JP2012202662A - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioning system managing and controlling a plurality of air conditioning groups by easily taking over the setting of the air conditioning group of the previous indoor unit in replacing the indoor unit.SOLUTION: A setting CPU 71 of a remote controller 50 implements automatic address processing for automatically assigning a remote controller unit number to the indoor unit. A remote controller memory 72 stores the air conditioning group received from a user in accordance with the remote controller unit number. Indoor memories 21b, 22b, ... store self-remote controller unit numbers. The setting CPU 71 manages and controls the indoor unit of each group while confirming the remote controller unit numbers of the indoor memories 21 b, 22b. The setting CPU 71 makes the updated indoor unit having the updated indoor memory to which the remote controller unit number is not given take over the remote controller unit number and the air conditioning group of the previous indoor unit when confirming the updating of the indoor unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning system.

  Conventionally, in an installation with a plurality of air conditioners, an air conditioning system that controls and manages a plurality of air conditioners provided in a specific area to be air-conditioned as belonging to the same air conditioner group It has been known.

  In the case of controlling and managing such an air conditioning system, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-257296) describes a specific air conditioning group to be controlled and managed from a plurality of air conditioning groups. A centralized management device capable of making a selection is described.

  In an air conditioning system that is controlled and managed by the centralized management device described above, an existing indoor unit is replaced with a new one, such as when an indoor unit of a plurality of indoor units breaks down or is updated to a new version of the indoor unit. May be replaced with indoor unit.

  In this case, the installation position of the indoor unit newly installed by replacement is the same as the installation position of the indoor unit installed before the replacement. For this reason, when a change in the air conditioning group is not required on the user side, the remote controller or the like is made to grasp the newly installed indoor unit so that it belongs to the same air conditioning group as the previously installed indoor unit. Setting operation is required. By performing such a setting operation, control and management for each air conditioning group can be executed for newly installed indoor units in the same manner as indoor units that have been previously installed.

  In such a case, when replacing the indoor unit, it is difficult to grasp what information needs to be assigned to the newly installed indoor unit, or the air conditioning is appropriately performed after completing the setting operation. Checking whether or not group setting is performed may be complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the problem of the present invention is that when an indoor unit is replaced in an air conditioning system in which management and control are performed for a plurality of air conditioning groups, An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of easily taking over settings related to an air conditioning group of an indoor unit.

  The air conditioning system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of indoor units and a remote controller. Each of the plurality of indoor units has an indoor memory. The remote control includes a processing unit, a remote control memory, and a reception unit. The processing unit performs automatic identification processing that automatically assigns identification information for distinguishing each of the indoor units connected to be communicable. The remote control memory stores air conditioning group information indicating the air conditioning group to which each indoor unit belongs in association with the specific information. The reception unit can receive setting or changing of the specific information and the air conditioning group information. The indoor memory stores the latest specific information assigned to itself. The processing unit manages the indoor units for each air conditioning group based on the specific information stored in the indoor memory and the air conditioning group information stored in the remote control memory. When the processing unit confirms that one of the plurality of indoor units has been updated to an update indoor unit having an indoor memory in which specific information has not yet been stored (hereinafter may be referred to as an update indoor memory). In addition, among the specific information stored in the remote control memory, the update specific information that is specific information assigned to the indoor unit for which the specific information cannot be confirmed is stored in association with the update specific information in the remote control memory. Both the updated air conditioning group information, which is the air conditioning group information being assigned, are allocated to the updated indoor unit.

  The processing when the processing unit confirms that one of the plurality of indoor units has been updated to the updated indoor unit is not particularly limited. For example, the processing unit may assign both the update specification information and the update air conditioning group information to the update indoor unit without performing automatic specification processing for the update indoor unit, or automatically specify the update indoor unit. After the processing is performed, both the update specific information and the updated air conditioning group information may be overwritten by assigning them to the update indoor unit.

  In this air conditioning system, when a system is constructed by connecting a remote controller to an indoor unit, the processing unit of the remote controller automatically assigns specific information that distinguishes each indoor unit to each indoor unit. Automatic identification processing can be performed.

  Here, regarding the air conditioning system once constructed, even when one of the plurality of indoor units is updated to the updated indoor unit, if the processing unit performs automatic identification processing, The specific information different from the specific information of the indoor unit before the update may be automatically assigned. In this case, even for the updated indoor unit, even if the user wishes to continue the same group control and group management as before, by belonging to the same air conditioning group as the previous indoor unit. Since the unintended specific information is assigned to the update indoor unit, there is a possibility that the update indoor unit cannot belong to the air conditioning group as desired by the user.

  On the other hand, in the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, in the case of the air conditioning system once constructed, when one of the plurality of indoor units is updated to the updated indoor unit, the processing unit performs automatic identification processing. Without performing the process, the processing unit can easily take over the settings related to the previous air conditioning group of the indoor unit to the updated indoor unit.

  In the air conditioning system according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, the processing unit compares the latest information acquired from the communicably connected indoor units with old information before that. Thus, it is confirmed that one of the plurality of indoor units has been updated to the updated indoor unit.

  In this air conditioning system, the processing unit compares the latest information acquired from the communicably connected indoor units with the old information stored in the remote control memory, so that one of the plurality of indoor units is stored. It can be confirmed that the table has been updated to the updated indoor unit.

  An air conditioning system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to the second aspect, wherein the indoor memory and the updated indoor memory store their own model information and / or their own horsepower information. The processing unit includes one update indoor unit having an update indoor memory in which the number of communicably connected indoor units indicated by the latest information matches the number of indoor units indicated by the old information, and the specific information is not yet stored. If the stored model information and / or own horsepower information matches between the indoor memory and the updated indoor memory of the indoor unit for which specific information cannot be confirmed. Confirm that one of the units has been updated to an updated indoor unit.

  In this air conditioning system, the processing unit determines whether one of the plurality of indoor units has been updated to the updated indoor unit by determining whether or not each condition is satisfied. For this reason, first, the processing unit confirms that the number of indoor units connected to be communicable indicated by the latest information matches the number of indoor units indicated by the old information. It is possible to identify the case where the number of newly installed indoor units is the same as the number of newly installed indoor units. For example, it is possible to eliminate the case where a new indoor unit is simply added without removing the old indoor unit. it can. In addition, the processing unit confirms that there is only one update indoor unit having an update indoor memory in which specific information is not yet stored, so that one indoor unit is replaced with one update indoor unit. The case can be specified, and the case where a plurality of indoor units are replaced at a time can be eliminated. Further, the processing unit checks whether the stored model information and / or own horsepower information matches between the indoor memory and the updated indoor memory of the indoor unit for which the specific information cannot be confirmed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the model configuration and / or the horsepower configuration of the air conditioning system from being changed. As described above, erroneous setting when replacing the indoor unit can be prevented while maintaining the model configuration and / or the horsepower configuration of the air conditioning system.

  In the air conditioning system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning system according to the third aspect, the remote control memory is configured to store the model information and / or horsepower information acquired from the indoor memory with the latest identification assigned to the indoor memory. Stored in correspondence with information. The remote control further has a notification unit. When the model information and / or horsepower information stored in association with the update specific information does not match the model information and / or horsepower information stored in the update room memory, the processing unit notifies the notification unit. Let As a case where they do not match, it may be determined whether or not only the model information is matched, or may be determined whether or not only the horsepower information is matched. In addition, it may be determined whether or not both the model information and the horsepower information match, and in that case, if at least one of them does not match, the notification is given, or both do not match The notification may be made only in the case. The mode of notification here is not particularly limited, and includes modes such as notification by audio output, notification by visual display output, and notification by both of these.

  In this air conditioning system, when the model and / or horsepower of the indoor unit newly prepared for replacement does not match the model and / or horsepower of the indoor unit before replacement, the notification unit notifies. For this reason, the user can grasp | ascertain that the indoor unit which does not adapt to an air conditioning system is connected.

  In the air conditioning system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the settings related to the previous air conditioning group of the indoor unit can be easily taken over.

  In the air conditioning system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the treatment unit can confirm that one of the plurality of indoor units has been updated to the updated indoor unit.

  In the air conditioning system according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous setting when replacing the indoor unit while maintaining the model configuration and / or the horsepower configuration of the air conditioning system.

  In the air conditioning system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the user can grasp that an indoor unit that does not conform to the air conditioning system is connected.

It is a schematic structure figure of an air-conditioning system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block block diagram of the air conditioning system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the content of the data which the indoor memory of the indoor unit has stored. It is an external view of the air-conditioning controller which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the content of the belonging air-conditioning group table which the remote control memory has stored. It is a figure which shows the content of the connection number information which the remote control memory has stored. It is a figure which shows the first half part of the room information table which remote control memory was stored last time. It is a figure which shows the second half part of the room information table which remote control memory stored previously. It is a flowchart, such as data processing performed when an air-conditioning system is constructed. It is a flowchart, such as a data process performed when an indoor unit is updated. It is a figure which shows the content of the data which the update indoor memory of the update indoor unit has stored. It is a block block diagram of the updated air conditioning system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the first half part of the indoor information table currently stored in the remote control memory. It is a figure which shows the second half part of the indoor information table currently stored in the remote control memory.

  Hereinafter, one embodiment of an air-conditioning system of the present invention is described based on a drawing.

<1> Overall Schematic Configuration FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 100.

  The air conditioning system 100 of the present embodiment includes two refrigerant systems A, B,... And a plurality of air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,. Various controls are performed.

