JP2009293826A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner capable of preventing complication in wiring. <P>SOLUTION: A control circuit 1, a solenoid valve 2 and a sensor 3 respectively comprise communication control sections 11, 21, 31. A communication line 4 connects the communication control sections 11, 21, 31 to each other. Each of the communication control sections 11, 21, 31 monitors the signal flowing in the communication line 4 and receives the signal when address information included in the signal indicates itself. The communication control sections 11, 21, 31 transmit signals including address information to the communication line 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to a technique for reducing the complexity of wiring.

  Patent Document 1 describes a control system including a plurality of module type drive devices and a control computer for controlling them. The module type driving device includes a plurality of sensors, a plurality of solenoid valves, a motor, a brake, and a LAN compatible servo amplifier. The LAN compatible servo amplifier is electrically connected to a plurality of sensors, a plurality of solenoid valves, a motor, and a brake, respectively. The control computer is connected to a LAN compatible servo amplifier provided in each of the plurality of module type drive devices, and controls each of the module type drive devices by communicating with this.

  Patent Document 2 describes an air conditioner that performs communication between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

JP-A-11-123676 JP 2006-234367 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 does not describe how the LAN-compatible servo amplifier is connected to the sensor, electromagnetic valve, motor, and brake component groups. For example, when each of the component groups and the LAN-compatible servo amplifier are individually connected by wiring, the wiring length becomes long as a whole, resulting in complicated wiring.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 2, communication is performed between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. However, for example, wiring between components provided in the outdoor unit and a control circuit is not described.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the air conditioner which can suppress complication of wiring.

  A first aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention recognizes destination information of a signal that is provided on each of the communication line (4), the plurality of parts (2, 3), and the parts and that flows on the communication line. A plurality of first communication control units (21, 31) for receiving the signal according to the destination information and transmitting the signal including the destination information to the communication line, and controlling the operation of the component, A control circuit (1) having a second communication control unit (11) that transmits and receives the signal to and from the first communication control unit via the communication line.

  A second aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, and is electrically connected to the conductive refrigerant pipe (5) for circulating the refrigerant and the refrigerant pipe. The power supply (7) is further provided, and the components (2, 3) and the control circuit (1) are electrically connected to the refrigerant pipe.

  The 3rd aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention is an air conditioner which concerns on a 2nd aspect, Comprising: The said communication line (41, 42) is arrange | positioned adjacently along the said refrigerant | coolant piping (5). The

  The 4th aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention is an air conditioner which concerns on the 2nd or 3rd aspect, Comprising: It connects between the said power supply (70) and the said refrigerant | coolant piping (5), An insulation transformer (91) that is insulated from the power supply and converts the power supply voltage from the power supply to a lower voltage is further provided.

  A fifth aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, provided corresponding to each of the components (2, 3), A nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) for recording the operation status of the corresponding component is further provided.

  The 6th aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention is an air conditioner which concerns on a 5th aspect, Comprising: The abnormality detection part (23) which detects abnormality of the said components (2, 3) is further provided, Information on an abnormality occurring in the corresponding component (2, 3) is recorded in the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32).

  A seventh aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect, further comprising a timekeeping unit (13) for measuring the date and time, and the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32). The date and time when the abnormality occurred is recorded.

  The 8th aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention is an air conditioner which concerns on the 5th or 6th aspect, Comprising: The time-measurement part (13) which time-measures is further provided, The said non-volatile recording medium (22 32), the cumulative period during which the corresponding component (2, 3) operates is recorded.

  A ninth aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) corresponds to the air conditioner. Manufacturing information of the parts (2, 3) and date / time information when the corresponding parts are connected to the communication line (4) via the communication control unit (21) are recorded.

  A tenth aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and is installed close to each of the components (2, 3), Each of the identification unit (8) printed with an N-dimensional barcode indicating the destination information and the parts (2, 3) is provided, and the destination information for the corresponding parts is recorded respectively. And a non-volatile recording medium (22, 32).

  An eleventh aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and is provided corresponding to each of the parts (2, 3), It further comprises a non-volatile recording medium (22, 32) in which the destination information for the corresponding part is recorded by the control circuit (1) via the communication line (4) or by a dedicated device, respectively.

  A twelfth aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the part (2, 3) is a part to be measured or controlled (5). In addition, the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) stores position information where the component is installed, and the control circuit (1) controls the operation of the component based on the position information.

  A thirteenth aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the control circuit (1) is connected via the communication line (4). A power supply voltage is supplied to the component (2, 3), and the component is connected to the communication line at a position closer to the control circuit as the current consumed by the component is larger.

  A fourteenth aspect of an air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the control circuit (1) is connected via the communication line (4). A power supply voltage is supplied to the component (2, 3), and the component is connected to the communication line at a position closer to the control circuit as the noise generated by the component increases.

