WO2022168193A1

WO2022168193A1 - Air-conditioning system

Info

Publication number: WO2022168193A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/003852
Authority: WO
Inventors: 秀幸中嶋; 貴之辻
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2021-02-03
Filing date: 2021-02-03
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: JPWO2022168193A1; US20240093898A1

Abstract

According to the present invention, an air-conditioning system (100) comprises air-conditioning equipment (1) and a distribution device (2) that is connected to the air-conditioning equipment (1) via a first network (5) and that distributes an updating program for the air-conditioning equipment (1) to the air-conditioning equipment (1). The distribution device (2) is preferably configured such that a distribution of the updating program is received from a network server (3) connected to the distribution device (2) via a second network (6A). The distribution device (2) is configured such that protocol conversion is performed between the communication mode of the first network (5) and the communication mode of the second network (6A).

Description

air conditioning system

The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems.

In large-scale air conditioning systems, various operation control programs (hereinafter also referred to as firmware and F/W) are often upgraded for the purpose of increasing functionality and improving controllability. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an air conditioner in which an operation control program is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile storage device in order to facilitate version upgrade of the operation control program.

Japanese Patent No. 3819583

Conventionally, when updating the operation control program of an air conditioner, it is necessary for a service person to go to the installation site, search for the target equipment, and execute the power shutdown to update the program. It was also necessary to remove the sheet metal from the housing of the equipment. In addition, if the site is far away, it takes time to move, and it takes time to cut off the power and remove the sheet metal, so the responsiveness of service provision is lacking. In addition, since the air-cooled outdoor unit is often installed in an environment without a roof such as a rooftop, it may be difficult to deal with the weather depending on the weather.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide an air conditioning system that reduces work time and allows program updates regardless of the weather.

The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioner capable of storing a control program in a nonvolatile manner, and an update controller connected to the air conditioner via a first network for updating the control program nonvolatilely stored in the air conditioner. and a distribution device that distributes the program to the air conditioner.

According to the air conditioning system of the present disclosure, the work time required for updating the program is shortened, and the program can be updated regardless of the weather.

1 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system with a F/W update function through communication; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system in which an air conditioner also serves as a distribution device; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air-conditioning system capable of performing F/W distribution by connecting maintenance equipment on site; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the air conditioning system which collects information from an air conditioner. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system in which a network server manages a plurality of distribution devices; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system that provides F/W by manual rewriting instructions; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system that automatically provides F/W in response to the addition of new F/W; 4 is a flowchart showing processing for automatically executing F/W distribution; 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system in which a network server selects various settings related to F/W distribution; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow from acquisition of unit information to start of F/W distribution; 4 is a diagram showing a flow of F/W distribution from the distribution device 2 to the air conditioner 1 and suspension, resumption, and cancellation of the distribution; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of completion of F/W distribution, execution of update, and normal completion of update. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of simultaneous delivery to multiple air conditioners by broadcast communication; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of F/W distribution and F/W update procedures based on differential data; FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the F/W difference data creation process in S152 of FIG. 15; FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating F/W update data using difference data, which is executed in S164 of FIG. 15; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioner in which a plurality of outdoor units configure the same refrigerant system; FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow which updates F/W simultaneously with respect to several outdoor units. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of operations according to success or failure of update of a plurality of outdoor units;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. A plurality of embodiments will be described below, but appropriate combinations of the configurations described in the respective embodiments have been planned since the filing of the application. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

Embodiment 1.
1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The air conditioning system 100 includes a distribution device 2 and a network server 3.

The distribution device 2 is connected to the air conditioner 1 via a dedicated communication network 5 and distributes the update program for the air conditioner 1 . The distribution device 2 collects data necessary for distributing the update program to the air conditioner 1 and the operation data of the air conditioner 1 via the communication network 5 .

The network server 3 is connected to the distribution device 2 and user terminals 4 via the Internet 6A and 6B. The network server 3 stores update programs to be distributed to the air conditioners 1 . The network server 3 also accumulates the operation data of the air conditioner 1 collected by the distribution device 2 . The operation data includes, for example, data indicating remote control operation such as the time when the air conditioner 1 starts and ends operation, temperature setting change, cooling/heating operation switching, and data measured by sensors installed in refrigerant pipes and the like. and data indicating the state of the air conditioner 1, such as temperature and pressure.

In addition, the network server 3 transmits a program update command for the air conditioning equipment 1 received from the user terminal 4 to the distribution device 2 and transmits an update program to the distribution device 2 . The distribution device 2 distributes the update program to the air conditioner 1 in response to receiving the update command or the update program. Note that the network server 3 may be connected to an application server operated by a maintenance company instead of the user terminal 4 .

The distribution device 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 20, a storage device (ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), hard disk, etc.) 21, an air conditioner connection section 22, a communication section 23.

The CPU 20 expands the program stored in the ROM into the RAM or the like and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program in which processing procedures for operating the distribution device 2 are described. The CPU 20 executes processing as the FW update section 25, the data collection section 27, and the data reception section 28 according to these programs. Note that the FW update unit 25, the data collection unit 27, and the data reception unit 28 may be one control unit controlled by the same CPU as shown in FIG. It can be a department.

The FW update unit 25 downloads update firmware from the network server 3 and stores it in the storage device 21 . The firmware is, for example, an operation control program for the air conditioner 1 or the distribution device 2, or data used for the operation control program. The firmware is stored in a rewritable non-volatile storage device installed in the air conditioner 1 and the distribution device 2, and can be electrically rewritten. Rewriting such an operation control program or data used for it is referred to herein as firmware update. If the downloaded firmware is for the distribution device 2, the FW update unit 25 applies it to the distribution device 2 itself. The FW update unit 25 transfers the downloaded firmware to the air conditioner 1 when the firmware is for the air conditioner.

When the data receiving unit 28 receives the information necessary for updating the program from the air conditioner 1 or the operation data of the air conditioner 1, it stores it in the storage device 21.

When the network server 3 requests the collection of operation data of the air conditioner 1 or data necessary for updating the program, the data collection unit 27 collects the corresponding data of the air conditioner 1 from the storage device 21, which is the database of the remote distribution device. is extracted and transmitted to the network server 3.

The network server 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 30, a storage device (ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), hard disk, etc.) 31, a delivery device communication unit 32, an application communication 33.

The CPU 30 expands the program stored in the ROM into the RAM or the like and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program in which processing procedures for operating the network server 3 are described. The CPU 30 executes processing as the FW update section 36, the device registration section 38, and the device management section 39 according to these programs. Note that the FW update unit 36, the device registration unit 38, and the device management unit 39 may be one control unit controlled by the same CPU as shown in FIG. can be Also, the network server 3 may be realized by a plurality of servers distributed on the Internet.

The air conditioning system 100 further includes a user terminal 4. The application communication unit 33 communicates with the user terminal 4 via the Internet 6B. As the user terminal 4, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smart phone, etc. can be used. Application software is installed in the user terminal 4 .

The application software is configured to send a program update command to the network server according to the user's operation.

The application software also acquires various parameters of the air conditioner 1 from the network server 3 and displays them on the display unit of the user terminal 4 . This display unit may be an application on the Internet, a client operating on an OS (Operating System), or a combination of another network server and a web browser. Instead of the user terminal 4, the network server 3 may be connected to an application server operated by a maintenance company, and the maintenance company may monitor various parameters of the air conditioner 1 on the application server.

The device management unit 39 has a function to prevent users from operating remote delivery devices used by other users. The storage device 31 accumulates information (equipment data) unique to the distribution device 2 .

The FW update unit 36 has a function of transmitting and managing the firmware of the distribution device 2 and the firmware of the air conditioner 1.

The device registration unit 38 has a function of registering the distribution device 2 with the network server 3 .
The distribution device communication unit 32 communicates with the distribution device 2 via the Internet 6A. Note that the distribution device communication unit 32 is distinguished from the application communication unit 33 and cannot directly connect the user terminal 4 to the distribution device 2 .

The storage device 21 for storing an update program for the air conditioner 1 such as firmware to be updated is arranged in the distribution device 2, but is provided in the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, the remote controller, etc. of the air conditioner 1. may However, since the communication speed of the communication network 5 between the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the remote control is slow, it takes time for the data to reach the network server 3 even if the data is requested to be resent. For this reason, it is desirable to provide the storage device 21 inside the distribution device 2 that enables high-speed communication with the network server 3 by wired LAN, wireless LAN, or the like.

The device management unit 39 of the network server 3 shown in FIG. 1 has a function to prevent users from operating distribution devices used by other users. Therefore, when the distribution device 2 is started to be used, it is necessary to notify the network server 3 that the device is owned by the user. For this reason, the user or the person in charge of the installation works transmits the unique information of the distribution device 2 from the user terminal 4 to the network server 3 when the distribution device 2 is installed.

The information unique to the distribution device 2 may be any value that can uniquely identify the distribution device. For example, the unique information may be a serial number, or a combination of serial number and random number.

(Description of firmware update)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system with a F/W update function through communication. The air conditioning system shown in FIG. 2 includes a network server 3 , a distribution device 2 and an air conditioner 1 . The network server 3, the distribution device 2, and the air conditioner 1 form a communication network.

Communication between the network server 3 and the distribution device 2 is performed according to the communication standard A. For the communication standard A, for example, the Internet 6A is assumed to be connected by TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), which is a general communication method. TCP/IP is a standard set of communication protocols used in many computer networks, including the Internet.

Communication between the distribution device 2 and the air conditioner 1 is performed according to the communication standard B. Communication standard B is, for example, a manufacturer's own bus communication. Although not particularly limited, communication standard B often has a lower communication speed than communication standard A.

The distribution device 2 and the air conditioner 1 are arranged at the installation site F1. The network server 3 is located at a remote site F2 far away from the installation site F1.

The air conditioning system shown in FIG. 2 includes a network server 3 that provides firmware (hereinafter referred to as F/W), a distribution device 2, and air conditioning equipment 1. The distribution device 2 has a function of communicating with the network server 3 and the air conditioner 1 and distributes the F/W to the air conditioner 1 . The air conditioner 1 has a storage area 1M for storing the downloaded F/W, and has an update function by the F/W.

The network server 3 provides the F/W to the distribution device 2, and the distribution device 2 provides the F/W to the air conditioner 1, whereby the F/W of the air conditioner 1 can be updated.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to update the F/W from the remote location F2 via communication. improve sexuality.

The distribution device 2 supports both the communication standard A of the network server 3 and the communication standard B of the air conditioner 1 . Therefore, by adding the distribution device 2 to the existing site, the F/W update function can be used from a remote location.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system in which air conditioning equipment also serves as a distribution device. As shown in FIG. 3, when the air conditioner itself complies with the communication standard A of the network server 3, the air conditioner 11 on the same system can also serve as the distribution device 2. FIG. The air conditioner 11 forms a communication network with

other air conditioners

12 and 13 and has connectivity with the distribution device 2 directly or indirectly.

Note that the network server 3 and the distribution device 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be replaced with tools or devices having similar functions, as described in FIG. 4 below.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system capable of performing F/W distribution by connecting maintenance equipment on site. As shown in FIG. 4, the network server 3 and distribution device 2 can be replaced with applications having similar F/W distribution functions. In this case, the maintenance device 15 used by the operator for maintenance is directly connected to the communication network 5 of the

air conditioners

11 and 12 at the installation site. The maintenance device 15 functions as a communication protocol converter that converts the communication protocol between the USB standard of the personal computer and the communication standard B. FIG. Although this method requires an operator to go to the installation site, it is sufficient if the maintenance device 15 can be connected to the communication network 5 . Therefore, if the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 11 has a wireless mobile communication function and is configured to serve as the distribution device 2, it becomes unnecessary to search for the positions of the

air conditioners

11 and 12. FIG. In this way, even if communication terminals are not provided around the remote control and are provided inside the housing of the air conditioner, there is no need to connect to the communication terminals. It becomes unnecessary to remove the sheet metal.

Next, the process of collecting necessary information by the network server 3 when distributing the update program from the network server 3 to the distribution device 2 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system that collects information from air conditioners.
The distribution device 2 collects information about the connected air conditioners 11 to 13 when the power of the distribution device 2 is turned on or at regular intervals. The information to be collected includes whether each air conditioner supports the F/W distribution function, F/W information supported by the air conditioner, current F/W version, communication method at the time of F/W distribution, distribution unit, and distribution. It includes information indicating the data compression method, the data format of distribution data, and the like. The network server 3 can collect the information collected by the distribution device 2 at any timing, and by accessing the network server 3, the operator can also confirm the contents.

By collecting information on the air conditioners 11 to 13, the network server 3 sends the F/W to the distribution device 2 with the F/W type, F/W version, and data compression method that can be handled by the air conditioner to be updated. can provide. In addition, the distribution device 2 can perform F/W distribution to the air conditioning equipment in a communication method and distribution unit suitable for the air conditioning equipment to be updated.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system in which a network server manages a plurality of distribution devices. The air conditioning system 100 includes a plurality of equipment groups F1A to F1C and a network server 3 connected to distribution devices 2A to 2C of the equipment groups F1A to F1C via a second network 6A.

A plurality of equipment groups F1A are arranged at the installation site A and include air conditioners 1A and distribution devices 2A. A plurality of equipment groups F1B are arranged at the installation site B and include air conditioners 1B and distribution devices 2B. A plurality of equipment groups F1C are arranged at the installation site C and include air conditioners 1C and distribution devices 2C.

The network server 3 includes a plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C) and a plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(A) to F/W(C) corresponding to the plurality of device groups F1A to F1C, respectively. and the information necessary to deliver each W(C). The information necessary for distribution includes, for example, information specifying a distribution device indicating a distribution destination, an air conditioner information list indicating the configuration of air conditioners distributed by each distribution device, and the like.

The administrator can add the F/W to the network server 3 from the user terminal 4 located at the remote location F2A via the network 6B.

The network server 3 can manage

multiple distribution devices

2A, 2B, and 2C, and can store multiple types of F/W. The network server 3 can distribute F/W to a plurality of

distribution devices

2A, 2B, 2C. It is also possible to compress the F/W by various compression methods and then provide it. Note that the F/W may be compressed and held from the beginning. Each of the

air conditioners

1A, 1B, and 1C has a function of decompressing the compressed F/W data.

As shown in FIG. 6, one-to-many connection between the network server 3 and the distribution devices 2A to 2C is possible, enabling parallel processing of information aggregation and F/W update for each installation site F1A, F1B, and F1C. becomes. In addition, since the network server 3 can store a plurality of types of F/W, it is possible to support a plurality of types of air conditioners and to update the F/W using data of different F/W versions for the same device. . In addition, by compressing data before distribution, the throughput during F/W distribution can be improved.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system that provides F/W based on manual rewrite commands. The network server 3 shown in FIG. 7 is configured to start providing F/W to the distribution device 2 in response to a rewrite command sent from the user terminal 4 by the operator.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system that automatically provides F/W in response to the addition of new F/W. The network server 3 shown in FIG. 8 automatically starts providing F/W to the delivery apparatus 2 in response to the addition of new F/W or registration of a new version of F/W from the user terminal 4 by the operator. configured as

According to the configuration in FIG. 8, it is possible to automatically distribute to the necessary air conditioning equipment by setting conditions, in addition to manual instructions from the operator.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing for automatically executing F/W distribution. First, from step S1 to step S7, the network server 3 sequentially refers to the air conditioner information list one by one from the beginning. In step S2, the network server 3 determines whether or not the F/W added by the operator from the user terminal 4 is for the reference model referred to in the air conditioner information list. In step S2, if the added F/W is not for the reference model, the process returns from step S7 to step S1 and moves to the next order in the information list.

In step S2, if the added F/W is for the reference model, the network server 3 decides in step S3 whether or not to update the F/W of the reference model using time stamps. It is judged whether the judgment is based on the version.

In step S3, if the determination method is version-based determination, in step S4, if the version number of the added F/W is greater than the version number of the target model's F/W, the network server 3 determines in step S6 Add the model being referenced to the update model list. On the other hand, in step S4, when the version number of the added F/W is equal to or less than the version number of the F/W of the target model, the network server 3 does not execute the addition process in step S6 and returns to step S1. The next position in the air conditioner information list is referred to, and the processes after step S2 are executed.

On the other hand, if the judgment method in step S3 is judgment by time stamp, and if the added F/W timestamp is larger (newer) than the F/W timestamp of the target model in step S5, The network server 3 adds the model being referenced to the update model list in step S6. On the other hand, in step S5, if the time stamp of the added F/W is not greater (same or older) than the time stamp of the F/W of the target model, the network server 3 executes the addition of step S6. Without doing so, the process returns to step S1, refers to the next position in the air conditioner information list, and executes the processes after step S2.

In step S7, when all the devices in the air conditioning device information list have been referred to, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 9 ends. Then, the network server 3 transmits the F/W to the corresponding distribution device so as to distribute the F/W added to the air conditioner existing in the completed update model list.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system in which a network server selects various settings related to F/W distribution.

When the network server 3 starts to provide the F/W to the distribution device 2, the network server 3 selects the F/W corresponding to the air conditioner from the collected air conditioner information, and also selects the F/W to be provided. Select the compression method and data format for the The network server 3 refers to the air conditioner information and selects the F/W compression method and data format so as to minimize the file size and maximize the throughput. Also, the distribution device 2 selects a communication method and a distribution unit.

By making it possible to appropriately select the compression method of the F/W distributed from the network server 3 to the air conditioner 1 for each air conditioner, it is possible to cope with the difference in the compression method for each device, and to change from a new F/W to a new compression method. It is possible to respond to When the F/W to which the new compression method is applied is distributed in a compressed state, it is necessary to implement the decompression protocol of the new compression method in the F/W itself of the air conditioner. Note that the F/W may be distributed without compression.

For the data format when transmitting from the network server 3 to the distribution device 2 and when transmitting from the distribution device 2 to the air conditioner 1, select either full data or differential data. In the case of a F/W version update due to a small-scale change, the delivery time can be greatly shortened by selecting differential data. For example, difference data can be calculated by the procedure described in FIG. 16, which will be described later. In this case, the differential data may be automatically selected under the condition that the data capacity is differential data+differential position list<full data.

As for the communication method from the distribution device 2 to the air conditioner 1, it is possible to select between regular communication and extended communication with an extended data part.

Some air conditioners use their own communication standards, and the communication speed is very low compared to general communication such as TCP/IP used in personal computers. In order to make the communication speed during large-capacity data communication faster than that of regular communication, extended communication is prepared by extending the data part. The communication with the extended data part means that the length of the data part is extended and the length of the header part is slightly extended in the method of transmitting the communication command including the header part and the data part.

Generally, communication commands are divided into a header part and a data part, and the header part has a fixed length. However, if the data portion is short when sending a large amount of data, the number of times of transmission increases, and the header portion is sent every time, reducing the effective throughput of communication. Therefore, by lengthening the data portion, it is possible to reduce the transmission of the header portion and increase the effective throughput. However, if it is possible to support both extended communication and regular communication, it is necessary to extend the header section in order to indicate in the header section which method is to be used for communication.

Since F/W distribution handles large amounts of data, the distribution time can be greatly reduced for devices that support extended communication.

In addition, the network server 3 can select the number of unit data (delivery unit R) for one continuous transmission when the delivery device 2 advances the delivery sequence to the air conditioner 1 at the time of F/W delivery. The data received at the time of distribution is stored in the main storage device inside the air conditioner 1, but the area width of the main storage device that the target device can yield to this function differs for each air conditioner. Since the network server 3 stores this area width for each air conditioner, it is possible to make adjustments according to individual air conditioners.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the network server 3 collects the air conditioning equipment information acquired by the distribution device 2 on the network server 3 . Then, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, the network server 3 uses the air conditioner information to distribute the F/W appropriate for the target air conditioner with appropriate settings to the air conditioner.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow from acquisition of unit information to start of F/W distribution. A worker adds F/W to the network server 3 (S11). Also, when the distribution device 2 requests the unit information of the air conditioners 11 and 12 (S12, S13), the

air conditioners

11 and 12 each return the unit information (S14, S15).

When the network server 3 requests the unit information of the

air conditioners

11 and 12 from the distribution device 2 (S16), the distribution device 2 returns the unit information of the

air conditioners

11 and 12 to the network server 3 (S17).

The F/W distribution can be started by manual instruction by an operator as shown in FIG. 11(a) or by automatic distribution by a network server as shown in FIG. 11(b). be. Both of these start methods use a start command.

In the case of manual F/W distribution shown in FIG. 11(a), when the operator requests unit information from the network server 3 (S18), the network server 3 sends the previously collected unit information. It is transmitted to the terminal of the worker (S19). The operator looks at the provided unit information and transmits to the network server 3 an F/W update command including information specifying the target air conditioner 11 and setting X for distribution (S20).

In response to the F/W update command, the network server 3 transmits the checksum of the F/W to the distribution device 2 (S21), and then the information specifying the target air conditioner 11 and the settings for distribution. Along with X, the F/W for update is transmitted to the distribution device 2 . The distribution device 2 performs collation using the checksum value transmitted in advance to ensure the identity of the F/W (S23). The checksum of W is transmitted (S24), and distribution of F/W is started with setting X (S25).

On the other hand, when automatic distribution is performed from the network server 3 shown in FIG. The hour setting Y is determined by self-judgment (S26).

Subsequently, the network server 3 transmits the checksum of the F/W to the distribution device 2 (S27), and then, together with the information specifying the target air conditioning equipment 11 and the setting Y for distribution, F/W is transmitted to distribution device 2 (S28). The distribution device 2 performs collation using the checksum value transmitted in advance to ensure the identity of the F/W (S29). The checksum of W is transmitted (S30), and distribution of F/W is started with setting Y (S31).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of F/W distribution from the distribution device 2 to the air conditioner 1 and interruption, resumption, and cancellation of distribution.

When the F/W is distributed, it is divided into distribution units R and distributed. The distribution device 2 transmits the unit data R times for each distribution unit R specified by the setting, and confirms the shortage on the side of the air conditioner. In steps S41 and S42, when the transmission of the last R-th data of the distribution unit R is completed, in step S43, the distribution device 2 confirms with the air conditioner 1 whether or not there is a shortage of data.

For example, the air conditioner 1 simply determines whether or not the data number has been received. More specifically, since "data number + data" is included in the communication command, the received data number can be saved in the list and the missing number can be regarded as lacking. In step S44, the air conditioner 1 extracts the missing number "No. 5" which is the number that failed to be received.

In step S44, the air conditioning equipment 1 whose shortage has been confirmed responds with "No. R+1" and "No. 5". "R+1" is the number next to the latest received number R, and is the number requested to be transmitted next. "No. 5" is the missing number among the R pieces of data. By responding in this way, the air conditioning equipment 1 does not need to grasp the total number of data, so communication and control can be simplified.

In response to the response from the air conditioning equipment, the distribution device 2 transmits to the air conditioning equipment 1 the data of the number (No. 5) that is insufficient for the distribution unit in step S46. Then, in step S48, the distribution device 2 confirms again with the air conditioner 1 whether or not there is a shortage of data.

By retransmitting the 5th data, the missing number is eliminated, so in step S49, the air conditioner 1, which has been confirmed to be missing, responds with only "R+1", which is the next number after the latest received number R.

When the network server 3 confirms the progress of the distribution device 2 at a timely timing (S45), the distribution device 2 sends the progress status to the network, for example, "distributing, progress S %". Reply to server 3.

Note that the checksum is used only for confirmation after receiving all the data, as shown in S77 of FIG. 13 later.

When receiving the divided F/W, the air conditioner 1 saves the data in the main storage device built in the air conditioner 1, and when the data for the distribution unit is complete or when the distribution device 2 notifies the distribution completion. The data is transferred to the auxiliary storage device built in the air conditioner 1 .

In addition, as shown in (a) of FIG. 12, the F/W distribution can be interrupted (S50) and resumed (S53) from the network server 3.

Upon receiving the interruption instruction, the distribution device 2 interrupts the distribution of the F/W to the air conditioner 1 (S51, S52). Further, when receiving the restart instruction, the distribution device 2 restarts distribution of the F/W to the air conditioner 1 (S54). Then, when the reception of the distribution unit R by the air conditioner 1 is confirmed, the distribution device 2 moves on to transmission of the next distribution unit R (R+1st to 2Rth) (S54 to S58 in FIG. 12).

Also, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the F/W delivery can be instructed to stop (S59) from the network server 3. Upon receiving the stop instruction, the distribution device 2 stops distribution of the F/W to the air conditioner 1 (S60, S61).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of F/W distribution completion-update execution-update normal completion. In steps S71 to S74, the transmission of the n+1th delivery unit R is executed in the same manner as in S41 to S44 of FIG. 12, and the missing nR+3 data is delivered in step S75, completing the delivery of the entire F/W. .

When the distribution from the distribution device 2 is completed and all the F/W data is prepared (S75), the air conditioner 1 performs decompression processing if the compression method is specified in the settings (S76). After the decompression process is performed (if uncompressed, the data remains unchanged), the air conditioner 1 confirms the identity of the data using the checksum transmitted at the start of distribution (S77).

After confirming the completion of checksum verification on the air conditioning equipment 1 side (S78-S81), the network server 3 instructs F/W updating (S82, S83). The F/W update start command may be either manual or automatic. The air conditioner 1 instructed to update executes F/W update (S85) after operation is stopped (S84).