(1-1) Refrigerant systems A and B The air conditioning system 100 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerant system A including a refrigerant circuit 10a in which a refrigerant circulates through the compressor of the outdoor unit 1, and compression of the outdoor unit 2. The refrigerant system B includes the refrigerant circuit 10b in which the refrigerant circulates through the machine, and another refrigerant system (not shown).

  The refrigerant system A includes an outdoor unit 1, an indoor unit 21, an indoor unit 22, an indoor unit 23, an indoor unit 24, and an indoor unit 25. The outdoor unit 1 is provided with a compressor (not shown), an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor fan, a four-way switching valve, an outdoor control board, and the like. Each indoor unit 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 is provided with an indoor expansion valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an indoor control board, and the like (not shown). The refrigerant circuit 10a of the refrigerant system A includes the compressor of the outdoor unit 1, the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor expansion valve, the four-way switching valve, the indoor heat exchanger of each indoor unit 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and the indoor expansion. It is configured by connecting a valve or the like via a refrigerant pipe.

  The refrigerant system B is a refrigerant system provided independently of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant system A, and includes the outdoor unit 2, the indoor unit 31, the indoor unit 32, and the indoor unit 33. The outdoor unit 2 is provided with a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, an outdoor fan, a four-way switching valve, an outdoor control board, and the like (not shown). Each indoor unit 31, 32, 33 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an indoor control board, etc. (not shown). The refrigerant circuit 10b of the refrigerant system B includes a refrigerant in the outdoor unit 2 such as a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, a four-way switching valve, an indoor heat exchanger in each of the indoor units 31, 32, and 33, and an indoor expansion valve. It is configured by being connected via piping.

  Other refrigerant systems (not shown) are also configured independently from the refrigerant systems A and B.

(1-2) About air-conditioning groups G1, G2, G3... G7 The indoor units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, and 33 of the air-conditioning system 100 of the present embodiment include the air-conditioning group G1 and the air-conditioning It is divided into a group G2, an air conditioning group G3, and other air conditioning groups G4, G5, G6, and G7 (not shown).

  The indoor units 21, 22, and 23 belong to the air conditioning group G1. The indoor units 21 belonging to the air conditioning group G1 are parent devices of the air conditioning group G1, and the other indoor units 22 and 23 are child devices of the air conditioning group G1, respectively.

  The indoor units 24 and 25 belong to the air conditioning group G2. The indoor unit 24 belonging to the air conditioning group G2 is a master unit of the air conditioning group G2, and the other indoor unit 25 is a slave unit of the air conditioning group G2.

  The indoor units 31, 32, and 33 belong to the air conditioning group G3. The indoor unit 31 belonging to the air conditioning group G3 is a parent device of the air conditioning group G3, and the other indoor units 32 and 33 are child devices of the air conditioning group G3.

  In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the other air-conditioning groups G4, G5, G6, and G7.

(1-3) About the air conditioning controller 50 and a transmission line The air conditioning system 100 performs various control by the air conditioning controller 50 which a user operates.

  A transmission line extends from the air conditioning controller 50 and is communicably connected to the indoor control boards of the indoor units 21, 24, 31... That are the master units of the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3. Has been.

  The indoor control boards of the indoor units 22, 23, 25, 32, and 33 that are slave units belonging to the air conditioning groups G1, G2, and G3 are the parent units of the air conditioning groups G1, G2, and G3 to which they belong respectively. It is connected to an indoor control board of a certain indoor unit 21, 24, 31 via a transmission line so as to be communicable.

  Depending on the connection form of such transmission lines, the indoor units 21 to 25 and 31 to 33 are controlled in accordance with the setting conditions for each air conditioning group. That is, the operation instruction issued from the air conditioning controller 50 is first transmitted to the indoor control board of the parent unit of the target air conditioning group, and then each of the indoor control boards of the slave units belonging to the air conditioning group of the parent unit. Is instructed to move in the same manner as the base unit's indoor control board. Thereby, each air-conditioning group G1, G2, G3... G7 of the air-conditioning system 100 is controlled in accordance with the setting conditions for each group.

<2> Detailed Configuration of Indoor Units 21, 22... FIG. 2 is a system block configuration diagram showing a part of the air conditioning system 100. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted except indoor unit 21 and 22, here, each content structure is the same.

  The indoor unit 21 includes an indoor CPU 21a, an indoor memory 21b, and an indoor communication unit 21c. Similarly, the indoor unit 22 has an indoor CPU 22a, an indoor memory 22b, and an indoor communication unit 22c.

  Here, the indoor unit 21 will be mainly described, but the same applies to other indoor units.

