JPH0735394A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a device for indicating a failed indoor machine in an an air conditioner in which an address of each indoor machine is automatically set without relying on a switch. CONSTITUTION:In an air conditioner wherein respective units of pluralities of outdoor machines 4, indoor machines 5, and remote controllers and connected with each other through a transmission line 7 for transmission, and addresses of the indoor machines are automatically set without relying on any switch, and wherein a display device is provided on the indoor machine such that display details can be seen, when the indoor machine 5 has any failure state the remote controllers 6 are operated to use the transmission line for communication to force the indoor machine to display itself.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

[Industrial application] One outdoor unit and multiple indoor units
When the indoor unit becomes abnormal in an air conditioner in which the remote control is connected and the units are connected to each other via transmission lines to perform transmission and the address of each indoor unit is automatically set regardless of the switch The present invention relates to an air conditioner that clearly indicates the indoor unit. It should be noted that "to express" means that a specific state different from the normal state is displayed, and an abnormal state is displayed or expressed as a special state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 shows an outdoor unit in which the address of the indoor unit disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-288435 is automatically set.
It is a block diagram of an indoor unit. In FIG. 8, 1 is a control circuit,
Reference numeral 2 is a memory circuit for storing set addresses and the like, and 3 is a communication circuit.

Next, the operation will be described. The multiple indoor units connected to the outdoor unit output an address setting request signal to the outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit responds to this address setting signal with an address setting signal with an unused address as the destination address. When the indoor unit receives the address setting signal within a predetermined time, the indoor unit stores the destination address of the address setting signal in the memory circuit 2 as its own unique address. The indoor unit addresses are automatically set by sequentially performing the address setting process with each indoor unit being shifted in time. As described above, a switch or the like for setting an address is unnecessary, and it is possible to avoid operation failure due to an address setting error.

[0004]

Since the conventional air conditioner in which the address of the unit is automatically set is configured as shown in FIG. 8, it does not have a function of displaying the address, so that the unit can be visually checked. I cannot recognize the address. For example, when some abnormality occurs in the indoor unit, inspection and maintenance are required. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the control circuit 1, the details of the abnormality and the address of the indoor unit in which the abnormality has occurred are transmitted by communication. It is programmed to display on the remote controller that has a connection relationship with the indoor unit where the abnormality occurred. Then, it tries to perform inspection and maintenance based on the address displayed on the remote controller, but since the address of the indoor unit cannot be visually recognized as described above, for example, when an abnormality occurs in a certain indoor unit, the remote controller It is very difficult to carry out the inspection and maintenance because the indoor units operated in step 1 are inspected one by one to find the indoor unit in which an abnormality has occurred and the maintenance is performed. Further, in the current state of air conditioner installation, remote controls are often installed in one place in buildings, etc., so it can be said that they are not subject to inspection and maintenance because they are not operated by the remote control displaying an abnormality. All indoor units on the floor where the remote control is installed, including the indoor units, must be the target of inspection, and there is a problem that the efficiency of inspection and maintenance is further reduced.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a device for clearly indicating an indoor unit in which an abnormality has occurred.

[0006]

In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the outdoor unit, the plurality of indoor units, and the remote controller are connected to each other by transmission means, and by performing transmission, the address of each indoor unit does not depend on the switch. In an air conditioner configured to be set automatically, a memory circuit that stores the details of occurrence of an abnormality when there is an abnormality in the indoor unit, and an abnormality that is stored in the memory circuit by operating the remote controller The means for providing the display control means for taking out the generated contents and the display device for visually confirming the information by the display control means are provided.

Further, the outdoor unit, the plurality of indoor units, and the remote controller are connected to each other by a transmission means, and by transmitting, the address of each indoor unit is automatically set regardless of the switch. In the machine, a communication circuit that wirelessly communicates between the indoor unit and the remote controller, and a memory circuit that stores the content of the abnormality occurrence when there is an abnormality in the indoor unit,
A display control circuit for taking out the abnormality occurrence content stored in the memory circuit via the communication circuit by operating the remote controller, and a remote control display device provided in the remote controller and capable of visually confirming information by the display control means. I took measures to prepare for and.

Further, the outdoor unit, the plurality of indoor units, and the remote controller are connected to each other by transmission means, and by performing transmission, the address of each indoor unit is automatically set regardless of the switch. Control circuit abnormality determination device for determining an abnormality in a control circuit, a memory circuit for storing the abnormality occurrence content when an abnormality occurs in the indoor unit, and a display control means for extracting the abnormality occurrence content stored in the memory circuit And a display device provided in the indoor unit and capable of visually confirming information by the display control means.

Further, the outdoor unit, the plurality of indoor units, and the remote controller are connected to each other by a transmission means, and by transmitting, the address of each indoor unit is automatically set regardless of the switch. In the indoor unit, operation control means provided in the indoor unit for operating a fan of the indoor unit in a specially set operation pattern, a memory circuit for storing details of occurrence of an abnormality when the indoor unit has an abnormality, A means is provided for controlling the fan through the operation control means based on the content of the abnormality stored in the memory circuit by operating the remote controller.

[0010]

According to the present invention, when an indoor unit having an air conditioner is in an abnormal state, the control circuit operates the memory circuit to store the information on the occurrence of the abnormality in the memory circuit, so that the abnormal state continues or is abnormal. By operating the remote controller after the solution, the control circuit retrieves the information of the abnormality occurrence content from the memory circuit and displays it on the display device.

Further, the display request is transmitted to the indoor unit in which the information on the occurrence of the abnormality is stored in the memory circuit by operating the wireless remote controller. Further, by communication between the wireless communication circuit and the wireless remote controller, the contents of the abnormality such as the address and contents of the indoor unit in the abnormal state are displayed on the display unit of the wireless remote controller.

When it is determined that the control circuit is abnormal,
The communication circuit abnormality determination device stores abnormality occurrence information in the memory circuit and operates the display circuit to display it.

Further, the fan is operated in a special pattern which does not exist in the normal operation control according to the content of the abnormality,
Notify that an abnormality has occurred.

[0014]

【Example】

Example 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing the air conditioning system of the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, 4 is an outdoor unit, 5 is an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit 4, 6 is a remote controller for operating the indoor unit 5, 7 is a transmission line connecting the outdoor unit 4, the indoor unit 5, and the remote controller 6,
Reference numeral 8 is a display section of the remote controller 6, and 9 is an operation section of the remote controller 6. In FIG. 1, 1 is a control circuit for controlling / communication of the unit, 2 is a memory circuit for storing information necessary for controlling / communication of the unit such as its own address / abnormality information, 3 is communication. A communication circuit 10 for performing the display is a display device for displaying under the control of the control circuit 1.
Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. When the indoor unit 5 is in an abnormal state (step S1-1), the control circuit 1 of the relevant unit stores the abnormal information in the memory circuit 2 (step S1-).
Along with 2), the communication circuit 3 is used to transmit information about the abnormality and its own address to the remote controller 6 that operates itself via the transmission line 7. (Step S1-3) The information of the abnormal content and the address of the indoor unit 5 in the abnormal state is received (Step S2-1), and the remote controller 6 displays the information on the display section 8 of the remote controller 6 (Step S2-2). ), Encourage inspection and maintenance. After the abnormal condition continues, or after the abnormal condition is resolved by resetting the air conditioner, the person performing the inspection and maintenance operates the remote controller 6 which displays the contents of the abnormal condition and the address information of the indoor unit 5 in the abnormal condition. The display request is transmitted to all indoor units 5 (steps S2-3 to S6). The control circuit 1 of the indoor unit 5 that has received the display request (step S1-4)
It is searched whether abnormality information is stored in the memory circuit 2 (step S1-5). If the abnormality information is stored, the control circuit 1 operates the display device 10 to display itself (step S1-6). If the abnormality content information is not stored, the control circuit 1 Does not display itself. Operation of the remote controller 6 (steps S2-7 to 10)
As a result, the control circuit 1 receives the communication for canceling the display / erasing the abnormal information (step S1-7) and operates the display device 10 to cancel the self display (step S1-8). The information is erased (step S1-9).

Example 2. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment, in which 1 is a control circuit for controlling and communicating the unit, 2 is control of the unit such as its own address and abnormality information, and the like.
A memory circuit that stores information necessary for communication,
3 is a communication circuit for performing communication, 10 is a display device for displaying under the control of the control circuit 1, 11 is a wireless remote controller, 8 is a display unit for displaying information on the wireless remote controller 11, and 9 is a wireless remote controller. An operation unit 11 and a wireless communication circuit 12 communicate with the wireless remote controller. When the indoor unit 5 is in an abnormal state, the first embodiment
Similarly to the above, the display section 8 of the remote controller 6 displays information on the content of the abnormality and its own address to prompt inspection and maintenance. When the wireless communication circuit 12 of the indoor unit 5 approaches the wireless remote controller 11, the inspection / maintenance operator operates the wireless remote controller 11 to send a display request from the wireless remote controller 11. It Upon receiving the display request from the wireless communication circuit 12, the control circuit 1 of the indoor unit 5
It is searched whether or not the abnormality information is stored in the memory circuit 2. When the abnormality information is stored, the control circuit 1 operates the display device 10 to display itself, and when the abnormality information is not stored, the control circuit 1 does not display itself.
By operating the wireless remote controller 11, the indoor unit 5 is instructed to cancel the display and erase the abnormal information. In addition, the control circuit 1 of the indoor unit 5 uses the wireless communication circuit 12 to communicate with the wireless remote controller 11 of the person who carries out the inspection and maintenance, and the information about the abnormality and address of the user is stored in the wireless remote controller 11. It is displayed on the display unit 8.

Embodiment 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment, in which 1 is a control circuit for controlling and communicating the unit, 2 is control of the unit such as its own address and abnormality information,
A memory circuit that stores information necessary for communication,
Reference numeral 3 is a communication circuit for communication, 10 is a display device that performs display under the control of the control circuit 1, 13 is a microcomputer that constitutes the control circuit 1, and 14 is an abnormality determination device that detects the occurrence of abnormality due to runaway of the microcomputer 13. , 15 is the abnormality determination device 1
4 is an integrating timer circuit which is in 4 and can be reset by a signal from the control circuit 1. When the indoor unit 5 is not in the abnormal state, the integration timer circuit 15 of the abnormality determination device 14 receives a signal of a constant cycle from the control circuit 1 and continues to reset the integration timer circuit 15. When the microcomputer 13 of the control circuit 1 goes out of control due to a disturbance or the like and enters an abnormal state, the control circuit 1 does not output a signal to the abnormality determination device 14. Control circuit 1
Since the signal is no longer input from the abnormality determination device 14
The integration of the integration timer circuit 15 therein progresses and finally the integration is completed. When the integration is completed, the abnormality determination device 14 operates the memory circuit 2 to store the abnormality information in the memory circuit 2 and operates the display device 10 to display itself. The display is canceled and the abnormal information is erased in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments after the control circuit 1 is restored from the abnormal state by resetting the microcomputer 13.

Embodiment 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment, in which 1 is a control circuit for controlling and communicating the unit, and 2 is necessary for controlling and communicating the unit such as its own address and abnormal information. A memory circuit for storing information, 3 is a communication circuit for performing communication, and 16 is a control circuit 1.
Is a fan of the indoor unit 5 controlled by. The control circuit 1 of the indoor unit 5 that has received the communication of the content to be clearly indicated has a pattern that does not exist in the normal operation control of the fan 16 of its own indoor unit 5, for example, control such that operation-stop is repeated every 5 seconds. By doing, manifest yourself. The explicit cancellation / erasure of abnormal information is performed in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments.

[0018]

As described above, according to the present invention, in an air conditioner whose address is automatically set, which indoor unit is in an abnormal state is clearly indicated. It became possible to quickly check the indoor unit and deal with it. In addition, it is configured so that the person performing the inspection and maintenance can use the wireless remote controller to clearly indicate which indoor unit is in an abnormal state while moving, so that the remote controller connected to the indoor unit via a transmission line can be used. Even if the indoor unit installed in a place away from the installation place is in an abnormal state, it can be easily visually confirmed. In addition, since the display of the remote control is configured to display the content of the abnormality and the address information of the indoor unit in the abnormal state, it can be installed in a place remote from the installation location of the remote control connected to the indoor unit by a transmission line. Even if the specified indoor unit goes into an abnormal state, the effect of easily displaying the details of the error and the address information of the indoor unit in the abnormal state by displaying it on the remote control near the indoor unit in the abnormal state is provided. is there. Also, when the signal of a constant cycle from the control circuit is not input, it is determined that the indoor unit is in an abnormal state, the memory circuit is operated to store the abnormal information in the memory circuit, and the display device is operated to operate the self-operation. Since the abnormality determination device that displays is provided, the microcomputer in the control circuit has run out of control, which makes control impossible, and even when the indoor unit cannot be displayed even if the remote control is operated, the abnormality determination device operates and the indoor unit Since the display is performed, it is possible to visually confirm the unit in the abnormal state, and it is possible to confirm the abnormal information stored in the memory circuit even after the air conditioner is reset to cancel the runaway of the microcomputer.
Also, when the indoor unit is in an abnormal state, the control circuit is configured to perform self-control by controlling its own fan in a special operation pattern that does not exist in normal operation control. Even if there is no device, it is possible to confirm the indoor unit that is in an abnormal state due to the change in the control state of the fan.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment showing an explicit device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment showing an explicit device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a third embodiment showing an explicit device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment showing an explicit device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an air conditioning system in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a part of a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a part of a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional control device in which an address is automatically set.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 control circuit 2 memory circuit 3 communication circuit 4 outdoor unit 5 indoor unit 6 remote control 7 transmission line 8 display section 9 operation section 10 display device 11 wireless remote control 12 wireless communication circuit 13 microcomputer 14 abnormality determination device 15 integration timer circuit 16 fan

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner configured such that an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and a remote controller are connected to each other by transmission means, and that by transmitting, the address of each indoor unit is automatically set regardless of a switch. In the machine, a memory circuit for storing the content of the abnormality occurrence when there is an abnormality in the indoor unit, a display control means for taking out the content of the abnormality occurrence stored in the memory circuit by operating the remote controller, and the display control means An air conditioner comprising a display device capable of visually confirming information. 2. An air conditioner configured such that an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and a remote controller are connected to each other by transmission means, and that by transmitting, the address of each indoor unit is automatically set regardless of a switch. In the indoor unit, a communication circuit for wireless communication between the indoor unit and the remote controller, a memory circuit for storing details of occurrence of an abnormality in the indoor unit, and the communication circuit for operating the remote controller An air conditioner characterized by comprising a display control circuit for taking out the content of the abnormality stored in the memory circuit via a remote control display device provided in the remote controller and capable of visually confirming information by the display control means. Machine. 3. An air conditioner configured such that an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and a remote controller are connected to each other by transmission means, and that by transmitting, the address of each indoor unit is automatically set regardless of a switch. Control circuit abnormality determination device for determining an abnormality in a control circuit, a memory circuit for storing the abnormality occurrence content when an abnormality occurs in the indoor unit, and a display control means for extracting the abnormality occurrence content stored in the memory circuit When,
An air conditioner comprising: a display device provided in the indoor unit and capable of visually confirming information by the display control means. 4. An air conditioner configured such that an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and a remote controller are connected to each other by transmission means, and the address of each indoor unit is automatically set regardless of a switch by transmission. In the indoor unit, operation control means provided in the indoor unit for operating a fan of the indoor unit in a specially set operation pattern, a memory circuit for storing details of occurrence of an abnormality when the indoor unit has an abnormality, An air conditioner comprising: a control means for operating the fan in a special operation pattern via the operation control means based on the content of the abnormality occurrence stored in the memory circuit by operating a remote controller.