JP2009210217A - Intermediary device for air conditioning control, air conditioning control system, air conditioning control method, and air conditioning control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an environment allowing the usage of a newly introduced inverter control air conditioner using an existing versatile thermostat for efficiently forming a comfortable air conditioning environment. <P>SOLUTION: The intermediary devices 40a-40c, 400a-400c are connected to air conditioning interfaces 30a-30c changing contact points on the basis of first room temperature values detected by own temperature sensors and set temperatures set in themselves for the air conditioning control of carrying out intermediation between air conditioners 10, 20a-20c and the air conditioning interfaces. They are equipped with detection parts 44a, 404a detecting changes of the contact points, second room temperature value acquiring parts 44d, 404d acquiring second room temperature values detected by the air conditioners, and air condition target temperature value determining parts 44f, 404e determining air conditioning target temperature values of the air conditioners on the basis of the obtaind second room temperature values when changes of contact points are detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning control intermediary device, an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method, and an air conditioning control program.

  Conventionally, the use of general-purpose thermostats as man-machine interfaces (controllers) for air conditioners has become the de facto standard, especially in US homes or office buildings. Devices and fans are controlled to efficiently realize a comfortable air-conditioning environment (for example, Patent Document 1). In the air conditioning system in the United States, many air conditioners that turn on and off a compressor that is a heat source are used, and the thermostat compares the input set temperature with the room temperature value, The air conditioner is operated by performing on / off control.

On the other hand, recently, air conditioners that perform fine inverter control of compressors have also appeared. Such an air conditioner requires a set temperature value when performing control. Therefore, an interface dedicated to the air conditioner is prepared instead of a thermostat that cannot output the set temperature value, and the user uses an interface dedicated to the air conditioner. To prompt you to enter the set temperature.
Special table hei 8-505485

  However, when the latest air conditioner that performs inverter control is incorporated in the conventional air conditioning system, an interface dedicated to the air conditioner must be used in addition to the thermostat, which is cumbersome for the user. Even if only the latest air conditioner that controls inverters is installed in a conventional air conditioning system, the user will not be familiar with the conventional thermostat, but will learn how to operate the interface dedicated to the latest air conditioner. And must be used.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an environment in which an inverter-controlled air conditioner newly introduced using an existing general-purpose thermostat can be used in order to efficiently realize a comfortable air-conditioning environment.

  An intermediary apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an intermediary apparatus for air conditioning control that is connected to an air conditioning interface and mediates between an air conditioner and an air conditioning interface, and includes a detection unit, a second room temperature value acquisition unit, and an air conditioning target temperature. A value determining unit. The air conditioning interface changes the contact point based on the first room temperature value detected by its own temperature sensor and the set temperature set for itself. A detection part detects the change of a contact. The second room temperature value acquisition unit acquires a second room temperature value detected by the air conditioner. The air conditioning target temperature value determination unit determines the air conditioning target temperature value of the air conditioner based on the second room temperature value acquired when the change of the contact is detected.

  In the mediation apparatus according to the present invention, the air conditioning target temperature value is determined based on the second room temperature value acquired by the second room temperature value acquisition unit when the change of the contact point is detected by the detection unit, and the air conditioning target temperature value is determined. The air conditioner is controlled based on the above.

  Therefore, an air conditioner that requires a set temperature value for operation can be operated using an existing air conditioning interface.

  An intermediary apparatus according to a second aspect is the intermediary apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the air conditioning target temperature value is a first target value determined using an average value of two second room temperature values. The two second room temperature values are second room temperature values acquired at the time of the change of the contact point detected continuously.

  In the intermediary device according to the present invention, a value determined by using an average value of the two second room temperature values acquired at the time of successive contact changes is determined as the air conditioning target temperature value, and based on the air conditioning target temperature value. The air conditioner is controlled. The two second room temperature values are acquired at the time of change of the contact point detected continuously, and mean the second room temperature value acquired at each timing when the contact point is ON and OFF. . The air conditioning target temperature value using the average value includes a case where the average value is the air conditioning target temperature value, or a case where a value obtained by correcting the average value is used as the air conditioning target temperature value.

  Thus, since the air conditioner is operated based on the air conditioning target temperature value determined using the average value of the two second room temperature values, air conditioning control can be performed while suppressing severe temperature fluctuations.

  A mediation device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the mediation device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a calculation unit. The calculation unit calculates a difference between the air conditioning target temperature value and the second room temperature value acquired when a change in the contact point is detected. The air conditioning target temperature value is a second target value determined using the difference.

  In the mediation apparatus according to the present invention, the air conditioner is controlled based on the second target value determined using the difference between the air conditioning target temperature value and the second room temperature value. Here, the difference includes a difference between the air conditioning target temperature value and the second room temperature value, and an average value of the difference. The second target value includes a value obtained by adding a difference to a predetermined value, a value obtained by subtracting the difference from the predetermined value, and a correction value thereof.

  Therefore, by determining the air conditioning target temperature value using the difference between the air conditioning target temperature value and the second room temperature value, it is possible to determine the air conditioning target temperature value in consideration of past control of the air conditioner.

  An intermediary device according to a fourth invention is the mediation device according to the third invention, wherein the second target value is any one of an addition value, a subtraction value, and a correction value of the addition value or the subtraction value. The added value is a value obtained by adding a difference to the second room temperature value acquired when the change of the contact point is detected. The subtraction value is a value obtained by subtracting the difference from the second room temperature value acquired when the change of the contact point is detected.

  In the mediation device according to the present invention, any one of the addition value, the subtraction value, the correction value of the addition value, and the correction value of the subtraction value is determined as the air conditioning target temperature value, and the air conditioner is controlled based on these values. The

  Thereby, control of the air conditioner which a user desires can be performed.

  An intermediary device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the mediation device according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a transmission unit. The transmission unit transmits an air conditioning stop command or a temperature limit value for operating the air conditioner to the air conditioner. The air conditioning target temperature value determining unit determines the second target value as the air conditioning target temperature value after the command or limit value for air conditioning stop is transmitted.

  In the intermediary device according to the present invention, when a change in the contact is detected after the air conditioning stop command or limit value is transmitted to the air conditioner, the second target value is determined as the air conditioning target temperature value. .

  Thus, the air conditioning target temperature value can be determined without waiting for the detection of the next contact change.

  An intermediary apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the intermediary apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the limit value is overwritten by the second room temperature value acquired when a change in the contact is detected after being transmitted to the air conditioner. Is done.

