CN112032824A

CN112032824A - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: CN112032824A
Application number: CN202010457101.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 井田绚; 川岛良范
Original assignee: Hitachi Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Inc
Current assignee: Hitachi Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Inc
Priority date: 2019-06-04
Filing date: 2020-05-26
Publication date: 2020-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-26
Also published as: JP2020197350A; CN112032824B; JP6746253B1; EP3748244A2; EP3748244A3

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner which can appropriately report the abnormity related to the installation of a refrigerant detection sensor. The air conditioner (100) is provided with a dip switch (24) which is switched and set by the operation of a person, and a control part (30) which reports an abnormality by an LED (25) when the dip switch (24) is switched to a state in which a refrigerant detection sensor (23) is installed and the refrigerant detection sensor (23) is not electrically connected. This can prevent, for example, the refrigerant detection sensor (23) from being left attached or erroneously connected.

Description

Air conditioner

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background

As a technique for detecting a refrigerant leak from a refrigerant circuit, for example, a technique described in patent document 1 is known. That is, patent document 1 describes a heat source device including "at least one refrigerant sensor disposed in an indoor space in which each heat source unit is installed".

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 201960556

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, the refrigerant detection sensor (refrigerant sensor) is not limited to be provided in a single unit regardless of the amount or type of refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit. In this way, in the case where the refrigerant detection sensor is an optional component that is provided as needed, the operator may set the refrigerant detection sensor at the time of assembly of the air conditioner. Thus, the operator may forget to install the refrigerant detection sensor and may erroneously connect the refrigerant detection sensor.

In the technique described in patent document 1, when the refrigerant detection sensor (refrigerant sensor) is an optional component, it is not possible to accurately detect whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor has been left attached, simply by the presence or absence of connection of the refrigerant detection sensor. For example, in the case where the refrigerant detection sensor does not need to be provided, the case where the refrigerant detection sensor is not actually provided is not equal to the case where the refrigerant detection sensor is left without being installed. Therefore, there is a need for an air conditioner that appropriately reports an abnormality related to the installation of a refrigerant detection sensor and the like even when the refrigerant detection sensor is an optional component.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that appropriately reports an abnormality related to the installation of a refrigerant detection sensor or the like.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes: a switching unit that switches settings by a human operation; and a control unit that reports an abnormality by a reporting means when the refrigerant detection sensor is not electrically connected in a state where the switching unit is switched to one side in which the refrigerant detection sensor is provided.

Further, an air conditioner of the present invention includes: a switching unit that switches settings by a human operation; and a control unit that reports an abnormality by a reporting means when the switching unit is switched to a state in which the refrigerant detection sensor is not provided and the refrigerant detection sensor is electrically connected.

The effects of the invention are as follows.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that appropriately reports an abnormality related to the installation of a refrigerant detection sensor or the like.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a structural diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention with a front panel and an electric component box removed.

Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of a region K in fig. 3 of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is an explanatory view of a case where a cover of an electric component box of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is removed and a device mounting side surface of an indoor control board is viewed.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a process executed by the control unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a process executed by the control unit of the air conditioner according to the reference embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure:

100-air conditioner, 11-compressor, 12-outdoor heat exchanger, 13-outdoor fan, 14-expansion valve, 15-indoor heat exchanger, 16-indoor fan, 17-four-way valve, 18-dew receiving pan, 19-cabinet base, 23-refrigerant detection sensor, 24-dip switch (switching part), 25-LED (report unit), 30-control part, 40-remote controller, B-electrical component box, N-connector, P-indoor control substrate (control substrate), Q-refrigerant circuit.

Detailed Description

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Structure of air conditioner

Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment.

Note that solid arrows in fig. 1 show the flow of the refrigerant during the heating operation.

On the other hand, the dashed arrows in fig. 1 show the flow of the refrigerant during the cooling operation.

The air conditioner 100 is a device that performs air conditioning such as a heating operation and a cooling operation. As shown in fig. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor fan 13, and an expansion valve 14. The air conditioner 100 includes, in addition to the above configuration, an indoor heat exchanger 15, an indoor fan 16, and a four-way valve 17.

The compressor 11 is a device that compresses a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant and discharges the refrigerant as a high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant. As shown in fig. 1, the compressor 11 includes a compressor motor 11a as a drive source.

The outdoor heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipe (not shown) and the outside air sent from the outdoor fan 13.

