JPH10267363A - Communication converter and centralized control type air-conditioning system employing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication converter, switching a communicating signal converting means automatically in accordance with the combination of connected devices, and a centralized control type air conditioning system, employing the same converter. SOLUTION: A microcomputer 31 outputs an old type command with the address of an old type centralized controller from a communication circuit A and when there is a normal response with respect to the command, a new type indoor unit is selected as the connecting partner of a centralized controller 1 and, thereafter, a transmitting signal from a second communication port 37 is transmitted to only a communication circuit B. Next, the microcomputer 31 outputs a new type command from the communication circuit B with the address of a new type indoor unit and when there is a normal response with respect to the command, instruments are judged that they are connected normally and green LED lamp 51 is lighted, then, a program for the new type indoor unit of the old type centralized controller is selected as a program for communication command conversion to finish a process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication conversion device interposed between devices having different communication circuits and communication commands, and a centralized control type air conditioning system using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a large store or an office building, when an air conditioning system including a large number of indoor units and a plurality of outdoor units is installed, communication between the devices is performed through one communication line (bus line). Often done. In this case, since the indoor unit group and the outdoor unit group are connected by a relatively thin (for example, non-polarized two-wire) signal cable, the work of drawing the signal cable from outdoors to indoors becomes easy. Further, if a centralized controller is connected to the bus line, the operation control of all the indoor units and the outdoor units can be performed at one place.

[0003] In such a large-scale air conditioning system, the indoor unit and the centralized controller may be appropriately replaced with a new type for the purpose of multifunctionalization and performance improvement. In replacement, only some of the devices (for example, half of the indoor units) are often replaced with new models due to differences in service life between the devices and problems in equipment costs. As described above, when not all devices can be replaced at the same time, a communication converter for converting a communication signal is interposed on a bus line in order to eliminate a difference between a communication circuit and an output signal (communication command) between the new and old devices. Is done.

[0004]

Conventionally, a communication conversion device has been interposed between a new centralized controller and an old indoor unit, and has been interposed between an old centralized controller and a new indoor unit. However, the cost of replacing the centralized controller and indoor unit tends to increase. For example, if half of the indoor units are replaced with the new model and the centralized controller is replaced with the new model, the communication converter installed earlier cannot be used, and a large expense is required when the number of indoor units is large.

Therefore, the present inventors have attempted to manufacture a communication converter in which a plurality of communication circuits are built in a single communication converter, and a plurality of connection ports corresponding to these communication circuits and a changeover switch for switching the communication circuits are provided. Was. However, this communication converter has a problem in that the load on the installation operator is increased because the changeover switch and the connection (connection change) of the signal cable must be performed at the time of initial installation or re-installation. Further, if the changeover of the changeover switch or the connection of the signal cable is performed erroneously, no communication is performed, but it is not always easy to find out the cause.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has a communication conversion device for automatically switching communication signal conversion means according to a combination of devices to be connected, and a centralized control type air using the same. It aims to provide a harmonious system.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a communication signal output from one device is interposed between devices using communication signals of different forms so as to be adapted to the other device. In the communication conversion device, a plurality of types of devices using the first communication signal are connected to a primary connection port, and a plurality of secondary sides provided corresponding to the plurality of types of devices using the second communication signal. A connection port, a plurality of communication signal conversion means respectively provided corresponding to these plurality of secondary connection ports, and a primary device type determination means for determining the type of device connected to the primary connection port; ,
There is proposed a device including a conversion unit switching unit that selectively drives one of the plurality of communication signal conversion units based on a determination result of the primary device type determination unit.

According to the invention, for example, when the primary device type determining means determines that the old centralized controller is connected to the primary connection port, the converting means switching means switches the communication signal corresponding to the new indoor unit. The conversion means is selectively driven. Therefore, the installation worker connects the new-type indoor unit to the secondary-side connection port for the new-type indoor unit, whereby communication between the two devices is performed without interruption.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication conversion device interposed between devices using communication signals of different forms and converting a communication signal output from one device to be compatible with the other device. A primary connection port to which a plurality of types of devices using a first communication signal are connected; a secondary connection port to which a plurality of types of devices using a second communication signal are connected; the primary connection port; A plurality of communication signal converters interposed between the secondary connection port and provided corresponding to a combination of the device connected to the primary connection port and the device connected to the secondary connection port Means, primary device type determining means for determining the type of device connected to the primary connection port, and one of the plurality of communication signal converting means based on the determination result of the primary device type determining device. Select one It suggests that a conversion means switching means for.

According to the present invention, for example, when the primary device type determining means determines that the old centralized controller is connected to the primary connection port, the converting means switching means switches the communication signal corresponding to the new indoor unit. The conversion means is selectively driven. Therefore, the installer connects the new-type indoor unit to the secondary-side connection port, whereby communication between the two devices is performed without interruption.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication converter according to the first or second aspect, the first erroneous connection determining means for determining whether an appropriate device is connected to the primary connection port, It is proposed to further provide a warning message output means for outputting a predetermined warning message when the determination result of the first incorrect connection determination means is negative.

According to the present invention, for example, despite the fact that the primary connection port corresponds to the old type device,
When a new type of device is connected, the first incorrect connection determination means determines this, and the warning message output means displays the fact on a display device or the like.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication converter according to the first or second aspect, a second erroneous connection determination means for determining whether an appropriate device is connected to the secondary connection port is provided. It is proposed to further provide a warning message output means for outputting a predetermined warning message when the determination result of the second incorrect connection determination means is negative.

According to the present invention, for example, when an appropriate device is not connected to one of a plurality of secondary connection ports to be connected, the second erroneous connection determination means determines this and issues a warning. The message output means displays this on a display device or the like.

Further, in the invention of claim 4, according to claims 1 to 4,
A centralized control type air conditioning system using the communication conversion device according to any one of the above items is proposed.

According to the present invention, the communication conversion device automatically converts the communication signal according to the devices connected to the primary side and the secondary side, and also outputs a warning message at the time of incorrect connection. In addition to reducing the cost of replacing only a part of the devices, the work of connecting signal cables and the like at the time of installation can be easily performed.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a centralized control type air conditioning system according to the embodiment. The air conditioning system includes a centralized controller 1 for controlling the entire system, and first to eleventh indoor units 5-1 to 5-11 connected to the centralized controller 1 via a non-polar two-wire bus line 3. First and second outdoor units 7-
1, 7-2. In the case of this embodiment,
Only the first to fourth indoor units 5-1 to 5-4 are new types, and other devices (centralized controller 1, fifth to eleventh indoor units 5-5 to 5-11, outdoor units 7-1 and 7) −
2) are all old models. First to fourth from bus line 3
Each of the branches to the indoor units 5-1 to 5-4 is provided with a communication conversion local adapter (hereinafter, referred to as an adapter) 9 as a communication conversion device, and the centralized controller 1 and the first to fourth indoor units. Communication signals are converted between the units 5-1 to 5-4. In the figure, 11 is a wired remote controller, and 13 is a wireless remote controller.

As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter 9 of this embodiment has first to third connection ports 21 to 23, and the first connection port 21
Alternatively, the indoor unit is connected, and the second connection port 22
Are connected to the new indoor units 5-1 to 5-4, and the third connection port 23 is connected to a new centralized controller.

The adapter 9 includes a communication circuit A connected to the first connection port 21, a communication circuit B connected to the second connection port 22, and a communication circuit C connected to the third connection port 23.
And a microcomputer 31 and a communication switching unit 33 are interposed between the communication circuit A and the communication circuits B and C. The communication circuit A corresponds to the communication circuit A in the old centralized controller 1 or the indoor unit, the communication circuit B corresponds to the communication circuit B in the new indoor units 5-1 to 5-4, and the communication circuit C Corresponds to the communication circuit C in the new centralized controller.

The microcomputer 31 includes a CPU, an input / output interface, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.
The communication circuit A is connected by a first communication port 35, and the communication switching unit 33 is connected by a second communication port 37. The ROM of the microcomputer 31 stores a program for executing a communication switching control subroutine, which will be described later, and the like, in addition to a communication command conversion program. In the figure, reference numeral 51 denotes a green LED lamp indicating normal connection of the device, and reference numerals 52 to 54 denote red LEs indicating erroneous connection or non-connection of the device.
It is a D lamp.

