JP7553829B2 - Air conditioning equipment and systems - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to air conditioning-related equipment and air conditioning systems.

Conventionally, there is an air conditioning system that is composed of multiple indoor units and outdoor units, and a centralized device that centrally controls the outdoor units and indoor units, and each device communicates via a communication line (for example, Patent Document 1). Each device in the air conditioning system communicates using a communication address that is set for each device.

JP 2008-157484 A

The complicated task of setting up communication addresses places a burden on installers and is prone to setting errors.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide air conditioning-related equipment and the like that can improve the efficiency of communication address setting work.

An air conditioning-related device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a generator that generates an IP address having a data area larger than the identification information based on identification information unique to the device, the IP address including a higher-order address and a lower-order address consisting of the identification information, and the generator generates the IP address with a different higher-order address assigned depending on whether an extension device is present in the communication system.

This disclosure can improve the efficiency of communication address setting work.

In an air conditioning-related device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the generation unit generates the IP address with a predetermined upper address added when the expansion unit is not present, and generates the IP address with a higher address corresponding to the expansion unit added when the expansion unit is present.

In this embodiment, the air conditioning-related device generates an IP address that includes a higher-order address that differs depending on whether or not an expansion device is present in the communication system to which the air conditioning-related device belongs, and a lower-order address that is generated based on identification information unique to the air conditioning-related device. Therefore, communication using different IP addresses depending on the configuration of the communication system is possible, and a communication network can be preferably formed. The higher-order address can be easily generated by assigning a higher-order address corresponding to a predetermined value or an expansion device, which simplifies the process of generating IP addresses.

In one embodiment of the air conditioning-related device disclosed herein, the upper address corresponding to the expansion unit is generated based on identification information unique to the expansion unit.

In this embodiment, the use of unique data, which is the identification information of the expansion device, in the upper address makes it easy to generate the upper address. In addition, the communication network configuration including the expansion device can be properly reflected in the IP addresses of the air conditioning-related devices.

An air conditioning-related device according to one aspect of the present disclosure generates identification information unique to the device by converting the MAC address or device number of a communication device associated with the device based on a predetermined rule.

In this aspect, identification information unique to the air conditioning-related equipment can be easily generated using at least one of the MAC address and the model number of the communication device associated with the air conditioning-related equipment. By using the MAC address or model number of the communication device, which is usually set to a unique value, identification information unique to the air conditioning-related equipment can be easily and appropriately generated. Since an IP address is generated based on identification information that is unique data for the air conditioning-related equipment, it is possible to reliably associate the air conditioning-related equipment with an IP address.
For comparison, consider a case where, in a communication network having a plurality of air conditioning-related devices, addresses for the air conditioning-related devices are set using the total number of air conditioning-related devices or the connection order of the air conditioning-related devices. In this case, it may be necessary to reset the addresses for the air conditioning-related devices when any of the air conditioning-related devices is removed or a new air conditioning-related device is added. Resetting the addresses may result in the cancellation of the correspondence relationship between the addresses and the history data of the air conditioning-related devices that was previously recorded in association with the addresses. According to this aspect, it is not necessary to change the IP addresses of the air conditioning-related devices according to the status of other devices, and the IP addresses can be used continuously.

An air conditioning-related device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an indoor unit or a ventilation device.

In this case, the indoor unit or ventilation device can generate its own IP address, reducing the amount of work required to set up the communication address.

An air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the air conditioning-related devices described above, and an outdoor unit provided between the air conditioning-related devices and a communication system between the expansion unit.

1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a centralized device, an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and an expansion unit of an air conditioning system. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a communication network configuration of the air conditioning system. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for generating a link-local unicast address. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method for generating a unique local unicast address. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for address generation executed by the air conditioning system.

This disclosure will be specifically described with reference to drawings showing embodiments thereof.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system S according to an embodiment. The air conditioning system S is a system for controlling air conditioning in, for example, an office building, a commercial building, or a public facility. The air conditioning system S includes a centralized device 1 and a plurality of air conditioning-related devices 2. The centralized device 1 and each of the air conditioning-related devices 2 are communicatively connected via a communication line 3 to form a communication network.

