JP3535148B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a nonvolatile EEP.
The current operation content is stored in a storage device such as a ROM,
The present invention relates to an air conditioner having an automatic restart control function that automatically restarts operation based on the operation content stored in the storage device after a power failure and power restoration.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Air conditioners such as room air conditioners (hereinafter,
(Also called an air conditioner) circulates a refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle to cool or (and) heat indoor air by the condensation and evaporation of the refrigerant, and is now one of the necessities in homes and buildings. Has become.

As an example of the above-mentioned air conditioner, there is one that performs automatic restart (auto restart) control in order to perform air conditioning with higher reliability and operability. Auto-restart control stores the current operating state of the air conditioner in a non-volatile storage device (for example, EEPROM), and if a power failure occurs and the operation of the air conditioner is stopped, a certain period of time is restored. This is a control method in which, when the power is turned on, the operation state stored in the storage device is read out and the operation is automatically restarted. By incorporating this automatic restart control method, it is possible to restore the air conditioning operation without manual resetting in the power supply state after power failure and power recovery.

In the conventional air conditioner, the components related to the above-mentioned automatic restart control system (storage device, program, etc. necessary for the control) are installed in advance from the time of product shipment, and the automatic restart control is always executed. It was divided into a type and a type that does not perform auto restart control from the beginning. That is, in the conventional air conditioner, whether or not to execute the auto restart control is fixed in advance to either one.

Further, although the timer operation is frequently used in the air conditioner for indoor cooling and heating, no specific control method has been defined for the automatic restart control when the timer is set.

[0006]

Although the above-mentioned automatic restart control is effective in terms of operation efficiency, it is not a control method for enhancing the comfort of the user, and therefore the automatic restart control is concerned. The need for control varied from user to user.

That is, since there are many power outages in regions where power supply conditions are poor, such as a specific range overseas, the air conditioners are frequently stopped (reset) due to the power outages. It was necessary to operate it and start driving again, which imposes an extra burden on the user. Due to this background, many users have requested auto-restart control in areas where the power supply situation is poor.

On the other hand, in countries such as Japan where power supply conditions are good, there are few blackouts and there are few opportunities to use the auto restart control, so many users did not particularly need the auto restart control. For air conditioners that use the automatic restart control method, unplug the air conditioner power during the off season (spring / autumn) to avoid
When the outlet is used to use the air conditioner during the winter season, there is a possibility that the air conditioner will start operating even if the user does not intend, so no auto restart control is required. There were cases where it was better to say

That is, if the presence or absence of execution of the auto-restart control is fixed as in the conventional case, there is a problem that it is not possible to meet the demands of all users.

Further, since it is expected that the necessity of executing the auto-restart control will change according to the environment of the user, it is desirable to allow the user to select whether or not to execute the auto-restart control. It was

Further, in the air conditioner equipped with the conventional auto-restart control system, no specific control system is set when the timer is set. Therefore, for example, when a power failure occurs when the timer is set and the power is restored after a certain period of time, in the conventional auto restart control, the air conditioner is restarted based on the operation mode before the power failure. This is when the incoming timer is set (current operation is stopped and the air conditioner is started at a predetermined future time [hours and minutes]) and when the off timer is set (a future predetermined time [hours and minutes] is set. , Which means that the air conditioner is stopped at that time), the air conditioner is restarted after power recovery regardless of the timer setting. Therefore, despite setting the timer,
The user may start the air conditioner at the time when the user wants to stop the operation (startup) of the air conditioner.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the adaptability to various power supply environments by specifically setting the auto restart control when the timer is set. Especially.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an air conditioner according to claim 1 of the present invention stores in a storage device before a power failure when the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored. In an air conditioner having an automatic restart control function that automatically restarts the air conditioning operation based on the operation content data that has been set, setting means for setting whether or not to perform the automatic restart control and a predetermined air conditioning operation. When the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored when the timer is set, timer setting means for setting the timer so that the air-conditioning operation is stopped when the predetermined time is reached In addition, the control means controls the automatic restart control so that the automatic restart control is not performed even if the automatic restart control is set by the setting means.

In the air conditioner according to the second aspect, when the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored, the air conditioning operation is automatically restarted based on the operation content data stored in the storage device before the power failure. In an air conditioner having an auto-restart control function, setting means for setting whether to perform the auto-restart control or not, and timer setting means for setting a timer to execute air conditioning operation after a predetermined time. When the timer is set, when the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored, control means is provided so as not to perform the auto restart control regardless of the setting of the setting means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner, when the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored after the timer operation is started from the predetermined time set by the timer setting means, the setting means causes the power supply to stop. Means for determining whether or not the setting for performing the auto restart control is performed, and, as a result of the determination by the determination means, means for performing the auto restart control only when the setting for performing the auto restart control is performed. I have it.

As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operation content data is data set by a remote controller, and the setting means is a manually switchable switch.

As a preferred embodiment, the storage device is a non-volatile storage device capable of writing and erasing data, and the operation content data is based on the operation content before the power supply is stopped. Is the data written to.

In the air conditioner of the present invention, the air conditioner operation is continuously executed until a predetermined time in the future, and when the predetermined time is reached, the air conditioner operation is stopped (timer setting). And a timer setting means for performing the automatic restart control even if the setting means performs the automatic restart control when the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and power is restored when the timer is set. And means for controlling.

Further, in the air conditioner of the present invention, a timer setting means for setting a timer (on-timer setting) having a content to execute the air conditioning operation from a predetermined time in the future, and the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time when the timer is set. When the power is restored, the means for controlling the automatic restart control not to be performed regardless of the setting of the setting means.

