage is directly applied to the series connection circuitry and when the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is turned ON.
  • judgment whether or not mis-wiring is realized is carried out by judging whether or not the commercial power frequency interruption exists, by judging whether or not the reception data interruption exists, and by judging whether or not the transmission output and the reception input coincident to one another after turning ON of the transmission port of the outdoor micro-computer 14.
  • mis-wiring protection circuitry or the like which is necessary only when mis-wiring is realized and which has nothing to do with the operation when normal operation is carried out, so that the transmission control circuitry having a low cost and a saved space can be offered. Furthermore, the apparatus operates safely without giving damage to the transmission and reception circuitry elements even when mis-wiring is realized so that the system can be offered which is not required exchanging of a base-board and which is superior in maintaining.
  • the transmission data appears on the reception port as it is, so that communication operation programs of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are in common to one another, and the transmission and reception can be carried out from any one of the outdoor unit and indoor unit in the initial communication condition. Further, data transmitted from one unit is received by each unit simultaneously so that the system having high transmission efficiency and high development efficiency can be offered.
  • the positive temperature characteristic thermister for protecting against over current is employed as the second resistance means having a positive temperature coefficient, but a resistance element made by combining conductive carbon and polymer such as polyolefine, fluororesin or the like can be employed instead the positive temperature characteristic thermister for protecting against over current.
  • Fig. 15 is an electric diagram illustrating an indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner of another embodiment according to the present invention.
  • This air conditioner is different from the air conditioner illustrated in Fig. 1 in that a damping resistance 25' is employed instead the positive temperature characteristic thermister 25, that a power supply including a transformer 12a which is connected its primary winding between the output terminals of the commercial A.C. power supply 10, a rectification circuitry 21b connected between the terminals of the secondary winding of the transformer 21a, and an indoor controlling D.C. power supply circuitry 21c for receiving the rectification output from the rectification circuitry 21b and for carrying out smoothing operation and voltage stabilizing operation or the like is employed as the power supply 21, and that a circuitry, device or the like for inputting an input for detecting abnormal condition from the abnormal voltage detection circuitry is employed as the abnormal voltage detection circuitry and the indoor micro-computer 22.
  • a resistance 21d is connected between the output terminal of the indoor controlling D.C. power supply circuitry 21c and an abnormal detection input of the indoor micro-computer 22, and the abnormal detection input is connected to the ground via the collector-emitter terminals of a transistor 21e.
  • a resistance 21f is connected between the base terminal and the emitter terminal of the transistor 21e, and a zener diode (abnormal voltage detection means) 21g and a resistance 21h are connected in series and in this order between the input terminal of the input terminal of the indoor controlling D.C. power supply circuitry 21 and the base terminal of the transistor 21e. Therefore, the transistor 21e, resistances 21d, 21f, 21h and the zener diode 21g consist the abnormal voltage detection means (circuitry). Further, a digital transistor can be employed instead the electric circuitry consisting of the transistor 21e and resistances 21f and 21h, and the polarity can be determined so as to match the signal which is to be output.
  • Fig. 16 is a flowchart useful in understanding mis-wiring judgment operation of an indoor unit.
  • step SP1 the transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22 is turned ON (the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is turned OFF).
  • step SP2 it is judged whether or not the commercial power frequency interruption exists.
  • step SP3 it is recognized that the connection of the indoor-outdoor connection lines 3 is abnormal.
  • step SP4 it is judged whether or not the abnormal voltage is detected.
  • step SP5 it is recognized that the mis-wiring is a mis-wiring (mis-wiring illustrated in Fig. 11 or Fig. 14) other than reversing in polarity.
  • step SP6 the transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22 is turned ON (the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is turned OFF). Then, the series of operation is finished.
  • step SP7 When it is judged in step SP4 that the abnormal voltage is not detected, in step SP7, it is judged that the mis-wiring is a mis-wiring which is reversed in polarity (mis-wiring illustrated in Fig. 12).
  • step SP8 the transmission port of the indoor micro-computer 22 is turned OFF (the light receiving element 23b of the indoor transmission photo-coupler 23 is turned ON). Then, the series of operation is finished.
  • step SP9 When it is judged in step SP2 that the commercial power frequency interruption does not exist, in step SP9, it is recognized that the connection of the indoor-outdoor connection lines 3 is normal. In step SP10, the operation based upon the ordinary sequence is carried out.
  • the species of mis-wiring can be detected based upon the existence/non-existence of a pulse having the commercial power frequency and the voltage in the secondary side of the transformer 21a, and the most proper protection operation corresponding to the species of mis-wiring is carried out so as to protect the communication circuitry elements, because the pulse having the commercial power frequency is input to the reception port of the indoor micro-computer 22 when the mis-wiring is realized. Furthermore, operability for dissolving the mis-wiring is improved and the safe connection is accelerated by transmitting information representing the species of the mis-wiring to an installment operator via a display device or the like.
  • the mis-wiring (mis-wiring illustrated in Fig. 10 or Fig. 13) is realized other than the mis-wiring which can be detected by the operation of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 16, the indoor controlling D.C. power supply circuitry 21c of the indoor unit 2 does not rise so that the communication circuitry elements are not destroyed at all.
  • the communication speed is greatly improved in comparison with the conventional system (the system including a communication circuitry which can communicate in synchronism with a communication speed up to twice baud-rate of the communication power frequency) so that the system can be realized which does not give sense of incompatibility in operation such that the system operates with scarce delay following the input from a remote controller (not illustrated).
  • This operation and effect cab be realized in all of the rest embodiments.
  • the circuitry arrangement of the outdoor unit 1 and the circuitry arrangement of the indoor unit 2 can be exchanged with one another.
  • the indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner according to the present invention does not require circuitry arrangements having nothing to do with ordinary indoor-outdoor communication operation such as power switch means, abnormal voltage detection protection section or the like, and prevents a disadvantage from occurrence even when mis-wiring is realized such that the transmission and reception circuitry components are destroyed, snapped or the like, by applying the indoor-outdoor communication device to an air conditioner in which an indoor unit is connected to an outdoor unit via three connection lines including the commercial power supply lines.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fuzzy Systems (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
  • Transceivers (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
EP99900032A 1997-12-29 1999-01-04 Indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner Expired - Lifetime EP1036995B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP36796897A JP3399337B2 (ja) 1997-12-29 1997-12-29 空気調和装置における室内外通信装置
JP36796897 1997-12-29
PCT/JP1999/000002 WO1999034152A1 (fr) 1997-12-29 1999-01-04 Dispositif de communication interieur-exterieur dans un conditionneur d'air

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1036995A1 EP1036995A1 (en) 2000-09-20
EP1036995A4 EP1036995A4 (en) 2000-12-06
EP1036995B1 true EP1036995B1 (en) 2002-08-14

Family

ID=18490648

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99900032A Expired - Lifetime EP1036995B1 (en) 1997-12-29 1999-01-04 Indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1036995B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP3399337B2 (ja)
CN (1) CN1116556C (ja)
AT (1) ATE222343T1 (ja)
DE (1) DE69902511T2 (ja)
ES (1) ES2182477T3 (ja)
WO (1) WO1999034152A1 (ja)

Families Citing this family (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU753916C (en) 2000-05-23 2005-12-22 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Control circuit for an air conditioner
AU2002300420B2 (en) * 2000-05-23 2005-02-24 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Control circuit for an air conditioner
EP1681776B1 (en) * 2003-10-21 2013-06-05 Panasonic Corporation Facilities equipment communication circuit
JP4547950B2 (ja) * 2004-03-15 2010-09-22 ダイキン工業株式会社 空気調和機及び制御方法
JP3806882B2 (ja) 2004-11-29 2006-08-09 ダイキン工業株式会社 空気調和機
JP4809428B2 (ja) * 2006-06-01 2011-11-09 三菱電機株式会社 設備機器管理システム、その制御方法並びに設備機器管理装置
JP2009079811A (ja) * 2007-09-26 2009-04-16 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 空気調和システムおよび室内機
JP4958936B2 (ja) * 2009-04-13 2012-06-20 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和システム診断装置
US10122164B2 (en) 2013-05-14 2018-11-06 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Protection device and protection method
CN104390306B (zh) * 2014-10-24 2017-09-08 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 空调通讯系统、空调通讯方法及空调器
WO2016067356A1 (ja) * 2014-10-28 2016-05-06 三菱電機株式会社 通信システム、及び、送信装置
JP6368663B2 (ja) * 2015-02-27 2018-08-01 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社 空気調和機システム、及びプログラム
CN104990197B (zh) * 2015-05-13 2017-10-31 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 空调器、室外机及其供电控制系统
CN109764503B (zh) * 2019-01-15 2021-04-16 海信（广东）空调有限公司 一种空调室外供电控制电路及空调器
CN110470037B (zh) * 2019-08-01 2021-06-22 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 变频空调电源线的防反接电路、方法、装置及空调器
CN113587385B (zh) * 2021-07-13 2022-10-04 Tcl空调器(中山)有限公司 一种空调内外机通讯故障处理方法、控制系统及空调器
CN115247870B (zh) * 2022-05-31 2023-09-08 浙江中广电器集团股份有限公司 一种空调器及其节能运转控制方法
CN115773564A (zh) * 2022-06-23 2023-03-10 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 空调控制方法、系统、电路、设备及存储介质

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2931654B2 (ja) * 1990-08-31 1999-08-09 株式会社東芝 空気調和機
JP2916656B2 (ja) * 1992-10-12 1999-07-05 シャープ株式会社 空気調和機
JP3214110B2 (ja) 1992-11-13 2001-10-02 松下電器産業株式会社 空気調和機の室内外通信制御装置
JPH07133950A (ja) * 1993-11-09 1995-05-23 Sharp Corp 空気調和機の信号伝送回路
JP3379226B2 (ja) * 1994-07-25 2003-02-24 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和機の制御装置
JP2948502B2 (ja) * 1995-03-30 1999-09-13 三菱電機株式会社 マルチ式空気調和機の運転制御装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2182477T3 (es) 2003-03-01
WO1999034152A1 (fr) 1999-07-08
CN1116556C (zh) 2003-07-30
EP1036995A1 (en) 2000-09-20
EP1036995A4 (en) 2000-12-06
DE69902511T2 (de) 2003-04-03
ATE222343T1 (de) 2002-08-15
JP3399337B2 (ja) 2003-04-21
JPH11193950A (ja) 1999-07-21
DE69902511D1 (de) 2002-09-19
CN1292077A (zh) 2001-04-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1036995B1 (en) Indoor-outdoor communication device for use in an air conditioner
US5635896A (en) Locally powered control system having a remote sensing unit with a two wire connection
EP2998661B1 (en) Protection device and protection method
JP4725119B2 (ja) 空気調和機の制御装置
EP3565076B1 (en) Protection circuit and air conditioner
JP2916656B2 (ja) 空気調和機
JP3434098B2 (ja) 双方向信号転送回路の保護装置
JP6801100B2 (ja) 空気調和機の通信回路
JP2003287265A (ja) 空気調和機の運転制御装置及びマルチ式空気調和機の運転制御装置
KR100207611B1 (ko) 가정자동화 시스템용 콘센트 및 그를 이용한 가전기기의 위치 파악방법
JP2002039603A (ja) 通信装置
JP4687364B2 (ja) 端末器、負荷制御システム
JP3598945B2 (ja) 空気調和機の通信回路保護装置
JP2003287264A (ja) 空気調和機の室内外通信制御装置及び空気調和機及び機器の通信制御装置
JP2910772B2 (ja) 遠隔監視制御システムのラインモニタ端末器
KR101896465B1 (ko) 통신장애 방지기능을 구비한 무극성 통신장치
JP2002061921A (ja) 電源供給システムと電源供給方法
JPH0429946B2 (ja)
JP2003319554A (ja) 誤配線保護装置および誤配線保護装置を搭載した機器
JP2875299B2 (ja) 火災報知設備
CN115483672A (zh) 一种匹配电阻保护电路、方法及通讯系统
GB2588215A (en) An overcurrent protecting circuit
KR20190002022A (ko) 비상모드를 실행하는 보일러 장치 및 그 비상모드 실행 방법
JPH11313436A (ja) シリアル通信における誤結線時の保護方法
JPH0528158U (ja) 通信装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20000707

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20001023

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 7F 24F 11/02 A, 7F 24F 11/00 B

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20010305

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: INDOOR-OUTDOOR COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR USE IN AN AIR CONDITIONER

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020814

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020814

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020814

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020814

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020814

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020814

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 222343

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20020815

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69902511

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020919

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20021114

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20021114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20021129

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20030104

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20030106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20030131

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2182477

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20030515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 19

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 69902511

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: F24F0011020000

Ipc: F24F0011890000

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20171211

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20171213

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20171222

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20180103

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20180201

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20180122

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69902511

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20190103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MK

Effective date: 20190104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20190103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20201204

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20190105