JPWO2019064401A1 - Communication system, master device and slave device - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioning system (100) that connects an indoor unit (140) to an outdoor unit (110) that performs communication by switching between a first communication system and a second communication system, the outdoor unit (110) being the outdoor unit (110). ) At the time of starting, communicating with all the indoor units (140) by one communication method selected from the first communication method and the second communication method, and receiving a normal response from all the indoor units (140). Determines one of the communication methods as a communication method to be used for communication with all the indoor units (140), and if a normal response is not received from at least one of the indoor units (140), Switch one communication method to another.

Description

The present invention relates to a communication system, a master device and a slave device, and more particularly to a communication system, a master device and a slave device that switch between a plurality of communication schemes for communication.

In an air conditioning system for a store or an office, one or more indoor units are multi-drop connected to one outdoor unit. In other words, the air conditioning system communicates in a master-slave system in which the outdoor unit is the master and the indoor unit is the slave.

In an air conditioning system, a higher speed communication system may be installed in comparison with the conventional communication system due to version upgrade of the air conditioner. However, considering the possibility of replacing only part of the existing system, the new model air conditioner supports both the new communication method that enables high-speed communication and the conventional communication method. Is desired. Therefore, it is necessary to select an appropriate communication system depending on whether the connected outdoor unit and indoor unit are compatible with the new communication system.

On the other hand, in the future, there will be a time when there will be no models equipped with only the conventional communication method, or there will be a timing when the manufacturer will not support it. After this timing, it is desirable that the outdoor unit and the indoor unit be equipped with only the new communication method. As a result, the hardware and software can be simplified by deleting the conventional communication method, so that there are effects such as cost reduction and development cost reduction.

In the case of current transmission, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit need to switch between transmission and reception at appropriate timings, so the communication method must be unique.

In Patent Document 1, after establishing communication with the first communication method at the time of startup, it is confirmed whether communication with the second communication method is possible, and if communication is possible, switching to the second communication method is performed and communication is performed. An apparatus for performing is described.

JP-A-62-198241

The device described in Patent Document 1 is premised on the establishment of communication in the first communication method, and thus cannot support the case where a model that does not support the first communication method is included.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to select an appropriate communication method from a plurality of communication methods.

A communication system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a communication system in which a second communication device is connected to a first communication device that switches between a first communication system and a second communication system to perform communication. The communication device communicates with the second communication device by one communication system selected from the first communication system and the second communication system when the first communication device is activated, and all the second communication devices communicate with each other. When a normal response is received, the one communication method is determined as a communication method used for communication with the second communication device, and when a normal response is not received from the second communication device, The one communication method is switched to another communication method.

A communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention switches a first communication system and a second communication system to a first communication device that performs communication using at least one of a first communication system and a second communication system. A communication system for connecting a second communication device for performing communication by means of the method, wherein the second communication device confirms whether or not the second communication device is compatible with the first communication method when the second communication device is activated. When the first system confirmation request is received, the first communication system is determined as the communication system to be used for communication with the first communication device, and the second communication system is set to the second communication system when the second communication device is activated. When the second system confirmation request for confirming whether or not the communication is supported is received, the second communication system is determined as a communication system to be used for communication with the first communication device. ..

A master device according to an aspect of the present invention is a master device that connects a slave device, and controls a communication unit that communicates with the slave device by switching between a first communication system and a second communication system, and a communication unit. And a control unit that performs communication with the slave device by one communication method selected from the first communication method and the second communication method when the master device is activated, and the communication unit When the slave device receives a normal response from the slave device, the one communication system is determined as a communication system to be used for communication with the slave device, and the communication unit receives a normal response from the slave device. If not, the one communication method is switched to another communication method.

A slave device according to an aspect of the present invention is a slave device connected to a master device, the communication device performing communication by switching between a first communication system and a second communication system with the master device, and the communication unit. And a control unit that controls, when the slave unit receives a first method confirmation request for confirming whether or not the first communication method is supported, when the slave apparatus is activated. , A second method confirmation for determining the first communication method as a communication method to be used for communication with the master device and confirming whether or not the slave device is compatible with the second communication method at the time of starting. When the request is received, the second communication method is determined as a communication method used for communication with the master device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an appropriate communication method can be selected from a plurality of communication methods.

It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the air conditioning system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the outdoor unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an outdoor communication unit in the first embodiment. (A) And (B) is a block diagram which shows a hardware structural example. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the indoor unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an indoor communication unit in the first embodiment. 7 is a state transition diagram showing an operation of an outdoor communication system determination unit of the outdoor unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram showing an operation of an indoor communication system determination unit of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an outdoor unit in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an indoor unit in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a state transition diagram showing an operation of an outdoor communication system determination unit of the outdoor unit according to the second embodiment. 7 is a state transition diagram showing an operation of an indoor communication system determination unit of the indoor unit according to the second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of Embodiment 1 and 2.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an air conditioning system 100 as a communication system according to the first embodiment.
The air conditioning system 100 includes an outdoor unit 110 and indoor units 140A to 140D.
Here, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of the indoor units 140A to 140D, the indoor units 140 are referred to. It should be noted that the number of indoor units 140 may be one or more, but it is preferable to have a plurality.
As the communication system, the outdoor unit 110 functions as a first communication device (master device), the indoor unit 140 functions as a second communication device (slave device), and a plurality of second communication devices are multi-drop. It is connected to the first communication device.

