JPH10132410A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable one kind of device to perform an operation suitable for a pressure reducing operation of a mating device even if the mating device shows any type of pressure reducing operation. SOLUTION: In an air conditioner 10 provided with an outdoor device 20 and an indoor device 30 in which a changing-over of cooling operation and heating operation can be carried out, the outdoor device 20 is provided with a manual switch 51a which can change over a pressure reducing operation of an outdoor electric expansion valve EV-1. When the indoor device 30 is not provided with a pressure reducing mechanism, the manual switch 51a is changed over in such a way that the outdoor electric expansion valve EV-1 always performs a pressure reducing operation. When the indoor device 30 performs a pressure reducing operation only in a cooling or heating mode, the manual switch 51a is changed over in such a way that the outdoor electric expansion valve EV-1 may perform a pressure reducing operation only in a mode where the indoor device 30 does not perform the pressure reducing operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to a measure for adapting the operation of a unit to be replaced to the operation of a counterpart unit when one of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit is replaced. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-337175
An air conditioner as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H11-15095 has a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an electric expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger are sequentially connected by refrigerant piping.

[0003] During indoor cooling operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is condensed by exchanging heat with the outside air in an outdoor heat exchanger, and is decompressed by an electric expansion valve. Thereafter, the refrigerant is introduced into the indoor heat exchanger, and exchanges heat with indoor air to evaporate. This cools the room air. On the other hand, during the indoor heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is condensed by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger, and the pressure is reduced by the electric expansion valve. Thereafter, the refrigerant is introduced into an outdoor heat exchanger, and exchanges heat with the outside air to evaporate. Thereby, the room air is heated.

[0004] This type of air conditioner includes an outdoor unit installed outdoors and an indoor unit installed indoors. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the indoor unit houses the indoor heat exchanger and the like. There are a plurality of types of locations where the pressure reducing mechanism such as an electric expansion valve is provided, and a type provided only in the outdoor unit,
There are a type provided only in the indoor unit and a type provided in each unit. That is, when provided only in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, one pressure reducing mechanism performs the pressure reducing operation of the refrigerant both during cooling and during heating. When provided in each unit, one pressure reducing mechanism functions for cooling and the other pressure reducing mechanism functions for heating.

[0005]

By the way, when an air conditioner is used for a long period of time, for example, an outdoor unit breaks down, and only this is replaced with a new one.
In this case, if the new outdoor unit is the same model as the previous one, the air conditioning operation is performed without any trouble even after the installation.

However, in the case where a model different from the previous one is to be adopted as the new outdoor unit, the outdoor unit is required to have the following functions. If an outdoor unit that does not have this function is adopted, it will hinder air-conditioning operation.

The functions required of the outdoor unit according to the type of the indoor unit will be described below.

First type: When the indoor unit does not have a decompression mechanism In this case, the outdoor unit needs a decompression mechanism, and the decompression mechanism requires a function of performing a decompression operation during both the cooling operation and the heating operation. Is done.

Second type: When the indoor unit has a decompression mechanism that constantly performs a decompression operation. In this case, the outdoor unit is required to have a function of not performing the decompression operation during both the cooling operation and the heating operation.

Third type: When the indoor unit is provided with a decompression mechanism that performs a decompression operation only during the cooling operation. In this case, the outdoor unit needs a decompression mechanism, and the decompression mechanism operates only during the heating operation. Is required.

Fourth type: When the indoor unit is provided with a decompression mechanism that performs a decompression operation only during the heating operation. Also in this case, the outdoor unit requires a decompression mechanism, and the decompression mechanism operates only during the cooling operation. Is required.

As described above, when only the outdoor unit is replaced, it is necessary to employ an outdoor unit having a function corresponding to the presence / absence of the pressure reducing mechanism of the indoor unit and the pressure reducing operation of the pressure reducing mechanism. For this reason, in order to respond to the demand of replacing only the outdoor unit, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of outdoor units corresponding to each of the above-mentioned types of indoor units. In such a situation, production and management of various outdoor units become complicated.

Such a situation occurs not only when only the outdoor unit is replaced with a new one, but also when only the indoor unit is replaced. That is, a plurality of types of indoor units corresponding to the type of the decompression mechanism of the outdoor unit had to be prepared.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and even if the counterpart unit performs any kind of depressurizing operation, one type of unit is suitable for the depressurizing operation of the counterpart unit. The purpose is to be able to do.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a unit which can set the operation of the decompression means according to the type of decompression operation of the counterpart unit. With this unit, an operation suitable for the decompression operation of the partner unit can be performed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the means implemented by the first aspect of the present invention includes a heat source side unit (20) installed outdoors and a utilization side unit (30) installed indoors. Are connected by a refrigerant pipe (11), and an air conditioner that circulates a refrigerant between both units (20, 30) to perform air conditioning in a room is assumed. One of the heat source side unit (20) and the use side unit (30) has a decompression means (EV-1) capable of decompressing the refrigerant, and a decompression mechanism (EV-
In accordance with the presence or absence of 2) or the pressure reducing operation of the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2), if the partner unit (30) does not have the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2), the pressure reducing means (EV-1) always performs the pressure reducing operation. The other unit (3
0) has a decompression mechanism (EV-2).
If 2) is performing a decompression operation, the decompression operation of the decompression means (EV-1) is prohibited, and the decompression mechanism (EV-2) of the counterpart unit (30) is
Is provided with setting means (51) for setting the pressure reducing means (EV-1) to perform the pressure reducing operation when the pressure reducing operation is not performed.

According to this specific matter, the counterpart unit (30)
Regardless of the type of the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2), an operation suitable for the pressure reducing operation of the partner unit (30) can be performed by one type of unit (20). In other words, each unit
It is possible to avoid a situation in which (20, 30) simultaneously performs the depressurizing operation, or the depressurizing operation is not performed in any of the units (20, 30).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner of the first aspect, the heat source side heat exchanger (23) is used for the heat source side unit (20) and the use side heat exchange is used for the use side unit (30). vessel
(31), each of which cools down the refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (23), and then evaporates in the use side heat exchanger (31) to cool the indoor air, and a use side heat exchanger. After the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in (31) is reduced, the heating operation is performed by evaporating the refrigerant in the heat source side heat exchanger (23) to heat the indoor air. Also, when the setting means (51) performs the decompression operation only during the cooling operation of the decompression mechanism (EV-2) of the counterpart unit (30), the decompression means (EV-1) performs the decompression operation only during the heating operation. It is configured to set as follows.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner of the first aspect, a cooling operation and a heating operation similar to those of the second aspect are performed. When the setting unit (51) performs the depressurizing operation only during the heating operation of the depressurizing mechanism (EV-2) of the counterpart unit (30), the depressurizing unit (EV-1) performs the depressurizing operation only during the cooling operation. It is configured to set as follows.

According to these specific items, even in an air conditioner capable of switching between heating and cooling, one type of unit can be used.
With (20), an operation suitable for the decompression operation of the partner unit (30) can be performed.

The invention according to claims 4 to 8 is a setting means.
This is an embodiment of (51).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the setting means is a manual switch (51a).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the setting means (51) includes:
Receiving means (52) for receiving a transmission signal emitted by the counterpart unit (30), and determining means (53) for determining the model of the counterpart unit (30) based on the signal received by the receiving means (52) Is provided. In accordance with the determined model, a configuration is set in which a state in which the pressure reducing means (EV-1) performs the pressure reducing operation and a state in which the pressure reducing operation is prohibited are switched.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the setting means (51) comprises:
Recognizing the refrigerant circulation state during the air-conditioning operation, the presence or absence of the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) in the partner unit (30) or the pressure reducing operation of the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) is determined based on the state, and the pressure reducing means (EV -1)
And a state in which the pressure reducing operation is performed and a state in which the pressure reducing operation is prohibited.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect, the heat source side unit (20) includes a compressor (21) for making the refrigerant a high temperature and a high pressure; Temperature detecting means (Th-d) for detecting the temperature of the discharged refrigerant, and the setting means (51) performs the pressure reducing operation on the pressure reducing means (EV-1), and the temperature detecting means (Th-d). d) The compressor (2
When the discharge refrigerant temperature of 1) is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the pressure reducing means (EV-1)
Is prohibited.

According to this specific matter, when the decompression means (EV-1) is performing the decompression operation, the counterpart unit (30)
When the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) performs the pressure reducing operation, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) rises abnormally. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is detected by the temperature detecting means (Th-d).
It is determined whether the decompression mechanism (EV-2) of the counterpart unit (30) is performing a decompression operation, and if it is determined that the decompression operation is being performed, the decompression means (EV- Inhibit the pressure reduction operation of 1). This allows the other unit (30)
An operation suitable for the decompression operation of the partner unit (30) can be performed without discriminating the model of the unit.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner of the sixth aspect, the heat source side unit (20) includes a compressor (21) for making the refrigerant a high temperature and a high pressure, and a compressor (21) for the compressor (21). Superheat degree detection means (Th-d, Th-c), (PS-
1, Th-d), and the setting means (51) is provided with a pressure reducing means (EV-
While the pressure reducing operation of 1) is prohibited, the superheat degree detecting means (T
hd, Th-c), (PS-1, Th-d), and when the degree of superheat of the discharged refrigerant is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the pressure reducing means (EV-1) performs a pressure reducing operation.

According to this specific matter, when the pressure reducing means (EV-1) is not performing the pressure reducing operation, the counterpart unit (3
(0), if the decompression operation is not performed, the compressor (21)
, The degree of superheat of the discharged refrigerant temperature becomes extremely small. Therefore,
By determining the degree of superheat, it is determined whether or not the counterpart unit (30) is performing a depressurizing operation.If it is determined that the depressurizing operation is not being performed, the depressurizing operation is performed by the depressurizing means (EV-1). Let it do. This also enables an operation suitable for the depressurizing operation of the partner unit (30) to be performed without determining the model of the partner unit (30).

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment describes a case where the outdoor unit is replaced with a new one, and a case where the indoor unit is a type that is not provided with a decompression mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the air conditioner (10) in the present embodiment, one newly installed outdoor unit (20) is connected to one indoor unit (30). It is a so-called separate type.

The outdoor unit (20) includes a scroll-type compressor (21), a four-way switching valve (22) that switches during a cooling operation as indicated by a solid line in the figure and during a heating operation as indicated by a broken line in the figure, and a cooling unit. An outdoor heat exchanger (23) that is a heat source side heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator during a heating operation as a condenser during operation, an expansion circuit (24) for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, and an accumulator (25). In addition, the outdoor heat exchanger (23) is provided with an outdoor fan (Fo).

The indoor unit (30) is provided with an indoor heat exchanger (31) which is a use side heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator during a cooling operation and as a condenser during a heating operation. ) Is provided with an indoor fan (Fr).

The compressor (21), the four-way switching valve (22), the outdoor heat exchanger (23), the expansion circuit (24), and the indoor heat exchanger (31) are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe (11). The refrigerant circuit (12) is configured to generate heat transfer by circulating the refrigerant.

The expansion circuit (24) includes a bridge-shaped direction control circuit (2a) and a one-way passage (2b) connected to the direction control circuit (2a). The one-way passage (2b) includes a liquid receiver (2c) that is located on the upstream side and stores the liquid refrigerant, and an opening-adjustable pressure reducing means according to the present invention, which is a pressure reducing means located on the downstream side. An outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is arranged in series.

The direction control circuit (2a) includes a first inflow path (2d), a first outflow path (2e), a second inflow path (2f), and a second outflow path each having a check valve (CV). (2g) are connected in a bridge shape.

The first inflow path (2d) is connected to an outdoor heat exchanger (23).
Forms a refrigerant flow from a first connection point (P1) to which the upstream end of the one-way passage (2b) is connected to a second connection point (P2) to which the one-way passage (2b) is connected. A refrigerant flow is formed from a third connection point (P3) to which the downstream end of the one-way passage (2b) is connected to a fourth connection point (P4) to which the indoor heat exchanger (31) is connected.

The second inflow path (2f) forms a refrigerant flow from the fourth connection point (P4) to the second connection point (P2), and the second outflow path
(2g) forms a refrigerant flow from the third connection point (P3) to the first connection point (P1).

A liquid having a capillary tube (CP) is provided between the second connection point (P2) and the third connection point (P3) of the direction control circuit (2a) to which the one-way passage (2b) is connected. Seal prevention passage (2h)
Is provided. The liquid seal prevention passage (2h) is a compressor (21)
To prevent liquid sealing when stopping. The degree of pressure reduction of the capillary tube (CP) is set to be sufficiently larger than that of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1), and the flow rate of refrigerant by the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) during normal operation. It is configured so that the adjustment function can be maintained well.

An outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is provided in the one-way passage (2b).
A bypass passage (2i) is connected to bypass the passage. An open / close valve (SV) is provided in the bypass passage (2i) in parallel with the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1).

The air conditioner (10) is provided with sensors. A discharge pipe sensor (Th-d) for detecting a discharge pipe temperature Td on the discharge side of the compressor (21) is disposed in a discharge pipe of the compressor (21), and an air suction port of the outdoor unit (20) is provided. Is provided with an outside air temperature sensor (Th-a) for detecting the outdoor air temperature Ta, and the outdoor heat exchanger (23) has an external heat exchange temperature that becomes a condensing temperature during a cooling operation and an evaporation temperature during a heating operation.
An external heat exchange sensor (Th-c) for detecting Tc is provided.

At the air inlet of the indoor unit (30),
A room temperature sensor (Th-r) for detecting the indoor air temperature Tr is disposed. The indoor heat exchanger (31) detects an internal heat exchange temperature Te that becomes an evaporation temperature during a cooling operation and a condensing temperature during a heating operation. An internal heat exchange sensor (Th-e) is arranged.

A high pressure sensor (PS-1) for detecting a high pressure refrigerant pressure is disposed in a discharge pipe of the compressor (21).

The output signals of the sensors (Th-d to Th-e, PS-1) are input to a controller (50), which controls the air-conditioning operation based on the input signals. It is configured to be.

The feature of this embodiment is that the indoor unit (20)
A manual switch (51a) as setting means (51) for setting the open / close state of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) and the solenoid valve (SV).

The manual switch (51a) is, for example, a dip switch arranged in a switch box (SW) housed in the outdoor unit (20). This manual switch (51
In the case of a), when the outdoor unit (20) is installed, the operator checks the type of the indoor unit (30) and manually sets the type.

Specifically, this manual switch (51a)
Switching is possible from the first switching position to the fourth switching position.

In the state where the first switching position has been switched,
The solenoid valve (SV) is always closed, and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) controls the superheat degree (during the cooling operation, the refrigerant temperature on the outlet side of the indoor heat exchanger (31) is kept constant, and during the heating operation, the outdoor heat Exchanger (2
3) The control is performed such that the outlet-side refrigerant temperature is kept constant at the superheat degree. In other words, the first switching position is a switching position at which the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) constantly performs the pressure reducing operation, and is connected to the indoor unit (30) which is not provided with the pressure reducing mechanism as shown in FIG. It is set when it is done.

In the state where the switch is made to the second switch position,
The solenoid valve (SV) is always open and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1)
Is always fully open. In other words, this second
The switching position is a switching position at which the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) does not always perform the pressure reducing operation, and is an indoor unit (30) having a pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) such as the electric expansion valve shown in FIG. ), And is set when the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) performs the pressure reducing operation in each of the cooling and heating operations.

In the state in which the position is switched to the third switching position,
During heating operation, the solenoid valve (SV) is closed and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is superheated, and during cooling operation, the solenoid valve (SV) is opened and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is closed. Or, they are fully opened. That is, the third switching position is
This is a switching position in which the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) performs a depressurizing operation only during the heating operation, and is connected to the indoor unit (30) including the depressurizing mechanism (EV-2). Mechanism (E
V-2) is set when the pressure reducing operation is performed only during the cooling operation.

In the state where the switching is made to the fourth switching position,
During cooling operation, the solenoid valve (SV) is closed and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is superheated, and during heating operation, the solenoid valve (SV) is opened and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is closed. Or, they are fully opened. That is, the fourth switching position is
This is a switching position where the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) performs a pressure reducing operation only during the cooling operation, and is connected to the indoor unit (30) having the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2). Mechanism (E
V-2) is set when the pressure reducing operation is performed only during the heating operation.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the manual switch (51) is set to the first switching position because it is connected to the indoor unit (30) having no pressure reducing mechanism.

Next, the air conditioner (1
Operation operation 0) will be described. Refrigerant circuit (12) described above
In the cooling operation, the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the outdoor heat exchanger (23) passes through the first inflow path (2d) and is supplied to the receiver (2c).
After being decompressed by the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1).
After evaporating in the indoor heat exchanger (31) through the outflow channel (2e), the compressor (2
The cycle returns to 1). On the other hand, during the heating operation, the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the indoor heat exchanger (31) passes through the second inflow path (2f), is stored in the receiver (2c), and is connected to the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1). ), Evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (23) through the second outflow passage (2g), and returns to the compressor (21).

(When connected to another type of indoor unit) Next, the outdoor unit (20) described above is of another type (a type provided with an electric expansion valve (EV-2) as a pressure reducing mechanism).
The case where it is connected to the indoor unit (30) will be described with reference to FIG.

-The outdoor expansion unit in which the electric expansion valve of the indoor unit constantly performs a pressure reducing operation;-the outdoor unit in which the electric expansion valve (EV-2) of the indoor unit (30) performs the pressure reducing operation both in the cooling operation and the heating operation. When (20) is connected, the manual switch (51)
It is set to the switching position. Thus, the solenoid valve (SV) is always opened, and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is always fully opened.

The operation of the air conditioner (10) in this case will be described. During the cooling operation, the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the outdoor heat exchanger (23) passes through the first inflow path (2d) and is supplied to the receiver.
It is stored in (2c) and depressurized by the electric expansion valve (EV-2) of the indoor unit (30) through the first outflow passage (2e) without being depressurized by the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1). Thereafter, the circulation returns to the compressor (21) after being evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (31). On the other hand, during the heating operation, the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the indoor heat exchanger (31) is reduced in pressure by the electric expansion valve (EV-2) of the indoor unit (30). afterwards,
This refrigerant is stored in the receiver (2c) through the second inflow path (2f), and is discharged through the second outflow path (2g) without being decompressed by the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1). Compressor evaporates in heat exchanger (23)
The circulation returns to (21).

-The electric expansion valve of the indoor unit performs a pressure reducing operation only during the cooling operation.-The outdoor unit (EV-2) of the indoor unit (30) performs the pressure reducing operation only during the cooling operation. When (20) is connected, the manual switch (51) is set to the third switching position. Thereby, at the time of heating operation, the solenoid valve (SV) is closed and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is superheated,
During the cooling operation, the solenoid valve (SV) is opened and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is closed or fully opened.

The operation of the air conditioner (10) in this case will be described. During the cooling operation, the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the outdoor heat exchanger (23) passes through the first inflow path (2d) and is supplied to the receiver.
It is stored in (2c) and depressurized by the electric expansion valve (EV-2) of the indoor unit (30) through the first outflow passage (2e) without being depressurized by the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1). Thereafter, the circulation returns to the compressor (21) after being evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (31). On the other hand, during the heating operation, the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the indoor heat exchanger (31)
It is stored in the liquid receiver (2c) through the inflow path (2f), depressurized by the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1), and then evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (23) through the second outflow path (2g). And return to the compressor (21).

-The electric expansion valve of the indoor unit performs a pressure reducing operation only during the heating operation.-The outdoor unit (EV-2) of the indoor unit (30) performs the pressure reducing operation only during the heating operation. When (20) is connected, the manual switch (51) is set to the fourth switching position. Thereby, at the time of cooling operation, the solenoid valve (SV) is closed and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is superheated,
During the heating operation, the solenoid valve (SV) is opened, and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is closed or fully opened.

The operation of the air conditioner (10) in this case will be described. During the cooling operation, the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the outdoor heat exchanger (23) passes through the first inflow path (2d) and is supplied to the receiver.
After being stored in (2c) and depressurized by the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1),
The circulation returns to the compressor (21) after being evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (31) through the first outflow passage (2e). On the other hand, during the heating operation, the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the indoor heat exchanger (31) is supplied to the indoor unit.
The pressure is reduced by the electric expansion valve (EV-2) in (30). Thereafter, the refrigerant is stored in the receiver (2c) through the second inflow path (2f), and is depressurized by the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) without being depressurized.
(2g), and is circulated to evaporate in the outdoor heat exchanger (23) and return to the compressor (21).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pressure reduction operation of the outdoor heat exchanger (EV-1) is manually set according to the presence or absence of the pressure reduction mechanism in the indoor unit (30) and the pressure reduction operation of the pressure reduction mechanism. Therefore, no matter what type the decompression mechanism of the indoor unit (30) is, one type of outdoor unit (20)
Thus, an operation suitable for the decompression operation of the indoor unit (30) can be performed. That is, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the units (20, 30) perform the depressurizing operation at the same time or no unit (20, 30) performs the depressurizing operation. Therefore,
When replacing only the outdoor unit (20) with a new one,
Even if the model of the outdoor unit (20) to be replaced is different from the previous one, the air-conditioning operation can be performed favorably.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the setting means (51) for setting the pressure reducing operation of the electric expansion valve (EV-1) of the outdoor unit (20), and other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. is there. Therefore, only the setting means (51) will be described here.

The setting means (51) according to the present embodiment comprises a controller
(50). As shown in FIG. 3, the setting means (51) includes a receiving means (52) capable of receiving an activation signal generated when the indoor unit (30) is activated, and a receiving signal received by the receiving means (52). Determining means (53) for determining the model of the indoor unit (30).

The discriminating means (53) will be specifically described. The discriminating means (53) includes a "model-decompression mechanism table" corresponding to the start signals of various indoor units (30). That is, when a start signal is received from the indoor unit (30), a model that matches the start signal, the presence or absence of a decompression mechanism of the model, and the operation state of the decompression mechanism are read from the table. This model-decompression mechanism table will be described in more detail. For example, this table has the following data.

<Indoor unit model No. 1> No decompression mechanism <Indoor unit model No. 2> A decompression mechanism that performs decompression operation for both cooling and heating <Indoor unit model No. 3> A decompression mechanism that performs decompression operation only during cooling <Indoor unit model No4>: There is a decompression mechanism that performs decompression operation only during heating <Indoor unit model No. 5>: No decompression mechanism In such a state, the activation signal of the indoor unit (30) received by the receiving means (52) activates the model No3 If it is determined that the signal matches the signal, the connected indoor unit (30)
It is determined that there is provided a pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) that performs a pressure reducing operation only during cooling. When this determination is made, the setting of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) corresponding to the indoor unit (30) is performed. That is, the electromagnetic valve (SV) is closed during the heating operation and the degree of superheat of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is controlled so that the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) performs the depressurizing operation only during the heating operation. Solenoid valve during operation
(SV) is opened and the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is closed or fully opened.

According to such a configuration, the outdoor unit (2
It is not necessary for the worker to check the indoor unit (30) at the time of installation of (0) and to set the pressure reducing operation in the outdoor unit (20). That is, the setting of the decompression operation in the outdoor unit (20) can be automatically performed, and the workability can be improved.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is also a modification of the setting means (51) for setting the pressure reducing operation of the electric expansion valve (EV-1) of the outdoor unit (20), and the other configuration is substantially the same as that of the above-described first embodiment. is there. Therefore, only the setting means (51) will be described here.

As shown in FIG. 4, setting means according to the present embodiment
(51) is also provided in the controller (50). The setting means (51) forcibly causes the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) to perform a pressure reducing operation at the start of operation. In this state, the discharge pipe sensor (Th-
d), that is, the output of the temperature signal of the discharged refrigerant. When the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the pressure reducing operation of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is prohibited.

That is, if the indoor electric unit (30) is not performing the pressure reducing operation while the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is performing the pressure reducing operation, the discharge refrigerant temperature may rise abnormally. However, when the indoor unit (30) is also performing a pressure reducing operation, the temperature of the discharged refrigerant abnormally rises. That is, by detecting the temperature of the discharged refrigerant, it is estimated whether or not the pressure reducing operation is being performed in the indoor unit (30), and the pressure reducing operation of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is set accordingly. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the type of the indoor unit (30) can be determined without determining the model of the indoor unit (30).
An operation suitable for the decompression operation can be performed. Therefore,
Even in the present embodiment, the setting of the decompression operation in the outdoor unit (20) can be automatically performed, and the workability can be further improved.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is also a modification of the setting means (51) for setting the pressure reducing operation of the electric expansion valve (EV-1) of the outdoor unit (20), and the other configuration is substantially the same as that of the above-described first embodiment. is there. Therefore, only the setting means (51) will be described here.

The setting means (51) according to this embodiment is also a controller.
(50) (see FIG. 4). This setting means (51)
Prohibits the pressure reducing operation of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) at the start of operation. In this state, a signal from the discharge pipe sensor (Th-d) and a signal from the external heat exchange sensor (Th-c) are received. The degree of superheat of the discharged refrigerant is calculated from these temperature differences. When the degree of superheat is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a pressure reducing operation of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is performed.

That is, if the indoor unit (30) is performing a pressure reducing operation while the pressure reducing operation of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is prohibited, the degree of superheat of the discharged refrigerant is equal to or more than a predetermined value. However, when the decompression operation is not performed in the indoor unit (30) as well, the degree of superheat becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. Based on the detection of the degree of superheat, it is estimated whether or not the pressure reducing operation is being performed in the indoor unit (30), and the pressure reducing operation of the outdoor electric expansion valve (EV-1) is set accordingly.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the indoor unit (3) can be determined without discriminating the model of the indoor unit (30).
Operation suitable for the pressure reduction operation of (0) can be performed, and workability can be improved.

The above-described operation of detecting the degree of superheat of the discharged refrigerant is performed by receiving a signal from the high-pressure pressure sensor (PS-1), calculating a discharge pressure-equivalent saturation temperature based on the signal, and calculating the saturation temperature with the discharge pipe sensor (PS-1). The signal from Th-d), that is, the temperature signal of the discharged refrigerant may be compared.

In each of the above embodiments, the outdoor unit
Although the pressure reducing means provided in (20) is an electric expansion valve (EV-1), the present invention is not limited to this, and a capillary tube may be applied. In addition, by providing no bypass passage (2i) for bypassing the electric expansion valve (EV-1) and controlling the electric expansion valve (EV-1) to a fully open state, the electric expansion valve (EV-1) The decompression operation may not be performed. In addition, indoor units
The present invention can also be applied to a device having a capillary tube as the pressure reducing mechanism provided in (30).

The case where the outdoor unit (20) is replaced and the decompression operation of the outdoor unit (20) is switched according to the type of the indoor unit (30) has been described. The indoor unit (3
The present invention is also applicable to the case where 0) is replaced and the pressure reducing operation in the indoor unit (30) is switched according to the type of the outdoor unit (20).

The compressor is not limited to the scroll type, but may be a rotary type. Also,
Whatever type of compressor is employed, a compressor whose operating frequency is variable by an inverter may be applied.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. In the invention described in claim 1, the setting means (51) sets the pressure reducing operation of the pressure reducing means (EV-1) in accordance with the pressure reducing operation of the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) of the counterpart unit (30). . Thereby, regardless of the type of the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) of the counterpart unit (30),
The operation suitable for the decompression operation of the counterpart unit (30) can be performed by one type of the unit (20). Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types of units corresponding to each type of the counterpart unit (30) in order to meet the demand that only one unit (20) is replaced.

According to the second and third aspects of the invention, even in an air conditioner capable of switching between the cooling and heating operations, the operation suitable for the depressurizing operation of the counterpart unit (30) with one type of unit (20). And the versatility of the unit (20) can be expanded.

According to the present invention, the setting means is provided.
The configuration of (51) can be specifically obtained, and the practicality of the air conditioner can be improved.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, the pressure reducing means of the counterpart unit (30) depends on the operating condition of the air conditioner.
It is determined whether or not (EV-2) is performing a pressure reducing operation, and the pressure reducing operation of the pressure reducing means (EV-1) is controlled accordingly. For this reason, it is possible to perform an operation suitable for the decompression operation of the counterpart unit (30) without discriminating the model of the counterpart unit (30), and set the decompression operation of the decompression means (EV-1). It can be performed automatically, and workability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a refrigerant piping system diagram showing a case where an outdoor unit is connected to an indoor unit having no pressure reducing mechanism according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a refrigerant piping system diagram showing a case where an outdoor unit is connected to an indoor unit having a decompression mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 in a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 in the third and fourth embodiments.

[Explanation of symbols]

 (10) Air conditioner (11) Refrigerant piping (20) Outdoor unit (heat source side unit) (21) Compressor (23) Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) (30) Indoor unit (use side unit) (31) Indoor heat exchanger (use side heat exchanger) (51) Setting means (51a) Manual switch (52) Receiving means (53) Discriminating means (EV-1) Outdoor electric expansion valve (pressure reducing means) (EV- 2) Indoor electric expansion valve (decompression mechanism) (Th-d) Discharge pipe sensor (superheat detection means) (Th-c) External heat exchange sensor (superheat detection means) (PS-1) High-pressure pressure sensor (superheat Detection means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Hideki Matsumoto 1304 Kanaokacho, Sakai City, Osaka Daikin Industries Inside the Kanaoka Plant of Sakai Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hajime Kurata 1304 Kanaokacho, Sakai City, Osaka Daikin Industries, Ltd. Sakai Plant Kanaoka Factory

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A refrigerant pipe (11) comprising a heat source side unit (20) installed outdoors and a utilization side unit (30) installed indoors.
And an air conditioner that circulates a refrigerant between the two units (20, 30) to perform indoor air conditioning, wherein one of the heat source side unit (20) and the utilization side unit (30) transmits the refrigerant. Depressurizing means (EV-1) capable of depressurizing, and a counterpart unit according to the presence or absence of a depressurizing mechanism (EV-2) in the counterpart unit (30) or a pressure reducing operation of the depressurizing mechanism (EV-2)
If (30) does not have a decompression mechanism (EV-2), the decompression means (EV-1) always performs decompression operation, and the partner unit (30)
When the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) is performing a pressure reducing operation in a state having (EV-2), the pressure reducing operation of the pressure reducing means (EV-1) is prohibited, and the partner unit (30) Setting means (51) for setting the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) to perform the pressure reducing operation when the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) is not performing the pressure reducing operation. Air conditioner. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the heat source side unit (20) includes a heat source side heat exchanger (23), and the use side unit (30) includes a use side heat exchanger (31). Each is provided, after reducing the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (23), evaporating in the use side heat exchanger (31) to cool the indoor air, and a use side heat exchanger ( After the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in 31) is reduced, the heating operation is performed in which the indoor air is heated by evaporating in the heat source side heat exchanger (23) to heat the indoor air. Unit (30) decompression mechanism (EV-2)
An air conditioner characterized in that when the device performs the pressure reducing operation only during the cooling operation, the pressure reducing means (EV-1) performs the pressure reducing operation only during the heating operation. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the heat source side unit (20) has a heat source side heat exchanger (23), and the use side unit (30) has a use side heat exchanger (31). Each is provided, after reducing the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (23), evaporating in the use side heat exchanger (31) to cool the indoor air, and a use side heat exchanger ( After the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in 31) is reduced, the heating operation is performed in which the indoor air is heated by evaporating in the heat source side heat exchanger (23) to heat the indoor air. Unit (30) decompression mechanism (EV-2)
An air conditioner characterized in that when the device performs a pressure reducing operation only during a heating operation, the pressure reducing means (EV-1) performs the pressure reducing operation only during a cooling operation. 4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the setting means (51) is a manual switch (51a) capable of switching setting of an operation state of the pressure reducing means (EV-1). An air conditioner characterized by the following. 5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the setting means (51) includes: a receiving means (52) for receiving a transmission signal emitted by the partner unit (30); Determining means (53) for determining the model of the counterpart unit (30) based on the signal received by the receiving means (52), and performing a pressure reducing operation on the pressure reducing means (EV-1) according to the determined model. An air conditioner characterized by switching between a state where the pressure reduction operation is performed and a state where the pressure reduction operation is prohibited. 6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit (51) recognizes a refrigerant circulation state during an air-conditioning operation,
Based on this, the decompression mechanism (E
V-2) presence or absence of the pressure reducing mechanism (EV-2) is determined, and switching between a state in which the pressure reducing means (EV-1) performs the pressure reducing operation and a state in which the pressure reducing operation is prohibited is set. An air conditioner characterized by: 7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the heat source side unit (20) includes a compressor (2) for converting the refrigerant to high temperature and high pressure.
1) and a temperature detecting means (Th-d) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21), and the setting means (51) performs a pressure reducing operation on the pressure reducing means (EV-1). In this state, the output of the temperature detection means (Th-d) is
When the discharged refrigerant temperature of (21) is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the pressure reducing means (EV-
An air conditioner characterized in that the pressure reducing operation of 1) is prohibited. 8. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the heat source side unit (20) comprises a compressor (2) for converting the refrigerant to a high temperature and a high pressure.
1) and superheat degree detection means (Th-d, Th-c), (PS-1, Th-d) for detecting the degree of superheat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21), (51) is a state where the pressure reducing operation of the pressure reducing means (EV-1) is prohibited, the superheat degree detecting means (Th-d, Th-c), (PS-1, Th-d)
When the superheat degree of the discharged refrigerant is equal to or less than a predetermined value,
An air conditioner characterized by performing a pressure reducing operation of a pressure reducing means (EV-1).