JP2002081722A - Control device and air conditioner using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device for performing the input processing of a sensor and the drive control of an actuator inexpensively with a simple configuration by preventing the decrease in the detection accuracy and following properties of the sensor while reliably insulating a power supply from a product outer enclosure, and an air conditioner using the control device. SOLUTION: A main microcomputer 1 for controlling a motor 11 that is driven by the drive power supply, an auxiliary microcomputer 2 for processing the input signal of a thermistor 12, and an insulated communication circuit 3 for communication between the main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2 are provided. The main microcomputer 1 is primarily insulated from the auxiliary microcomputer 2 by the insulated communication circuit 3, and the product outer enclosure near the thermistor 12 to the power supply is insulated. Then, the main section (control or the like of a compressor) of the control function of the air conditioner is processed by the main microcomputer 1 having a high throughput, and the auxiliary function (input processing or the like of a signal detected by the thermistor 12) of the air conditioner is made by the auxiliary microcomputer 2 having a low throughput.

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 controlling an actuator such as a compressor of an air conditioner and an air conditioner using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an air conditioner has a power source for driving an actuator such as a compressor, and a product housing (a portion touched by a human hand) to which a sensor such as a thermistor is attached is connected to the power source. On the other hand, double insulation or reinforced insulation is required by law (Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law).

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a main part including a control device of the air conditioner. Reference numeral 61 denotes a main microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer);
Is a compressor motor as an actuator driven by the above-mentioned insulated driver 62, and 64 is a thermistor for detecting the outside air temperature. In this control device, primary insulation (basic insulation) is obtained by an insulation type driver 62 which is an actuator drive unit.
The outer periphery of the product is insulated from a motive power source (not shown) by the secondary insulation (additional insulation) of the thermistor 64 serving as a sensor unit by the insulation unit 60 to form a double insulation structure. However, the air conditioner has an insulating driver 6
2 uses a high-speed coupler, and has a disadvantage that the cost is high.

On the other hand, in recent years, a control device for an air conditioner that controls an actuator driving unit such as an inverter without using a high-speed coupler without insulation has been proposed, and a part of the control device has been commercialized. This air conditioner control device has attracted attention as a device that performs inverter control with high accuracy and high efficiency, and can be said to be a useful technology because it can eliminate high-speed couplers and also has a cost reduction effect. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a control device of an air conditioner in which the actuator drive unit is made non-insulated, in which a product outer shell is insulated from a motive power source.

The control device for an air conditioner shown in FIG. 7 is provided with a microcomputer 71 dedicated to driving the actuator and a main microcomputer 72 for controlling the whole of the devices in an integrated manner. The communication is carried out via 73.
In the control device of this air conditioner, primary insulation (basic insulation) is obtained by the insulation type communication circuit 73, and secondary insulation (additional insulation) is provided by the insulator 70 between the thermistor 75 as the sensor unit and the outer casing of the product. Therefore, the outer casing of the product is insulated from a power source (not shown) by the double insulation structure. In FIG. 7, an actuator drive unit (driver) that is controlled by the actuator drive dedicated microcomputer 71 and drives the compressor motor 74 is omitted.

The control device for an air conditioner shown in FIG. 8 includes a main microcomputer 81, a compressor motor 82, and a thermistor 83. The main microcomputer 81 drives an actuator for driving the compressor motor 82. The control unit (not shown) is controlled, and the entire device is integrated and controlled. In the control device of this air conditioner, reinforced insulation (take a distance from the outer part) is provided by providing an insulator 80 having a sufficient thickness between the thermistor 80 connected to the main microcomputer 81 and the outer part of the product. I have.

[0007]

In the control device for the air conditioner shown in FIG. 7, the control signal of the actuator drive unit is made non-insulated, so that the cost reduction effect by removing the high-speed coupler is obtained. The drive microcomputer 71 and the main microcomputer 7 that controls the entire device.
Both require a high-performance microcomputer with high processing capability, and thus have the disadvantage of high cost.