  The indoor CPU 21a allows the indoor communication unit 21c to communicate with the remote controller 50 or the like, thereby obtaining information on air conditioning processing or accepting remote controller unit number assignment processing described later. The indoor CPU 21a stores the remote control unit number assigned from the remote controller 50 in the indoor memory 21b. As shown in FIG. 3, the indoor memory 21b stores information indicating the model code of the indoor unit 21 and information indicating horsepower from the beginning of manufacture of the indoor unit 21, and the assigned remote control unit. Stores information associated with numbers. Note that at the beginning of the manufacture of the indoor unit 21, the remote control unit number is not assigned, and is assigned by communication from the remote controller 50 after the air conditioning system 100 is configured. The remote control unit number assigned in this way can be changed by the user operating the remote control 50, and a new remote control unit number is assigned by communication each time it is changed, and the memory in the indoor memory 21b is assigned. Is always overwritten with the latest remote control unit number.

<3> Detailed Configuration of Air Conditioning Controller 50 FIG. 4 is an external configuration diagram of the air conditioning controller 50.

  The air conditioning controller 50 includes a setting unit 60 and a group selection unit 80. The setting unit 60 receives a setting input for any one of the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,... G7 selected by the group selection unit 80. The setting unit 60 and the group selection unit 80 are integrally covered with a resin casing 50a.

(3-1) Setting Unit 60 The setting unit 60 includes a liquid crystal display unit 61, an operation switching button 62, an air volume / air direction button 63, an operation stop button 64, a cancel button 65, a cross key 66, a confirmation button 67, a setting board 70, And it has the alerting | reporting part 99. FIG.

  The liquid crystal display unit 61 displays and outputs various information in response to a command from the setting board 70.

  The operation switching button 62 sets an instruction to cause the selected air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,... G7 to perform operation switching such as cooling operation, heating operation, and air blowing operation when pressed by the user. The substrate 70 is received.

  The air volume / air direction button 63 causes the setting board 70 to accept an instruction to set the air volume and the air direction in the selected air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,. As for the air volume, any one of the four levels of air volume is accepted. As for the wind direction, any one of the three stages of flap inclination angles or a swing state for rotating the flap is accepted.

  The operation stop button 64 causes the setting board 70 to accept an instruction to start operation or an instruction to stop operation in the selected air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,.

  When the cancel button 65 is pressed by the user, the setting board 70 receives an instruction to cancel the contents being set or to return to the previous screen display (in the upper hierarchy).

  The cross key 66 includes an upper key 66u, a lower key 66d, a left key 66l, and a right key 66r. When pressed by the user, the setting board 70 receives the following instructions. That is, when the upper key 66u is pressed, the setting board 70 receives an instruction to move the cursor upward or increase the setting value. When the down key 66d is pressed, the setting board 70 receives an instruction to move the cursor downward or to decrease the setting value. When the left key 66l is pressed, the setting board 70 receives an instruction to move the cursor to the left or to shift to the setting screen for the selected item (to shift to a lower-level screen). When the right key 66r is pressed, the setting board 70 receives an instruction to move the cursor to the right or to move from the selected setting screen to the previous screen (transition to a screen one level higher).

  When the user presses the confirm button 67, the screen shifts to a screen on which settable menu items are displayed, and a function for accepting settings related to air-conditioning processing from the user and execution of contents input by the user are performed. The function to be confirmed is assigned. For example, when the menu item is displayed on the screen by pressing the confirm button 67, the user can select the menu item by operating the cross key 66 and moving the cursor. When the confirm button 67 is pressed with the cursor positioned, the menu item where the cursor is located is selected, the user inputs specific contents using the cross key 66 or the like, and the confirm button is again entered. By pressing 67, the specific contents of the air conditioning process can be input and accepted by the setting board 70. As menu items for such air conditioning processing, for example, “change of set temperature”, “time setting of timer function” and the like are provided.

  The notification unit 99 is instructed by the setting CPU 71 to emit a buzzer sound in a specific case described later, and notifies the user and the like.

  The setting board 70 has a setting CPU 71 that performs various processes, and setting conditions for each of the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,... G7 (for example, a set temperature, a set wind direction, a set air volume, etc. inputted by the user as an air conditioning process) Information), status information for each air conditioning group G1, G2, G3... G7 (for example, information such as temperature of the air conditioning target space), belonging air conditioning group table, connected number information, indoor information table, etc. A setting communication unit 73 for communicating between the memory 72 and the indoor control board of the parent unit of each of the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3... G7 and for communicating with the group selection board 90 ,have.