  In the mediation apparatus according to the present invention, when the limit value is transmitted to the air conditioner, the limit value is overwritten by the second room temperature value acquired when the change of the contact point is subsequently detected. Here, the limit value means the lower limit value of the cooling operation and the upper limit value of the heating operation.

  As a result, when the air conditioner is controlled with the lower limit value or the upper limit value, it becomes possible to use the value learned according to the past control, and it is possible to efficiently control the air conditioner while suppressing wasteful energy consumption. It can be carried out.

  An intermediary device according to a seventh invention is the mediation device according to the second invention, further comprising a transmission unit. The transmission unit transmits an air conditioning stop command or a temperature limit value for operating the air conditioner to the air conditioner. The limit value is overwritten by the second room temperature value acquired when the change of the contact is detected after the air conditioning stop command or limit value is transmitted to the air conditioner.

  In the intermediary device according to the present invention, when a change in the contact is detected after the air conditioning stop command or limit value is transmitted to the air conditioner, the second room temperature value acquired when the contact change is detected is detected. The limit value is overwritten. Here, the limit value means the lower limit value of the cooling operation and the upper limit value of the heating operation.

  As a result, when the air conditioner is controlled with the lower limit value or the upper limit value, it becomes possible to use the value learned according to the past control, and it is possible to efficiently control the air conditioner while suppressing wasteful energy consumption. It can be carried out.

  An air conditioning control system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes the intermediary device according to claim 1, an air conditioning interface, and an air conditioner. The air conditioning interface mediates connection with the air conditioner by an intermediary device. The air conditioner performs air conditioning control based on the air conditioning target temperature value transmitted from the intermediary device.

  In the mediation apparatus according to the present invention, the air conditioning target temperature value is determined based on the second room temperature value acquired by the second room temperature value acquisition unit when the change of the contact point is detected by the detection unit, and the air conditioning target temperature value is determined. The air conditioner is controlled based on the above.

  Therefore, an air conditioner that requires a set temperature value for operation can be operated using an existing air conditioning interface.

  An air conditioning control method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning control method for controlling an air conditioner using an air conditioning interface, and includes a first step to a third step. The air conditioning interface changes the contact point based on the first room temperature value detected by its own temperature sensor and the set temperature set for itself. In the first step, a contact change is detected. In the second step, a second room temperature value detected by the air conditioner is acquired. In the third step, the air conditioning target temperature value of the air conditioner is determined based on the second room temperature value acquired when the contact change is detected.

  In the air conditioning control method according to the present invention, the air conditioning target temperature value is determined based on the second room temperature value acquired from the air conditioner when a change in the contact is detected, and the air conditioner is operated based on the air conditioning target temperature value. Be controlled.

  Therefore, an air conditioner that requires a set temperature value for operation can be operated using an existing air conditioning interface.

  An air conditioning control program according to a tenth aspect of the invention is an air conditioning control program for controlling an air conditioner using an air conditioning interface, and causes a computer to execute the first step to the third step. The air conditioning interface changes the contact point based on the first room temperature value detected by its own temperature sensor and the set temperature set for itself. In the first step, a contact change is detected. In the second step, a second room temperature value detected by the air conditioner is acquired. In the third step, the air conditioning target temperature value of the air conditioner is determined based on the second room temperature value acquired when the contact change is detected.

  In the air conditioning control program according to the present invention, the air conditioning target temperature value is determined based on the second room temperature value acquired from the air conditioner when a change in the contact is detected, and the air conditioner is operated based on the air conditioning target temperature value. Be controlled.

  Therefore, an air conditioner that requires a set temperature value for operation can be operated using an existing air conditioning interface.

  In the mediation apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner that requires a set temperature value for operation can be operated using an existing air conditioning interface.

  In the mediation apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, air conditioning control can be performed while suppressing severe temperature fluctuations.

  In the intermediary device according to the third aspect of the invention, the air conditioning target temperature value can be determined in consideration of past control of the air conditioner.

  In the intermediary device according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the air conditioner desired by the user can be controlled.

  In the intermediary device according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the air conditioning target temperature value can be determined without waiting for the detection of the next contact change.

  In the intermediary apparatus according to the sixth and seventh inventions, it is possible to control the air conditioner with high efficiency while suppressing wasteful energy consumption.

  In the air conditioning control system according to the eighth aspect of the invention, an air conditioner that requires a set temperature value for operation can be operated using an existing air conditioning interface.

  In the air conditioning control method according to the ninth aspect of the invention, an air conditioner that requires a set temperature value for operation can be operated using an existing air conditioning interface.

  In the air conditioning control program according to the tenth aspect of the invention, an air conditioner that requires a set temperature value for operation can be operated using an existing air conditioning interface.

<< First Embodiment >>
<Overall configuration of air conditioning system>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air-conditioning system 1 is an air-conditioning system used in a building (property) such as a house or an office building, for example. The air-conditioning system mainly includes an outdoor unit 10 and indoor units 20a-20c, and an interface for air-conditioning control. It is composed of general-purpose thermostats 30a-30c and intermediary devices 40a-40c to be used.

  The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor units 20a to 20c are connected via a refrigerant path 88 and a communication line 81. The indoor units 20a-20c are communicably connected to the intermediary devices 40a-40c via the communication line 82. The two types of communication lines 81 and 82 may be the same type of communication line or different types of communication lines. Further, the intermediary devices 40 a-40 c are connected to the thermostats 30 a-30 c by the control line 83. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the intermediary devices 40a-40c and the thermostats 30a-30c are connected to the indoor units 20a-20c on a one-to-one basis. In this embodiment, thermostat 30a-30c controls indoor unit 20a-20c connected to each via mediation apparatus 40a-40c.

<Configuration of each part>
(1) Configuration of Thermostat 30a-30c First, the thermostat 30a-30c will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows an example of the display unit of the thermostat 30a-30c. Thermostats 30a-30c are often used in the United States as interfaces for air conditioners, gas furnaces, fans, and the like. On / off control functions, temperature setting functions, and air conditioning functions of devices connected to thermostats 30a-30c It has a setting function, a dehumidification setting function, a fan on / off setting function, and the like. Further, the thermostats 30a to 30c are capable of schedule control of connected devices. FIG. 3 is a table showing signals output from the thermostats 30a to 30c. In the present embodiment, the intermediary devices 40a-40c described later convert these signals into signals that can be read by the air conditioner and transmit them to the air conditioner.