The outdoor fan 13 is a fan that sends outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The outdoor fan 13 includes an outdoor fan motor 13a as a drive source, and is disposed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

The expansion valve 14 is a valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed by the "condenser" (one of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15). The refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 14 is guided to the "evaporator" (the other of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15).

The indoor heat exchanger 15 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipe g (see fig. 3) and the indoor air (air in the space to be air-conditioned) sent from the indoor fan 16.

The indoor fan 16 is a fan that sends indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 15. The indoor fan 16 includes an indoor fan motor 16a (see fig. 2) as a drive source, and is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The four-way valve 17 is a valve for switching the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 100. For example, during a cooling operation (see a dotted arrow in fig. 1), in the refrigerant circuit Q, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 (evaporator) in this order.

On the other hand, during the heating operation (see solid arrows in fig. 1), in the refrigerant circuit Q, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (evaporator) in this order.

That is, in the refrigerant circuit Q in which the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the "condenser", the expansion valve 14, and the "evaporator" in this order, one of the "condenser" and the "evaporator" is the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and the other is the indoor heat exchanger 15.

In the example shown in fig. 1, a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor fan 13, an expansion valve 14, and a four-way valve 17 are provided in the outdoor unit Uo. On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 are provided in the indoor unit Ui.

Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 100.

The indoor unit Ui shown in fig. 2 includes, in addition to the above-described respective configurations, a remote controller signal transmitting/receiving unit 21, an indoor temperature sensor 22, a refrigerant detection sensor 23, a dip switch 24 (switching unit), and an LED25(Light Emitting Diode). The indoor unit Ui includes an indoor control circuit 31, an indoor fan motor 16a, a left-right air vane motor 26a, and a vertical air vane motor 27 a.

The remote control signal transmitter/receiver 21 exchanges predetermined information with the remote control 40 by infrared communication or the like.

The indoor temperature sensor 22 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the room (air-conditioned space), and is disposed on the air intake side of the indoor unit Ui.

The refrigerant detection sensor 23 is a sensor that detects leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit Q (see fig. 1), and is provided at a predetermined portion of the indoor unit Ui. The refrigerant detection sensor 23 is an optional component provided as necessary based on the amount and type of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q.

For example, when the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q is flammable, the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is often provided. On the other hand, when the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q is not flammable, the refrigerant detection sensor 23 may not be provided. Therefore, although the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is shown in fig. 2, the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not necessarily required, and may not be provided in the indoor unit Ui.

The dip switch 24 shown in fig. 2 is a switch that is switched and set by a human operation depending on whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is installed, and is mounted on the indoor control board P (see fig. 5). When the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is provided at the time of assembling the air conditioner 100, the operator switches the dip switch 24 to a predetermined mode with his or her hand or tool (a screwdriver or the like). Further, details of processing related to the dip switch 24 are explained below.

In addition to the remote controller signal transmission/reception unit 21 shown in fig. 2, signals from the indoor temperature sensor 22, the refrigerant detection sensor 23, and the dip switch 24 are output to the indoor control circuit 31.

Although not shown, the indoor control circuit 31 includes electronic circuits such as a cpu (central Processing unit), a rom (read Only memory), a ram (random Access memory), and various interfaces. Further, a program stored in the ROM is read and developed in the RAM, so that the CPU executes various processes.

As shown in fig. 2, the indoor control circuit 31 includes a storage unit 31a and an indoor control unit 31 b.

The storage unit 31a stores data from the remote controller signal transmitting and receiving unit 21, the indoor temperature sensor 22, the refrigerant detection sensor 23, and the dip switch 24 in addition to a predetermined program.

The indoor control unit 31b controls the LED25 described below based on the data stored in the storage unit 31a, and also controls the indoor fan motor 16a, the horizontal air vane motor 26a, and the vertical air vane motor 27 a.

The LED25 reports an abnormality related to the connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23, and is provided on the upper surface of the casing of the indoor unit Ui, for example. Further, in which case the indoor control section 31b blinks the LED25 is explained below.

As described above, the indoor fan motor 16a is a drive source of the indoor fan 16 (see fig. 1).

The horizontal air vane motor 26a is a drive source for rotating a horizontal air vane (not shown) in the horizontal direction. The vertical air vane motor 27a is a drive source for vertically rotating the vertical air vanes 271 and 272 (see fig. 3 and 4). The horizontal air vane motor 26a and the like may be omitted as appropriate.

The outdoor unit Uo includes an outdoor temperature sensor 28 and an outdoor control circuit 32 in addition to the respective configurations described in fig. 1.

The outdoor temperature sensor 28 is a sensor for detecting the outdoor temperature, and is provided at a predetermined position of the outdoor unit Uo (see fig. 1). The outdoor unit Uo is provided with a plurality of sensors for detecting a suction temperature, a discharge temperature, and the like of the compressor 11 (see fig. 1) in addition to the outdoor temperature sensor 28, but these are omitted in fig. 3. The detection values of the sensors including the outdoor temperature sensor 28 are output to the outdoor control circuit 32.

Although not shown, the outdoor control circuit 32 includes electronic circuits such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and various interfaces, and is connected to the indoor control circuit 31 via a communication line. As shown in fig. 2, the outdoor control circuit 32 includes a storage unit 32a and an outdoor control unit 32 b.

The storage unit 32a stores data and the like received from the indoor control circuit 31 in addition to a predetermined program. The outdoor control unit 32b controls the compressor motor 11a, the outdoor fan motor 13a, the expansion valve 14, the four-way valve 17, and the like based on the data stored in the storage unit 32 a. Hereinafter, the indoor control circuit 31 and the outdoor control circuit 32 are collectively referred to as "control unit 30".

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the indoor unit Ui in a state where the front panel and the electrical component box are removed.

Fig. 3 shows that only the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is moved laterally from the actual installation location (partially exploded). Further, although the home floor-mounted indoor unit Ui is shown in fig. 3 as an example, the present embodiment can be applied to other types of air conditioners 100.

The indoor unit Ui includes the above-described indoor heat exchanger 15 (see also fig. 1) and the indoor fan 16 (see also fig. 1), as well as a dew condensation pan 18, a casing base 19, a placement base 29, and an indoor control board P (control board).

The indoor heat exchanger 15 includes a plurality of fins f and a plurality of heat transfer pipes g penetrating the fins f.

The indoor fan 16 is, for example, a cylindrical cross-flow fan, and is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The dew receiving pan 18 receives the condensed water of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The casing base 19 is a casing on which the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor fan 16, and the like are installed.

The placement base 29 is a base for installing the indoor unit Ui on the floor. The placement base 29 may be omitted, and the indoor unit Ui may be installed on a wall of a room.

The room control board P is a printed circuit board on which the room control circuit 31 (i.e., a circuit device of the control unit 30: see fig. 2) described above is mounted and on which the dip switch 24 (see fig. 5) is also mounted. In fig. 3, the indoor control board P is exposed, but actually, the indoor control board P is housed in the electrical component box B (see fig. 5).

As described above, the refrigerant detection sensor 23 shown in fig. 3 is a sensor for detecting leakage of the refrigerant, and is provided in the vicinity of the leak receiver 18. More specifically, the leak receiver 18 that extends in a long and narrow manner in the width direction (left-right direction) of the indoor unit Ui is provided with the refrigerant detection sensor 23 on one side in the width direction. The refrigerant detection sensor 23 is housed in a front panel (not shown) of the indoor unit Ui and the casing base 19. This can prevent the user's hand from coming into contact with refrigerant detection sensor 23.

The air sucked into the indoor unit Ui by the driving of the indoor fan 16 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes g of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the air after the heat exchange is guided in a predetermined direction by the horizontal wind direction plates (not shown) and the vertical wind direction plates 271 and 272 (see fig. 3 and 4) and blown into the room.

Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the region K of fig. 3.

The refrigerant detection sensor 23 includes a sensor substrate (not shown) on which a sensor element (not shown) is mounted, and a sensor case 23a in which the sensor substrate is housed. The sensor element described above is an element sensitive to the concentration of the refrigerant. As such a sensor element, in addition to a semiconductor type or infrared sensor element, an element of a contact combustion type, an electrochemical type, or the like can be used.

The sensor housing 23a is provided with a plurality of holes ha for sucking the refrigerant leaked from the refrigerant circuit Q (see fig. 1). When the concentration of the refrigerant entering through the plurality of holes ha is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, a predetermined signal indicating leakage of the refrigerant is output from the refrigerant detection sensor 23 to the indoor control circuit 31 (see fig. 2).

Fig. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state where the cover of the electric component box B is removed and the device mounting side surface of the indoor control board P is viewed.

In fig. 5, electronic components mounted on the indoor control board P are shown in a simplified manner. As shown in fig. 5, the electronic components mounted on the indoor control board P include a dip switch 24 (see also fig. 2) and a connector N. As described above, the dip switch 24 is a switch that is switched by a human operation according to whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is installed, and is mounted on the indoor control board P. In this way, since the dip switch 24 and the connector N are mounted on the indoor control board P housed in the electrical component box B, it is possible to prevent the user from switching the dip switch 24 by mistake.

When the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is provided, the operator removes a cover (not shown) of the electrical component box B to expose the indoor control board P, and then switches the dip switch 24 to the side where the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is provided (referred to as "sensor presence setting"). On the other hand, when the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not provided, the operator switches the dip switch 24 to the side where the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not provided (referred to as "sensorless setting").

That is, for convenience of explanation, even when the dip switch 24 is left in an intact state without actually switching when the power is turned on, the case of "switching" to this state will be described.

The connector N shown in fig. 5 electrically connects the refrigerant detection sensor 23 to the indoor control board P, and is mounted on the indoor control board P. Then, the operator inserts a predetermined connector (not shown) provided at the tip of the wiring of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 into the connector N of the target side mounted on the indoor control board P. The electrical component box B housed in the indoor unit Ui (see fig. 3) is provided with an opening hp through which the wiring of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is drawn.

Next, the processing of the control unit 30 related to the mounting of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 will be described with reference to fig. 6.

Processing of control section

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of processing executed by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 100 (see fig. 2 and 5 as appropriate).

In addition, when the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is provided, the operator electrically connects the wiring of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 to the connector N of the indoor control board P (see fig. 5) and switches the dip switch 24 to "sensor set" before the series of processes shown in fig. 6. Such an operation is performed before the power is turned on when the air conditioner 100 is assembled. Further, a series of processing shown in fig. 6 is executed shortly after power-on.

That is, in connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 and switching of the dip switch 24, the operator may connect the refrigerant detection sensor 23 before power-on, or may switch the dip switch 24 first. This is because: whichever is done first, the same result will be produced if the state at the time of power-on is the same.

In step S101, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the dip switch 24 is switched to the side where the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is provided. That is, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the signal input thereto from the dip switch 24 indicates "sensor setting". The operator himself/herself recognizes whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 as an optional component should be installed, based on the amount and type of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q (see fig. 1).

If the dip switch 24 is switched to the one in which the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is installed in step S101 (yes in S101), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected to the indoor control board P (see fig. 5). For example, when receiving a response signal from the refrigerant detection sensor 23 after transmitting a predetermined signal to the refrigerant detection sensor 23, the control unit 30 determines that the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is connected.

If refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected to indoor control board P (i.e., control unit 30 itself) in step S102 (yes in S102), control unit 30 proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, control unit 30 determines that the connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 and the like is normal. In this way, when (setting of) the dip switch 24 is switched to the state where the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is installed (S101: yes), and when the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected (S102: yes), the control unit 30 does not report an abnormality related to the connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 or the like. This is because: the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is accurately connected to the connector N via the indoor control board P (see fig. 5).

On the other hand, in step S102, if refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not electrically connected to indoor control board P (no in S102), control unit 30 proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, control unit 30 determines that the connection or the like of refrigerant detection sensor 23 is abnormal. That is, the control unit 30 determines that the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not correctly connected to the connector N of the indoor control board P (see fig. 5).

For example, when the dip switch 24 is switched to the "sensor setting" state (yes in S101), and the operator turns on the power supply in the state in which the refrigerant detection sensor 23 has not been left connected, the result is no in step S102, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in step S104.

Even if the operator intends to connect the refrigerant detection sensor 23, if the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not firmly connected via the connector N (see fig. 5), 'no' is determined in step S102, and it is determined in step S104 that there is an abnormality.

Even when another sensor of a different type from the original refrigerant detection sensor 23 is connected, a predetermined communication abnormality occurs, no in step S102, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in step S104.

Next, in step S105, the control unit 30 reports an abnormality. That is, control unit 30 causes LED25 (see fig. 2) to blink, thereby notifying that there is an abnormality in connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23. In this way, when dip switch 24 is switched to the state in which refrigerant detection sensor 23 is installed (yes in S101) and refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not electrically connected (no in S102), control unit 30 reports an abnormality by LED25 (S105). This allows the operator to notice that the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not properly connected, thereby preventing the refrigerant detection sensor 23 from being left attached or erroneously connected. When such an abnormality is reported, the operator once disconnects the power supply, reconnects the refrigerant detection sensor 23, and then turns on the power supply again.

If the dip switch 24 is not switched to the one in which the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is installed in step S101 (no in S101), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S106. In other words, when a signal indicating "no sensor setting" is input from the dip switch 24 to the dip switch itself, no in step S101, and the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S106. For example, in the case where the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q (see fig. 1) is nonflammable or the amount of refrigerant is small, it is often not necessary to provide the refrigerant detection sensor 23 as an optional component.

In step S106, control unit 30 determines whether or not refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected to indoor control board P. If refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected to indoor control board P (S106: yes), control unit 30 proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, control unit 30 determines that the connection or the like of refrigerant detection sensor 23 is abnormal. This is because: the state of the dip switch 24 switched to the "sensorless setting" does not coincide with the state of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 actually connected to the indoor control board P.

For example, if the operator forgets to switch the dip switch 24 to the "sensor presence setting" when the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is correctly connected, and turns on the power supply in this state, it is determined in step S107 that there is an abnormality. When such an abnormality is reported, the operator temporarily turns off the power supply, switches the dip switch 24 to "sensor presence setting", and then turns on the power supply again.

Next, in step S108, the control unit 30 reports an abnormality. That is, control unit 30 causes LED25 to blink, thereby notifying that there is an abnormality in connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 or the like. In this way, when dip switch 24 is switched to a state in which refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not provided (no in S101) and refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected (yes in S106), control unit 30 reports an abnormality via LED25 (S108). This makes it possible for the operator to notice that the state of the dip switch 24 does not match the connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23.

If refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not electrically connected to indoor control board P in step S106 (no in S106), control unit 30 proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, control unit 30 determines that the connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 and the like is normal. This is because: in a case where the refrigerant detection sensor 23 does not need to be provided, the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not actually connected to the indoor control board P. In this way, when dip switch 24 is switched to a state in which refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not provided (no in S101) and refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not electrically connected (no in S106), control unit 30 does not report any abnormality related to connection or the like of refrigerant detection sensor 23.

After performing the processing of step S103, S105, S108, or S109, control unit 30 completes a series of processing related to connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 and the like (end).

Effect

According to the present embodiment, the operator switches the dip switch 24 depending on whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is installed. The control unit 30 performs a determination process regarding the state of the dip switch 24 (S101 in fig. 6) and a determination process regarding the connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 (S102, S106). Thus, even when the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is an optional component, it is possible to appropriately report an abnormality related to the installation or the like of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 to the operator. Therefore, the refrigerant detection sensor 23 can be prevented from being left attached or erroneously connected.

After the power is turned on, control unit 30 determines whether or not there is an abnormality related to connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 or the like. Therefore, after the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is installed and immediately after the power supply is turned on, the presence or absence of an abnormality related to the connection or the like of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 can be appropriately reported to the operator.

Further, a connector N (see fig. 5) connected to the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is mounted on the indoor control board P, and a dip switch 24 (see fig. 5) is also mounted on the indoor control board P. Therefore, the user can be prevented from switching the dip switch 24 by mistake.

Reference mode

In the reference embodiment, the dip switch 24 is omitted from the configuration of the above-described embodiment (see fig. 2), and the controller 30 determines whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 should be connected based on the amount and type of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit Q, which is different from the embodiment. Other structures are the same as those of the embodiment. Therefore, portions different from those of the embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a process executed by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 100 of the reference system.

Further, for example, a series of processing shown in fig. 7 is performed after the air conditioner 100 is assembled and immediately after the power is turned on.

In step S201, control unit 30 determines whether or not the amount of refrigerant sealed in refrigerant circuit Q is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The "predetermined amount" is a threshold value serving as a criterion for determining whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 should be connected, and is set in advance.

In addition to the outdoor unit Uo (see fig. 2) and the indoor units Ui (see fig. 2), for example, the controller 30 determines the amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q based on information on the number of connected indoor units Ui. Information on the type of the indoor unit Ui is stored in the storage unit 31a of the indoor control circuit 31 (see fig. 2) in advance. Information on the type of the outdoor unit Ui is stored in advance in the storage unit 32a of the outdoor control circuit 32 (see fig. 2). The number of connected indoor units Ui is determined by the exchange between the indoor control circuit 31 and the outdoor control circuit 32 via the communication line.

In step S201 of fig. 7, if the amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (yes in S201), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S203. Further, step S203 is explained hereinafter.

On the other hand, when the amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q is smaller than the predetermined amount in step S201 (no in S201), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, control unit 30 determines whether or not the refrigerant enclosed in refrigerant circuit Q is flammable. In addition, "flammable" refrigerants also include so-called "slightly flammable" refrigerants. Then, a signal indicating the type of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q is input to the control unit 30 by an operation of an operator via a predetermined input means (the remote controller 40 of fig. 2, a switch not shown, or the like). Information indicating which refrigerant is flammable is stored in the

storage units

31a and 32a (see fig. 2) in advance. Therefore, by inputting a signal indicating the type of the refrigerant, the control unit 30 can determine whether the refrigerant is flammable or not.

If the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q is flammable in step S202 (yes in S202), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S203. In such a case, it is desirable to provide the refrigerant detection sensor 23 so as to be able to detect leakage of the refrigerant.

In step S203, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected to the indoor control board P (see fig. 5). If refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected to indoor control board P (yes in S203), control unit 30 proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, control unit 30 determines that the connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 and the like is normal. This is because: a refrigerant detection sensor 23 to be provided in the indoor unit Ui is accurately connected.

On the other hand, in step S203, if refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not electrically connected to indoor control board P (no in S203), control unit 30 proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, control unit 30 determines that there is an abnormality in connection or the like of refrigerant detection sensor 23. This is because: the refrigerant detection sensor 23 to be provided in the indoor unit Ui is not correctly connected.

Next, in step S206, control unit 30 causes LED25 (see fig. 2) to blink, thereby notifying that there is an abnormality in connection or the like of refrigerant detection sensor 23. In this way, when the amount of refrigerant sealed in refrigerant circuit Q is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (yes in S201), or when the refrigerant sealed in refrigerant circuit Q is flammable (yes in S202), control unit 30 reports an abnormality via LED25 when it is not electrically connected to refrigerant detection sensor 23. This allows the operator to notice that the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not properly connected, thereby preventing the refrigerant detection sensor 23 from being left attached or erroneously connected.

If the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit Q is nonflammable in step S202 (no in S202), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, control unit 30 determines that the connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 and the like is normal. This is because: the refrigerant detection sensor 23 that is not necessarily provided in the indoor unit Ui is not actually connected to the indoor unit Ui.

After performing the processing of step S204, S206, or S207, control unit 30 completes a series of processing related to connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 (end).

Effect

According to the reference manner, the control portion 30 performs determination processes (S201, S202 of fig. 6) regarding the amount and kind (flammable/nonflammable) of the refrigerant, and determination processes (S203) regarding connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23. Thus, even when the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is an optional component, it is possible to appropriately report an abnormality related to the installation or the like of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 to the operator. Therefore, the refrigerant detection sensor 23 can be prevented from being left attached or erroneously connected.

Further, according to the reference aspect, since it is not necessary to provide the dip switch 24 (see fig. 5) indicating whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is provided in the indoor unit Ui, the manufacturing cost of the indoor unit Ui can be reduced as compared with the embodiment.

Further, since it is not necessary for the operator to operate the dip switch 24 (see fig. 5) as in the embodiment, the burden on the operator can be further reduced compared to the embodiment.

Modifications of the examples

The air conditioner 100 and the like of the present invention have been described above in the embodiments and the like, but the present invention is not limited to the above description and can be variously modified.

For example, in the embodiment and the like, the configuration in which the dip switch 24 (see fig. 5) is mounted on the indoor control board P has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the dip switch 24 may be provided at another predetermined portion of the indoor unit Ui.

When the control unit 30 reports an abnormality related to connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 or the like by the LED25 (reporting means), it is preferable to prohibit the air conditioning operation while the state of the abnormality continues. Thus, even when the operator does not notice an abnormality by merely blinking the LED25, the operator can easily notice the abnormality by further prohibiting the air conditioning operation.

Further, control unit 30 may determine the presence or absence of an abnormality related to connection of refrigerant detection sensor 23 only once immediately after power-on, and control unit 30 may not perform the above determination again until power-off. Further, the control unit 30 may prohibit the air conditioning operation while an abnormal state relating to connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 or the like continues. This can prevent the air conditioning operation from being started in a state where the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not properly connected. Further, even when the user erroneously switches the dip switch 24 during the air-conditioning operation, there is no fear of interruption of the air-conditioning operation, and the user's sense of discomfort can be reduced.

In the embodiment and the like, the process of determining that the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is connected by the control unit 30 when a response to a predetermined signal transmitted to the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is received from the refrigerant detection sensor 23 has been described, but the process is not limited to this. For example, when receiving information indicating that a current flows through the refrigerant detection sensor 23 from the refrigerant detection sensor 23, the control unit 30 may determine that the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is electrically connected. The same effects as those of the embodiment and the like are also obtained in such processing.

In the embodiment, the case where the "switching unit" that is switched by the operation of a person according to whether or not the refrigerant detection sensor 23 that detects the leakage of the refrigerant is provided is the dip switch 24 (see fig. 2) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "switching unit" may be a remote controller 40 (see fig. 2) instead of the dip switch 24. When the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is provided, a predetermined signal may be transmitted from the remote controller 40 to the indoor unit Ui by an operation of the operator. On the other hand, when the refrigerant detection sensor 23 is not provided, another signal may be transmitted from the remote controller 40 to the indoor unit Ui.

In the embodiment, the report of the abnormality in step S105 in fig. 6 is not particularly different from the report of the abnormality in step S108, but the two reports of the abnormality may be distinguished by blinking (or lighting) the dip switch 24 in a predetermined manner. Thus, when an abnormality occurs in connection with refrigerant detection sensor 23, the operator can easily grasp the content of the abnormality.

In the embodiments and the like, the LED25 (see fig. 2) is provided on the upper surface of the indoor unit Ui, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the LED25 may be mounted on the indoor control board P (see fig. 5), and the LED25 may be mounted on another predetermined portion. Instead of the LED25 (or together with the LED 25), an abnormality related to connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 or the like may be reported by a sound from the indoor unit Ui or a display of the remote controller 40.

In the embodiments and the like, the case where the operator switches the dip switch 24 appropriately before turning on the power supply has been described, but the operator may switch the dip switch 24 after turning on the power supply.

In the embodiment and the like, the case where the control unit 30 determines an abnormality related to connection of the refrigerant detection sensor 23 or the like has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the embodiment and the like can be applied to various sensors other than the refrigerant detection sensor 23.

In the embodiment and the like, the air conditioner 100 including the home floor type indoor unit Ui is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the embodiment and the like can be applied to various air conditioners such as a package type air conditioner, a multi-split type air conditioner for a building, and an integrated type air conditioner, in addition to a wall-mounted type indoor air conditioner. Further, the embodiment and the like can be applied to various electric appliances in addition to the air conditioner 100.

The embodiments and the like are described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not limited to having all the configurations described. Further, a part of the configuration of the embodiment and the like can be added, deleted, or replaced with another configuration.

The above-described mechanisms and structures are those considered necessary for the description, and are not limited to all the mechanisms and structures shown in the product.

Claims

1. An air conditioner is characterized by comprising:

a switching unit that switches settings by a human operation; and

and a control unit that reports an abnormality by a reporting means when the refrigerant detection sensor is not electrically connected in a state where the switching unit is switched to one side in which the refrigerant detection sensor is provided.

2. An air conditioner is characterized by comprising:

a switching unit that switches settings by a human operation; and

and a control unit that reports an abnormality by a reporting means when the refrigerant detection sensor is electrically connected in a state where the switching unit is switched to a state where the refrigerant detection sensor is not provided.

3. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,

the control unit does not report the abnormality when the refrigerant detection sensor is electrically connected to the switching unit in a state where the refrigerant detection sensor is provided.

4. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,

the control unit does not report the abnormality when the switching unit is switched to a state in which the refrigerant detection sensor is not provided and the refrigerant detection sensor is not electrically connected.

5. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,

when the control unit reports the abnormality by the reporting means, the control unit prohibits the air conditioning operation while the state of the abnormality continues.

6. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,

the control unit determines whether or not the abnormality is present when the power is turned on.

7. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,

the switching part is a dip switch.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7,

an electric component box for accommodating the control substrate,

the control board is mounted with the circuit device of the control unit and also mounted with the dip switch.

9. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,

when receiving information indicating that a current flows through the refrigerant detection sensor from the refrigerant detection sensor, the control unit determines that the refrigerant detection sensor is electrically connected.