JP2007127304A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner capable of automatically recovering a normal operation without continuing a back-up operation before a service man arrives. <P>SOLUTION: This air conditioner comprises a plurality of outdoor units 1A, 1B, and performs an air conditioning operation by using the outdoor units of the number appropriate to air conditioning demand, of the plurality of outdoor units 1A, 1B. The plurality of outdoor units 1A, 1B respectively comprise a compressor 11 and a high-pressure cut detection sensor 60 detecting a refrigerant pressure and outputting an abnormality signal, and a back-up operation is performed to condition the air while excluding the outdoor unit on which abnormality is detected, when the abnormality signal of at least one sensor 60 is detected. A control portion 100 is disposed to operate the outdoor unit on which the abnormality is detected, after the lapse of prescribed time from transferring to the back-up operation, then reconfirm the abnormality signal of the sensor 60, and release the back-up operation when the abnormality signal is not detected to perform the air conditioning operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner capable of performing a backup operation by detecting any abnormality among a plurality of outdoor units.

A general air conditioner is provided with, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature before flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger or after discharging. This temperature sensor is for protecting the compressor. When the signal transmitted from the temperature sensor is an abnormal value, the compressor is stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .
On the other hand, in the multi-type air conditioner, when an abnormal signal of the temperature sensor is confirmed, it can be switched to a backup operation in which an air conditioner operation is performed using an outdoor unit other than the outdoor unit in which the abnormality is detected. It has become.
JP 2004-360967 A

  The above-described temperature sensor may malfunction due to the influence of noise having a long generation time, or may transmit an abnormal signal when the refrigerant pressure suddenly rises. However, these malfunctions or pressure increases are judged to be a failure of the outdoor unit even though the noise disappears or the refrigerant pressure returns to normal after a lapse of time, although normal operation may be possible. Therefore, only backup operation can be performed. During the above-described backup operation, the number of outdoor units that can be operated decreases, and the user cannot perform sufficient air-conditioning operation until a serviceman arrives and repairs and inspections are performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is normal without continuing the backup operation before arrival of the service person even when the backup operation is forced due to a malfunction of the high-pressure cut detection sensor or the like. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can be restored to operation.

In the present invention, a plurality of outdoor units are provided, and air conditioning operation is performed using a number of outdoor units that meet the air conditioning requirements among the plurality of outdoor units, and the plurality of outdoor units are compressors. And a high-pressure cut detection sensor that detects the refrigerant pressure and outputs an abnormal signal, and performs backup for air-conditioning operation except for an outdoor unit in which the abnormal signal is detected when an abnormal signal is detected from at least one of the sensors In the air conditioner that performs the operation, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the transition to the backup operation, the outdoor unit in which the abnormal signal from the sensor is detected is operated and the abnormal signal of the sensor is reconfirmed, and the abnormal signal is not detected. In such a case, a control unit for canceling the backup operation and performing the air conditioning operation is provided.
In this case, the control unit includes an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality signal of the sensor, a backup operation control unit that starts a backup operation based on the abnormality signal detected by the abnormality detection unit, and a normal operation from the backup operation. And an operation control unit that switches to a time and a time measuring unit that measures a certain time.

In addition, the abnormality detection unit includes a memory unit that stores an abnormality history, and a comparison unit that compares the content of the abnormality with the abnormality history when an abnormality is detected in the re-detection. In the case of the same abnormality, the backup operation is continued, and in the case of a different abnormality, the abnormality can be reported to the user.
Furthermore, the memory unit may have a capacity capable of storing a plurality of abnormality histories, and the comparison unit may compare the contents of abnormality caused by re-detection with a plurality of abnormality histories.
Furthermore, when the same abnormality is detected again after the backup operation is canceled, the abnormality detection unit can restart the backup operation without notifying the user of the abnormality.

In this case, the sensor may be a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant.
The sensor may be a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the refrigerant.

  According to the present invention, after a lapse of a predetermined time after shifting to the backup operation, the outdoor unit in which the abnormal signal from the sensor is detected is operated, the abnormal signal of the sensor is confirmed, and the abnormal signal is not detected. Since it has a control unit that cancels the backup operation and performs the operation that meets the air conditioning request, if the abnormal signal is not recognized by reconfirmation, it is in a state where the capability of the air conditioner can be fully exhibited Therefore, the backup operation is canceled, and the operation control unit can control the operation of each outdoor unit. Therefore, even if the backup operation is forced due to a malfunction of the high-pressure cut detection sensor, the normal operation can be automatically restored without continuing the backup operation before arrival of the service person.

  Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an example, a two-way type air conditioner that has a plurality of outdoor units (two in this embodiment) will be described. This air conditioner performs an air conditioning operation using a number of outdoor units that meet the air conditioning requirements among a plurality of outdoor units.

