JP2002130779A - Method of controlling air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a controller of an air conditioner for avoiding errors in setting an address by enabling a simple setting of a group address on indoor units operated in a group. SOLUTION: A central controller A comprises a control input means 1, a group-setting mode for setting groups by dividing a plurality of indoor units B1, B2 and Bn into groups, a number temporary setting means for temporarily setting a prescribed group number, a group-setting means for setting all the indoor units belonging to the temporarily set prescribed group number as the units of a same group and a communication means 5. The indoor units, provided with an input means 11 comprising remote controllers C1, C2 and Cn, an address setting means 12 and a communication means 15 and transmission lines 6 for transmitting signals, are provided. In such a state that the group-setting mode is selected and the prescribed group number is temporarily set by the number temporary setting means, prescribed control inputs are performed by the input means to determine that all the indoor units, having had communication with the central controller, belong to the same group having the prescribed group number.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling an air conditioner, and more particularly, to a method for controlling an air conditioner that performs group operation by setting a group address to a plurality of indoor units.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional air conditioner control method, an address is set in advance to an indoor unit and a remote controller by an address setting switch, and then the power of each indoor unit is turned on. Is supplied, the group setting switch on the remote controller is turned on, and the address setting of the connection destination is manually input to perform the group setting. However, in such a control method, an indoor unit that performs group operation with the remote controller must be manually set from the remote controller, and thus there is a problem of erroneous setting such as a setting error. In order to solve this problem, as disclosed in JP-A-6-42800, a method of providing a number setting switch in an indoor unit and automatically grouping the number set by the number setting switch,
There has been proposed a method of automatically grouping indoor units to which a remote controller is not connected. However, this method requires a number setting switch for each indoor unit, or each indoor unit is grouped in address order,
It was difficult to change the settings and the settings could not be flexibly set.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides an air conditioner that can easily set a group address for an indoor unit that performs group operation and can prevent an address setting error. The purpose is to provide a control method.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an operation input means comprising an operation switch;
Communication means for communicating with a plurality of indoor units, a central control device for centrally controlling each indoor unit, input means comprising a remote controller and operation switches, and communication with the central control device Communication means, comprising a plurality of indoor units that are centrally controlled from the centralized control device, and a transmission line that connects between the indoor units and connects the centralized control device to transmit a signal, Divide into multiple groups, set a group number for each group,
In the air conditioner control method in which operation control of all the other indoor units in the same group is performed by any one of the input units belonging to each of the groups, each of the indoor units belongs to the central control device. A group setting mode for setting the group number by dividing into groups,
Number temporary setting means for temporarily setting a predetermined temporary group number, and group setting means for assigning and setting the temporarily set predetermined temporary group number to each group divided as a group number, wherein the centralized control device After selecting the group setting mode, the number provisional setting means provisionally sets a predetermined provisional group number, and then performs a predetermined control operation on each of the input units of the indoor units to be in the same group as the same group. By performing the operation by communicating with the centralized control device, the group setting unit sets the predetermined temporary group number as the same group as the group number for all the indoor units that are operated by communicating with the centralized control device. Assignment setting was made.

[0005] The predetermined control operation is an operation of turning on or off the power by the input means on the indoor unit side.

The provisional group number provisionally set by the provisional number setting means is incremented one by one by operating the operation input means of the centralized device.

[0007] The indoor unit or the centralized control device is configured to identify and display the temporary group number at least in the group setting mode.

The provisional group number provisionally set by the provisional number setting means is incremented one by one by operating the input means of the indoor unit.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a main block diagram showing an entire configuration of an embodiment of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to the present invention. Description will be made based on the drawings. A is a central control device, which is an operation switch or a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) for performing operations such as setting and switching of set values.
Operation input means 1 comprising a plurality of indoor units B1, B
2, Bn is divided into a plurality of groups, and a number provisional setting means 2 for provisionally setting a group number for the same group, and a group setting means 3 for setting a fixed group number for the indoor units B1, B2, Bn. And a first communication means 5 for communicating with a plurality of indoor units B1, B2, Bn, and performs centralized control of the entire apparatus such as group setting and air-conditioning operation via a transmission line 6. The operation input unit 1 has a mode switching unit 1a, and switches modes such as a normal operation and a group setting mode. The provisional number setting means 2 includes a number increment section 2a for incrementing the group number by one step.

Each of the plurality of indoor units B1, B2, Bn has input means 11 comprising operation switches to which remote controls C1, C2, Cn are connected, respectively, and address setting means 12 for setting respective addresses. A number increment requesting unit 13 for requesting the central control unit A to increment a group number when setting a group.
And a display unit 14 such as a liquid crystal for identifying and displaying an operation status, a group number, and the like, and a second communication unit 15 for communicating with the central control device A. The input means 11 includes a mode switching unit 11a for switching and selecting a mode such as a normal operation and a group setting mode. The address setting means 12 includes indoor units B1, B2, B
An address setting switch 12a such as a dip switch for setting the address of n is provided. Indoor units B1, B
2, the address of Bn is the address setting switch 12a
Can be set. With the above configuration, the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn are all serially connected to the central control unit A by the transmission line 6, and the entire setting and control are performed by commands from the central control unit A. Note that the remote controllers C1, C2, and Cn may be either infrared rays or wires, and may be connected to each other in advance by wires in the same group. In this case, one remote controller C1, C2, Cn only needs to be connected, and all the indoor units B1 and B
2, Bn are controlled simultaneously.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are flow charts showing different examples for explaining the operation in the group setting mode. In the group setting mode 1 in FIG. 2A, the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn are all turned off in advance, only the central control unit A is turned on, and the operation mode is selected as the group setting mode by the mode switching unit 1a. Keep it. It is assumed that each of the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn has a unique address number set in advance by the address setting switch 12a. In this state, first, a predetermined group number (X = n) is input by an operation from the operation input unit 1 of the central control device A, and the temporary group number (X = n) is provisionally set by the number provisional setting unit 2 ( ST1).
Next, the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn whose temporary group numbers (X = n) are desired to be set as formal group numbers are selected.
The power of the indoor units B1, B2, Bn is turned on (ST
2). The indoor units B1, B2, and Bn, which have been turned on, perform communication with the central control device A. When there is communication, the group setting means 3 of the central control device A registers the temporary number (X = n) as a formal group number. And indoor unit B which communicated
1, B2, and Bn are set and registered as belonging to the group number (ST3).

The indoor units B1, B2, Bn once turned on
The communication with the central control device A is completed in a short time, but the power is turned off after the communication is completed (ST4). This is to prevent frequent communication with the central control device A during operation, and to prevent subsequent malfunction. Temporary group number (X = n)
It is confirmed whether or not the registration of all the indoor units B1, B2, Bn to be set to is completed (ST5), and if not completed, this operation is repeated (ST2 to ST5). When the registration is completed, the next provisional group number (X = m,...) Is set by the operation from the operation input means 1 of the central control device A (ST6). Next, it is confirmed whether or not all the group settings have been completed (ST7). If the group settings have been completed, the group setting mode ends (ST8). If not, the group setting operation is repeated (ST2 to ST7). The group setting mode is ended by returning from the group setting mode to the normal operation mode by the mode switching unit 1a of the central control device A or by turning off the power of the central control device A.

FIG. 2B shows a group setting mode 2 which is another example of the group setting. Also in the group setting mode 2, the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn are all turned off in advance, and only the central control unit A is turned on, and the operation mode is selected as the group setting mode by the mode switching unit 1a. It is assumed that each of the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn has a unique address number set in advance by the address setting switch 12a. First, X = 1 is input as a predetermined group number from the operation input unit 1, and the number is temporarily set as a group temporary number (X = 1) by the number temporary setting unit 2 (ST11). Next, the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn whose temporary numbers (X = 1) are desired to be set as formal group numbers are selected, and the power of the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn is turned on (ST12). The indoor units B1, B2, and Bn, which have been turned on, perform communication with the central control device A. When there is communication, the group setting means 3 of the central control device A registers the temporary number (X = 1) as an official group number. At the same time, the set indoor units B1, B2, and Bn that have communicated with each other are set and registered as belonging to the group number (ST13).

The indoor units B1, B2, Bn once turned on
The communication with the central control device A is completed in a short time, but the power is turned off after the communication is completed (ST14). Next, all the indoor units B1, B to be set to the temporary group number (X = 1)
2. Check whether the registration of Bn is completed (ST1)
5) If not completed, repeat this operation (ST2)
To ST15). When the registration is completed, the provisional group number is incremented by one step (X = X + 1) by the operation from the operation input means 1 of the central control device A (ST16). Next, it is confirmed whether or not there is an increment request from the number increment request unit 13 of the indoor units B1, B2, Bn (ST).
17). If there is no increment request, the next step 18 (ST18) is skipped and step 19 (ST1) is executed.
Jumping to 9), when this request is made, the provisional number is further incremented by one step (X = X + 1) (ST
18). This is used when a specific group number is to be skipped to make it an empty number, and when a provisional number increment operation is to be performed from the indoor units B1, B2, Bn. The group number is also displayed on the display unit 14 of the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn. During the setting of the group number, the setting can be performed only by operating the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not all the group settings have been completed (ST19). If it has been completed, the group setting mode is ended (ST20). If not, the group setting operation is repeated (ST12 to ST19). The group setting mode is terminated by returning from the group setting mode to the normal operation mode by the mode switching unit 1a of the central control device A or by turning off the power of the central control device A.

As described above, while the central control unit A selects the group setting mode and the number provisional setting means 2 provisionally sets a predetermined group number, the power is turned on by the input means 11, Alternatively, all the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn that have communicated with the central control device A by performing a predetermined control operation such as turning on and off the power supply are set to the same group having a predetermined group number. Since the number is set in comparison with the actual indoor units B1, B2, Bn, the setting is simple and there is no mistake.

The provisional number setting means 2 includes a number increment section 2a for incrementing the group numbers provisionally set by the provisional number setting means 2 by the operation input means 1 one by one.
The operation is simple.

Further, the indoor units B1, B2, Bn or the central control unit A are provided with a display unit 14 for identifying and displaying the group number at least in the group setting mode, so that the setting can be performed while checking the number. , Setting errors can be further reduced.

A number increment request for the indoor units B1, B2, Bn to make a request to the central control unit A via the transmission line 6 to increase the group number temporarily set by the number provisional setting means 2 by one step. Since the unit 13 is provided, the number can be set from the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn, so that the operation is easy.

In this embodiment, a predetermined control operation is performed by turning on a power supply,
Or described as power on / off, but other cooling,
There are operations such as heating and dehumidification, operation start, operation mode switching, and the like. Any operation involving communication between the central control device A and each of the indoor units B1, B2, and Bn can be easily recognized.
It goes without saying that a specific setting switch may be provided and the setting may be performed by operating the setting switch. Regardless of the method, the indoor units B1, B2, Bn
There is no need to enter a specific number from the side, so there are few mistakes when setting.

[0021]

The present invention is embodied in the manner described above, and has the following effects. An operation input means comprising an operation switch, a communication means for communicating with a plurality of indoor units, a central control device for centrally controlling each indoor unit, an input means comprising a remote controller and an operation switch, A communication unit for communicating with the central control unit is provided. The communication unit includes a plurality of indoor units that are centrally controlled by the central control unit, and a transmission line that connects between the indoor units and connects the central control unit to transmit signals. The air that divides each indoor unit into a plurality of groups, sets a group number for each group, and controls the operation of all other indoor units in the same group by any of the input means belonging to each group In the control method of the harmony device, the central control device includes a group setting mode for dividing each indoor unit into a group to which the indoor unit belongs, and setting a group number. A number provisional setting means for provisionally setting, to each group obtained by dividing a predetermined temporary group number temporarily set as a group number and a group setting means for setting allocation provided No.,
After the central control device selects the group setting mode and the provisional number setting means provisionally sets a predetermined provisional group number, the indoor units belonging to the same group perform predetermined control operations using the respective input means of the same indoor unit. The group setting means assigns and sets a predetermined temporary group number as a group number as the same group to all the indoor units operated in communication with the central control device by operating the central control device in communication with the central control device. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a method of controlling an air conditioner capable of easily setting a group address for an indoor unit that performs group operation and preventing an address setting error.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main part block diagram of one embodiment of a control method of an air conditioner of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are flowcharts illustrating different examples for explaining the group setting mode in the air conditioner control method according to the present invention. FIGS.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation input means 1a Mode switching part 2 Temporary number setting means 3 Group setting means 5 Communication means 6 Transmission line 11 Input means 11a Mode switching part 12 Address setting means 12a Address setting switch 13 Number increment request part 14 Display part 15 Communication means A Central control device B1, B2, Bn Indoor unit C1, C2, Cn Remote controller

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An operation input means comprising an operation switch,
Communication means for communicating with a plurality of indoor units, a central control device for centrally controlling each indoor unit, input means comprising a remote controller and operation switches, and communication with the central control device Communication means, comprising a plurality of indoor units that are centrally controlled from the centralized control device, and a transmission line that connects between the indoor units and connects the centralized control device to transmit a signal, Divide into multiple groups, set a group number for each group,
In the control method of an air conditioner in which operation control of all the other indoor units in the same group is performed by any one of the input units belonging to each group, each of the indoor units belongs to the centralized control device. A group setting mode for setting a group number by dividing into groups, a number provisional setting means for provisionally setting a predetermined provisional group number, and each of the provisional set predetermined provisional group numbers divided as group numbers Group setting means for allocating and setting to a group, wherein the central control device selects the group setting mode,
After the number provisional setting means provisionally sets a predetermined provisional group number, the indoor unit to be in the same group communicates with the centralized control device by performing a predetermined control operation with each of the input means of the indoor unit. By operating, the group setting means assigns and sets the predetermined temporary group number as a group number as the same group to all the indoor units that have operated in communication with the central control device. Characteristic air conditioner control method. 2. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined control operation is an operation of turning on or off a power supply by the input means on the indoor unit side. 3. The tentative group number temporarily set by the tentative number setting means is incremented one by one by operating the operation input means of the centralized device. The control method of the air conditioner according to the above. 4. The indoor unit or the central control device,
4. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the temporary group number is identified and displayed at least in the group setting mode. 5. The temporary group number temporarily set by the temporary number setting means is incremented one by one by operating the input means of the indoor unit. Air conditioner control method.