The communication switching unit 33, as shown in FIG.
The connection destination of the communication circuit A is determined by the output signals from the first and second switching ports 41 and 43 of the microcomputer 31.
Switch to either one of That is, assuming that the output signal of the first switching port 41 is L and the output signal of the second switching port 43 is H, the transmission signal from the second communication port 37 is connected to the communication circuit B as indicated by the solid arrow. However, since the communication circuit C is fixed at H, the second communication port 3
The transmission signal from 7 is not connected to the communication circuit C. Similarly, assuming that the output signal of the first switching port 41 is H and the output signal of the second switching port 43 is L, the second communication port 3
The transmission signal from 7 comes to the communication circuit C only, as indicated by the dashed arrow. As for the reception, since the communication circuits B and C are both directly connected to the second communication port 37, the microcomputer 31 receives the reception signals from both the communication circuits B and C.

When the adapter 9 is interposed in the bus line 3 and the main power supply of the air conditioning system is turned on, the microcomputer 31 executes the communication switching control subroutine shown in FIGS. Is repeatedly executed.

When this subroutine is started, the microcomputer 31 first outputs an old command at the address of the old centralized controller from the communication circuit A in step S1 of FIG. 4, and determines in step S3 whether a normal response has been made. I do. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the old centralized controller 1 is connected to the first connection port 21 via the bus line 3, the determination in step S3 is Yes. In this case, the microcomputer 31 selects a new type of indoor unit as a device to be connected to the centralized controller 1 in step S5, and then executes communication switching based on this selection in step S7. That is, as described above, the output signal of the first switching port 41 is set to L and the output signal of the second switching port 43 is set to H, so that the transmission signal from the second communication port 37 is passed only to the communication circuit B.

Next, the microcomputer 31 outputs a new command with the address of the new indoor unit from the communication circuit B in step S9, and determines in step S11 whether a normal response has been received. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the new indoor units 5-1 to 5-4 are connected to the second connection port 21 via the bus line 3, the determination in step S11 is Yes. In this case, the microcomputer 31 determines that the devices are normally connected, turns on the green LED lamp 51 in step S13, and, in step S15, as a communication command conversion program for the old centralized controller-new indoor unit. Select one and end the process.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S3 is No, the microcomputer 31 outputs an old command with the address of the old indoor unit from the communication circuit A in step S17 in FIG. 5, and a normal response is returned in step S19. It is determined whether or not there is. First connection port 21 via bus line 3
If an old type indoor unit is connected to
The judgment of 19 is Yes. In this case, the microcomputer 31
After selecting a new centralized controller as a device to be connected to the indoor unit in step S21,
At 23, the communication is switched based on this selection. That is, as described above, the output signal of the first switching port 41 is set to H and the output signal of the second switching port 43 is set to L, so that the transmission signal from the second communication port 37 is passed only to the communication circuit C.

Next, the microcomputer 31 outputs a new command with the address of the new centralized controller from the communication circuit C in step S25, and determines in step S27 whether a normal response has been received. As shown by the broken line in FIG. 2, when a new type of centralized controller is connected to the second connection port 21 via the bus line 3, the determination in step S27 is Yes. In this case, the microcomputer 31 determines that the devices are normally connected, and determines in step S29 that the green L
The ED lamp 51 is turned on, and in step S31, the program for the old indoor unit-the new centralized controller is selected as the communication command conversion program, and the process is terminated.

If the determination in step S3 is No and the determination in step S19 is No, the microcomputer 31 determines whether a new type device is erroneously connected to the first connection port 21 side, or It is determined that there is no connection or incorrect wiring, and the red LED lamps 52 to 5 are determined in step S33.
4 is turned on or off as appropriate. In this case, the installation worker can easily perform correct connection by checking the red LED lamps 52 to 54. Further, the microcomputer 31 returns to the start and repeats the processing until a correct connection is made.

If the determination in step S3 is Yes and the determination in step S11 is No, the microcomputer 31
Sequentially outputs new commands at the address of a new device (for example, an outdoor unit) that may be connected to the second connection port 22 from the communication circuit B in step S35 of FIG. 6, and normal in step S37. It is determined whether or not there has been a response. If the determination is Yes, the microcomputer 31 determines that the device is erroneously connected, and appropriately turns on or blinks the red LED lamps 52 to 54 in step S39.

If the determination in step S37 is No, the microcomputer 31 executes communication switching in step S41, and transmits a transmission signal from the second communication port 37 to the communication circuit C.
Only to be connected. After a while, the microcomputer 31
Is the third connection port 2 from the communication circuit C in step S43.
A new command is sequentially output at the address of a new device that may be connected to the third side, and it is determined in step S45 whether a normal response has been received. And the microcomputer 31
If this determination is Yes, it is determined that the device is erroneously connected, and the red LED lamps 52 to 54 are determined in step S47.
Is appropriately turned on or blinked. If No, it is determined that the device is not connected or the wiring is incorrect, and the red LED lamps 52 to 54 are also appropriately turned on or blinked in step S49.

If the determination in step S19 is Yes and the determination in step S27 is No, the microcomputer 31
Outputs a new command at the address of a new device which may be connected to the third connection port 23 side from the communication circuit C in step S51 of FIG. 7, and determines in step S53 whether or not there is a normal response. Is determined. If the determination is Yes, the microcomputer 31 determines that the device is erroneously connected, and appropriately turns on or blinks the red LED lamps 52 to 54 in step S55.

If the determination in step S53 is No, the microcomputer 31 executes communication switching in step S57, and transmits the transmission signal from the second communication port 37 to the communication circuit B.
Only to be connected. After a while, the microcomputer 31
Is the second connection port 2 from the communication circuit B in step S59.
The new commands are sequentially output at the addresses of the new devices that may be connected to the second side, and it is determined in step S61 whether a normal response has been received. And the microcomputer 31
If the determination is Yes, it is determined that the device is erroneously connected, and the red LED lamps 52 to 54 are determined in step S63.
Is turned on or blinking as appropriate. If No, it is determined that the device is not connected or the wiring is incorrect, and the red LED is determined in step S65.
The lamps 52 to 54 are appropriately turned on or blinked.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the device is properly connected, switching of the communication circuit and selection of the communication command conversion program are automatically performed. Etc. became unnecessary. Also, if the device is connected by mistake, etc., this is indicated by the red LED lamps 52 to 54,
It has become easier for the installer to correct the connection of the device.

FIG. 8 shows a modified example of the communication switching unit 33. This modification differs from that shown in FIG. 3 in that a relay drive circuit 61 and an electromagnetic switch 63 are added, and the communication circuit B and the communication circuit C have the same connection port (the second connection port 22). ).

That is, when the microcomputer 31 sets the output signal of the first switching port 41 to L and the output signal of the second switching port 43 to H, the transmission signal from the second communication port 37 is as shown by a solid arrow. At the same time, the relay drive circuit 61 drives the electromagnetic switch 63 as shown by the solid line, and switches the connection destination of the second connection port 22 to the communication circuit B. Further, the microcomputer 31 sets the output signal of the first switching port 41 to H, the second switching port 43
Is L, the transmission signal from the second communication port 37 is connected to the communication circuit C as shown by the broken line arrow, but at the same time, the relay drive circuit 61 shows the electromagnetic changeover switch 63 by the broken line. And the second connection port 2
2 is switched to the communication circuit C.

As a result, the old centralized controller and the indoor unit are connected to the second connection port 22 together, so that the connection work of the apparatus is further facilitated, and the erroneous connection judgment performed by the microcomputer 31 is also performed. Simplified.

The description of the specific embodiment has been completed.
Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. For example,
In the above embodiment, the adapter interposed between the centralized controller and the indoor unit has been described. However, the adapter may be interposed between the centralized controller and the outdoor unit. In addition, the warning message at the time of incorrect connection or the like may be made not by the lighting state of the LED lamp but by a character display on a liquid crystal display, a buzzer, or the like. Furthermore, specific device configurations, control procedures, and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0038]

According to the present invention, there is provided a communication converter which is interposed between devices using communication signals of different forms and converts a communication signal output from one device to be compatible with the other device. A primary-side connection port to which a plurality of types of devices using communication signals are connected; a plurality of secondary-side connection ports provided corresponding to a plurality of types of devices using a second communication signal; A plurality of communication signal conversion means respectively provided corresponding to the side connection port, a primary device type determination means for determining the type of the device connected to the primary connection port, and a primary device type determination means. A conversion means switching means for selectively driving one of the plurality of communication signal conversion means on the basis of the determination result is provided. When the central controller is connected is determined, selectively drives a communication signal converting means for converting means switching means corresponding to the new indoor unit. Therefore,
The installer connects the new indoor unit to the secondary-side connection port for the new indoor unit, whereby communication between the two devices is performed without interruption.