  In an air conditioner 50 shown in FIG. 1, outdoor units 1A and 1B are connected in parallel to an inter-unit pipe 9 including a gas pipe 5 and a liquid pipe 7, and indoor units 3A and 3B are connected in parallel. Configured.

  In the outdoor unit 1A, an accumulator 16 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 11, a four-way valve 13 is connected to the discharge side via an oil separator 12, and an outdoor heat exchanger is connected to an outdoor refrigerant pipe 18 on the four-way valve 13 side. 14 and the outdoor expansion valve 15 are sequentially connected. The outdoor heat exchanger 14 is a water-cooled heat exchanger that is branched and provided in two systems, and each of the outdoor heat exchangers 14 is provided with a cooling water circulation line 22. Although not shown in the figure, this cooling water circulation conduit 22 is connected to a boiler device or a cold heat source. Since the outdoor unit 1B has the same configuration as the outdoor unit 1A, the description thereof is omitted. Further, even when three or more outdoor units are provided, the same configuration can be adopted.

  In the indoor unit 3A, an indoor expansion valve 38 and an indoor heat exchanger 34 are sequentially connected to an indoor refrigerant pipe 39. One end of the indoor refrigerant pipe 39 is connected to the gas pipe 5, and the other end is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 34 and an indoor expansion valve. Each of them is connected to the liquid pipe 7 via 38. An indoor fan 37 that blows air to the indoor heat exchanger 34 is disposed adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger 34. Since the indoor unit 3B has the same configuration as the indoor unit 3A, description thereof is omitted. Further, even when three or more indoor units are provided, the same configuration can be adopted.

  During the cooling operation, the four-way valve 13 is switched to the dotted line position (position during the cooling operation). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 passes through the oil separator 12 and the four-way valve 13 and then enters the outdoor heat exchanger 14 as shown by the dotted arrow, condenses here, passes through the outdoor expansion valve 15, and then is liquid. It flows through the pipe 7 and flows into the indoor units 3A and 3B.

  The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor units 3A and 3B enters the indoor expansion valve 38 and the indoor heat exchanger 34, evaporates here, and then flows through the gas pipe 5 and is divided into the outdoor units 1A and 1B. Then, the divided refrigerant is returned to the compressor 11 through the four-way valve 13 and the accumulator 16.

  At the time of heating operation, the four-way valve 13 is switched to a solid line position (position at the time of heating operation). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 passes through the oil separator 12 and the four-way valve 13 and then flows through the gas pipe 5 and flows into the indoor units 3A and 3B as indicated by solid arrows.

  The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor units 3A and 3B enters the indoor heat exchanger 34, condenses, and then flows through the liquid pipe 7 through the indoor expansion valve 38 and is divided into the outdoor units 1A and 1B. Then, the divided refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger 14 through the outdoor expansion valve 15, evaporates here, and then returns to the compressor 11 through the four-way valve 13 and the accumulator 16.

  In addition, the outdoor units 1A and 1B are inputted with detection results of a pressure sensor (high pressure cut detection sensor) 60 for detecting the suction pressure of the compressor 11 and a temperature sensor 61 for detecting the suction temperature of the compressor 11, and a plurality of detection results. An outdoor control device 100 that controls the entire outdoor units 1A and 1B is provided. The outdoor control device 100 communicates with other outdoor control devices and indoor control devices based on a user instruction input via a remote controller (not shown), and controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 1. In addition, the outdoor control apparatus 100 may be attached to the inside of any one main unit of each outdoor unit, or may be provided outside each outdoor unit.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the outdoor control device 100. The outdoor control device 100 includes a control unit 101, and the control unit 101 includes an operation control unit 111, an abnormality detection unit 112, and a backup operation control unit 113. On the other hand, the abnormality detection unit 112 includes a re-detection unit 121, a memory unit 122, a comparison unit 123, and a timer unit 124. The control unit 101 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 60 and the temperature sensor 61 of each outdoor unit 1A, 1B and a drive motor that drives the compressor 11 of each outdoor unit 1A, 1B. The control unit 101 receives signals from one or both of the pressure sensor 60 and the temperature sensor 61 and transmits signals for controlling the outdoor units 1A and 1B.

  The operation control unit 111 is for selecting and operating an outdoor unit to be operated from among a plurality of outdoor units based on the air conditioning load and the operation time. The operation control unit 111 controls the operation of each outdoor unit when there is no failure or abnormality in each outdoor unit.

  The abnormality detection unit 112 is for detecting whether or not an abnormality or failure has occurred in each of the outdoor units 1A and 1B based on signals from the pressure sensor 60 and the temperature sensor 61. In this abnormality detection unit 112, a threshold value for a change in the sensor signal is set in advance. When a signal exceeding this threshold value is received, it is determined that an abnormality or failure has occurred in each of the outdoor units 1A and 1B. To do. In addition, when the abnormality detection unit 112 determines that an abnormality has occurred in each of the outdoor units 1A and 1B, the abnormality detection unit 112 notifies the display unit 62 of the remote controller used by the user that the abnormality has occurred, and performs backup operation. An abnormal signal is transmitted to the control unit 113.

  The backup operation control unit 113 stops the operation of the operation control unit 111 based on the abnormality signal from the abnormality detection unit 112, and performs a backup operation by receiving a re-operation signal from the remote controller. is there. Here, the backup operation is an air conditioning operation using an outdoor unit that can operate normally without operating an abnormal or malfunctioning outdoor unit.

  The re-detection unit 121 is for detecting again abnormal signals of the pressure sensor 60 and the temperature sensor 61 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the backup operation. This re-detection is performed by restarting the abnormal outdoor unit that has stopped operating. Therefore, since frequent re-detection causes a secondary failure of the compressor 11 and the like, it is desirable that the above-mentioned fixed time be, for example, one day (24 hours) later.

  The memory unit 122 is used to sequentially store an abnormality code representing the abnormality content when an abnormality occurs. This abnormal code is about 8 memory blocks, and can store an abnormal history composed of a plurality of abnormal codes.

  When the abnormality is detected again from each of the sensors 60 and 61 as a result of the redetection by the redetection unit 121, the comparison unit 123 compares the abnormality code stored in the memory unit 122 with the abnormality code of the abnormality detected again. Is to do. The comparison unit 123 can compare the detected abnormal codes with all of the abnormal codes stored as the abnormality history.

  The time measuring unit 124 has a timer function for counting a predetermined time, and transmits timing for performing redetection to the redetection unit 121.

  3 to 5 are flowcharts showing the operation when there is an abnormality in the signal from the pressure sensor 60 or the temperature sensor 61 in the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, process A shows a flow for performing backup operation (see FIG. 4), and process B shows a flow for performing re-detection of each sensor (see FIG. 5). In the following description, a case where an abnormality is detected by the temperature sensor 61 will be described.

  In the process A shown in FIG. 4, when the abnormality detection unit 112 detects an abnormality or failure of the outdoor units 1A and 1B based on a signal from the temperature sensor 61 (S01), the abnormality code is stored in the memory unit 122 (S02). ) The remote control display 62 of the user's remote controller reports that the air conditioner 1 is in an abnormal state (S03).

  The user who confirms the report in the abnormal state confirms the report, notifies the service company that the problem has occurred, and receives necessary instructions. The backup operation control unit 113 receives a backup operation instruction when the operation button on the remote controller is pressed by the user (S04), and starts the backup operation (S05). By these processes, the air conditioner 1 can be backed up.

  In the process B shown in FIG. 5, after the time measuring unit 124 counts a predetermined time (24 hours) (S11), the redetection unit 121 of the abnormality detection unit 112 redetects the signal abnormality of the temperature sensor 61 (S12). As a result of confirming whether there is an abnormality (S13), if no abnormality is recognized, the abnormality detection unit 112 automatically cancels the backup operation, and the operation control unit 111 automatically performs the normal operation (S14). . On the other hand, if an abnormality is recognized, the abnormality code of the abnormality detected again by the comparison unit 123 is compared with the abnormality history stored in the memory unit 122 (S15), and it is determined whether or not the abnormality is the same. (S16).

  As a result of the comparison, if they are not the same abnormality, the remote controller is notified again of the abnormal state, and the backup operation is stopped (the process is resumed from “C” in process A in FIG. 4). (S17)). On the other hand, in the case of the same abnormality, the backup operation is continued without notifying the remote controller of the abnormality (S18).

  In a state in which normal operation is performed (S14) or in a state in which backup operation is continued (S18), if inspection / repair by a service person is not performed, the abnormality is detected again after a certain period of time. . The above-described processing is continued until the service person is inspected and repaired and the abnormality history is deleted (S19). In the process B, when the inspection and repair are performed by the service person, the procedure of this control operation is completed.

  According to the air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the abnormality detection unit 112 includes the re-detection unit 121 that automatically re-detects the abnormality of the signals of the sensors 60 and 61 after the start of the backup operation. By re-detection, it can be confirmed whether or not the abnormal signal of each sensor 60, 61 is malfunctioning. Thereby, when no abnormality is recognized in the re-detection, it can be determined that the capacity of the air conditioner 50 can be sufficiently exhibited, so the backup operation is automatically canceled and the operation control unit 111 can control operation by regarding all outdoor units as normal. Therefore, even when the backup operation is forced due to a malfunction due to noise of each sensor 60, 61, the normal operation can be automatically restored without continuing the backup operation before the arrival of the service person.