The centralized equipment 1 is a device that controls the operation of multiple air conditioning-related devices 2, and is, for example, a server computer, a personal computer, a quantum computer, etc. The centralized equipment 1 controls the operation of the air conditioning-related devices 2 to be controlled by sending control signals to the air conditioning-related devices 2 to be controlled. The air conditioning-related devices 2 are devices for performing air conditioning control, and may include, for example, an outdoor unit 21, an indoor unit 22, a ventilation device 23, and an expansion unit 24. Each of the centralized equipment 1, the outdoor unit 21, the indoor unit 22, the ventilation device 23, and the expansion unit 24 may be referred to as "equipment".

A plurality of outdoor units 21 are connected to the centralized device 1 via the communication line 3. The outdoor units 21 may be directly connected to the centralized device 1, or may be indirectly connected to the centralized device 1 via the expansion unit 24. The expansion unit 24 is a device (adapter) for expanding the number of devices connected to the centralized device 1. Normally, the maximum number of outdoor units that can be directly connected to the centralized device 1 is determined. By connecting the expansion unit 24 to the centralized device 1 and connecting multiple outdoor units 21 to the expansion unit 24, the total number of outdoor units 21 and indoor units 22 that constitute the air conditioning system S can be increased. The expansion unit 24 functions as a relay device for relaying communication from the centralized device 1 to the outdoor unit 21 or indoor unit 22 connected downstream of the expansion unit 24. Here, downstream means the opposite direction to the centralized device 1 as viewed from the air conditioning related device 2 such as the expansion unit 24, and upstream means the direction of the centralized device 1 as viewed from the air conditioning related device 2.

One or more indoor units 22 are connected to each outdoor unit 21 via a communication line 3. One or more ventilators 23 may be connected to the outdoor unit 21 via the communication line 3. The outdoor units 21, indoor units 22, and ventilators 23 may be connected in a bus configuration via the communication line 3. The outdoor unit 21 controls its own operation based on a control signal received from the centralized equipment 1. In addition, when the outdoor unit 21 receives a control signal from the centralized equipment 1 addressed to the indoor unit 22 or ventilator 23 connected downstream of the outdoor unit 21, it transmits the control signal to the addressed indoor unit 22 or ventilator 23. The indoor unit 22 or ventilator 23 controls air conditioning based on the control signal received from the centralized equipment 1 via the outdoor unit 21 or directly.

One outdoor unit 21 and the indoor units 22 and ventilation devices 23 connected to the outdoor unit 21 constitute one refrigerant system. Refrigerant circulates between the devices belonging to the same refrigerant system. The indoor units 22 and ventilation devices 23 belonging to the same refrigerant system are each connected via a communication line 3, allowing mutual communication.

In the air conditioning system S, IP communication is performed in a communication network that includes each device, using a communication protocol such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or HD-PLC (High Definition Power Line Communication). In the following, an example is described in which communication between each device via the communication network is performed by HD-PLC, and a power line compatible with PLC communication, particularly a low-voltage power line, is used as the communication line 3.

In the communication network of the air conditioning system S, the range in which communication takes place between devices in the entire network including multiple refrigerant systems is referred to as the overall network, and the range in which communication takes place between air conditioning-related devices 2 within the refrigerant systems is referred to as the intra-system network. Furthermore, in the overall network, the range in which communication takes place upstream of the expansion unit 24 is referred to as the first network, and the range in which communication takes place downstream of the expansion unit 24 is referred to as the second network. Details of the network configuration in the air conditioning system S will be described later.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the centralized equipment 1, outdoor unit 21, indoor unit 22, and expansion unit 24 of the air conditioning system S.

The centralized device 1 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, an input/output unit 13, a first communication unit 14, and a second communication unit 15.

The control unit 11 is an arithmetic processing device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The control unit 11 uses built-in memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), a clock, a counter, etc. to execute various programs stored in the ROM or memory unit, and control the operation of each of the above-mentioned hardware components.

The storage unit 12 includes a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data referenced by the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 may be composed of multiple storage devices, or may be an external storage device connected to the centralized device 1. Data stored in the storage unit 12 includes, for example, identification information of the device itself (described later), and IP addresses of the device itself and each device connected to the device for communication.

The program (program product) stored in the memory unit 12 may be provided by a non-transitory recording medium (not shown) on which the program is recorded in a readable manner. The recording medium is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, a USB memory, or a Secure Digital (SD) card. The control unit 11 reads the desired computer program from the recording medium using a reading device (not shown) and stores the read computer program in the memory unit 12. Alternatively, the computer program may be provided by communication.

The input/output unit 13 includes an input/output device for connecting an external device to the device. The external device may include, for example, a display device and an input device (not shown).

The first communication unit 14 includes a communication module (e.g., a network interface card (NIC)) for performing processing related to communication by the first communication protocol. In this embodiment, the first communication protocol is Ethernet, and the first communication unit 14 includes an Ethernet communication module. The second communication unit 15 is connected to the first communication unit 14 via the communication line 3.

The second communication unit 15 includes a communication module (e.g., a NIC) for performing processing related to communication by the second communication protocol. In this embodiment, the second communication protocol is HD-PLC, and the second communication unit 15 includes an HD-PLC communication module. The second communication unit 15 may include a CPU, memory, etc. (not shown). The HD-PLC communication module is assigned a MAC address or a device number, which is device-specific identification information. Note that the second communication unit 15 is not limited to being connected via the first communication unit 14, and may be connected to the control unit 11 via an internal bus or the like. The second communication unit 15 may be disposed outside the centralized device 1, or may be disposed inside the casing that constitutes the centralized device 1.

The second communication unit 15 also functions to perform processing related to power supply. The second communication unit 15 is wired via a power cable (not shown), and supplies power supplied from an external device to a microcomputer including the control unit 11 as drive power.

The control unit 11 transmits and receives information and power to and from each device through the first communication unit 14 and the second communication unit 15. Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits communication data according to the Ethernet protocol to the external device using an IP address through the first communication unit 14. The first communication unit 14 transmits the received communication data to the second communication unit 15. The second communication unit 15 copies the received communication data to an HD-PLC memory (buffer) or the like, and transmits it to the external device according to the HD-PLC protocol. The external device that is the recipient of the communication data receives the received HD-PLC protocol communication data via Ethernet communication by reversing the procedure.

The outdoor unit 21 has the same hardware configuration as the centralized device 1, and includes a control unit 211, a memory unit 212, an input/output unit 213, a first communication unit 214, and a second communication unit 215. The memory unit 212 includes a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory, and stores various programs and data referenced by the control unit 211. The data stored in the memory unit 212 includes, for example, the identification information of the unit itself, and the identification information or IP addresses of the unit itself and each device connected to the unit for communication. The outdoor unit 21 may also include various mechanisms for controlling air conditioning, such as a compressor, a fan, and valves.

The program (program product) stored in the memory unit 212 may be provided by a non-transitory recording medium (not shown) on which the program is recorded in a readable manner. The control unit 211 reads the desired computer program from the recording medium using a reading device (not shown) and stores the read computer program in the memory unit 212. Alternatively, the computer program may be provided by communication.

The indoor unit 22 has the same hardware configuration as the centralized device 1, and includes a control unit 221, a memory unit 222, an input/output unit 223, a first communication unit 224, and a second communication unit 225. The memory unit 222 includes a non-volatile storage device and stores various programs and data referenced by the control unit 221. The programs stored in the memory unit 222 include a program 22P for causing the control unit 221 to execute processing related to the generation of an IP address. The data stored in the memory unit 222 includes, for example, the identification information of the unit itself, and the identification information or IP addresses of the unit itself and each device connected to the unit. The indoor unit 22 may also include various mechanisms for controlling air conditioning, such as sensors, fans, valves, and remote controls.

The program (program product) stored in the memory unit 222 may be provided by a non-transitory recording medium 22A on which the program is recorded in a readable manner. The control unit 221 reads the desired computer program from the recording medium 22A using a reading device (not shown), and stores the read computer program in the memory unit 222. Alternatively, the computer program may be provided by communication.

The expansion device 24 includes a control unit 241, a memory unit 242, an input/output unit 243, a first communication unit 244, and a second communication unit 245.

The memory unit 242 stores various programs and data. The programs stored in the memory unit 242 include program 24P for causing the control unit 241 to execute processing related to the generation of IP addresses. The data stored in the memory unit 242 includes, for example, identification information of the device itself, IP addresses and routing tables of the device itself and each device connected to the device for communication, and network prefixes used to generate IP addresses, which will be described later.