  The thermostats 30a to 30c have a set temperature input section and a temperature sensor that detects the room temperature. The thermostats 30a to 30c change the contacts to ON or OFF depending on the relationship between the set temperature and the room temperature (corresponding to the first room temperature value) detected by the temperature sensor. For example, when operating in the cooling operation mode, when the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes higher than the set temperature, the contact is set to ON, and the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes lower than the set temperature. In the case of contact, the contact is set to OFF. Conversely, when operating in the heating operation mode, when the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes lower than the set temperature, the contact is set to ON, and the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor is set to the set temperature. If it becomes higher than that, the contact is set to OFF. The thermostats 30a-30c used in the present embodiment can set a differential temperature, and when the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds the differential temperature, the contact changes to ON or OFF.

(2) Schematic configuration of air conditioner Next, an air conditioner used in the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The air conditioner used in the present embodiment is a multi-type heat pump air conditioner, and the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor units 20a to 20c are connected by a refrigerant path 88 and a communication line 81. The indoor units 20a-20c are provided with suction temperature sensors 21a-21c that detect a suction temperature value (corresponding to a second room temperature value) that is the temperature of the indoor air sucked into the casing. Hereinafter, although the air conditioner which consists of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20a is demonstrated, suppose that it is the structure similar to the indoor unit 20a also about the other indoor units 20b and 20c.

  The air conditioner according to the present embodiment adjusts the rotational speed of the compressor and the opening of the indoor expansion valve in a stepwise manner according to the set temperature value, thereby allowing the refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 20a to flow. adjust. The indoor unit 20a is controlled so that the thermo-OFF and the thermo-ON operation are automatically repeated, and the indoor environment is maintained in the vicinity of the set temperature value. Here, the thermo OFF means a state in which the cooling operation and the heating operation are stopped. Specifically, it refers to a state in which an operation of only blowing that does not flow the refrigerant or a low load operation that slightly flows the refrigerant is performed. On the other hand, the thermo-ON means a state where a cooling operation or a heating operation is being performed. Specifically, it refers to a state in which the fan is operated and the refrigerant flow rate and the like are adjusted so that the room temperature approaches the set temperature. When the suction temperature value becomes 0.5 ° C. or lower during the cooling operation or when the intake temperature value becomes 0.5 ° C. or higher during the heating operation, the indoor unit 20a changes from the thermo-ON operation to the thermo-OFF operation. Switch to driving. On the other hand, when the suction temperature value becomes 0.5 ° C. or higher during the cooling operation, or when the suction temperature value becomes 0.5 ° C. or lower during the heating operation, the indoor unit 20a changes from the thermo OFF operation to the thermostat. Switch to ON operation.

(3) Schematic configuration of mediation devices 40a-40c Next, the mediation devices 40a-40c will be described. The intermediary devices 40a-40c convert various signals input from one thermostat 30a-30c connected thereto into signals that can be read by the air conditioner, and one indoor unit 20a connected to each converted signal. Send to -20c. Further, the intermediary device 40a-40c determines the air conditioning target temperature value using the signal input from the thermostat 30a-30c and the suction temperature value detected by the suction temperature sensors 21a-21c, and the air conditioning target temperature value is determined. It transmits to the indoor unit 20a-20c connected to each as preset temperature value. Hereinafter, the configuration of the mediation device 40a will be described with reference to FIG. 4, but the other mediation devices 40b and 40c have the same configuration.

  The intermediary device 40a mainly includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a timer unit 43, and a control unit 44. The communication unit 41 includes an input / output port, inputs various signals from the thermostat 30a and the indoor unit 20a, and outputs control signals to the air conditioner.

  The storage unit 42 stores a control program used to determine an air conditioning target temperature value to be described later. The storage unit 42 includes a suction temperature value storage area 42a, an air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b, an absolute value storage area 42c, and a limit value storage area 42d.

  The suction temperature value storage area 42a stores a suction temperature value acquired by a suction temperature value acquisition unit 44d described later. In the present embodiment, the suction temperature value storage area 42a stores in advance an upper limit value (35 ° C.) for the cooling operation mode and a lower limit value (15 ° C.) for the heating operation mode as initial values. The value (stored value M) stored in the suction temperature value storage area 42a is overwritten by the new suction temperature value every time a new suction temperature value is acquired by the suction temperature value acquisition unit 44d.

  The air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b is a variable A calculated using the suction temperature value among the values determined as the air conditioning target temperature value by the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f described later, and is stored in the air conditioner. A value transmitted as the set temperature value is stored. The value (stored value S) stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b is overwritten by the new air conditioning target temperature value every time the variable A is calculated and determined as a new air conditioning target temperature value.

  The absolute value storage area 42c stores an absolute value of a value calculated by a calculation unit 44e described later.

  The limit value storage area 42d stores predetermined lower limit values and upper limit values for the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, respectively. Here, the lower limit value of the cooling operation mode and the upper limit value of the heating operation mode are temperature values when the air conditioner is controlled with the maximum load, and the upper limit value of the cooling operation mode and the lower limit value of the heating operation mode are: This is the temperature value when controlling the air conditioner with the minimum load. In this embodiment, the lower limit value of the cooling operation mode is 18 ° C., the upper limit value of the heating operation mode is 30 ° C., the upper limit value of the cooling operation mode is 35 ° C., and the lower limit value of the heating operation mode is 15 ° C. .

  The timer unit 43 measures the time after the contact point of the thermostat 30a-30c is changed.

  The control unit 44 is configured by a CPU or the like, and mainly includes a detection unit 44a, an operation state grasping unit 44b, a flag switching unit 44c, a suction temperature value acquisition unit (corresponding to a second room temperature value acquisition unit) 44d, , A calculation unit 44e, an air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f, a signal conversion unit 44g, and a transmission unit 44h.

  The detection unit 44a detects a change in the contact point of the thermostat 30a connected to the mediation device 40a. In the present embodiment, it is detected whether the Y1 (compressor) signal is set to ON or OFF, and whether it is changed to ON or OFF. At this time, the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode are distinguished based on the O (cooling) signal and the B (heating) signal output from the thermostat 30a. Specifically, the O signal is ON in the cooling operation mode, and the B signal is ON in the heating operation mode.

  The operation status grasping unit 44b acquires a signal (thermo signal) indicating whether the indoor unit 20a is operating with the thermo-ON or the thermo-OFF from the indoor unit 20a, and operates the indoor unit 20a. Know the situation.

  The flag switching unit 44c switches the difference use flag to ON or OFF. Specifically, the flag switching unit 44c switches the differential use flag from OFF to ON when an operation command at a lower limit value or an air conditioning stop command is transmitted from the intermediary device 40a to the air conditioner. When the variable A using the absolute value is calculated by the target temperature value determination unit 44f, the difference use flag is switched from ON to OFF.

  The suction temperature value acquisition unit 44d acquires the suction temperature value detected by the suction temperature sensor 21a from the indoor unit 20a. The suction temperature value acquired by the suction temperature value acquisition unit 44d is overwritten in the suction temperature value storage area 42a.

  The calculation unit 44e calculates an absolute value B of a difference between the suction temperature value when the change in the Y1 signal is detected and the variable A calculated using the suction temperature value, and the absolute value B is calculated as the absolute value B described above. Store in the value storage area 42c. For example, when the suction temperature value is 28 ° C. and the variable A calculated based on the suction temperature value 28 ° C. is 26 ° C., the absolute value of the difference is 2 ° C. The calculation unit 44e calculates the absolute value of the difference between the suction temperature value when the change in the Y1 signal is detected and the variable A calculated using the suction temperature value, as described above. The absolute value storage area 42c is overwritten.

  The air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f determines an air conditioning target temperature value for operating the indoor unit 20a. Specifically, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f is an average value of the suction temperature value acquired when the change in the Y1 signal is detected and the stored value M stored in the suction temperature value storage area 42a. A variable A (corresponding to the first target value) is calculated, and the variable A is compared with the stored value S stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b to determine the current air conditioning target temperature value. . When the above difference use flag is ON, the variable A (corresponding to the second target value) is calculated using the absolute value B stored in the absolute value storage area 42c, and the variable A Is compared with the stored value S stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b to determine the current air conditioning target temperature value. This will be described in more detail in the section <Method for determining air conditioning target temperature value> below.

  The signal converter 44g converts the output signal of the thermostat 30a shown in FIG. 3 into a signal that can be read by the air conditioner. In the present embodiment, the signal G (fan) is converted into an operation / stop command, and the other signals B (heating), W1 (heater), O (cooling), Y1 (compressor), and DHM (dehumidification) are respectively From the signal pattern, the operation mode (cooling operation mode / heating operation mode) is determined and converted into a signal of an operation mode readable by the air conditioner.

  The transmission unit 44h transmits the signal converted by the signal conversion unit 44g, the air conditioning stop command for the indoor unit 20a, and the like to the indoor unit 20a via the communication unit 41 described above. Moreover, the transmission part 44h is a value determined as an air-conditioning target temperature value, Comprising: The stored value S memorize | stored in the air-conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a as a setting temperature value.

<Method for determining air conditioning target temperature value>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 9, a method of determining the air conditioning target temperature value in the intermediary devices 40a-40c during the cooling operation will be described in detail. In the following description, a method for determining the air conditioning target temperature value when controlling the indoor unit 20a using the thermostat 30a and the mediating device 40a will be described. However, the indoor unit 20b using the thermostat 30b and the mediating device 40b will be described. The same applies to the case of controlling and controlling the indoor unit 20c using the thermostat 30c and the intermediary device 40c.

(1) Process Flow First, the process flow of the intermediary device 40a will be described using FIG. 5 and FIG.

  First, the detection unit 44a determines whether there is a change in the Y1 signal output from the thermostat 30a (step S101). If no change in the Y1 signal is detected in step S101, the process waits until a change in the Y1 signal is detected. When a change in the Y1 signal is detected in step S101, the timer unit 43 starts measuring time (step S102).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the differential use flag is ON (step S103). When it is determined in step S103 that the difference use flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S104, and the variable A is calculated by the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f. Here, an average value of the storage value M (initial value or previous suction temperature value T) that is a value stored in the suction temperature value storage area 42a and the current suction temperature value T is calculated (step S104). ). After that, the absolute value B of the difference between the variable A and the current suction temperature value T is calculated by the calculation unit 44e (step S105), and the absolute value B is stored in the absolute value storage area 42c. Then, it progresses to step S110.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the difference use flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S106, and it is determined whether the Y1 signal is ON. In step S106, if the Y1 signal is OFF, the air conditioning target temperature value determining unit 44f adds the absolute value B stored in the absolute value storage area 42c to the current suction temperature value T to obtain a variable. A (corresponding to the added value) is calculated (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the Y1 signal is ON in step S106, the variable A (corresponding to the subtraction value) is obtained by subtracting the absolute value B stored in the absolute value storage area 42c from the current suction temperature value T. Is calculated (step S108), and the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the difference switching flag is switched from ON to OFF by the flag switching unit 44c.

  In step S110, it is determined whether or not there is a stored value S in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b. If it is determined in step S110 that there is a stored value S, the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that there is no stored value S, the process proceeds to step S112. In step S111, it is determined whether or not the difference between the variable A and the stored value S is within 0.5 ° C. If the difference between the variable A and the stored value S is within 0.5 ° C. in step S111, the process proceeds to step S113. If the difference between the variable A and the stored value S exceeds 0.5 ° C. in step S111, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f determines the variable A as the air conditioning target temperature value, stores the value as the storage value S in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b, and proceeds to step S113. In step S113, the transmission unit 44h transmits the stored value S stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b to the indoor unit 20a as a set temperature value. Thereafter, the current suction temperature value T is stored in the suction temperature value storage area 42a (step S114). When the air conditioning target temperature value is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a in step S113, the indoor unit 20a performs air conditioning control based on the air conditioning target temperature value.

  Thereafter, the detection unit 44a determines whether or not the Y1 signal has changed (step S115). When a change in the Y1 signal is detected in step S115, the process returns to step S102, the above steps are repeated, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f determines the air conditioning target temperature value again, and the air conditioning target temperature value is transmitted to the transmission unit. 44h is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a as a set temperature value. If no change in the Y1 signal is detected in step S115, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer unit 43 has passed 15 minutes (step S116). If it is determined in step S116 that 15 minutes have not elapsed, the process returns to step S115. If it is determined in step S116 that 15 minutes have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S117, it is determined whether or not the state of the Y1 signal and the state of the thermo signal are inconsistent. Here, the state where the state of the Y1 signal does not match the state of the thermo signal means a case where the Y1 signal is ON and the thermo signal is OFF, or a case where the Y1 signal is OFF and the thermo signal is ON. If it is determined in step S117 that the state of the Y1 signal matches the state of the thermo signal, the process returns to step S115. If it is determined in step S117 that the state of the Y1 signal does not match the state of the thermo signal, it is determined whether or not the thermo signal is OFF (step S118). If the thermo signal is OFF in step S118, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f determines the lower limit value stored in the limit value storage area 42d as the air conditioning target temperature value, and the transmission unit 44h The target temperature value is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a as a set temperature value (step S119). After the lower limit value is transmitted in step S118, the process proceeds to step S121. If the thermo signal is ON in step S118, an air conditioning stop command is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a (step S120), and the process proceeds to step S121. In step S121, the flag switching unit 44c switches the difference use flag from OFF to ON. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101 and waits until the Y1 signal changes.

(2) Timing Chart FIGS. 7 to 9 are timing charts of processes performed by the mediation device 40a during the cooling operation. 7 to 9 show the room temperature value (corresponding to the first room temperature value) detected by the thermostat 30a, the set temperature of the thermostat 30a, the ON / OFF state of the Y1 signal, and the suction temperature value detected by the suction temperature sensor 21a. (Corresponding to the second room temperature value), a stored value M that is a suction temperature value stored in the suction temperature value storage area 42a, an air conditioning target temperature value that is transmitted from the intermediary device 40a to the indoor unit 20a as a set temperature value, and a minimum temperature (Lower limit value), air conditioner start / stop state, thermo signal ON / OFF state, and differential use flag ON / OFF state are shown.

  Specifically, FIG. 7 shows a case where the temperature set in the thermostat 30a is constant, FIG. 8 shows a case where the temperature set in the thermostat 30a rises, and FIG. 9 shows a case where the temperature set in the thermostat 30a is set. Shows the case where the temperature drops.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the timer unit 43 measures the time each time a change in the Y1 signal is detected by the detection unit 44a. When the difference use flag when the change in the Y1 signal is detected is OFF, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f acquires the suction temperature value T and the suction temperature value storage area 42a acquired when the Y1 signal changes. The variable A, which is an average value of the stored value M, which is the past suction temperature value stored in, is calculated, the stored value S is compared with the variable A, and the air conditioning target temperature value is determined. On the other hand, if the difference use flag when the change in the Y1 signal is detected is ON, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f stores the suction temperature value and absolute value storage area 42c acquired when the Y1 signal changes. The variable A is calculated using the absolute value B, and the stored value S and the variable A are compared to determine the air conditioning target temperature value.

  The difference use flag is switched to ON after an operation command at the lower limit value or an air conditioning stop command is transmitted to the air conditioner, and the suction temperature value and absolute value storage area 42c acquired when the Y1 signal changes are stored in the differential value use flag. After the variable A using the stored absolute value B is calculated, it is switched to OFF.

  The air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f calculates the variable A, and then the difference between the stored value S stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b and the newly calculated variable A is within 0.5 ° C. In some cases, the stored value S already stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b is determined as the air conditioning target temperature value. Therefore, the operation based on the air conditioning target temperature value transmitted previously as the set temperature value is maintained in the air conditioner.

<Features>
(1) In the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment, the intermediary devices 40a-40c convert the control signals output from the thermostats 30a-30c into signals that can be read by the air conditioner. Further, the intermediary device 40a-40c sets an air conditioning target temperature value that is an approximate value of the temperature set by the thermostat 30a-30c based on the signal input from the thermostat 30a-30c and the suction temperature value detected by the air conditioner. decide. Since the air conditioning target temperature value is transmitted to the air conditioner as the set temperature value, the air conditioner that requires the set temperature value for operation can be operated using the thermostat 30a-30c. Thereby, even if it is a case where the air conditioner which performs inverter control is newly introduced, thermostat 30a-30c as an air conditioning interface used conventionally can be continuously used as an interface of a new air conditioner.

  In addition, in the United States, there are houses where auxiliary units including a gas furnace unit and a fan unit are arranged in a basement or the like. The gas furnace unit is mainly composed of a gas furnace that burns gas and a gas furnace controller that controls the amount of combustion. The fan unit is mainly composed of a fan such as a sirocco fan and a fan controller. Has been. The gas furnace unit and the fan unit are controlled using thermostats 30a to 30c, and the air in the auxiliary unit is overheated and sent out indoors to control the air conditioning in the room. By introducing the intermediary device 40a-40c according to the present embodiment to the air conditioning system 1, the existing thermostat 30a-30c is used to control both the latest air conditioner that performs inverter control, the gas furnace unit, and the fan unit. can do. Therefore, efficient air-conditioning control can be performed while using the conventional air-conditioning interface without forcing the user to learn a new air-conditioning interface operation method.

  (2) Although the output signals of the thermostats 30a-30c vary depending on the type, the mediating device 40a-40c according to the present embodiment substitutes for the set temperature value using the basic signal output from the thermostat 30a-30c. Therefore, it can be applied to most thermostats 30a-30c.

  (3) The intermediary device 40a-40c according to the present embodiment includes the timer unit 43, the state of the contact signal detected by the detection unit 44a, the state of the thermo signal acquired by the driving condition grasping unit 44b, and the timer Control for determining the air conditioning target temperature value again is performed according to the time measured by the unit 43. Thus, even if the set temperature is changed by the user, the air conditioning target temperature value is appropriately determined by an appropriate method, so that the indoor environment desired by the user can be continuously provided.

  (4) In the present embodiment, when the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 44f calculates the variable A, the stored value S stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b is compared with the variable A, and the difference is 0. Only when the temperature exceeds 5 ° C., the newly calculated variable A is determined as the air conditioning target temperature value, and the air conditioning target temperature value is used to control the indoor units 20a-20c. Thereby, since it is not necessary to change temperature frequently in indoor unit 20a-20c, the processing load of an air conditioner can be suppressed.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, the structure of the air conditioning system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In addition, since it is the same as that of the structure of the air conditioning system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment except the structure of the mediation apparatus 400a-400c, it demonstrates about the whole structure, the structure of the thermostat 30a-30c, and the schematic structure of an air conditioner. Omitted.

(1) Configuration of Mediation Device 400a-400c The mediation device 400a-400c converts various signals input from one thermostat 30a-30c connected to each into a signal that can be read by the air conditioner, and converts the converted signals. It transmits to one indoor unit 20a-20c connected to each. Further, the intermediary devices 400a to 400c determine the air conditioning target temperature value using the signal input from the thermostat 30a-30c and the suction temperature value detected by the suction temperature sensors 21a-21c, and set the air conditioning target temperature value. As a temperature value, it transmits to each indoor unit 20a-20c connected. Hereinafter, although the mediation device 400a will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10, it is assumed that the other mediation devices 400b and 400c have the same configuration.

  The intermediary device 400a mainly includes a communication unit 401, a storage unit 402, a timer unit 403, and a control unit 404. Note that the communication unit 401 and the timer unit 403 are the same as the communication unit 41 and the timer unit 43 according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The storage unit 402 stores a control program used to determine an air conditioning target temperature value to be described later. The storage unit 402 includes an intake temperature value storage area 402a, an air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b, and a limit value storage area 402c. Note that the suction temperature value storage area 402a according to the present embodiment is the same as the suction temperature value storage area 42a according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b is an average value A calculated using the suction temperature value among the values determined as the air conditioning target temperature value by the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e described later, Is stored as a set temperature value. The value (stored value S) stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b is overwritten by the new air conditioning target temperature value every time the average value A is calculated and determined as the new air conditioning target temperature value. .

  The limit value storage area 402c stores predetermined lower limit values and upper limit values for the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, respectively. Here, the lower limit value of the cooling operation mode and the upper limit value of the heating operation mode are temperature values when the air conditioner is controlled with the maximum load, and the upper limit value of the cooling operation mode and the lower limit value of the heating operation mode are: This is the temperature value when controlling the air conditioner with the minimum load. The initial values are a cooling operation mode lower limit value of 18 ° C., a heating operation mode upper limit value of 30 ° C., a cooling operation mode upper limit value of 35 ° C., and a heating operation mode lower limit value of 15 ° C. However, the lower limit value of the cooling operation mode and the upper limit value of the heating operation mode are overwritten by the learning lower limit value or the learning upper limit value, respectively. The learning lower limit value is a suction temperature value acquired by the suction temperature value acquisition unit 404d when the contact changes after the operation command at the lower limit value is transmitted to the air conditioner in the cooling operation mode. The learning upper limit value is a suction temperature value acquired by the suction temperature value acquisition unit 404d when the contact changes after the operation command at the upper limit value is transmitted to the air conditioner in the heating operation mode.

  The control unit 404 is configured by a CPU or the like, and mainly includes a detection unit 404a, an operation state grasping unit 404b, a flag switching unit 404c, a suction temperature value acquisition unit (corresponding to a second room temperature value acquisition unit) 404d, The air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e, the signal conversion unit 404f, and the transmission unit 404g. The detection unit 404a, the operation state grasping unit 404b, the suction temperature value acquisition unit 404d, the signal conversion unit 404f, and the transmission unit 404g according to the present embodiment are the operation state grasping unit 44b and the suction temperature value acquisition unit according to the first embodiment. 44d, the signal conversion unit 44g, and the transmission unit 404g are the same, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The flag switching unit 404c switches the learning flag to ON or OFF. Specifically, the flag switching unit 404c switches the learning flag from OFF to ON when the operation command at the lower limit value is transmitted from the intermediary device 400a to the air conditioner, and the detection unit 404a changes the Y1 signal. When detected, the learning flag is switched from ON to OFF.

  The air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e determines an air conditioning target temperature value for operating the indoor unit 20a. Specifically, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e is an average value A of the suction temperature value acquired when a change in the Y1 signal is detected and the stored value M stored in the suction temperature value storage area 402a. And the average value A is compared with the stored value S stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b to determine the current air conditioning target temperature value. This will be described in more detail in the section <Method for determining air conditioning target temperature value> below.

<Method for determining air conditioning target temperature value>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, a method of determining the air conditioning target temperature value in the intermediary devices 400a to 400c during the cooling operation will be described in detail. In the following description, a method for determining an air conditioning target temperature value when controlling the indoor unit 20a using the thermostat 30a and the mediating device 400a will be described. However, the indoor unit 20b using the thermostat 30b and the mediating device 400b will be described. The same applies to the case of controlling, and the case of controlling the indoor unit 20c using the thermostat 30c and the intermediary device 400c.

(1) Process Flow First, the process flow of the intermediary device 400a will be described using FIG. 11 and FIG.

  First, the detection unit 404a determines whether there is a change in the Y1 signal output from the thermostat 30a (step S201). If no change in the Y1 signal is detected in step S201, the process waits until a change in the Y1 signal is detected. When a change in the Y1 signal is detected in step S201, the timer unit 403 starts measuring time (step S202).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the learning flag is ON (step S203). If it is determined in step S203 that the learning flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S204, where the suction temperature value T is stored as a learning lower limit value in the limit value storage area 402c, and the learning flag is switched OFF. If it is determined in step S203 that the learning flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, an average value A between the storage value M (initial value or previous suction temperature value T) stored in the suction temperature value storage area 42a and the current suction temperature value T is calculated. The process proceeds to S205.

  Next, in step S205, it is determined whether or not there is a stored value S in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b. If it is determined in step S205 that there is a stored value S, the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that there is no stored value S in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S207, it is determined whether or not the difference between the average value A and the stored value S is within 0.5 ° C. If the difference between the average value A and the stored value S is within 0.5 ° C. in step S207, the process proceeds to step S209. If the difference between the average value A and the stored value S exceeds 0.5 ° C. in step S207, the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e determines the average value A as the air conditioning target temperature value, stores the air conditioning target temperature value as the storage value S in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b, and proceeds to step S209. In step S209, the transmission unit 404g transmits the stored value S stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b to the indoor unit 20a as a set temperature value. Thereafter, the current suction temperature value T is stored in the suction temperature value storage area 402a (step S210). When the air conditioning target temperature value is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a in step S209, the indoor unit 20a performs air conditioning control based on the air conditioning target temperature value.

  Thereafter, the detection unit 404a determines whether or not the Y1 signal has changed (step S211). When a change in the Y1 signal is detected in step S211, the process returns to step S202, the above steps are repeated, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e determines the air conditioning target temperature value again, and the air conditioning target temperature value is transmitted to the transmission unit. The set temperature value is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a by 404g. If no change in the Y1 signal is detected in step S211, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer unit 43 has passed 15 minutes (step S212). If it is determined in step S212 that 15 minutes have not elapsed, the process returns to step S211. If it is determined in step S212 that 15 minutes have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S213.

  In step S213, it is determined whether or not the state of the Y1 signal is inconsistent with the state of the thermo signal. Here, the state where the state of the Y1 signal does not match the state of the thermo signal means a case where the Y1 signal is ON and the thermo signal is OFF, or a case where the Y1 signal is OFF and the thermo signal is ON. If it is determined in step S213 that the state of the Y1 signal matches the state of the thermo signal, the process returns to step S211. If it is determined in step S213 that the state of the Y1 signal does not match the state of the thermo signal, it is determined whether or not the thermo signal is OFF (step S214). If the thermo signal is OFF in step S214, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e determines the learning lower limit value stored in the limit value storage area 402c as the air conditioning target temperature value, and the air conditioning target temperature value is The transmission unit 404g transmits the set temperature value to the indoor unit 20a (step S215). Thereafter, the learning flag is switched ON by the flag switching unit 404c (step S216), and the process returns to step S201 and waits until the Y1 signal changes. If the thermo signal is ON in step S214, an air conditioning stop command is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a (step S217). Thereafter, the process returns to step S201 and waits until the Y1 signal changes.

(2) Timing Chart FIG. 13 is a timing chart of processing performed by the mediation apparatus 400a during the cooling operation. FIG. 13 shows the room temperature value (corresponding to the first room temperature value) detected by the thermostat 30a, the set temperature of the thermostat 30a, the ON / OFF state of the Y1 signal, and the suction temperature value (second) detected by the suction temperature sensor 21a. Equivalent to the room temperature value), a stored value M that is the suction temperature value stored in the suction temperature value storage area 42a, an air conditioning target temperature value that is transmitted from the intermediary device 400a to the indoor unit 20a as a set temperature value, and a minimum temperature (learning lower limit) Value), the start / stop state of the indoor unit 20a, the ON / OFF state of the thermo signal, and the ON / OFF state of the learning flag.

  Specifically, FIG. 13 shows the timing at which the lower limit value is updated in the mediation device 400a when the temperature set in the thermostat 30a falls.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the timer unit 403 measures time each time a change in the Y1 signal is detected by the detection unit 404a. When the change in the Y1 signal is detected, the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e stores the suction temperature value acquired when the Y1 signal changes and the past suction temperature value stored in the suction temperature value storage area 42a. An average value A with the value M is calculated, and the stored value S is compared with the average value A to determine the air conditioning target temperature value.

  If no change in the Y1 signal is detected for 15 minutes after the change in the Y1 signal is detected, the state of the Y1 signal is compared with the state of the thermo signal. If the state of the Y1 signal and the state of the thermo signal match, the process waits until a mismatch occurs. Thereafter, when a change in the Y1 signal is not detected and the state of the Y1 signal and the state of the thermo signal do not match, the indoor unit 20a is instructed to operate at the lower limit according to the state of the thermo signal. At this time, the learning flag is switched from OFF to ON. Thereafter, the suction temperature value acquired when the Y1 signal changes is stored as the learning lower limit value, and the learning flag is switched from ON to OFF. In this way, the learning lower limit value is stored in the limit value storage area 402c, and the next time the lower limit value is transmitted to the indoor unit 20a, the learning lower limit value is transmitted.

  The air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e calculates the average value A, and then the difference between the stored value S stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b and the newly calculated average value A is 0.5 ° C. If it is within the range, the stored value S already stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b is determined as the air conditioning target temperature value. Therefore, the operation based on the air conditioning target temperature value transmitted previously as the set temperature value is maintained in the air conditioner.

<Features>
(1) Similarly to the mediation devices 40a to 40c according to the first embodiment, when the air conditioning target temperature value determination unit 404e calculates the average value A, the mediation devices 400a to 400c according to the present embodiment also calculate the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 402b. The stored value S and the average value A stored in are compared, and only when the difference exceeds 0.5 ° C., the newly calculated average value A is determined as the air conditioning target temperature value, and the air conditioning The target temperature value is designed to be used for controlling the indoor units 20a to 20c. Thereby, since it is not necessary to change temperature frequently in indoor unit 20a-20c, the processing load of an air conditioner can be suppressed.

  (2) In the intermediary devices 40a to 40c according to the present embodiment, the lower limit value of the cooling operation mode and the upper limit value of the heating operation mode stored in the limit value storage area 402c are overwritten by the learning lower limit value or the learning upper limit value. Therefore, the air conditioning target temperature value can be determined again without applying an unnecessary load.

<Modification>
(1) In the first and second embodiments, a multi-type heat pump air conditioner is used, but a single type heat pump air conditioner may be used. Moreover, it is applicable not only to a heat pump type air conditioner but also to other air conditioners as long as it is an air conditioner controlled by an inverter.

  (2) Although the cooling operation has been described as an example in the first and second embodiments, it can be similarly applied to the heating operation. In this case, in the heating operation mode, the upper limit value of the heating operation mode is used instead of the lower limit value used in the cooling operation mode, and the lower limit value of the heating operation mode is used instead of the upper limit value used in the cooling operation mode. Further, in the first embodiment, when the variable A using the absolute value B is calculated in the heating operation mode, the absolute value is subtracted at the timing when the absolute value is added in the cooling operation mode, and the absolute value is calculated in the cooling operation mode. The absolute value is added at the timing of subtraction. As described above, the distinction between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode is determined based on which of the O signal and the B signal is ON.

  Further, by changing the setting, the signal used in the heating operation mode can be used as the heater control signal (W1) instead of the compressor signal (Y1) of the thermostat 30a-30c. That is, the Y1 signal is used in the cooling operation mode, and the W1 signal is used in the heating operation mode.

  Further, the air conditioning target temperature value may be determined using another output signal as shown in FIG.

  (3) In the air conditioning systems according to the first and second embodiments, each of the indoor units 20a-20c may include an individual remote controller. When a remote control is set for the indoor units 20a-20c, the control of the indoor units 20a-20c is either an air conditioning target temperature value based on an output signal from the thermostat 30a-30c or a set temperature value input by an individual remote controller One may be selected. Thereby, a comfortable air-conditioning environment can be realized flexibly.

  (4) The air conditioning target temperature value determined by the method according to the first and second embodiments may be corrected, and the air conditioner may be designed to operate based on the corrected value.

  (5) In the first and second embodiments, it is determined whether or not there is a value (stored value S) stored in the air conditioning target temperature value storage area 42b, 402b, but an initial value (for example, 0) may be given to determine whether or not the stored value S is equal to an initial value (for example, 0).

  (6) In the first and second embodiments, in the intermediary devices 40a-40c and 400a-400c, the air conditioning target temperature value is determined using Celsius (° C.), but instead of Celsius, Fahrenheit (° F) may be used.

  (7) In the air conditioning system 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the intermediary device 40a-40c determines the air conditioning target temperature value using the suction temperature value T detected by the indoor units 20a-20c. 40a-40c and 400a-400c can also determine an air-conditioning target temperature value using the value obtained with the other temperature sensor which indoor unit 20a-20c grasps | ascertains instead of a suction temperature value. For example, the blowout temperature sensor of the indoor units 20a-20c, the temperature sensor of the remote controller connected to each of the indoor units 20a-20c, the remote sensor that is a temperature sensor provided extending from the main body of the indoor units 20a-20c, etc. The air conditioning target temperature can also be determined by using the value obtained by the above.

  (8) In the first embodiment, the absolute value of the difference stored in the absolute value storage area 42c is overwritten by the absolute value every time the calculating unit 44e calculates the absolute value B of the difference, and only the latest absolute value is stored. However, it is also possible to store a plurality of absolute values and use an average value of the plurality of absolute values. Furthermore, it may be an absolute value correction value or an absolute value average correction value.

  (9) The lower limit value of the cooling operation mode and the upper limit value of the heating operation mode transmitted from the intermediary devices 40a-40c according to the first embodiment to the air conditioner are as in the intermediary devices 400a-400c according to the second embodiment. The updated learning lower limit value and learning upper limit value may be used. In other words, when the lower limit value of the cooling operation mode or the upper limit value of the heating operation mode stored in the limit value storage area 42d is transmitted to the air conditioner, it is acquired when a change in the contact point is subsequently detected. It may be overwritten by the suction temperature value.

  (10) In the first and second embodiments, the plurality of thermostats 30a-30c and the plurality of mediation devices 40a-40c, 400a-400c are connected to the indoor units 20a-20c on a one-to-one basis, and the mediation devices 40a-40c, 400a The control signals from the thermostats 30a-30c converted at -400c are sent to one of the indoor units 20a-20c connected to each, thereby performing individual air conditioning. As shown in FIG. One thermostat 30 and one intermediary device 40 may be installed in the property, the control signal from the thermostat 30 may be converted by the intermediary device 40, and the converted control signal may be transmitted to the indoor units 20a-20c. In this case, the thermostat 30 can be used to perform centralized control of the plurality of indoor units 20a-20c. Further, in the air conditioning system in which one thermostat 30 and one intermediary device 40 are provided in the property, as shown in FIG. 15, the control signal from the thermostat 30 is converted by the intermediary device 40, and the converted control signal is converted into the outdoor unit. 10 may be transmitted. Also in this case, the central control of the plurality of indoor units 20a to 20c can be performed using the thermostat 30. In addition, when controlling the several indoor unit 20a-20c with the one thermostat 30, the thermo signal of the indoor unit set as a representative machine is acquired as a thermo signal of the indoor unit 20a-20c.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described based on drawing, a specific structure is not restricted to these embodiment, It can change in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

  The present invention has an effect of providing an environment in which an inverter-controlled air conditioner newly introduced using an existing general-purpose thermostat can be used in order to efficiently realize a comfortable air-conditioning environment. It is useful as an intermediary device, an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method, and an air conditioning control program.

1 is an overview diagram of an air conditioning control system according to a first embodiment. It is an example of the thermostat which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the control signal output from the thermostat which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the mediation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the determination method of the air-conditioning target temperature value of the mediation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the determination method of the air-conditioning target temperature value of the mediation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart of the process performed with the mediation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart of the process performed with the mediation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart of the process performed with the mediation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the mediation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the determination method of the air-conditioning target temperature value of the mediation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the determination method of the air-conditioning target temperature value of the mediation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a timing chart of the process performed with the mediation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an external view of the air-conditioning control system which concerns on the modification (10) of 1st and 2nd embodiment. It is an external view of the air-conditioning control system which concerns on the modification (10) of 1st and 2nd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioning control system 10 Outdoor unit 20a-20c Indoor unit 30a-30c Thermostat (air conditioning interface)
40a-40c, 400a-400c Intermediary device 81, 82 Communication line 88 Refrigerant path

Claims (10)

The air conditioner (10, 20a-20c) and the air conditioning interface are connected to an air conditioning interface (30a-30c) that changes the contact point based on the first room temperature value detected by its own temperature sensor and the set temperature set by itself. An intermediary device (40a-40c, 400a-400c) for air conditioning control that mediates
A detection unit (44a, 404a) for detecting a change in the contact;
A second room temperature value acquisition unit (44d, 404d) for acquiring a second room temperature value detected by the air conditioner;
An air conditioning target temperature value determining unit (44f, 404e) for determining an air conditioning target temperature value of the air conditioner based on the second room temperature value acquired when a change in the contact is detected;
Comprising
Mediation device. The air conditioning target temperature value is a first target value determined using an average value of two second room temperature values acquired at the time of the change of the contact point detected continuously.
The mediation apparatus according to claim 1. A calculation unit (44e) for calculating a difference between the air conditioning target temperature value and the second room temperature value acquired when a change in the contact is detected;
The air conditioning target temperature value is a second target value determined using the difference.
The intermediary device according to claim 1 or 2. The second target value is an addition value obtained by adding the difference to the second room temperature value acquired when the change of the contact is detected, and the difference from the second room temperature value acquired when the change of the contact is detected. It is one of a subtracted value reduced and a correction value of the added value or the subtracted value.
The intermediary device according to claim 3. A transmission unit (44h) for transmitting an air conditioning stop command to the air conditioner or a temperature limit value for operating the air conditioner;
The air conditioning target temperature value determination unit determines the second target value as the air conditioning target temperature value after the air conditioning stop command or the limit value is transmitted.
The intermediary device according to claim 3 or 4. The limit value is overwritten by a second room temperature value acquired when a change in the contact is detected after being transmitted to the air conditioner.
The intermediary device according to claim 5. A transmission unit (404g) for transmitting an air conditioning stop command or a temperature limit value for operating the air conditioner to the air conditioner;
The limit value is overwritten by a second room temperature value acquired when a change in the contact is detected after the air conditioning stop command or the limit value is transmitted to the air conditioner.
The intermediary device according to claim 2. An intermediary device (40a-40c, 400a-400c) according to claim 1,
The air conditioning interface (30a-30c) through which the connection with the air conditioner is mediated by the intermediary device;
The air conditioner (10, 20a-20c) for performing air conditioning control based on the air conditioning target temperature value transmitted from the intermediary device;
An air conditioning control system. To control the air conditioners (10, 20a-20c) using the air conditioning interface (30a-30c) that changes the contact point based on the first room temperature value detected by its own temperature sensor and the set temperature set by itself. Air conditioning control method,
A first step of detecting a change in the contact;
A second step of obtaining a second room temperature value detected by the air conditioner;
A third step of determining an air conditioning target temperature value of the air conditioner based on the second room temperature value acquired when a change in the contact is detected;
An air conditioning control method comprising: To control the air conditioners (10, 20a-20c) using the air conditioning interface (30a-30c) that changes the contact point based on the first room temperature value detected by its own temperature sensor and the set temperature set by itself. Air conditioning control program
A first step of detecting a change in the contact;
A second step of obtaining a second room temperature value detected by the air conditioner;
A third step of determining an air conditioning target temperature value of the air conditioner based on the second room temperature value acquired when a change in the contact is detected;
Air conditioning control program for causing a computer to execute.

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