  In addition, the redetection unit 121 includes a time measuring unit 124 that measures a certain time, and redetects the abnormality of the signals of the sensors 60 and 61 after the lapse of a certain time from the start of the backup operation. Can be set. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the risk of inducing secondary failures such as the compressor 11 by frequently performing re-detection.

  On the other hand, the abnormality detection unit 112 includes a memory unit 122 that stores an abnormality history, and a comparison unit 123 that compares the content of the abnormality with the abnormality history when an abnormality occurs in re-detection. The content of the detected abnormality and the abnormality history stored in the memory unit 122 can be compared to determine whether or not they are the same abnormality. For this reason, if the comparison result in the comparison unit 123 is the same abnormality, the backup operation is continued without notifying the user again of the abnormality, whereas if the abnormality is different, the abnormality is again notified to the user. Thus, by stopping the backup operation, it is possible to save the user from switching to the backup operation again in the case of the same abnormality. On the other hand, in the case of different abnormalities, the backup operation can be stopped to prevent secondary failure.

  In addition, the memory unit 122 has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of abnormality histories, and the comparison unit 123 compares the contents of the abnormality caused by the re-detection with the plurality of abnormality histories, thereby detecting the re-detection. Since the abnormality can be compared with a plurality of abnormality histories, the processing procedure can be executed more accurately.

  Furthermore, when the same abnormality is detected again after the backup operation is automatically canceled, the abnormality detection unit 112 restarts the backup operation without reporting the abnormality again to the user. The trouble of switching to backup operation again can be saved.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention. .
For example, in this embodiment, the period for performing re-detection is set to be one day (24 hours) later. However, it is possible to minimize the operation of an outdoor unit that has been determined to be faulty for re-detection. Therefore, a longer period can be set.
Further, the pressure sensor 60 and the temperature sensor 61 are not limited to those provided on the suction side of the compressor 11 and may be provided on the discharge side. Furthermore, as long as it is provided as a means for safely stopping the compressor 11, the control of the present invention can be applied.

It is a figure which shows the refrigerant circuit of the outdoor unit used for the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the outdoor control apparatus of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows control of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart regarding the process A of FIG. It is a flowchart regarding the process B of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1A, 1B Outdoor unit 3A, 3B Indoor unit 5 Gas pipe 7 Liquid pipe 9 Inter-unit piping 11 Compressor 12 Oil separator 13 Four-way valve 14 Outdoor heat exchanger 15 Outdoor expansion valve 16 Accumulator 17 Outdoor fan 18 Refrigerant piping 22 Cooling water circulation path 34 Indoor heat exchanger 37 Indoor fan 38 Indoor expansion valve 39 Indoor refrigerant piping 50 Air conditioner 60 Pressure sensor (high pressure cut detection sensor)
61 Temperature sensor 62 Remote control display unit 100 Outdoor control device 101 Control unit 111 Operation control unit 112 Abnormality detection unit 113 Backup operation control unit 121 Redetection unit 122 Memory unit 123 Comparison unit 124 Timekeeping unit

Claims (7)

A plurality of outdoor units are provided, and air conditioning operation is performed using a number of outdoor units that meet the air conditioning requirements among the plurality of outdoor units, and the plurality of outdoor units have a compressor and refrigerant pressure. A high-pressure cut detection sensor that detects and outputs an abnormal signal, and performs backup operation for air-conditioning operation except for an outdoor unit in which the abnormal signal is detected when an abnormal signal is detected from at least one of the sensors In the harmony device,
After a lapse of a predetermined time after shifting to the backup operation, the outdoor unit in which the abnormal signal from the sensor is detected is operated and the abnormal signal of the sensor is reconfirmed. If no abnormal signal is detected, the backup operation is canceled. An air conditioner comprising a control unit for performing air conditioning operation.   The control unit includes an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality signal of the sensor, a backup operation control unit that starts a backup operation based on the abnormality signal detected by the abnormality detection unit, and an operation control that switches from backup operation to normal operation The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit and a time measuring unit that measures a predetermined time.   The abnormality detection unit includes a memory unit that stores an abnormality history, and a comparison unit that compares the content of the abnormality with the abnormality history when an abnormality is detected in re-detection. 3. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the backup operation is continued when the abnormality is detected, and the abnormality is reported to the user when the abnormality is different.   4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the memory unit has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of abnormality histories, and the comparison unit compares the contents of abnormality caused by re-detection with the plurality of abnormality histories, respectively. apparatus.   The said abnormality detection part restarts backup operation, without reporting abnormality to a user, when the same abnormality is detected again after the said backup driving | operation is cancelled | released, The claim 3 or Claim 4. The air conditioning apparatus according to 4.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the refrigerant.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor that detects a pressure of the refrigerant.

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