JP2015183936A - Air conditioner and method of controlling air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in which the number of various sensors needed to control an air conditioner needs to be reduced so as to use a limited number of A/D conversion circuits in a configuration in which A/D conversion circuits of a microcomputer is used to determine a limit request level of a demand signal.SOLUTION: An air conditioner is characterized in that when a data transmitter receiver which transmits and receives a control program for a microcomputer or control parameters of a storage medium is connected to an outdoor control board, the microcomputer connects a serial transmission/reception circuit to a connector, and receives and writes the control program or the control parameters to the microcomputer or storage medium, and when a demand signal transmitter transmitting a demand signal is connected to the connector, the microcomputer connects an input circuit to the connector, and receives the demand signal and controls the power consumption of the air conditioner.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner that performs demand management control in response to a demand request from an electric power company or the like.

In recent years, global warming countermeasures have been promoted globally, and as part of this, energy saving is required for each home appliance. Among them, for air conditioners, with the increase in maximum power demand, demand for power demand management according to power demand is increasing, and commercial air conditioners used in buildings etc. In addition to demand, demand management is demanded not only for home air conditioners. In particular, demand management based on the Australian standard [AS4755] is being implemented in Australia.
The Australian Standard [AS4755] stipulates that a device called DRED (DEMAND RESPONSE ENABLING DEVICE) is connected to an air conditioner. As for the operation of the apparatus, first, when a request for limiting the power to be used, that is, a demand request, is input to the DRED from the remote control device on the power supplier side, the DRED restricts the power to be used to the air conditioner and a signal of the limit request level, that is, the demand. Send a signal. When the air conditioner receives the demand signal, the air conditioner limits the power consumption of the air conditioner according to the restriction request level. Thereby, it can ease that electric power demand concentrates.

  In order to determine the demand signal restriction request level, for example, a demand signal output as a digital signal from DRED is converted into an analog voltage by a voltage dividing resistor circuit, and the analog voltage value is mounted on the air conditioner. The limit level required for power consumption is determined by detecting it with an A / D conversion circuit of a microcomputer on the substrate (Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, in air conditioners, in addition to demand management, in order to save energy, the temperature of each part of the refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant of the air conditioner, the temperature of indoor and outdoor air, and the current supplied to actuators such as motors and solenoid valves・ Detects voltage and drives multiple actuators simultaneously. For this reason, the microcomputer on the control board is connected to and controls a large number of sensors and actuators, and uses a large number of connectors and a large number of A / D conversion circuits. The control board also has a function to read and write data such as a microcomputer, and it is not used when the user uses the product, but equipment that transmits and receives data from the microcomputer only when reading and writing data such as a microcomputer. And a dedicated communication connector for connecting and using the microcomputer.

JP 2013-79772 A

  A conventional air conditioner equipped with a demand management function as disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a microcomputer A / D conversion circuit to capture the restriction request level output from the DRED using the microcomputer A / D conversion circuit. And The number of A / D conversion circuits mounted on the microcomputer is limited to about 8 circuits, but most of them are connected to various sensors for controlling the air conditioner, and the temperature, current and voltage of each part are controlled. Detected. That is, about 8 circuits are generally used for control for an air conditioner. Therefore, in the configuration in which the microcomputer A / D conversion circuit is used to determine the demand signal restriction request level, various sensors necessary for controlling the air conditioner are required to use the limited number of A / D conversion circuits. The number needs to be reduced and there are challenges.

  The air conditioner equipped with the demand management function is equipped with a connector and a receiving circuit for receiving signals transmitted from DRED on the control board for controlling the air conditioner regardless of whether demand management is used or not. Is required. Therefore, it is a problem that the number of connectors is increased, the board area is increased, and the cost is higher than the conventional control board. In addition, various sensors and actuators are connected on the control board of the air conditioner. Since a large number of connectors are mounted, an increase in the number of connectors is likely to cause erroneous connection to connect a sensor or actuator to the wrong connector. In order to prevent erroneous connection, it is common to distinguish between connectors with different colors or shapes, but there are limits on the types and other measures are required.

  On the other hand, among the connectors on the control board of the air conditioner, there are many empty connectors that are not used depending on the use conditions and installation conditions of the user. For example, a communication connector for connecting a device such as a microcomputer for reading and writing data is an empty connector when a user is using a product. The connector that connects DRED also does not use the demand management function, and becomes an empty connector when DRED is not connected. The empty connector is ready for use, so it propagates or directly enters the connector terminal of the empty connector, and external radio noise, induction noise, and propagation noise enter the air conditioner. The connector terminal in the connector is exposed as an electrode, causing a short circuit due to dust or the like, causing a failure of the air conditioner. Therefore, even if it is an empty connector, many countermeasures, such as an intrusion prevention of unnecessary signals and countermeasures against dust, are taken, and an increase in the number of connectors causes an increase in these countermeasures.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the control board of the air conditioner transmits a demand signal without providing a connector for connecting to a demand signal transmitter and an input terminal of a microcomputer. It is an object to obtain an air conditioner capable of receiving demand signals from a machine and performing demand management control.

  When the air conditioner is connected to the connector provided on the outdoor control board and the data transceiver that transmits the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium is connected, the microcomputer connects the serial transceiver circuit to the connector, When a demand signal transmitter that receives a control program or control parameter, writes it to a microcomputer or storage medium, and transmits a demand signal to the connector is connected, the microcomputer connects the input circuit to the connector and receives the demand signal. Thus, the power consumption of the air conditioner is controlled.

  When the air conditioner is connected to the connector provided on the outdoor control board and the data transmitter / receiver that transmits / receives the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium, the microcomputer connects the serial transmitter / receiver circuit to the connector, When a demand signal transmitter that receives a control program or control parameter, writes it to a microcomputer or storage medium, and transmits a demand signal to the connector is connected, the microcomputer connects the input circuit to the connector and receives the demand signal. Since the power consumption of the air conditioner is controlled, the demand signal is received from the demand signal transmitter and the demand management control is performed without providing a dedicated connector for connecting to the demand signal transmitter and the input terminal of the microcomputer. The air conditioner which can be obtained can be obtained.

1 is an overall view of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the refrigerating cycle circuit in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the outdoor unit control board of the air conditioner in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the demand management system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of DRED in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the demand management driving | operation using DRED in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining another example of the demand management driving | operation using DRED in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the connection method of the outdoor unit control board in Embodiment 1 of this invention, a data transmitter / receiver, and a demand signal transmitter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a general view when the outdoor unit control board and DRED in Embodiment 1 of this invention are connected. It is a supplementary explanatory diagram of the logic circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a general view when the outdoor unit control board and data transmitter / receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention are connected. It is a supplementary explanatory drawing of the microcomputer in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a general view when the outdoor unit control board and DRED in Embodiment 2 of this invention are connected. It is a control flowchart figure in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a general view when the outdoor unit control board and DRED in Embodiment 3 of this invention are connected. It is a control flowchart figure in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a general view when the outdoor unit control board and DRED in Embodiment 4 of this invention are connected. It is a control flowchart figure in Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an air conditioner. The air conditioner 10 includes an indoor unit 100 installed in a room and an outdoor unit 200 installed outdoors. The indoor unit 100 includes an indoor heat exchanger 101 that exchanges heat between indoor air and refrigerant, an indoor fan 102 that blows indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 101, and an indoor that controls the indoor fan 102. The machine control board 103 is mounted. The outdoor unit 200 is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 201 that performs heat exchange between outdoor outdoor air and refrigerant, and an outdoor fan 202 that blows indoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 201. Further, the outdoor unit 200 includes a compressor 204 that compresses the refrigerant circulating between the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200, an expansion valve 205 that decompresses the refrigerant, the outdoor fan 202, the compressor 204, and an expansion valve. An outdoor unit control board 203 for controlling 205 is mounted.

  On the other hand, the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 are connected by an internal / external connection pipe 104. Thereby, a refrigeration cycle circuit in which the refrigerant circulates between the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 is configured. As the refrigerant, HFC refrigerants such as R410A refrigerant, R407C refrigerant, and R32 refrigerant are used. In air conditioners, these refrigerants are used to absorb heat energy from the outside, carry it indoors, release the heat energy into the room, perform heating, absorb heat energy from the room, and take it outside. Carrying it out, exhausting heat energy outside, and cooling it.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle circuit of the air conditioner 10. The reference numerals are the same as those in FIG. Although omitted in FIG. 1, in order to connect the inside / outside connection pipe 104, the indoor unit 100 is provided with connection ports 105 and 106, and the outdoor unit 200 is provided with connection ports 206 and 207. The outdoor unit 200 is also provided with a four-way valve 208 for changing the circulation direction of the refrigerant. Connection port 206 of outdoor unit 200 and four-way valve 208, four-way valve 208 and compressor 204, compressor 204 and outdoor heat exchanger 201, outdoor heat exchanger 201 and expansion valve 205, connection port of expansion valve 205 and outdoor unit 200 207 are connected to each other by refrigerant piping in the outdoor unit 200. The entrance / exit of the indoor heat exchanger 101 is also connected to the connection ports 105 and 106 of the indoor unit 100. The air conditioner 10 includes a refrigeration cycle circuit that can circulate refrigerant by connecting the connection ports 105 and 106 of the indoor unit 100 and the connection ports 206 and 207 of the outdoor unit 200 with the internal / external connection pipe 104. can do.

  The flow of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit will be schematically described. For example, in the case of cooling, the refrigerant flowing from the connection port 206 of the outdoor unit 200 is first compressed by the compressor 204 and sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 201. The refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 201 exchanges heat with the outside air sent from the outdoor fan 202 and releases heat energy to the outside air to condense. The condensed refrigerant is sent from the outdoor heat exchanger 201 to the expansion valve 205. In the expansion valve 205, the refrigerant is decompressed and expanded, and is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 101 through the connection port 207 of the outdoor unit 200, the internal / external connection piping 104, and the connection port 105 of the indoor unit 100. The refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 101 exchanges heat with indoor air sent from the indoor fan 102 and absorbs heat energy from the indoor air to evaporate. The evaporated refrigerant flows again from the indoor heat exchanger 101 into the compressor 204 through the connection port 106 of the indoor unit 100, the internal / external connection pipe 104, and the connection port 206 of the outdoor unit 200. As described above, the refrigerant repeatedly compresses, evaporates, expands, and condenses, and circulates between the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200, thereby carrying thermal energy from the outside air to the indoor air, thereby heating the room.

  In the case of heating, the refrigerant circulates in the reverse direction of cooling. That is, the compressor 204 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 101 through the connection port 206, the internal / external connection piping 104, and the connection port 106, and from the indoor heat exchanger 101 to the connection port 105, the internal / external connection piping 104, and the connection port 207. Then, it passes through the expansion valve 205, passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 201, and returns to the compressor 204. At this time, the room is cooled by absorbing the heat energy from the outside air and releasing the heat energy into the indoor air. This switching of circulation is performed by the four-way valve 208.

  As described above, in the refrigeration cycle circuit, heat energy is transferred by refrigerant compression, evaporation, expansion, and condensation, and the energy used for refrigerant compression is the largest. Inevitably, the power consumption of the compressor 204 is large, and most of the power consumed by the air conditioner 10 is consumed by the compressor 204. Therefore, in the demand management method of the Australian standard [AS4755], the power consumption of the entire air conditioner 10 is suppressed by suppressing the power consumption of the compressor 204.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the function of the outdoor unit control board 203 of the outdoor unit 200. Reference numeral 301 denotes a microcomputer mounted on the outdoor unit control board 203. The microcomputer 301 includes a terminal that connects a circuit in the microcomputer 301 and a circuit outside the microcomputer 301. Each circuit in the microcomputer 301 is wired to a predetermined terminal. A user who designs a circuit using the microcomputer 301 connects an externally configured circuit and a terminal of the microcomputer 301 to transmit a signal output from the circuit in the microcomputer 301 to a circuit outside the microcomputer 301, A signal inputted from a circuit outside 301 can be taken into a circuit inside the microcomputer 301.
The microcomputer 301 is a program written in an internal memory, for example, a control program that detects temperature, current, and voltage with a detection circuit, controls a compressor, an outdoor fan, an expansion valve, and communicates with the room. A PWM signal generation circuit that performs predetermined processing on an arithmetic circuit that performs an arithmetic operation, a signal that is connected to the arithmetic circuit and that is output from the arithmetic circuit, or a signal that is input to the arithmetic circuit. It comprises a conversion circuit, a serial transmission / reception circuit, an input circuit, and an output circuit. Although the function of each circuit will be described later, the microcomputer 301 processes the signal output from the arithmetic circuit and outputs the signal to the outside through the terminal of the microcomputer 301 or the signal input through the terminal of the microcomputer 301. Are processed by each circuit and transmitted to the arithmetic circuit.

  The compressor 204 is connected to a PWM output terminal which is a terminal of the microcomputer 301 via a compressor drive circuit 302 and a connector 303. The PWM output terminal is a terminal connected to a PWM (PULSE WIDTH MODULATION) signal generation circuit in the microcomputer 301, and the PWM signal generation circuit outputs a PWM signal by data calculated according to a control program by an arithmetic circuit in the microcomputer 301. It is a circuit to do. The PWM signal output from the microcomputer 301 is transmitted to the compressor drive circuit 302 via the terminal of the microcomputer 301.

  The compressor drive circuit 302 is a circuit that transmits drive power to the compressor 204. For example, the compressor drive circuit 302 supplies high voltage / high current power to the compressor 204 based on a commercial power supply. At that time, the compressor drive circuit 302 supplies the compressor 204 with an alternating current having a voltage and frequency different from the alternating current of the commercial power source, which is converted by the PWM signal. In general, the compressor driving circuit 302, the microcomputer 301 that controls the compressor driving circuit 302, and various detectors are collectively referred to as an inverter circuit.

  Since the compressor driving circuit 302 transmits high voltage and high current, a cooling device such as a heat radiating fin is attached so that the compressor driving circuit 302 generates a large amount of heat and is not damaged by self-heating. The radiating fin is made of aluminum or copper and has a shape with a large surface area, for example, a sword mountain shape with a plate or a stick or a bellows shape, and is transmitted from the compressor drive circuit 302 to the surrounding air. The released heat is released and the compressor driving circuit 302 is cooled.

The compressor 204 includes an electric mechanism portion and a compression mechanism portion in a sealed container, and the electric mechanism portion and the compression mechanism portion are connected by a shaft.
The electric mechanism unit is configured by an induction motor or a DC motor. Regardless of the type of motor, a rotor that rotates to generate a driving force, and a stator that rotates the rotor by applying a voltage from the outside to generate magnetic flux in the magnetic pole and applying the magnetic flux to the rotor , Is composed of. In recent years, DC motors in which a magnet is mounted on a rotor to reduce magnetic flux loss to save energy have become mainstream. In the case of a DC motor, the direction of the voltage applied to the stator needs to be switched depending on the position of the rotor magnet, and a method of calculating the position of the rotor magnet from the current flowing through the motor is general. Therefore, a motor current detector 304 is provided on the connection connecting the compressor 204 and the compressor drive circuit 302, and an output terminal of the current detector 304 and an analog terminal of the microcomputer 301 are connected. In the compressor, a three-phase motor is often used, and the current detector 304 is provided for detecting the current for three phases.

  The analog terminal of the microcomputer 301 is a terminal connected to the A / D conversion circuit in the microcomputer 301. The A / D conversion circuit converts the voltage value input through the terminal into digital data, and The data is taken into the arithmetic circuit. The current detector 304 is a component that outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of current passing through the current detector 304 from an output terminal, and the voltage value output by the current detector 304 is passed through an A / D conversion circuit in the microcomputer 301. Into the arithmetic circuit. The arithmetic circuit in the microcomputer 301 obtains the amount of current passing through the current detector 304, that is, the current value flowing from the compressor driving circuit 302 to the compressor 204, and calculates the position of the rotor magnet based on this current value.

  In some cases, the voltage is detected so that the voltage applied from the compressor drive circuit 302 to the motor of the compressor 204 becomes the voltage calculated by the microcomputer 301. The voltage is provided with a voltage detector 305 at a predetermined location on the connection for supplying power from the commercial power source to the compressor drive circuit 302, and the output terminal of the voltage detector 305 and the analog terminal of the microcomputer 301 are connected. . The output of the voltage detector 305 is taken into the arithmetic circuit via the A / D conversion circuit in the microcomputer 301 and used to adjust the voltage applied to the motor of the compressor 204.

The compression mechanism is driven by a motor, compresses the refrigerant sucked into the compression mechanism, and discharges it from the compressor 204. The amount of refrigerant compressed per unit time, that is, the amount of refrigerant circulated in the refrigeration cycle circuit can be varied according to the rotational speed of the motor. Therefore, the microcomputer 301 changes the AC voltage and frequency by changing the polarity of the AC voltage applied to the stator to the voltage polarity corresponding to the position of the rotor magnet through the inverter circuit. The amount of refrigerant circulated in the refrigeration cycle circuit is controlled by increasing / decreasing the rotation speed.
Since the power consumption of the compressor 204 increases or decreases depending on the number of compressions per hour, that is, the circulation amount of the refrigerant, in the demand management method of the Australian standard [AS4755], by reducing the rotational speed of the motor of the compressor 204, The power consumption of the compressor 204 is suppressed.

  Similarly, the outdoor fan 202 is connected to the second PWM output terminal of the microcomputer 301 via the outdoor fan drive circuit 306 and the connector 307. The outdoor fan 202 includes a fan that generates wind and a motor that rotates the fan. Like the compressor 204, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 202 can be changed by the microcomputer 301. The outdoor fan 202 changes the amount of air sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 201 by changing the rotation speed, and changes the evaporation amount or the condensation amount of the refrigerant. In recent years, the motor of the outdoor fan 202 has also been converted to DC, and like the compressor 204, the microcomputer 301 detects a three-phase motor current, and the polarity of the voltage applied to the stator corresponds to the position of the rotor magnet. Control to switch to voltage polarity. Therefore, the outdoor fan 202 is also provided with a current detector 308 for the motor of the outdoor fan 202 on the connection connecting the outdoor fan 202 and the outdoor fan drive circuit 306, similarly to the compressor 204. Are connected to the analog terminal, and the current flowing through the motor of the outdoor fan 202 is detected. In general, the motor of the outdoor fan 202 is also a three-phase motor, and the current detector 308 is provided for detecting the current for three phases.

The expansion valve 205 is connected to a terminal of the microcomputer 301 via an expansion valve drive circuit 309 and a connector 310. The expansion valve 205 depressurizes the circulating refrigerant, and varies the flow rate of the refrigerant that passes through the opening of the expansion valve 205. The microcomputer 301 controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 205.
The four-way valve 208 is connected to the terminal of the microcomputer 301 via the four-way valve drive circuit 311 and the connector 312. The four-way valve drive circuit 311 is a circuit composed of switches such as relays. The microcomputer 301 turns the relay on and off, switches the circuit in the four-way valve 208, and switches the direction in which the refrigerant circulates.

The discharge temperature sensor 209 is connected to the analog terminal of the microcomputer 301 via the connector 313. In general, a thermistor is used as a temperature sensor such as the discharge temperature sensor 209, and the thermistor is a resistor whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature of the temperature detection unit of the thermistor. The microcomputer 301 takes in the potential difference between both ends of the thermistor from the voltage applied to the thermistor to the arithmetic circuit via the A / D conversion circuit. In the arithmetic circuit, a change in resistance of the thermistor is calculated and converted to temperature. The discharge temperature sensor 209 detects the temperature of the discharge side piping of the compressor 204 or the airtight container of the compressor 204 in the vicinity thereof.
Similarly, the defrosting temperature sensor 210 is connected to the analog terminal of the microcomputer 301 via the connector 314 and detects the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 201.
The fin temperature sensor 211 is connected to the analog terminal of the microcomputer 301 via the connector 315, and detects the temperature of the radiating fin that cools the compressor drive circuit 302.

The indoor unit control board 103 of the indoor unit 100 controls the number of rotations of the indoor fan 102 to increase or decrease the air flow rate, while the indoor air temperature, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 101, or the user input from the remote control Request information is taken in. In order to use the information stored in the indoor unit 100 for air conditioning control, the indoor unit control board 103 and the outdoor unit control board 203 are connected by an internal / external communication line 212 to perform information communication with each other.
In the outdoor unit control board 203, the internal / external communication line 212 is connected to the microcomputer 301 via the connector 316. User request information or indoor air temperature information taken in by the indoor unit control board 103 is taken into the microcomputer 301 of the outdoor unit control board 203 through the internal / external communication line 212. In the microcomputer 301, information from the indoor unit control board 103 and information from each temperature sensor and current sensor connected to the outdoor unit control board 203 are taken in, and the rotational speed of the compressor 204, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 202, and the expansion valve The degree of opening 205 is varied to control the amount of refrigerant circulation and the amount of evaporation / condensation. Thereby, air conditioning control is performed so that the air conditioner as a whole has an air conditioning environment that meets the user's requirements.

  In addition to this, a storage medium 317 such as an EEPROM (ELECTRICALLY ERASABLE PROGRAMMABLE READ-ONLY MEMORY) is mounted on the outdoor unit control board 203, and the microcomputer 301 and the storage medium 317 are connected via respective terminals. In the storage medium 317, information unique to the air conditioner, for example, control parameters such as the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor 204 are written as data. By editing the contents of the storage medium 317, the function of the air conditioner can be changed without changing the circuit configuration on the outdoor unit control board 203 and the program of the microcomputer 301.

  Further, by connecting a data transmitter / receiver to the connector 318, the data transmitter / receiver and the data transmitter / receiver circuit of the outdoor unit control board 203 perform data communication with the outdoor unit control board 203, and the control program or storage medium of the microcomputer 301 A function for reading out the control parameters 317 and writing a new control program or a new control parameter is provided. The data transceiver includes a storage unit that stores one or both of the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317 and a communication unit that transmits and receives the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317 of the storage unit. The The data transmission / reception circuit includes a connector 318, a communication terminal of the microcomputer 301, and a serial transmission / reception circuit built in the microcomputer. By connecting the data transmitter / receiver to the connector 318, the communication unit of the data transmitter / receiver and the communication terminal of the microcomputer 301 are connected. The communication terminal is connected to a serial transmission / reception circuit built in the microcomputer, for example, a UART (UNIVERSAL ASYNCHRONOUS RECEIVER-TRANSMITTER) standard circuit, and generally includes one transmission terminal and one reception terminal. When the serial transmission / reception circuit built in the microcomputer is not used, the microcomputer 301 can be switched to the function of the input / output terminal. When the transmission terminal and the reception terminal are used as input / output terminals, the serial transmission / reception circuit cannot be used.

The control program of the microcomputer 301 and the control parameter of the storage medium 317 are several Kbytes, and the amount of communication data is large. Therefore, the operation circuit of the microcomputer 301 is not burdened with operations such as communication data restoration processing and error correction processing. In addition, it is common to use a serial transmission / reception circuit capable of performing accurate data transmission / reception. In the serial transmission / reception circuit, a redundant code is added at the data transmission side to provide an error correction function for communication data, and communication data is transmitted in a batch and continuous, and communication data error correction is performed at the data reception side. Automatic discrimination is performed. Meanwhile, the arithmetic circuit of the microcomputer 301 can perform another process, and the burden of performing the process on the communication is reduced.
Further, when the serial transmission / reception circuit is used, when the serial transmission / reception circuit completes reception of the communication data, a reception completion reply is sent to the transmission side. Until the reception completion reply is sent, the transmission side does not transmit the next communication data, so that the processing load of the microcomputer 301 can be processed separately without concentrating only on the communication of the serial transmission / reception circuit. , Can distribute the burden.
In addition, when a reception completion reply is sent, an efficient data transmission / reception can be performed by transmitting the error correction processing result. For example, the data transmitter / receiver divides the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317 into small blocks and sends them to the serial transmission / reception circuit of the microcomputer 301. The serial transmission / reception circuit returns the completion of reception and the presence / absence of errors in communication data as a result of error correction processing for each transmitted block. When there is an error in the communication data received by the microcomputer 301, the data transceiver does not retransmit the communication data from the beginning, but retransmits only the erroneous block. In this way, communication with a large amount of data can be efficiently performed by using the reply of reception completion and the result of error correction processing.
Therefore, it is common to use a serial transmission / reception circuit for communication with a larger amount of data.
Therefore, when a new control program of the microcomputer 301 or a new control parameter of the storage medium 317 transmitted from the data transceiver is received by the serial transmission / reception circuit of the microcomputer 301 and reception is performed, reception to the data transceiver is completed. Reply to
Note that the communication data transmitted from the data transmission / reception is distinguished from the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317. Or the control parameter of the storage medium 317 is transmitted so that the microcomputer 301 can identify the data.

Using the functions as described above, a new control program of the microcomputer 301 or a new control parameter of the storage medium 317 transmitted from the data transmitter / receiver is received by the serial transmission / reception circuit of the microcomputer 301 and stored in the memory in the microcomputer 301. Alternatively, the microcomputer 301 writes in the storage medium 317 connected to the microcomputer 301.
The data transmitter / receiver is not permanently installed in the product, and is used when writing the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317 before shipping the product, and controlling the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the storage medium 317. It is removed after writing the parameters. Opportunities to be used after product shipment are only when a serviceman performs maintenance, and when the user is using the product, the connector 318 is not connected and is an empty connector.

  When the serial transmission / reception circuit of the microcomputer 301 is not used, it is generally closed to prevent malfunction due to an erroneous signal input. When the communication terminal of the microcomputer 301 is switched to the serial transmission / reception circuit and the connector 318 is an empty connector, the external radio noise, induction noise, and propagation noise are propagated or directly from the connector terminal of the connector 318 to the communication terminal of the microcomputer 301. This is because there is a possibility that the serial transmission / reception circuit may erroneously recognize the signal and malfunction. As a method for closing the serial transmission / reception circuit, for example, the communication terminal is switched to the input / output terminal.

  The outdoor unit control board 203 configured as described above detects the values of various sensors mounted on the outdoor unit 200 by the mounted microcomputer 301, and drives the compressor 204, the outdoor fan 202, and the expansion valve 205. To control.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram when DRED is connected to the air conditioner 10 in order to perform demand management based on the Australian standard [AS4755]. Reference numeral 20 denotes DRED, and reference numeral 30 denotes a remote control device (REMOTE AGENT) for transmitting a demand request provided at the power supplier side or the power network management side, for example, a power company. Therefore, the remote control device 30 is installed in the equipment of the power supplier, and the DRED 20 is installed in each home. The remote control device 30 and the DRED 20 are connected so that the demand request from the remote control device 30 can be received by the DRED 20, and when the power supplier predicts that the power supply is insufficient, the power supplier The demand request is sent from 30 to the DRED 20 of each household.
The DRED 20 is a demand signal transmitter that transmits a demand signal to the air conditioner 10 in response to a demand request sent from the remote control device 30. The DRED 20 and the air conditioner 10 are connected by a communication line, and when the DRED 20 receives a demand request from the remote control device 30, a request for limiting the power used by the air conditioner 10, that is, the power consumption, and its limit level Is transmitted to the air conditioner 10 as a demand signal. In the Australian standard [AS4755], demand signals for compressor stop (0% operation), 50% operation, and 75% operation are sent from the DRED 20 to the air conditioner 10. Each signal is a command for requesting that the compressor stop (0% operation) stops the compressor, operates at 50% of the rated power, and 75% operation operates at 75% of the rated power of the air conditioner 10. Specific driving operations will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing the inside of the DRED 20. 21 to 23 are switch means such as relays, and one terminal of the switch means 21 is connected to the output terminal 25 of the DRED 20, one terminal of the switch means 22 is connected to the output terminal 26 of the DRED 20, and one of the switch means 23. Are connected to the output terminal 27 of the DRED 20, respectively. The three terminals of the other terminal of the switch means 21, the other terminal of the switch means 22, and the other terminal of the switch means 23 are connected to each other and further connected to the common terminal 24 of the DRED 20. A communication line 28 is connected to the common terminal 24 and the output terminals 25 to 27 of the DRED 20 and is taken into the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 10 via the communication line 28. The communication line 28 is connected to the outdoor unit control board 203 in the outdoor unit 200, and the connection path thereof will be described later.

  When the DRED 20 configured as described above receives a demand request from the remote control device 30, the DRED 20 opens and closes the switch units 21 to 23 and outputs a demand signal to the output terminals 25 to 27. In the DRED 20, in response to a demand request from the remote operation device 30, any one of the switch units 21 to 23 is closed and the remaining two are opened. Two or more switch means 21 to 23 are not closed at the same time.

  A specific operation of the DRED 20 will be described. For example, when a demand signal indicating that the compressor is stopped (0% operation) is sent from the DRED 20, the DRED 20 closes the switch unit 21 and opens the switch units 22 and 23.

  In the air conditioner 10, in order to detect a demand signal from the output terminal of the DRED 20, for example, the common terminal 24 of the DRED 20 is connected to the positive electrode of the same DC power source as the logic circuit on the outdoor unit control board 203 or the power source of the microcomputer. From the output terminal 25, the positive potential of the DC power source, for example, 5V potential can be detected through the switch means 21, and from the output terminals 26 and 27, the positive potential of the DC power source cannot be detected. The microcomputer 301 captures this signal state and recognizes that the demand request is that the compressor is stopped (0% operation).

  When a demand signal of 50% operation is sent from the DRED 20, the DRED 20 closes the switch means 22 and opens the switch means 21 and 23. When the common terminal 24 is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply, the potential of the positive electrode of the DC power supply can be detected from the output terminal 26 via the switch means 22, and the positive terminal of the DC power supply can be detected from the output terminals 25 and 27. Cannot be detected. The microcomputer 301 captures this signal state and recognizes that the demand request is 50% operation.

  When a demand signal of 75% operation is sent from the DRED 20, the DRED 20 closes the switch means 23 and opens the switch means 21 and 22. When the common terminal 24 is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power source, the potential of the positive electrode of the DC power source can be detected from the output terminal 27 via the switch means 23, and the positive terminal of the DC power source can be detected from the output terminals 25 and 26. Cannot be detected. The microcomputer 301 captures this signal state and recognizes that the demand request is 75% operation.

  When no demand signal is transmitted from the DRED 20, that is, when there is no demand request, the DRED 20 opens the switch means 21, 22, and 23. Even if the common terminal 24 is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply, the potential of the positive electrode of the DC power supply cannot be detected from the output terminals 25, 26, and 27. The microcomputer 301 captures this signal state and recognizes that there is no demand request.

  The common terminal 24 may be connected to the ground (ground) of the DC power source, that is, 0V. In this case, the output terminal 25 can detect the potential of 0V via the switch means 21, and the output terminals 26 and 27 cannot detect the potential of 0V and the compressor is stopped (0% operation). This can also be recognized by the microcomputer 301.

  With the configuration as described above, the power consumption restriction control is performed based on the demand request for the power consumption of the air conditioner 10. In Australian Standard [AS4755], the air conditioner 10 is controlled in units of 30 minutes, so that the air conditioner 10 performs, for example, an operation in which power consumption is uniformly limited in units of 30 minutes immediately after receiving a demand command. There is a method. The explanation of the operation method when there is no demand demand and the compressor is stopped (0% operation) is omitted, but the operation method at 50% of the rated power and the operation at 75% of the rated power is explained. To do.

  First, in the storage medium 317, the rotation speed, current value, and expansion valve 205 of the compressor 204, which are operated at 50% of the rated power of the air conditioner 10 and at 75% of the rated power, are opened. Control parameters such as degrees are stored in advance. When the microcomputer 301 receives a demand signal of 50% operation or 75% operation, the microcomputer 301 operates at 50% of the rated power of the air conditioner 10 or operates at 75% of the rated power. Immediately after receiving the demand signal from the storage medium 317, the microcomputer 301 sets the control parameter so that the operating condition is 50% of the rated power or the operating condition of 75% of the rated power. Alternatively, the compressor 204 with high power consumption performs restriction control such that the compressor 204 does not increase beyond the set value of the control parameter even when there is a request to increase its rotational speed.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example thereof. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the power consumption of the air conditioner 10. The change of the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 when the demand signal of 75% operation is received at the point A during the operation of the air conditioner 10 and the demand control is started is shown. Demand control is valid for 30 minutes after being received at point A.
Even if the power consumption is increased due to the increase in the rotation speed of the compressor 204, when the demand control is started, the microcomputer 301 reads out the control parameter for operating at 75% of the rated power from the storage medium 317, and the control parameter The control parameter is calculated by the calculation circuit of the microcomputer 301 so as not to exceed the preset value, and the increase in the rotational speed of the compressor 204 is stopped or reduced accordingly. Thereby, even if the power consumption reaches point B where 75% of the rated power is reached, the microcomputer 301 limits the rotation speed of the compressor 204 so that the power consumption does not exceed 75% of the rated power. In addition, even if a demand for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 204 is entered in the demand control period as in the period C, the microcomputer 301 rotates the compressor 204 so that the power consumption does not exceed 75% of the rated power. Limit the number so that it does not rise above the set value of the control parameter. After the D point at which the demand control of 75% operation is completed, that is, when no demand request is received, the microcomputer 301 returns the control parameter to the normal control, and if there is a request to increase the rotational speed of the compressor. The control is switched so that the rotation speed is increased and the normal air conditioning capability can be exhibited.
As described above, the air conditioner 10 performs an operation with limited power consumption based on the demand request on the power supplier side, and satisfies the demand request of the Australian standard [AS4755].

In addition, in the Australian standard [AS4755], after the demand command, it is necessary to exceed the range of power consumption requested in the divided 30 minutes, so the power consumption can be varied in the time division of 30 minutes or less. In addition, while maintaining the air conditioning / comfort of the room, it is possible to perform an operation in which the average of the total amount of power for 30 minutes does not exceed 50% of the rated power or 75% of the rated power.
For example, when the difference between the current room temperature and the set temperature requested by the user is large, the compressor is rotated at a high speed to increase the circulation rate of the refrigerant, and the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is quickly reduced. Limited by. In such a case, this is an effective driving method.
FIG. 7 shows an example in the case where there is a demand request for 75% operation at point A when the power consumption is operating at the rated power level.
During the time from point A to point E, the power consumption was not limited. The remaining time after point E was consumed more than 75% of the rated power from point A to point E. Operation is performed by reducing the amount of power, that is, the amount of power in the shaded portion of F, from 75% of the rated power. That is, the microcomputer 301 calculates the amount of power in the shaded portion of F, the power limit value obtained by subtracting the same amount of power in the shaded portion of G from 75% of the rated power, and the corresponding power limit value The control parameter is calculated by the arithmetic circuit of the microcomputer 301. Based on the limit value, the operation circuit of the microcomputer 301 calculates the control parameter and performs operation so that the rotation speed of the compressor 204 does not exceed the limit value of the control parameter from the E point to the H point. As a result, the power consumption is set to 75% or less of the rated power as an average of the divided 30 minutes with demand demand.
With such control, the demand requirement of the Australian standard [AS4755] can be satisfied.

In order for the air conditioner 10 to perform demand management control as described above, the common terminal 24 and the output terminals 25 to 27 of the DRED 20 are connected to the outdoor unit control board 203 as a demand signal receiving circuit for connection to the DRED 20. , A circuit for receiving the DRED 20 signal by the microcomputer 301, and three terminals of the microcomputer 301 for receiving the DRED 20 signal by the microcomputer 301. That is, special design and preparation for demand management control is required.
The outdoor unit control board 203 is equipped with a large number of connectors for connecting to various sensors and actuators. Further, in order to mount a connector for connecting to the DRED 20, an erroneous connection of connecting the sensor or actuator to the wrong connector is prevented. Measures to be taken are necessary, and the difficulty of design increases. For example, in order to prevent erroneous connection, it is necessary to mount a system that detects an erroneous connection in the microcomputer 301 even if the color or shape of the connector is changed or connected.
Further, when demand management is not performed, the connector connected to the DRED 20 is an empty connector, and therefore, propagation from the connector terminal of the connector connected to the DRED 20 to the terminal of the microcomputer 301 or direct external radio noise, induction noise, propagation Noise enters and the microcomputer 301 misidentifies the signal, causing malfunction of the air conditioner 10. In addition, it is necessary to take measures to prevent dust from adhering to the connector and causing a short circuit.
Further, in order to obtain information on various sensors in controlling the air conditioner 10, an A / D converter of the microcomputer 301 is necessary. For the demand management control, if an A / D converter is used, Necessary sensors must be omitted, and the original air conditioner function may not be realized. Further, since the demand signal is read while being divided at the voltage stage, immediately after the demand request is switched, the changing signal voltage may be read to cause erroneous recognition or malfunction. In order to prevent control loss due to misrecognition and malfunction, a waiting time is provided, so the response response on the air conditioner side to demand demand is poor, and the delicate total power consumption is reduced from the start for 30 minutes It is not suitable for the control to adjust.
Therefore, in the present application, the four types of demand signals are not captured from the analog terminal into the microcomputer 301 but are realized by a demand signal receiving circuit that captures from a normal input terminal. However, since the number of normal input terminals of the microcomputer 301 is also limited, it is a necessary function for the product, but the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control of the storage medium 317 is not used when the user uses the product. The microcomputer 301 recognizes the signal of the DRED 20 by using the terminal and connector of the microcomputer 301 for reading and writing parameters in the demand signal receiving circuit.
That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when reading / writing the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317, the data transceiver 213 is connected to the connector 318, and the microcomputer 301 is switched to the serial circuit 301c, Receive control parameters. When performing demand management control, the DRED 20 that is a demand signal transmitter is connected to the connector 318, and the microcomputer 301 switches to the input circuit 301b that is a demand signal receiving circuit and receives the demand signal. In this way, by performing data communication with different purposes using the same connector, the microcomputer 301 can read / write the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317, or perform demand management control. it can. A specific configuration and operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram for connecting the DRED 20 to the connector 318 of the outdoor unit control board 203. Reference numeral 400 denotes a relay board that converts the demand signal of the DRED 20 into a signal that can be received by the microcomputer 301 of the outdoor unit control board 203. DRED 20 is three signals of output terminals 25 to 27, but the terminal of microcomputer 301 for reading / writing the control program of microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of storage medium 317 is two terminals of transmission and reception. Therefore, the relay board 400 converts the demand signal of the DRED 20 so that it can be received by two terminals.

  The common terminal 24 and the output terminals 25, 26, and 27 of the DRED 20 are connected to the connector 401 of the relay board 400. The common terminal 24 is connected to the positive electrode 403 of the DC power supply supplied to the logic circuit 402 of the relay board 400 via the connector 401. The DC power supply is, for example, a 5V power supply, and the positive electrode has a 5V potential. The output terminals 25, 26, and 27 are connected to the terminals 404, 405, and 406 of the logic circuit 402 and the ground 407 of the DC power source that is supplied to the logic circuit 402, that is, 0 V potential via the connector 401. The terminals 408 and 409 of the logic circuit 402 are connected to the positive electrode 403 of the DC power source supplied to the logic circuit 402 via the photodiodes of the photocouplers 410 and 411, respectively. The collectors of the phototransistors on the signal output side of the photocouplers 410 and 411 are connected to the connector 412. The connector 412 and the connector 318 of the outdoor unit control board 203 are connected by a communication line 413, and the phototransistor collectors of the photocouplers 410 and 411 are connected to the terminals 320 and 321 of the microcomputer 301 via the connector 412 and the connector 318. , And a positive electrode 325 of a DC power supply supplied to the microcomputer 301 via resistors 323 and 324. The phototransistor emitters of the photocouplers 410 and 411 are also connected to the connector 412, and are connected to the ground 326 of the DC power source supplied to the microcomputer 301, that is, 0 V potential via the connector 412 and the connector 318.

  The relay board 400 is connected to the demand signal receiving circuit by being connected to the connector 318 of the outdoor control board 203. In FIG. 9, the demand signal receiving circuit includes resistors 323 and 324, and a microcomputer. The terminal 320 includes a terminal 301 and 321, and an input circuit (not shown) built in the microcomputer 301 and connected to the terminal 320 and 321.

  Signal processing of the logic circuit 402 is described. Note that when the signal potential is 5V, the signal is Hi, and when the signal is 0V, the signal is Lo. The terminal of the connector 401 to which the output terminal 25 of the DRED 20 is connected is referred to as DR1, the terminal of the connector 401 to which the output terminal 26 is connected is referred to as DR2, and the terminal of the connector 401 to which the output terminal 27 is connected is referred to as DR3. A terminal of the connector 412 to which the phototransistor collector of the photocoupler 410 is connected is referred to as DRA, and a terminal of the connector 412 to which the phototransistor collector of the photocoupler 411 is connected is referred to as DRB. Further, the switch means 21 of the DRED 20 is SW21, the switch means 22 is SW22, the switch means 23 is SW23, and the state of the switch means in response to the demand request and the logic of the input signal and output signal of the relay board 400 are shown in Table 1.

For example, when the compressor is stopped (0% operation), SW1 of the switch means 21 of the DRED 20 is closed, and SW22 and SW23 of the switch means 22 and 23 are opened. When SW21 is closed, the positive electrode 403 of the DC power supply and DR1 of the connector 401 are connected, so that the potential of the positive electrode 403 of the DC power supply is output to the output terminal 25, and DR1 becomes a Hi signal. When SW22 and SW23 are opened, DR2 and DR3 of the connector 401 are connected to the ground 407 of the DC power supply, the potential of the DC power supply ground 407 is output to the output terminals 26 and 27, and DR2 and DR3 become Lo signals. Then, signals DR1, DR2, and DR3 are input to terminals 404, 405, and 406 of the logic circuit 402.
As shown in FIG. 10, the logic circuit 402 includes NOR circuits 402a and 402b. The input of the NOR circuit 402 a is connected to the terminals 405 and 406, and the output is connected to the terminal 408. The input of the NOR circuit 402 b is connected to terminals 404 and 406, and the output is connected to a terminal 409. Since the terminals 404 and DR1, the terminals 405 and DR2, and the terminals 406 and DR3 are connected, the NOR circuit 402a takes the NOR of the DR2 and DR3 signals, outputs a Hi signal to the terminal 408, and the NOR circuit 402b , NOR of the DR1 and DR3 signals is taken, and a Lo signal is output to the terminal 409.
When the terminal 408 of the logic circuit 402 is Hi, both ends of the photodiode of the photocoupler 410 have the same potential and are turned off. When the photodiode of the photocoupler 410 is turned off, the output side phototransistor is turned off. Therefore, the DRA is connected only to the positive electrode 325 of the DC power source via the resistor 323 and becomes a Hi signal. The DRA Hi signal is transmitted to the terminal 320 of the microcomputer 301.
Similarly, when the terminal 409 of the logic circuit 402 is Lo, a potential is generated at both ends of the photodiode of the photocoupler 411 and the light is lit. When the photodiode of the photocoupler 410 is lit, the output side phototransistor is turned on. DRB is connected to the ground 326 of the DC power supply by the phototransistor of the photocoupler 411 and becomes a Lo signal. The DRB Lo signal is transmitted to the terminal 321 of the microcomputer 301.
The demand request of no demand request, 50% operation, 75% operation is also transmitted to the terminals 320 and 321 of the microcomputer 301 by the same mechanism.

With the above mechanism, the microcomputer 301 identifies four types of demand requests.
In addition, although direct-current power supply demonstrated DC5V, it may be 3V or 12V. The Hi and Lo signals may also be defined in reverse to the logic of Table 1. The photocouplers 410 and 411 insulate the DC power supply of the relay board 400 from the DC power supply of the outdoor unit control board 203, and are unnecessary if the power supply need not be insulated.

On the other hand, FIG. 11 shows a state when the data transceiver 213 is connected to the outdoor unit control board 203. The transmission line of the communication line 214 of the data transceiver 213 is connected to the terminal A of the connector 318 and is connected to the terminal 320 of the microcomputer 301. The reception line of the communication line 214 of the data transceiver 213 is connected to the terminal B of the connector 318 and is connected to the terminal 321 of the microcomputer 301. As a result, when the data transceiver 213 transmits the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317, the microcomputer 301 receives it via the terminal 320, and the microcomputer 301 controls the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control of the storage medium 317. When the parameter reception is completed, the completed signature is transmitted via the terminal 321. With such a configuration, the control program of the microcomputer 301 and the control parameter of the storage medium 317 can be transmitted and received between the data transceiver 213 and the microcomputer 301.
The power supply ground of the data transceiver 213 and the DC power supply ground of the outdoor unit control board 203 are connected via the GND of the connector 318.

  There are two types of terminals 320 and 321 of the microcomputer 301: a case where a demand signal is received and a case where data transmission / reception is performed to read / write a control program of the microcomputer 301 or a control parameter of the storage medium 317. It is necessary to switch. That is, when receiving a demand signal, the terminals 320 and 321 of the microcomputer 301 are connected to a normal input circuit that takes in a Hi or Lo signal inside the microcomputer 301, and the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317. When reading and writing, the switching circuit of the microcomputer 301 is switched so as to connect to the serial communication circuit inside the microcomputer 301. The mechanism will be explained.

FIG. 12 is an internal configuration diagram of the microcomputer 301. Reference numerals 301 a to 301 e denote circuits built in the microcomputer, and reference numeral 301 a denotes an arithmetic circuit that calculates a program stored in the microcomputer 301. Reference numeral 301b denotes an input circuit that determines Hi / Lo of an input signal and transmits the determination result to the arithmetic circuit 301a. A serial transmission / reception circuit 301c performs serial transmission / reception. A demultiplexer circuit 301d is provided between the terminals 320 and 321 and the input circuit 301b and the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c, and switches the terminal 320 and 321 to connect to either the input circuit 301b or the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c. It is. The switching circuit of the microcomputer 301 is configured by a demultiplexer circuit 301d, and the switching operation is performed by a signal from the arithmetic circuit 301a.
Although the switching circuit has been described as the demultiplexer circuit 301 d built in the microcomputer 301, the demultiplexer circuit 301 d may be outside the microcomputer 301. In that case, in addition to the demultiplexer circuit, a switch circuit or a selector circuit constituted by a relay or a reed switch may be used.
Reference numeral 301e denotes an input circuit that determines Hi / Lo of an input signal and transmits the determination result to the arithmetic circuit 301a, and is connected to a terminal 322 of the microcomputer 301. The jumper line 327 and the resistor 328 in FIG. 9 constitute a jumper line circuit, and a switching signal output from the jumper line circuit is detected by the input circuit 301e via the terminal 322 and transmitted to the arithmetic circuit 301a.

The jumper line circuit switches Hi / Lo of the input signal to the terminal 322 of the microcomputer 301 by attaching or removing the jumper line 327 to or from the jumper line attachment portion. The terminal 322 is connected to the positive electrode 325 of the DC power supply of the outdoor unit control board 203 through a resistor 328. Further, the terminal 322 is connected to the ground 326 of the DC power source of the outdoor unit control board 203 via a jumper wire 327.
When there is no jumper wire 327 in the jumper wire attachment portion, the terminal 322 of the microcomputer 301 is connected only to the positive electrode 325 of the DC power supply, and therefore the terminal 322 receives a Hi signal. When there is a jumper wire 327 in the jumper wire attaching portion, the terminal 322 is connected to the ground 326 of the DC power supply, so that the terminal 322 receives the Lo signal.
Then, the arithmetic circuit 301a is made to connect the terminals 320 and 321 to the input circuit 301b or the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c by a signal input to the terminal 322.

For example, when the signal input to the terminal 322 is Lo, the arithmetic circuit 301a switches the demultiplexer circuit 301d so that the terminals 320 and 321 and the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c are connected. When the signal input to the terminal 322 is Hi, the arithmetic circuit 301a switches the demultiplexer circuit 301d so that the terminals 320 and 321 and the input circuit 301b are connected.
Thus, when the jumper wire 327 is attached to the jumper wire attachment portion, the signal at the terminal 322 becomes Lo, the terminals 320 and 321 are connected to the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c, and the microcomputer 301 controls the microcomputer 301 from the terminals 320 and 321. Alternatively, the control parameters of the storage medium 317 can be read. When the jumper wire 327 is removed from the jumper wire attaching portion, the signal at the terminal 322 becomes Hi, the terminals 320 and 321 are connected to the input circuit 301b, and the microcomputer 301 can read the demand signal from the terminals 320 and 321. Become.

  Thus, during the production process, the air conditioner 10 attaches the jumper wire 327 to the jumper wire attachment portion, writes the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317, and then jumper wires from the jumper wire attachment portion. By removing 327 and shipping, the demand management control function of the Australian standard [AS4755] can be supported.

  The arithmetic circuit 301a of the microcomputer 301 connects the terminals 320 and 321 to the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c when the signal at the terminal 322 is Hi, and inputs the terminals 320 and 321 when the signal at the terminal 322 is Lo. The logic of connecting to the circuit 301b may be used. In this way, during the production process, the jumper wire 327 is removed from the jumper wire attachment portion, the control program of the microcomputer 301 or the control parameter of the storage medium 317 is written, and then the jumper wire 327 is attached to the jumper wire attachment portion and shipped. Thus, the air conditioner 10 can cope with the function of demand management control.

  As described above, the microcomputer is configured by the microcomputer input circuit to connect the data transmitter / receiver or the connector to which the demand signal transmitter is connected based on the switching signals Hi and Lo detected by the detection circuit. Microcomputer control program or memory of an outdoor unit control board of an air conditioner configured by a demand signal receiving circuit for receiving demand signals for performing demand management control of Australian standard [AS4755] or a serial transmission / reception circuit of the microcomputer Switching to either a microcomputer control program or a data transmission / reception circuit that transmits / receives storage medium control parameters for reading / writing medium control parameters, a connector for receiving demand signals and a microcomputer connected to the connector Without providing a dedicated terminal Australian demand management control standards [AS4755], and can accommodate both reading and writing control of the control parameters of the control program or the storage medium of the microcomputer.

In addition, since it is no longer necessary to provide a dedicated connector or to secure the input terminal of the microcomputer, the demand of the Australian standard [AS4755] can be obtained using a microcomputer program that supports existing circuits, relay boards, and demand management control. Can support management control. Therefore, it is not necessary to redesign the outdoor unit control board or increase the size of the board in order to arrange a new connector.
Further, even if the microcomputer program is not a program corresponding to the demand signal, the demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755] can be supported by updating the microcomputer program and adding a relay board.

In addition, since the demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755] can be accommodated without increasing the number of connectors, the same level of assembly work reliability can be obtained with the same scale of design measures as before. . In other words, there is no need to consider changes in the measures.
Further, even when the demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755] is not supported, there is no unnecessary increase in the number of empty connectors, and countermeasures against malfunctions due to dust and the like can be maintained at a conventional scale.

  In addition, since the function for receiving demand signals and the terminal for reading / writing the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium are also used, it is not known which function is currently in operation, and the operator's work error However, since these functions are switched depending on the presence or absence of jumper wires, the operator can visually check which function is currently in use, and the work is easy. , Work reliability and reliability are high, and work efficiency can be kept high. That is, mistakes such as program writing due to incorrect work can be reduced.

  When demand management control is not performed, the relay board is simply removed, and the Hi signal is input to the terminal for inputting the demand signal via a resistor, and the microcomputer recognizes that there is no demand request. Therefore, normal air-conditioning control can be performed without adding a new design.

  In addition, since demand management control can be performed without using an A / D conversion circuit, the demand signal can be received without reducing the number of various sensors required for the air conditioner. It is possible to perform demand management control without impairing comfort and the like for the user to use. Furthermore, the demand management control of the current Australian standard [AS4755] is a control in which three levels of demand control are performed by four types of signals at a divided time. When further subdivided or subdivided into 30 minutes or less, or when using an A / D converter circuit, malfunctions due to signal reception and microcomputer recognition processing responses, or misrecognition of restriction levels There are issues such as. However, with the method of the present application, even if the restriction level of demand control is subdivided, the delimiter time is shortened, and subdivision is performed, the misrecognition of the demand signal stage and the delay in response to demand requests are reduced. It is possible to perform quick and appropriate control in response to a request from the power supplier.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, a jumper line circuit is used to switch between a demand signal reception state and a state in which a microcomputer control program or a storage medium control parameter can be transmitted and received. However, after writing the microcomputer control program or the storage medium control parameter, disconnecting the jumper wire from the jumper wire attaching portion is not economical because the jumper wire is discarded. In addition, even if a work process for soldering only the jumper wire is provided at the end of the process, the microcomputer control program or storage medium control parameter is written by reversing the Hi / Lo signal for function switching. The work efficiency is poor because the work is divided into the soldering work before writing the control parameters of the program or the storage medium and the soldering work after writing the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameters of the storage medium. Therefore, a method of improving work efficiency by changing the jumper line circuit to a switch circuit will be described.

  13 is obtained by replacing the jumper wire 327 of FIG. 9 with a switch 329, and the switch 329 and the resistor 328 constitute a switch circuit. Other identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Whether or not demand management control is to be executed is determined by providing a demand flag in the control data written to the storage medium 317, and the microcomputer 301 determines the demand flag when the microcomputer 301 starts the program and executes the demand management control. Do the presence or absence. For example, when the demand flag is valid, the terminals 320 and 321 are connected to the input circuit 301b and the demand signal is received. When the demand flag is invalid, the terminals 320 and 321 are connected to the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c, Data transmission / reception of the control program or the control parameter of the storage medium is performed. However, when demand management control is started, it becomes impossible to transmit / receive data for reading / writing the microcomputer control program or the control parameter of the storage medium from the terminals 320 and 321, so that the microcomputer control program or storage is only performed when the switch 329 is pressed. Enables data transmission / reception of media control parameters. The mechanism will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, immediately after the program start of the microcomputer 301, the microcomputer 301 reads control parameters from the storage medium 317 in S 101. In S102, if the demand flag is valid among the control parameters, the process proceeds to S103, and if the demand flag is invalid, the process proceeds to S109.
In S103, the microcomputer 301 switches so that the input circuit 301b is connected to the terminals 320 and 321 and sets so that the demand signal can be received.
In S <b> 104, the microcomputer 301 detects Hi and Lo of the signal input to the terminal 322. That is, the ON / OFF state of the switch 329 is detected. When the switch 329 is OFF, the electrode of the switch 329 is opened, and the terminal 322 is connected only to the positive electrode 325 of the DC power supply via the resistor 328, and a Hi signal is input. When the switch 329 is ON, the gap between the electrodes of the switch 329 is closed, the terminal 322 is connected to the GND of the DC power supply, and the Lo signal is input.
In S105, if the signal input to the terminal 322 is Hi, the microcomputer 301 starts receiving demand signals from the terminals 320 and 321 in S106, and based on the received demand signal in S107. Perform demand processing. Thereafter, in S108, processing other than the demand processing related to the outdoor unit 200, for example, control of the opening degree of the expansion valve 205 and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 202 is performed, and the process returns to S104.
If the signal input to the terminal 322 is Lo in S105, the process proceeds to S109.
In S109, the microcomputer 301 is switched so that the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c is connected to the terminals 320 and 321, and is set so that data transmission / reception of the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium can be performed. Next, in S110, the microcomputer control program or the storage medium control parameter is received, and in S111, processing such as writing is performed based on the received data. After the processing is completed, the process returns to S101.

Through the above processing, the microcomputer uses the microcomputer input circuit to connect the circuit connected to the connector to which the data transmitter / receiver or demand signal transmitter is connected based on the demand flag of the control data stored in the storage medium in advance. Control of the microcomputer of the outdoor unit control board of the air conditioner configured by the demand signal receiving circuit for receiving the demand signal for performing demand management control of the configured Australian standard [AS4755] or the serial transmission / reception circuit of the microcomputer Switch to either the microcomputer control program or the data transmission / reception circuit that transmits / receives the control parameter of the storage medium to read / write the program / storage medium control parameter, so connect to the connector that receives the demand signal and its connector Dedicated to microcontroller terminals Without providing to, demand management control of Australian Standard [AS4755], and can accommodate both reading and writing functions of the control parameters of the control program or the storage medium of the microcomputer.
When the connector and the demand signal receiving circuit are connected, when reading and writing the microcomputer control program or the storage medium control parameter, the connector is switched by the switching signal from the switch circuit provided on the outdoor unit control board. Since the circuit to be connected is switched from the demand signal reception circuit to the data transmission / reception circuit, it is possible to prevent malfunctions due to unnecessary operations and noise intrusion.

In addition, work steps such as cutting jumper wires, discarding jumper wires, and attaching jumper wires after writing data in the production process are not necessary, and workability is improved.
Moreover, since it is not necessary to discard the jumper wire, the economy can be improved.

  In addition, there is no need to redesign the outdoor unit control board or increase the size of the board to place a new connector. Even if the microcomputer program is not a program that supports demand signals, The update of the program and the addition of the relay board enable the demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755], the prevention of erroneous connection of connectors, and the countermeasure against malfunction such as dust caused by the increase of empty connectors. 1 can exhibit the same function.

  Even when demand management control is not performed, the microcomputer receives and recognizes a signal indicating that there is no demand request just by removing the relay board as in the first embodiment. The air conditioner can perform normal air conditioning control.

  The switch is turned on when reading / writing the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium, and does not need to be turned on after the reading / writing starts. Therefore, connect a data transceiver to the connector, send and receive microcomputer control programs or storage medium control parameters, read and write control parameters, and when that is done, detect the ON / OFF state of the switch and send the demand signal It is ready to receive. At this time, even if the data transceiver is connected to the connector, if a microcomputer control program or a storage medium control parameter is not transmitted, a Hi signal is input to the terminal that receives the demand signal. Therefore, the demand signal receiving circuit is in a state of receiving a signal indicating that there is no demand request, and even if the data transmitter / receiver is connected to the connector after reading / writing the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium, the air conditioner Normal air conditioning control is possible. If the service person is doing other work while reading / writing the microcomputer control program or the control parameter of the storage medium, the air conditioner will be ready as soon as the microcomputer control program or the storage medium control parameter is read / written. Is automatically transferred to normal air-conditioning control and can be confirmed as a test run. Therefore, the service person can save work time.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first and second embodiments, the method using jumper wires or switches has been described. However, it is necessary to prepare the input terminal of the microcomputer exclusively for switching, which hinders the microcomputer function assigned to the control of the air conditioner. Therefore, a method will be described which is performed without having a terminal for detecting a dedicated switching signal in the microcomputer.

  FIG. 15 is the same as FIG. 9 except that the jumper wire 327 and the resistor 328 are omitted and the function of the terminal 322 is omitted. The operation of the microcomputer 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, immediately after the program start of the microcomputer 301, in S201, the microcomputer 301 switches so that the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c is connected to the terminals 320 and 321, and data transmission / reception of the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium is performed. Set as you can. In S202, the time counter t0 provided in the microcomputer is reset to 0, and the time counter t0 starts counting up. In S203, the presence or absence of data transmission of the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium to the terminal 320 is detected. In S204, if there is data transmission to the terminal 320, the process proceeds to S205, and if there is no data transmission to the terminal 320, the process proceeds to S207.
In S205, the microcomputer 301 receives a control program for the microcomputer or a control parameter for the storage medium. Next, in S206, processing such as writing is performed based on the received microcomputer control program or storage medium control parameter. After the process is completed, the process returns to S202.
In S207, the microcomputer 301 determines whether or not the time counter t0 has reached a predetermined time or more. The predetermined time is longer than the time from the start of power supply to the outdoor control board 203 until the start of internal / external communication between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and shorter than the time until the compressor is started, Any amount of time can be used as long as it is time. The time from the start of power supply to the outdoor control board 203 to the start of internal / external communication between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is generally about 3 to 10 seconds. The time from the start of power supply to the outdoor control board 203 to the start of the compressor is about 3 to 5 minutes. For example, if the predetermined time is 5 minutes, the process returns to S203 if it is 5 minutes or less, and proceeds to S208 if it is 5 minutes or more.
In S208, the microcomputer 301 switches so that the input circuit 301b is connected to the terminals 320 and 321 and sets so that the demand signal can be received. Next, in S209, reception of demand signals from the terminals 320 and 321 is started, and in S210, demand processing based on the received demand signals is performed. Thereafter, in S211, processing other than the demand processing related to the outdoor unit 200 is performed, and the process returns to S209.

  Through the processing described above, immediately after the microcomputer program starts, the microcomputer switches the microcomputer terminal connected to the connector to which the data transmitter / receiver or demand signal transmitter is connected to the serial transmitter / receiver circuit, and controls the microcomputer control program or memory. If the serial transmission / reception circuit cannot receive the microcomputer control program or the storage medium control parameter after a predetermined time has elapsed after waiting for the medium control parameter data, connect the microcomputer terminal connected to the connector. By switching to the input circuit, the circuit connected to the connector is a demand signal receiving circuit that receives a demand signal for performing demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755] configured by the input circuit of the microcomputer, or the microcomputer Configured with serial circuit To switch to either the microcomputer control program of the outdoor air conditioner outdoor control board or the data transmission / reception circuit for transmitting / receiving the control parameter of the storage medium to read / write the control parameter of the storage medium Therefore, without providing a dedicated connector for receiving a demand signal and a microcomputer terminal connected to the connector, the demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755] and the reading / writing of the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium are performed. Both functions can be supported.

Furthermore, no jumper wires or switches are required, and there is no need for microcomputer terminals for detecting signals of jumper wire circuits or switch circuits. This reduces the number of parts on the outdoor unit control board and simplifies the microcomputer program.
In addition, the operation of attaching and removing the jumper wire and the switching by the switch are not required, the work in the production process can be simplified, and the operator's work errors can be suppressed. Also, it is not necessary to cut jumper wires or discard jumper wires in the production process.

  In addition, there is no need to redesign the outdoor unit control board or increase the size of the board to place a new connector. Even if the microcomputer program is not a program that supports demand signals, The update of the program and the addition of the relay board enable the demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755], the prevention of erroneous connection of connectors, and the countermeasure against malfunction such as dust caused by the increase of empty connectors. 1 can exhibit the same function.

  Even when demand management control is not performed, the microcomputer recognizes a signal indicating that there is no demand request just by removing the relay board in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Air conditioning control is possible.

  Also, connect a data transceiver to the connector, send and receive microcomputer control programs or storage medium control parameters, read and write control parameters, and when that is complete, control the microcomputer control program or storage medium again. This is the process of sending and receiving parameters. However, if the data transmitter / receiver does not transmit the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium, the demand signal is received. At this time, even if the data transceiver is connected to the connector, if a microcomputer control program or a storage medium control parameter is not transmitted, a Hi signal is input to the terminal that receives the demand signal. Therefore, the demand signal receiving circuit is in a state of receiving a signal indicating that there is no demand request, and even if the data transmitter / receiver is connected to the connector after reading / writing the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium, the air conditioner Normal air conditioning control is possible. Similarly to the second embodiment, when the service person is performing other work while reading / writing the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium, the read / write of the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium is performed. Upon completion, the air conditioner automatically shifts to normal air conditioning control and can be confirmed as a test run. Therefore, the service man can save working time.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
A method different from the method of the third embodiment will be described in which a microcomputer is not provided with a terminal for detecting a dedicated switching signal.

FIG. 17 is obtained by replacing the logic circuit 402 of the relay board 400 with the microcomputer 414 in FIG. DR1, DR2, and DR3 of the connector 401 are connected to terminals 415, 416, and 417 of the microcomputer 414, and a signal of DRED20 is input.
In the microcomputer 414, from the demand signal input from the terminals 415, 416, and 417,
The compressor stop (0% operation), 50% operation, 75% operation, and no demand request are determined, and transmission data to the microcomputer 301 is created.
Terminals 418 and 419 of the microcomputer 414 are terminals connected to the serial transmission / reception circuit of the microcomputer 414, and are connected to terminals A and B of the connector 422 via the communication circuits 420 and 421. The connector 422 is connected to the connector 318 of the outdoor unit control board via the communication line 423, and the terminals A and B of the connector 422 are also connected to the terminals A and B of the connector 318. Terminals A and B of the connector 318 are connected to terminals 320 and 321 of the microcomputer 301, and the microcomputer 301 receives data transmitted by the microcomputer 414, and the microcomputer 414 can receive data transmitted by the microcomputer 301. Has been. Note that the communication circuits 420 and 421 are insulating circuits or level shift circuits that eliminate the potential difference between the relay board 400 and the outdoor unit control board 203.

Next, an operation in which the microcomputer 301 determines a demand signal and data transmission / reception of a microcomputer control program or a storage medium control parameter and switches to a correct function will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
In S301, switching is performed so that the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c is connected to the terminals 320 and 321 of the microcomputer 301, and setting is performed so that the microcomputers can transmit and receive data. Next, in S302, the baud rate of the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c is set to the high-speed communication side.
The baud rate is a value indicating how many times digital communication data can be modulated / demodulated per second, and its unit is bps. In the case of demand communication, the amount of data to be transmitted and received is extremely large, such as several Kbytes, in the data communication for reading / writing the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium, while the amount of the four types of data can be identified. If the amount of communication data increases, the delay in the response of the microcomputer 301 to communication affects the overall control performed by the microcomputer 301. Therefore, it is desired to increase the communication speed and complete the communication in a short time. On the other hand, if the amount of data is small, the response delay of the microcomputer 301 with respect to communication is small, and even if the communication speed is low, the overall control performed by the microcomputer 301 is not affected.
Therefore, if demand communication is set to the low-speed communication side, for example, 300 bps, and data transmission / reception of the control program of the microcomputer or storage medium is set to the high-speed communication side, for example, 38400 bps, the baud rate is set to high-speed communication in S302. Set to 38400 bps on the side. In step S303, communication data transmitted to the microcomputer terminal 320 is checked. In step S304, it is determined whether communication data that can be identified at 38400 bps has been transmitted. If there is communication data, the process proceeds to S309, and if there is no communication data, the process proceeds to S305.
In step S305, the baud rate is set to 300 bps on the low speed communication side. In step S306, communication data transmitted to the terminal 320 of the microcomputer is checked. In step S307, it is determined whether communication data that can be identified at 300 bps has been transmitted. If there is communication data, the process proceeds to S311. If there is no communication data, the process proceeds to S308.
In S308, processes other than the demand process regarding the outdoor unit 200 are performed, and the process returns to S302. By repeating this, even if a demand signal enters the terminals 320 and 321 of the microcomputer 301, it is possible to switch to an appropriate process even if data transmission / reception of a microcomputer control program or a storage medium control parameter is received. .
In S309, the microcomputer 301 receives a control program for the microcomputer or a control parameter for the storage medium, and in S310, performs processing such as writing based on the received data. After the processing is completed, the process returns to S302.
In S311, the microcomputer 301 receives a demand signal. In S312, the microcomputer 301 performs a demand process based on the received demand signal, and proceeds to S302.
The baud rate is divided into the high-speed communication side and the low-speed communication side. However, the high-speed communication side only needs to be twice as fast as the low-speed communication side. If the high-speed communication side is at least twice as fast as the low-speed communication side, erroneous recognition of the baud rate does not occur in the data reception check, and the determination can be made correctly.

  In S304 and S307, the system may wait for reception for a predetermined time until communication can be detected and then proceed to the next step when there is no determined communication. The predetermined time is determined according to the third embodiment. Similarly, it may be longer than the time from the start of power supply to the outdoor control board 203 until the start of internal / external communication between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and shorter than the time until the compressor starts. Any amount of time may be used. The time from the start of power supply to the outdoor control board 203 to the start of internal / external communication between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is generally about 3 to 10 seconds. Therefore, for example, in S304 and S307, after waiting for 10 seconds until communication can be detected, if a predetermined communication cannot be received, the system may proceed to the next step.

  If neither the demand signal nor the microcomputer control program or the storage medium control parameter communication data can be received, S304 and S307 may be repeated. Alternatively, the number of repetitions may be determined in advance, and when the predetermined number of repetitions is exceeded, the serial transmission / reception circuit 301c may be stopped and the terminal may be switched to an input / output circuit to prepare for noise intrusion.

  Note that the microcomputer 301 receives neither the demand signal nor the communication data of the microcomputer control program or the control parameter of the storage medium, and performs the process of S308 even in the state where S304 and S307 are repeated. The conditioner can perform a normal air-conditioning control operation upon receiving a user's command.

  Also, here, an example is shown in which the communication speed and the communication data of the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium and the demand signal are discriminated, but the communication format is changed for each communication data. I do not care.

  In addition, since communication is performed using a serial transmission / reception circuit, even if the communication data of the control program of the microcomputer or the control parameter of the storage medium is received or the demand signal is received, if the reception is completed, A reception completion reply is sent to the demand signal transmitter.

  When the microcomputer receives the demand signal for performing the demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755] based on the baud rate of the signal transmitted from the data transmitter / receiver or the demand signal transmitter by the above processing, the demand signal When the microcomputer control program or storage medium control parameter is received for reading / writing the microcomputer control program or storage medium control parameter of the outdoor unit control board of the air conditioner, the microcomputer control program or storage medium Since the control parameters are processed so as to be processed, demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755] can be easily performed without providing a dedicated connector for receiving a demand signal and a terminal of a microcomputer connected to the connector. ,and It can accommodate both reading and writing functions of the control parameters of the control program or the storage medium of the microcomputer.

In addition, as in the third embodiment, jumper wires and switches are unnecessary, and there is no need for a microcomputer terminal for detecting signals of jumper wire circuits and switch circuits, the number of parts on the outdoor unit control board is reduced, and a microcomputer program is also provided. It can be simplified.
In addition, the operation of attaching and removing the jumper wire and the switching by the switch are not required, the work in the production process can be simplified, and the operator's work errors can be suppressed. Also, it is not necessary to cut jumper wires or discard jumper wires in the production process.

  In addition, there is no need to redesign the outdoor unit control board or increase the size of the board to place a new connector. Even if the microcomputer program is not a program that supports demand signals, The update of the program and the addition of the relay board enable the demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755], the prevention of erroneous connection of connectors, and the countermeasure against malfunction such as dust caused by the increase of empty connectors. 1 can exhibit the same function.

  Even when demand management control is not performed, the microcomputer recognizes a signal indicating that there is no demand request just by removing the relay board in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Air conditioning control is possible.

  In the future, even if the restriction level of demand management control of the Australian standard [AS4755] is further subdivided from three stages, or the break time for performing demand management control is subdivided and becomes 30 minutes or less, Since the outdoor unit control board and the relay board are connected by a serial transmission / reception circuit, the communication between the outdoor unit control board and the relay board can be flexibly supported. For example, the microcomputer program of the outdoor unit control board can be changed. And by changing the relay board, it is possible to cope with changes in the standard. This eliminates the need for the user to prepare a new air conditioner or to make a large-scale refurbishment of the air conditioner in use each time the standard is changed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air conditioner, 20 DRED (DEMAND RESPONSE ENABLING DEVICE), 21, 22, 23 Switch means, 24 Common terminal, 25, 26, 27 Output terminal, 28 Communication line, 30 Remote operation device (REMOTE AGENT), 100 Indoor unit , 101 Indoor heat exchanger, 102 Indoor fan, 103 Indoor unit control board, 104 Internal / external connection piping, 105, 106 connection port, 200 Outdoor unit, 201 Outdoor heat exchanger, 202 Outdoor fan, 203 Outdoor unit control board, 204 Compression Machine, 205 expansion valve, 206, 207 connection port, 208 four-way valve, 209 discharge temperature sensor, 210 defrost temperature sensor, 211 fin temperature sensor, 212 internal / external communication line, 213 data transceiver, 214 communication line, 301 microcomputer, 301a Arithmetic circuit, 301b input circuit, 301c serial transmission / reception circuit, 3 1d demultiplexer circuit, 301e input circuit, 302 compressor drive circuit, 303 connector, 304 current detector, 305 voltage detector, 306 outdoor fan drive circuit, 307 connector, 308 current detector, 309 expansion valve drive circuit, 310 connector 311 Four-way valve drive circuit, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316 connector, 317 Storage medium, 318 connector, 320, 321, 322 Microcomputer terminal, 323, 324 resistance, 325 DC power supply positive electrode, 326 DC power supply ground 327 jumper wire, 328 resistance, 329 switch, 400 relay board, 401 connector, 402 logic circuit, 402a, 402b NOR circuit, 403 DC power supply positive electrode, 404, 405, 406 logic circuit terminal, 407 DC power supply Land, 408, 409 Logic circuit terminal, 410, 411 Photocoupler, 412 connector, 413 communication line, 414 Microcomputer, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419 Microcomputer terminal, 420, 421 communication circuit, 422 connector, 423 communication line.

Claims (10)

An indoor unit, an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor, and an outdoor unit control board mounted on the outdoor unit,
The outdoor unit control board includes a microcomputer having a control program for controlling the compressor, a storage medium storing control parameters for controlling the compressor, and a connector connected to the microcomputer,
The microcomputer includes a memory in which the control program is written, a serial transmission / reception circuit that receives a new control program or a new control parameter written in the memory or the storage medium, and power consumption of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. An input circuit for receiving a demand signal for controlling the switching circuit, and a switching circuit for connecting either the serial transmission / reception circuit or the input circuit to the connector,
When the data transmitter / receiver that transmits the new control program or the new control parameter is connected to the connector, the microcomputer connects the serial transmitter / receiver circuit to the connector, and the new control program or Receiving the new control parameter and writing it to the memory or the storage medium;
When a demand signal transmitter that transmits the demand signal is connected to the connector, the microcomputer connects the input circuit to the connector, receives the demand signal, and receives the demand signal from the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. An air conditioner characterized by controlling power consumption. The outdoor unit control board includes a jumper line circuit or a switch circuit that outputs a Hi or Lo signal,
The microcomputer has a detection circuit for detecting a signal output from the jumper line circuit or the switch circuit, and the serial transmission / reception circuit connected to the connector and the input circuit based on the signal detected by the detection circuit. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is switched. The microcomputer connects the serial transmission / reception circuit to the connector after power supply to the outdoor unit control board is started, and a predetermined process without receiving the new control program or the new control parameter. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when time elapses, the serial transmission / reception circuit is switched to the input circuit so that the demand signal can be received. The elapsed time is longer than the time from the start of power supply to the outdoor unit control board and the start of communication with the indoor unit, and the time from the start of power supply to the outdoor unit control board and the start of the compressor The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the time is shorter. 5. The serial transmission / reception circuit returns a reception completion to the data transmitter / receiver when the reception of the new control program or the new control parameter is completed. Air conditioner. Indoor unit,
An outdoor unit equipped with a compressor, and an outdoor unit control board mounted on the outdoor unit,
The outdoor unit control board includes a microcomputer having a control program for controlling the compressor, a storage medium storing control parameters for controlling the compressor, and a connector connected to the microcomputer,
The microcomputer includes a memory in which the control program is written, a new control program written in the memory, a new control parameter written in the storage medium, or the new control program and the new control parameter. A serial transmission / reception circuit for receiving a demand signal for controlling power consumption of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit having a slower communication speed, and
When the data transmitter / receiver that transmits the new control program or the new control parameter is connected to the connector, the microcomputer receives the new control program or the new control parameter and receives the memory. Or write to the storage medium,
When a demand signal transmitter that transmits the demand signal is connected to the connector, the microcomputer determines the communication speed of the serial transmission / reception circuit from the case of receiving the new control program and the new control parameter. And an air conditioner that controls power consumption of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit by receiving the demand signal. The microcomputer changes the communication speed of the serial transmission / reception circuit to receive the demand signal when a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed without receiving the control program or the control parameter, and the demand signal 7. The control program or the control parameter can be received by changing a communication speed of the serial transmission / reception circuit when a predetermined elapsed time has passed without being received. Air conditioner as described in. The elapsed time is longer than the time from the start of power supply to the outdoor unit control board and the start of communication with the indoor unit, and the time from the start of power supply to the outdoor unit control board and the start of the compressor The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the time is shorter. The serial transmission / reception circuit, when the reception of the new control program, the new control parameter, or the demand signal is completed, returns a reception completion to the data transmitter / receiver or the demand signal transmitter. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 7. An indoor unit, an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor, an outdoor unit control board mounted on the outdoor unit, a microcomputer equipped with a control program mounted on the outdoor unit control board and controlling the compressor, and the outdoor unit A storage medium storing control parameters for controlling the compressor mounted on a machine control board, and a connector connected to the microcomputer,
The microcomputer receives a new control program or a new control parameter written to the microcomputer or the storage medium, and writes the new control program or the new control parameter to the microcomputer or the storage medium. Receiving a demand signal for controlling the power consumption of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and controlling the power consumption of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit; and the new control program or the When a data transmitter / receiver that transmits / receives a new control parameter is connected, the first step is executed. When a demand signal transmitter that transmits the demand signal is connected to the connector, the second step is performed. An air conditioner control comprising: Method.