  A fifteenth aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the second communication line (40) is different from the communication line (4). ), A plurality of second parts (20, 30), and second destination information of a second signal that is provided on each of the second parts and flows on the second communication line, and responds to the second destination information. A plurality of third communication control units (201, 301) for receiving the second signal and transmitting the second signal including the second destination information to the second communication line, and the control circuit ( 1) further includes a fourth communication control unit (15) that transmits and receives the second signal via the third communication control unit and the second communication line.

  A sixteenth aspect of an air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein a DC voltage is supplied to the first communication control unit (21, 31) from a power source (7, 70). Supplied, the first communication control unit superimposes the signal on the DC voltage and sends it to the communication line (4).

  A seventeenth aspect of an air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, further comprising a power line connected to the control circuit (1) and the components (2, 3). .

  An eighteenth aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and is provided corresponding to each of the components (2, 3), A nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) for recording the destination information of the corresponding component (2, 3) is further provided.

  A nineteenth aspect of an air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to an eighteenth aspect, wherein the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) is provided with the component (2, The attribute information related to the specification 3) is recorded.

  A twentieth aspect of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, wherein the first communication control unit (21, 31) includes the communication line ( 4) is detachably connected.

  According to the first aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, for example, all of the components and the control circuit can be connected to one communication line, and the number of wires can be reduced. If one communication control unit is provided for a plurality of components, the communication control unit and the components are connected as the interval between the component installation locations increases or the number of components increases. Although wiring is complicated, in the invention according to the first aspect, a communication control unit is provided for each component. Therefore, each component and each communication control unit can be connected at a position close to each other, so wiring is easy and even if there are many components, the component and one communication control unit can be connected to one communication line. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wiring from becoming complicated.

  According to the 2nd aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention, electric power can be supplied to components and a control circuit via refrigerant | coolant piping from a power supply. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated line for supplying power, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  According to the 3rd aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention, since the unnecessary radiation noise from a communication line concentrates on refrigerant | coolant piping vicinity, it can suppress that an unnecessary radiation noise spread | diffuses.

  According to the 4th aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention, since the components corresponding to a lower voltage can be used, the enlargement of components can be suppressed.

  According to the 5th aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention, when components fail, since these operation | movement conditions can be grasped | ascertained, it contributes to failure analysis. In addition, the control circuit does not record the operation status collectively, but includes a nonvolatile recording medium corresponding to each component. Therefore, the failure analysis can be performed using the removed component while replacing the failed component with a new component and maintaining the operation of the air conditioner.

  According to the sixth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, it is recorded that an abnormality has occurred, which contributes to failure analysis.

  According to the seventh aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, it is possible to know when an abnormality has occurred and contribute to failure analysis.

  According to the eighth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, it is possible to know how long a part has been operated, which contributes to failure analysis.

  According to the 9th aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention, the manufacture information or attachment date information of components can be confirmed. This contributes to failure analysis.

  According to the tenth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, the destination information can be recorded on the component by reading the N-dimensional barcode, so that it is possible to reduce destination information recording errors.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, the destination information can be appropriately given to the part.

  According to the 12th aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention, it contributes to realization of appropriate control.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, a signal can be given to a component with a larger current consumption at a position where the voltage drop caused by the communication line is small, and the control circuit can thus communicate with the communication line. The voltage applied to can be reduced.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, noise can be reduced by shortening the current path, and the influence on other components can be reduced.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, the component and the second component can be classified into a specific category and connected to the control circuit.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, since the power line and the communication line can be shared, it is not necessary to install the power line, and the number of wirings can be reduced.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, since the first communication control unit and the second communication control unit do not need to have a function of superimposing a signal on the power supply voltage, the first communication control unit and An increase in the size of the second communication control unit can be suppressed.

  According to the 18th aspect of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention, it contributes to realization of the air conditioner which concerns on a 1st aspect.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, the control circuit can determine whether or not the component can be connected to the communication line using, for example, attribute information.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the air conditioner of the present invention, it is possible to easily exchange a set of components and the first communication control unit.

First embodiment.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a conceptual configuration of part of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. Specifically, an example of a conceptual configuration of an outdoor unit included in the air conditioner is shown.

  Generally, an outdoor unit forms a refrigerant circuit together with an indoor unit, and controls the flow of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit by communicating with the indoor unit. And the indoor temperature is adjusted using the latent heat of a refrigerant | coolant. The refrigerant circuit includes a refrigerant pipe that circulates the refrigerant, an electromagnetic valve that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant, a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a heat exchanger that performs heat transfer between the outside air and the refrigerant, and a fan that promotes heat transfer between the outside air and the refrigerant. And a sensor for measuring the pressure of the refrigerant. In other words, these are provided on the refrigerant path.

  The outdoor unit includes a control circuit 1, a plurality of actuators 2, a plurality of sensors 3, a communication line 4, a refrigerant pipe 5, a power supply line 6, a power supply 7, and an identification unit 8. The identification unit 8 will be described in another embodiment, and the refrigerant pipe 5, the power supply line 6, and the power supply 7 will be described in detail later.

  The actuator 2 is, for example, a solenoid valve or a motor. Here, the actuator 2 will be described as the electromagnetic valve 2. The solenoid valve 2 is provided on the refrigerant path (attached to the refrigerant pipe 5) and adjusts the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 5. The electromagnetic valve 2 includes a communication control unit 21 and a nonvolatile memory 22. In the nonvolatile memory 22, destination information indicating the destination of the electromagnetic valve 2 including itself and destination information indicating the destination of the control circuit 1 are recorded. The communication control unit 21 is connected to the communication line 4 and monitors a signal flowing through the communication line 4. Then, the destination information included in the signal is recognized, and the signal is received according to the destination information. More specifically, the signal is received when the destination information included in the signal matches the destination information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 22. In addition, a signal including destination information of the control circuit 1 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 22 is sent to the communication line 4.

  The sensor 3 is a pressure sensor, for example. The pressure sensor is provided on the refrigerant path (attached to the refrigerant pipe 5), and detects the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 5. The sensor 3 includes a communication control unit 31 and a nonvolatile memory 32. In the nonvolatile memory 32, destination information indicating the destination of the sensor 3 provided with the nonvolatile memory 32 and destination information of the control circuit 1 are recorded. The communication control unit 31 is connected to the communication line 4 and monitors a signal flowing through the communication line 4. Then, the destination information included in the signal is recognized, and the signal is received according to the destination information. More specifically, the signal is received when the destination information included in the signal matches its own destination information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 32. In addition, a signal including destination information of the control circuit 1 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 32 is sent to the communication line 4.

  The control circuit 1 controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3. The control circuit 1 includes a communication control unit 11 and a nonvolatile memory 12. In the nonvolatile memory 12, destination information indicating the destination of the control circuit 1 and destination information indicating the destination of each of the plurality of electromagnetic valves 2 and the plurality of sensors 3 are recorded. The communication control unit 11 is connected to the communication line 4 and transmits and receives signals to and from the communication control units 21 and 31 via the communication line 4. The communication control unit 11 monitors a signal flowing through the communication line 4 and receives the signal when the destination information included in the signal matches the destination information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12. In addition, signals including destination information of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12 are individually sent to the communication line 4.

  Hereinafter, a method in which the control circuit 1 controls the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 will be specifically described. For example, the control circuit 1 sends a signal including destination information of a predetermined electromagnetic valve 2 and a command specifying the opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 2 to the communication line 4 via the communication control unit 11. The solenoid valve 2 that has received the command via the communication control unit 21 adjusts its own opening to the specified opening. Further, the control circuit 1 sends a signal including destination information of a predetermined sensor 3 and a command requesting a measurement value of the sensor 3 to the communication line 4 via the communication control unit 11. The sensor 3 that has received the command via the communication control unit 31 sends a signal including the destination information of the control circuit 1 and the measured value to the communication line 4. The control circuit 1 receives the value measured by the sensor 3 via the communication control unit 11.

  As described above, the control circuit 1 can control the operations of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 via the communication line 4. If one communication control unit is provided for a plurality of solenoid valves 2 and sensors 3, that is, if the control circuit 1 is provided with one communication control unit that summarizes the functions of the communication control units 11, 21, 31. The electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 are connected to the communication control unit by, for example, an individual harness. In such a case, one communication control unit and a plurality of solenoid valves 2, as the distance between the installation locations of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 increases, or as the number of the solenoid valves 2 and sensors 3 increases. The wiring (harness) connecting the sensor 3 becomes complicated. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, since the communication control units 21 and 31 are provided in each of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3, each of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 and each of the communication control units 21 and 31 are provided. Can be connected at positions close to each other, and even if the number of solenoid valves 2 and sensors 3 is large, it is only necessary to connect each of the communication control units 21 and 31 to the communication line 4, thereby preventing the wiring from becoming complicated. it can.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the communication control units 11, 21 and 31 are each connected to the communication line 4 via a connection unit such as a connector. For example, the mounting positions of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 on the refrigerant pipe 5 may differ depending on the model of the air conditioner, but the solenoid valve 2 and the communication control unit 21 are simply changed by changing the length of the communication line 4. One set, one set of the sensor 3 and the communication control unit 31 can be used in common for different types of air conditioners.

  Next, the refrigerant pipe 5, the power line 6, and the power source 7 will be described. The refrigerant pipe 5 is a conductive pipe for circulating the refrigerant. The surface of the refrigerant pipe 5 is made of metal, for example. The power source 7 is a DC power source, for example, and is electrically connected to the power line 6 and the refrigerant pipe 5. The control circuit 1, the electromagnetic valve 2, and the sensor 3 are electrically connected to the power line 6 and the refrigerant pipe 5. As a result, power can be supplied from the power source 7 to the control circuit 1, the electromagnetic valve 2, and the sensor 3 via the refrigerant pipe 5 and the power line 6. As described above, since the refrigerant pipe 5 functions as a power supply line for supplying electric power, one of the power supply lines can be omitted, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

  In this case, the communication line 4 is desirably arranged as follows. FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of the communication line 4 and the refrigerant pipe 5. The communication line 4 includes two signal lines 41 and 42. The signal lines 41 and 42 are arranged adjacent to the refrigerant pipe 5 and along the refrigerant pipe 5. The refrigerant pipe 5 is grounded.

  A charged body in the immediate vicinity of the grounded metal passes through the grounded metal with many of the electric field lines. Therefore, since the electric lines of force radiated from the signal lines 41 and 42 are concentrated on the grounded refrigerant pipe 5, unnecessary radiation noise radiated from the signal lines 41 and 42 can be reduced. In FIG. 2, electric lines of force are also shown.

  FIG. 3 shows another example of the conceptual configuration of the air conditioner. Compared with the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1, an AC power supply 70 is provided instead of the power supply 7, and a rectifier circuit 90, an insulating transformer 91, a high-power circuit 92, and a stabilized power supply circuit 93 are provided.

  The AC power supply 70 outputs a power supply voltage (for example, 200 V) classified as a so-called strong electric power.

  The insulation transformer 91 is insulated from the AC power supply 70, steps down the power supply voltage of the AC power supply 70, and outputs a voltage classified as a so-called safety power supply (for example, effective value 30V) to the rectifier circuit 90.

  The high voltage circuit 92 is connected to the AC power source 70 between the AC power source 70 and the insulating transformer 91. The heavy electric circuit 92 operates using the power supply voltage of the AC power supply 70 as an operation source.

  The rectifying circuit 90 rectifies the AC voltage stepped down by the insulating transformer 91 to convert it into a DC voltage, and outputs it to the stabilized power circuit 93. The stabilized power supply circuit 93 stably applies the received DC voltage between the refrigerant pipe 5 and the power supply line 6.

  As a result, a power supply voltage insulated from the high voltage side can be used as the power supply voltage supplied to the control circuit 1, the electromagnetic valve 2, and the sensor 3. Therefore, the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 for safety power supply can be used, and thus the scale-up of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 can be suppressed. In addition, the communication control units 21 and 31 need only be compatible with safety power supplies, and thus can be reduced in size. For example, each of the communication control units 11, 21, 31 can be realized by a small one-chip microcomputer.

Second embodiment.
In the air conditioner according to the second embodiment, the operation states of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 provided therein are recorded in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32. As a result, for example, the operation status of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 can be grasped, which contributes to failure analysis when the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 fail. More specific description will be given below.

  FIG. 4 shows a conceptual example of a control system according to the second embodiment. Compared with the control system shown in FIG. 1, the abnormality detection unit 23 is further provided, and the control circuit 1 further includes a time measuring unit 13.

  The abnormality detection unit 23 detects at least one abnormality of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3. In the control system shown in FIG. 2, an abnormality of one electromagnetic valve 2 is detected. Then, the detected abnormality is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 22 provided in the electromagnetic valve 2. For example, the abnormality detection unit 23 detects that an overcurrent has flowed through the electromagnetic valve 2 and records this in the nonvolatile memory 22. In addition, although the aspect in which the abnormality detection part 23 is connected with the solenoid valve 2 is illustrated in FIG. 4, it is not restricted to this. For example, the abnormality detection unit 23 may be connected to the control circuit 1. In this case, information regarding the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit 23 is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 22 via the communication line 4. Further, the abnormality detection unit 23 may be built in the electromagnetic valve 2.

  Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs and the electromagnetic valve 2 fails, the electromagnetic valve 2 can be read by reading information from the non-volatile memory 22 using, for example, a reader connected to the non-volatile memory 22 so as to be able to transmit and receive. It is possible to know what kind of abnormality occurred. Therefore, it contributes to failure analysis of the solenoid valve 2. The same applies to the sensor 3.

  The timer 13 measures the date and time. The solenoid valve 2 notifies the control circuit 1 that an abnormality has occurred via the communication control unit 21, the communication line 4, and the communication control unit 11 in this order. The control circuit 1 that has received the notification reads the current date and time from the time measuring unit 13 and transmits the date and time to the electromagnetic valve 2 through the communication control unit 11, the communication line 4, and the communication control unit 21 in this order. The electromagnetic valve 2 records the abnormality that has occurred and the date and time (the date and time when the abnormality has occurred) in the nonvolatile memory 22.

  Therefore, by reading information from the nonvolatile memory 22, it is possible to know when and what kind of abnormality has occurred in the electromagnetic valve 2, thereby contributing to failure analysis of the electromagnetic valve 2. The same applies to the sensor 3. Note that the timing unit 13 is not necessarily provided in the control circuit 1 and may be provided in each of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3.

  Further, the timer 13 measures the energization time of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 individually. For example, a switch that cuts off the power supply from the power source 7 to the control circuit 1, the electromagnetic valve 2, and the sensor 3 may be provided, and the cumulative period in which the switch is conducting may be calculated as the energization time of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3. In addition, even if the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 detect the supply / cutoff of the power supply to itself and notify the control circuit 1 of this, the timer 13 counts the energization time for each of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3. Good. The electromagnetic valve 2 notifies the control circuit 1 that the abnormality detection unit 23 has detected an abnormality, and the control circuit 1 transmits the energization time of the electromagnetic valve 2 in which the abnormality has occurred to the electromagnetic valve 2 and receives it. The solenoid valve 2 records the energization time in the nonvolatile memory 22.

  Therefore, by reading information from the non-volatile memory 22, it is possible to know how long the electromagnetic valve 2 has operated and an abnormality has occurred, thereby contributing to failure analysis. The same applies to the sensor 3.

  In addition, in the nonvolatile memory 22, manufacturing information (for example, manufacturer, model number, etc.) of the electromagnetic valve 2 and date and time when the electromagnetic valve 2 is attached to the control system (hereinafter referred to as attachment date and time. In other words, the communication control unit 21 is connected to the communication line. 4) may be recorded. Such recording can be realized, for example, by inputting manufacturing information and attachment date and time into the dedicated device using a dedicated device that can be connected to the nonvolatile memory 22.

  Therefore, by reading the non-volatile memory 22, it is possible to know the manufacturing information of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the date and time of installation, thereby contributing to failure analysis. The same applies to the sensor 3.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 are detachably connected to the communication line 4, the refrigerant pipe 5, and the power line 6. The communication control units 21 and 31 are detachably connected to the communication line 4. Thereby, the failed solenoid valve 2 can be easily replaced with a new solenoid valve 2. Further, the information regarding the abnormality is not recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12 provided in the control circuit 1 in a lump, but is recorded in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32 provided in each of the failed solenoid valve 2 and sensor 3. Therefore, while replacing the failed solenoid valve 2 and sensor 3 with the new solenoid valve 2 and sensor 3, the function of the control system can be maintained, and failure analysis can be performed using the removed solenoid valve 2 and sensor 3. .

Third embodiment.
The control system according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, a method for recording destination information in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32 will be described. Note that the destination information for each of the control circuit 1, the solenoid valve 2, and the sensor 3 is composed of the same number of bits, for example.

  The plurality of identification portions 8 on which the N-dimensional barcode is printed are arranged in the vicinity of each of the plurality of solenoid valves 2 and the plurality of sensors 3. For example, the identification unit 8 is attached to the surface of the refrigerant pipe 5. However, only one identification unit 8 is shown in FIG. The N-dimensional barcode indicates destination information of the electromagnetic valve 2 or the sensor 3 attached in the vicinity of the N-dimensional barcode.

  The N-dimensional barcode printed on the identification unit 8 can be read by an N-dimensional barcode reader (not shown). The N-dimensional bar code reader can be connected to the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32 so as to be detachable and transmit / receive. And in the state connected to the non-volatile memory 22 or the non-volatile memory 32, the destination information recognized by reading the N-dimensional barcode is recorded in the connected non-volatile memory.

  Thus, erroneous registration can be suppressed when the worker records (registers) the destination information of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32, respectively.

  The destination information of the control circuit 1 may also be recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12 using an N-dimensional barcode.

  The control circuit 1 transmits its destination information to the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 via the communication line 4 in a broadcast manner. Note that the communication control units 21 and 31 receive the signals transmitted by the broadcast without checking the destination information. The solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 that have received the destination information of the control circuit 1 through the communication control units 21 and 31 respectively record this in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32. Further, the control circuit 1 receives the destination information of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 via the communication line 4 and records them in the nonvolatile memory 12. In this way, necessary destination information is recorded in the nonvolatile memories 12, 22, and 32, respectively.

  The destination information does not necessarily have to be recorded in the nonvolatile memory by reading the N-dimensional barcode. For example, it may be registered by the control circuit 1 via the communication line 4. Hereinafter, an example thereof will be specifically described.

  Indicates non-registered information indicating that the destination information is not registered in the non-volatile memories 22 and 32, and its own attributes (specifications such as electromagnetic valves / sensors, attachment position to the refrigerant pipe 5, etc.) Attribute information is recorded. In the nonvolatile memory 12, attribute information of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 to be connected to the communication line 4 is recorded. The attribute information is different information for each of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 4 connected to the communication line 4.

  And the control circuit 1 confirms whether the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 connected via the communication line 4 are unregistered. For such confirmation, for example, the control circuit 1 requests the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 to transmit unregistered information via the communication control units 11, 21, 31, and the non-volatile memory 22 in which the unregistered information is recorded. , 32 and the sensor 3 transmit the unregistered information to the control circuit 1. The solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 whose destination information is already recorded in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32 do not transmit unregistered information.

  Next, the control circuit 1 confirms the attribute information about the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 that transmitted the unregistered information. For such confirmation, for example, the control circuit 1 requests transmission of attribute information to the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 that have transmitted unregistered information via the communication control units 11, 21, 31, and the electromagnetic valve 2 This can be executed by the sensor 3 transmitting the attribute information to the control circuit 1.

  Next, the control circuit 1 collates the received attribute information with the attribute information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12 and determines whether or not connection is possible. When a positive determination is made, the destination information is transmitted to the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3. The solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 that have received the destination information record the destination information in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32. The control circuit 1 records destination information in the nonvolatile memory 11 in association with the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3.

  If a negative determination is made, for example, an error may be displayed on a display unit (not shown).

  When a plurality of unregistered solenoid valves 2 and sensors 3 are connected to the communication line 4, the control circuit 1 registers destination information in the solenoid valves 2 and 3 based on the attribute information. If two or more pieces of the same attribute information are received, an error may be displayed on a display unit (not shown). Further, the control circuit 1 may confirm the attribute information prior to controlling the operations of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3. Thereby, even if the destination information is registered by mistake, by confirming the attribute information, it can be recognized that something other than the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 to be connected to the communication line 4 is connected. In this case, for example, an error may be displayed on a display unit (not shown).

  By the operation as described above, the control circuit 1 can register the destination information in the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 via the communication line 4. In this case, registration by the worker is not necessary, so that erroneous registration of the destination information can be prevented, and the destination information can be appropriately given to the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3.

  Note that the control circuit 1 may confirm the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 that are normally registered prior to the unregistered confirmation of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3. For such confirmation, for example, the control circuit 1 requests the transmission of the destination information to the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 via the communication control units 11, 21, 31 via the communication line 4, and the destination information is recorded. This can be executed by the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 having the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32 transmitting the destination information to the control circuit 1.

  At this time, it is desirable that the control circuit 1 also confirms the attribute information of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 in which the destination information is recorded. Since the nonvolatile memory 12 records the attribute information of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 to be connected to the communication line 4, the control circuit 1 matches the unregistered electromagnetic valve to be connected by collating with this. 2. The attribute information of the sensor 3 can be grasped. When determining whether or not the unregistered electromagnetic valve 2 and sensor 3 can be connected, the control circuit 1 connects the attribute information received from the unregistered electromagnetic valve 2 and sensor 3 connected to the communication line 4. When the attribute information of the power solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 coincides, a positive determination is made.

  Further, in the nonvolatile memory 12, position information of parts to be controlled by each of the solenoid valves 2 and parts to be measured by each of the sensors 3 (for example, positions of attachment of the solenoid valves 2 and the sensors 3 in the refrigerant pipe 5). Information) may be recorded in association with the destination information or the manufacturing serial number.

  For example, if the destination information is registered by reading the N-dimensional barcode, the destination information and the position information are recorded in the N-dimensional barcode, and the destination information and the position information are read and stored in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32. May be recorded. Then, the communication control units 21 and 31 may transmit their own destination information and position information to the communication control unit 11 to notify the control circuit 1.

  If the control circuit 1 registers the destination information based on the manufacturing serial numbers of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3, the worker may record the position information in the nonvolatile memories 22 and 32, for example. Then, after the control circuit 1 registers the destination information, the position information may be acquired from the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3.

  The control circuit 1 controls the operations of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 based on the position information.

  As described above, the control circuit 1 can know which electromagnetic valve 2 and sensor 3 are attached to which position of the refrigerant pipe 5, and the operation of the electromagnetic valve 2 and sensor 3 based on the positional information. Can be controlled appropriately.

Fourth embodiment.
A control system according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Here, a mode of supplying power will be described. In the first to third embodiments, the power is supplied to the control circuit 1, the solenoid valve 2, and the sensor 3 using the refrigerant pipe 5 and the power line 6, but the refrigerant pipe 5 is not necessarily used. .

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a conceptual configuration of a control system according to the fourth embodiment. The control circuit 1 is connected to a power supply 7 and receives, for example, a DC voltage from the power supply 7. An AC voltage may be input from the power supply 7. In this case, for example, the control circuit 1 may include a rectifier circuit that converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage.

  The control circuit 1 uses a DC voltage as an operating voltage and supplies the DC voltage to the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 via the communication line 4.

  Further, transmission / reception of signals among the control circuit 1, the electromagnetic valve 2, and the sensor 3 is also performed via the communication line 4. Specifically, the communication control units 11, 21, 31 send a superimposed signal in which a signal is superimposed on a DC voltage to the communication line 4, and separates the DC voltage and the signal from the superimposed signal received from the communication line 4. Receive a signal.

  According to such a control system, since it is not necessary to connect a power supply line from the power supply 7 to the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3, the number of wirings can be reduced.

  Further, it is not always necessary to supply power to the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 via the communication line 4. For example, a DC voltage may be supplied to the control circuit 1, the electromagnetic valve 2, and the sensor 3 through two power supply lines connected to the power supply 7 without going through the refrigerant pipe 5 and the communication line 4. If power is supplied via a dedicated line for power supply (two power lines or a pair of the power line 6 and the refrigerant pipe 5) without going through the communication line 4, the communication control units 11, 21, 31 Need not have a function of superimposing a DC voltage and a signal and a function of separating a DC voltage and a signal from the superimposed signal. Therefore, the enlargement of the communication control units 11, 21, 31 can be suppressed.

Fifth embodiment.
A control system according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Here, the arrangement of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 will be described. For example, the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 are arranged closer to the power source as the current consumed by the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 increases. For example, in the control system shown in FIG. 1, the larger the current consumed, the closer to the power source 7, the closer to the refrigerant pipe 5 and the power line 6. In the control system shown in FIG. 5, a DC voltage is supplied from the control circuit 1 to the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 via the communication line 4. Therefore, the larger the current consumed, the closer to the control circuit 1 is connected to the communication line 4.

  In addition, the magnitude relationship of the consumed current may be determined by the magnitude relationship of the rated current, for example.

  Normally, the DC voltage applied to the power supply line (refrigerant pipe 5 and power supply line 6 in FIG. 1 and communication line 4 in FIG. 5) at a predetermined position increases the resistance of the power supply line as the distance from the predetermined position increases. Descent by.

  For example, in the control system shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit 1 outputs the DC voltage obtained by adding the voltage drop to the communication line 4. Specifically, a DC voltage obtained by adding a voltage drop caused by the resistance of the communication line 4 to the DC voltage to be applied to the sensor 3 connected to the farthest position is output to the communication line 4.

  In the present control system, the consumption current of the sensor 3 connected to the position farthest from the control circuit 1 is the smallest among the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3, and therefore the DC voltage to be given to this is the smallest. Therefore, the DC voltage output from the control circuit 1 to the communication line 4 can be reduced.

  Moreover, the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 may be arranged at a position closer to the power source as the noise generated by the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 increases. Note that the noise generated by itself may be measured, for example, by measuring the current flowing through the power supply line when each of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 is driven alone, for example, with a magnetic probe.

  The power supply line through which the current containing noise flows radiates radiated noise to the surroundings, so that the solenoid valve 2 and sensor 3 that generate large noise are connected to a position closer to the power supply, so that a current containing large noise flows. The length of the power supply line can be shortened, thereby reducing radiation noise.

Sixth embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows a conceptual example of a control system according to the sixth embodiment. Compared to the control system shown in FIG. 1, the communication system further includes a communication line 40, a plurality of actuators 20, and a plurality of sensors 30, and the control circuit 1 further includes a communication control unit 14. In FIG. 6, illustration of the DC power supply 7, the refrigerant pipe 5, and the power supply line 6 is omitted.

  The actuator 20 is, for example, the electromagnetic valve 20, and includes a communication control unit 201 and a nonvolatile recording memory 202 as with the electromagnetic valve 2. Similar to the sensor 3, the sensor 30 includes a communication control unit 301 and a nonvolatile memory 302. The communication line 40 electrically connects the communication control unit 14 and the communication control units 201 and 301 to each other.

  The communication control units 14, 201, 301, the non-volatile memories 202, 302, and the communication line 40 correspond to the communication control units 11, 21, 31, the non-volatile memories 22, 32, and the communication line 4, respectively. With this operation, the control circuit 1 controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve 20 and the sensor 30 via the communication line 40.

  According to such a control system, a set of the electromagnetic valve 2 and the sensor 3 and a set of the electromagnetic valve 20 and the sensor 30 can be classified into a predetermined category and connected to the control circuit 1. For example, the set of the solenoid valve 2 and the sensor 3 and the set of the solenoid valve 20 and the sensor 30 may be classified according to a difference in operating voltage. For example, as described in the fourth embodiment, a DC voltage is supplied to one set of electromagnetic valve 2 and sensor 3 and one set of electromagnetic valve 20 and sensor 30 via communication lines 4 and 40, respectively. It is especially effective in cases.

  Note that the air conditioners described in the first to sixth embodiments may be combined with each other.

It is a figure which shows an example of a notional structure of an air conditioner. It is a figure which shows another example of a notional structure of an air conditioner. It is a figure which shows another example of a notional structure of an air conditioner. It is a figure which shows another example of a notional structure of an air conditioner. It is a figure which shows another example of a notional structure of an air conditioner. It is a figure which shows another example of a notional structure of an air conditioner.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control circuit 2,20 Solenoid valve 3,30 Sensor 4,40 Communication line 5 Refrigerant piping 11, 14, 21, 31 Communication control part 12, 22, 32 Non-volatile memory 13 Time measuring part 23 Abnormality detection part 91 Insulation transformer

Claims (20)

Refrigerant pipe (5) which is a component of the refrigerant path;
A plurality of components (2, 3) provided on the refrigerant path;
A communication line (4);
A plurality of components provided in each of the components, for recognizing destination information of a signal flowing on the communication line, receiving the signal according to the destination information, and transmitting the signal including the destination information to the communication line A first communication control unit (21, 31);
An air conditioner comprising: a control circuit (1) having a second communication control unit (11) that controls the operation of the component and performs transmission and reception of the signal with the first communication control unit via the communication line. A power source (7) electrically connected to the refrigerant pipe
Further comprising
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the component (2, 3) and the control circuit (1) are electrically connected to the refrigerant pipe.   The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the communication lines (41, 42) are arranged adjacent to each other along the refrigerant pipe (5).   An insulation transformer (91) connected between the power supply (70) and the refrigerant pipe (5), insulated from the power supply, and converting a power supply voltage from the power supply to a lower voltage. Item 4. The air conditioner according to Item 2 or 3.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a non-volatile recording medium (22, 32) provided corresponding to each of the components (2, 3) and recording an operation state of the corresponding component. The air conditioner described. An abnormality detection unit (23) for detecting an abnormality of the component (2, 3);
The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) records information related to an abnormality occurring in the corresponding component (2, 3). It further comprises a timekeeping part (13) for measuring the date and time,
The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) records the date and time when the abnormality occurred. It further comprises a timekeeping part (13) for measuring time,
The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) records a cumulative period during which the corresponding component (2, 3) operates.   The nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) has the manufacturing information of the corresponding component (2, 3) and the corresponding component connected to the communication line (4) via the communication control unit (21). The air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the recorded date and time information is recorded. An identification unit (8) installed in proximity to each of the components (2, 3), each printed with an N-dimensional barcode indicating the destination information;
The non-volatile recording medium (22, 32) provided corresponding to each of the parts (2, 3) and recording the destination information about the corresponding parts, respectively. The air conditioner as described in any one.   Provided for each of the components (2, 3), the destination information for the corresponding components is recorded by the control circuit (1) via the communication line (4) or by a dedicated device, respectively. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a non-volatile recording medium (22, 32). The component (2, 3) further includes a component (5) to be measured or controlled,
The position information on which the component is installed is recorded on the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32), and the control circuit (1) controls the operation of the component based on the position information. 11. The air conditioner according to 11.   The control circuit (1) supplies a power supply voltage to the components (2, 3) via the communication line (4), and the component is closer to the control circuit as the current consumed by the component is larger. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is connected to the communication line.   The control circuit (1) supplies a power supply voltage to the components (2, 3) via the communication line (4), and the components are closer to the control circuit as the noise generated by the components is larger. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is connected to the communication line. A second communication line (40) separate from the communication line (4);
A plurality of second parts (20, 30);
Recognizing second destination information of a second signal provided on each of the second components and flowing on the second communication line, receiving the second signal according to the second destination information, and receiving the second destination information. A plurality of third communication control units (201, 301) for transmitting the second signal including the second signal to the second communication line,
The control circuit (1) further includes a fourth communication control unit (15) that transmits and receives the second signal via the second communication line with the third communication control unit. The air conditioner as described in one. The first communication control unit (21, 31) is supplied with a DC voltage from a power source (7, 70),
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first communication control unit superimposes the signal on the DC voltage and sends the signal to the communication line (4).   The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a power line connected to the control circuit (1) and the component (2, 3).   5. The apparatus further comprises a non-volatile recording medium (22, 32) provided corresponding to each of the parts (2, 3) and recording the destination information of the corresponding part (2, 3). The air conditioner as described in any one of these.   The air conditioner according to claim 18, wherein the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32) records attribute information relating to specifications of the parts (2, 3) provided with the nonvolatile recording medium (22, 32).   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first communication control unit (21, 31) is detachably connected to the communication line (4).

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