JP4527381B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

In the conventional air conditioner, the controller is provided with a non-volatile memory means, and the capacity of the air conditioner is set in the non-volatile memory means during the assembly process of the printed circuit board on which the microcomputer is mounted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
In addition, the voltage divider circuit of two resistors connected in series with the controller makes the air conditioner's capacity variable according to the voltage, and when noise problems occur, the resistance value is changed locally and the compressor's highest The frequency is lowered (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-7-19581 JP-A-7-27401

Since the conventional air conditioner is configured as described above, there are the following problems.
In an air conditioner equipped with a variable capacity compressor, an inverter for controlling the operating frequency of the compressor, and a controller for giving a frequency variable control command to the inverter according to an air conditioning load, the same air conditioning It can be sold as an air conditioner with multiple capabilities by lowering the frequency of the machine. However, as in Patent Document 1, when the capacity is set in the printed circuit board assembly process, the assembled air conditioner is fixed at a preset capacity, and the product inventory is in spite of the common air conditioner body. There was a problem that the number did not change. The shortage of product inventory has the problem of losing business opportunities for air conditioners.
In addition, when exporting large air conditioners, it is enormous to send by air, and it takes time to ship by shipping. . It is common in the inventory status of air conditioners in factories or overseas warehouses, and it is necessary to power on the controller to set the capacity at the time of shipment. The operations of packing and unpacking the product panel, connecting the power supply, and packing again are very complicated.
In addition, if the capacity can be varied locally as in Patent Document 2, the distributor purchases an air conditioner with a lower capacity than originally required at a low price, changes the resistance value locally, and is essentially necessary. There was a problem that the manufacturer suffered a loss due to the acquisition of a sufficient capacity.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and reduces the number of products in stock, does not miss the business opportunity of air conditioners with necessary and sufficient inventory, and is not complicated at the time of shipment. Is intended to provide an air conditioner that does not suffer irrational losses.

In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the variable capacity compressor, the inverter that controls the operating frequency of the compressor, the controller that gives the inverter a variable frequency control command according to the air conditioning load, and the controller are connected to A limit signal generator equipped with a microcomputer with a capability value programmed and linked with the controller is connected, and the controller obtains the maximum capability value from the limit signal generator by connecting the limit signal generator to the controller. The controller limits and controls the maximum frequency of the inverter according to the obtained maximum capacity value, the inverter controls the variable capacity compressor according to the frequency of the command from the controller, and the limit signal generator is electronic a tag, the controller comprises an electronic tag information reading means Monodea .

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner including a variable capacity compressor, an inverter that controls the operating frequency of the compressor, and a controller that gives a frequency variable control command to the inverter according to an air conditioning load. Lowering the frequency of the same air conditioner makes it possible to sell it as an air conditioner with multiple capabilities, reducing the inventory and preventing the loss of business opportunities due to a shortage.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the present invention. It is a table | surface of the capability variable range of the air conditioner which concerns on form 1. FIG.
In FIG. 1, 1 is a limit signal generator equipped with a microcomputer programmed with a maximum capacity value, 2 is a connection connector on the limit signal generator side, 3 is a connection connector on the controller side, 4 is an inverter according to the air conditioning load A controller for giving a variable frequency control command, 5 is an inverter for controlling the operating frequency of the compressor, and 6 is a variable capacity type compressor.
In FIG. 2, 10 is an outdoor heat exchanger, 11 is a four-way valve, 12 is an outdoor unit, 13 is a refrigerant pipe, 14 is an indoor unit, 15 is an indoor heat exchanger, and 16 is a refrigerant flow control means.
In FIG. 3, 200 is a maximum capability value table.
In the figure, 14a, 15a and 16a represent the first indoor unit, and 14b, 15b and 16b represent the second indoor unit.
First, the refrigerant circuit operation will be described with reference to FIG. During cooling, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 6 returns to the compressor 6 via the four-way valve 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 10, the refrigerant flow rate control means 16, the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the four-way valve 11. During heating, the four-way valve 11 changes the direction of the refrigerant, and the refrigerant flows in the direction opposite to the arrow in FIG. The indoor unit 14 controls the refrigerant flow rate by the refrigerant flow rate control means 16 according to the indoor air conditioning load. The frequency of the compressor 6 is controlled by the inverter 5 so that the necessary flow rate of refrigerant flows. The outdoor unit 12 including the variable capacity compressor 6 having the capacity of 12 horsepower and the outdoor heat exchanger 10 is configured to limit the frequency of the compressor 6 to reduce the frequency of the outdoor unit, for example, 8 horsepower or 10 horsepower. Is possible. The limit signal generator 1 is equipped with a microcomputer (not shown), and the maximum capacity value is programmed. By connecting the connection connector 2 on the limit signal generating device side to the connection connector 3 on the controller side, the controller 4 can obtain the maximum capacity value from the limit signal generating device 1. The controller 4 controls by limiting the maximum frequency of the inverter 5 according to the obtained maximum capacity value. The inverter 5 controls the variable capacity compressor 6 according to the frequency of the command from the controller 4.
According to the first embodiment, the frequency of the same air conditioner can be reduced so that it can be sold as an air conditioner having a plurality of capacities, and the inventory can be reduced. Can be prevented.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
The configuration and operation of the second embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment.
When the controller 4 periodically communicates with the limit signal generator 1 and communication with the limit signal generator 1 cannot be performed, the controller 4 according to a preset minimum capability value, for example, the maximum capability value table 200 of FIG. Driving is performed with horsepower as the maximum capacity.
According to the second embodiment, since the limit signal generator and the controller periodically communicate with each other, it is not possible to purchase one limit signal generator and use it in a plurality of outdoor units. Is possible.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 4 is a relationship table between the variable capacity range and encryption of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The configuration and operation of the third embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment.
4, 200 is a maximum capacity value table, 202 is an arithmetic expression for calculating a cipher from the maximum capacity value and the manufacturing number, 203 is a manufacturing number, and 204 is a cipher calculated from the maximum capacity value, the manufacturing number and the arithmetic expression. .
The controller 4 includes nonvolatile storage means and maximum capacity value calculation means. A different serial number 203 is stored in each nonvolatile storage means. The limit signal generator 1 is programmed with one cipher of the cipher 204 calculated from the maximum capacity value 200, the serial number 203, and the arithmetic expression 202. The maximum capacity value programmed in the limit signal generator 1 is a cipher uniquely determined from the serial number 203 and the maximum capacity value. The controller 4 reads the above cipher from the limit signal generator 1, and obtains the maximum capacity value by the calculating means for calculating the maximum capacity value from the provided cipher and the serial number stored in the nonvolatile storage means.
According to the third embodiment, it is difficult to perform fraud with a limit signal generation device or encryption means by a microcomputer program, and a distributor sells an air conditioner with a lower capacity than originally required at a low price. It is possible to prevent the manufacturer from losing money by purchasing it, changing it locally, and obtaining the necessary capacity.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
The configuration, operation, and effects of the fourth embodiment are almost the same as those of the third embodiment.
The controller 4 includes nonvolatile storage means, and all of the encryption number 204 calculated from the serial number 203 and the arithmetic expression 202 is stored in the nonvolatile storage means. The limit signal generator 1 is programmed with a cipher 204 corresponding to one serial number and one maximum capability value. The controller 4 reads the cipher from the limit signal generator 1 and sets the maximum capacity value that matches the stored cipher as the maximum capacity value.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The configuration and operation of the fifth embodiment are almost the same as those of the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 5, 20 is an electronic tag information reading means, 21 is an electronic tag, and 22 is an electronic tag mounting means.
The controller 4 includes an electronic tag information reading unit 20 and cooperates with the electronic tag 21 mounted by the electronic tag mounting unit 22. This information linkage operation is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments.
According to the fifth embodiment, since the specification content stored in the electronic tag is described in the electronic tag mounting means, the specification is clarified simultaneously with the mounting of the electronic tag, and there is no need to attach a separate specification table. At the same time, it is possible to prevent specification errors when delivering electronic tags and specification errors when attaching electronic tags.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. The configuration and operation of the sixth embodiment are almost the same as those of the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 6, 30 is a personal computer.
The controller 4 includes a calculation unit that stores the production number 203 in a non-volatile storage unit and calculates the maximum capacity value from a cipher uniquely determined from the production number and the maximum capacity value. The personal computer 30 transmits the cipher to the controller 4, and the controller 4 determines the maximum capacity value according to the cipher.
According to the sixth embodiment, since it can be executed by a personal computer, the operation is simple and easy.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
The configuration and operation of the seventh embodiment are almost the same as those of the sixth embodiment.
In FIG. 7, 31 is a communication line.
The controller 4 includes a calculation means for storing the production number 203 in the nonvolatile storage means and calculating the maximum capacity value from a cipher uniquely determined from the production number and the maximum capacity value. The personal computer 30 is encryption setting means connected externally via a communication line 31, and transmits the encryption to the controller 4, and the controller 4 determines the maximum capacity value according to the encryption.
According to the seventh embodiment, since the personal computer can be executed through the communication line, the operation is simple, easy and speedy.

Embodiment 8 FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. The configuration and operation of the eighth embodiment are almost the same as those of the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 8, 40 is a setting device, 41 is wireless power transmission and signal communication means, and 41 is power reception and signal communication means.
The setting device 40 transmits power to the controller 4 and cooperates with the information by wireless power transmission and signal communication means 41.
According to the eighth embodiment, by using wireless power transmission and signal communication means, it is possible to set the capacity without unpacking the air conditioner at the time of shipment from the warehouse and connecting to the power source. Time is shortened.

Embodiment 9 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. The configuration and operation of the ninth embodiment are almost the same as those of the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 9, 40 is a setting device, 41 is a wireless signal communication means, 42 is a wireless signal communication means, and 43 is a solar cell.
The controller 4 secures power by the solar battery 43, and the setting device 40 cooperates with the controller 4 by wireless signal communication means 41.
According to the ninth embodiment, by using a solar cell, it is possible to set the capacity without opening the air conditioner package at the time of shipment from the warehouse and connecting the power supply, and the working time is shortened.

Embodiment 10 FIG.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an air conditioner business system according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.
In FIG. 10, the variable capacity type outdoor unit 12 is programmed to operate as 8 horsepower which is the minimum value of the maximum capacity value table of Table 200 when the limit signal generator 1 is not connected, and the minimum capacity of 8 is set. Sold and stocked as a horsepower air conditioner.
The limit signal generator 1 is programmed to 10 hp and 12 hp, which are abilities other than the minimum values in the maximum capacity value table of Table 200, and is sold and stocked as a limit signal generator at a price different from the 8 hp air conditioner. Is done.
According to the tenth embodiment, for example, when a large air conditioner is exported, a common outdoor unit is stocked locally, and if necessary, a limit signal generator is sent by air mail so that a shortage can be obtained. Minimal inventory can be realized without waking up, and the effect is great.

Embodiment 11 FIG.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a business system for an air conditioner according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.
In FIG. 11, the variable capacity type outdoor unit 12 operates as 8 horsepower which is the minimum value of the maximum capacity value table of the table 200 when the encryption uniquely determined from the manufacturing number and the maximum capacity value is not set. Programmed and sold and stocked as a minimum capacity 8 hp air conditioner.
Ciphers 205 uniquely determined from 10 hp and 12 hp, which are abilities other than the minimum values in the maximum capacity value table of Table 200, and the serial number are sold at a price corresponding to the difference from the 8 hp air conditioner. .
According to the eleventh embodiment, for example, when exporting a large air conditioner, a common outdoor unit is stocked locally, and if necessary, a cipher is sent by electronic means without causing a shortage. Minimal inventory can be realized, and the effect is great.

Embodiment 12 FIG.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart thereof.
In FIG. 12, 50 is a capability setting means, and 51 is a communication medium.
The indoor unit 14 transmits the capacity of the indoor unit set by the capacity setting means 50 to the controller 4 via the communication medium 51.
In step S <b> 100, the controller 4 sums up the capacities of all indoor units connected via the communication medium 51. In step S101, the maximum capacity value is determined according to the table 200 and the indoor functional force total value.
According to the twelfth embodiment, for example, when an indoor unit having a total of 10 horsepower is connected to an outdoor unit having a capacity of 12 horsepower, the outdoor unit is secured in order to ensure the capacity in a high load state such as cooling where the outdoor temperature is high. May increase the frequency of the compressor, and a current of 10 horsepower or more may flow. However, in this embodiment, the outdoor unit grasps all connected indoor functional forces by communication means and limits the maximum capacity. Without setting the capacity, the maximum current value is limited, and the wire diameter of the power line is limited to a necessary and sufficient value. Therefore, an outdoor unit with 12 horsepower without setting is sold as 10 horsepower, and the power line may be a wiring equivalent to 10 horsepower, which has the effect of reducing wasteful wiring costs.

Embodiment 13 FIG.
The configuration, operation, and effects of the thirteenth embodiment are almost the same as those of the twelfth embodiment.
The variable capacity outdoor unit 12 is sold as an outdoor unit having a plurality of capacities without any special setting.

Embodiment 14 FIG.
FIG. 14 is a relationship table between control programs and ciphers according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the apparatus of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 14, and the business system of the air conditioner which sells an electronic tag separately.
In the controller 4 of the device 215, the nonvolatile storage means 52 that stores the serial number 213, the means 20 that communicates with the electronic tag 21, a plurality of control programs 210, and the electronic tag 21 as shown in FIG. And a decryption program 212 for decrypting which control program is designated by the cipher from the cipher 214 read from the serial number 213 and the serial number 213 stored in the non-volatile storage means 52. A device 215 not equipped with an electronic tag 21 that designates a control program is sold and stocked as a common device. The electronic tags 21A, 21B, and 21C storing the encryption that specifies the A specification, the B specification, and the C specification are sold and stocked as electronic tags separately from the device 215. The electronic tag 21 and the device 215 having specifications according to the request from the customer are sold. The electronic tag 21 is attached to the part of the electronic tag reading means 20 of the controller 4 by the electronic tag attaching means 22.
According to the fourteenth embodiment, since the specification content stored in the electronic tag is described in the electronic tag mounting means, the specification is clarified simultaneously with the mounting of the electronic tag, and there is no need to attach a separate specification table. At the same time, it is possible to prevent specification errors when delivering electronic tags and specification errors when attaching electronic tags. Moreover, the business opportunity of an air conditioner can be expanded by constructing a business system for an air conditioner that separately sells an air conditioner device and an electronic tag.

Embodiment 15 FIG.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a device equipped with an electronic tag and a business system for selling encryption according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a system diagram for setting encryption on the device.
The device 215 includes a non-volatile storage unit 52 that stores the serial number 213, a unit 20 that communicates with the electronic tag 21, an electronic tag 21 that is mounted by the electronic tag mounting unit 22, a plurality of control programs 210, an electronic device A decryption program 212 for decrypting which control program is designated by the cipher from the cipher 214 read from the tag 21 and the serial number 213 stored in the nonvolatile storage means 52 is provided. The device 215 equipped with the electronic tag 21 for which no control program is designated is sold and stocked as a common device. Ciphers that specify the A specification, B specification, and C specification are sold separately from the device 215. At the sales company or the installation site, the setting device 40 sends power to the electronic tag 21 and sets the encryption 214 by the power transmission and signal communication means 41. The device 215 completes the installation work and the power supply work, and reads the encryption 214 stored in the electronic tag 21 from the electronic tag 21 through the electronic tag information reading unit 20 at the start of operation, and the manufacturing stored in the nonvolatile storage unit 52 The control program 210 designated by the encryption is decrypted from the number 213 and the decryption program 212, and the designated control program 210 is executed.
According to the fifteenth embodiment, since the specification content stored in the electronic tag is described in the electronic tag mounting means, the specification is clarified simultaneously with the mounting of the electronic tag, and there is no need to attach a separate specification table. At the same time, it is possible to prevent specification errors when delivering electronic tags and specification errors when attaching electronic tags. Moreover, the business opportunity of an air conditioner can be expanded by constructing a business system for an air conditioner that separately sells an air conditioner device and a cipher.

Embodiment 16 FIG.
FIG. 19 is a view showing an electronic tag according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention.
On the electronic tag mounting means 22 for mounting the electronic tag 21, the specification content stored in the electronic tag 21 is printed, and at the same time the electronic tag 21 is mounted, the specification content is also displayed.
According to the fifteenth embodiment, since the specification content stored in the electronic tag is printed on the electronic tag mounting means, the specification content is displayed simultaneously with the mounting of the electronic tag, and it is necessary to attach a separate specification table. At the same time, specification errors when electronic tags are delivered and specification errors when electronic tags are attached can be prevented.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a table | surface of the capability variable range of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a capacity | capacitance variable range and encryption related table | surface of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the partial structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the partial structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the partial structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows a partial structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the partial structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 9 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the business system of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 10 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the business system of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 11 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 12 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 12 of this invention. It is a control program and encryption related table | surface which concerns on Embodiment 14 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the partial structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 14 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the apparatus of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 14 of this invention, and the business system of the air conditioner which sells an electronic tag separately. It is a block diagram which shows the business system which sells the apparatus with which the electronic tag which concerns on Embodiment 15 of this invention was mounted | worn, and encryption. It is a system diagram which sets a encryption to the apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 15 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the electronic tag which concerns on Embodiment 16 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Limit signal generator 2 Connection connector 3 Controller connection connector 4 Controller 5 Inverter 6 Capability variable type compressor 10 Outdoor heat exchanger 11 Four-way valve 12 Outdoor unit 13 Refrigerant piping 14 Indoor unit, 15 Indoor heat exchanger, 16 Refrigerant flow rate control means, 20 Electronic tag information reading means, 21 Electronic tag, 22 Electronic tag mounting means, 30 Personal computer, 31 Communication line, 40 Setting device, 41 Power transmission and signal communication Means, 42 Signal communication means, 43 Solar cell, 50 Capacity setting means, 51 Communication medium, 52 Non-volatile storage means, 200 Maximum capacity value table, 202 Arithmetic formula for calculating encryption from maximum capacity value and serial number, 203 Serial number , 204 Maximum capacity value, encryption number calculated from serial number and formula, 205 Maximum capacity value table Cryptographically determined based on capability value other than minimum value and serial number, 210 control program, arithmetic expression for calculating cipher from 212 control program and serial number, 213 serial number, 214 control program, serial number and arithmetic expression Ciphers calculated from 215 devices.

Claims (2)

A variable capacity compressor;
An inverter for controlling the operating frequency of the compressor;
A controller for giving a frequency variable control command according to an air conditioning load to the inverter;
A limit signal generator that is connected to the controller and is equipped with a microcomputer programmed with a maximum capacity value and that cooperates with the controller,
By connecting the limit signal generator to the controller, the controller can obtain the maximum capacity value from the limit signal generator, and the controller limits and controls the maximum frequency of the inverter according to the obtained maximum capacity value. And the inverter controls the variable capacity compressor according to the frequency of the command from the controller , the limit signal generator is an electronic tag, and the controller includes electronic tag information reading means. . Equipped with an electronic tag mounting means for mounting the electronic tag, this electronic tag mounting means, the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the specification contents stored in the electronic tag is characterized in that it is printed.

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