JP7819372B2 - Air conditioning device and air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to air conditioning devices and air conditioning systems that allow the control board to be used commonly across multiple different models.

Patent document 1 describes an air conditioning system in which a capacity control operation program that controls the capacity of an inverter compressor and a constant speed operation program that controls the constant speed of a constant speed compressor are stored in an operation program memory unit, and the operation program to be used is selected from the capacity control operation program and the constant speed operation program based on a combination of information related to the type of compressor stored in the model information memory unit and the state of the jumper.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-115665

According to the technology of Patent Document 1, a single control program that consolidates multiple operating functions corresponding to each model is used to standardize the control program across multiple models of air conditioning units. However, with the technology of Patent Document 1, in order to select the desired operating program from a single control program that consolidates multiple operating functions, function setting components such as jumpers and dip switches must be installed on the control board, resulting in a complex structure, which increases the size of the control board and air conditioning unit, and increases the likelihood of malfunction.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an air conditioning device with a simple structure that reduces failures, is compact, and has stable quality, while also being capable of controlling multiple different models.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the air conditioning apparatus disclosed herein is an air conditioning apparatus that conditions the air of an area to be air-conditioned. The air conditioning apparatus includes a control unit having multiple control function units for performing air conditioning, and a function setting unit that determines, from model name information that indicates the model name of the air conditioning apparatus, which of the multiple control function units to activate for actual use in controlling the air conditioning. The control unit activates the control function unit determined by the function setting unit to be activated.

The air conditioning device disclosed herein has the advantages of being simple in structure, reducing failures, being compact, and stabilizing quality, while also being capable of controlling multiple different models.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an outdoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of model name information in the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the contents of a function setting list in an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a remote control for an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for enabling a control function unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. A block diagram showing the functional configuration of an outdoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to a second embodiment. A flowchart showing the procedure for enabling the control function unit of the air conditioning apparatus and setting the control constants in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network server according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote monitoring device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a central controller according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for enabling a control function unit of an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit according to the first, second, and third embodiments are realized by hardware. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit according to the first, second, and third embodiments are realized by software.

Below, the air conditioning device and air conditioning system relating to the embodiment are described in detail based on the drawings.

Embodiment 1.
Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram that schematically shows the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes an indoor unit 11 installed indoors, an outdoor unit 13 installed outdoors, a refrigerant pipe 17 for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 13, and a remote controller 15 that transmits control instructions and commands to the air conditioning apparatus 10 to the indoor unit 11. The outdoor unit 13 is capable of communicating with the indoor unit 11 via a communication line (not shown). Hereinafter, the remote controller may be referred to as a remote control.

The air conditioner 10 forms a complete refrigeration cycle with the indoor unit 11 and outdoor unit 13. The air conditioner 10 uses refrigerant circulating between the indoor unit 11 and outdoor unit 13 through refrigerant pipes 17 to transfer heat between the indoor air and the outdoor air, which is the space to be air-conditioned, thereby achieving indoor air conditioning. That is, the indoor unit 11 and outdoor unit 13 are connected by refrigerant pipes 17, and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipes 17 is changed by a compressor provided in the outdoor unit 13, thereby performing air conditioning by the refrigerant absorbing and releasing heat.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to embodiment 1. The indoor unit 11 has an indoor unit air conditioning unit 111, an indoor unit sensor 112, an indoor unit memory unit 113, an indoor unit communication unit 114, an indoor unit sensor input unit 115, an indoor unit external output unit 116, an indoor unit external input/output unit 117, and an indoor unit control unit 118. The indoor unit memory unit 113, the indoor unit communication unit 114, the indoor unit sensor input unit 115, the indoor unit external output unit 116, the indoor unit external input/output unit 117, and the indoor unit control unit 118 are implemented on an indoor unit control board 119, which is a single control board for the indoor unit 11.

The indoor unit air conditioning unit 111 has the air conditioning functions of a typical indoor unit of an air conditioner, and conditions the air in the room, which is the area to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit air conditioning unit 111 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the air taken in by the indoor unit 11 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, a blower fan (not shown) that sends the conditioned air that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger from the indoor unit 11 into the room, and a wind direction adjustment unit (not shown) that adjusts the direction in which the conditioned air is sent out from the indoor unit 11. The air taken in by the indoor unit 11 is the indoor air of the room in which the indoor unit 11 is installed.

The indoor unit sensor 112 is a detector that detects the state of the air conditioner 10 and the state of the environment in which the air conditioner 10 is used in order to control the air conditioner 10. Examples of the indoor unit sensor 112 include an indoor temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the room, an occupancy sensor that detects the presence of people in the room, and a position sensor that detects the position of each motor provided in the indoor unit 11.

The indoor unit memory unit 113 is a memory unit that stores various control setting values and control programs for controlling the operation of the air conditioning device 10, including the outdoor unit 13. The indoor unit memory unit 113 is a non-volatile memory unit and is composed of a semiconductor storage medium such as flash memory.

The indoor unit communication unit 114 communicates with devices external to the indoor unit 11. That is, the indoor unit communication unit 114 communicates with communication units of devices external to the indoor unit 11, such as the remote control communication unit 154 of the remote control 15 (described below) and the outdoor unit communication unit 134 of the outdoor unit 13 (described below). The indoor unit communication unit 114 transmits information received from the communication units of devices external to the indoor unit 11 to the indoor unit control unit 118 via the indoor unit external input/output unit 117. The indoor unit communication unit 114 transmits information received from the indoor unit control unit 118 via the indoor unit external input/output unit 117 to the communication units of devices external to the indoor unit 11.

The communication method between the communication unit of the external device and the indoor unit communication unit 114 may be wired communication, or wireless communication using infrared communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

The indoor unit sensor input unit 115 receives sensor information, which is the detection result of the indoor unit sensor 112, from the indoor unit sensor 112. The indoor unit sensor input unit 115 transmits the received sensor information to the indoor unit control unit 118 via the indoor unit external input/output unit 117.

The indoor unit external output unit 116 performs processing to output control commands to an actuator (not shown) provided in the indoor unit 11. In other words, the indoor unit external output unit 116 receives control commands for the actuator provided in the indoor unit 11 from the indoor unit control unit 118 and transmits the received control commands to the actuator provided in the indoor unit 11.

The indoor unit external input/output unit 117 functions as an interface between the indoor unit communication unit 114, indoor unit sensor input unit 115, and indoor unit external output unit 116 and the indoor unit control unit 118. The indoor unit external input/output unit 117 receives sensor information transmitted from the indoor unit sensor input unit 115 and transmits the sensor information to the indoor unit control unit 118. The indoor unit external input/output unit 117 receives various information transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit 114 and transmits the various information to the indoor unit control unit 118. The indoor unit external input/output unit 117 receives various information transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 118 and transmits the various information to the indoor unit communication unit 114. The indoor unit external input/output unit 117 receives various control information transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 118 and transmits the various control information to the indoor unit communication unit 114 or the indoor unit external output unit 116.

The indoor unit control unit 118 is a control unit that controls the overall operation of the air conditioning unit 10, and controls the operation of the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 13 to control the operation of the air conditioning unit 10.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The outdoor unit 13 includes an outdoor unit air conditioning unit 131, an outdoor unit sensor 132, an outdoor unit memory unit 133, an outdoor unit communication unit 134, an outdoor unit sensor input unit 135, an outdoor unit external output unit 136, an outdoor unit external input/output unit 137, an outdoor unit control unit 138, and a function setting unit 139. The outdoor unit memory unit 133, the outdoor unit communication unit 134, the outdoor unit sensor input unit 135, the outdoor unit external output unit 136, the outdoor unit external input/output unit 137, the outdoor unit control unit 138, and the function setting unit 139 are implemented on an outdoor unit control board 140, which is a single control board for the outdoor unit 13.

The outdoor unit air conditioning unit 131 has the air conditioning functions of a typical outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and conditions the air indoors, which is the area to be air-conditioned. The outdoor unit air conditioning unit 131 is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the air taken in by the outdoor unit 13 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant pressure switch, a solenoid valve for regulating the refrigerant flow rate, a fan motor, a compressor, a compressor motor, and other actuators. The air taken in by the outdoor unit 13 is outside air, which is the air outside the room surrounding the outdoor unit 13.

The outdoor unit sensor 132 is a detector that detects the state of the air conditioner 10 and the state of the environment in which the air conditioner 10 is used in order to control the air conditioner 10. Examples of outdoor unit sensors 132 include an outdoor temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outdoor air, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the compressor in the outdoor unit 13, a position sensor that detects the position of each motor provided in the outdoor unit 13, and a rotation speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of each motor provided in the outdoor unit 13.

The outdoor unit memory unit 133 is a memory unit that stores information such as various control setting values and programs for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 13. The outdoor unit memory unit 133 stores model name information, system information, control information, abnormality occurrence information, a function setting list, and control programs. In other words, the outdoor unit memory unit 133 functions as a memory unit that stores the function setting list. The outdoor unit memory unit 133 is a non-volatile memory unit and is composed of a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

In addition, the outdoor unit memory unit 133 stores individual control programs corresponding to the operation control of multiple different models of outdoor units, so that the outdoor unit control board 140 including the outdoor unit control unit 138 can be common to multiple different models of outdoor units 13.