After instructing the air conditioner to update the F/W (S83), the distribution device 2 checks the F/W version and determines whether the F/W update was successful (S86, S87).

When the network server 3 confirms the progress (S88), the distribution device replies that the update has been completed normally (S89).

As described above, in the air conditioning system of Embodiment 1, update firmware is distributed from the network server 3 to the air conditioning equipment 1 via the distribution device 2 . At that time, it is possible to distribute the update firmware in a form suitable for the air conditioner 1, such as a compression method, data format, and communication method. In addition, it is possible to manually or automatically instruct the air conditioner to start distribution from the distribution device. Furthermore, it is also possible to suspend and resume the update process, or cancel it.

Embodiment 2.
In a configuration in which a plurality of air conditioners are connected to the distribution device 2 as shown in FIG. 5 and the like, it may be necessary to distribute the same update F/W to the plurality of air conditioners.

It takes time to distribute to multiple air conditioners individually. When the air conditioner and the distribution device 2 constitute a bus-type communication network, the F/W distribution may be performed by broadcast communication instead of performing F/W distribution individually in order to shorten the time. Since the F/W distribution command has a large amount of data to be transmitted, the use of broadcast communication can reduce the utilization rate of the communication network and improve the throughput.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the flow of simultaneous delivery to multiple air conditioners by broadcast communication.
In step S101, the network server 3 acquires the unit information of each air conditioner collected in advance by the distribution device 2, and distributes the same F/W to which air conditioner among the air conditioners 11 to 13. figure out if there is

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the network server 3 has determined that it is necessary to distribute the same F/W to the

air conditioners

11 and 12 . Then, the network server 3 transmits the F/W checksum to the distribution device 2 in step S102, and provides the F/W to the distribution device 2 in step S103. At this time, in S103, the network server 3 transmits to the distribution apparatus 2 that the distribution targets are the

air conditioners

11 and 12 and the setting X at the time of distribution.

In step S104, the distribution device 2 verifies the received F/W checksum, and transmits the checksum to the

air conditioners

11 and 12 to which the F/W is provided (S105). Subsequently, in step S106, the distribution device 2 transmits a F/W distribution start command to the

air conditioners

11 and 12 to which the F/W is to be provided. On the other hand, as shown in step S107, the air conditioners 13 not to be provided have not received the F/W distribution start command.

As shown in steps S106 and S107, whether or not the broadcast communication is received depends on whether or not the air conditioners 11 to 13 have received the F/W distribution start command transmitted by the distribution device 2. 13 can be determined.

Subsequently, as shown in steps S108 to S110, the distribution device 2 sequentially transmits the 1st to Rth unit data to the bus-type communication network based on the distribution unit of the divided F/W. Then, in step S111, the distribution device 2 inquires of the

air conditioners

11 and 12 whether any of the distribution units is insufficient (whether reception has failed).

As a result, in step S112, the air conditioning equipment 11 responds that the 6th and R+1th items are insufficient, and the air conditioning equipment 12 responds that the R+1th item is insufficient. Further, as shown in step S113, since the air conditioner 13 that is not subject to F/W provision has not received the start command, the communications in steps S108 to S111 are discarded.

Upon seeing the response result of step S112, the distribution device 2 first transmits the sixth unit data to the bus-type communication network. Then, in step S115, the distribution apparatus 2 again inquires of the

air conditioners

11 and 12 whether any of the distribution units is insufficient (whether reception has failed). This time, since the air conditioner 11 has successfully received the 6th unit data, both the

air conditioners

11 and 12 respond that the R+1th unit data is insufficient (S116).

Then, after steps S117 and S118, the distribution device 2 transmits the remaining F/W distribution units to the bus-type communication network in order of the R+1st distribution unit, the R+2th distribution unit, and so on.

In this way, the distribution device 2 can perform broadcast communication to a plurality of air conditioners and shorten the total transmission time.

Embodiment 3.
In FIG. 10, it was mentioned that the data format when distributing the F/W may be the full format or the differential format. is reduced.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of F/W distribution and F/W update procedures based on difference data. In steps S153 and S154 of FIG. 15, two of the checksum of the difference data and the checksum of the entire update F/W are transmitted when difference data is distributed. Then, in steps S157 and S163, the checksums of the difference data are compared, and in step S165, the overall checksums are compared to ensure that there are no errors after restoration.

More specifically, in step S151, the network server 3 acquires the unit information of the air conditioning equipment that the distribution device 2 has collected in advance. As a result of analysis of the information by the network server 3, it becomes clear that the F/W needs to be distributed to the air conditioner 1 and that the current F/W of the air conditioner 1 has already been registered in the network server 3. .

Subsequently, in step S152, the network server 3 creates difference data and a difference position list from the current F/W and the updated F/W.

Then, in step S153, the network server 3 transmits the created checksum of the differential data to the distribution device 2. Subsequently, in step S154, the network server 3 transmits the checksum of the entire F/W data to the distribution device 2. Send to

After that, the network server 3 transmits the differential data and the differential position list created in step S152 to the distribution device 2 in steps S155 and S156.

Subsequently, in step S157, the distribution device 2 verifies the checksum of the received differential data. Then, the checksum of the differential data is transmitted to the air conditioner 1 in step S158, and the checksum of the entire F/W data is transmitted to the air conditioner 1 in step S159.

After that, the distribution device 2 transmits the differential data and the differential position list received in steps S155 and S156 in steps S160 and S161.

In step S162, the distribution of the F/W to the air conditioner 1 is completed, and in the case of compressed data, after the data is decompressed in the air conditioner 1, in step S163, the air conditioner 1 checks the difference data. The sums are collated, and in step S164, the entire data of the F/W for updating is created from the differential data, and in step S165, the checksums of the entire data are collated.

After that, in step S166, the distribution device 2 sends an inquiry to the air conditioner 1 to confirm the collation result. A reply is sent that the match was successful.

Furthermore, in step S168, update processing is performed to apply the created update F/W to the air conditioner 1, and the F/W version is confirmed in the same procedure as S86 to S89 in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the F/W difference data creation process in S152 of FIG.

Difference data distribution can be executed if both the current F/W and the updated F/W are registered in the network server 3.

When transmitting the data format as differential data, the network server compares the current F/W and updated F/W of the target air conditioning equipment for each delivery unit, and records the data and the differential position where there is a discrepancy.

First, in step S131, the difference position is set to zero, and between steps S132 to S138, distribution units are compared in order from the difference position zero to the end of the data. The difference position is an integer starting from 0, and 1 is added in step S137 when one comparison is completed.

In step S133, the comparison start position is set to "difference position×distribution unit". Then, in step S134, the network server 3 determines whether or not there is a difference within the distribution unit width from the comparison start position.

If there is a difference (YES in S134), the network server 3 adds the distribution unit data currently being referenced to the distribution data in step S135, and adds the difference position currently being compared to the difference position list in step S136. do. After that, the network server 3 adds 1 to the difference position in step S137. On the other hand, if there is no difference (NO in S134), the network server 3 adds 1 to the difference position in step S137 without executing the processes of steps S135 and S136, and repeats the processes of S133 to S137 again.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating F/W update data using difference data, which is executed in S164 of FIG.

By specifying the data format as difference data in the settings at the start of distribution and sending a list of difference positions, it is possible to rewrite the difference data on the air conditioning equipment side. At this time, in the air conditioner 1, the update F/W is restored in the following procedure.

First, in step S141, the air conditioner 1 transfers the F/W that is currently being executed in the air conditioner 1 to the update data area of the memory that the air conditioner 1 incorporates. Between steps S142 to S147, a process of sequentially replacing delivery units indicated in the difference position list is executed. First, in step S143, the differential position is extracted from the differential position list, and in step S144, the rewrite start position is determined as the differential position.times.delivery unit. Then, in step S145, the data for the distribution unit from the rewrite start position is rewritten with the corresponding received data for the distribution unit. Furthermore, in step S146, the air conditioner 1 advances the reference location of the difference position list and the reference location of the received data, and repeats the processing of S143 to S145 again. With such a procedure, the preparation of F/W for updating is completed.

According to the air conditioning system of Embodiment 3, by transferring the difference, it is possible to shorten the delivery time of the update F/W when the F/W has a large capacity and the number of changed parts is small. .

Embodiment 4.
A plurality of outdoor units may be connected to the same refrigerant system. For example, the required refrigerating capacity may change due to load fluctuations, and the refrigerating capacity may be increased or decreased depending on the number of units in operation.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioner in which a plurality of outdoor units configure the same refrigerant system. The air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 18 includes outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n, indoor units 102-1 to 103-m, and

refrigerant pipes

103 and 104.

m and n are integers of 2 or more, and the number m of outdoor units and the number n of indoor units may be the same or different. The outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n are connected in parallel between the

refrigerant pipes

103 and 104, and constitute heat source equipment. Indoor units 102-1 to 103-m are connected in parallel between refrigerant pipe 103 and refrigerant pipe 104, and constitute a load device. A distribution device 2 is connected to the air conditioning equipment 1 to distribute update F/W.

In an air conditioning system with such a configuration, if the F/W update fails for some reason, the entire air conditioning system may be affected if the F/W versions differ among multiple outdoor units. Therefore, when upgrading the F/W, it is necessary to follow an appropriate procedure. This procedure will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG.

The distribution device 2 may be built in the outdoor unit 101-1. 19 and 20 show an example in which the outdoor unit 101-1 is the main outdoor unit and the outdoor units 101-2 to 101-m are secondary outdoor units. Therefore, in FIGS. 19 and 20, the main outdoor unit 101-1 and the secondary outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3 are used.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of simultaneous update of F/W for a plurality of outdoor units.
In step S181, when a plurality of outdoor units constitute the same refrigerant system, the F/W is distributed in advance to the plurality of outdoor units (main outdoor unit 101-1, secondary outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3). let it be completed.

When the distribution device 2 receives an update execution instruction from the network server 3 (S182), it recognizes multiple outdoor units of the same refrigerant system and instructs the main outdoor unit to update the F/W of the multiple outdoor units (S183).

The main outdoor unit 101-1 that has received this confirms that it is ready for updating itself. Along with this, the main outdoor unit 101-1 also confirms that the update preparations for the secondary outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3 are ready (S184).

When the slave outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 respond that the update preparation is complete (S185), the main outdoor unit 101-1 causes the slave outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 to stop operating. Along with sending a command (S186), it also stops the operation of the compressor (S187).

The main outdoor unit 101-1 confirms that all of the main outdoor unit 101-1 and the secondary outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3 are ready for updating, and then the secondary outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3 (S188), and updates its own F/W (S189). Slave outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 also update their F/W in accordance with the update instruction from main outdoor unit 101-1 (S190, S191).

After that, the distribution device 2 makes an inquiry to the main outdoor unit 101-1 and the secondary outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 to confirm the version of the F/W (S192). In response, the main outdoor unit 101-1 and secondary outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 inform the distribution device 2 of the F/W version (S193). If the update is successful, the distribution device 2 is notified that the version is a new version after the update.

When the network server 3 confirms the progress with the distribution device 2 (S194), the distribution device 2 returns a notification to the effect that the update has been completed normally to the network server 3 (S195). In this way, the F/Ws are simultaneously updated for a plurality of outdoor units.

As described above, after the F/W distribution is completed, the air conditioner must temporarily suspend control in order to update the F/W. At this time, when the device to be updated is an outdoor unit and a plurality of outdoor units constitute one refrigerant system, in the fourth embodiment, the main outdoor unit adjusts the update timing using communication. For example, air conditioning is also stopped as shown in FIG. Also, if there are multiple outdoor units, the system is reconfigured at the time of rewrite recovery, so the recovery timing should be roughly aligned.

When one refrigerant system is composed of multiple outdoor units, control is performed using the shared

refrigerant pipes

103 and 104, so updating the F/W at the same timing reduces the effect on refrigerant control. can be made

However, it is conceivable that the update may fail in any of steps S189, S190, and S191. In such a case, if different versions of F/W are executed at the same time, the refrigeration cycle may malfunction, so it is better to restore the version.

Therefore, in Embodiment 4, a mechanism is provided to restore the F/W version when a F/W version difference occurs after the update in the same refrigerant system outdoor unit. In order to restore the version, the current F/W is stored in advance in the main storage device of each outdoor unit. This mechanism is also realized by the main outdoor unit 101-1, which controls the system configuration of the air conditioner 1, confirming the states of the secondary outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flow of operations according to the success or failure of updating multiple outdoor units. When a version difference occurs, rollback processing is performed using backup data saved when the power is turned on ((a) in FIG. 20).

The following is an example of a case where the update of the main outdoor unit 101-1 and the secondary outdoor unit 101-2 succeeds in S202 and S203, and the update of the secondary outdoor unit 101-3 fails in S204.

When the main outdoor unit 101-1 inquires about the success or failure of updating the F/W (S205), the slave outdoor unit 101-2 responds that the update has succeeded, and the slave outdoor unit 101-3 responds that the update has failed (S206).

Then, the main outdoor unit 101-1 transmits an instruction to rewrite the F/W based on the backup data prepared in advance to the slave outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 (S207), and the main outdoor unit 101-1 itself also updates the F/W based on the backup data. /W rewrite is executed (S208). Accordingly, slave outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 also execute F/W rewriting with backup data (S209, S210).

On the other hand, if there is no version difference, backup data is created in preparation for the next F/W update ((b) of FIG. 20).

Below, in S212, S213 and S214, a case where the update of the main outdoor unit 101-1 and the secondary outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 is successful will be exemplified.

When the main outdoor unit 101-1 inquires about the success or failure of the F/W update (S215), both the secondary outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 respond that the update has succeeded (S216).

Then, the main outdoor unit 101-1 transmits a backup instruction to the secondary outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 (S217), and also backs up the successfully updated F/W (S218). In response, slave outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 also back up the successfully updated F/W (S219, S220). By preparing backup data, it becomes possible to return the F/W to the original version if the next update fails.

By executing the control as shown in FIG. 20, it is possible to return to the original version when any of the outdoor units fails to update the F/W. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a plurality of outdoor units of the same refrigerant system are controlled by F/Ws of different versions.

(summary)
The air conditioning system 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to an air conditioner 1 capable of storing a control program in a nonvolatile manner, and connected to the air conditioner 1 via a first network 5, and stored in the air conditioner 1 in a nonvolatile manner. and a distribution device 2 for distributing an update program for updating the control program installed in the air conditioner 1 to the air conditioner 1. - 特許庁

The air conditioning system 100 further comprises a network server 3 connected to the distribution device 2 via the second network 6A. The distribution device 2 is configured to receive distribution of the update program from the network server 3 .

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to update the F/W from a remote location via communication, so there is no need for a service person to go to the installation site of the air conditioning equipment 1, and service responsiveness is improved.

As shown in FIG. 3, the distribution device 2 may be accommodated in the same housing as other air conditioners 11 different from the air conditioners 1 . Distribution device 2 is configured to perform protocol conversion between communication standard B, which is the communication method of first network 5, and communication standard A, which is the communication method of second network 6A.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the distribution device 2 is powered on or at regular intervals, the distribution device 2 sends an information list necessary for distribution of the update program for the air conditioners 11 to 13 to the air conditioners 11 to 13. are collected from and stored in the storage device 21 . The network server 3 accesses the distribution device 2 and reads out the information list from the distribution device 2 before distributing the update program. The network server 3 is configured to distribute the update program according to the information list.

As shown in FIG. 10, the air conditioner information includes at least one of the compression method, data format, and communication method used when distributing the update program.

As shown in FIG. 10, the data format includes a full data format and a differential data format. When the data format is the differential data format, the network server 3 compares the update program and the pre-update program as shown in FIG. difference position data indicating the position of the difference data; As shown in FIG. 15 , the network server 3 is configured to distribute the generated difference data and difference position data to the distribution device 2 . As shown in FIG. 15 , the distribution device 2 transfers the difference data and the difference position data to the air conditioner 1 . The air conditioner 1 is configured to restore the update program based on the difference data and the difference position data, as shown in FIG. 17 .

As described above, by collecting information about air conditioners, the network server 3 distributes the F/W to the distribution device 2 according to the F/W type, F/W version, and compression method that can be handled by the air conditioner to be updated. can provide to In addition, the distribution device 2 can perform F/W distribution to the air conditioning equipment in a communication method and distribution unit suitable for the air conditioning equipment to be updated.

As shown in FIG. 4, even if the network server is not connected, the update program transmitted from the worker's user terminal 4 (personal computer) in accordance with the USB standard can be transferred to the maintenance device 15 that also serves as the distribution device 2. The protocol may be converted to the communication standard B and distributed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioning system 100 includes a plurality of device groups F1A to F1C each including air conditioners 1A to 1C and distribution devices 2A to 2C, and a plurality of device groups F1A to F1C. and a network server 3 connected to the devices 2A-2C via a second network 6A. The network server 3 includes a plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C) and a plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(A) to F/W(C) corresponding to the plurality of device groups F1A to F1C, respectively. and the information necessary to deliver each W(C). The information necessary for distribution includes, for example, distribution device information indicating distribution destinations, an air conditioner information list indicating the configuration of air conditioners distributed by each distribution device, and the like.

With such a configuration, one-to-many connections between the network server 3 and the distribution devices 2A to 2C are possible, so parallel processing of information aggregation and F/W update for each installation site is possible. In addition, since the network server 3 can store a plurality of types of F/W, it is possible to support a plurality of types of air conditioners and to update the F/W using data of different F/W versions for the same device. . In addition, by compressing data before distribution, the throughput during F/W distribution can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 7, the network server 3 is configured to distribute the update program to the distribution device corresponding to the received rewrite command from the worker. Alternatively, the network server 3 is configured, as shown in FIG. 8, to distribute the update program to distribution devices corresponding to established rewrite conditions, such as the addition of a new F/W.

According to the configuration in FIG. 8, it is possible not only to manually instruct the operator, but also to automatically distribute to the necessary air conditioning equipment by setting the conditions.

As shown in FIG. 18, the air conditioner 1 includes a plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n commonly connected to one refrigerant circuit. As shown in FIG. 19, each of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n executes the distributed update program at the timing designated by the distribution device 2 or when the conditions designated by the distribution device 2 are met. It is configured to replace the pre-update program at the timing.

Each of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n is configured to store a pre-update program and an update program. As shown in (a) of FIG. 20, in each of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n, the pre-update program is normal to the update program in any of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n. is configured to use the pre-update program without using the update program.

More preferably, as shown in (b) of FIG. 20, each of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n is configured such that the pre-update program is for updating in all of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n. When the program is successfully updated, the update program is used as the control program, and the pre-update program is rewritten with the update program.

Preferably, the air conditioning system 100 shown in FIG. 1 further includes a network server 3 connected to the distribution device 2 via a second network. The network server 3 includes a storage device 31 that stores an update program, and a CPU 30 that reads the update program from the storage device 31 and automatically delivers it to the delivery device 2 . As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 30 compares the update program stored in the storage device 31 with the version or time stamp of the control program nonvolatilely stored in the air conditioner 1 . The CPU 30 is configured to distribute the update program to the distribution device 2 when the version or time stamp indicates that the update program is newer than the control program.