  The setting CPU 71 sets the air conditioning group setting information and the air conditioning received when the operation switching button 62, the air volume / air direction button 63, the operation stop button 64, the cancel button 65, the cross key 66, and the confirm button 67 are pressed. An instruction for processing is stored in the remote control memory 72, and a setting communication unit is set via a transmission line toward the indoor control board of the parent unit of the selected air conditioning group among the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3. 73 is transmitted. In this way, the indoor control board of the master unit that has received an instruction from the setting communication unit 73 of the setting board 70 directs the transmission line to the indoor control board of the slave unit belonging to the same air conditioning group. Send through. As a result, the indoor control boards belonging to the same air conditioning group receive the same air conditioning processing instruction, and control and management for each air conditioning group can be performed from the air conditioning controller 50. The setting CPU 71 communicates with the indoor control board of the indoor unit using the setting communication unit 73, acquires information on the temperature of the air-conditioning target space at the present time, and stores the information in the remote control memory 72. I will update the information I am doing.

  As will be described later, when the air conditioning system 100 is constructed by connecting the outdoor units 1 and 2, the indoor units 21-25..., The remote controller 50, etc., the setting CPU 71 automatically addresses each indoor unit. Perform processing (automatic identification processing). In this automatic address processing, the remote control unit number (specific information) for distinguishing the indoor units for each of the indoor units that are connected so as to be communicable with each other when the air conditioning system 100 is constructed. Is a process of automatically assigning. The remote control unit number is information that is assigned so as to correspond to the indoor unit on a one-to-one basis without overlapping, and is also held in the indoor unit.

  The setting CPU 71 performs a process of accepting the setting of the air conditioning group selected by the user for each indoor unit by operating the cross key 66 or the confirmation button 67 of the remote controller 50 by the user, and further, changing the set contents Process to accept. Specifically, processing for setting an indoor unit to which a specific remote control unit number is assigned to belong to an air conditioning group desired by the user, and processing for changing the setting are performed.

  Thus, for each indoor unit, the corresponding remote control unit number and the air conditioning group to which it belongs are associated with each other and stored in the remote control memory 72 as a belonging air conditioning group table as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the remote controller memory 72 stores connected number information as information indicating the number of indoor units that are communicably connected in the constructed air conditioning system 100 and its history information. . In this embodiment, a case where the total number of indoor units connected to the air conditioning system 100 is 14 is described as an example.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the remote control memory 72 has an indoor information table in which the remote control unit number, model code, and horsepower information are associated with each indoor unit (0) to (15). Stored. In the remote controller 50 of the present embodiment, the number of indoor units that can be registered is determined to be 16 (16 indoor units (0) to (15)), and the indoor units 21 connected to the air conditioning system 100, Since there are 14 units 22..., The fields of the indoor units (14) and (15) are unused as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the indoor unit 21 corresponds to the indoor unit (1) in the indoor information table, and the indoor unit 22 corresponds to the indoor unit (2) in the indoor information table (the same applies hereinafter). ing.

(3-2) About Group Selection Unit 80 The group selection unit 80 includes an air conditioning group direct selection button 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, a collective operation button 89a, a collective stop button 89b, and an operating display. Part 89c, air-conditioning area display part 80a, light-emitting parts 81a, 82a, 83a, 84a, 85a, 86a, 87a, 88a, and a group selection board 90.

  The air conditioning group direct selection button 81 causes the group selection board 90 to grasp that the air conditioning group G1 has been selected by being pressed by the user. Similarly, when the air conditioning group direct selection buttons 82 to 87 are pressed by the user, the group selection board 90 is made aware that the air conditioning groups G2 to G7 have been selected. Thus, the air conditioning group direct selection buttons 81 to 87 are provided so as to correspond to the air conditioning groups G1 to G7 on a one-to-one basis. Although the air-conditioning group direct selection button 88 is provided in the group selection unit 80 of the air-conditioning controller 50, the air-conditioning group G8 does not exist in the air-conditioning system 100 of the present embodiment. The function to accept is not allocated.

  When the collective operation button 89a is pressed by the user, the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,... G7 are set according to the setting conditions of the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3. -The group selection board | substrate 90 is made to receive the instruction | indication which starts the operation | movement of all the air conditioning groups of G7. In addition, about the air-conditioning group already in the operation state at the time of the collective operation button 89a being pushed, the operation state is continued as it is.

  The collective stop button 89b causes the group selection board 90 to accept an instruction to stop the operation of all the air conditioning groups of the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,.

  The operating display unit 89c is provided in the group selection unit 80, and emits light when any of the air conditioning groups G1, G2, G3,... G7 to be controlled by the air conditioning controller 50 is driven. This is notified to the user.

  The air-conditioning area display unit 80a includes numbers 1 to 8 assigned to the air-conditioning group direct selection buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, and 88 in a one-to-one correspondence, And an air conditioning area entry sheet in which a column for entering the air conditioning area is shown, and a transparent resin cover that covers the air conditioning area sheet. In this embodiment, since there are seven air conditioning groups G1 to G7, the air conditioning area entry sheet next to the numbers 1 to 7 corresponding to the air conditioning group direct selection buttons 81 to 87 on a one-to-one basis. Information specifying the location of each air conditioning area, such as the name of a specific room, is entered.