The model name information indicates the model name of the air conditioning device 10 and is information specific to the model of the air conditioning device 10. The model name information is specific to each model, even within the same product series, and includes information that identifies the control functions used in each air conditioning device 10. In other words, the model name information can be said to include information for identifying the control program for controlling the air conditioning device 10 from the individual control programs stored in the air conditioning device 10 that correspond to the operation control of each of multiple different models of outdoor units.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of model name information for the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to embodiment 1. Figure 4 also shows an explanation of the information contained in the model name information, i.e., the information that can be read from the model name information. The model name information also includes information such as the type of inverter control of the compressor of the outdoor unit 13, the unit type of the air conditioning apparatus 10, the type of refrigerant used by the air conditioning apparatus 10, the capacity range of the air conditioning apparatus 10, and the power type of the air conditioning apparatus 10.

The model name information is composed of a string of characters combining letters and numbers, as shown in Figure 4, for example. For example, in the model name information "PUZ-ZRMP56SKA12" shown in Figure 4, the letter "Z" indicates information about the type of inverter control of the compressor of the outdoor unit 13. The letter "ZR" indicates information about the unit type of the air conditioning apparatus 10. The letter "M" indicates information about the type of refrigerant used by the air conditioning apparatus 10. The letter "P56" indicates information about the capacity range of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10. The letter "S" indicates information about the power type of the air conditioning apparatus 10. Note that the model name information shown in Figure 4 is an example, and the model name information may also include other information related to the air conditioning apparatus 10.

System information is information indicating the system configuration of the air conditioning device 10. Control information is information on the control history of the air conditioning device 10. Abnormality occurrence information is information regarding abnormalities that have occurred in the air conditioning device 10.

The function setting list contains information linking the information contained in the model name information with the functions to be activated as the functions to be actually used among the multiple control functions executable by the air conditioning apparatus 10; that is, information linking the information contained in the model name information with the control function units to be activated as the control function units to be actually used among the multiple control function units executable by the air conditioning apparatus 10. In other words, the function setting list can be considered control function correspondence information showing the correspondence between the information contained in the model name information and the control functions executable by the air conditioning apparatus 10, and control function unit correspondence information showing the correspondence between the information contained in the model name information and the control function units to be executed by the air conditioning apparatus 10. Furthermore, the function setting list can be considered to contain information for specifying the control function units to be activated based on the model name information of the air conditioning apparatus 10; for example, if the inverter control type is A, the A control unit that performs A control is activated.

Therefore, the outdoor unit memory unit 133 functions as a memory unit that stores a function setting list. In other words, the outdoor unit memory unit 133 functions as a memory unit for control function unit correspondence information that stores correspondence information for the control function units.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the contents of a function setting list in the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to embodiment 1. In the function setting list shown in Figure 5, for example, with regard to inverter control, inverter control type A corresponds to the A control unit, which is a control function unit that performs A control. Inverter control type B corresponds to the B control unit, which is a control function unit that performs B control. Inverter control type C corresponds to the C control unit, which is a control function unit that performs C control. That is, in the function setting list shown in Figure 5, inverter control type A is linked to the A control unit that performs A control. Similarly, in the function setting list shown in Figure 5, inverter control type B is linked to the B control unit that performs B control. Furthermore, in the function setting list shown in Figure 5, inverter control type C is linked to the C control unit that performs C control.

In addition, in the function setting list shown in Figure 5, with regard to unit types, unit type type D corresponds to the D control unit, which is a control function unit that performs D control. Unit type type E corresponds to the E control unit, which is a control function unit that performs E control. Unit type F corresponds to the F control unit, which is a control function unit that performs F control. In addition, in the function setting list shown in Figure 5, with regard to refrigerant types, refrigerant type G corresponds to the G control unit, which is a control function unit that performs G control. Refrigerant type H corresponds to the H control unit, which is a control function unit that performs H control.

In addition, in the function setting list shown in Figure 5, with regard to capacity bands, capacity band I corresponds to an I control unit that performs I control. In addition, in the function setting list shown in Figure 5, with regard to power types, power type J corresponds to a J control unit that performs J control. Power type K corresponds to a K control unit that performs K control. Note that the function setting list shown in Figure 5 is an example, and the format of the function setting list is not limited as long as it shows the correspondence between the information included in the model name information and the control functions that the air conditioning device 10 can execute.

By using a function setting list such as that shown in Figure 5, the control function units to be enabled in the air conditioning unit 10 can be identified from the information contained in the model name information.

In addition, in embodiment 1, the case where the outdoor unit memory unit 133 has the function of a memory unit that stores the function setting list is described, but the memory unit that stores the function setting list is not limited to the outdoor unit memory unit 133. The memory unit that stores the function setting list may also be a memory unit that is provided independently from the outdoor unit memory unit 133 on the outdoor unit control board 140. In this case as well, the memory unit that stores the function setting list is a non-volatile memory unit and is configured with a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

The outdoor unit communication unit 134 communicates with devices external to the outdoor unit 13. That is, the outdoor unit communication unit 134 communicates with the communication unit of a device external to the outdoor unit 13, such as the indoor unit communication unit 114 of the indoor unit 11. The outdoor unit communication unit 134 transmits information received from the communication unit of a device external to the outdoor unit 13 to the function setting unit 139 or the outdoor unit control unit 138 via the outdoor unit external input/output unit 137. The outdoor unit communication unit 134 transmits information received from the outdoor unit control unit 138 via the outdoor unit external input/output unit 137 to the communication unit of a device external to the outdoor unit 13.

The communication method between the communication unit of the external device and the outdoor unit communication unit 134 may be wired communication, or wireless communication using infrared communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

The outdoor unit sensor input unit 135 receives sensor information, which is the detection result of the outdoor unit sensor 132, from the outdoor unit sensor 132. The outdoor unit sensor input unit 135 transmits the received sensor information to the outdoor unit control unit 138 via the outdoor unit external input/output unit 137.

The outdoor unit external output unit 136 performs processing to output control commands to actuators provided in the outdoor unit 13, such as expansion valves and solenoid valves provided in the outdoor unit 13. In other words, the outdoor unit external output unit 136 receives control commands for actuators provided in the outdoor unit 13 from the outdoor unit control unit 138, and transmits the received control commands to the actuators provided in the outdoor unit 13.

The outdoor unit external input/output unit 137 functions as an interface between the outdoor unit communication unit 134, outdoor unit sensor input unit 135, and outdoor unit external output unit 136 and the outdoor unit control unit 138. The outdoor unit external input/output unit 137 receives sensor information transmitted from the outdoor unit sensor input unit 135 and transmits the sensor information to the outdoor unit control unit 138. The outdoor unit external input/output unit 137 receives various information transmitted from the outdoor unit communication unit 134 and transmits the various information to the outdoor unit control unit 138 or the function setting unit 139. The outdoor unit external input/output unit 137 receives various information transmitted from the outdoor unit control unit 138 and transmits the various information to the outdoor unit communication unit 134. The outdoor unit external input/output unit 137 receives various control information transmitted from the outdoor unit control unit 138 and transmits the various control information to the outdoor unit communication unit 134 or the outdoor unit external output unit 136.

The outdoor unit control unit 138 is a control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 10, and controls the operation of the outdoor unit 13 to control the operation of the air conditioning unit 10. The outdoor unit control unit 138 has multiple control functions for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10, i.e., multiple control function units for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10. The outdoor unit control unit 138 also has multiple individual control function units that correspond to the operation control of multiple different models of outdoor units. This allows the outdoor unit control unit 138 to control the operation of multiple different models of outdoor units. In other words, the outdoor unit control unit 138 can be considered a control group that brings together multiple control function units for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10.

As shown in Figure 3, the outdoor unit control unit 138 has multiple control function units for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10: A control unit 138A, B control unit 138B, C control unit 138C, D control unit 138D, E control unit 138E, and F control unit 138F. Note that for illustrative purposes, only six control units are shown in Figure 3.

Each control function unit is packaged by control type and has the functions of setting control parameters, making control decisions, and issuing operational instructions. In other words, each control function unit is realized by a control program created for each control type. Each control function unit can be individually enabled or disabled by the outdoor unit control unit 138.

Here, "activation" means setting the control function section of the outdoor unit control section 138 to be usable so that it can actually be used in the outdoor unit 13 to control air conditioning in the area to be air-conditioned, i.e., setting the control function of the outdoor unit control section 138 to be usable, and making the control program created for each control type usable.

The function setting unit 139 determines which of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 should be usable by the outdoor unit control unit 138. The function setting unit 139 determines which of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 should be enabled by comparing information about the air conditioning apparatus 10 obtained from the model name information with the function setting list. In other words, the function setting unit 139 determines which of the multiple control functions possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 should be enabled based on the model name information and the function setting list. The function setting unit 139 determines in the function setting list that the control function unit corresponding to the information about the air conditioning apparatus 10 included in the model name information is the control function unit to be enabled.

The function setting unit 139 transmits activation information to the outdoor unit control unit 138, which is information about the control function units determined to be activated and which specifies the control function units to be activated in the outdoor unit control unit 138. The outdoor unit control unit 138 receives the activation information transmitted from the function setting unit 139 and activates the control function units indicated in the activation information. The activation information may use, for example, setting values that have been individually determined in advance for each control function unit. When the outdoor unit control unit 138 receives setting value information that is the activation information, it activates the control function units corresponding to the setting values. In other words, the function setting unit 139 specifies to the outdoor unit control unit 138 the control function units to be activated by the outdoor unit control unit 138 based on the model name information and the function setting list, and causes the outdoor unit control unit 138 to activate the specified control function units.

Therefore, the function setting unit 139 has the function of determining which control function units to activate among the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 based on the model name information and the function setting list, and the function of activating the control function units determined to be activated.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the remote control 15 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to embodiment 1. The remote control 15 includes a remote controller operation unit 151, a remote controller display unit 152, a remote controller storage unit 153, a remote controller communication unit 154, and a remote controller control unit 155.

The remote control operation unit 151 accepts setting operations related to air conditioning of the air conditioning device 10. When the remote control operation unit 151 accepts an operation from the user, it outputs information corresponding to the user's operation as an operation signal to the remote control control unit 155.

The remote control display unit 152 is a display unit that displays various information, and displays information and status necessary for air conditioning using the air conditioning unit 10, such as the set temperature and operating mode of the air conditioning unit 10, and switches and displays screens corresponding to operations on the remote control operation unit 151.

The remote control memory unit 153 stores various information necessary for air conditioning processing in the air conditioning unit 10, and temporarily or long-term stores the settings to be displayed on the remote control display unit 152 and image data related to the settings.

The remote control communication unit 154 is capable of bidirectional communication of information between the indoor unit communication unit 114 of the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit communication unit 134 of the outdoor unit 13. Note that communication between the indoor unit communication unit 114 and the outdoor unit communication unit 134 and the remote control communication unit 154 may be wireless or wired.

The remote control control unit 155 controls the remote control 15 based on the operation signal output from the remote control operation unit 151.

Next, the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for enabling the control function unit of the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

In step S110, the model name information is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning unit 10. Specifically, when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in a factory, the model name information is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the air conditioning unit 10. Then, proceed to step S120.

In step S120, the function setting list is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. Specifically, when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in a factory, the function setting list is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning unit 10.

The air conditioning unit 10 is then shipped from the factory with the model name information and function setting list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and is installed at the installation location, such as the user's home or office. The air conditioning unit 10 is installed at the installation location with the model name information and function setting list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and is ready for use. Note that the order of steps S110 and S120 may be reversed. Then, proceed to step S130.

In step S130, the power to the air conditioning unit 10 is turned on. Then, proceed to step S140.

In step S140, model name information is read from the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13. Specifically, the function setting unit 139 of the outdoor unit control unit 138 of the outdoor unit 13 reads and acquires the model name information stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. Then, the process proceeds to step S150.

In step S150, the model name information is analyzed. Specifically, the function setting unit 139 analyzes the read model name information and obtains information about the air conditioning unit 10 contained in the model name information. For example, when the function setting unit 139 analyzes the model name information shown in Figure 4, it obtains the following information: the control type of inverter control, the unit type is Slim ZR model, the refrigerant type is R32 refrigerant, the capacity range is 56 kW, and the power type is single-phase 200 V. Then, it proceeds to step S160.

In step S160, the function setting list is read from the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13. Specifically, the function setting unit 139 reads and acquires the function setting list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

In step S170, a determination is made of the control function units to be activated based on the function setting list. Specifically, the function setting unit 139 compares the information about the air conditioning unit 10 obtained from the model name information in step S150 with the function setting list obtained in step S160 to determine which of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 to activate. The function setting unit 139 determines in the function setting list that the control function unit to activate is the control function unit that corresponds to the information about the air conditioning unit 10 included in the model name information.

The function setting unit 139 transmits activation information, which is information about the control function unit that has been determined to be the control function unit to be activated, to the outdoor unit control unit 138. The outdoor unit control unit 138 receives the activation information transmitted from the function setting unit 139. Then, the process proceeds to step S180.

In step S180, the control function units corresponding to the model of the air conditioning unit 10 are enabled. Specifically, the outdoor unit control unit 138 sets the control function units corresponding to the model of the air conditioning unit 10 to be enabled. Of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138, the outdoor unit control unit 138 sets the control function units indicated in the activation information to be enabled in the outdoor unit control unit 138.

In other words, the outdoor unit control unit 138 enables the control functions indicated in the activation information from among the multiple control functions possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138. Enabling the control function units indicated in the activation information in the outdoor unit control unit 138 can be said to enable the control programs for realizing the functions of the control function units indicated in the activation information from among the control programs created for each control type. Note that when the air conditioning apparatus 10 is shipped from the factory, all control function units are in a disabled state.

Then, in the air conditioning unit 10, air conditioning control of the air conditioning unit 10 in accordance with the control command transmitted from the remote control 15 is performed by the indoor unit control unit 118 and the outdoor unit control unit 138. Here, the outdoor unit control unit 138 controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 10 in accordance with the control command transmitted from the remote control 15 by controlling the control function unit enabled in step S180.

Specifically, a start-up command is sent from the remote control 15 to the indoor unit control unit 118 of the indoor unit 11. Upon receiving the start-up command, the indoor unit control unit 118 starts operation of the indoor unit 11 and sends a start-up command to the outdoor unit control unit 138. Upon receiving the start-up command sent from the indoor unit control unit 118, the outdoor unit control unit 138 starts operation of the outdoor unit 13. Thereafter, in the air conditioning apparatus 10, air conditioning control of the air conditioning apparatus 10 in accordance with the control command sent from the remote control 15 is performed by the indoor unit control unit 118 and the outdoor unit control unit 138. Then, in the outdoor unit control unit 138, operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10 is controlled in accordance with the control command sent from the remote control 15 by control of the control function unit enabled in step S180.

In addition, of the above-mentioned processes, the processes from step S130 onwards are performed when the air conditioning unit 10 is first powered on after it is shipped from the factory and installed at the installation location, or when the outdoor unit control board 140 is first powered on after it has been initialized.

According to the air conditioning device 10 of the above-described embodiment 1, an air conditioning device that conditions the air of an area to be air-conditioned is realized, and is equipped with a control unit having multiple control function units for performing air conditioning, and a function setting unit that determines, from model name information that indicates the model name of the air conditioning device, which of the multiple control function units to activate for actual use in controlling the air conditioning, and the control unit activates the control function unit determined by the function setting unit to be activated.

As described above, in the air conditioning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, model name information and a function setting list are stored in advance in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13. The function setting unit 139 has the functions of determining which of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 should be enabled based on the model name information and the function setting list, and enabling the control function units determined to be enabled. When the air conditioning apparatus 10 is first powered on after installation, the function setting unit 139 reads the model name information and the function setting list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and determines which of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 should be enabled based on the model name information and the function setting list. The function setting unit 139 then specifies the control function units to be enabled to the outdoor unit control unit 138, and causes the outdoor unit control unit 138 to enable the control function units determined to be enabled.

This allows the air conditioning unit 10 to easily set control functions corresponding to the model of the air conditioning unit 10 with a simple structure, without having to install function setting components on the outdoor unit control board 140 for setting the control functions of the outdoor unit control unit 138 corresponding to the model of the air conditioning unit 10. Here, the outdoor unit memory unit 133 is generally a component mounted on the outdoor unit control board 140 to store control information, and does not increase the number of components mounted on the outdoor unit control board 140.

Furthermore, because the air conditioning unit 10 does not require components for setting functions, the number of components mounted on the outdoor unit control board 140 is small, preventing the outdoor unit control board 140 from becoming bloated and reducing the board dimensions of the outdoor unit control board 140.Furthermore, the risk of failure of the outdoor unit control board 140 can be reduced, and the outdoor unit control board 140 can be made smaller and its quality stabilized.

Furthermore, the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning unit 10 can use the outdoor unit control board 140 as a common outdoor unit for multiple different models of outdoor units, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple types of outdoor units and enabling cost reductions for multiple models of air conditioning units. In other words, the air conditioning unit 10 allows the outdoor unit control board 140 to be shared by multiple different models of outdoor units, while enabling cost reductions for multiple models of air conditioning units.

At the factory where the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured, there is no need to install function setting components on the outdoor unit control board 140 or to set the function setting components, making it easier to manufacture the air conditioning unit 10. Furthermore, when installing the air conditioning unit 10, the installer does not need to set or check the function setting components, making installation of the air conditioning unit 10 easier. Furthermore, users can enjoy a high-quality air conditioning unit 10 that is compact and has stable quality, without the risk of air conditioning unit 10 malfunctioning due to malfunctioning function setting components.

Furthermore, the above describes a case where, of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 of the outdoor unit control board 140 of the outdoor unit 13, a control function unit that is actually used to control air conditioning of the air-conditioned area in the outdoor unit 13 is activated. However, the above processing may also be applied to the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11. In other words, by applying the above processing to the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11, it is possible to activate a control function unit that is actually used to control air conditioning of the air-conditioned area in the indoor unit 11, of the multiple control function units possessed by the indoor unit control unit 118.

In this case, the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11 has functions similar to those related to the processing of enabling the above-mentioned control function section in the outdoor unit control board 140.

In other words, the indoor unit memory unit 113 stores individual control programs corresponding to the operation control of multiple different models of indoor units so that the indoor unit control board 119, including the indoor unit control unit 118, can be used in common among multiple different models of indoor units. Also, model name information and a function setting list for the indoor unit corresponding to the function setting list described above are stored in advance in the indoor unit memory unit 113 of the indoor unit 11.

The indoor unit control unit 118 also has multiple control functions for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10, i.e., multiple control function units for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10. The indoor unit control unit 118 also has multiple individual control function units that correspond to the operation control of multiple different models of indoor units. This allows the indoor unit control unit 118 to control the operation of multiple different models of indoor units. In other words, the indoor unit control unit 118 can be considered a control group that brings together multiple control function units for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10.

The indoor unit control board 119 also has a function setting unit for the indoor unit that corresponds to the above-mentioned function setting unit 139. The function setting unit for the indoor unit has the function of determining which of the multiple control function units possessed by the indoor unit control unit 118 to activate based on the model name information and the function setting list for the indoor unit, and the function of activating the control function unit determined to be activated.

When the air conditioning unit 10 is first powered on after installation, the indoor unit function setting unit reads the model name information and indoor unit function setting list stored in the indoor unit memory unit 113, and determines which of the multiple control function units possessed by the indoor unit control unit 118 to enable based on the model name information and indoor unit function setting list. The indoor unit function setting unit then specifies the control function units to enable to the indoor unit control unit 118, and causes the indoor unit control unit 118 to enable the control function units determined to be enabled.

This allows the air conditioning unit 10 to easily set control functions corresponding to the model of the air conditioning unit 10 with a simple structure, without having to install function setting components on the indoor unit control board 119 for setting the control functions of the indoor unit control unit 118 corresponding to the model of the air conditioning unit 10. Here, the indoor unit memory unit 113 is generally a component mounted on the indoor unit control board 119 to store control information, and does not increase the number of components mounted on the indoor unit control board 119.

Furthermore, for the above-mentioned process for enabling the control function units of the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the process for enabling the control function units of the indoor unit control unit 118, the process for determining which control function units to enable may be performed together on the outdoor unit control board 140 of the outdoor unit 13 or the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11. In other words, for the process for enabling the control function units of the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the process for enabling the control function units of the indoor unit control unit 118, the process for determining which control function units to enable may be performed together on the function setting unit 139 or the function setting unit for the indoor unit.

When the function setting unit 139 determines which control function units to activate in the activation process for the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the activation process for the indoor unit control unit 118, the outdoor unit control unit 138 activates the control function units indicated in the activation information based on the activation information for the outdoor unit control unit 138 transmitted from the function setting unit 139. When the function setting unit 139 determines which control function units to activate in the activation process for the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the activation process for the indoor unit control unit 118, the indoor unit control unit 118 activates the control function units indicated in the activation information based on the activation information for the indoor unit control unit 118 transmitted from the function setting unit 139.

Furthermore, when the process of determining which control function units to activate for the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the process of determining which control function units to activate for the indoor unit control unit 118 is performed by the function setting unit for the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit 138 activates the control function units indicated in the activation information based on the activation information for the outdoor unit control unit 138 transmitted from the function setting unit for the indoor unit. Furthermore, when the process of determining which control function units to activate for the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the process of determining which control function units to activate for the indoor unit control unit 118 are performed by the function setting unit for the indoor unit, the indoor unit control unit 118 activates the control function units indicated in the activation information based on the activation information for the indoor unit control unit 118 transmitted from the function setting unit for the indoor unit.

As described above, the air conditioning device 10 of embodiment 1 has a simple structure, reduces failures, is compact, and has stable quality, and is capable of controlling multiple different models.

Embodiment 2.
In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which, with regard to other functions of the air conditioning apparatus 10, control constants used for control in control function sections enabled by the outdoor unit control section 138 are specified by the function setting section 139. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 in the second embodiment.

Figure 8 focuses on the A control unit 138A, one of the multiple function control units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138, and illustrates the control constants used in the A control unit 138A. Although not shown, there are also control constants used in the other function control units, such as the B control unit 138B and the C control unit 138C.

In embodiment 2, the air conditioning apparatus 10 stores the control constant list in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. In other words, the outdoor unit memory unit 133 functions as a memory unit that stores the control constant list.

The control constant list contains information linking the information included in the model name information with the control constants used for control within the enabled control function units in the outdoor unit control unit 138. In other words, the function setting list can be considered control constant correspondence information that shows the correspondence between the information included in the model name information and the control constants used for control within the enabled control functions in the outdoor unit control unit 138.

Therefore, the outdoor unit memory unit 133 functions as a memory unit that stores a control constant list. In other words, the outdoor unit memory unit 133 functions as a memory unit for control constant correspondence information that stores control constant correspondence information.

For example, for inverter control, the control constant list stores the control constants α, β, and γ used in the A control unit that performs A control, corresponding to inverter control type A. For inverter control, the control constant list also stores control constants such as control constants δ, ε, and ζ (not shown) used in the B control unit that performs B control, corresponding to inverter control type B. Similarly, the control constant list also stores the control constants used in each control function unit of the C control unit to the K control unit.

In embodiment 2, as described in embodiment 1, the function setting unit 139 determines which of the multiple control function units in the outdoor unit control unit 138 to activate by comparing the information about the air conditioning unit 10 obtained from the model name information with the function setting list. The function setting unit 139 then determines the control constants to be used for control in the control function units determined to be activated by comparing the information about the air conditioning unit 10 obtained from the model name information with the control constant list. The function setting unit 139 transmits activation information, which is information about the control function units determined to be activated, and control constant information, which is information about the control constants to be used for control in the control function units determined to be activated, to the outdoor unit control unit 138.

Furthermore, in embodiment 2, the air conditioning apparatus 10 can transmit control constants not held in the control constant list from the outdoor unit communication unit 134 to the function setting unit 139 via the outdoor unit external input/output unit 137. The air conditioning apparatus 10 installer transmits control constants not held in the control constant list to the function setting unit 139 from a communication device such as a mobile terminal for each control function unit. The function setting unit 139 transmits the control constants not held in the control constant list that were transmitted from a communication device such as a mobile terminal to the function setting unit 139 to the outdoor unit control unit 138 as constant change command information indicating that the control constants used for control in the control function units determined to be enabled should be changed from the control constants held in the control constant list.

This allows the air conditioning unit 10 to set control constants that are not stored in the control constant list in the outdoor unit control unit 138, and enables control in each control function unit using control constants that are not stored in the control constant list.

Next, the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10 in embodiment 2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for enabling the control function unit of the air conditioning apparatus 10 in embodiment 2 and setting the control constants.

First, steps S110 and S120 are performed in the same manner as in embodiment 1. Then, proceed to step S210.

In step S210, the control constant list is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. Specifically, when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in a factory, the control constant list is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning unit 10.

The air conditioning unit 10 is then shipped from the factory with the model name information, function setting list, and control constant list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and is installed at an installation location such as the user's home or office. The air conditioning unit 10 is installed at an installation location with the model name information, function setting list, and control constant list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and is ready for use. Note that steps S110, S120, and S210 can be performed in any order. Steps S130 to S180 are then performed, and the process proceeds to step S220.

In step S220, the control constant list is read from the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13. Specifically, the function setting unit 139 reads and acquires the control constant list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. Then, the process proceeds to step S230.

In step S230, a control constant is determined based on the control constant list. Specifically, the function setting unit 139 compares the information about the air conditioning apparatus 10 obtained from the model name information in step S150 with the control constant list obtained in step S220 to determine the control constants to be used for control in the control function units to be activated among the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138, i.e., the control constants to be used for control in the control function units determined to be activated in step S170. The function setting unit 139 determines in the control constant list the control constants that correspond to the information about the air conditioning apparatus 10 included in the model name information as the control constants to be used for control in the control function units to be activated corresponding to the air conditioning apparatus 10. The control constant determination is performed for each piece of information about the air conditioning apparatus 10 obtained from the model name information in step S150, i.e., for each control function unit determined to be activated.

The function setting unit 139 transmits control constant information, which is information on the control constants determined to be used for control in the control function unit to be enabled, to the outdoor unit control unit 138. The outdoor unit control unit 138 receives the control constant information transmitted from the function setting unit 139. Then, proceed to step S240.

In step S240, the control constants are set. Specifically, the outdoor unit control unit 138 sets the control constants determined in step S230 as the control constants to be used for control in the activated control function units in those activated control function units. The control constants are set for each control function unit. Setting the control constants determined as the control constants to be used for control in the activated control function units in those activated control function units can be said to apply those control constants to the control program for realizing the functions of the control function units indicated in the activation information. Then, proceed to step S250.

In step S250, it is determined whether constant change command information has been received. Specifically, the outdoor unit control unit 138 determines whether constant change command information has been received.

The constant change command information is command information that instructs the setting of a control constant not held in the control constant list as the control constant used for control in a control function unit determined to be activated. In other words, the constant change command information is command information that instructs the setting of a control constant not held in the control constant list as the control constant used for control in the control function unit to be activated, rather than the control constant determined in step S230. The constant change command information includes information on the command value of a control constant not held in the control constant list that is to be set in the control function unit to be activated as the control constant used for control in the control function unit to be activated. When the outdoor unit control unit 138 receives constant change command information from a communication device such as a mobile terminal that is external to the outdoor unit 13, it stores the constant change command information in the outdoor unit memory unit 133.

The outdoor unit control unit 138 determines that constant change command information has been received if constant change command information is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. The outdoor unit control unit 138 determines that constant change command information has not been received if constant change command information is not stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133.

If it is determined that constant change command information has not been received, the answer in step S250 is No, and the process of enabling the control function unit and setting the control constants ends.If it is determined that constant change command information has been received, the answer in step S250 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S260.

In step S260, the control constant is set to a command value. Specifically, the outdoor unit control unit 138 sets the control constant to be used for control in the enabled control function unit to the command value of the control constant included in the constant change command information. In other words, the outdoor unit control unit 138 changes the control constant setting by changing the control constant set in step S240 as the control constant to be used for control in the enabled control function unit to the command value of the control constant included in the constant change command information. The control constant setting change is performed for each enabled control function unit. By performing the above processing, the series of processes for enabling control function units and setting control constants is completed.

Thereafter, in the air conditioning unit 10, air conditioning control of the air conditioning unit 10 is performed by the indoor unit control unit 118 and the outdoor unit control unit 138 in accordance with the control command transmitted from the remote control 15. Here, the outdoor unit control unit 138 controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 10 in accordance with the control command transmitted from the remote control 15 by controlling the control function unit activated in step S180 using the control constants set in step S240 or step S260.

For example, in the case of air conditioners of the same series but with different horsepower models, the cooling control is the same for each series, but if the compressor frequency differs, the horsepower can be read from the model name and the appropriate operating frequency can be specified. In this case, the horsepower corresponds to the capacity band.

In addition, if a customer wishes to use a control constant other than the control constants stored in the control constant list for the air conditioning unit 10, the control constant can be specified to the outdoor unit control unit 138 from the outdoor unit communication unit 134 via the outdoor unit external input/output unit 137, thereby tuning the air conditioning control function of the air conditioning unit 10 according to the customer's wishes.

As described above, in embodiment 2, the air conditioning apparatus 10 has model name information, a function setting list, and a control constant list stored in advance in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13. The function setting unit 139 has the following functions: determine which of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 to activate based on the model name information and the function setting list; activate the control function unit determined to be activated; determine the control constants to be used for control in the activated control function unit based on the model name information and the control constant list; and set the control constants determined based on the model name information and the control constant list in the activated control function unit.

When the air conditioning unit 10 is first powered on after installation, the function setting unit 139 reads the model name information and function setting list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and determines which of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138 to enable based on the model name information and function setting list. The function setting unit 139 then specifies the control function units to enable to the outdoor unit control unit 138, and causes the outdoor unit control unit 138 to enable the control function units determined to be enabled.

Furthermore, when the air conditioning unit 10 is first powered on after installation, the function setting unit 139 reads the control constant list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 and determines the control constants to be used for control in the control function unit to be enabled based on the model name information and the control constant list.The function setting unit 139 then sets the determined control constants for the control function unit to be enabled.

This allows the air conditioning unit 10 to automatically set the control constants used for control in the control function unit that is enabled for the model of the air conditioning unit 10, making it easy to set the control constants. This makes it easy to set the control functions of the air conditioning unit 10 when it is installed.

Installation workers will no longer need to set control constants when installing the air conditioning unit 10, making installation of the air conditioning unit 10 easier.

In addition, the air conditioning unit 10 can specify control constants to the outdoor unit control unit 138 via the outdoor unit communication unit 134 and the outdoor unit external input/output unit 137 from a communication device such as a mobile terminal, making it possible to set more detailed air conditioning control functions, thereby improving the quality of the air conditioning unit 10.

In addition, the above describes a case where the control constants used for control in a control function unit activated in the outdoor unit control section 138 of the outdoor unit control board 140 of the outdoor unit 13 corresponding to the model of the air conditioning unit 10 are automatically set in that control function unit, but the above process may also be applied to the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11. In other words, by applying the above process to the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11, it is possible to automatically set the control constants used for control in that control function unit activated in the indoor unit control section 118 corresponding to the model of the air conditioning unit 10, as described in the first embodiment above.

In this case, the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11 has a function similar to the function related to the process of activating the control function unit described above in the outdoor unit control board 140. In addition, the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11 has a function similar to the function related to the process of automatically setting the control constants used for control in the control function unit in the outdoor unit control board 140 that has been activated in accordance with the model of the air conditioning unit 10 described above.

In other words, the indoor unit memory unit 113 stores individual control programs corresponding to the operation control of multiple different models of indoor units so that the indoor unit control board 119, including the indoor unit control unit 118, can be common to multiple different models of indoor units. Also, model name information, a function setting list for the indoor unit corresponding to the function setting list described above, and a control constant list for the indoor unit corresponding to the control constant list described above are stored in advance in the indoor unit memory unit 113 of the indoor unit 11.

The indoor unit control unit 118 also has multiple control functions for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10, i.e., multiple control function units for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10. The indoor unit control unit 118 also has multiple individual control function units that correspond to the operation control of multiple different models of indoor units. This allows the indoor unit control unit 118 to control the operation of multiple different models of indoor units. In other words, the indoor unit control unit 118 can be considered a control group that brings together multiple control function units for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 10.

In addition, the function setting unit for the indoor unit has the following functions: a function to determine which of the multiple control function units possessed by the indoor unit control unit 118 should be enabled based on the model name information and a function setting list for the indoor unit; a function to enable the control function unit determined to be enabled; a function to determine the control constants to be used for control in the control function unit to be enabled based on the model name information and the control constant list for the indoor unit; and a function to set the control constants determined based on the model name information and the control constant list for the indoor unit in the control function unit to be enabled.

When the air conditioning unit 10 is first powered on after installation, the indoor unit function setting unit reads the model name information and indoor unit function setting list stored in the indoor unit memory unit 113, and determines which of the multiple control function units possessed by the indoor unit control unit 118 to enable based on the model name information and indoor unit function setting list. The indoor unit function setting unit then specifies the control function units to enable to the indoor unit control unit 118, and causes the indoor unit control unit 118 to enable the control function units determined to be enabled.

In addition, when the air conditioning unit 10 is first powered on after installation, the indoor unit function setting unit reads the control constant list for the indoor unit stored in the indoor unit memory unit 113, and determines the control constants to be used for control in the control function unit to be enabled based on the model name information and the control constant list for the indoor unit.The indoor unit function setting unit then sets the determined control constants for the control function unit to be enabled.

This allows the air conditioning unit 10 to automatically set the control constants used for control in the control function unit that is enabled for the model of the air conditioning unit 10, making it easy to set the control constants. This makes it easy to set the control functions of the air conditioning unit 10 when it is installed.

Furthermore, as explained in the first embodiment above, the process of determining which control function unit to activate for the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the process of determining which control function unit to activate for the indoor unit control unit 118 may be performed together on the outdoor unit control board 140 of the outdoor unit 13 or the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11. In other words, the process of determining which control function unit to activate for the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the process of determining which control function unit to activate for the indoor unit control unit 118 may be performed together on the function setting unit 139 or the function setting unit for the indoor unit.

Furthermore, the control constant determination process for the process of setting the control constants for the control function units enabled in the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the process of setting the control constants for the control function units enabled in the indoor unit control unit 118 may be performed together in the outdoor unit control board 140 of the outdoor unit 13 or the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11. In other words, the control constant determination process for the process of setting the control constants for the control function units enabled in the outdoor unit control unit 138 and the process of setting the control constants for the control function units enabled in the indoor unit control unit 118 may be performed together in the function setting unit 139 or the function setting unit for the indoor unit.

When the function setting unit 139 performs the control constant determination process for setting control constants for control function units enabled by the outdoor unit control unit 138 and for setting control constants for control function units enabled by the indoor unit control unit 118, the outdoor unit control unit 138 sets the control constants indicated in the constant change command information for the outdoor unit control unit 138 based on the constant change command information for the outdoor unit control unit 138 transmitted from the function setting unit 139. When the function setting unit 139 performs the control constant determination process for setting control constants for control function units enabled by the outdoor unit control unit 138 and for setting control constants for control function units enabled by the indoor unit control unit 118, the indoor unit control unit 118 sets the control constants indicated in the constant change command information for the indoor unit control unit 118 based on the constant change command information for the indoor unit control unit 118 transmitted from the function setting unit 139.

Furthermore, when the control constant determination process for setting control constants for control function units enabled in the outdoor unit control unit 138 and for setting control constants for control function units enabled in the indoor unit control unit 118 is performed by the indoor unit function setting unit, the outdoor unit control unit 138 sets the control constants indicated in the constant change command information for the outdoor unit control unit 138 based on the constant change command information for the outdoor unit control unit 138 transmitted from the indoor unit function setting unit.Furthermore, when the control constant determination process for setting control constants for control function units enabled in the outdoor unit control unit 138 and for setting control constants for control function units enabled in the indoor unit control unit 118 is performed by the indoor unit function setting unit, the indoor unit control unit 118 sets the control constants indicated in the constant change command information for the indoor unit control unit 118 based on the constant change command information for the indoor unit control unit 118 transmitted from the indoor unit function setting unit.