Preferably, the air conditioning system 100 shown in FIG. 1 further includes a network server 3 connected to the distribution device 2 via a second network. The network server 3 includes a storage device 31 that stores an update program and a pre-update program, and a CPU 30 that reads out the update program from the storage device 31 and delivers it to the distribution device 2 . In step S152 of FIG. 15, the CPU 30 compares the update program and the pre-update program, and compares the difference data between the update program and the pre-update program with the first checksum indicating the checksum of the difference data. , and a second checksum indicating the checksum of the entire update program. The distribution device 2 receives the difference data, the first checksum, and the second checksum from the network server 3 (S153, S154) and transfers them to the air conditioner 1 (S158, S159). The air conditioner 1 checks the received difference data using the first checksum (S163), and checks the update program restored from the received difference data using the second checksum (S165). configured to

Preferably, the air conditioning system 100 shown in FIG. 1 further includes a network server 3 connected to the distribution device 2 via a second network. The network server 3 includes a storage device 31 that stores an update program and a pre-update program, and a CPU 30 that reads out the update program from the storage device 31 and delivers it to the distribution device 2 . As shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 30 shifts the comparison start position by unit width (S133), compares the update program and the pre-update program (S134), and compares the unit width in which the difference is detected. It is configured to add to the data (S135) and add the position of the added unit width data to the differential position data (S136).

More preferably, the air conditioner 1 receives the difference data and the difference position data from the network server 3 via the distribution device 2 (S160, S161). The air conditioner 1 restores the update program using the control program, difference data, and difference position data (S164, S131 to S138 in FIG. 17)).

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 11, 12, 13 Air conditioning equipment, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C Distribution device, 3 Network server, 4 User terminal, 5 Communication network, 6A, 6B Internet, 15 Maintenance equipment, 21, 31 Storage device, 22 air conditioner connection unit, 23 communication unit, 25, 36 FW update unit, 27 data collection unit, 28 data reception unit, 32 distribution device communication unit, 33 application communication unit, 38 device registration unit, 39 device management unit , 100 air conditioning system, 101-1 to 101-3 outdoor units, 102-1 to 102-3 indoor units, 103, 104 refrigerant pipes.

Claims

an air conditioner capable of storing a control program in a non-volatile manner;
a distribution device connected to the air conditioner via a first network and configured to distribute an update program for updating the control program stored in the air conditioner in a nonvolatile manner to the air conditioner. harmonious system.
further comprising a network server connected to the distribution device via a second network;
2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein said distribution device is configured to receive distribution of said update program from said network server.
The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the distribution device is configured to perform protocol conversion between the communication method of the first network and the communication method of the second network.
The distribution device collects and stores information necessary for distribution of the update program for the air conditioner from the air conditioner when the power of the distribution device is turned on or at regular intervals,
3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein said network server accesses said distribution device, reads said information from said distribution device, and distributes said update program according to said information.
The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the information includes at least one of a compression method, a data format, and a communication method when distributing the update program.
the data format includes a full data format and a differential data format;
When the data format is the difference data format, the network server compares the update program and the pre-update program, and compares the update program and the pre-update program with the difference data and the difference data. and generating difference position data indicating a position of data, and distributing the generated difference data and the difference position data to the distribution device,
The distribution device transfers the difference data and the difference position data to the air conditioner,
6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein said air conditioner is configured to restore said update program based on said differential data and said differential position data.
The distribution device is a first distribution device, the air conditioner is a first air conditioner,
a second air conditioner;
a second distribution device corresponding to the second air conditioner;
a network server connected to the first distribution device and the second distribution device via a second network;
The network server distributes a first update program and a second update program respectively corresponding to the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner, and the first update program and the second update program. 2. An air conditioning system according to claim 1, configured to store the first information and the second information necessary for.
The network server updates the distribution device corresponding to the received rewrite command from the worker or the distribution device corresponding to the established rewrite condition, out of the first distribution device and the second distribution device, to the corresponding update 8. The air conditioning system of claim 7, configured to provide program distribution.
The air conditioner includes a plurality of outdoor units commonly connected to one refrigerant circuit,
each of the plurality of outdoor units,
Each of the plurality of outdoor units is configured to replace the distributed update program with the pre-update program at the timing designated by the distribution device or at the timing when a condition designated by the distribution device is satisfied. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein:
each of the plurality of outdoor units is configured to store the pre-update program and the update program;
In each of the plurality of outdoor units, if the pre-update program cannot be normally updated to the update program in any of the plurality of outdoor units, the pre-update program is not used and the update program is not used. 10. The air conditioning system of claim 9, configured to use a program.
Each of the plurality of outdoor units uses the update program as the control program when the pre-update program can be successfully updated to the update program in all of the plurality of outdoor units, and 11. The air conditioning system according to claim 10, configured to rewrite a pre-update program with the update program.
further comprising a network server connected to the distribution device via a second network;
The network server is
a storage device that stores the update program;
a processing device that reads the update program from the storage device and automatically distributes it to the distribution device;
The processing device compares the version or time stamp of the update program stored in the storage device with the version or time stamp of the control program nonvolatilely stored in the air conditioner, and performs the update based on the version or time stamp. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, configured to distribute the update program to the distribution device when it is indicated that the update program is newer than the control program.
further comprising a network server connected to the distribution device via a second network;
The network server is
a storage device for storing the update program and the pre-update program;
a processing device that reads the update program from the storage device and distributes it to the distribution device;
The processing device compares the update program and the pre-update program, and includes difference data between the update program and the pre-update program and a first checksum indicating a checksum of the difference data. , and a second checksum indicating a checksum of the entire update program;
The distribution device receives the difference data, the first checksum, and the second checksum from the network server and transfers them to the air conditioner;
The air conditioner is configured to verify the difference data received using the first checksum and to verify the update program restored from the received difference data using the second checksum. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system is
further comprising a network server connected to the distribution device via a second network;
The network server is
a storage device for storing the update program and the pre-update program;
a processing device that reads the update program from the storage device and distributes it to the distribution device;
The processing device compares the update program and the pre-update program while shifting the comparison start position by unit width, adds the unit width in which the difference is detected to the difference data, and adds the added unit width data. 2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, configured to add the position of to the differential position data.
the air conditioner receives the difference data and the difference position data from the network server via the distribution device;
15. The air conditioning system according to claim 14, wherein said air conditioner restores said update program using said control program, said differential data, and said differential position data.