Further, in the air conditioner of the present invention, when the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored after the timer operation is started from the predetermined time set by the timer setting means (setting the input timer), Means for determining whether or not the setting for performing the automatic restart control is made by the setting means, and the automatic restart control is performed only when the automatic restart control is set as a result of the determination made by the determination means. And means.

According to the present invention, whether or not to carry out the automatic restart control can be manually set by the setting means (for example, a changeover switch), so that the user can
It is possible to easily select execution / non-execution of the auto restart control according to the power supply environment.

Further, according to the present invention, when the power is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored during the setting of the cut-off timer and the input timer, the automatic restart control operation is not performed regardless of the setting of the setting means. , The air conditioner will not start operation contrary to the intention of the user.

During the operation based on the setting of the incoming timer, the auto-restart control is performed only when the setting of the auto-restart control is made through the setting means by the judgment means. .
As a result, the automatic restart control is performed only during the operation based on the setting of the incoming timer, that is, during the operation based on the intention of the user.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner (air conditioner) in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioner 1 includes a compressor (compressor) 2, a four-way valve 3 having a refrigerant flow path switching function, an indoor heat exchanger 4 arranged to face an indoor fan 4a, and an expansion. Electronically controlled valve (PMV) as a valve
5, and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 arranged to face the outdoor fan 6a are sequentially and annularly connected via the pipe 7 to form a refrigeration cycle for reversibly circulating the refrigerant.

As can be seen from this refrigeration cycle, in the air conditioner 1, the refrigerant is controlled by switching control of the four-way valve 3 (four-way valve 3 → OFF) during operation of the compressor 2, the indoor fan 4a and the outdoor fan 6a. Circulation in the direction of the solid line arrow (compressor 2 → four-way valve 3 → outdoor heat exchanger (condensing action) 6 → PMV 5 → indoor heat exchanger (evaporative cooling action) 4
→ Four-way valve 3 → Compressor 2 → ...) to perform cooling operation, and switching control of the four-way valve 3 (four-way valve 3 → O
N) circulates the refrigerant in the direction of the broken line in the figure (compressor 2 → four-way valve 3 → indoor heat exchanger (condensing heating action) 4 → expansion valve 5 → outdoor heat exchanger (evaporating action) 6 → four-way valve 3 → Compressor 2 → ...) to perform heating operation.

The above-mentioned compressor 2, four-way valve 3, PMV
5, the outdoor heat exchanger 6, and the outdoor fan 6a are provided in an outdoor unit installed outdoors. The outdoor unit is installed in the outdoor heat exchanger 6, and an evaporation temperature sensor 9 for detecting the refrigerant evaporation temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 6,
An outdoor air temperature sensor 1 provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 6 itself or in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 to detect the outdoor air temperature.
0, and has a function of controlling the entire outdoor side including the compressor 2 and the like on the basis of signals detected by the evaporation temperature sensor 9 and the outside air temperature sensor 10.

The indoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor fan 4a
And are provided in an indoor unit installed indoors.
The indoor unit includes an indoor temperature sensor 11 that detects an indoor temperature, and a heat exchanger temperature sensor 12 that is installed in the indoor heat exchanger 4 and that detects a refrigerant condensation temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 4.
And has a function of controlling the entire indoor side including the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor fan 4a based on signals detected by the indoor temperature sensor 11 and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 12, respectively. There is.

Here, FIG. 2 shows a control system of the entire air conditioner 1 including the indoor unit 15 and the outdoor unit 16.

According to FIG. 2, the indoor unit 15 controls the entire indoor unit 15 and the outdoor unit 16 as a whole, for example, a microcomputer.
An indoor control unit (MCU; multi-control unit) 20 is mounted. The indoor control unit 20 is connected to an AC power supply 21 for supplying power to the air conditioner 1. In addition, the indoor control unit 20 uses the air conditioner 1
It is possible to receive a command signal from the remote control remote control 22 for.

The remote controller 22 can issue a command for operating the air conditioner 1 (the indoor unit 15 and the outdoor unit 16) in a desired operating condition and a command to stop the operation to the indoor control section 20. There is. That is, the remote controller 22 controls the indoor control unit 20 to perform cooling,
It is possible to remotely transmit operation mode selection data such as heating and dehumidification and setting data including a desired room temperature and air flow as an operation command. Further, the remote controller 22 can set a timer for causing the operation based on the operation mode selection data and the setting data to be started from a desired time or until the desired time.

That is, from the remote controller 22 to the air conditioner 1
For the (indoor control unit 20), an incoming timer setting for starting the air conditioner 1 at a predetermined future time [what hour and what time] (or after a predetermined time has elapsed from the present), and a predetermined future time [ Hour and minute] (or after a lapse of a predetermined time from the present), the air conditioner 1 is operated at the predetermined time.
It is possible to set the off timer that stops the operation of.

Further, the remote controller 22 is capable of sending a special operation command to the air conditioner 1 (indoor control section 20) to cause the air conditioner 1 to operate with preset contents. . As the special operation command, in the present embodiment, a command (automatic operation for automatically performing the operation in a predetermined operation mode, a predetermined set temperature and a predetermined air flow without setting the operation mode and the room temperature described above is performed. Driving command), and particularly during bedtime, sleep and sleep driving for preventing excessive cooling and heating in the room to give the user a comfortable sleep. In this sleep operation, the cooling or heating operation is continued for a predetermined period of time according to the environment such as the room temperature at bedtime to eliminate the sleepiness during the sleep period, and after the predetermined period of time (the user is sleeping). ), It does not require strong heating and cooling, so it is a preset temperature (the temperature is comfortable for the body and is automatically changed so as not to overheat and not overheat during sleep, and the range of change is narrow). While maintaining the above, the operation for preventing excessive cooling and heating in the room is continued for a predetermined time by lowering the indoor air flow rate below the normal air flow rate.

On the other hand, the indoor unit 15 can control the indoor temperature sensor 11 and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 12, the fan motor (FM) 23 for rotating the indoor fan 4a, and the rotational speed of the FM 23 at a variable speed. A speed control circuit 24 and a louver motor (RM) 25 for oscillating a louver (not shown) that adjusts the direction of wind (cold air or warm air) blown from an outlet (not shown) of the indoor unit 15.
And a louver drive circuit 26 for driving the RM 25 while controlling its rotation angle. The indoor temperature sensor 11, the heat exchanger temperature sensor 12, the speed control circuit 24, and the louver drive circuit 26 are each connected to the indoor control unit 20.

Further, the indoor unit 15 includes a non-volatile storage device (for example, an EEPROM in this embodiment) 30,
It has a changeover switch 31 for determining whether or not to execute the auto restart control. The changeover switch (for example, ON / OFF switch) 31 is installed on an indoor panel or the like (not shown) of the indoor unit 15. For example, when the changeover switch 31 is ON, it indicates execution of automatic restart control, and the switch 31 is OFF. The case is predetermined to indicate that the auto restart control is not executed.

The indoor unit 15 includes the remote controller 2
The forced operation switch 32 for forcibly operating the air conditioner 1 based on the data indicating the predetermined operation content regardless of the transmission content of No. 2 is included. This forced operation switch (for example, slide switch) 32 is also installed on an indoor panel or the like (not shown) of the indoor unit 15, and depending on the slide setting position, for example, (1) forced automatic operation, (2) forced cooling operation ( The above-described forced operation is performed by the remote controller 22 based on the data indicating the preset operation content.
Various modes such as a mode for forcibly performing the automatic operation or the cooling operation regardless of the operation command transmitted from the), and (3) normal operation (a mode for performing the operation based on the operation command transmitted from the remote controller 22) The operation mode can be selected, and is normally set to the normal operation mode (3).

On the other hand, the outdoor unit 16 is equipped with an outdoor control section equipped with a microcomputer, a drive circuit for driving the above-mentioned compressor 2, an FM and FM drive circuit for rotating the outdoor fan 6a, and the like. An AC power supply line L is connected to the outdoor control unit of the outdoor unit 16 via the indoor control unit 20. The outdoor control unit of the outdoor unit 16 is interconnected with the indoor control unit 20 by a line C, and a control signal relating to the operation of the air conditioner 1 as a whole can be transmitted and received via the line C.

The indoor control section 20 of the indoor unit 15 has the above-described constituent elements of the indoor unit 15 (the speed control circuit 24 and the like) based on the operation command transmitted from the remote controller 22.
Also, each component of the outdoor unit 16 (compressor drive circuit, etc.) is controlled to perform air conditioning according to the content of the operation command. When the timer is set, each of the above-described constituent elements of the indoor unit 15 and each constituent element of the outdoor unit 16 are controlled based on the timer setting contents when the time set by the timer is reached, and the timer setting is performed. The operation (air conditioning operation, stop operation, etc.) according to the contents is performed.

Further, if the change-over switch 31 is ON, the indoor control section 20 stores the current operation content (contents of the operation command transmitted from the remote controller 22 in the normal operation mode) at a required timing in the EEPROM 30. When writing, EEPROM during power failure → power recovery
The operation is automatically started based on the operation content data written in 30. When the changeover switch 31 is OFF, the indoor control unit 20 erases the operation content data stored in the EEPROM 30 at a required timing.

Next, regarding the overall operation of the present embodiment, the indoor control unit 2 in particular according to ON / OFF of the changeover switch 31
The control operation of 0 will be mainly described with reference to FIGS.

When the power supply 21 is turned on to the air conditioner 1 (indoor unit 15 and outdoor unit 16) by turning on a power switch (not shown), the microcomputer of the indoor control unit 20 The reset state is entered (FIG. 3; step S1). Subsequently, the indoor control unit 20 refers to the slide position of the forced operation switch 32 to determine whether or not the normal operation mode is set (step S2). If the result of this determination is that it is not the normal operation mode but the special operation mode (the result of the determination in step S2 is NO (NO is abbreviated as “N” in the drawing)), step S30 described later is performed. (FIG. 4). On the other hand, as a result of the above determination, when it is determined that the normal operation mode is set (YES as a result of the determination in step S2 (Y in the drawing)
ES is abbreviated as "Y")), and the indoor control unit 20
It is determined whether the changeover switch 31 is ON (step S
3).

If the result of determination in step S3 is OFF (NO in result of determination in step S3), the process proceeds to step S35 (FIG. 5) described later. on the other hand,
When the result of the determination in step S3 is ON, that is, when it is determined that the auto-restart control operation is to be executed (the result of determination in step S3 is YES), the microcomputer of the indoor control unit 20 is reset again (step S4), and then the indoor The control unit 20 refers to the EEPROM 30 and refers to the EEPR.
It is determined whether or not the operation content data is stored in the OM 30 (whether or not there is data) (step S5).

When it is determined that the data is stored as a result of the determination in step S5 (the result of the determination in step S5 is YE
S), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the power was turned on (whether or not the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 4 has risen to reach the heat exchangable temperature) (step) S
6). When it is determined that the result of this determination has not elapsed (NO as a result of the determination in step S6), the indoor control unit 2
If 0, the determination process of step S6 is repeated. Then, when it is determined that the result of the determination in step S6 has elapsed (the result of the determination in step S6 is YES), the indoor control unit 20 determines whether the indoor unit 15 of the indoor unit 15 is based on the operation content data stored in the EEPROM 30. Each constituent element of the outdoor unit 16 is controlled via each constituent element and the outdoor control unit described above, and the air conditioning operation corresponding to the operation content data is started (step S7).

The indoor control unit 20 constantly determines whether or not a power failure occurs during the air conditioning operation and the power supply 21 of the air conditioner 1 is shut off (step S8), and a power failure occurs (step S8). If the result of the determination is YES), and then the power is restored (the result of the determination in step S9 is YES), the situation is almost the same as when the power to the air conditioner 1 is turned on, and the process returns to step S1 to return to the above-described steps S1 to S1. Step S
The process of 9 is repeated. As a result, it is possible to execute the automatic restart control capable of automatically restarting the operation of the air conditioner 1 after the power failure is restored.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in step S5, EEPR
When it is determined that the data is not stored in the OM 30 (NO as a result of the determination in step S5), the indoor control unit 20 is in the control operation standby state until the operation command is sent from the remote controller 22 (step S10). ). In the unlikely event that a power failure occurs in this standby state (YES as a result of the determination in step S11), then power is restored (step S1).
As a result of the determination in step 2), the situation is almost the same as when the power to the air conditioner 1 is turned on, and the process returns to step S1 to repeat the above-described steps S1 to S5.

When no power failure occurs in the standby state (NO as a result of the determination in step S11), the indoor control unit 20
It is determined whether the current operation mode is the normal operation mode (step S13). Since the current operation mode is the normal operation mode, the result of this determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step S14.

On the other hand, the indoor control unit 20 in the operation standby state
Judges whether or not a driving command has been sent from the remote controller 22 (step S14). That is, the remote controller 22
If the driving command is not sent from (NO as a result of the determination in step S14), the indoor control unit 20 proceeds to step S10.
The process returns to step 3 and the operation standby state is continued.

At this time, the user manually operates the remote controller 22 to send an operation command including desired operation mode selection data and setting data to the indoor control section 20. The indoor control unit 20 receives the transmitted driving command (YES as a result of the determination in step S14), and writes the driving content based on the driving command as data in the EEPROM 30 (step S15). Then, the indoor control unit 20 proceeds to step S
Similar to step 6, determination processing is performed as to whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the power was turned on (step S16),
When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S17.

The indoor control section 20 controls each of the above-mentioned constituent elements of the indoor unit 15 (speed control circuit 24 and the like) and each constituent element of the outdoor unit 16 (compressor drive circuit and the like) based on the operation command from the remote controller 22. It controls and starts the normal air conditioning operation according to the content of the operation command (step S17).

During normal operation, the indoor control section 20 always determines whether or not a command to change the setting of the operation content is transmitted from the remote controller 22 (step S18), and the setting change command is transmitted. If (step S18
The result of the determination is YES), the transmitted setting change command is received, and the operation content data stored in the EEPROM 30 is
The data based on the operation content based on the setting change command is updated (the updated operation content data is used as the updated operation content data), and the normal air conditioning operation is performed according to the setting change command (step S19).

In addition, the indoor control unit 20 always determines whether or not a power failure occurs during normal air conditioning operation and the power supply 21 of the air conditioner 1 is shut off (step S20).
A power failure has occurred (YES as a result of the determination in step S20),
After that, when power is restored (the result of the judgment in step S21 is YE
S), the indoor control unit 20 automatically executes the auto restart control operation. That is, the indoor controller 20 controls the EEP
Based on the update operation content data written in the ROM 30, each component of the indoor unit 15 and each component of the outdoor unit 16 are activated and controlled via the outdoor control unit, and the air conditioning operation is automatically performed according to the update operation content data. First (step S22), the process proceeds to step S26. When no power failure occurs (NO as a result of the determination in step S20), the indoor control unit 20 determines that the EEPR
Based on the operation content data written in the OM 30, each constituent element of the indoor unit 15 and each constituent element of the outdoor unit 16 are respectively startup-controlled, and the air-conditioning operation according to the operation content data is automatically started to execute step S26. Move to processing.

On the other hand, the result of the determination in step S18 is NO,
That is, when the setting change command is not transmitted, the indoor control unit 20 always determines whether or not the power supply 21 of the air conditioner 1 is cut off due to a power failure during the normal air conditioning operation (step S23), a power failure occurs (YES as a result of the determination in step S23), and then the power is restored (YES as a result of the determination in step S24), the indoor control unit 20 performs indoor operation based on the operation content data written in the EEPROM 30. Start-up control of each component of the unit 15 and each component of the outdoor unit 16,
The air conditioning operation corresponding to the operation content data is automatically started (step S25), and the process proceeds to step S26. If no power outage occurs (NO as a result of the determination in step S23), the indoor control unit 20 determines that the EEPROM
Each constituent element of the indoor unit 15 and each constituent element of the outdoor unit 16 are individually activated and controlled based on the operation content data written in 30, and the air-conditioning operation according to the operation content data is automatically started. Move to processing.

During normal operation by the automatic restart control based on the updated operation content data or the operation content data, the indoor control unit 20 always determines whether or not the operation stop command is transmitted from the remote controller 22 (step S
26), as a result, if it is determined that the data has not been sent (NO as a result of the determination in step S26), step S18
Then, the normal operation is continued by returning to the process.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in step S26, YE
If it is determined that S, that is, the operation stop command has been sent, the indoor control unit 20 determines that the EEPROM 30
All the data including the operation content data (or the updated operation content data) written (stored) in is erased (step S27), and the process returns to the step S10 to enter the standby state. Then, the remote controller 22 is again processed in the processing of step S14 via steps S11 to S13.
When the driving command is transmitted from the above-mentioned step S14
~ The processing of step S27 is executed to perform driving operation control including automatic restart control.

On the other hand, when the result of the determination in step S2 is NO, that is, when the sliding position of the forced operation switch 32 is set to the special operation mode (forced automatic operation mode or forced cooling operation mode), the indoor control unit 20 determines whether the slide position is in the forced automatic operation mode (FIG. 4; step S30). When the result of this determination is YES (set to the forced automatic operation mode), the indoor control unit 20 determines the indoor unit 15 based on the operation content determined in advance corresponding to the forced automatic operation mode.
And each constituent element of the outdoor unit 16 are controlled to start forced automatic operation (step S3).
1), the process proceeds to step S10 and step S11. On the other hand, in the case of the determination result in step S30 being NO (setting to the forced cooling operation mode), the indoor control unit 20 determines each of the indoor units 15 based on the operation content determined in advance corresponding to the forced cooling operation mode. The constituent elements and the constituent elements of the outdoor unit 16 are individually controlled to start the forced cooling operation (step S32), and the process proceeds to steps S10 and S11. Step S11 to Step S1
In the process of 3, since the current mode is the special operation mode, the operation control based on the operation command from the remote controller 22 after step S14 is not performed (step S1).
As a result of the processing of No. 3), the processing shifts to the processing of step S1 and the above-described processing is repeated.

Further, when the result of the determination in step S3 is NO, that is, when the changeover switch 31 is OFF, the indoor control unit 20 determines that the automatic restart control operation is not performed, and the contents of the EEPROM 30. Are all erased (step S35). Then, it is determined whether or not the driving command is transmitted from the remote controller 22 (step S36), and if it is not transmitted (NO as a result of the determination in step S36), the step S36 is performed.
The determination process of is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, when the operation command is sent from the remote controller 22 by the manual operation of the user (step S
If the result of determination in step S36 is YES), the indoor control unit 20 receives the transmitted driving command, and after the elapse of a predetermined time by the same processing as step S6 (step S16) described above, based on the driving command from the remote controller 22, The respective constituent elements of the unit 15 and the respective constituent elements of the outdoor unit 16 are individually activated and controlled, and the normal air conditioning operation corresponding to the content of the operation command is started (step S37).

At this time, the indoor control unit 20 always determines whether or not a power failure occurs during the normal air conditioning operation and the power supply 21 of the air conditioner 1 is shut off (step S3).
8). That is, if no power outage occurs (step S3
If the determination result of 8 is NO), the indoor control unit 20 moves to the process of step S26. On the other hand, if a power failure occurs (YES in the determination result in step S38) and then the power is restored (YES in the determination result in step S39), the EEPROM 30
Since the stored contents of No. have been erased by the processing of step S35, the automatic restart control operation, that is, EEPR
The driving operation based on the stored contents of the OM 30 is not executed but the reset state is set (step S40), and the process is ended.

As described above, according to this configuration, the user sets ON (representing execution of the auto-restart control) / OFF (representing not executing the auto-restart control) of the changeover switch 31 as desired by the user. By doing
It is possible to select an auto-restart control execution process (selection switch ON, steps S4 to S27) and an operation process not performing auto-restart control (selection switch OFF, steps S35 to S40).
In other words, the user can easily select whether or not to execute the auto restart control according to the environment, etc., and thus can meet the demands of various users, and can satisfy user satisfaction and adapt to various power supply environments. The function can be improved.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a control system of the entire air conditioner 1A including an indoor unit 15A and an outdoor unit 16A according to this embodiment.

According to FIG. 6, the indoor unit 15A includes
An operation lamp 40A such as an LED for displaying a driving operation, an auto restart lamp 40B such as an LED for displaying an auto restart operation, and a buzzer 41 as an alarm signal output unit are connected as the display unit 40, respectively. Further, the operation lamp 40A and the auto restart lamp 40B are installed on, for example, an indoor panel (not shown) of the indoor unit 15, and the automatic restart lamp 40B turns on the changeover switch 31 according to the control from the indoor control unit 40.
The light is turned on only in the state (that is, indicating execution of the auto restart control operation). Further, the buzzer 41 outputs a warning sound when the setting of the changeover switch 31 is newly changed from the previous setting under the control of the indoor control section 40. Since the other configurations and operations are the same as the configurations and operations of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the display section 40 in this configuration will be described.

In the overall operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, after the normal air conditioning operation is started by the process of step S17 in the state where the changeover switch 31 is ON (auto restart operation execution state), the indoor control is performed. Part 20 is
Both the operation lamp 40A and the auto restart lamp 40B of the display unit 40 are turned on (FIG. 7; step S17).
A), the processing from step S18 onward is performed. In addition, after the normal air conditioning operation is started by the process of step S37 in the state where the changeover switch 31 is OFF (the state where the auto restart operation is not executed), the indoor control unit 20 turns on only the operation lamp 40A of the display unit 40. (FIG. 8; step S37A), the processes after step S38 are performed.

As a result, the user can easily and immediately know the setting state of the presence or absence of auto restart during the normal operation by the state of the auto restart lamp 40B (lighting or extinguishing), further improving the user satisfaction. be able to.

In this configuration, the operation lamp 40A and the auto restart lamp 40B are provided as the display section 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation lamps such as two LEDs having different colors are used. 40C and 40
D may be provided. That is, as shown in FIG.
After the normal air conditioning operation is started by the process of step S17 when the changeover switch 31 is ON (auto restart operation execution state), the indoor control unit 20 turns on only the operation lamp 40C of the display unit 40 (step S17).
B), the processing from step S18 is performed. Also, FIG.
As shown in 0, after the normal air conditioning operation is started by the process of step S37 in the state where the changeover switch 31 is OFF (the state where the auto restart operation is not executed), the indoor control unit 20 causes the operation lamp 40D of the display unit 40 to operate. Only those lights are turned on (step S37B), and the processes after step S38 are performed.

By performing the lighting control in this way, the user can easily and quickly know the setting state of the presence or absence of the automatic restart during the normal driving by the color of the lighting lamp for lighting, and further improve the user satisfaction. be able to.

Next, the operation of the buzzer 41 will be described.

In the overall operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, for example, after the process of step S1, the user operates the switching switch 31 (ON / OFF) (FIG. 11; step S50). As a result of the determination, YES, that is, the process of step S50 is started by the interrupt process only when the switching operation is performed), the current setting (for example, OFF) of the indoor control unit 20 is the same as the setting before the switching operation (for example, ON). It is determined whether or not (step S51). If the decision result in the step S51 is YES, the setting of the switch 31 has not been changed, and therefore the processes in and after the step S2 are performed. In addition, the result N of the determination in step S51
If O, that is, if the switching setting of the switch 31 has changed, the indoor control unit 20 causes the buzzer 41 to generate a buzzer sound (warning sound).
Is controlled (step S52), and the processing from step S2 onward is performed.

By performing the above buzzer sound control, the user can confirm by the buzzer sound whether or not the change in the setting due to the switch of the switch 31 is recognized by the indoor control section 20, and therefore, for example, the switch 31 is activated. When a failure occurs, it is possible to easily find the failure of the switch 31 and avoid malfunction due to the failure of the switch 31.

In this configuration, the display unit 40 is LE
Although the D lamp is used, any display type can be used as long as the display format can be changed between the operation in the auto restart control executable state (selection switch ON) and the operation in the auto restart control non-execution state (selection switch OFF). The type, the number, etc. of the may be arbitrary.

Further, in the present configuration, the buzzer is used as a constituent element for outputting the audible alarm when the setting of the changeover switch 31 is changed, but the present invention is not limited to this and any audible alarm may be output. Any audible alarm output device may be used.

Further, in this structure, the display section 40 and the buzzer 4 are provided.
However, the configuration may be such that only one of them is provided.

(Third Embodiment) The configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. The present embodiment is characterized by the automatic restart control when the timer is set, and other operations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

As the auto-restart control when the timer is set, first, the auto-restart control when the cut-off timer is set will be described.

The user operates the remote controller 22 to air-condition the air conditioner 1 (indoor controller 20 thereof) at a predetermined future time [hours and minutes] (or after a predetermined time has passed from the present). A command for stopping the operation of the machine 1 (off timer operation command) is transmitted (FIG. 12; step S60). The indoor control unit 20 starts the operation according to the operation content based on the transmitted cut-off timer operation command (or continues the operation if the present operation is in progress) (step S61).

The indoor control unit 2 is operated during the cutoff timer operation.
0 always determines whether or not the power supply 21 of the air conditioner 1 is shut off due to a power failure (step S62), and a power failure occurs (YES as a result of the determination in step S62). When the power is turned on (the result of the determination in step S63 is YE
S), the indoor control unit 20 determines whether or not the changeover switch 31 is ON (step S64).

Then, the changeover switch 31 is turned on / off.
Irrespective of (the result of the determination in step S64 is YES / N
In either case of O), the automatic restart control operation, that is, the driving operation based on the stored contents of the EEPROM 30 is not executed but the reset state is set (step S6).
5, step S66), the process ends.

That is, since the user finally performs the cut-off timer setting (operation) control in order to stop the operation of the air conditioner 1, when the power is restored after a power failure occurs during the cut-off timer operation, Even if the auto restart control is set, the operation is forcibly stopped (reset state). Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the restart of the air conditioner 1 which is to be finally stopped by the setting of the cutoff timer and the operation is continued by the power recovery after the power failure.

Next, the automatic restart control when the timer is set will be described.

The user operates the remote controller 22 to air-condition the air conditioner 1 (indoor control section 20 thereof) at a predetermined future time [hours and minutes] (or after a lapse of a predetermined time from the present). Command to start machine 1 (Enter timer operation command)
Is transmitted (FIG. 13; step S70). Indoor control unit 2
In 0, it is set that the driving is executed at the predetermined time based on the content of the driving based on the transmitted incoming timer driving command (entry timer setting), and the standby state is set (step S71).

During standby for setting the incoming timer, the indoor control section 20 determines whether or not the current time has reached the incoming timer setting time (step S72). As a result of this determination, NO, that is, the incoming timer setting time. If the power has not yet reached, the indoor control unit 20 determines whether or not a power failure has occurred (step S73). If the result of this determination is NO, that is, if the power failure has not occurred, the step It returns to the process of S71 and becomes a standby state.

On the other hand, if a power failure occurs (step S7)
If the result of the determination in step 3 is YES) and then the power is restored (the result of determination in step S74 is YES), the indoor control unit 20 determines whether or not the changeover switch 31 is ON / OFF.
To the reset state without restarting (step S7
5), the process ends.

Further, the result of the judgment in step S72 is YE
When S, that is, when the arrival timer set time is reached, the indoor control unit 20 starts the operation according to the operation content based on the transmitted arrival timer operation command (step S76).
During the on-timer operation, the indoor control unit 20 determines whether the changeover switch 31 is ON (step S77),
As a result of this determination, NO, that is, the changeover switch 31 is OF
In the case of F (auto restart control not executed),
After shifting to the process of step S73, the system is not restarted even if a power failure occurs and the power is restored (reset state is maintained when the power failure does not occur).

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in step S77, YE
When S, that is, when the change-over switch 31 is ON (auto restart control is executed), the operation state based on the input timer operation command is written in the EEPROM 30 because the input timer setting standby state is exited (step S78).

Then, the indoor control unit 20 always determines whether or not a power failure occurs during the on-timer operation and the power supply 21 of the air conditioner 1 is shut off (step S7).
9), a power failure occurs (result of determination in step S79 is YE
S), and then the power is restored (YES as a result of the determination in step S80), the indoor control unit 20 automatically sets the EEPROM.
Each constituent element of the indoor unit 15 and each constituent element of the outdoor unit 16 are respectively controlled based on the operation content data written in 30, and the air conditioning operation according to the operation content data is automatically started and the processing is ended. (Step S8
1).

As described above, according to the entering timer operation of the present embodiment, since the user does not want to activate the air conditioner 1 while the entering timer is on standby, the changeover switch 31 is turned ON / OFF. Regardless of the above, even if a power failure / recovery occurs, the system is not restarted and is in the reset state (see steps S73 to S75).

On the other hand, when a power failure / recovery occurs after the air conditioner 1 starts operating based on the content of the incoming timer setting after exiting the incoming timer setting standby state, the changeover switch 31 is turned on (auto restart). Only in the case of (control execution), the operation content is written in the EEPROM 30, the operation content is read out at the time of power recovery, and the restart is executed based on the operation content.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air conditioner 1 from starting at a time different from the set time of the incoming timer due to the power recovery after the power failure, and to recover from the power failure when the air conditioner 1 is out of the standby state for setting the incoming timer. , Air conditioner 1
When the user wants to start the operation and start the operation, the auto-restart control can be executed this time by setting the changeover switch by the user.

(Fourth Embodiment) The structure of the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. This embodiment has a feature in the automatic restart control during a sleep driving of the special driving,
Since other operations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to this embodiment, the sleep control command is transmitted from the remote controller 22 to (the indoor control unit 20 of) the air conditioner 1 in response to the pressing of the sleep drive switch (FIG. 1).
4; Step S90). The indoor control unit 20 starts the operation in accordance with the operation content based on the transmitted sleep operation command, and the operation content of the initial mode in this sleep operation (set temperature that does not become excessively cold or excessively warm after a predetermined time has elapsed). Then, the sleep operation details such as the air flow rate smaller than the normal air flow rate and the duration of the sleep operation are written in the EEPROM 30 (step S91).

At the time of sleeping operation, the indoor control unit 20
It is constantly determined whether or not the power supply 21 of the air conditioner 1 is shut off due to a power failure (step S92), a power failure occurs (YES as a result of the determination in step S92), and then power is restored ( If the result of the determination in step S93 is YES), the indoor control unit 20 determines whether or not the changeover switch 31 is ON (step S94).

Then, the result N of the judgment in step S94
When O, that is, when the changeover switch 31 is OFF (auto restart control is not executed), the indoor control unit 20 erases the contents of the EEPROM 30 and does not restart the air conditioner 1 and enters a reset state (step S9).
5).

On the other hand, the result of the judgment in step S94 is YE
When S, that is, when the changeover switch 31 is ON (auto restart control is executed), the indoor control unit 20 automatically determines each component of the indoor unit 15 based on the operation content data of the sleep operation initial mode written in the EEPROM 30. Each element and each component of the outdoor unit 16 are controlled, and the air-conditioning operation according to the operation content data of the sleep-sleep initial mode is automatically restarted and the process is ended (step S96).

That is, according to this configuration, when a power failure / power recovery occurs during the sleep operation, the changeover switch 31
Is ON (auto restart control is executed), the restart is executed based on the operation content data of the sleep-sleep initial mode written in the EEPROM 30, and the changeover switch 31 is OFF (auto restart control is not executed). If it is “execution”, the operation is forcibly stopped (reset state). Therefore, the user can set whether or not to execute the auto restart control. Further, even if a power failure occurs during the sleep-sleep operation, it is possible to execute the sleep-sleep operation again from the sleep-sleep operation initial mode by the automatic restart control, so that a comfortable sleep-sleep operation can be executed.

In the first to fourth embodiments, when the automatic restart control is performed at the time of power failure / power recovery, the operation content is written in the EEPROM 30 and the operation is started based on the written operation content data. But,
The present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined operation content is determined in advance as an automatic operation mode (cooling / heating), and at the time of power recovery, the operation content is always based on the automatic operation mode. You may start it. With this configuration, it is not necessary to use a non-volatile storage device such as an EEPROM, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the changeover switch 31 is explained as a slide switch, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various switches such as a push button switch can be used.

In particular, when the push button switch is used, it is possible to set the normal mode or the forced operation mode (forced automatic mode, forced cooling mode) according to the length of time the push button is pushed (push time). it can.

Here, the configuration of the air conditioner 1 when the push button switch described above is used for selection of forced operation switching and execution / non-execution of the automatic restart control is shown in FIG.
Shown in.

According to FIG. 15, the indoor unit 15 includes
Instead of the forced operation switch and the changeover switch in FIG. 2, a push button switch 50 having a forced operation setting function and a changeover function is provided. The push button switch 50 is connected to the indoor control unit 20, and is in the normal operation mode or the forced operation mode, whether the automatic restart control is executed or not, and the forced operation according to the pressing time (push time) of the push button switch 50. The automatic operation mode or the forced cooling operation mode can be selected and set. Note that other configurations are substantially the same as the configurations shown in each of the above-described embodiments, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

Next, regarding the operation of the present modification, especially the above-described selection setting operation will be described.

After the processing of step S1 in the overall operation of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 3, the user, for example,
The push button switch 50 is pressed for a predetermined time. The indoor control unit 20 determines whether (A) a command regarding the normal mode according to the pressing time (push time) of the push button switch 50,
(B) It is judged whether the command is for the forced operation mode (Fig. 1
6; Step S100). Then, the indoor control unit 20
When it is determined from the push time that the command is related to the (A) normal mode, the process proceeds to step S101, and it is further determined whether or not the push time indicates execution of the auto restart control. If the result of the determination in step S101 is YES, that is, if it is determined that the push time represents the execution of the automatic restart control, the indoor control unit 20 proceeds to the processing of step S4 and performs the operation involving the automatic restart control described above. Proceed to operation processing.

On the other hand, the result of the determination in step S101 is NO.
In the case of, that is, when it is determined that the push time represents the non-execution of the automatic restart control, the indoor control unit 20
Shifts to the processing of step S35, and proceeds to driving operation processing not accompanied by automatic restart control.

Furthermore, as a result of the determination in step S100,
When it is determined that the push time is the command relating to the (B) forced operation, the process further proceeds to step S102, and the push time indicates (C) the forced automatic operation or (D) the forced cooling operation. To judge.

As a result of the determination in step S102, YES
In the case of, that is, when it is determined that the push time represents the (C) forced automatic operation, the indoor control unit 20 recognizes that the forced automatic operation is performed (step S103) and shifts to the processing of step S31. The control for executing the above-mentioned forced automatic operation is performed.

On the other hand, the result of the determination in step S102 is NO.
In the case of, that is, when it is determined that the push time represents the (D) forced cooling operation, the indoor control unit 20 recognizes that the forced cooling operation is performed (step S10).
4) The process proceeds to step S32, and control for executing the forced cooling operation is performed.

That is, according to the present configuration, by using only the push button switch 50 without using the changeover switch, the above-mentioned normal mode / forced operation mode selection, selection of the presence / absence of the automatic restart control, and forced operation are performed. It becomes possible to set all contents (automatic / cooling). Therefore, as compared with the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments, the changeover switch is unnecessary and the cost can be reduced.

According to the first to fourth embodiments, the changeover switch 31 is installed in the indoor unit 15 (indoor panel or the like), but the present invention is not limited to this, and is arranged in the remote controller 22. ON by operating the remote control 22
It may be configured so that it can be switched off.

Further, according to the first to fourth embodiments, the EEPROM 30 is used as the nonvolatile memory device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the writable / erasable nonvolatile memory device is used. So long as it is any storage device.

[0110]

As described above, according to the air conditioner of the present invention, when the shut-off timer setting function and the on-off timer setting function are provided, even if the automatic restart control is set. When the power is restored, the automatic restart control prevents the air conditioner from starting at any time other than the setting time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control system diagram of the entire air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of operation processing of the entire air conditioner centering on the operation of the indoor control unit of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of operation processing of the entire air conditioner centering on the operation of the indoor control unit of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of operation processing of the entire air conditioner centering on the operation of the indoor control unit of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a control system diagram of the entire air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a part of a schematic flowchart showing an example of operation processing of the entire air conditioner according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing processing related to the display unit.

FIG. 8 is a part of a schematic flowchart showing an example of operation processing of the entire air conditioner according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing processing relating to a display unit.

FIG. 9 is a part of a schematic flowchart showing an example of operation processing of the entire air conditioner according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing processing relating to a display unit.

FIG. 10 is a part of a schematic flowchart showing an example of the operation processing of the entire air conditioner according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing the processing relating to the display unit.

FIG. 11 is a part of a schematic flow chart showing an example of operation processing of the entire air conditioner according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing processing related to a buzzer.

FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a turning-off timer operation process for the entire air conditioner according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an incoming timer operation process of the entire air conditioner according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a sleep-sleep operation process for the entire air conditioner according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a control system diagram of the entire air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit according to a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a part of a schematic flow chart showing an example of the operation processing of the entire air conditioner according to the modification, showing the processing relating to the operation of the push button switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 air conditioner 2 compressor 3 four-way valve 4 Indoor heat exchanger 4a indoor fan 5 PMV 6 Outdoor heat exchanger 6a outdoor fan 9 Evaporation temperature sensor 10 Outside air temperature sensor 11 Indoor temperature sensor 12 Heat exchanger temperature sensor 15,15A indoor unit 16, 16A outdoor unit 20 Indoor control unit 21 AC power supply 22 Remote control 23 Fan motor (FM) 24 speed control circuit 25 Louver motor (RM) 26 Louver drive circuit 30 EEPROM 31 Changeover switch 32 Forced operation switch 40 Display 41 buzzer 50 push button switch

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-8-178391 (JP, A) JP-A-6-241527 (JP, A) JP-A-5-196272 (JP, A) JP-A-3- 234215 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F24F 11/02

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. When the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored,
In an air conditioner having an automatic restart control function for automatically restarting the air conditioning operation based on the operation content data stored in the storage device before the power outage, whether or not to perform the automatic restart control is set to be switchable. Setting means, a timer setting means for continuously executing the air conditioning operation until after a predetermined time, and setting a timer for stopping the air conditioning operation when the predetermined time is reached; When the power is restored after being stopped for a period of time, the control means for controlling the automatic restart control not to be executed even if the automatic restart control is set by the setting means. Harmony machine. 2. When the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored,
In an air conditioner having an automatic restart control function for automatically restarting the air conditioning operation based on the operation content data stored in the storage device before the power outage, whether or not to perform the automatic restart control is set to be switchable. Setting means, timer setting means for setting a timer to execute air conditioning operation after a predetermined time, and when the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and power is restored when the timer is set, regardless of the setting of the setting means An air conditioner comprising: a control unit that controls the automatic restart control not to be performed. 3. The automatic restart control is set by the setting means when the power supply is stopped for a predetermined time and the power is restored after the timer operation starts from the predetermined time set by the timer setting means. And a means for performing the automatic restart control only when the automatic restart control is set to be performed as a result of the determination by the determination means. Item 2. The air conditioner according to Item 2.