Embodiment 3.
In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the air conditioning apparatus 10 receives designation information and control constants for the control function units to be enabled from a server via a general-purpose network. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioning system 200 according to the third embodiment. The air conditioning system 200 according to the third embodiment comprises an air conditioning apparatus 10a, an air conditioning apparatus 10b, a network server 300, a remote monitoring device 401, a remote monitoring device 402, and a central controller 500.

In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between air conditioning unit 10a and air conditioning unit 10b, they may be collectively referred to as air conditioning unit 10.

The components of the air conditioning system 200 can exchange information with each other. Communication between the components of the air conditioning system 200 may be wireless or wired. Communication between the components of the air conditioning system 200 may also be via the Internet (not shown). The configuration of the air conditioning device 10 of the air conditioning system 200 is not limited, but here it is assumed to be configured to include an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a remote control, similar to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2.

Air conditioning apparatus 10a comprises an outdoor unit 13a, two indoor units 11, and two remote controls 15. That is, air conditioning apparatus 10a has two indoor units 11 connected to outdoor unit 13a, and each indoor unit 11 is provided with its own dedicated remote control 15. Air conditioning apparatus 10a basically has the same configuration and functions as air conditioning apparatus 10 described in the first and second embodiments above. However, air conditioning apparatus 10a comprises outdoor unit 13a instead of outdoor unit 13.

In addition to the functions of the outdoor unit 13 described in the first and second embodiments above, the outdoor unit 13a is capable of receiving and storing or updating a function setting list and a control constant list from the network server 300. Based on the function setting list and control constant list received and stored from the network server 300, the outdoor unit 13a can determine the control function units to be enabled based on the function setting list and the control constants based on the control constant list in the function setting unit 139, in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments described above.

Air conditioning apparatus 10b comprises an outdoor unit 13a, an indoor unit 11, and a remote control 15. That is, air conditioning apparatus 10b has one indoor unit 11 connected to the outdoor unit 13a, and a dedicated remote control 15 is provided for the indoor unit 11. Air conditioning apparatus 10b has the same configuration and functions as air conditioning apparatus 10a, except that there is only one indoor unit 11 and one remote control 15. That is, air conditioning apparatus 10b also basically has the same configuration and functions as air conditioning apparatus 10 described in embodiments 1 and 2 above. Air conditioning apparatus 10b also comprises an outdoor unit 13a instead of an outdoor unit 13.

The network server 300 is capable of communicating with the air conditioning unit 10 and has the functions of a database that stores operating information and system information for the air conditioning unit 10, as well as the functions of storing information on the function setting list and control constant list described in embodiments 1 and 2 and transmitting the information on the function setting list and control constant list to the air conditioning unit 10. The network server 300 can be accessed, for example, by a designer at the manufacturer of the air conditioning unit 10 via the Internet (not shown). This allows the manufacturer's designer to check various information, such as operating information and system information, for multiple air conditioning units 10 installed nationwide without having to visit the locations where the air conditioning units 10 are installed. The network server 300 can be a cloud server or a physical server.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network server 300 according to the third embodiment. The network server 300 comprises a server communication unit 301, a server storage unit 302, and a server control unit 303. Information can be exchanged between the components of the network server 300.

The server communication unit 301 is capable of communicating with the monitoring communication unit 414 (described later) of the remote monitoring device 401 and the remote monitoring device 402. The monitoring communication units 414 of the remote monitoring device 401 and the remote monitoring device 402 are capable of communicating with the server communication unit 301, for example, via the Internet. The server communication unit 301 transmits information on the function setting list and the control constant list to the air conditioning device 10.

The server memory unit 302 has the function of serving as a database for storing operating information of the air conditioning unit 10 and system information of the air conditioning unit 10, and the function of storing a function setting list and a control constant list.

Therefore, the server storage unit 302 functions as a storage unit for control function unit correspondence information that stores correspondence information for control function units. The server storage unit 302 also functions as a storage unit for control constant correspondence information that stores correspondence information for control constants. The server storage unit 302 also stores various types of information used to control the network server 300.

The server control unit 303 controls the overall processing of the network server 300. The server control unit 303 also acquires operating information of the air conditioning unit 10 from the air conditioning unit 10 and controls the storage of the information in the server memory unit 302. The server control unit 303 also controls the transmission of information on the function setting list and control constant list stored in the server memory unit 302 to the air conditioning unit 10 via the Internet.

That is, the server control unit 303 transmits information on the function setting list and control constant list to the remote monitoring device 401 and remote monitoring device 402 via the server communication unit 301. The remote monitoring device 401 receives the information on the function setting list and control constant list transmitted from the network server 300, and transmits the information on the function setting list and control constant list to the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10a via the central controller 500. The remote monitoring device 402 receives the information on the function setting list and control constant list transmitted from the network server 300, and transmits the information on the function setting list and control constant list to the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10b.

Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote monitoring device 401 according to the third embodiment. The remote monitoring device 401 is located in a monitoring center remote from the air conditioning unit 10a and is connected to a central controller 500 and a network server 300, enabling transmission and reception of information between the central controller 500 and the network server 300. By connecting to the central controller 500, the remote monitoring device 401 can monitor the air conditioning unit 10a via the central controller 500, and can also remotely control the air conditioning unit 10a from the remote monitoring device 401 via the central controller 500. The remote monitoring device 401 also receives information on the function setting list and control constant list transmitted from the network server 300, and controls the transmission of the information on the function setting list and control constant list to the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10a via the central controller 500.

The remote monitoring device 401 comprises a monitoring operation unit 411, a monitoring display unit 412, a monitoring memory unit 413, a monitoring communication unit 414, and a monitoring control unit 415.

The monitoring operation unit 411 accepts setting operations related to the monitoring of the air conditioning unit 10 and setting operations related to the control of the air conditioning unit 10. When the monitoring operation unit 411 accepts an operation from the monitoring operator, it outputs information corresponding to the operation by the monitoring operator to the monitoring control unit 415 as an operation signal.

The monitoring display unit 412 is a display unit that displays various information, and displays information and status necessary for air conditioning by the air conditioning unit 10, such as the set temperature and operating mode of the air conditioning unit 10, and switches and displays screens corresponding to operations on the monitoring operation unit 411.

The monitoring memory unit 413 stores various information used to control the air conditioning unit 10, and temporarily or long-term stores the settings to be displayed on the monitoring display unit 412 and image data related to the settings.

The monitoring communication unit 414 is capable of bidirectional communication of information between the server communication unit 301 of the network server 300 and the controller communication unit 502 of the central controller 500. Note that communication between the server communication unit 301 and the controller communication unit 502 and the monitoring communication unit 414 may be wireless or wired.

The monitoring control unit 415 controls the entire remote monitoring device 401. The monitoring control unit 415 controls the central controller 500 based on operation signals output from the monitoring operation unit 411. The monitoring control unit 415 receives information on the function setting list and control constant list sent from the network server 300, and controls the storage of the information on the function setting list and control constant list in the monitoring memory unit 413. The monitoring control unit 415 also controls the transmission of information on the function setting list and control constant list to the air conditioning unit 10.

The remote monitoring device 402 is placed in a monitoring center away from the air conditioning unit 10b and is connected to the network server 300 and the air conditioning unit 10b, enabling the sending and receiving of information between the network server 300 and the air conditioning unit 10b. By connecting to the air conditioning unit 10b, the remote monitoring device 402 can monitor the air conditioning unit 10b and can also remotely control the air conditioning unit 10b from the remote monitoring device 402 side.

Remote monitoring device 402 has the same configuration and functions as remote monitoring device 401, except that the object of monitoring and control is air conditioning unit 10b rather than air conditioning unit 10a. Remote monitoring device 402 also functions as central controller 500. Remote monitoring device 402 receives information on the function setting list and control constant list sent from network server 300, and controls the transmission of the information on the function setting list and control constant list to outdoor unit 13a of air conditioning unit 10b.

Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central controller 500 according to the third embodiment. The central controller 500 serves as an interface connecting the remote monitoring device 401 and the network server 300 with the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10a, and can operate the air conditioning unit 10a on and off, and can set operating conditions such as the operating mode and set temperature for the air conditioning unit 10a. The central controller 500 is connected to the remote monitoring device 401 and the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning unit 10a, enabling the transmission and reception of information between the remote monitoring device 401 and the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning unit 10a.

The central controller 500 can monitor the air conditioning unit 10 in accordance with control commands transmitted from the remote monitoring device 401, and can also control the air conditioning unit 10a in accordance with control commands transmitted from the remote monitoring device 401. The central controller 500 also acquires operating information for the air conditioning unit, such as the status of the air conditioning unit 10a and the status of the environment in which the air conditioning unit 10a is used, from the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10a, and transmits the acquired information to the remote monitoring device 401.

The central controller 500 comprises a controller memory unit 501, a controller communication unit 502, and a controller control unit 503.

The controller memory unit 501 stores various information used to monitor and control the air conditioning unit 10a.

The controller communication unit 502 is capable of bidirectional communication of information between the monitoring communication unit 414 of the remote monitoring device 401 and the outdoor unit communication unit 134 of the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10a. Note that communication between the monitoring communication unit 414 and the outdoor unit communication unit 134 and the controller communication unit 502 may be wireless or wired.

The controller control unit 503 performs overall control of the central controller 500. The controller control unit 503 controls the monitoring and control of the air conditioning unit 10a in accordance with control commands transmitted from the remote monitoring device 401. The controller control unit 503 receives information on the function setting list and control constant list transmitted from the remote monitoring device 401, and performs control to store the information on the function setting list and control constant list in the controller memory unit 501. The controller control unit 503 also performs control to transmit the information on the function setting list and control constant list to the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10a.

Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 200 according to the third embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure for enabling the control function unit of the air conditioning system 200 according to the third embodiment.

In step S110, the model name information is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning unit 10. Specifically, when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in a factory, the model name information is stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the air conditioning unit 10. Then, proceed to step S310.

Here, in the air conditioning system 200, unlike the above-described first and second embodiments, when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured at the factory, the function setting list and control constant list are not stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the air conditioning unit 10. That is, the air conditioning unit 10 is shipped from the factory with model name information stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, but with the function setting list and control constant list not stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and is installed at an installation location such as a user's home or office. The air conditioning unit 10 is installed at an installation location and made ready for use with model name information stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and with the function setting list and control constant list not stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. Then, after the air conditioning unit 10 is installed, the air conditioning unit 10 is connected to the network server 300.

In step S310, the function setting list and the control constant list are stored in the server memory unit 302 of the network server 300. Specifically, an operator such as a monitoring operator stores information about the function setting list and the control constant list in the server memory unit 302 of the network server 300.

The method for inputting the function setting list and control constant list information into the network server 300 is not limited. For example, an operator can transmit the function setting list and control constant list information to the network server 300 via communication from a device external to the network server 300, such as a terminal device or storage medium. The server control unit 303 receives the function setting list and control constant list information transmitted from a device external to the network server 300, and stores the function setting list and control constant list information in the server memory unit 302. Then, proceed to step S320.

In step S320, the air conditioning apparatus 10 receives the function setting list and control constant list from the network server 300. Specifically, the outdoor unit control unit 138 of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 receives the information on the function setting list and control constant list sent from the network server 300.

The server control unit 303 of the network server 300 transmits information on the function setting list and control constant list to the air conditioning unit 10. The outdoor unit control unit 138 of the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10a receives the information on the function setting list and control constant list transmitted from the network server 300 via the remote monitoring device 401 and the central controller 500. The outdoor unit control unit 138 of the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10b receives the information on the function setting list and control constant list transmitted from the network server 300 via the remote monitoring device 402. Then, proceed to step S330.

In step S330, in the air conditioning apparatus 10, the function setting list and control constant list are stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning apparatus 10. Specifically, the outdoor unit control unit 138 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 stores the information on the function setting list and control constant list received from the network server 300 in step S320 in the outdoor unit memory unit 133. This allows the air conditioning apparatus 10 to store the information on the function setting list and control constant list in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 without storing the information on the function setting list and control constant list in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 when the air conditioning apparatus 10 is manufactured in the factory.

That is, the outdoor unit control unit 138 acquires a function setting list, which is correspondence information for control function units, from the network server 300, which is a device external to the air conditioning apparatus 10, via a general-purpose network, and stores it in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, which is a memory unit that stores correspondence information for control function units. The outdoor unit control unit 138 also acquires a control constant list, which is correspondence information for control constants, from the network server 300, which is a device external to the air conditioning apparatus 10, via a general-purpose network, and stores it in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, which is a memory unit that stores correspondence information for control constants.

After that, steps S130 to S180 and steps S220 to S240 are performed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2.

As described above, in the air conditioning system 200, the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10 is capable of storing the function setting list and control constant list received from the network server 300. This makes it easier to manufacture the air conditioning unit 10 in the air conditioning system 200.

In addition, in the air conditioning system 200, a function setting list and a control constant list can be set in the outdoor unit 13a from the network server 300 via a general-purpose network. For example, a function setting list and a control constant list suited to conditions such as the area in which the air conditioning unit 10 is installed can be set in the air conditioning unit 10 after the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured. This enables the air conditioning system 200 to achieve higher quality operational control of the air conditioning unit 10 suited to conditions such as the area in which the air conditioning unit 10 is installed.

In the above, we have described a case where the function setting list and control constant list are not stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the air conditioning unit 10 when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in a factory, but the function setting list and control constant list may be stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in a factory. In this case, first, the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 9 of embodiment 2 is performed, and the air conditioning unit 10 is used. Then, the processing of steps S310 to S240 shown in the flowchart of Figure 14 described above is performed.

In this case, in step S310, function setting list information with content different from the function setting list information stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 in step S120 is stored in the server memory unit 302 of the network server 300. Also, in step S310, control constant list information with content different from the control constant list information stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 in step S210 is stored in the server memory unit 302 of the network server 300.

In step S320, in the air conditioning apparatus 10, the outdoor unit control unit 138 of the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning apparatus 10 receives the function setting list and the control constant list stored in the server memory unit 302 of the network server 300. In other words, the outdoor unit control unit 138 receives function setting list information that has content different from the function setting list information stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133, and control constant list information that has content different from the control constant list information stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133.

In step S330, the function setting list and control constant list received from the network server 300 are stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 of the air conditioning apparatus 10. Specifically, the outdoor unit control unit 138 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 stores the information on the function setting list and control constant list received from the network server 300 in step S320 in the outdoor unit memory unit 133.

Here, the function setting list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 is updated with the function setting list received from the network server 300. In addition, the control constant list stored in the outdoor unit memory unit 133 is updated with the control constant list received from the network server 300.

After that, processing from steps S140 to S240 shown in the flowchart of Figure 14 above is performed.

According to the air conditioning system 200 of the above-described third embodiment, an air conditioning system is realized which includes an air conditioning device having a control unit with multiple control function units for air conditioning the air-conditioning target area, a function setting unit that determines, from model name information that indicates the model name of the air conditioning device, which of the multiple control function units to activate for actual use in controlling the air conditioning, and a server that is capable of communicating with the air conditioning device and has a server memory unit that stores control function unit correspondence information that indicates the correspondence between the model name information and the control function units to activate, and the function setting unit determines which control function units to activate based on the model name information and the control function unit correspondence information.

As described above, in the air conditioning system 200, it is possible to set a function setting list and a control constant list from the network server 300 via a general-purpose network in the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10, which does not have a function setting list and a control constant list stored when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in a factory. Also, in the air conditioning system 200, it is possible to set at least one of a function setting list and a control constant list from the network server 300 via a general-purpose network in the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning unit 10, which does not have a function setting list and a control constant list stored when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in a factory.

For this reason, the air conditioning system 200 can set at least one of a function setting list and a control constant list with different individual contents in the outdoor unit 13a for each of multiple air conditioning units 10 manufactured under the same conditions. This makes it possible to set a function setting list and a control constant list suited to conditions such as the area in which the air conditioning unit 10 is installed in the air conditioning unit 10 after the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured. This enables the air conditioning system 200 to achieve higher quality operational control of the air conditioning unit 10 suited to conditions such as the area in which the air conditioning unit 10 is installed.

Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 200, the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning apparatus 10 is capable of updating the stored function setting list and control constant list with the function setting list and control constant list received from the network server 300. Furthermore, the outdoor unit 13a of the air conditioning apparatus 10 is capable of updating at least one of the function setting list and control constant list. This allows the air conditioning system 200 to increase the degree of freedom in changing the control of the air conditioning apparatus 10. Note that the information to be updated may be at least one of the function setting list and control constant list received from the network server 300.

In the air conditioning system 200, for example, a manufacturer's serviceman can change at least one of the function setting list and the control constant list without visiting the installation location of the air conditioning unit 10. In the air conditioning system 200, the network server 300 can be connected to multiple air conditioning units 10 installed throughout the country. This makes it possible to change the function setting list and control constant list in each air conditioning unit 10 in multiple systems in the air conditioning system 200, and to change the function setting list and control constant list in any air conditioning unit 10 in a single operation.

Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 200, if the conditions of the area where the air conditioning unit 10 is installed change due to a move or other reason, and the operating environment of the air conditioning unit 10 changes, it is possible to reconfigure the air conditioning unit 10 with a function setting list and control constant list that are more suitable for the new operating conditions of the air conditioning unit 10. This enables the air conditioning system 200 to achieve higher quality operational control of the air conditioning unit 10 that is suitable for the conditions of the area where the air conditioning unit 10 is installed, thereby stabilizing the quality of the air conditioning unit 10 and increasing the availability of control of the air conditioning unit 10.

Furthermore, the information stored in the network server 300 is not limited to a function setting list and a control constant list. For example, a control program for controlling the air conditioning unit 10 may be stored in the server storage unit 302. This enables the server control unit 303 to transmit the control program from the network server 300 to the air conditioning unit 10.

For example, if a user of a home or office where an air conditioning unit 10 is already installed requests a control change to improve the quality of the air conditioning unit 10, a new control program with improved quality that meets the user's requirements is stored in the server memory unit 302 of the network server 300, and the new control program is sent from the network server 300 to the air conditioning unit 10 for which the control change is to be made. The control program here is a control program that realizes the control function unit. The air conditioning unit 10 receives and acquires the new control program sent from the network server 300, and realizes the new control function unit by executing the new control program. This makes it possible for the air conditioning system 200 to respond to the user's request to change the control of the air conditioning unit 10.

In addition, if more detailed control settings are required, the control constant list is also revised, the new control constant list is stored in the network server 300, and the new control constant list is sent from the network server 300 to the air conditioning device 10 that is the target of the control change. This makes it possible to make more detailed control settings in the air conditioning device 10 that is the target of the control change.

In other words, in the air conditioning system 200, the server memory unit 302 of the network server 300 stores a program that enables the air conditioning device 10 to realize the control function unit, and can transmit the program to the air conditioning device 10. The air conditioning device 10 can then realize the control function unit by obtaining the program that realizes the control function unit from the network server 300 and executing it.

In the above, as an example, a configuration is shown in which a function setting list and a control constant list are set in the air conditioning unit 10 from the network server 300 via the remote monitoring device 401 and the central controller 500, but the method of setting the function setting list and the control constant list in the air conditioning unit 10 is not limited to this.

As described above, the air conditioning system 200 of embodiment 3 has the same effects as the air conditioning device 10 of embodiments 1 and 2.

Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 200, the control setting list, control constant list, and control program can be remotely updated to the air conditioning unit 10 via a general-purpose network. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 200, when responding to quality issues for individual air conditioning units 10, the time required for a service technician to go to the installation location of the air conditioning unit 10 to perform the work can be saved, allowing for faster user response.

In addition, in the air conditioning system 200, information such as operating data of the air conditioning units 10 in operation can be stored in the network server 300 via the central controller 500. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 200, by analyzing information such as operating data of the air conditioning units 10, it becomes possible to determine higher quality control constants.

In addition, while the above describes a case where the central controller 500 or remote monitoring device 402 is connected to the outdoor unit 13a, the central controller 500 or remote monitoring device 402 may also be configured to be connected to the indoor unit 11. In other words, by applying the above processing to the indoor unit control board 119 of the indoor unit 11, it is possible to set at least one of the function setting list and the control constant list, which are not stored in the indoor unit memory unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 when the air conditioning unit 10 is manufactured in the factory, in the indoor unit memory unit 113 from the network server 300 via a general-purpose network.

As explained in the first and second embodiments, the control function unit is enabled in the indoor unit control unit 118, and the control constants used for control in the enabled control function unit are automatically set in that control function unit. In this case, too, the effects explained in the third embodiment can be obtained.

Next, the hardware configuration of each of the control units 80 according to embodiments 1, 2, and 3 will be described. The control units 80 according to embodiments 1, 2, and 3 correspond to the indoor unit control unit 118 in the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioning apparatus 10, the outdoor unit control unit 138 in the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10, the remote control unit 155 in the remote control 15 of the air conditioning apparatus 10, the server control unit 303 in the network server 300, the monitoring control unit 415 in the remote monitoring device 401, and the controller control unit 503 in the central controller 500. Each function of the control unit 80 according to embodiments 1, 2, and 3 is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or a processing unit that executes a program stored in a storage device.

When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or a combination of these. Figure 15 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 80 according to embodiments 1, 2, and 3 are realized by hardware. The processing circuit 81 incorporates a logic circuit 81a that realizes the functions of the control unit 80.

If the processing circuit 81 is a processing device, the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 80 according to embodiments 1, 2, and 3 are realized by software. The processing circuit 81 includes a processor 811 that executes program 81b, a random access memory 812 that the processor 811 uses as a work area, and a storage device 813 that stores program 81b. The processor 811 deploys program 81b stored in storage device 813 onto the random access memory 812 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 80. Software or firmware is written in a programming language and stored in storage device 813. The processor 811 may be, but is not limited to, a central processing unit. The storage device 813 may be a semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The semiconductor memory may be either non-volatile or volatile memory. In addition to semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) can be used as the storage device 813. The processor 811 may output data such as calculation results to the storage device 813 for storage, or may store the data in an auxiliary storage device (not shown) via the random access memory 812. By integrating the processor 811, the random access memory 812, and the storage device 813 on a single chip, the functions of the control unit 80 can be realized by a microcomputer.

The processing circuit 81 realizes the functions of the control unit 80 by reading and executing the program 81b stored in the storage device 813. The program 81b can also be said to cause the computer to execute the procedures and methods for realizing the functions of the control unit 80.

In addition, the processing circuit 81 may be configured to realize some of the functions of the control unit 80 using dedicated hardware and some of the functions of the control unit 80 using software or firmware.

In this way, the processing circuit 81 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

The program 81b for realizing the functions of the outdoor unit control unit 138 in the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 in embodiments 1, 2, and 3 causes the processing circuit 81 to execute the functions of the outdoor unit control unit 138. The program 81b for realizing the functions of the outdoor unit control unit 138 includes individually packaged programs for realizing the functions of each of the multiple control function units possessed by the outdoor unit control unit 138.

In addition, the program 81b for realizing the functions of the outdoor unit control unit 138 in the outdoor unit 13 of the air conditioning apparatus 10 in embodiments 1, 2, and 3 includes a program that executes a step of enabling each of the multiple control function units and a program that executes a step of disabling each of the multiple control function units.

The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. Parts of the configuration may also be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

10, 10a, 10b Air conditioner, 11 Indoor unit, 13, 13a Outdoor unit, 15 Remote controller, 17 Refrigerant pipe, 111 Indoor unit air conditioning unit, 112 Indoor unit sensor, 113 Indoor unit memory unit, 114 Indoor unit communication unit, 115 Indoor unit sensor input unit, 116 Indoor unit external output unit, 117 Indoor unit external input/output unit, 118 Indoor unit control unit, 119 Indoor unit control board, 131 Outdoor unit air conditioning unit, 132 Outdoor unit sensor, 133 Outdoor unit memory unit, 134 Outdoor unit communication unit, 135 Outdoor unit sensor input unit, 136 Outdoor unit external output unit, 137 Outdoor unit external input/output unit, 138 Outdoor unit control unit, 138A A control unit, 138B B control unit, 138C C control unit, 138D D control unit, 138E E control unit, 138F F control unit, 139 Function setting unit, 140 Outdoor unit control board, 151 Remote controller operation unit, 152 Remote controller display unit, 153 Remote controller memory unit, 154 Remote controller communication unit, 155 Remote controller control unit, 200 Air conditioning system, 300 Network server, 301 Server communication unit, 302 Server memory unit, 303 Server control unit, 401, 402 Remote monitoring device, 411 Monitoring operation unit, 412 Monitoring display unit, 413 Monitoring memory unit, 414 Monitoring communication unit, 415 Monitoring control unit, 500 Central controller, 501 Controller memory unit, 502 Controller communication unit, 503 Controller control unit.

Claims (8)

An air conditioning apparatus that conditions air in an air-conditioning target area,
a control unit having a plurality of control function units for performing the air conditioning;
a function setting unit that determines, from among the plurality of control function units, the control function unit to be enabled for actual use in controlling the air conditioning, based on model name information that is information indicating the model name of the air conditioning apparatus;
Equipped with
the control unit enables the control function unit determined to be the control function unit to be enabled by the function setting unit.
Air conditioning equipment. a storage unit that stores correspondence information of the control function unit that indicates a correspondence between the model name information and the control function unit to be enabled;
the function setting unit determines the control function unit to be enabled based on the model name information and the correspondence relationship information of the control function unit.
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit acquires correspondence relationship information of the control function units from devices external to the air conditioning apparatus and stores the information in the storage unit.
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2. a storage unit that stores control constant correspondence information indicating a correspondence between the model name information and a control constant used for control in the control function unit to be enabled,
the function setting unit determines the control constant based on the model name information and the correspondence relationship information of the control constant;
The control unit sets the control constant determined by the function setting unit to the control function unit to be enabled.
The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control unit acquires correspondence relationship information of the control constants from an external device of the air conditioning apparatus and stores the information in the storage unit.
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4. a control unit having a plurality of control function units for performing air conditioning in an air-conditioned area;
a function setting unit that determines, from among the plurality of control function units, the control function unit to be enabled for actual use in controlling the air conditioning, based on model name information that is information indicating the model name of the air conditioning apparatus;
an air conditioning apparatus having
a server capable of communicating with the air conditioning apparatus and having a server storage unit that stores correspondence information of control function units that indicates a correspondence between the model name information and the control function units to be enabled;
Equipped with
the function setting unit determines the control function unit to be enabled based on the model name information and correspondence information of the control function unit;
the control unit enables the control function unit determined to be the control function unit to be enabled by the function setting unit.
Air conditioning system. the server storage unit stores control constant correspondence information indicating a correspondence between the model name information and a control constant used for control in the control function unit to be enabled;
the function setting unit determines the control constant based on the model name information and the correspondence relationship information of the control constant;
The control unit sets the control constant determined by the function setting unit to the control function unit to be enabled.
The air conditioning system according to claim 6. the server storage unit stores a program that causes the air conditioning apparatus to realize the control function unit;
The air conditioning apparatus realizes the control function unit by acquiring the program from the server and executing it.
8. The air conditioning system according to claim 6 or 7.