The program (program product) stored in the memory unit 242 may be provided by a non-transitory recording medium 24A on which the program is recorded in a readable manner. The control unit 241 reads the desired computer program from the recording medium 24A using a reading device (not shown), and stores the read computer program in the memory unit 242. Alternatively, the computer program may be provided by communication.

2, the expansion device 24 includes two first communication units 244 and two second communication units 245 connected to each of the first communication units 244. One of the second communication units 245 is communicatively connected to the second communication unit 15 of the centralized device 1, and the other second communication unit 245 is communicatively connected to the second communication unit 215 of the outdoor unit 21. The two second communication units 245 are connected via the first communication unit 244 and the control unit 241. The two second communication units 245 may be connected via an internal bus. The control unit 241 communicates with the centralized device 1 side in the first network through the one of the first communication units 244 and the second communication unit 245. The control unit 241 also communicates with the outdoor unit 21 side in the second network through the other of the first communication units 244 and the second communication unit 245. The other hardware configuration of the expansion device 24 is the same as that of the centralized device 1.

In FIG. 2, an example is shown in which the outdoor unit 21 and the centralized device 1 are connected via the expansion unit 24, but the outdoor unit 21 may be directly connected to the centralized device 1. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation device 23 may have the same hardware configuration as the indoor unit 22 and may include a control unit, a memory unit, an input/output unit, a first communication unit, a second communication unit, etc.

The communication method and address generation method in the air conditioning system S having the above hardware configuration will be described. In the following specific example, the air conditioning-related equipment 2 for which an IP address is to be generated is an indoor unit 22, and each control unit 221 of the indoor unit 22 functions as a generation unit that generates an IP address. An outdoor unit 21 and an indoor unit 22 (air conditioning-related equipment 2) are provided downstream of the centralized equipment 1, and an expansion unit 24 is provided between the centralized equipment 1 and the outdoor unit 21 as necessary.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram explaining the communication network configuration of the air conditioning system S. As described above, the communication network of the air conditioning system S includes an overall network and an intra-system network. Each device communicates in the overall network and the intra-system network using an IPv6 address generated for each device. Hereinafter, the IPv6 address is also simply referred to as the IP address.

The intra-system network is a communication network that allows communication between devices in the refrigerant system. In detail, the intra-system network allows communication between the outdoor unit 21 and each indoor unit 22 that belong to the same refrigerant system. The overall network is a communication network that allows communication between the devices included in the air conditioning system S across the entire communication network, i.e., the intra-system network.

In the air conditioning system S, as described above, an expansion unit 24 is provided between the centralized equipment 1 and the outdoor unit 21 as necessary. The expansion unit 24 is equipped with two HD-PLC communication modules, and divides the entire network into two segments, a first network on the upstream side and a second network on the downstream side. The first network performs communication between the centralized equipment 1, the outdoor unit 21, and the indoor unit 22, or between the centralized equipment 1, the expansion unit 24, the outdoor unit 21, and the indoor unit 22. The second network performs communication between the expansion unit 24 and air conditioning-related equipment such as the outdoor unit 21 or the indoor unit 22 provided downstream of the expansion unit 24. Each air conditioning-related equipment uses an intra-system network when communicating within the same segment, and uses the entire network when communicating across segments (expansion units 24).

When the expansion device 24 is used to expand the maximum number of devices that can be controlled by the centralized device 1, there is a risk that the network bandwidth will become insufficient due to the increase in the number of devices connected in the communication network. In the air conditioning system S, stable communication is achieved by dividing the communication network into segments using the expansion device 24 and relaying communication between different segments between HD-PLC communication modules.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor unit 21 is connected to the centralized equipment 1 directly or via an expansion unit 24. The air conditioning-related equipment 2 generates different types of IP addresses depending on whether or not an expansion unit 24 is present in the communication system to which the equipment belongs. In FIG. 3, the upper side shows an example of a refrigerant system that does not include an expansion unit 24 upstream of the communication system, and the lower side shows an example of a refrigerant system that includes an expansion unit 24 upstream of the communication system.

As shown in the upper part of FIG. 3, if there is no expansion unit 24 between the centralized equipment 1 and the outdoor unit 21, each indoor unit 22a arranged downstream of the outdoor unit 21 generates a link local unicast address, which is a unique IP address within the communication network. As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 22a communicates in the intra-system network using the link local unicast address, and transmits and receives data between the outdoor unit 21 and other indoor units 22a in the refrigerant system. Also, as shown by the solid lines in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 22a communicates in the entire network using the same link local unicast address, and transmits and receives data between the centralized equipment 1 via the outdoor unit 21 or directly.

As shown in the lower part of FIG. 3, when an extension unit 24 is present between the centralized device 1 and the outdoor unit 21, each indoor unit 22b arranged downstream of the outdoor unit 21 generates a unique local unicast address in addition to the link local unicast address described above. The unique local unicast address is an IP address that is unique within the communication network and is an address that is different from the link local unicast address. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 22b communicates in the intra-system network using the link local unicast address in the same manner as described above. Also, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 22b communicates in the entire network using the unique local unicast address, and transmits and receives data to and from the centralized device 1 via the outdoor unit 21 and the extension unit 24.

As shown in the upper part of FIG. 3, when an extension unit 24 exists in the communication system to which the indoor unit 22a belongs, the indoor unit 22a may generate a unique local unicast address in addition to the link local unicast address described above. Even if there is no extension unit 24 between the outdoor unit 21 and the centralized equipment 1 of the refrigerant system to which the indoor unit 22a belongs, the indoor unit 22a can generate a unique local unicast address when an extension unit 24 exists upstream of another refrigerant system in the communication network to which the indoor unit 22a belongs. The indoor unit 22a communicates in the entire network using the unique local unicast address, and transmits and receives data between the outdoor unit 21 and the indoor unit 22b downstream of the extension unit 24 via the extension unit 24.

The link-local unicast address and the unique local unicast address are both IPv6 addresses. An IPv6 address has an address field with a bit length of 128 bits. An IPv6 address is composed of a 64-bit network prefix portion that defines the network and a 64-bit interface identifier that defines the host. The network prefix portion corresponds to the upper address. The interface identifier corresponds to the lower address. The link-local unicast address and the unique local unicast address for the same indoor unit 22 share the same interface identifier, but the network prefix portion is different.

The network prefix in the unique local unicast address differs depending on the network segment to which the indoor unit 22 belongs. The indoor unit 22a communicates in the first network using a unique local unicast address that includes an upstream network prefix that corresponds to the first network (hereinafter also referred to as an upstream unique local unicast address). The indoor unit 22b communicates in the second network using a unique local unicast address that includes a downstream network prefix that corresponds to the second network (hereinafter also referred to as a downstream unique local unicast address).

Figure 4 is a diagram explaining how to generate a link-local unicast address, and Figure 5 is a diagram explaining how to generate a unique local unicast address. The method of generating an IP address will be explained in detail using Figures 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the link-local unicast address is composed of a network prefix portion that includes a network prefix that is a predetermined value, and an interface identifier that is based on identification information unique to each indoor unit 22. The network prefix in the link-local unicast address can be a unique value such as "fe80::/64". The network prefix is not limited to a value that is common within the air conditioning system S, and other random values may be used. The network prefix is set, for example, at the time of product shipment or by the installer of the air conditioning system S, and is stored in the memory unit 222 of each indoor unit 22.

The interface identifier is generated using a MAC address, which is an identifier unique to the indoor unit 22. Specifically, the interface identifier is generated based on the MAC address of the HD-PLC communication module of the second communication unit 225 provided in the indoor unit 22. The indoor unit 22 reads out a 48-bit MAC address stored in advance. If the MAC address of the HD-PLC communication module set in advance is not 48 bits, the number of bits may be converted according to a predetermined rule. The interface identifier may be generated based on the machine number of the indoor unit 22, specifically the machine number of the HD-PLC communication module of the second communication unit 225 provided in the indoor unit 22. The machine number may be, for example, a manufacturing number or a serial number.

