JP2001091031A - Control device for air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable making changes in constants or control algoriths which are usually different by each model of air conditioner and are stored in ROM in the prior art control device for an air conditioner, so that they are hardly changed. SOLUTION: A control device for an air conditioner uses nonvolatile RAMs such as a flash memory and the like which are increased in capacity and has become capable of being dividedly erased and writes in recent years. An existing transmission means of the air-conditioning control device is used for rewrite processing, after a product is completed. There are provided at least ROMs 35, 45 and nonvolatile RAMs 38, 48 for storing information data, such as program data and control constant data and the like for controlling the air conditioner. The information data is stored separately in the ROMs 35, 45 and the nonvolatile RAMs 38, 48.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for an air conditioner, and more particularly to a technique for utilizing a nonvolatile readable / writable storage means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 3 shows a conventional general air conditioner and control device. The air conditioner shown in the figure is configured to be separated into an outdoor unit A and an indoor unit B. Here, 1 is a compressor, 2 is a four-way valve, 3 is an outdoor heat exchanger, 4 is a throttle means,
Reference numeral 5 denotes an indoor heat exchanger, 6 denotes a refrigerant pipe used to form a refrigerant circuit by connecting the above 1 to 5 in a ring shape, 7 denotes an outdoor blower, and 8 denotes an indoor blower. Among these, the outdoor unit A is constituted by the compressor 1, the four-way valve 2, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the indoor blower 7, and the indoor unit B is formed by the expansion means 4, the indoor heat exchanger 5, and the indoor blower 8. Be composed. Also,
A ′ is an outdoor control device for controlling the outdoor unit A, and B ′ is an indoor control device for controlling the indoor unit B. The outdoor control device A ′ includes a first microcomputer 11, a first transmission unit 12, a first sensor input 13, a first actuator output 14,
First read-only storage means (hereinafter, read-only storage means is abbreviated as ROM unless necessary), first setting means 16, and first volatile readable / writable storage means (hereinafter referred to as volatile storage if unnecessary). (A readable / writable storage unit is simply referred to as a RAM) 17). The indoor control device B ′ includes a second microcomputer 21 and a second transmission unit 2.
2, a second sensor input 23, a second actuator output 24, a second ROM 25, a second setting means 26, and a second RAM 27. The first transmission means 12 of the outdoor control device A 'and the second transmission means 12 of the indoor control device B'
Is connected to the transmission means 22 via the transmission line 10 so that data communication is possible.

Here, the first ROM 15 and the second ROM 25 in the control device store control programs related to transmission control, actuator control, and the like, and a basic air volume and a throttle according to an air conditioner model name used in the programs. Control constant data such as a means control amount is stored. Also,
The first setting means 16 and the second setting means 26 include address data for self-recognition in transmission control, constant data set and changed at the time of on-site installation such as air volume adjustment, and some air conditioner model names. The corresponding control constant data and the like are set. The conventional air conditioner and its control device are configured as described above, and suitable operation control is set according to the air conditioner model name and local conditions.

[0004]

Since the conventional air conditioner is configured as described above, there are the following problems. Since it is necessary to have different ROM contents according to the air conditioner model name, many types of control devices which are slightly the same but have slightly changed ROM contents are required.
In addition, when the on-site setting is diversified, or when the control constant data is set by the setting unit instead of the ROM, the setting unit becomes large. On the other hand, when the control program of the control device is revised, it is necessary to replace the ROM or the entire control device. When the entire control device is replaced, the reuse rate of parts is reduced. Confirmation of the contents stored in the ROM can be performed using the RO
Except for the annotations made artificially on the surface of M or the like, there is no other way but to confirm by executing the control operation.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has been developed in recent years, for example, in a flash memory which has become easy in large capacity, partial erasure and rewriting. Air that is provided with a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, a throttling means, an evaporator, and the like are annularly connected via a refrigerant pipe. The control device of the harmony device, which stores information data such as program data and control constant data for controlling the air-conditioning device, has at least read-only storage means and nonvolatile readable / writable storage means, and stores the information data. , Which are stored separately in both a read-only storage unit and a non-volatile readable / writable storage unit.

[0006] In the configuration of claim 1, the air conditioner is divided into an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and an outdoor control device for controlling the outdoor unit, and an indoor control device for controlling the indoor unit. Transmission means connected to each other so that data communication can be performed between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device so that information can be transmitted between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device. The information data stored in the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means in the device is
It is configured to be rewritable via respective transmission means based on the program data stored in the read-only storage means in the indoor control device or the outdoor control device.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the air conditioner is divided into an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and the outdoor control unit controls the outdoor unit, and the indoor control unit controls the indoor unit. Transmission means connected to each other so that data communication can be performed between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device so that information can be transmitted between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device. External display means for reading and displaying the information data stored in the non-volatile readable / writable storage means in the device via respective transmission means based on the program data stored in the read-only storage means in the indoor control device or the outdoor control device; It is equipped.

Further, in the configuration of the first aspect, the air conditioner is divided into an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and an outdoor control device for controlling the outdoor unit, and an indoor control device for controlling the indoor unit. Transmission means connected to each other so that data communication can be performed between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device so that information can be transmitted between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device. The information data stored in the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means in the device is
Based on the program data stored in the read-only storage means in the outdoor control device or the indoor control device, the outdoor control device or the outdoor control device or the indoor control device according to the setting from the setting means provided in the indoor control device. This is configured to be displayed on display means provided in the indoor control device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information data stored in the read-only storage means may be an initialization processing program, a control program of a transmission means, or a non-volatile program which depends on hardware of the control device. By using a common program such as a rewrite control program in the readable / writable storage means, the control device components can be used interchangeably with an air conditioner of a model using hardware equivalent to the hardware.

In each of the above configurations, the information data stored in the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means is as follows:
It includes at least a product-specific constant unique to each product model and model name of the air conditioner, and / or a local setting constant that is changed according to the installation situation at the site.

Further, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are separated from each other, and when the thermo control cycle is shorter than a predetermined cycle during continuous operation in the indoor control device, the thermo control is stored in the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means. It is provided with storage content change setting means for changing the control variable data and automatically rewriting it.

Further, the read-only storage means in each of the above structures is constituted by a nonvolatile readable / writable storage means.

Further, the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means in each of the above structures is constituted by a flash memory.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 of the Invention FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a control device of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. An embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 9 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the components of the air conditioner that are common to the conventional example are not shown, and only the portions related to the control device are shown. In the figure, a control device according to this embodiment mainly includes an outdoor control device A ′ for controlling an outdoor unit A (see FIG. 3) and an indoor control device B ′ for controlling an indoor unit B (see FIG. 3). Is configured.

In the outdoor control device A ', 11
Is a first microcomputer, 12 is a transmission means, 13 is a first sensor input, 14 is a first actuator output, and 35 is a third actuator output.
ROM, 36 is third setting means, 37 is a third RAM for temporarily storing data in the middle of calculation, and 38 is first nonvolatile readable and writable storage means (hereinafter referred to as a flash memory). Unless necessary, the non-volatile readable / writable storage means is abbreviated as a non-volatile RAM), and 39 is a first display means. In the indoor controller B ′, reference numeral 21 denotes a second microcomputer, 12 denotes a transmission unit, 23 denotes a second sensor input, 24 denotes a second actuator output,
5 is a fourth ROM, 46 is a fourth setting means, 47 is a fourth RAM for temporarily storing data in the middle of calculation, 4
8 is a second non-volatile R composed of a flash memory or the like.
AM and 49 are second display means. Outdoor control device A '
The transmission means 12 and 12 are connected to each other by the transmission line 10 between the and the indoor control device B ′ so that data communication is possible and information can be transmitted. In addition, the non-volatile RAM storage content change setting means 51, the non-volatile RAM storage content reading means 52, the non-volatile RAM storage content display means (external display means) 53, the outdoor control device A 'and the indoor control device B' The external setting display means C provided with the transmission means 12 connected to the transmission means 12 via the transmission line 10 so as to enable data communication.

Here, the third ROM 35 and the fourth R
The OM 45 includes an initialization processing unit, a transmission control unit for controlling the transmission unit 12, a nonvolatile RA,
Common program data having contents for realizing the functions of the M rewrite control unit and the read-out display control unit is stored. Further, the third RAM 37 and the fourth RAM 47 include at least a product unique constant unique to a product of the same model series, which is different for each model name, and an identification address and an air volume which are set and changed according to the situation at the time of on-site installation. Minimal data such as local setting constants are set and stored. Further, the first nonvolatile RAM 38 and the second nonvolatile RAM 48 store rewritable program data, various constant data, table data, and the like other than those described above.

By configuring the control device as described above, the following control becomes possible. That is, the transmission means 12 of the existing outdoor control device A ′ is displayed by the external setting display means C.
And rewriting the information data stored in the nonvolatile RAMs 38 and 48 via the transmission means 12 of the indoor control device B '(the nonvolatile RAM storage content change setting means 51), and reading the information data from the nonvolatile RAMs 38 and 48 ( The non-volatile RAM storage content reading means 52) or the display of their data contents (non-volatile RAM storage content display means 53) can be performed. At this time, the control devices A ′ and B ′ use the program data stored in the ROMs 35 and 45. And the non-volatile RA
Data writing to M38, M48 is performed by the outdoor controller A '
Existing transmission means 12, 1 between the control unit and the indoor control device B '
2 and via the transmission line 10. As a result, even if the air conditioner product is completed from a remote place after completion of the product, the non-volatile R
Change setting of program data and constant data in the AM 38 and 48 can be performed.

Here, the information data of the part depending on the hardware is stored separately in the ROMs 35 and 45, and the information data of the other changeable parts are stored in the nonvolatile RAMs 38 and 48 separately. In this case, ROM
By limiting the contents stored in 35 and 45 to data common to control devices of other models, compatibility with other devices having common hardware can be easily achieved. Further, even after the end of the product life of the air conditioner, the storage contents of the control device such as program data and constant data can be changed and set. Therefore, the control device can be reused by only slightly rewriting the data.

The written contents of the nonvolatile RAMs 38 and 48 can be confirmed via the existing transmission means 12 and 12 and the transmission line 10 between the outdoor control device A 'and the indoor control device B'. As a result, it is possible to check the written contents of the nonvolatile RAMs 38 and 48 without increasing the number of components of the control device itself and even from a remote place. On the other hand, with respect to checking the contents of the nonvolatile RAMs 38 and 48 without using the transmission means 12 and 12, in the case of the outdoor control device A ', the target data such as the item or data address to be checked is stored in the third memory. When the setting is input from the setting means 36, the data content of the nonvolatile RAM 38 can be displayed on the first display means 39 by executing the program data of the third ROM 35. Similarly, in the case of the indoor control device B ′, the data content of the nonvolatile RAM 48 can be displayed using the fourth setting means 46 and the second display means 49 based on the program data in the fourth ROM 45. .

Note that the third setting means 36 and the fourth setting means 46, and the first display means 39 and the second display means 49 are not necessarily the outdoor control device A 'and the indoor control device B'.
It does not need to be implemented and resident. For example, a setting unit or a display unit that is detachably connected to the outdoor control device A ′ or the indoor control device B ′ in a retrofit manner may be employed. Since only minimum data such as product-specific constants and local setting constants are set and stored in each of the RAMs 37 and 47, even when an expensive nonvolatile RAM is used as the RAM, a small storage capacity is sufficient and the RAM is inexpensive. Is realized. Further, a third ROM 35 and a fourth ROM
Regarding the storage means treated as 45, it goes without saying that the function of the component can be replaced by a nonvolatile RAM. In this case, since the ROM and the nonvolatile RAM can be configured on the same component, the number of components can be reduced.

Next, as an application of the nonvolatile RAM, a method of using a learning function as shown in FIG. 2 is effective.
The algorithm shown in the figure is executed at predetermined intervals, and the control variable data in the nonvolatile RAMs 38 and 48 is updated.
.. Represent the respective processing steps. First, in S1, it is determined whether data such as the cooling / warming operation mode other than the operation on / off, the set temperature, the set air volume, and the like have not been externally changed. If so, proceed to S3. S2
Then, the set air volume is set as an initial value or a new set value, the valve opening set value of the throttle means 4 is updated to the initial value, and the process proceeds to S3. In S3, the operation state of the air conditioner is checked. If the thermo-on is ON (during the operation of the compressor), the process proceeds to S4; otherwise, the process proceeds to S13. In S4, it is determined whether or not the thermostat was ON in the previous operation state confirmation. If the thermostat is ON, the process proceeds to S13, and if not, the process proceeds to S5. In S5, it is determined whether or not the time content is shorter than the set value 1. If it is shorter, the process proceeds to S6, and if not, the process proceeds to S12. At S6, the timing data is added for a predetermined time, and S7
Proceed to. In S7, it is determined whether or not the set air volume is smaller than the minimum value. If the set air volume is smaller than the minimum value, the process proceeds to S8, and if not, the process proceeds to S9. In S8, the set air volume is updated to the minimum value, and the process proceeds to S9. In S9, the set value of the valve opening degree of the throttle means 4 is reduced by one rank, and the process proceeds to S10. S10
Then, it is determined whether the valve opening set value of the throttle means 4 is smaller than the minimum value. If it is smaller than the minimum value, the process proceeds to S11, and if not, the process proceeds to S12. In S12, the clock data is cleared to 0, and the control exits. In S13, the time measurement data is added for the duration of the activation cycle of this control, and the process exits from this control.

With such a learning function, the nonvolatile RA
The control variable data (air volume and throttle valve opening) stored in M can be automatically changed according to the operating condition of the air conditioner at the discretion of the control device. Operation control suitable for the place can be performed. Also, since the information data remains even if the power of the control device is turned off,
The information data at the time of power cut can be used as it is at the next startup. Therefore, it is possible to connect the operation in which the frequency of thermo start / stop is suppressed according to the installation location of the air conditioner, and the indoor air conditioning environment is stabilized. In addition, since the starting operation with a large load is reduced, it leads to energy saving.

In the above embodiment, the air conditioner is divided into an outdoor unit A and an indoor unit B, and the control units A 'and B' for controlling the respective units are provided. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the present invention is applicable to, for example, an integrated air conditioner in which the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are combined.

[0024]

The following effects can be obtained by configuring the present invention as described above. First, the program data and constant data of the control device of the air conditioner are separately stored in the read-only storage device and the non-volatile readable / writable storage device. Constant data and the like can be changed and set.

In addition, by writing data to the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means via an existing transmission means between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit as a control device of the air conditioner, the number of parts of the air conditioner itself is increased. It is possible to change and set program data, constant data, and the like without the need to execute the process and from a remote place after the product is completed.

The write contents of the non-volatile readable / writable storage means are confirmed via the existing transmission means between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit as a control device of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the number of parts of the air conditioner itself. It is possible to check the contents of writing without increasing the number or even from a remote place.

Further, when the contents of writing in the non-volatile readable / writable storage means are confirmed without using the transmission means, the means for setting the target data and the means for displaying the data contents are provided in the control device by mounting or retrofitting. This makes it easy to respond.

Further, by limiting the contents stored in the read-only storage means to data common to the control device of another model, it is possible to cope with more other models by only slightly rewriting the data. Thus, even after the end of the product life, only the control device can change the storage content and reuse it.

By setting minimum data such as product-specific constants and local setting constants as storage contents of the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means, the storage capacity of the relatively expensive nonvolatile readable / writable storage means is reduced. Therefore, the configuration can be made as inexpensively as possible.

Further, a learning effect can be obtained by automatically changing the control variable data stored in the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means in accordance with the operation state of the air conditioner at the discretion of the control device. Therefore, operation control suitable for the installation location can be performed.

Further, since the read-only storage means is also constituted by the nonvolatile readable / writable storage means, the storage means can be constituted by the same parts, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

By configuring the non-volatile readable / writable storage means with a flash memory, a large-capacity partially rewritable function can be realized at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a control device of an air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control flowchart by the control device of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional general air conditioner and a control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 compressor, 3 condenser, 4 throttle means, 5 evaporator,
6 refrigerant pipe, 10 transmission lines, 12 transmission means, 35 third ROM, 36 third setting means, 38 first non-volatile RAM, 39 first display means, 45 fourth RO
M, 46 fourth setting means, 48 second non-volatile RA
M, 49 second display means, 51 nonvolatile RAM storage content change setting means, 52 nonvolatile RAM storage content reading means, 53 nonvolatile RAM storage content display means, A
Outdoor unit, A 'outdoor control unit, B indoor unit, B' indoor control unit, C external setting display means.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A control device for an air conditioner provided with a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, a throttle means, an evaporator, and the like are annularly connected via a refrigerant pipe, wherein the control unit controls the air conditioner. At least read-only storage means and non-volatile readable and writable storage means for storing program data and information data such as control constant data for storing the information data. A control device for an air conditioner, wherein the control device is stored separately in both storage means. 2. An outdoor control device comprising an air conditioner separated into an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, comprising: an outdoor control device for controlling the outdoor unit; and an indoor control device for controlling the indoor unit. And transmitting means connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data with each other so that information can be transmitted between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device.
The information data stored in the non-volatile readable and writable storage means in the outdoor control device or the indoor control device,
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is configured to be rewritable via the respective transmission means based on program data stored in read-only storage means in the indoor control device or the outdoor control device. 3. Control device. 3. An outdoor control device comprising an air conditioner separated into an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, comprising: an outdoor control device for controlling the outdoor unit; and an indoor control device for controlling the indoor unit. And transmitting means connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data with each other so that information can be transmitted between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device.
The information data stored in the non-volatile readable and writable storage means in the outdoor control device or the indoor control device,
2. An external display means for reading out and displaying via said respective transmission means based on program data stored in read-only storage means in said indoor control device or said outdoor control device. 3. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1. 4. An outdoor control device comprising: an air conditioner separated into an outdoor unit and an indoor unit; an outdoor control device for controlling the outdoor unit; and an indoor control device for controlling the indoor unit. And transmitting means connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data with each other so that information can be transmitted between the outdoor control device and the indoor control device.
The information data stored in the non-volatile readable and writable storage means in the outdoor control device or the indoor control device,
Based on the program data stored in the read-only storage means in the outdoor control device or the indoor control device, according to the setting from the setting device provided in the outdoor control device or the indoor control device, the outdoor control device or the The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the display is provided on display means provided in the indoor control device. 5. An initialization processing program, a control program for a transmission means, a rewrite control program for a non-volatile readable and writable storage means, and the like, depending on hardware of the control device. 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the control device component is configured to be compatible with an air conditioner of a model using hardware equivalent to the hardware by using the common program. Control device for air conditioner. 6. The information data stored in the non-volatile readable / writable storage means includes at least a product-specific constant unique to each product model and model name of the air conditioner, and / or a local installation situation. The control device for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device includes a local setting constant to be changed. 7. In the indoor control apparatus, when the thermo start / stop cycle is shorter than a predetermined cycle during continuous operation, the control variable data stored in the non-volatile readable / writable storage means is changed and automatically rewritten. The control device for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a setting unit. 8. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the read-only storage means is constituted by a nonvolatile readable / writable storage means. 9. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein said nonvolatile readable / writable storage means is constituted by a flash memory.