The outdoor unit 110 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 101. Here, the commercial power supply 101 is, for example, AC (Alternating Current) 200V.
The outdoor unit 110 and the indoor unit 140 are connected by a refrigerant pipe, a power supply line, and a communication line. In Embodiment 1, description regarding the refrigerant pipe is omitted.

The outdoor unit 110 and the indoor unit 140 are connected by three lines of a first line S1, a second line S2, and a third line S3. The first line S1 and the second line S2 are power supply lines and are supplied with AC200V supplied from the commercial power supply 101. The second line S2 is a dual-purpose line for a power line and a communication line, and the third line S3 is a communication line.
The air conditioning system 100 employs current transmission that transmits a digital signal depending on whether or not current is flowing in a closed circuit configured by the outdoor unit 110, the second line S2, the indoor unit 140, and the third line S3. ..

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the outdoor unit 110.
The outdoor unit 110 includes an outdoor air conditioning unit 111, an outdoor communication unit 120, and an outdoor control unit 130.
The outdoor air conditioner 111 performs an outdoor operation in the refrigeration cycle. For example, the outdoor air conditioning unit 111 has devices such as a motor, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor fan.

The outdoor communication unit 120 is a communication interface (communication unit) that communicates with the indoor unit 140 by current loop transmission. The outdoor communication unit 120 supports the first communication method and the second communication method. The communication speed at which communication is possible differs between the first communication method and the second communication method, and the outdoor communication unit 120 switches between the first communication method and the second communication method according to an instruction from the outdoor control unit 130. For example, the second communication method has a higher communication speed than the first communication method.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the outdoor communication unit 120.
The outdoor communication unit 120 includes a first communication unit 121, a second communication unit 122, and a switching unit 123.
The first communication unit 121 communicates with the indoor unit 140 using the first communication method.
The second communication unit 122 communicates with the indoor unit 140 using the second communication method.
The switching unit 123 switches between the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122 according to an instruction from the outdoor control unit 130.

Returning to FIG. 2, the outdoor control unit 130 is a control unit that controls processing in the outdoor unit 110. For example, the outdoor control unit 130 controls the outdoor communication unit 120 to communicate with the indoor unit 140.
The outdoor control unit 130 includes an outdoor communication system determination unit 131 and an outdoor air conditioning control unit 132.

The outdoor communication system determination unit 131 controls the outdoor communication unit 120 to determine whether to use the first communication system or the second communication system for communication with the indoor unit 140, and to display the determination result. It is given to the outdoor air conditioning control unit 132.
For example, the outdoor communication method determination unit 131 causes the outdoor communication unit 120 to communicate with the indoor unit 140 using one communication method selected from the first communication method and the second communication method when the outdoor unit 110 is activated. Then, when the outdoor communication unit 120 receives a normal response from all the indoor units 140, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 determines that one communication system as the communication system to be used for communication with the indoor unit 140. decide. Further, when the outdoor communication unit 120 does not receive a normal response from at least one of the indoor units 140, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 causes the outdoor communication unit 120 to change the one communication system to another communication system. To switch.

The outdoor air conditioning control unit 132 causes the outdoor communication unit 120 to perform communication according to the first communication method or the second communication method in accordance with the notification from the outdoor communication method determination unit 131.
Further, the outdoor air conditioning control unit 132 controls the outdoor air conditioning unit 111.

The outdoor communication unit 120 described above is, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). ) Or a processing circuit 10 such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
Here, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122 may be configured by different processing circuits 10, respectively, and the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122 share a part. It may be composed of one processing circuit 10. In addition, the switching unit 123 may switch the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122 using switching by a transistor, for example.

Further, the outdoor control unit 130 described above is, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the memory 11 and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in the memory 11 or the like. The processor 12 of FIG. Such a program may be provided via a network, or may be provided by being recorded in a recording medium. That is, such a program may be provided as a program product, for example.
In addition, a part of the outdoor control unit 130 may be configured by, for example, the processing circuit 10 illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the indoor unit 140.
The indoor unit 140 includes an indoor air conditioning unit 141, an indoor communication unit 150, and an indoor control unit 160.
The indoor air conditioning unit 141 operates on the indoor side in the refrigeration cycle. For example, the indoor air conditioning unit 141 includes devices such as an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan.

The indoor communication unit 150 is a communication interface (communication unit) that communicates with the outdoor unit 110 by current loop transmission. The indoor communication unit 150 is compatible with the first communication system and the second communication system, and the indoor communication unit 150 switches between the first communication system and the second communication system according to an instruction from the indoor control unit 160.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the indoor communication unit 150.
The indoor communication unit 150 includes a first communication unit 151, a second communication unit 152, and a switching unit 153.
The first communication unit 151 communicates with the outdoor unit 110 using the first communication method.
The second communication unit 152 communicates with the outdoor unit 110 using the second communication method.
The switching unit 153 switches between the first communication unit 151 and the second communication unit 152 according to an instruction from the indoor control unit 160.

Returning to FIG. 5, the indoor control unit 160 is a control unit that controls processing in the indoor unit 140. For example, the indoor control unit 160 controls the indoor communication unit 150 to communicate with the outdoor unit 110.
The indoor control unit 160 includes an indoor communication system determination unit 161 and an indoor air conditioning control unit 162.

The indoor communication system determination unit 161 controls the indoor communication unit 150 to determine whether to use the first communication system or the second communication system for communication with the outdoor unit 110, and to display the determination result. It is given to the indoor air conditioning controller 162.
For example, when the indoor communication system determination unit 161 receives a request (first system confirmation request) for confirming whether or not the indoor communication unit 150 supports the first communication system when the indoor unit 140 is activated. First, the first communication method is determined as the communication method used for communication with the outdoor unit 110. Further, when the indoor communication system determination unit 161 receives a request (second system confirmation request) for confirming whether or not the indoor communication unit 150 supports the second communication system when the indoor unit 140 is started up. First, the second communication method is determined as the communication method used for communication with the outdoor unit 110.

The indoor air conditioning control unit 162 causes the indoor communication unit 150 to perform communication according to the first communication method or the second communication method according to the notification from the indoor communication method determination unit 161.
Further, the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 controls the indoor air conditioning unit 141.

The indoor communication unit 150 described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, processes such as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC or an FPGA. It can be configured with the circuit 10.
Here, the first communication unit 151 and the second communication unit 152 may be configured by different processing circuits 10, and the first communication unit 151 and the second communication unit 152 share a part. It may be composed of one processing circuit 10. Further, the switching unit 153 may switch between the first communication unit 151 and the second communication unit 152 using switching by a transistor, for example.

In addition, the indoor control unit 160 described above includes, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, a memory 11 and a processor 12 such as a CPU that executes a program stored in the memory 11. Can be configured. Such a program may be provided via a network, or may be provided by being recorded in a recording medium. That is, such a program may be provided as a program product, for example.
In addition, a part of the indoor control unit 160 may be configured by, for example, the processing circuit 10 illustrated in FIG.

Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 100 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram showing the operation of the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 of the outdoor unit 110.
The outdoor communication system determination unit 131 transitions to the first switching request when the outdoor unit 110 is activated (S10).
In the first switching request, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 switches from the second communication system to the first communication system, so the outdoor communication unit 120 transmits the first communication system switching request frame to the indoor unit 140 in the second communication system. To send. The first communication method switching request frame indicates the content of switching from the second communication method to the first communication method (first switching request). The number of times of transmission may be once or may be a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times).

After transmitting the first communication method switching request frame, the outdoor communication method determination unit 131 transits to the first outdoor method confirmation (S11).
In the first outdoor side system confirmation, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 causes the outdoor communication unit 120 to transmit the frame (first communication system frame) to the indoor unit 140 by the first communication system. The frame transmitted at this time is a frame compatible with the first communication system, and is an interpretable frame that can be interpreted by an indoor unit compatible with the first communication system. The frame transmitted here may be any frame as long as it can receive a response from all the connected indoor units 140. For example, for checking the number of connected indoor units 140. It may be a frame or the like. It is assumed that the frame here indicates the contents (first system confirmation request) for confirming whether or not the first communication system is supported.
Here, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 repeats the transmission of the frame for a predetermined number of times or a predetermined period (first period) until a normal response is received from the indoor unit 140. For example, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 repeats frame transmission for 10 seconds, and waits for a response from the indoor unit 140 during that period.

Then, when there is a normal response from all the indoor units 140, the outdoor communication method determination unit 131 transitions to the first startup processing (S12).
On the other hand, when there is no normal response from all the indoor units 140, in other words, when there is no normal response from at least one indoor unit 140, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 sends the second switching request. A transition is made (S13).
Here, it is assumed that the frames exchanged between the outdoor unit 110 and the indoor unit 140 can be error-checked by both the first communication system and the second communication system. For example, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that error checking can be performed on a frame-by-field basis and a frame-by-frame basis.
Here, the field indicates a data bit of 8 bits and a start bit, a stop bit and a parity bit attached to the data bit. When there is an error in transmission, a check using the parity bit often results in an error.
Also, if no error is detected in the field, the frame check code at the end of the frame allows error checking of the entire frame. For the frame check code, for example, there is a method such as taking a two's complement of a value obtained by summing a part of data in the frame.
Then, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 determines that there is no normal response when an error such as the parity error or the frame check code error occurs, or when there is no response from the indoor unit 140.

In the first startup process, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 determines the first communication system as a communication system to be used for communication with the indoor unit 140, and executes the startup process in the first communication system. For example, the outdoor communication method determination unit 131 causes the outdoor communication unit 120 to transmit to the indoor unit 140 a frame requesting acquisition of model information (information indicating a corresponding function) of the indoor unit 140 in the first communication method. .. At this time, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 asks the outdoor communication unit 120 to use the first communication system and the indoor unit 140 to confirm whether the indoor unit 140 supports the second communication system (second frame). A communication system compatibility confirmation frame) shall be transmitted. The frame here indicates the content (correspondence confirmation request) for confirming whether or not the second communication method is supported.

Then, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 determines whether or not all the indoor units 140 are compatible with the second communication system based on the response to the second communication system compatibility confirmation frame.
When all the indoor units 140 are compatible with the second communication method, the outdoor communication method determination unit 131 makes a transition to the second switching request (S14).
When all the indoor units 140 do not support the second communication method, in other words, when at least one indoor unit 140 does not support the second communication method, the first outdoor side steady process is performed. Yes (S15). The case where at least one indoor unit 140 does not respond to the second communication system compatibility confirmation frame is also included when the indoor unit 140 does not support the second communication system.