The indoor unit 22 converts the MAC address of the HD-PLC communication module according to a predetermined rule. The indoor unit 22 may convert the address using a function that takes the MAC address as an argument. The function for address conversion is a function that returns a unique value for the MAC address. As an example, the indoor unit 22 inverts (e.g., from 0 to 1) the bits of a predetermined bit string in the MAC address of the HD-PLC communication module. Although address conversion processing such as bit inversion is not essential, performing address conversion can suppress the occurrence of configuration problems due to duplication of the MAC addresses of the indoor unit 22 and the HD-PLC communication module. The indoor unit 22 may use the MAC address of the HD-PLC communication module as is without processing it.

The indoor unit 22 applies the bit-inverted MAC address as the MAC address for Ethernet communication of the indoor unit 22. In other words, the indoor unit 22 stores the bit-inverted MAC address as the MAC address corresponding to its own microcomputer. The indoor unit 22 uses the 48-bit MAC address to generate a 64-bit interface identifier. The method for generating the interface identifier from the MAC address may use the well-known EUI-64 method.

The interface identifier is not limited to being generated using the MAC address of the HD-PLC communication module in the indoor unit 22, but may be generated using the MAC address of the Ethernet communication module in the indoor unit 22.

The link-local unicast address is generated by assigning the resulting interface identifier to a specific lower region in the address space and the network prefix to a specific higher region.

Next, a method for generating a unique local unicast address will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a unique local unicast address is composed of a network prefix portion that includes a different network prefix depending on the extension unit 24 that is communicatively connected to the indoor unit 22, and an interface identifier based on the MAC address of the indoor unit 22.

The method for generating an interface identifier for a unique local unicast address is the same as the method for generating an interface identifier for a link-local unicast address.

The network prefix in the unique local unicast address is generated using an identifier specific to the extension unit 24 that exists in the network to which the indoor unit 22 belongs. Specifically, it is generated using the MAC address of the microcomputer included in the extension unit 24. The MAC address of the microcomputer included in the extension unit 24 may be generated based on the MAC address of the HD-PLC communication module included in the extension unit 24 using the same method as described above. The network prefix may also be generated based on the model number of the HD-PLC communication module included in the extension unit 24.

As described above, the extension device 24 has two HD-PLC communication modules. One HD-PLC communication module functions as an upstream HD-PLC communication module that communicates in a first network. The other HD-PLC communication module functions as a downstream HD-PLC communication module that communicates in a second network. A unique MAC address is preset for each HD-PLC communication device. Two network prefixes are generated based on the MAC addresses of the upstream HD-PLC communication and downstream HD-PLC communication modules. The network prefixes may be generated, for example, by the extension device 24.

The upstream MAC address for the microcomputer in the extension unit 24 is generated by bit converting a specific bit string in the MAC address of the upstream HD-PLC communication module. The extension unit 24 may use the MAC address of the upstream HD-PLC communication module without processing it. An 8-bit identifier for identifying the upstream or downstream side is added to the beginning of the generated 48-bit upstream MAC address. The identifier includes, for example, "01" indicating the upstream side or "02" indicating the downstream side.

Furthermore, a predetermined 8-bit value is added to the beginning of the upstream MAC address that includes the identifier. The predetermined value may include, for example, information for specifying the range of the communication network that uses the generated IP address. In this embodiment, "FD" is added as the predetermined value. This generates a 64-bit upstream network prefix.

The upstream unique local unicast address of the indoor unit 22 is generated by assigning the obtained upstream network prefix to a specified upper region in the address domain and assigning the interface identifier to a specified lower region in the address domain.

In a similar manner, a downstream network prefix is generated based on the MAC address of the downstream HD-PLC communication device of the extension unit 24. The downstream network prefix is combined with the interface identifier to generate a downstream unique local unicast address of the indoor unit 22.

The extension unit 24 transmits the generated upstream network prefix to the indoor unit 22 (indoor unit 22a in the example shown in FIG. 3) belonging to the first network. The indoor unit 22 belonging to the first network generates an upstream unique local unicast address using the upstream network prefix received from the extension unit 24 and an interface identifier based on its own MAC address. The extension unit 24 also transmits the generated downstream network prefix to the indoor unit 22 (indoor unit 22b in the example shown in FIG. 3) belonging to the second network. The indoor unit 22 belonging to the second network generates a downstream unique local unicast address using the downstream network prefix received from the extension unit 24 and an interface identifier based on its own MAC address.

Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the address generation processing procedure executed by the air conditioning system S. The following processing may be executed by the control unit 221 according to the program 22P stored in the memory unit 222 of the indoor unit 22 and by the control unit 241 according to the program 24P stored in the memory unit 242 of the expansion unit 24, or may be realized by dedicated hardware circuits (e.g., FPGA or ASIC) provided in each of the control unit 221 and the control unit 241, or may be realized by a combination thereof.

The control unit 221 of the indoor unit 22 generates a MAC address corresponding to its own microcomputer by converting the MAC address related to the HD-PLC communication device of the second communication unit 225 associated with its own microcomputer according to a predetermined rule (step S201). The control unit 221 generates an interface identifier (step S202). The control unit 221 may generate the interface identifier based on the obtained MAC address, for example, by a method according to the EUI-64 standard.

The control unit 221 generates a link-local unicast address by assigning a pre-stored predetermined value as a network prefix to the upper address field and an interface identifier to the lower address field (step S203). The control unit 221 may obtain the network prefix by receiving a network prefix transmitted from an external device such as the outdoor unit 21.

The control unit 241 of the extension device 24 generates an upstream MAC address and a downstream MAC address corresponding to its own microcomputer (step S101). Specifically, the control unit 241 generates the upstream MAC address and the downstream MAC address corresponding to its own microcomputer by converting the MAC addresses related to the HD-PLC communication devices of the second communication unit 245 on the upstream and downstream sides, which are associated with its own microcomputer, according to a predetermined rule.

The control unit 241 adds an extension bit according to a predetermined rule, and generates an upstream network prefix based on the upstream MAC address, and generates a downstream network prefix based on the downstream MAC address (step S102). The control unit 241 stores the generated upstream network prefix and downstream network prefix in the storage unit 242 (step S103).

Based on the information stored in the memory unit 242, the control unit 241 transmits the upstream network prefix or the downstream network prefix to the indoor unit 22 (step S104). In this case, the control unit 241 transmits the upstream network prefix to the indoor unit 22 on the upstream side (first network), and transmits the downstream network prefix to the indoor unit 22 on the downstream side (second network).

The control unit 241 may transmit a network prefix to all indoor units 22 belonging to the same network segment as the expansion unit 24 by RA (Router Advertisement). The control unit 241 may transmit an RA in response to an RS (Router Solicitation) transmitted from the indoor unit 22.

The control unit 221 of the indoor unit 22 receives either the upstream network prefix or the downstream network prefix (step S204). If the expansion unit 24 does not exist in the communication system to which the indoor unit 22 belongs, the processes of steps S101 to S104 and step S204 may be omitted.

The control unit 221 determines whether or not an extension unit 24 is present in the communication system (step S205). If it is determined that an extension unit 24 is not present because a network prefix has not been received (step S205: NO), the control unit 221 advances the process to step S207. The control unit 221 may determine that an extension unit 24 is not present by receiving information indicating that an extension unit 24 is not present from the outdoor unit 21, etc.

When it is determined that an extension device 24 exists by receiving the network prefix (step S205: YES), the control unit 221 generates a unique local unicast address using the received network prefix (step S206). In detail, the control unit 221 generates an upstream unique local unicast address by assigning the received upstream network prefix to the upper address region and the interface identifier acquired in step S202 to the lower address region. Alternatively, the control unit 221 generates a downstream unique local unicast address by assigning the downstream network prefix to the upper address region and the interface identifier to the lower address region.

The control unit 221 stores each generated IP address in the storage unit 222 (step S207), and ends the series of processes. The control unit 221 may transmit the generated IP address to each device, such as the expansion unit 24, the outdoor unit 21, or the centralized device 1.

Then, the control unit 221 can perform communication in the entire network using the generated unique local unicast address, and can perform communication in the intra-system network using the link-local unicast address.

The subject of each of the above-mentioned processes is not limited. For example, part of the process executed by the expansion unit 24 may be executed by the indoor unit 22 or the outdoor unit 21, and part of the process executed by the indoor unit 22 may be executed by the expansion unit 24 or the outdoor unit 21. In the above, an example in which the expansion unit 24 executes the network prefix generation process has been described, but for example, the indoor unit 22 or the outdoor unit 21 may execute it. The indoor unit 22 or the outdoor unit 21 receives the upstream or downstream MAC address of the expansion unit 24 transmitted from the expansion unit 24. The indoor unit 22 or the outdoor unit 21 generates a network prefix based on the received upstream or downstream MAC address.

In the above, an example has been described in which the target for generating an IP address is the indoor unit 22, and the indoor unit 22 executes the IP address generation process. The air conditioning-related equipment 2 for which an IP address can be generated is not limited to the indoor unit 22, and may be any of the ventilation device 23, the outdoor unit 21, and the expansion unit 24.

The device for which the IP address is to be generated and the device that performs the IP address generation process may be independent. For example, the extension unit 24 may generate the IP address of the indoor unit 22. The extension unit 24 receives the MAC address or interface identifier of the indoor unit 22 transmitted from the indoor unit 22. The extension unit 24 generates an IP address for the indoor unit 22 based on the received MAC address or interface identifier and a network prefix according to the communication network to which the indoor unit 22 belongs. The extension unit 24 transmits the generated IP address to the indoor unit 22.

In the above process, communication between the expansion unit 24 and the indoor unit 22 may be performed via the outdoor unit 21.

Every time a new indoor unit 22 is added to the refrigerant system, the expansion unit 24 executes the process shown in FIG. 6 between the new indoor unit 22. The new indoor unit 22 generates an IP address based on a network prefix corresponding to the MAC address of the expansion unit 24 and its own MAC address. Indoor units 22 already installed in the refrigerant system can continue to use their already-set IP addresses without changing them, even when a new indoor unit 22 is added.

According to this embodiment, IP addresses are self-generated by the air conditioning-related devices that make up the communication network in the air conditioning system S, eliminating the need for manual address setting work and improving the efficiency of communication address setting work. Each air conditioning-related device can use the IP address to widely send and receive data with external devices in the communication network, allowing for more efficient communication than when communication is performed between specific devices using dedicated addresses that are only valid between specific devices.

Communication in the communication network is performed by the HD-PLC protocol using low-voltage power lines, which allows for efficient transmission of power and communication data while simplifying the layout of the communication network. By using IPv6 addresses as IP addresses, a sufficient data area is secured as an address area, making it possible to generate IP addresses based on the MAC addresses of two different devices.

The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and their equivalent meanings. In addition, at least a portion of each of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.
The sequences shown in the above-described embodiments are not limited, and the order of each process may be changed and multiple processes may be executed in parallel, so long as there is no contradiction. The subject of each process is not limited, and the process of each device may be executed by another device, so long as there is no contradiction.

The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. In addition, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any and all combinations regardless of the citation format. Furthermore, the claims use a format in which a claim cites two or more other claims (multi-claim format), but this is not limited to this. They may also be written in a format in which multiple claims cite at least one other claim (multi-multi-claim).

S Air conditioning system 1 Central equipment 21 (2) Outdoor unit (air conditioning related equipment)
22 (2) Indoor unit (air conditioning related equipment)
23 (2) Ventilation equipment (air conditioning related equipment)
24 (2) Expansion unit (air conditioning related equipment)
11, 211, 221, 241 Control unit 12, 212, 222, 242 Storage unit 13, 213, 223, 243 Input/output unit 14, 214, 224, 244 First communication unit 15, 215, 225, 245 Second communication unit 22P, 24P Program 22A, 24A Recording medium

Claims (5)

a generating unit that generates an IP address having a data area larger than the identification information based on the identification information unique to the device,
the IP address includes a higher-level address and a lower-level address that is made up of the identification information;
The generation unit is
generating the IP address with a different upper address depending on whether an extension device is present in the communication system ;
If the extension device is present, the IP address is generated by adding a higher-level address corresponding to the extension device, the higher-level address being generated based on identification information unique to the extension device present in the communication system.
Air conditioning related equipment. The air conditioning-related device according to claim 1 , wherein the generation unit generates the IP address to which a predetermined upper address is assigned when the expansion device does not exist. The air conditioning related device according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising: generating identification information unique to the device by converting a MAC address or a device number of a communication device associated with the device based on a predetermined rule. The air conditioning-related device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , comprising an indoor unit or a ventilation device. An air conditioning system comprising: the air conditioning-related device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and an outdoor unit provided between a communication system between the air conditioning-related device and an expansion unit.

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