  The light emitting units 81a, 82a, 83a, 84a, 85a, 86a, 87a, 88a are provided so as to correspond to the air conditioning group direct selection buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 on a one-to-one basis. It is comprised by LED for illuminating the numerical part of the horizontal air-conditioning area entry sheet from the back side. These light emitting portions 81a to 88a are provided inside the casing 50a, and light emission control is performed by the group selection substrate 90.

  The group selection board 90 includes a group CPU 91 that performs various arithmetic processes and a group communication unit 92. The group communication unit 92 instructs the air conditioning group direct selection buttons 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, the collective operation button 89a, and the collective stop button 89b to accept the instructions received Is sent to the setting board 70 via the communication line 95. In addition, the group communication unit 92 receives information from the setting board 70 via the communication line 95 whether or not there is an operating air conditioning group among the air conditioning groups G1, G2, and G3. .

<4> Data Processing when Building Air Conditioning System 100 FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of data processing when building the air conditioning system 100.

  In the air conditioning system 100, the outdoor units 1, 2 and the indoor units 21, 22... Are brought into the construction site and the refrigerant system is connected, and the outdoor units 1, 2, the indoor units 21, 22. The following data processing is performed as an initial setting when 50 is connected to be communicable.

  In step S11, first, the air conditioning system 100 is constructed as described above by a service engineer. At this stage, a remote control unit number is not assigned to each indoor unit, and only the model code and horsepower information are stored in the indoor memory of each indoor unit.

  In step S <b> 12, the setting CPU 71 performs automatic address processing on indoor units that are communicably connected in the air conditioning system 100 and assigns remote control unit numbers. In this automatic address processing, the setting CPU 71 automatically assigns vacant remote control unit numbers to each indoor unit in ascending order.

  In step S13, the indoor CPUs 21a and 22a store the remote control unit numbers assigned to them in the indoor memories 21b and 22b.

  In step S14, the setting CPU 71 communicates the remote control unit number, model code, and horsepower information stored in the indoor memories 21b, 22b,... Of each indoor unit 21, 22. Get by. Then, the setting CPU 71 creates a room information table as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and stores it in the remote control memory 72.

  In step S15, the setting CPU 71 accepts an air conditioning group setting process when the user operates the cross key 66 or the confirm button 67 of the remote controller 50.

  In step S <b> 16, the setting CPU 71 creates an assigned air conditioning group table as shown in FIG. 5 according to the input from the user in step S <b> 15 and stores it in the remote control memory 72.

  In step S17, the setting CPU 71 confirms the remote control unit number stored in the indoor memory of each indoor unit by regular communication (while confirming the presence / absence of the indoor unit as an object to which the instruction is transmitted), Control and management for each air conditioning group is performed based on the information table and the assigned air conditioning group table.

<5> Data Processing at the Time of Updating the Air Conditioning System 100 FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of data processing at the time of updating the air conditioning system 100.

  Next, for the air conditioning system 100 that has been constructed and has undergone the above data processing, one indoor unit to be removed due to a failure or the like (hereinafter also referred to as “removed indoor unit”) is replaced with a newly prepared indoor unit ( Hereinafter, data processing in the case of replacement with an “updated indoor unit” may be described below.

  Hereinafter, as an example of the update in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a case where the indoor unit 22 is removed as a “removed indoor unit” and a new indoor unit 122 is attached as an “updated indoor unit” will be described. . Similarly to the indoor unit 22 described above, the indoor unit 122 includes an indoor CPU 122a and an indoor communication unit 122c. The indoor unit 122 includes an indoor memory 122b. The indoor memory 122b has not yet been assigned a remote control unit number and is not set, and stores only model code and horsepower information. Has been.

  In step S21, first, the “removed indoor unit” in which a failure or the like has occurred is removed by a service engineer so that communication in the air conditioning system 100 becomes impossible.

  In step S <b> 22, the newly prepared “updated indoor unit” is attached by a service engineer so that communication in the air conditioning system 100 is possible.

  In step S23, the setting CPU 71 is removed in step S21 by being disconnected in step S21, triggered by the connection of an “updated indoor unit” and an indoor unit having an indoor memory whose remote controller unit number is not set. An indoor unit whose number cannot be confirmed is identified as a “removed indoor unit”. Then, the setting CPU 71 specifies the remote control unit number, model code, and horsepower information assigned to the specified “removed indoor unit” with reference to the indoor information table. Specifically, as shown in the indoor information table of FIG. 7, the remote control unit number, model code, and horsepower information for the indoor unit (1) corresponding to the indoor unit 22 are specified.

  In step S24, the setting CPU 71 identifies an indoor unit having an indoor memory that has not been stored as a remote control unit number as an “updated indoor unit”. Here, as described above, since the setting CPU 71 confirms the remote control unit number stored in the indoor memory of each indoor unit by periodic communication, the “update indoor unit” is attached in step S24. In this case, the “update indoor unit” can be identified immediately.

  Note that the setting CPU 71 newly identifies the total number of indoor units that are communicably connected in the air conditioning system 100 when the “updated indoor unit” is newly connected, and the connection stored in the remote control memory 72. Overwrite the number information. Here, although one indoor unit was removed in step S21, since one indoor unit was newly attached in step S22, the total number remains unchanged at 14. If two or more indoor units are added in step S22, the total number changes to a value of 14 or more.

  Further, the setting CPU 71 reads out the model code and the horsepower information stored in the update indoor memory 122b provided in the “update indoor unit” when the “update indoor unit” is newly connected. Stored in the remote control memory 72.

  In step S25, the “updated indoor unit” is newly connected to be communicable in the air conditioning system 100 in step S24, but the setting CPU 71 does not perform automatic address processing as in the construction of the air conditioning system 100. Then, it is determined whether or not the update continuation condition is satisfied. Specifically, the setting CPU 71 determines that (i) the number of connected units stored in the remote controller memory 72 matches the previous indoor unit connected number and the current indoor unit connected number, and (ii) the remote control unit. No number is stored and there is only one indoor unit having an unset indoor memory. (Iii) Model code stored in association with “removed indoor unit” in the indoor information table The three conditions of (i) to (iii) are determined that the information on the horsepower matches the model code and the horsepower information on the “update indoor unit” read in step S24. If it is determined that the update continuation condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S26. If it is determined that the update continuation condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S28 to notify the user that the update continuation condition is not satisfied. Moreover, the setting CPU 71 causes the notification unit 99 to output a buzzer sound, and ends the update process described in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In step S <b> 26, the setting CPU 71 assigns the remote control unit number assigned to “removed indoor unit” in the indoor information table as the remote control unit number of “update indoor unit” and stores it in the indoor memory 122 b of the indoor unit 122. Then, you can take over the remote control unit number. Further, the setting CPU 71 updates the room information table as shown in FIGS. Here, the removal of the indoor unit 22 (corresponding to the indoor unit (1) in the indoor information table) corresponding to the “removed indoor unit” means that the remote control unit for the indoor unit (1) in the indoor information table of FIG. The number, model code, and horsepower information are all not set (“not set”), and the update is reflected. Further, the remote control unit number, model code, and horsepower information assigned to the indoor unit 122 corresponding to the “update indoor unit” were vacant in the indoor units (0) to (15) columns of the indoor information table. The update is reflected by overwriting each value in the column of the indoor unit (14).

  In step S27, as in step S17, the setting CPU 71 checks the remote controller unit numbers stored in the indoor memory and the updated indoor memory of each indoor unit through periodic communication while checking the remote controller unit numbers in the indoor information table and the assigned air conditioning group table. Based on the control and management of each air conditioning group. Here, for the indoor unit 122 newly connected to the air conditioning system 100, the setting CPU 71 recognizes that the remote control unit number is “1” based on the indoor information table, and refers to the belonging air conditioning group table. Therefore, control and management for each air conditioning group is performed as belonging to the air conditioning group G1.

<6> Features of the air conditioning system 100 In the air conditioning system 100 that is controlled and managed for each air conditioning group of the above embodiment, the remote controller unit number is set by performing automatic address processing on each indoor unit when the air conditioning system 100 is constructed. Allocation work is being done.

  Here, even if one indoor unit is subsequently updated for the air conditioning system 100 once constructed, if the automatic address processing is performed, the “removable room” in the above embodiment is applied to the indoor unit. There is a possibility that a remote control unit number different from the remote control unit number of “unit” is automatically assigned. If the user wishes to continue the same air conditioning group control and management as before, with the updated indoor unit belonging to the same air conditioning group as the previous indoor unit. Even if the unintended remote control unit number is automatically assigned to the updated indoor unit, the air conditioning group control and management as desired by the user may not be performed.

  On the other hand, in the air conditioning system 100 of the above embodiment, when one of the indoor units is replaced / updated due to a failure or the like, the setting CPU 71 does not perform the automatic address setting, but the remote control memory of the remote controller 50. A process of automatically taking over the previous remote control unit number stored in 72 is performed. As a result, the user can reduce the burden required for the work of checking the remote control unit number in advance for the update and the work of setting the remote control unit number after the update, etc. The settings can be easily transferred to the updated indoor unit.

  In addition, since the remote control unit number of the previous indoor unit can be automatically taken over as it is, it is possible to prevent erroneous settings and prevent forgetting to set.

  Further, as the update continuation condition, the number of connected indoor units removed by requesting that the number of connected units stored in the remote control memory 72, which is the condition of (i), be the same between the previous time and the current time is requested. Only when the number of indoor units installed in the unit matches and the system configuration has not changed significantly, the setting information about the air conditioning group can be taken over, and the same control as the previous air conditioning group control can be performed. Even if it is done, problems can be prevented.

  Further, as the update continuation condition, the remote control unit number that is the condition of (ii) is not stored, and it is requested that there is only one indoor unit having an unset indoor memory. Only when one indoor unit is replaced with one updated indoor unit, the setting information regarding the air conditioning group can be taken over, and the case where a plurality of indoor units are replaced at one time is eliminated. Can do.

  Furthermore, as an update continuation condition, by requesting the coincidence of the model code and horsepower information, which is the condition of (iii), only when the system model configuration and the horsepower configuration are the same, the setting information regarding the air conditioning group is displayed. It is possible to take over, and the case where the model configuration or horsepower configuration of the system is changed can be eliminated.

<7> Other embodiments (7-1)
In the above embodiment, the case where the update continuation condition is that the three conditions (i) to (iii) are superimposed is described as an example.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the update continuation condition may be one that does not require the condition (i) of the three conditions (i) to (iii), The condition (ii) may not be required, or the condition (iii) may not be required.

(7-2)
In the above embodiment, the case where each communication is performed via a transmission line has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, even in a system configuration capable of wireless communication Good.

  The air conditioning system of the present invention is particularly useful, for example, when used as a system that performs management for each of a plurality of air conditioning groups.

21-33 Indoor unit 21b, 22b ... Indoor memory 50 Air-conditioning controller 66 Cross key (reception part)
67 Confirm button (reception part)
70 Setting Board 71 Setting CPU (Processing Unit)
72 Remote control memory 95 Communication line 99 Notification unit 100 Air conditioning system 122 Update indoor unit 122b Indoor memory G1 to G7 Air conditioning group

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-257296

Claims (4)

A plurality of indoor units (21, 22 ...) having indoor memories (21b, 22b ...),
A processing unit (71) for performing automatic identification processing for automatically assigning identification information for distinguishing each of the indoor units (21, 22...) Connected to be communicable;
A remote control memory (72) for storing air-conditioning group information indicating the air-conditioning group to which each of the indoor units (21, 22...) Belongs, in association with the specific information; and
Reception units (66, 67) capable of receiving setting or changing of the specific information and the air conditioning group information
A remote control (50) having:
With
The indoor memory (21b, 22b...) Stores the latest specific information assigned to itself,
The processing unit (71) is configured to generate the indoor unit based on the specific information stored in the indoor memory (21b, 22b...) And the air conditioning group information stored in the remote control memory (72). (21, 22 ...) for each air conditioning group,
The processing unit (71)
Confirm that one of the plurality of indoor units (21, 22...) Has been updated to an update indoor unit (122) having an update indoor memory (122b) in which the specific information is not yet stored. If
Of the specific information stored in the remote control memory (72), the update specific information that is the specific information assigned to the indoor unit (22) for which the specific information cannot be confirmed, and the remote control Both the updated air conditioning group information, which is the air conditioning group information stored in association with the update specific information in the memory (72), are allocated to the updated indoor unit (122).
Air conditioning system (100). The processing unit (71) compares the latest information acquired from the indoor units (21, 22, 31...) Connected so as to be communicable with old information before that to obtain the plurality of indoor units. Confirm that one of the units (21, 22, 31...) Has been updated to the update indoor unit (122).
The air conditioning system according to claim 1. The indoor memory (21b, 22b...) And the updated indoor memory (122b) store own model information and / or own horsepower information,
The processing unit (71)
The number of indoor units (21, 122...) That are communicably connected indicated by the latest information and the number of indoor units (21, 22...) Indicated by the old information match.
There is only one update indoor unit (122) having an update indoor memory (122m) in which the specific information is not yet stored,
The own model information and / or the own horsepower stored between the indoor memory (21b) and the updated indoor memory (122b) of the indoor unit (22) for which the specific information cannot be confirmed. If the information matches,
Confirm that one of the plurality of indoor units (21, 22...) Has been updated to the updated indoor unit (122).
The air conditioning system according to claim 2. The remote control memory (72) has the latest model information and / or horsepower information acquired from the indoor memory (21b, 22b...) Assigned to the indoor memory (21b, 22b...). In correspondence with the specific information of
The remote control (50) further includes a notification unit (99),
The processor (71) is configured to store the model information and / or the horsepower information stored in association with the update specific information, the model information stored in the update indoor memory (122b) and / or the If it does not match the horsepower information, the notifying unit (99) is informed.
The air conditioning system according to claim 3.

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