Further, a first communication signal is used in a communication converter interposed between devices using different types of communication signals and for converting a communication signal output from one device to be compatible with the other device. A primary connection port to which a plurality of types of devices are connected; a secondary connection port to which a plurality of types of devices using a second communication signal are connected; and a connection between the primary connection port and the secondary connection port. A plurality of communication signal conversion means interposed therebetween, provided in correspondence with a combination of a device connected to the primary connection port and a device connected to the secondary connection port; and Primary device type determination means for determining the type of device connected to the port, based on the determination result of the primary device type determination means,
In the apparatus provided with the conversion means switching means for selectively driving one of the plurality of communication signal conversion means, for example, the old centralized controller is connected to the primary connection port by the primary device type determination means. If determined, the conversion means switching means selectively drives the communication signal conversion means corresponding to the new type indoor unit. Therefore, the installer connects the new indoor unit to the secondary connection port,
Communication between the two devices is performed without interruption.

Also, a first misconnection determination means for determining whether an appropriate device is connected to the primary connection port, and a predetermined warning when the determination result of the first misconnection determination means is negative. In the apparatus further provided with a warning message output means for outputting a message, for example, when a new-type device is connected despite the primary-side connection port corresponding to the old-type device, the first erroneous connection determination is performed. The means determines this, and the warning message output means displays the fact on a display device or the like, so that the installer can easily recognize the erroneous connection.

A second incorrect connection determining means for determining whether or not an appropriate device is connected to the secondary connection port, and if the determination result of the second incorrect connection determining means is negative, a predetermined error is determined. In the apparatus further provided with a warning message output means for outputting a warning message, for example, when an appropriate device is not connected to one of a plurality of secondary connection ports to be connected, the second erroneous connection determination means Will determine this, and the warning message output means will indicate this on a display device or the like, so that the installer can easily recognize the erroneous connection.

In the centralized control type air conditioning system using the above-mentioned communication converter, the communication converter automatically converts communication signals according to the devices connected to the primary side and the secondary side. Since a warning message is output at the time of erroneous connection, the expenditure when only a part of the devices is replaced is reduced, and the work of connecting the signal cable at the time of installation is easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication conversion local adapter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication conversion unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a communication switching control subroutine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a communication switching control subroutine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a communication switching control subroutine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a communication switching control subroutine.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a modified example of the communication conversion unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Centralized Controller 3 Bus Line 5-1 to 5-11 Indoor Unit 7-1, 7-2 Outdoor Unit 9 Local Adapter for Communication Conversion 21 to 23 Connection Port 31 Microcomputer 33 Communication Switching Unit 35, 37 Communication Port 41, 43 Switching port

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A communication conversion device interposed between devices using communication signals of different forms and converting a communication signal output from one device to be compatible with the other device, wherein the first communication signal is used. A primary-side connection port to which a plurality of types of devices are connected; a plurality of secondary-side connection ports provided corresponding to a plurality of types of devices that use the second communication signal; and a plurality of secondary-side connection ports. A plurality of communication signal converting means respectively provided correspondingly; a primary device type determining means for determining a type of a device connected to the primary connection port; and a primary device type determining means based on the determination result. And a conversion means switching means for selectively driving one of the plurality of communication signal conversion means. 2. A communication conversion device interposed between devices using communication signals of different forms and converting a communication signal output from one device to be compatible with the other device, wherein the first communication signal is used. A primary connection port to which a plurality of types of devices are connected; a secondary connection port to which a plurality of types of devices using a second communication signal are connected; and a connection between the primary connection port and the secondary connection port. A plurality of communication signal converting means interposed therebetween, provided in correspondence with a combination of a device connected to the primary connection port and a device connected to the secondary connection port; and the primary connection A primary device type determining unit for determining the type of the device connected to the port; and a converting unit for selectively driving one of the plurality of communication signal converting units based on a determination result of the primary device type determining unit. Changer Communication converter characterized in that it comprises and. 3. A first erroneous connection judging unit for judging whether or not an appropriate device is connected to the primary connection port, and a predetermined unit if the judgment result of the first erroneous connection judging unit is negative. 3. The communication conversion device according to claim 1, further comprising a warning message output unit that outputs a warning message. 4. A second erroneous connection judging means for judging whether or not an appropriate device has been connected to the secondary connection port, and a second erroneous connection judging means when the judgment result of the second erroneous connection judging means is negative, The communication conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a warning message output unit that outputs the warning message of (1). 5. A centralized control air conditioning system using the communication conversion device according to claim 1. Description: