JP4260575B2 - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, and more particularly to an air conditioning system suitable for group control of a plurality of air conditioners.

  Patent Literature 1 describes an air conditioning system that performs group control of a plurality of air conditioners. This air conditioning system includes a plurality of air conditioners and one central control device connected to these air conditioners. The plurality of air conditioners are classified into groups. In this air conditioning system, group control is performed as follows. The central control apparatus serially transmits communication data including a group number and operation details. Upon receiving this communication data, each air conditioner operates in accordance with the operation content included in the communication data when the group number included in the communication data is the same as the group number to which the air conditioner belongs.

By such group control, the air conditioners belonging to the same group can be operated with the same operation content.
Japanese Patent No. 3115652

  However, the group control described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. First, when a large number of air conditioners belong to one group, if any one of the air conditioners belonging to that group has failed or the power is turned off, group control cannot be performed properly. .

  In addition, all the air conditioners receive communication data transmitted from the centralized control device, and a communication device for determining whether or not the group number included in the communication data is the same as the number of the group to which the air conditioner belongs Must be provided. However, the hardware and software of such communication devices are large and complex.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of appropriately performing group control with a simple configuration.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an air conditioner system including two air conditioners, one set as a parent unit and the other set as a child unit. The control circuit that inputs and outputs the serial data, and when the serial data is output from the control circuit, transmits the output serial data to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line. , when receiving the serial data from the other of the air conditioner through the serial signal line, e Bei the serial communication circuit and the operation control device comprising a outputs the received serial data to the control circuit, the operation controller may further control A first switch for setting a circuit for a parent or a child, and the serial communication circuit includes first and second external connection terminals; A first resistor having one end connected to one power source, a second resistor having one end connected to the second power source, a third resistor having one end connected to the third power source, and a control circuit A first photocoupler to which the input end and the other end of the second resistor and the input end of the phototransistor portion are connected, an output end of the control circuit and an output end of the photodiode portion are connected, and a third A second photocoupler in which the other end of the resistor is connected to the input end of the photodiode portion, and the output end of the photodiode portion of the first photocoupler is connected to the input end of the phototransistor portion; When the serial communication circuit is set for a parent or a child and is set for a parent, the first external connection terminal and the other end of the first resistor are connected and set for a child In addition, the photo of the first external connection terminal and the first photocoupler The second switch for connecting the input terminal of the Iode section, and the serial communication circuit is set for the parent or the child, and when set for the parent, the second external connection terminal and the first photocoupler A third switch for connecting the second external connection terminal and the output terminal of the phototransistor portion of the second photocoupler when connected to the input end of the photodiode portion of the second photocoupler The control circuit controls on or off of the phototransistor portion of the second photocoupler according to the bit value of the serial data to be transmitted when serial data is transmitted, and when the serial data is received, the control circuit The phototransistor part of the coupler is controlled to be on.

In addition, the present invention is an air conditioner system including two air conditioners, one of which is a parent unit and the other is a child unit, and each air conditioner controls operation of equipment in the air conditioner. And when the serial data is output from the control circuit, the output serial data is transmitted to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line, and the other is transmitted through the serial signal line. When the serial data is received from the air conditioner, the operation control device includes a serial communication circuit that outputs the received serial data to the control circuit. The operation control device further includes the control circuit for the parent or the child. The serial communication circuit has one end connected to the first and second external connection terminals and the first power source. A first resistor, one end connected to the second power source, a third resistor connected to the third power source at one end, and one end connected to the fourth power source. A first photocoupler connected to the fourth resistor, the input end of the control circuit and the other end of the second resistor, and the input end of the phototransistor portion; and the output end of the control circuit and the photodiode portion The output terminal is connected, the other end of the third resistor is connected to the input terminal of the photodiode section, and the output terminal of the photodiode section of the first photocoupler is connected to the input terminal of the phototransistor section. The first photocoupler, the first and second diodes connected to the input end of the photodiode portion of the first photocoupler, and the output end thereof, the input end of the first diode and the output thereof The end is connected to the second photocap A third diode connected to the output end of the phototransistor portion and the input end thereof, an input end of the second diode connected to the output end thereof, and an output end of the phototransistor portion of the second photocoupler. And the fourth diode to which the input terminal is connected, and the serial communication circuit is set for the parent or the child, and when set for the parent, the first external connection terminal and the first resistor When the other end is connected and set for the child, the second switch for connecting the first external connection terminal and the input end of the second diode and the serial communication circuit for the parent or the child The second external connection terminal and the input terminal of the second diode are connected when set for parent, and the second external connection terminal when set for child A third switch connecting the input end of the first diode; The control circuit controls on or off of the phototransistor portion of the second photocoupler according to the bit value of the serial data to be transmitted when serial data is transmitted, and when the serial data is received, the control circuit The phototransistor part of the coupler is controlled to be on.

  Preferably, in the operation control device for an air conditioner set in the parent unit, the control circuit controls the devices in the parent unit according to the data indicating the operation content input from the outside, and serial data indicating the operation content Is transmitted to the serial communication circuit, which transmits serial data indicating the operation content to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line. In the air conditioner operation control device set in the slave unit, the serial communication The circuit receives serial data indicating the operation content from the other air conditioner through the serial signal line and outputs it to the control circuit. When the serial data indicating the operation content is input, the control circuit receives the input operation The equipment in the child unit is controlled so that the operation is performed according to the contents.

  Preferably, in the operation control device for an air conditioner set in the slave unit, the control circuit is configured such that when serial data indicating the operation content is first input after the power is turned on, the serial data indicating the operation content is input. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of, the operation according to the input operation content is started.

  Preferably, in the operation control device for an air conditioner set in the child unit, when the serial data indicating the operation content is input, the control circuit outputs the serial data indicating the response to the serial communication circuit, and the serial communication circuit Sends the serial data indicating the response to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line, and in the operation control device of the air conditioner set as the parent unit, the control circuit inputs the return of the serial data indicating the operation content If serial data indicating response is not input even after a predetermined time has elapsed after outputting serial data indicating the operation details, it is determined that a serial short error has occurred and the display device displays the serial short error. Serial data indicating the operation details is not input and serial data indicating the operation details is not input. After output of data, when the serial data indicating the response after a predetermined time has not input, it is determined that the serial open error has occurred, causing the display of the serial open error to a display device.

  Preferably, in the operation control device for an air conditioner set in the child unit, when a failure occurs in the child unit, the control circuit outputs serial data representing the failure content to the serial communication circuit, and the serial communication circuit is Serial data representing the failure content is transmitted to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line. In the air conditioner operation control device set in the parent unit, the serial communication circuit sends the serial data representing the failure content to the serial signal line. Is received from the other air conditioner and output to the control circuit. When serial data representing the failure content is input from the serial communication circuit, the control circuit causes the display device to display the failure content.

  Preferably, in the operation control apparatus for the air conditioner set in the parent unit, the control circuit indicates that the compressor is started after a predetermined time when the condition for starting the compressor in the parent unit is satisfied. The serial data is output and the compressor in the parent unit is started after a lapse of a predetermined time. The serial communication circuit transmits serial data indicating that the compressor is started after the lapse of a predetermined time through the serial signal line to the other air conditioner. In the air conditioner operation control apparatus set in the slave unit, the serial communication circuit receives serial data indicating that the compressor is started after a predetermined time from the other air conditioner through the serial signal line. Output to the control circuit, and the control circuit receives serial data indicating that the compressor is started after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the condition for starting the compressor in the child unit is satisfied when the time is input from, the compressor in the child unit is started after the elapse of the time exceeding the predetermined time after the serial data is input. To do.

  Preferably, in the operation control device for an air conditioner set in the child unit, the control circuit is configured such that serial data indicating the operation content is not input from the serial communication circuit even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on. Let automatic operation be performed.

  Preferably, in the operation control apparatus for an air conditioner set in the child unit, the control circuit causes the automatic operation to be performed in response to pressing of an automatic operation switch included in the child unit.

  Preferably, in the operation control device for an air conditioner set in the slave unit, the control circuit is configured to input the current operation mode and input when serial data indicating the operation mode is input from the serial communication circuit during automatic operation. If these operation modes are the same, the operation in that operation mode is continued, and if these operation modes are different, the compressor in the child unit is stopped, After a predetermined time has elapsed after the stop, the operation in the input operation mode is started.

  According to the air conditioning system of the present invention, group control can be performed appropriately with a simple configuration.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Overall configuration of air conditioning system)
FIG. 1 is an external view of an air conditioning system according to the present embodiment. Referring to the figure, this air conditioning system is a group of two air conditioners, and includes a parent unit 100 and a child unit 200.

  The parent unit 100 includes an indoor unit 110 and an outdoor unit 120, and the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120 are connected by a serial signal line 130. Similarly, the child unit 200 includes an indoor unit 210 and an outdoor unit 220, and the indoor unit 210 and the outdoor unit 220 are connected by a serial signal line 230.

  A wired remote controller 400 is connected to the indoor unit 110 of the parent unit 100. FIG. 2 is an external view of the wired remote controller 400. The wired remote control 400 includes a liquid crystal display unit 430 and a driving operation unit 420. The liquid crystal display unit 430 displays all the functions of the air conditioning system, and the functions that are actually in operation are lit and displayed. The driving operation unit 420 is provided with buttons for driving operation.

  The indoor unit 110 of the parent unit 100 and the indoor unit 210 of the child unit 200 are connected by serial signal lines 300 and 310. The indoor unit 110 of the parent unit 100 and the indoor unit 210 of the child unit 200 include operation control devices 160 and 260, respectively.

(Configuration of operation control device)
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the operation control device for the parent unit and the child unit according to the present embodiment. Referring to the figure, operation control device 160 of parent unit 100 includes parent / child setting switch SW2, resistor R4, control circuit 1, and serial communication circuit 150. The serial communication circuit 150 includes photocouplers PC1 and PC2, parent / child changeover switches SW1a and SW1b, external connection terminals T1 and T2, and resistors R1, R2, and R3. The operation control device 160 can be set for either the parent unit or the child unit, but here, it is assumed that it is set for the parent unit.

  The parent / child setting switch SW2 sets the control circuit 1 for the parent when set to the parent side shown in FIG. 3, and the control circuit 1 for the child when set to the child side shown in FIG. Set to.

  The parent / child switch SW1a and SW1b are each a double pole double throw switch. The parent / child changeover switches SW1a and SW1b set the serial communication circuit 150 as a parent when switched to the parent side shown in FIG. 3, and when switched to the child side shown in FIG. 150 is set for the child.

  The construction contractor performs setting of the parent / child setting switch SW2 to the parent side and switching of the parent / child switching switches SW1a and SW1b to the parent side when the air conditioner is installed.

  The control circuit 1 is a circuit including a microcomputer and controls the parent unit 100. Specifically, the control circuit 1 controls temperature control by a thermistor, serial communication with an outdoor unit, communication with a wired remote controller 400, drive control of devices such as a fan motor and a compressor, and serial communication with another unit 200. Control various operations. A ROM for the microcomputer stores a program for performing such control or communication. The ROM stores a program for the parent unit and a program for the child unit. The control circuit 1 executes the parent program when the parent / child setting switch SW2 is set to the parent side, and executes the child program when the parent / child setting switch SW2 is set to the child side. Execute.

  Photocouplers PC1 and PC2 each include a photodiode portion and a phototransistor portion.

  External connection terminals T1 and T2 are connected to serial signal lines 300 and 310, respectively.

  One end of the resistor R1 is connected to a DC 18V power source. One end of the resistor R2 is connected to a DC5V power source. One end of the resistor R3 is connected to a DC5V power source. One end of the resistor R4 is connected to a DC5V power source, and the other end of the resistor R4 is connected to the parent / child setting switch SW2.

  The input end IN of the control circuit 1 and the other end of the resistor R2 are connected to the input end of the phototransistor portion of the photocoupler PC1.

  The output terminal OUT of the control circuit 1 is connected to the output terminal of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC2. The other end of the resistor R3 and the input end of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC2 are connected. The output terminal of the photodiode part of the photocoupler PC1 is connected to the input terminal of the phototransistor part of the photocoupler PC2.

  When the parent / child switch SW1a is set to the parent side, the external connection terminal T1 and the other end of the resistor R1 are connected. When the parent / child changeover switch SW1a is set to the child side, the external connection terminal T1 and the input end of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC1 are connected.

  When the parent / child switch SW1b is set to the parent side, the external connection terminal T2 and the input end of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC1 are connected. When the parent / child switch SW1b is set to the child side, the external connection terminal T2 and the output terminal of the phototransistor section of the photocoupler PC2 are connected.

  The operation control device 260 of the child unit 200 is the same. That is, the operation control device 260 includes a parent / child setting switch SW4, a resistor R8, the control circuit 2, and a serial communication circuit 250. The serial communication circuit 250 includes photocouplers PC3 and PC4, parent / child changeover switches SW3a and SW3b, external connection terminals T3 and T4, and resistors R5, R6, and R7. The operation control device 260 can be set for both the parent unit and the child unit, but here, it is assumed that it is set for the child unit.

  The parent / child setting switch SW4 sets the control circuit 2 for the parent when set to the parent side shown in FIG. 3, and sets the control circuit 2 for the child when set to the child side shown in FIG. Set to.

  The parent / child switch SW3a and SW3b are each a double pole double throw switch. The parent / child change-over switches SW3a and SW3b set the serial communication circuit 250 as the parent when switched to the parent side shown in FIG. 3, and when switched to the child side shown in FIG. 250 is set for the child.

  The construction contractor performs setting of the parent / child setting switch SW4 to the child side and switching of the parent / child switch SW3a, SW3b to the child side during the installation work of the air conditioner.

  The control circuit 2 is a circuit including a microcomputer and controls the child unit 200. Specifically, the control circuit 2 controls various operations such as temperature control by a thermistor, serial communication with an outdoor unit, drive control of devices such as a fan motor and a compressor, and serial communication with other units 100. To do. A ROM for the microcomputer stores a program for performing such control or communication. The ROM has a program for a parent unit and a program for a child unit. The control circuit 2 executes the parent program when the parent / child setting switch SW4 is set to the parent side, and executes the child program when the parent / child setting switch SW4 is set to the child side. Execute.

  Photocouplers PC3 and PC4 each include a photodiode portion and a phototransistor portion.

  External connection terminals T3 and T4 are connected to serial signal lines 300 and 310, respectively.

  One end of the resistor R5 is connected to a DC 18V power source. One end of the resistor R6 is connected to a DC5V power source. One end of the resistor R7 is connected to a DC5V power source. One end of the resistor R8 is connected to a DC5V power source, and the other end of the resistor R8 is connected to the parent / child setting switch SW4.

  The input terminal IN of the control circuit 2 and the other end of the resistor R6 are connected to the input terminal of the phototransistor section of the photocoupler PC3.

  The output terminal OUT of the control circuit 2 is connected to the output terminal of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC4. The other end of the resistor R7 is connected to the input end of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC4. The output terminal of the photodiode part of the photocoupler PC3 is connected to the input terminal of the phototransistor part of the photocoupler PC4.

  When the parent / child changeover switch SW3a is set to the parent side, the external connection terminal T3 and the other end of the resistor R5 are connected. When the parent / child switch SW3a is set to the child side, the external connection terminal T3 and the input end of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC3 are connected.

  When the parent / child changeover switch SW3b is set to the parent side, the external connection terminal T4 and the input end of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC3 are connected. When the parent / child switch SW3b is set to the child side, the external connection terminal T4 and the output terminal of the phototransistor section of the photocoupler PC4 are connected.

(Communication operation of the operation control device)
Operation control devices 160 and 260 perform communication control by transmitting and receiving serial data through serial communication circuits 150 and 250. A serial data communication operation by the serial communication circuits 150 and 250 will be described.

  First, in the operation control device 160 of the parent unit, the parent / child setting switch SW2 is set to the parent side, and the parent / child changeover switches SW1a and SW1b are set to the parent side. In the operation control device 260 of the child unit, the parent / child setting switch SW4 is set to the child side, and the parent / child switch SW3a, SW3b is set to the child side. Further, it is assumed that DC5V and DC18V are applied to the operation control devices 160 and 260.

  Since the parent / child setting switch SW2 is set to the parent side, the parent unit control circuit 1 controls the following processing based on the parent program. Since the parent / child setting switch SW4 is set to the child side, the child unit control circuit 2 controls the following processing based on the child program.

  First, an operation when serial data is transmitted from the parent unit 100 to the child unit 200 will be described.

  The control circuit 1 of the parent unit outputs serial data to the serial communication circuit 150 by switching on / off of the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2. The control circuit 2 of the slave unit prepares for the serial data output from the serial communication circuit 250 by turning on the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4.

  When the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 is on, DC18V to the resistor R1 to the parent / child selector switch SW1a to the external connection terminal T1 to the serial signal line 300 to the external connection terminal T3 to the parent / child selector switch SW3a to the photocoupler PC3 photo Diode-Phototransistor of photocoupler PC4-Parent / child switch SW3b-External connection terminal T4-Serial signal line 310-External connection terminal T2-Parent / child switch SW1b-Photodiode of photocoupler PC1-Photo of photocoupler PC2 A DC current flows in the route 1 from the transistor to the ground (0 V).

  By forming the route 1 as described above, the serial data output from the control circuit 1 of the parent unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC3 of the child unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 2 of the child unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC3. The serial data output from the control circuit 1 of the parent unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC1 of the parent unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 1 of the parent unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC1. That is, the control circuit 1 receives a return input of the transmitted serial data.

  The control circuit 1 of the parent unit prepares to output serial data from the serial communication circuit 150 by turning on the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 after transmission of serial data having a predetermined bit length is completed. The control circuit 2 of the slave unit outputs serial data to the serial communication circuit 250 by switching on / off of the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4 after completion of reception of serial data having a predetermined bit length.

  When the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4 is on, the above-described route 1, that is, DC18V, resistor R1, parent / child selector switch SW1a, external connection terminal T1, serial signal line 300, external connection terminal T3, parent / child selector switch SW3a-Photocoupler PC3 Photodiode-Photocoupler PC4 Phototransistor-Parent / Child Switch SW3b-External Connection Terminal T4-Serial Signal Line 310-External Connection Terminal T2-Parent / Child Switch SW1b-Photo of Photocoupler PC1 A DC current flows in the route from the diode to the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 to the ground (0 V).

  By forming the route 1 as described above, the serial data output from the control circuit 2 of the child unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC1 of the parent unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 1 of the parent unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC1. Further, the serial data output from the control circuit 2 of the child unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC3 of the child unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 2 of the child unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC3. That is, the control circuit 2 receives a return input of the transmitted serial data.

  Next, some operation control operations by the operation control devices 160 and 260 will be described.

(1) Operation control operation 1 (control for operation with the same operation content)
The user inputs driving details including driving modes and driving details from the driving operation unit 420 of the remote controller 400. Here, the operation mode is a mode such as cooling, heating, or dehumidification, and the operation details are a set temperature, an air volume, a wind direction, or the like.

  The control circuit 1 of the parent unit 100 performs the operation based on the input operation details. Further, the control circuit 1 of the parent unit 100 outputs serial data indicating the operation content to the serial communication circuit 150. The serial communication circuit 150 transmits serial data indicating the operation content to the slave unit 200 through the serial signal lines 300 and 310. The serial communication circuit 250 of the child unit 200 receives serial data indicating the operation content from the parent unit 100 through the serial signal lines 300 and 310. The control circuit 2 receives serial data indicating operation details from the serial communication circuit 250. Further, the control circuit 1 of the parent unit 100 receives a serial data loopback input indicating the operation content from the serial communication circuit 150.

  The control circuit 2 of the child unit 200 performs the operation based on the received operation content. The control circuit 2 of the slave unit 200 outputs serial data indicating a response indicating that the operation has been performed based on the received operation content to the serial communication circuit 250. The serial communication circuit 250 transmits serial data indicating a response to the parent unit 100 through the serial signal lines 300 and 310. The serial communication circuit 150 of the parent unit 100 receives serial data indicating a response through the serial signal lines 300 and 310. The control circuit 1 receives serial data indicating a response from the serial communication circuit 150. In addition, the control circuit 2 of the child unit 200 receives a serial data return input indicating a response from the serial communication circuit 250.

  As described above, the parent unit 100 and the child unit 200 can be operated with the same operation content.

(2) Operation control action 2 (control to avoid simultaneous operation start)
In the operation control operation 1, the control circuit 2 of the slave unit 200, when the serial data indicating the operation content is input for the first time after the power is turned on, is input after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input. Start operation based on the contents. Thereby, it can prevent that starting currents, such as each compressor, flow simultaneously, when the parent unit 100 and the child unit 200 start an operation | movement simultaneously.

(3) Operation control action 3 (serial open or serial short error display)
In the operation control operation 1, when the control circuit 1 of the parent unit 100 does not receive the response data even after a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the serial data indicating the operation details, the serial data indicating the transmitted operation details is looped back. Depending on whether or not, different errors are displayed as follows.

  The control circuit 1 determines that a serial short error has occurred when serial data indicating the operation content is input. The serial short error indicates that one of the serial communication circuits 150 and 250 is short-circuited. For example, when the connection terminal T1 and the connection terminal T2, the connection terminals T3 and T4, or the collector and the emitter of the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4 are short-circuited, the control circuit 1 changes the operation details. The serial data is returned, but the response data cannot be received.

  On the other hand, the control circuit 1 determines that a serial open error has occurred when no loopback input of serial data indicating the operation content has been received. The serial open error indicates that the power supply of the child unit is off or that there is an abnormality in any part of the serial communication circuits 150 and 250 of both units.

  When detecting such an error, the control circuit 1 sends data indicating a serial open error or a serial short error to the wired remote controller 400 through the remote control cable 410. The wired remote controller 400 displays a serial open error or a serial short error on the liquid crystal display unit 430. Specifically, in FIG. 2, the characters “inspection error No.” are lit, and a number indicating a serial open error or a serial short error is displayed in a two-digit number field that is a segment for minute display of the clock below. Lights up. In the case of a serial open error display, it is not possible to determine whether the error is due to the power of the child unit being turned off or an error in some of the serial communication circuits of both units. Check for any errors by inspecting.

(4) Operation control operation 4 (Control of operation in automatic operation mode)
When the power of the parent unit 100 is off and the power of the child unit 200 is on, or for serial communication between the serial communication circuit 150 of the parent unit 100 and the serial communication circuit 250 of the child unit 200 If there is an abnormality, the child unit 200 cannot receive the operation content from the parent unit 100. In order to cope with such a case, the indoor unit 210 of the child unit 200 includes an automatic operation switch 240 as shown in FIG. By depressing the automatic operation switch 240, the control circuit 2 of the child unit 200 starts operation in the automatic operation mode. Here, the automatic operation mode refers to the selected operation by automatically selecting the operation mode such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, etc., and the operation details such as the air volume, the wind direction, and the set temperature based on the room temperature and the outside temperature. In this mode, the operation is performed based on the mode and the operation details.

  In addition, the control circuit 2 of the child unit 200 operates in the automatic operation mode even when the serial data indicating the operation content from the parent unit 100 is not input even if a predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on. Start.

(5) Operation control action 5 (Operation control of instructed operation content after automatic operation)
When the slave unit 200 is operating in the automatic operation mode, when the serial data indicating the operation mode is input from the parent unit 1, the control circuit 2 of the child unit 200 determines the current operation mode and the received operation mode. Compare.

  If these operation modes are the same, the control circuit 2 continues the operation in that operation mode. If these operation modes are different, the control circuit 2 stops the compressor, and after the stop for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes). ) After the elapse of time, the operation in the input operation mode is started. This is because, in the refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant is circulated through the compressor, when the operation mode is changed, it is necessary to stop the compressor once, and after regaining the gas balance, it is necessary to restart the operation. .

(6) Operation control action 6 (Display of error contents of child unit)
When a failure occurs in the compressor as a result of an overcurrent flowing through the compressor of the slave unit 200, the control circuit 2 of the slave unit 200 outputs serial data indicating an overcurrent error of the compressor to the serial communication circuit 250. To do. The serial communication circuit 250 transmits serial data indicating an overcurrent error of the compressor to the parent unit 100 through the serial signal lines 300 and 310. The serial communication circuit 150 of the parent unit 100 receives serial data indicating an overcurrent error of the compressor from the child unit 200 through the serial signal lines 300 and 310 and outputs the serial data to the control circuit 1. When the serial data indicating the compressor overcurrent error is input, the control circuit 1 sends data indicating the compressor overcurrent error to the wired remote controller 400 through the remote control cable 410. The wired remote controller 400 displays an overcurrent error of the compressor of the liquid crystal display unit 430. Specifically, in FIG. 2, the word “unit” on the liquid crystal display unit 430 is lit, and the unit number is lit and displayed in the number column next to it. In addition, the characters “inspection error No.” are lit, and a number indicating a compressor overcurrent error is lit and displayed in a two-digit number field which is a minute display segment of the clock below.

  The data transmitted from the child unit 200 may be any data as long as it is not only the compressor overcurrent error but also the state of the devices in the child unit 200.

(7) Operation control action 7 (Control of compressor start-up)
By the operation control operation 1, each unit performs an operation in the same operation mode. However, each unit is provided with a temperature detection sensor, and compares the outside air temperature with the set temperature to start and stop the compressor independently. Here, for example, it is assumed that the operation is performed in the cooling mode and the compressor is stopped in both units. After a few minutes, the compressor may be started again due to a change in the outside air temperature. In such a case, if both units start the compressor at the same time, an extreme voltage drop of the power source is brought about. In order to prevent this, the control circuit 1 of the parent unit 100 outputs serial data indicating that the compressor is started after 10 seconds to the serial communication circuit 150 when the condition for starting the compressor is satisfied. The control circuit 1 starts the compressor after 10 seconds. The serial communication circuit 150 transmits serial data indicating that the compressor is started after 10 seconds to the child unit 200 through the serial signal lines 300 and 310. The serial communication circuit 250 of the child unit 200 receives serial data indicating that the compressor is started 10 seconds later from the parent unit 100 through the serial signal lines 300 and 310 and outputs the serial data to the control circuit 2. When the serial data indicating that the compressor is started after 10 seconds is input, the control circuit 2 has a predetermined time of 10 seconds or more from the input of the serial data if the condition for starting the compressor is satisfied. After the elapse of time (for example, 30 seconds), the compressor is started.

  As described above, according to the operation control apparatus according to the present embodiment, since control is performed with two air conditioners as one group, the communication between the air conditioners becomes one-to-one, with a simple configuration. , Group control can be performed appropriately. In this embodiment, group control is performed with two air conditioners as one group. However, in normal use, there is a need for group control with three or more air conditioners as one group. Since the number is small, it can be said that group control with two units as one group is sufficient.

[Second Embodiment]
The present embodiment relates to a serial communication circuit that is different from the first embodiment.

(Configuration of operation control device)
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the operation control device for the parent unit and the child unit according to the present embodiment. In the same figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component same as the operation control apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The operation control device shown in the figure is different from the operation control device of the first embodiment in that the serial communication circuit 350 of the parent unit includes diodes D1, D2, D3, and D4, and the serial communication circuit 450 of the child unit is a diode. This is a method of connecting the points having D5, D6, D7, and D8 and the external connection terminals T1, T2, T3, and T4.

  The connection method of the external connection terminal enables both the following first connection method and second connection method. The first connection method is a connection method in which the external connection terminals T1 and T3 are connected and the external connection terminals T2 and T4 are connected. The second connection method is a connection in which the external connection terminals T1 and T4 are connected. In this connection method, the external connection terminals T2 and T3 are connected.

  Connection of each component of the serial communication circuit 350 including the diodes D1 to D4 will be described.

  External connection terminals T1 and T2 are connected to serial signal lines 300 and 310, respectively.

  One end of the resistor R1 is connected to a DC 18V power source. One end of the resistor R2 is connected to a DC5V power source. One end of the resistor R3 is connected to a DC5V power source.

  The input end IN of the control circuit 1 and the other end of the resistor R2 are connected to the input end of the phototransistor portion of the photocoupler PC1.

  The output terminal OUT of the control circuit 1 is connected to the output terminal of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC2. The other end of the resistor R3 and the input end of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC2 are connected. The output terminal of the photodiode part of the photocoupler PC1 is connected to the input terminal of the phototransistor part of the photocoupler PC2.

  The output terminal of the diode D1 and the input terminal of the photodiode part of the photocoupler PC1 are connected. The output terminal of the diode D2 and the input terminal of the photodiode part of the photocoupler PC1 are connected. The input end of the diode D1 and the output end of the diode D3 are connected, and the output end of the phototransistor portion of the photocoupler PC2 and the input end of the diode D3 are connected. The input end of the diode D2 and the output end of the diode D4 are connected, and the output end of the phototransistor portion of the photocoupler PC2 and the input end of the diode D4 are connected.

  When the parent / child switch SW1a is set to the parent side, the external connection terminal T1 and the other end of the resistor R1 are connected. When the parent / child switch SW1a is set to the child side, the external connection terminal T1 and the input terminal of the diode D2 are connected.

  When the parent / child switch SW1b is set to the parent side, the external connection terminal T2 and the input terminal of the diode D2 are connected. When the parent / child switch SW1b is set to the child side, the external connection terminal T2 and the input terminal of the diode D1 are connected.

  Connection of each component of the serial communication circuit 450 including the diodes D5 to D8 will be described.

  External connection terminals T3 and T4 are connected to serial signal lines 300 and 310, respectively.

  One end of the resistor R5 is connected to a DC 18V power source. One end of the resistor R6 is connected to a DC5V power source. One end of the resistor R7 is connected to a DC5V power source.

  The input terminal IN of the control circuit 2 and the other end of the resistor R6 are connected to the input terminal of the phototransistor section of the photocoupler PC3.

  The output terminal OUT of the control circuit 2 is connected to the output terminal of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC4. The other end of the resistor R7 is connected to the input end of the photodiode portion of the photocoupler PC4. The output terminal of the photodiode part of the photocoupler PC3 is connected to the input terminal of the phototransistor part of the photocoupler PC4.

  The output terminal of the diode D5 and the input terminal of the photodiode part of the photocoupler PC3 are connected. The output terminal of the diode D6 and the input terminal of the photodiode part of the photocoupler PC3 are connected. The input end of the diode D5 and the output end of the diode D7 are connected, and the output end of the phototransistor portion of the photocoupler PC4 and the input end of the diode D7 are connected. The input end of the diode D6 and the output end of the diode D8 are connected, and the output end of the phototransistor portion of the photocoupler PC4 and the input end of the diode D8 are connected.

  When the parent / child changeover switch SW3a is set to the parent side, the external connection terminal T3 and the other end of the resistor R5 are connected. When the parent / child changeover switch SW3a is set to the child side, the external connection terminal T3 and the input terminal of the diode D5 are connected.

  When the parent / child switch SW3b is set to the parent side, the external connection terminal T4 and the input terminal of the diode D5 are connected. When the parent / child switch SW3b is set to the child side, the external connection terminal T4 and the input terminal of the diode D6 are connected.

(Communication operation of serial communication circuit)
Next, serial data communication operation by the serial communication circuits 350 and 450 will be described.

First, in the operation control apparatus 360 of the parent unit, it is assumed that the parent / child setting switch SW2 is set to the parent side and the parent / child changeover switches SW1a and SW1b are set to the parent side.
In the child unit operation control apparatus 460, the parent / child setting switch SW4 is set to the child side, and the parent / child changeover switches SW3a and SW3b are set to the child side. Further, it is assumed that DC5V and DC18V are applied to the operation control devices 360 and 460.

  Next, the connection method of the external connection terminals will be described separately for the first connection method and the second connection method.

(In the case of the first connection method)
The connection method of the external connection terminals T1 to T4 is the first connection method, that is, the external connection terminal T1 and the external connection terminal T3 are connected by the serial signal line 300, and the external connection terminal T2 and the external connection terminal T4 are serial. It is assumed that a connection method connected by the signal line 310 is used.

  Since the parent / child setting switch SW2 is set to the parent side, the parent unit control circuit 1 controls the following processing based on the parent program. Since the parent / child setting switch SW4 is set to the child side, the child unit control circuit 2 controls the following processing based on the child program.

  The control circuit 1 of the parent unit outputs serial data to the serial communication circuit 350 by switching on / off of the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2. The control circuit 2 of the slave unit prepares for the serial data output from the serial communication circuit 450 by turning on the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4.

  When the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 is on, DC18V, resistor R1, parent / child changeover switch SW1a, external connection terminal T1, serial signal line 300, external connection terminal T3, parent / child changeover switch SW3a, diode D5, photocoupler Photodiode of PC3-Phototransistor of photocoupler PC4-Diode D8-Parent / child changeover switch SW3b-External connection terminal T4-Serial signal line 310-External connection terminal T2-Parent / child changeover switch SW1b-Diode D2-Photocoupler PC1 A DC current flows in the route 2 from the photodiode to the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 to the ground (0 V).

  By forming the route 2 as described above, the serial data output from the control circuit 1 of the parent unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC3 of the child unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 2 of the child unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC3. The serial data output from the control circuit 1 of the parent unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC1 of the parent unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 1 of the parent unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC1. That is, the control circuit 1 receives a return input of the transmitted serial data.

  The control circuit 1 of the parent unit prepares to output serial data from the serial communication circuit 350 by turning on the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 after transmission of serial data having a predetermined bit length. The control circuit 2 of the slave unit transmits serial data to the serial communication circuit 450 by switching on / off of the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4 after the reception of serial data having a predetermined bit length is completed.

  When the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4 is on, the above-described route 2, that is, DC18V, resistor R1, parent / child selector switch SW1a, external connection terminal T1, serial signal line 300, external connection terminal T3, parent / child selector switch SW3a to Diode D5 to Photocoupler PC3 Photodiode to Photocoupler PC4 Phototransistor to Diode D8 to Parent / Child Switch SW3b to External Connection Terminal T4 to Serial Signal Line 310 to External Connection Terminal T2 to Parent / Child Changeover Switch SW1b A DC current flows through a route of a diode D2 to a photodiode of the photocoupler PC1, a phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2, and a ground (0 V).

  By forming the route 2 as described above, the serial data output from the control circuit 2 of the child unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC1 of the parent unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 1 of the parent unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC1. Further, the serial data output from the control circuit 2 of the child unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC3 of the child unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 2 of the child unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC3. That is, the control circuit 2 receives a return input of the transmitted serial data.

(In the case of the second connection method)
The connection method of the external connection terminals T1 to T4 is the second connection method, that is, the external connection terminal T1 and the external connection terminal T4 are connected by the serial signal line 320, and the external connection terminal T2 and the external connection terminal T3 are serial. It is assumed that a connection method in which signal lines 330 are connected is used.

  Since the parent / child setting switch SW2 is set to the parent side, the parent unit control circuit 1 controls the following processing based on the parent program. Since the parent / child setting switch SW4 is set to the child side, the child unit control circuit 2 controls the following processing based on the child program.

  The control circuit 1 of the parent unit outputs serial data to the serial communication circuit 350 by switching on / off of the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2. The control circuit 2 of the slave unit prepares for the serial data output from the serial communication circuit 450 by turning on the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4.

  When the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 is on, DC18V ~ resistor R1 ~ parent / child changeover switch SW1a ~ external connection terminal T1 ~ serial signal line 320 ~ external connection terminal T4 ~ parent / child changeover switch SW3b ~ diode D6 ~ photocoupler Photodiode of PC3-Phototransistor of photocoupler PC4-Diode D7-Parent / child changeover switch SW3a-External connection terminal T3-Serial signal line 330-External connection terminal T2-Parent / child changeover switch SW1b-Diode D2-Photocoupler PC1 A DC current flows in the route 3 from the photodiode to the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 to the ground (0 V).

  By forming the route 3 as described above, the serial data output from the control circuit 1 of the parent unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC3 of the child unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 2 of the child unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC3. The serial data output from the control circuit 1 of the parent unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC1 of the parent unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 1 of the parent unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC1. That is, the control circuit 1 receives a return input of the transmitted serial data.

  The control circuit 1 of the parent unit prepares to output serial data from the serial communication circuit 350 by turning on the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2 after transmission of serial data having a predetermined bit length. The control circuit 2 of the slave unit outputs serial data to the serial communication circuit 450 by switching on / off of the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4 after the completion of reception of serial data having a predetermined bit length.

  When the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC4 is on, the above-described route 3, that is, DC18V, resistor R1, parent / child changeover switch SW1a, external connection terminal T1, serial signal line 320, external connection terminal T4, parent / child changeover switch SW3b ~ Diode D6 ~ Photocoupler PC3 Photodiode ~ Photocoupler PC4 Phototransistor ~ Diode D7 ~ Parent / Child Switch SW3a ~ External Connection Terminal T3 ~ Serial Signal Line 330 ~ External Connection Terminal T2 ~ Parent / Child Switch SW1b A DC current flows through a route of a diode D2 to a photodiode of the photocoupler PC1, a phototransistor of the photocoupler PC2, and a ground (0 V).

  By forming the route 3 as described above, the serial data output from the control circuit 2 of the child unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC1 of the parent unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 1 of the parent unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC1. Further, the serial data output from the control circuit 2 of the child unit is detected by the photodiode of the photocoupler PC3 of the child unit. The serial data detected by the photodiode is output to the control circuit 2 of the child unit via the phototransistor of the photocoupler PC3. That is, the control circuit 2 receives a return input of the transmitted serial data.

  The operation control apparatus in the present embodiment performs operation control operations 1 to 8 as in the first embodiment, but this description will not be repeated here.

  As described above, according to the operation control apparatus according to the present embodiment, the serial signal line between the parent unit and the child unit can be made non-polar, and the line breakage caused by the wrong wiring or does not operate. The occurrence of troubles such as can be prevented.

[Third Embodiment]
The present embodiment relates to an air conditioning system that includes a plurality of air conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments and centrally manages an air conditioner.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment. With reference to the figure, this air conditioning system comprises one centralized controller 500 and a plurality of air conditioners 111-115. The air conditioners 111 to 115 include indoor units 121 to 125 and outdoor units 131 to 135, respectively.

  The plurality of air conditioners 111 to 115 are grouped so that one or two of them are in one group. That is, the air conditioners 111 and 112 belong to the first group, the air conditioner 113 belongs to the second group, and the air conditioners 114 and 115 belong to the third group. The first group of air conditioners 111 is set as a parent unit, and the first group of air conditioners 112 is set as a child unit. The third group of air conditioners 114 is set as a parent unit, and the third group of air conditioners 115 is set as a child unit.

  The air conditioners 111 and 114 set as the parent unit include the operation control devices 141 and 144 for the parent unit described in the first or second embodiment. The air conditioners 112 and 115 set in the child unit include the operation control devices 142 and 145 for the child unit described in the first or second embodiment. The operation control device 143 is a case where one group is composed of only a parent unit, and does not use a serial communication circuit for communication between units.

  Operation control devices 141, 143, and 144 are connected to remote controllers 161, 163, and 164.

  In the first group, the serial communication circuit included in the operation control device 141 and the serial communication circuit included in the operation control device 142 are connected by serial communication lines 171 and 172. In the third group, the serial communication circuit included in the operation control device 144 and the serial communication circuit included in the operation control device 145 are connected by serial communication lines 173 and 174.

  The air conditioners 111, 113, and 114 further include device adapter boards 151, 153, and 154. One end of each of the device adapter boards 151, 153 and 154 is connected to a control circuit in the operation control devices 141, 143 and 144, and the other end is connected to the centralized controller 500 through the LAN 116. Device adapter boards 141, 143, and 144 perform communication control and format conversion of communication data.

  The centralized controller 500 is composed of a general-purpose personal computer, and performs centralized control by a program for performing centralized control.

  Next, some operation control operations by the centralized management system according to the present embodiment will be described.

(1) Operation control action 1 (Operation control by centralized controller)
The centralized controller 500 transmits communication data including a group number and operation details. The device adapter boards 151, 153 and 154 receive this communication data, and when the group number included in the communication data is the same as the number of their own group, the control circuit in the operation control devices 141, 143 and 144 Send the received operation details to. The control circuit in the operation control devices 141, 143, and 144 causes the operation to be performed according to the operation content. The control circuits of the operation control devices 141 and 144 of the air conditioners 111 and 114 of the parent unit transmit serial data indicating the operation contents to the operation control devices 142 and 145 of the child units through the serial communication circuit.

  In addition, the control circuit in the operation control devices 141, 143, and 144 turns on the liquid crystal display portions of the remote controllers 161, 163, and 164, and the input from the remote controllers 161, 163, and 164 is It will not accept anything other than power on and off inputs.

(2) Operation control action 1 (Error display by centralized controller)
The control circuits of the operation control devices 141 and 144 of the air conditioners 111 and 114 of the parent unit receive serial data indicating a failure from the child units 112 and 115, when a serial open error occurs, or when a serial short error occurs. When it occurs, communication data indicating the failure content or error is sent to the device adapter boards 151 and 154. The device adapter boards 151 and 154 transmit communication data indicating the contents of the failure to the centralized controller 500 through the LAN 116. The centralized controller 500 displays an error included in the received communication data on the display device.

  As described above, according to the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment, the air conditioner can be remotely operated from the centralized controller, and the state of the air conditioner can be monitored by the centralized controller. Since the data communication is performed only with the air conditioner set to “5”, it is not necessary to provide a device adapter as a communication circuit for communication with the centralized controller in all the air conditioners.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and includes, for example, the following modifications.

(1) Remote controller Although the wired remote controller was used in the embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this, and a wireless remote controller may be used. Further, in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the function actually being operated is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the remote controller, but instead of this, the liquid crystal provided in the indoor unit of the parent unit It is good also as what displays on a display part. Moreover, although the button of the driving operation part of the remote control was operated for driving operation, it may replace with this and may operate the button for driving operation with which the indoor unit of the parent unit was equipped.

(2) Diode Bridge As the diodes D1 to D4 in the second embodiment of the present invention, four diodes may be used individually, or a single-phase rectifier diode bridge in which four diodes are packaged may be used. . The same applies to the diodes D5 to D8.

(3) Switching between the parent side and the child side of the serial communication circuit In the second and third embodiments of the present invention, the switches SW1a and SW1b of the parent unit are set for the parent, and the switches SW3a and SW3b of the child unit are set. Although set for a child, it is not limited to this. Even when the parent units SW1a and SW1b are set for a child and the child units SW3a and Sw3b are set for a parent, bidirectional communication of serial data is possible.

(4) Parent / child setting switch and external connection terminal Instead of the parent / child setting switches SW2 and SW4, jumper wires or EE-PROM may be used. The external connection terminals T1 to T4 are preferably terminal plate terminals, but may be connectors.

(5) LAN
In the third embodiment of the present invention, a hub that performs waveform shaping and amplification of a signal as necessary may be provided in any part of the LAN. Also, one input and a plurality of outputs may be connected to the hub.

(6) Device Adapter Board An IP address may be set for each device adapter board. In this case, the central management apparatus may specify the IP address and transmit the operation details.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is an external view of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an external view of the wired remote control 400. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the operation control apparatus of the parent unit which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a child unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of the operation control apparatus of the parent unit which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and a child unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of the centralized management system of the air conditioner which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

500 Central controller, 100, 200, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 Air conditioner, 110, 210, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 Indoor unit, 116 LAN, 120, 220, 131, 132, 133 134,135 outdoor unit,
130, 230, 300, 310, 320, 330 Serial signal line, 400, 161, 163, 164 Remote control, 410 Remote control cable, 420 Driving operation unit, 430 Liquid crystal display unit, 160, 260, 360, 460, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145 Operation control device, 150, 171-174, 250, 350, 450 Serial communication circuit, PC1-PC4 photocoupler, T1-T4 external connection terminal, SW1a, SW1b, SW2, SW3a, SW3b, SW4 switch, R1-R8 resistor, D1-D8 diode, 1, 2 control circuit, 240 automatic operation switch, 151, 153, 154 equipment adapter board.

Claims (10)

An air conditioning system comprising two air conditioners, one set as a parent unit and the other set as a child unit,
Each air conditioner
A control circuit that controls the operation of the equipment in the air conditioner and inputs and outputs serial data;
When serial data is output from the control circuit, the output serial data is transmitted to the other air conditioner through a serial signal line, and when serial data is received from the other air conditioner through the serial signal line, An operation control device comprising a serial communication circuit that outputs the received serial data to the control circuit;
The operation control device further includes:
A first switch for setting the control circuit as a parent or a child;
The serial communication circuit is
First and second external connection terminals;
A first resistor having one end connected to the first power source;
A second resistor having one end connected to the second power source;
A third resistor having one end connected to a third power source;
A first photocoupler to which an input end of the control circuit and the other end of the second resistor are connected to an input end of the phototransistor portion;
The output terminal of the control circuit and the output terminal of the photodiode unit are connected, the other end of the third resistor and the input terminal of the photodiode unit are connected, and the photodiode unit of the first photocoupler A second photocoupler to which an output terminal of the phototransistor and an input terminal of the phototransistor portion are connected;
The serial communication circuit is set for a parent or a child, and when set for a parent, the first external connection terminal and the other end of the first resistor are connected and set for a child. A second switch that connects the first external connection terminal and an input terminal of the photodiode portion of the first photocoupler,
The serial communication circuit is set as a parent or a child, and when it is set as a parent, the second external connection terminal and the input end of the photodiode portion of the first photocoupler are connected, A third switch for connecting the second external connection terminal and the output terminal of the phototransistor section of the second photocoupler when set for a child,
The control circuit controls on / off of the phototransistor portion of the second photocoupler according to the bit value of the serial data to be transmitted when serial data is transmitted, and when the serial data is received, It controls to turn on the photo-transistor portion of the coupler, the air conditioning system. An air conditioning system comprising two air conditioners, one set as a parent unit and the other set as a child unit,
Each air conditioner
A control circuit that controls the operation of the equipment in the air conditioner and inputs and outputs serial data;
When serial data is output from the control circuit, the output serial data is transmitted to the other air conditioner through a serial signal line, and when serial data is received from the other air conditioner through the serial signal line, An operation control device comprising a serial communication circuit that outputs the received serial data to the control circuit;
The operation control device further includes:
A first switch for setting the control circuit as a parent or a child;
The serial communication circuit is
First and second external connection terminals;
A first resistor having one end connected to the first power source;
A second resistor having one end connected to the second power source;
A third resistor having one end connected to a third power source;
A fourth resistor having one end connected to the fourth power source;
A first photocoupler to which an input end of the control circuit and the other end of the second resistor are connected to an input end of the phototransistor portion;
The output terminal of the control circuit and the output terminal of the photodiode unit are connected, the other end of the third resistor and the input terminal of the photodiode unit are connected, and the photodiode unit of the first photocoupler A second photocoupler to which an output terminal of the phototransistor and an input terminal of the phototransistor portion are connected;
A first diode and a second diode connected to an input end of the photodiode portion of the first photocoupler and an output end thereof;
A third diode in which an input terminal of the first diode and its output terminal are connected, and an output terminal of the phototransistor section of the second photocoupler and its input terminal are connected;
A fourth diode to which the input terminal of the second diode and its output terminal are connected, and to which the output terminal of the phototransistor section of the second photocoupler and its input terminal are connected;
The serial communication circuit is set for a parent or a child, and when set for a parent, the first external connection terminal and the other end of the first resistor are connected and set for a child. A second switch for connecting the first external connection terminal and the input terminal of the second diode,
The serial communication circuit is set for a parent or a child, and when set for a parent, the second external connection terminal and the input terminal of the second diode are connected and set for a child. A third switch for connecting the second external connection terminal and the input terminal of the first diode,
The control circuit controls on / off of the phototransistor portion of the second photocoupler according to the bit value of the serial data to be transmitted when serial data is transmitted, and when the serial data is received, It controls to turn on the photo-transistor portion of the coupler, the air conditioning system. In the air conditioner operation control device set in the parent unit,
The control circuit controls the device in the parent unit according to the data indicating the operation content input from the outside, and outputs serial data indicating the operation content to the serial communication circuit,
The serial communication circuit transmits serial data indicating the operation content to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line,
In the air conditioner operation control device set in the child unit,
The serial communication circuit receives serial data indicating the operation content from the other air conditioner through the serial signal line, and outputs the serial data to the control circuit.
The air conditioning according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein when the serial data indicating the operation content is input, the control circuit controls the devices in the child unit so that the operation is performed according to the input operation content. system. In the air conditioner operation control device set in the child unit,
When the serial data indicating the operation details is input for the first time after the power is turned on, the control circuit receives the input after a predetermined time has elapsed since the serial data indicating the operation details were input. The air conditioning system of Claim 3 which starts the driving | operation according to the driving | operation content. In the air conditioner operation control device set in the child unit,
When the serial data indicating the operation content is input, the control circuit outputs serial data indicating a response to the serial communication circuit,
The serial communication circuit transmits serial data indicating the response to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line,
In the air conditioner operation control device set in the parent unit,
The control circuit receives a serial short error when the return of serial data indicating the operation details is input and the serial data indicating the response is not input even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the output of the serial data indicating the operation details. It is determined that has occurred, the display device displays a serial short error,
If serial data indicating the operation details is not input, and serial data indicating the response is not input even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the output of the serial data indicating the operation details, a serial open error has occurred. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the air conditioning system is configured to determine and cause the display device to display a serial open error. In the air conditioner operation control device set in the child unit,
When a failure occurs in the child unit, the control circuit outputs serial data representing the failure content to the serial communication circuit,
The serial communication circuit transmits serial data representing the failure content to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line,
In the air conditioner operation control device set in the parent unit,
The serial communication circuit receives serial data representing the failure content from the other air conditioner through the serial signal line, and outputs the serial data to the control circuit.
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the control circuit causes the display device to display the failure content when serial data representing the failure content is input from the serial communication circuit. In the air conditioner operation control apparatus set in the parent unit,
When the condition for starting the compressor in the parent unit is satisfied, the control circuit outputs serial data indicating that the compressor is started after a lapse of a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, Start the compressor,
The serial communication circuit transmits serial data indicating that the compressor is started after the predetermined time has elapsed to the other air conditioner through the serial signal line,
In the air conditioner operation control device set in the child unit,
The serial communication circuit receives serial data indicating that the compressor is started after the predetermined time has elapsed from the other air conditioner through the serial signal line, and outputs the serial data to the control circuit.
The control circuit, when serial data indicating that the compressor is started after the lapse of the predetermined time is input from the serial communication circuit, when a condition for starting the compressor in the child unit is satisfied The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the compressor in the child unit is started after elapse of a time exceeding the predetermined time after the serial data is input. In the air conditioner operation control device set in the child unit,
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the control circuit performs automatic operation when serial data indicating the operation content is not input from the serial communication circuit even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on. . In the air conditioner operation control device set in the child unit,
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the control circuit causes automatic operation to be performed in response to an automatic operation switch included in the child unit being pressed. In the air conditioner operation control device set in the child unit,
When serial data indicating an operation mode is input from the serial communication circuit during automatic operation, the control circuit compares the current operation mode with the input operation mode, and these operation modes are the same. If there is, the operation in the operation mode is continued. If these operation modes are different, the compressor in the slave unit is stopped, and the operation in the input operation mode is performed after a predetermined time elapses after the stop. The air conditioning system according to claim 8 or 9 , which is started.

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