In the first outdoor steady process, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 notifies the outdoor air conditioning control unit 132 of the determination result of using the first communication system, and the outdoor air conditioning control unit 132 performs the steady process in the first communication system. To do. The steady process includes a process for controlling the indoor unit 140.

In the second switching request, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 switches the first communication system to the second communication system, and therefore the outdoor communication unit 120 sends the second communication system switching request frame in the indoor unit 140 in the first communication system. To send to. The second communication method switching request frame indicates the content of switching from the first communication method to the second communication method (second switching request). The number of times of transmission may be once or may be a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times).

After transmitting the second communication system switching request frame, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 transitions to the second outdoor system confirmation (S16).
In the second outdoor side system confirmation, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 causes the outdoor communication unit 120 to transmit a frame (second communication system frame) to the indoor unit 140 by the second communication system. The frame transmitted at this time is a frame compatible with the second communication method, and is a frame that can be interpreted and responded by an indoor unit compatible with the second communication method. The frame transmitted here may be any frame as long as it can receive a response from all the connected indoor units 140. For example, for checking the number of connected indoor units 140. It may be a frame or the like. The frame here indicates the contents (second system confirmation request) for confirming whether or not the second communication system is supported.
Here, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 repeats the transmission of the frame for a predetermined number of times or a predetermined period (first period) until a normal response is received from the indoor unit 140. For example, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 repeats frame transmission for 10 seconds, and waits for reception of a response from the indoor unit 140 during that period.

Then, when there is a normal response from all the indoor units 140, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 transitions to the second startup processing (S17).
On the other hand, when there is no normal response from all the indoor units 140, in other words, when there is no normal response from at least one indoor unit 140, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 sends the first switching request. A transition is made (S18).

In the second startup process, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 determines the second communication system as the communication system used for communication with the indoor unit 140, and executes the startup process in the second communication system. For example, the outdoor communication method determination unit 131 causes the outdoor communication unit 120 to transmit to the indoor unit 140 a frame requesting acquisition of model information (information indicating a corresponding function) of the indoor unit 140 in the second communication method. .. After the processing is completed, the outdoor communication method determination unit 131 transitions to the second outdoor constant processing (S19).

In the second outdoor regular processing, the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 notifies the outdoor air conditioning control unit 132 of the determination result of using the second communication system, and the outdoor air conditioning control unit 132 performs the regular processing by the second communication system. To do.

Note that, in FIG. 7, the outdoor communication method determination unit 131 transitions to the first switching request (S10) after activation, but may transition to the second switching request.

FIG. 8 is a state transition diagram showing the operation of the indoor communication system determination unit 161 of the indoor unit 140.
The indoor communication system determination unit 161 of the indoor unit 140 transitions to the first indoor side system confirmation after the indoor unit 140 is activated (S20).
In the first indoor side system confirmation, the indoor communication system determination unit 161 causes the indoor communication unit 150 to wait for a frame from the outdoor unit 110 by the first communication system.
When the normal frame is received from the outdoor unit 110, the indoor communication system determination unit 161 determines that the received frame is the second communication system switching request frame having the content of switching from the first communication system to the second communication system. If so, the process transitions to the second steady process (S21).
In addition, when the normally received frame is another frame, for example, the first communication system frame, the indoor communication system determination unit 161 transitions to the first indoor-side steady process (S22).
On the other hand, when the indoor communication system determination unit 161 does not receive a normal frame from the outdoor unit 110 for a certain period (second period), the indoor communication system determination unit 161 transitions to the second indoor system confirmation (S23). The fixed period here is, for example, 30 seconds.

In the first indoor-side steady process, the indoor communication system determination unit 161 notifies the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 of the determination result of using the first communication system, and the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 uses the first communication system to perform the indoor communication. The unit 150 is made to wait for a frame from the outdoor unit 110.
When the indoor communication unit 150 receives a frame, the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 receives the received frame, and the received frame has a second communication method in which switching from the first communication method to the second communication method is performed. It is determined whether the frame is a switching request frame.
When the received frame is the second communication system switching request frame, the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 notifies the indoor communication system determination unit 161, and the indoor communication system determination unit 161 performs the second indoor-side steady process. A transition is made (S24).
On the other hand, when the received frame is not the second communication system switching request frame, the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 responds to the received frame via the indoor communication unit 150.

In the second indoor system confirmation, the indoor communication system determination unit 161 causes the indoor communication unit 150 to wait for the frame from the outdoor unit 110 by the second communication system.
When the normal frame is received from the outdoor unit 110, the indoor communication system determination unit 161 determines that the received frame is the first communication system switching request frame having the content of switching from the second communication system to the first communication system. If so, the process proceeds to the first indoor-side steady process (S25).
Further, when the normally received frame is another frame, for example, the second communication system frame, the indoor communication system determination unit 161 transitions to the second indoor side steady process (S26).
On the other hand, if the indoor communication system determination unit 161 does not receive a normal frame from the outdoor unit 110 for a certain period (second period), the indoor communication system determination unit 161 transitions to the first indoor side system confirmation (S27). The fixed period here is, for example, 30 seconds.

In the second indoor-side steady process, the indoor communication system determination unit 161 notifies the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 of the determination result of using the second communication system, and the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 uses the second communication system to perform the indoor communication. The unit 150 is made to wait for a frame from the outdoor unit 110.
When the indoor communication unit 150 receives a frame, the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 receives the received frame, and the received frame is a first communication method in which switching from the second communication method to the first communication method is performed. It is determined whether the frame is a switching request frame.
When the received frame is the first communication system switching request frame, the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 notifies the indoor communication system determination unit 161, and the indoor communication system determination unit 161 performs the first indoor-side steady process. A transition is made (S27).
On the other hand, when the received frame is not the first communication system switching request frame, the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 responds to the received frame via the indoor communication unit 150.

Although in FIG. 8 the indoor communication system determination unit 161 transitions to the first indoor-side system confirmation after activation (S20), it may transition to the second indoor-side system confirmation.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, both the outdoor unit 110 and the indoor unit 140 can switch between the first communication method and the second communication method and be activated by either one of the communication methods. ..

Further, according to the first embodiment, for example, like the air conditioning system 100#1 shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 140D#1 differs from the other indoor units 140A to 140C in the first communication method. Even when only compatible with, the outdoor unit 110 is activated by the first communication method, and the other indoor units 140A to 140C are also activated by the first communication method, so that the air conditioning system 100#1 uses the first communication method. You will be able to communicate with. In addition, not only the indoor unit 140D#1 supports only the first communication system, but also when a plurality of indoor units or all the indoor units support only the first communication system, the first communication It becomes possible to communicate by the method.

Further, according to the first embodiment, for example, like the air conditioning system 100#2 shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 140D#2 differs from the other indoor units 140A to 140C in the second communication method. Even when only compatible with the above, the outdoor unit 110 is activated by the second communication method, and the other indoor units 140A to 140C are also activated by the second communication method, so that the air conditioning system 100#2 uses the second communication method. You will be able to communicate with. In addition, not only the indoor unit 140D#2 supports only the second communication system, but also when a plurality of indoor units or all the indoor units support only the second communication system, the second communication is performed. It becomes possible to communicate by the method.

Further, according to the first embodiment, unlike the outdoor unit 110 in the first embodiment, the outdoor unit 110#3 is different from the first communication method in the air conditioning system 100#3 shown in FIG. 1, for example. Even when only supporting the above, the outdoor unit 110#3 is activated by the first communication method, and the indoor unit 140 is also activated by the first communication method, so that the air conditioning system 100#3 communicates by the first communication method. Will be able to do. Note that, as described above, even when the indoor unit 140D#1 supports only the first communication system, or even when a plurality of indoor units supports only the first communication system, the first unit It becomes possible to communicate by the communication method.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the outdoor unit 110#4 is different from the outdoor unit 110 in the first embodiment, unlike the air conditioning system 100#4 shown in FIG. Even when only supporting the above, the outdoor unit 110#4 is activated by the second communication method, and the indoor unit 140 is also activated by the second communication method, so that the air conditioning system 100#4 communicates by the second communication method. Will be able to do. As described above, even when the indoor unit 140D#2 is compatible only with the second communication system, or when the plurality of indoor units is compatible only with the second communication system, the second unit is similarly used. It becomes possible to communicate by the communication method.

Embodiment 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 200 as a communication system according to the second embodiment includes an outdoor unit 210 and indoor units 240A to 240D.
Here, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of the indoor units 240A to 240D, the indoor units 240 are referred to. In addition, the number of indoor units 240 may be one or more.
Further, as the communication system, the outdoor unit 210 functions as a first communication device (master device), and the indoor unit 240 functions as a second communication device (slave device).

FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the outdoor unit 210 according to the second embodiment.
The outdoor unit 210 includes an outdoor air conditioning unit 111, an outdoor communication unit 120, an outdoor control unit 230, an outdoor storage unit 212, and an outdoor reset factor determination unit 213.
The outdoor air conditioning unit 111 and the outdoor communication unit 120 of the outdoor unit 210 according to the second embodiment are the same as the outdoor air conditioning unit 111 and the outdoor communication unit 120 of the outdoor unit 110 according to the first embodiment.

The outdoor storage unit 212 stores the outdoor reset factor information indicating the reset factor determined by the outdoor reset factor determination unit 213. The outdoor storage unit 212 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The information stored in the outdoor storage unit 212 can be read or written by the outdoor control unit 230. The storage content of the outdoor storage unit 212 is stored even when the main power supply is turned off.

Further, the outdoor storage unit 212 stores outdoor communication system information indicating the determination result by the outdoor communication system determination unit 231. The outdoor communication system determination unit 231 updates the outdoor communication system information so as to indicate the communication system after switching each time the communication system is switched. For example, the outdoor communication method determination unit 231 may update the outdoor communication method information when transitioning to the first outdoor constant processing or the second outdoor normal processing. As a result, the outdoor communication method information indicates the communication method used by the outdoor unit 210.

The outdoor reset factor determination unit 213 determines the reset factor of the outdoor unit 210, and stores the outdoor reset factor information indicating the reset factor, which is the determination result, in the outdoor storage unit 212.
For example, the outdoor reset factor determination unit 213 can be configured by an A/D (Analog/Digital) conversion circuit connected so as to measure the power supply voltage from the commercial power supply 101. In such a case, the A/D conversion circuit monitors the power supply voltage, and if the voltage drops and then returns within a certain period, it is determined that the power supply voltage has dropped temporarily, and a certain period or more has elapsed. If so, it is determined that the main power supply is off. Then, the A/D conversion circuit resets the reset factor determination result after the reset is released, such as setting a flag indicating the main power-off in the outdoor storage unit 212 when a certain period or more has elapsed since the power supply voltage dropped. Allows reference to factor information.

The outdoor reset factor determination unit 213 can also be configured by an A/D conversion circuit connected to a capacitor that connects the power supply line and the ground. The A/D conversion circuit A/D-converts the voltage applied to the capacitor after the occurrence of reset, and if the voltage is a certain value or more, determines that the reset factor is a temporary decrease in the power supply voltage and is less than the certain value. If so, the main cause of the reset is determined to be off. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to record the reset factor information in the outdoor storage unit 212.

The outdoor control unit 230 is a control unit that controls processing in the outdoor unit 210. For example, the outdoor control unit 230 controls the outdoor communication unit 120 to communicate with the indoor unit 240.
The outdoor control unit 230 includes an outdoor communication system determination unit 231 and an outdoor air conditioning control unit 132.
The outdoor air conditioning control unit 132 of the outdoor control unit 230 in the second embodiment is the same as the outdoor air conditioning control unit 132 of the outdoor control unit 130 in the first embodiment.

The outdoor communication system determination unit 231 controls the outdoor communication unit 120 to determine whether to use the first communication system or the second communication system for communication with the indoor unit 240, and to display the determination result. It is given to the outdoor air conditioning control unit 132.
Further, when the communication method is switched, the outdoor communication method determination unit 231 updates the outdoor communication method information stored in the outdoor storage unit 212 to indicate the communication method after the switching.
Here, the outdoor communication system determination unit 231 according to the second embodiment performs processing for changing the state transitioned when the outdoor unit 210 is started, based on the reset factor determined by the outdoor reset factor determination unit 213 and the communication system at the time of reset, Except for the process of updating the outdoor communication system information, the same process as the outdoor communication system determination unit 131 in the first embodiment is performed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the indoor unit 240 according to the second embodiment.
The indoor unit 240 includes an indoor air conditioning unit 141, an indoor communication unit 150, an indoor control unit 260, an indoor storage unit 242, and an indoor reset factor determination unit 243.
The indoor air conditioning unit 141 and the indoor communication unit 150 of the indoor unit 240 according to the second embodiment are the same as the indoor air conditioning unit 141 and the indoor communication unit 150 of the indoor unit 140 according to the first embodiment.

The indoor storage unit 242 stores indoor reset factor information indicating the reset factor determined by the indoor reset factor determination unit 243.
Furthermore, the indoor storage unit 242 stores indoor communication system information indicating the determination result by the indoor communication system determination unit 261. Every time the communication system is switched, the indoor communication system determination unit 261 updates the indoor communication system information to indicate the communication system after switching. For example, the indoor communication system determination unit 261 may update the indoor communication system information every time the process transitions to the first indoor-side steady process or the second indoor-side steady process. As a result, the indoor communication method information indicates the communication method used by the indoor unit 240.
The indoor storage unit 242 is configured similarly to the outdoor storage unit 212 described above.

The indoor reset factor determination unit 243 determines the reset factor of the indoor unit 240, and stores the indoor reset factor information indicating the reset factor, which is the determination result, in the indoor storage unit 242. The indoor reset factor determination unit 243 is configured similarly to the outdoor reset factor determination unit 213 described above.

The indoor control unit 260 is a control unit that controls processing in the indoor unit 240. For example, the indoor control unit 260 controls the indoor communication unit 150 to communicate with the outdoor unit 210.
The indoor control unit 260 includes an indoor communication system determination unit 261 and an indoor air conditioning control unit 162.
The indoor air conditioning control unit 162 of the indoor control unit 260 in the second embodiment is the same as the indoor air conditioning control unit 162 of the indoor control unit 160 in the first embodiment.

The indoor communication system determination unit 261 controls the indoor communication unit 150 to determine whether to use the first communication system or the second communication system for communication with the outdoor unit 210, and to display the determination result. It is given to the indoor air conditioning controller 162.
Further, when the communication method is switched, the indoor communication method determination unit 261 updates the indoor communication method information stored in the indoor storage unit 242 so as to indicate the communication method after the switching.
Here, the indoor communication system determination unit 261 according to the second embodiment performs processing for changing the state transitioned when the indoor unit 240 is started, based on the reset factor determined by the indoor reset factor determination unit 243 and the communication system at the time of reset, Except for the process of updating the indoor communication system information, the same process as the indoor communication system determination unit 161 in Embodiment 1 is performed.

Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described.
Here, the main power supply OFF as a reset factor is referred to as POR (Power on Reset), and the temporary decrease of the power supply voltage as a reset factor is referred to as WDR (Watch Dog Reset).

FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram showing the operation of the outdoor communication system determination unit 231 of the outdoor unit 210.
The outdoor communication method determination unit 231 acquires the outdoor reset factor information stored in the outdoor storage unit 212 when the outdoor unit 210 is activated, and when the reset factor indicated by the outdoor reset factor information is POR, the first switching request. (S1).
On the other hand, when the reset factor is WDR, the outdoor communication system determination unit 231 acquires the outdoor communication system information stored in the outdoor storage unit 212 and confirms the communication system used at the time of reset. Then, when the communication method indicated by the outdoor communication method information, in other words, when the communication method used at the time of reset is the first communication method, the outdoor communication method determination unit 231 transitions to the first startup processing (S2), If the communication method indicated by the outdoor communication method information is the second communication method, the outdoor communication method determination unit 231 transitions to the second startup process (S3).

The first switching request, the first outdoor side system confirmation, the first startup process, the first outdoor side steady process, the second switching request, the second outdoor side system confirmation, the second startup process, and the second outdoor side steady process. The processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a state transition diagram showing the operation of the indoor communication system determination unit 261 of the indoor unit 240.
The indoor communication method determination unit 261 acquires the indoor reset factor information and the indoor communication method information stored in the indoor storage unit 242 when the indoor unit 240 is activated, and the outdoor communication method information indicates the first communication method, If the reset factor information indicates POR, the process proceeds to the first indoor side system confirmation (S4).
If the outdoor communication method information indicates the first communication method and the indoor reset factor information indicates WDR, the indoor communication method determination unit 261 transitions to the first indoor-side steady process (S5).
Further, when the outdoor communication method information indicates the second communication method and the indoor reset factor information indicates POR, the indoor communication method determination unit 261 transitions to the second indoor side method confirmation (S6).
In addition, when the outdoor communication method information indicates the second communication method and the indoor reset factor information indicates WDR, the indoor communication method determination unit 261 transitions to the second indoor side steady process (S7).

Here, the first indoor side system confirmation, the first indoor side steady process, the second indoor side system confirmation, and the second indoor side steady process are the same as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the reset factor is WDR, it is possible to immediately return to the state before the reset.

In the first and second embodiments, the standby period (first period) for normal response in the outdoor units 110 and 210 is 10 seconds, and the standby period (second period) for normal reception in the indoor units 140 and 240 is 30 seconds. However, these waiting periods may be the same. However, if these are set to the same period, if the outdoor units 110 and 210 and the indoor units 140 and 240 are activated at the same timing by different communication methods, communication may not be normally established. Therefore, this can be solved by setting different periods for switching the communication method.

In the first and second embodiments, the commercial power source 101 is connected to the outdoor units 110, 110#3, 110#4, 210. For example, as shown in FIG. Here, another commercial power supply 102 may be connected to the indoor units 140A, 240A) to supply power to the other indoor units.

100,100#1,100#2,100#3,100#4,200 Air conditioning system, 101,102 Commercial power supply, 110,110#3,110#4,210 Outdoor unit, 111 Outdoor air conditioning unit, 212 Outdoor storage Unit, 213 outdoor reset factor determination unit, 120 outdoor communication unit, 121 first communication unit, 122 second communication unit, 123 switching unit, 130, 230 outdoor control unit, 131, 231, outdoor communication method determination unit, 132 outdoor air conditioning control Section, 140, 140D#1, 140D#2, 240 indoor unit, 141 indoor air conditioning section, 242 indoor storage section, 243 indoor reset factor determination section, 150 indoor communication section, 151 first communication section, 152 second communication section, 153 switching unit, 160, 260 indoor control unit, 161, 261 indoor communication system determination unit, 162 indoor air conditioning control unit.

A communication system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first communication device that performs communication by switching between a first communication system and a second communication system, and a second communication device connected to the first communication device. In the communication system, the first communication device, when the first communication device is activated, requests the second communication to switch to one communication system selected from the first communication system and the second communication system. after transmitting device communicates with the second communication device at said one communication method, the second when receiving a communication device or et normal response is the one communication method, the second communication device It is characterized in that it is determined as a communication method to be used for communication with the second communication device, and if one of the communication methods is not normally received, the one communication method is switched to another communication method.

Communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention switches the first communication apparatus for communicating with at least one of the first communication scheme and the second communication scheme, the first communication method and the second communication method there line communication Te, the second communication device connected to the first communication device, a communication system comprising, the second communication apparatus, at the start of the second communication device, the first communication system After receiving the request to switch to the first communication method, if the first method confirmation request for confirming whether or not the first communication method is supported is received, the first communication method is changed to the first communication apparatus. A method for determining whether or not the communication method to be used for communication is determined, and after confirming whether or not the second communication apparatus is compatible with the second communication method after receiving a request to switch to the second communication method when the second communication device is activated. When the two-method confirmation request is received, the second communication method is determined as the communication method used for communication with the first communication device.

A master device according to an aspect of the present invention is a master device that connects a slave device, and controls a communication unit that communicates with the slave device by switching between a first communication system and a second communication system, and a communication unit. And a control unit for transmitting the request for switching to the one communication method selected from the first communication method and the second communication method to the slave apparatus when the master apparatus is activated. A communication method for communicating with the slave device when the communication unit receives a normal response from the slave device by communicating with the slave device using the one communication method. And the communication unit does not receive a normal response from the slave device, the one communication system is switched to another communication system.

A slave device according to an aspect of the present invention is a slave device connected to a master device, the communication device performing communication by switching between a first communication system and a second communication system with the master device, and the communication unit. And a control unit that controls the first communication method after receiving a request to switch to the first communication method when the slave device is activated. Request to switch to the second communication method when the slave apparatus is activated when the first communication method is determined to be the communication method used for communication with the master device. If a second method confirmation request for confirming whether or not it is compatible with the second communication method is received after receiving, the communication using the second communication method for communication with the master device. It is characterized in that it is decided as the method.

Claims (13)

A communication system for connecting a second communication device to a first communication device that performs communication by switching between a first communication system and a second communication system,
The first communication device,
When the first communication device is activated, it communicates with the second communication device by one communication system selected from the first communication system and the second communication system, and a normal response is sent from all the second communication devices. If received, the one communication method is determined as the communication method used for communication with the second communication device, and if no normal response is received from the second communication device, the one communication method is determined. A communication system characterized by switching the communication system to another communication system. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication method has a higher communication speed than the first communication method. The first communication device,
When the first communication device is activated, in the second communication system, a first switching request that requests switching from the second communication system to the first communication system is transmitted to the second communication device,
After transmitting the first switching request, the first communication method is used as the one communication method, and the first communication method is used to confirm whether the first communication method is compatible with the first communication method. Sending a request to the second communication device,
When a normal response to the first system confirmation request is received from all the second communication devices, the first communication system is determined as a communication system to be used for communication with the second communication device. ,
The first communication method is switched to the second communication method when a normal response to the first method confirmation request is not received from the second communication device. Communication system. The first communication device,
When the first communication method is determined as the communication method used for communication with the second communication device, it is possible to confirm whether or not the first communication method is compatible with the second communication method. Send a correspondence confirmation request to the second communication device,
Switching the first communication system to the second communication system when a response indicating that the second communication system is supported is received from the second communication device in response to the correspondence confirmation request. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein: The first communication device,
When switching the first communication method to the second communication method, a second switching request for switching from the first communication method to the second communication method is issued by the second communication in the first communication method. Send to the device,
After the second switching request is transmitted, a second method confirmation request for confirming whether or not the second communication method is compatible with the second communication method is transmitted to the second communication device,
When a normal response to the second system confirmation request is received from the second communication device, the second communication system is determined as a communication system to be used for communication with the second communication device,
The third communication system is switched to the first communication system when a normal response to the second system confirmation request is not received from the second communication device. The communication system according to. The first communication device,
When the first communication device is activated, in the first communication system, a second switching request that requests switching from the first communication system to the second communication system is transmitted to the second communication device,
After the transmission of the second switching request, the second communication method is used as the one communication method, and the second communication method is used to confirm whether or not the second communication method is compatible with the second communication method. Sending a request to the second communication device,
When a normal response to the second system confirmation request is received from the second communication device, the second communication system is determined as a communication system to be used for communication with the second communication device,
The second communication method is switched to the first communication method when a normal response to the second method confirmation request is not received from the second communication device. Communication system. The second communication device,
When the first communication confirmation request for confirming whether or not the first communication system is supported is received at the time of starting the second communication device, the first communication system is set to the first communication device. Decided as the communication method to be used for
When a second system confirmation request for confirming whether or not the second communication system is supported is received at the time of starting the second communication device, the second communication system is set to the first communication device. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication system is determined as a communication method used for the communication. During the first period in which the first communication device waits to receive the response from the second communication device, the second communication device receives the first system confirmation request or the second system confirmation request. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein the communication period is different from the second waiting period. The first communication device is configured to communicate with the second communication device at the time of the reset when the reset factor that causes the activation of the first communication device is a temporary decrease in the power supply voltage. The communication method that has been determined as the communication method to be used is determined as the communication method to be used for communication with the second communication device after the activation of the first communication device. The communication system according to claim 1. A communication system in which a first communication apparatus that performs communication using at least one of a first communication method and a second communication method is connected to a second communication apparatus that performs communication by switching the first communication method and the second communication method And
The second communication device,
When the first communication confirmation request for confirming whether or not the first communication system is supported is received at the time of starting the second communication device, the first communication system is set to the first communication device. Decided as the communication method to be used for
When a second system confirmation request for confirming whether or not the second communication system is supported is received at the time of starting the second communication device, the second communication system is set to the first communication device. A communication system characterized by being determined as a communication method to be used for the communication of. The second communication device, when the reset factor that has caused the activation of the second communication device is a temporary decrease in the power supply voltage, communicates with the first communication device at the time of the reset. The communication method determined as the communication method to be used is determined as the communication method to be used for communication with the first communication device after the activation of the second communication device. system. A master device for connecting a slave device,
A communication unit that performs communication by switching between the first communication method and the second communication method with the slave device;
A control unit for controlling the communication unit,
The control unit causes the slave device to communicate with one of the first communication method and the second communication method when the master device is activated, and the communication unit returns a normal response from the slave device. Is received, the one communication method is determined as a communication method used for communication with the slave device, and when the communication unit does not receive a normal response from the slave device, the one communication method is determined. A master device characterized by switching from one communication method to another. A slave device connected to the master device,
A communication unit that communicates with the master device by switching between a first communication system and a second communication system;
A control unit for controlling the communication unit,
The control unit is
The first communication method is used for communication with the master device when a first method confirmation request for confirming whether or not the first communication method is supported is received when the slave device is activated. Decided as the communication method to
When the slave device is activated, if the second system confirmation request for confirming whether or not the second communication system is supported is used, the second communication system is used for communication with the master device. A slave device characterized by being determined as a communication method to be used.

Images