Further, according to the control device for the air conditioner shown in FIG. 8, since the control of the devices is centralized in one microcomputer, it is easy to carry out the efficient control, but the reinforced insulated thermistor 80 and the temperature measuring device are used. Since the distance from the point is increased by the insulator 80, there is a problem in the detection accuracy of the thermistor 80, the temperature followability, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple structure and low cost sensor input processing and actuators with a simple structure and at a low cost, while reliably insulating a power supply and a product casing from each other, preventing a decrease in sensor detection accuracy and followability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device capable of controlling the driving of an air conditioner and an air conditioner using the control device.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a control device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a control microcomputer for controlling an actuator driven by a power supply, and detection from a sensor insulated from the power supply. An input processing microcomputer for processing signals, and an insulating communication circuit for performing communication between the control microcomputer and the input processing microcomputer are provided.

According to the control device of the first aspect, the control function of the entire device using the control device is divided into the control microcomputer and the input processing microcomputer, and the control microcomputer controls the main part of the control function of the device. By processing and processing the auxiliary functions of the device with the input processing microcomputer, the functions of the input processing microcomputer can be reduced, and an inexpensive general-purpose microcomputer with low processing capacity can be used as the input processing microcomputer, which reduces costs. Can be reduced. Further, the control microcomputer and the input processing microcomputer are insulated from each other by an insulating communication circuit, thereby enabling the control microcomputer to perform non-insulated driving of the actuator, thereby improving controllability. In addition, it is not necessary to provide reinforced insulation between the sensor and the outer casing of the product, thereby preventing a decrease in detection accuracy and followability of the sensor.

A control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the control device according to the first aspect, wherein the actuator that is insulated from the power supply is controlled by the input processing microcomputer.

According to the control device of the second aspect, by providing the input processing microcomputer with a function of controlling an actuator insulated from the power supply, the power supply power can be changed without changing the software of the control microcomputer. The specifications for actuators that are insulated from the actuator can be changed, and software development man-hours can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the control apparatus of the first or second aspect, the optional function unit insulated from the power supply is controlled by the input processing microcomputer.

According to the control device of the third aspect, by providing the input processing microcomputer with a function of controlling the optional function unit, the function can be added without changing the software of the control microcomputer. Development man-hours can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control microcomputer for controlling an actuator driven by a power supply, an option function microcomputer for processing an optional function unit insulated from the power supply, and An insulation type communication circuit for performing communication between the microcomputer and the microcomputer for the optional function is provided.

According to the control device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control microcomputer integrates the basic control of the device using the control device, and controls the option function section by the option function microcomputer. By reducing the number of functions, an inexpensive general-purpose microcomputer having a low processing capability can be used as the microcomputer for the optional function, and the cost can be reduced. Further, the control microcomputer and the optional function microcomputer are insulated from each other by an insulating communication circuit, thereby enabling the control microcomputer to perform non-insulated driving of the actuator, thereby improving controllability. Further, the specification can be easily changed without changing the control microcomputer.

Further, the air conditioner of claim 5 is characterized in that:
The present invention is characterized in that any one of the control devices (1) to (3) is used.

According to the air conditioner of the fifth aspect, the control function of the entire air conditioner is divided into a control microcomputer and an input processing microcomputer, and the control microcomputer processes a main part of the control function of the air conditioner. In addition, the input processing microcomputer processes auxiliary functions of the air conditioner (such as the function of converting analog signals such as temperature and humidity detected by sensors into digital signals), thereby reducing the functions of the input processing microcomputer. Thus, an inexpensive general-purpose microcomputer having low processing capability can be used as the input processing microcomputer, and the cost can be reduced. Further, the control microcomputer and the input processing microcomputer are insulated from each other by an insulating communication circuit, thereby enabling the control microcomputer to perform non-insulated driving of the actuator, thereby improving controllability. In addition, it is not necessary to provide reinforced insulation between the sensor and the outer casing of the product, thereby preventing a decrease in detection accuracy and followability of the sensor. In addition, the above control microcomputer integrates the basic control, and the input processing microcomputer controls the actuator and optional function units (humidifier, dehumidifier, etc.) that are insulated from the power supply.
, The specification can be easily changed without changing the control microcomputer.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a control device according to the present invention and an air conditioner using the same will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a device including a control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a main microcomputer as a control microcomputer for controlling a motor 11 as an actuator driven by a power supply (not shown), and 2 an input processing microcomputer for processing an input signal of a thermistor 12 as a sensor. The auxiliary microcomputer 3 is an insulated communication circuit for performing communication between the main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2. The main microcomputer 1, the auxiliary microcomputer 2, and the insulated communication circuit 3 constitute a control device. The insulated communication circuit 3 communicates by digital signals. The main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2 are connected to each other by an insulated communication circuit 3.
Thermistor 12 is secondarily insulated from the outer casing of the product by insulator 21. Therefore, the product shell is
It is doubly insulated from a power source for driving the motor 11. In FIG. 1, an actuator driving unit that is controlled by the main microcomputer 1 and drives the motor 11 is omitted.

In the above control device, the control function of the entire device is divided into the main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2, and the main microcomputer 1
Processes the main part of the control function of the device, and the auxiliary microcomputer 2 processes the auxiliary function of the device (such as a function of converting an analog signal detected by the thermistor 12 into a digital signal). In this manner, by reducing the functions of the auxiliary microcomputer 2, an inexpensive general-purpose microcomputer having a low processing capacity can be used as the auxiliary microcomputer 2, and the cost can be reduced.

The main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2 are insulated from each other by the insulation type communication circuit 3 so that the main microcomputer 1
Enables non-insulated drive of the inverter, thereby improving controllability. Further, in the above control device, the detection accuracy and temperature followability of the thermistor 12 can be made equal to those of the related art.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a device including a control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The control device of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the control device of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a main microcomputer as a control microcomputer for controlling a motor 11 as an actuator driven by a power supply (not shown), and 2A denotes a motor 13 as an actuator insulated from the power supply. Auxiliary microcomputer as input processing microcomputer to control, 3
Is an insulation type communication circuit for performing communication between the main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2A. The main microcomputer 1,
The control device is composed of the auxiliary microcomputer 2A and the insulating communication circuit 3. The main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2A are primarily insulated by an insulation type communication circuit 3,
Is insulated secondarily from the outer casing of the product by the insulator 21.
Therefore, the outer casing of the product is doubly insulated from the power source for driving the motor 11. In FIG. 2, an actuator drive unit that is controlled by the main microcomputer 1 and drives the motor 11 is omitted.

The auxiliary microcomputer 2A controls, as an auxiliary function, the motor 13 as an actuator which is not reinforced and insulated from the outer casing of the apparatus but is insulated from the power supply.

The control device according to the second embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment, and also has the function of controlling the motor 13 insulated from the power supply to the auxiliary microcomputer 2A, so that the main microcomputer 1 The specifications can be changed without changing the software, and software development man-hours can be reduced.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a device including a control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The control device of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the control device of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a main microcomputer as a control microcomputer for controlling a motor 11 as an actuator driven by a power supply (not shown), and 2B denotes a motor 13 as an actuator insulated from the power supply. Auxiliary microcomputer as input processing microcomputer to control, 3
Is an insulated communication circuit for performing communication between the main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2B. The main microcomputer 1,
A control device is constituted by the auxiliary microcomputer 2B and the insulated communication circuit 3, and the control device and the motors 11 and 13 form a main unit.
A. The main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2
B is primarily insulated by the insulated communication circuit 3.
The motor 13 is secondarily insulated from the outer casing of the product by an insulator 21. Therefore, the outer casing of the product is doubly insulated from the power source for driving the motor 11.
Note that, in FIG. 3, an actuator driving unit that is controlled by the main microcomputer 1 and drives the motor 11 is omitted.

The auxiliary microcomputer 2B has a function of controlling the optional function unit 10B as an auxiliary function different from the main unit 10A.

The control device of the third embodiment has the same effects as the second embodiment, and also changes the software of the main microcomputer 1 by providing the auxiliary microcomputer 2B with a function of controlling the option function unit 10B. Functions can be added without software, and software development man-hours can be reduced.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a device including a control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The control device of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the control device of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a main microcomputer as a control microcomputer for controlling a motor 11 as an actuator driven by a power supply (not shown); 2C, an auxiliary microcomputer as an optional function microcomputer; This is an insulation type communication circuit for performing communication between the main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2C. The main microcomputer 1, the auxiliary microcomputer 2C and the insulation type communication circuit 3 constitute a control device. The main microcomputer 1 and the auxiliary microcomputer 2C are primarily insulated by an insulating communication circuit 3. Therefore, the outer casing of the product is insulated from a power supply for driving the motor 11. In FIG. 4, an actuator driving unit that is controlled by the main microcomputer 1 and drives the motor 11 is omitted.

In the control device according to the fourth embodiment, the basic control is centralized in the main microcomputer 1, and the additional function units 31 to 33 as optional function units in the main body are controlled by the auxiliary microcomputer 2C.
, The specifications can be easily changed without changing the main microcomputer 1. For example, the auxiliary microcomputer 2C
When it is desired to use the motor controlled by the AC motor / DC motor depending on the device grade, the specification can be easily changed by changing the software of the auxiliary microcomputer 2C without changing the main microcomputer 1.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner using a control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 31 denotes a compressor (built-in motor) 4 as an actuator driven by a power source (not shown).
1, a main microcomputer as a control microcomputer for controlling the fan 42; 32, an auxiliary microcomputer as an input processing microcomputer for processing a detection signal of the thermistor 43 and controlling an electric valve 44 as an auxiliary actuator; This is an insulation type communication circuit for performing communication between the microcomputer 31 and the auxiliary microcomputer 32. The main microcomputer 31, the auxiliary microcomputer 32 and the insulated communication circuit 33 constitute a control device. The main microcomputer 31 and the auxiliary microcomputer 32 are
Primary insulation by the insulation type communication circuit 33, thermistor 4
Numeral 3 is secondarily insulated from the outer casing of the product by an insulator 40. In FIG. 5, the main microcomputer 31 controls
An actuator drive unit for driving the compressor 41 and the fan 42 is omitted. Further, since the motor-operated valve 44 is disposed inside the main body at a distance from the outer casing of the product, no particular insulating structure is provided. Further, an electromagnetic valve or the like may be used instead of the electric valve 44.

In the air conditioner using the above-described control device, the main microcomputer 31 controls the actuators of the respective actuators as commands for controlling the entire air conditioner (air conditioner control function in FIG. 5).
Functions such as compressor control and fan control are provided. The auxiliary microcomputer 32 has a thermistor I / O (input / output) function for A / D (analog / digital) conversion of a detection value (analog value) of a thermistor 43 and a humidity sensor (not shown), and an electric valve 44. Functions such as control of The auxiliary microcomputer 32 includes an isolated communication circuit 3 in the main microcomputer 31.
The main microcomputer 31 performs various controls based on the information such as the temperature and the humidity by transmitting information such as the temperature and the humidity via the control unit 3. Then, the main microcomputer 31 transmits an operation command for the auxiliary actuator (electrically operated valve 44) and the like to the auxiliary microcomputer 32 via the insulated communication circuit 33.

Further, the auxiliary microcomputer 32 includes a humidifier 5
1 has a control function of humidification and humidity control, and a control function of dehumidification, air cleaning and ventilation of the dehumidifier 52. The auxiliary microcomputer 32 has other functions as a generator (engine,
A control function of a photovoltaic power generation, a fuel cell), a control function of a storage battery, a centralized controller, a branch unit, a drainage pump, and the like, and an arithmetic function for displaying information such as electricity bills may be provided.

In the air conditioner using the above control device, the control function of the entire air conditioner is divided into a main microcomputer 31 and an auxiliary microcomputer 32, and the main microcomputer 31 processes a main part of the control function of the air conditioner. Auxiliary microcomputer 32 for auxiliary functions of air conditioner (thermistor I / O function, solenoid valve control, etc.)
Process. In this way, by reducing the functions of the auxiliary microcomputer 32, an inexpensive general-purpose microcomputer having a low processing capability can be used as the auxiliary microcomputer 32, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, by integrating the basic control in the main microcomputer 31 and controlling the humidifier 51 and the dehumidifier 52 as optional function units by the auxiliary microcomputer 32, it is easy to change specifications without changing the main microcomputer 31. Can be.

The control devices of the above-described first to fourth embodiments can be applied to all devices that insulate a power supply for driving an actuator from the outer periphery of a product.

[0041]

As is clear from the above, according to the control device of the first aspect of the present invention, the control microcomputer and the input processing microcomputer are insulated from each other by the insulated communication circuit, and the control microcomputer controls the equipment. By processing the main part of the function and processing the auxiliary functions of the device with the input processing microcomputer, the power supply and the outer casing of the product are reliably insulated, while preventing the deterioration of the detection accuracy and follow-up of the sensor. The input processing of the sensor and the drive control of the actuator can be performed at a low cost with the configuration.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the control device of the first aspect, the input processing microcomputer is provided with a function of controlling an actuator which is insulated from a motive power source. It is possible to change the specifications of the actuator insulated from the power supply without changing the software, thereby reducing the number of software development steps.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the control device of the first or second aspect, the input processing microcomputer is provided with a function of controlling an optional function unit, so that the software of the control microcomputer is controlled. Functions can be added without any change, and software development man-hours can be reduced.

According to the control device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control microcomputer and the optional function microcomputer are insulated from each other by the insulated communication circuit, and the basic control of a device using the control device as the control microcomputer is performed. By controlling the optional function section with the optional function microcomputer, the power supply and the outer casing of the product are reliably insulated, while preventing the deterioration of sensor detection accuracy and follow-up performance, with a simple configuration and low cost. Thus, input processing of the sensor and drive control of the actuator can be performed.

According to the air conditioner of the fifth aspect of the present invention, by using the control device of any one of the first to third aspects, the power supply and the outer casing of the product can be reliably insulated while the sensor of the sensor is insulated. It is possible to realize an air conditioner that controls the drive of an optional function unit and an actuator with a simple configuration and at low cost while preventing a decrease in detection accuracy and followability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a device including a control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a device including a control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a device including a control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a device including a control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part including a control device of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part including a control device of a conventional air conditioner.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part including a control device of another conventional air conditioner.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part including a control device of another conventional air conditioner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 31: main microcomputer, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 32: auxiliary microcomputer, 3, 33: insulating communication circuit, 11, 13: motor, 12, 43: thermistor, 41: compressor, 42: fan, 44: electric valve, 51: humidifier, 52: dehumidifier.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A control microcomputer (1, 31) for controlling an actuator (11, 41, 42) driven by a power source, and detection signals from sensors (12, 43) insulated from the power source. Input processing microcomputer (2,
2A, 2B, 32) and an insulated communication circuit (3, 2) for performing communication between the control microcomputer (1, 31) and the input processing microcomputer (2, 2A, 2B, 32). 33) A control device comprising: 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is insulated from the power supply.
To the input processing microcomputer (2, 2A, 2B,
32) A control device controlled by (32). 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the optional function unit is insulated from the power supply.
2) with the input processing microcomputer (2, 2A, 2).
B, 32). 4. A control microcomputer (1) for controlling an actuator (11) driven by a power supply.
And optional function units (31 to 3) insulated from the power supply
Microcomputer for optional function to process 3)
(2C) and an insulated communication circuit (3) for performing communication between the control microcomputer (1) and the optional function microcomputer (2C). . 5. An air conditioner using the control device according to claim 1. Description: