KR102470528B1 - Air-conditioning system and pipe connection searching method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor for discharging refrigerant sucked into a suction passage through a discharge passage; a common four-way valve that selectively communicates the discharge passage or the suction passage with the outdoor heat exchanger; first and second quadrilaterals connected in parallel to the discharge passage and the suction passage; a plurality of first-line indoor units connected in parallel to the first four sides and selectively communicating with the discharge passage or the suction passage; a plurality of second system indoor units connected in parallel to the second four sides and selectively communicating with the discharge passage or the suction passage; and a liquid passage connecting the plurality of first system indoor units and the plurality of second system indoor units to the outdoor heat exchanger.

Description

Air-conditioning system and pipe connection searching method of the same}

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and a pipe searching method of the air conditioning system, and more particularly, to an air conditioning system capable of simultaneous heating and cooling operation and a pipe searching method of the air conditioning system.

An air conditioning system, generally referred to as an air conditioner, cools the room by a repetitive action of sucking in hot air in the room, exchanging heat with a low-temperature refrigerant, and then discharging it to the room, or cooling the room by the opposite action. /Heating system. The air conditioning system consists of a compressor-condenser-expander-evaporator to form a series of cycles.

In particular, a multi-type air conditioner is one in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, and each of the plurality of indoor units is used as a cooler or heater while using the outdoor unit in common.

A multi-type air conditioner according to the prior art includes a distributor disposed between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit and distributing refrigerant to the indoor units according to cooling and heating requirements of each indoor unit. That is, simultaneous heating and cooling operation was impossible without the distributor, and a separate electrical box was required for the distributor to control the plurality of valves included in the distributor.

KR 10-1624529B1 (registered on 2016.05.20)

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of simultaneous heating and cooling operation without a distributor and a method for searching for pipes of the air conditioning system.

An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of first-system indoor units connected in parallel to a first four-way side and a plurality of second-system indoor units connected in parallel to a second four-way side, so that the first system Simultaneous heating and cooling operation is possible in which one of the indoor unit and the second system indoor unit is operated for cooling and the other is operated for heating.

More specifically, an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor for discharging refrigerant sucked into a suction passage through a discharge passage; a common four-way side that selectively communicates the discharge passage or the suction passage with an outdoor heat exchanger; first and second four sides connected in parallel to the discharge passage and the suction passage; a plurality of first-line indoor units connected in parallel to the first four sides and selectively communicating with the discharge passage or the suction passage; a plurality of second system indoor units connected in parallel to the second four sides and selectively communicating with the discharge passage or the suction passage; and a liquid passage connecting the plurality of first system indoor units and the plurality of second system indoor units to the outdoor heat exchanger.

a first suction-side connection passage connected to the first four sides and communicating with the suction passage; a first discharge-side connection passage connected to the first four sides and communicating with the discharge passage; a second suction-side connection passage connected to the second quadrilateral and communicating with the suction passage; and a second discharge-side connection passage connected to the second four sides and communicating with the discharge passage.

a first temperature sensor provided in the first suction-side connection passage; and a second temperature sensor provided in the second suction-side connection passage.

a first gas passage connected to the first four sides and selectively communicating with the first discharge-side connection passage or the first suction-side connection passage; a plurality of first gas branch passages branched from the first gas passage and connected to the plurality of first-line indoor units, respectively; a second gas passage connected to the second four sides and selectively communicating with the second discharge-side connection passage or the second suction-side connection passage; and a plurality of second gas branch passages branched from the second gas passage and connected to the plurality of second system indoor units, respectively.

A plurality of liquid branch passages branched from the liquid passage and connected to the plurality of first system indoor units and the plurality of second system indoor units, respectively, may be further included.

During an all-room cooling operation in which cooling is performed by a plurality of first-system indoor units and a plurality of second-system indoor units, the common four-way side communicates the outdoor heat exchanger with the discharge passage, and the first four-way side communicates with the discharge passage. The first system indoor unit may communicate with the suction passage, and the second quadrilaterals may communicate the plurality of second system indoor units with the suction passage.

During an all-room heating operation in which heating is performed by a plurality of first-system indoor units and a plurality of second-system indoor units, the common four-way side communicates the outdoor heat exchanger with the suction passage, and the first four-way side communicates with the plurality of indoor heat exchangers. The first system indoor unit may communicate with the discharge passage, and the second quadrilaterals may communicate the plurality of second system indoor units with the discharge passage.

During simultaneous cooling and heating operation in which cooling is performed in a plurality of first-line indoor units and heating is performed in a plurality of second-line indoor units, the common four-way side communicates the outdoor heat exchanger with the suction passage, and the first four-way side may cause the plurality of first system indoor units to communicate with the suction passage, and the second quadrilaterals may communicate the plurality of second system indoor units with the discharge passage.

Meanwhile, a pipe search method of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention determines which of the first four sides and the second four sides the refrigerant passes through when a specific indoor unit among a plurality of indoor units is operated. The determination can be made using the first and second temperature sensors, and thus the specific indoor unit can be matched with one of the first four sides and the second four sides.

In more detail, a pipe search method of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an initial operation step of turning on any one of the plurality of indoor units; an initial matching step of matching the one of the indoor units with the first four-sided side or the second four-sided side according to the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor; an operation step of turning on another indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units; and when the one indoor unit is matched with the first four sides, the other indoor unit is matched with either the first four sides or the second four sides according to the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor. A matching step of matching the other indoor unit with the first or second four sides according to the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor when one indoor unit is matched with the second four sides may be included. have.

an off step of turning off the other indoor unit; an additional operation step of turning on another indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units; and when the one indoor unit is matched with the first four sides, matching the another indoor unit with the first four sides or the second four sides according to the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor; When one indoor unit is matched with the second quadrilateral, an additional matching step of matching the other indoor unit with the first or second quadrilateral according to the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor can include more.

The initial matching step may include: sensing a temperature with the first temperature sensor after a predetermined time elapses after the one indoor unit is turned on; and when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature, matching the one of the indoor units with the first four sides, and when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor is maintained at or above the preset temperature, the any one of the indoor units is matched with the first four-sided side. A process of matching one indoor unit with the second quadrilateral may be included.

In the initial matching step, when the one indoor unit is matched with the first quadrilateral, the matching step is to detect a temperature with the second temperature sensor after a predetermined time elapses after the other indoor unit is turned on. process; and when the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature, the other indoor unit is matched with the second four-sided side, and when the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor is maintained above the preset temperature, the other indoor unit is matched. A process of matching one indoor unit with the first quadrilateral may be included.

In the initial matching step, when the one indoor unit is matched with the second quadrilateral, the matching step is to detect a temperature with the first temperature sensor after a predetermined time elapses after the other indoor unit is turned on. process; and when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature, matching the other indoor unit with the first four-sided side, and when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor is maintained above the preset temperature, the other indoor unit is matched. A process of matching one indoor unit with the second quadrilateral may be included.

Meanwhile, in a pipe search method of an air conditioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first system indoor units act as condensers and a plurality of second system indoor units act as evaporators, so that all indoor units are operated. When the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger of each indoor unit is increased or decreased, each indoor unit can be matched with one of the first four sides and the second four sides.

In more detail, in a pipe search method of an air conditioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first four sides are controlled so that refrigerant is condensed in an indoor heat exchanger of an indoor unit connected to the first four sides, and the second a four-way valve control step of controlling the second four-way valve so that the refrigerant is evaporated in an indoor heat exchanger of an indoor unit connected to the four-way valve; an operation step of turning on the plurality of indoor units; and a matching step of matching indoor units whose temperature of the indoor heat exchanger has risen with the first four sides, and matching indoor units whose temperature of the indoor heat exchanger has decreased with the second four sides.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, simultaneous heating and cooling operation is possible by using first and second four-way valves instead of separate distributors, thereby reducing the price of the air conditioning system and increasing the convenience of installation.

In addition, through the pipe search method, it is possible to quickly and accurately find which of the plurality of indoor units are connected to the first and second four sides.

1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant during operation of a cooling front chamber.
3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant during operation of a heating front room.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant during simultaneous cooling and heating operation in which the first system indoor unit is in a heating operation and the second system indoor unit is in a cooling operation.
5 is a diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant during simultaneous heating and cooling operation in which a first system indoor unit is in a cooling operation and a second system indoor unit is in a heating operation.
6 is a control block diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 to 9 are flowcharts of a pipe search method of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart of a pipe search method of an air conditioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart of a method of determining whether an indoor unit can be controlled according to an input cooling/heating command.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with drawings.

1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit 10, a plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 included in a first system 20A, and a second system 20B. A plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 may be included.

The outdoor unit 10 may include a compressor 31 , an outdoor heat exchanger 32 , an outdoor expansion device 33 , a common quadrilateral 40 and first and second quadrangles 41 and 42 .

The compressor 31 may discharge the refrigerant sucked into the suction passage 72 through the discharge passage 71 .

The suction passage 72 may include a suction pipe connected to the compressor 31 and an accumulator 38 installed in the suction pipe. The accumulator 38 may store liquid refrigerant and allow only gaseous refrigerant to be sucked into the compressor 31 .

The discharge passage 71 may include a discharge pipe connected to the compressor 31 and an oil separator 39 installed in the discharge pipe. The oil separator 39 may separate the oil discharged from the compressor 31 together with the refrigerant and return it to the compressor 31 .

The common four sides 40 may selectively communicate the discharge passage 71 or the suction passage 72 with the outdoor heat exchanger 32 .

In more detail, the discharge-side connection passage 73, the suction-side connection passage 76, and the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 may be connected to the common four sides 40. The discharge-side connection passage 73 can connect the discharge passage 71 with the common four sides 40, and the suction-side connection passage 76 can connect the suction passage 72 with the common four sides 40, and the outdoor The heat exchanger connection passage 74 may connect the outdoor heat exchanger 32 to the common four sides 40 . The common four sides 40 may selectively communicate the discharge-side connection passage 73 or the suction-side connection passage 76 with the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 . That is, the common four sides 40 may allow one of the discharge-side connection passage 73 and the suction-side connection passage 76 to communicate with the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 and close the other one.

When the outdoor heat exchanger 32 communicates with the discharge passage 71, the refrigerant in the discharge passage 71 may be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 32. Conversely, when the outdoor heat exchanger 32 communicates with the suction passage 72 , the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 may flow into the suction passage 72 . That is, when the common four sides 40 communicate the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and the discharge passage 71, the outdoor heat exchanger 32 acts as a condenser and communicates the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and the suction passage 72. If so, the outdoor heat exchanger 32 can act as an evaporator.

The outdoor heat exchanger 32 may be connected to a plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 through a liquid flow path 75. In more detail, the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 may be connected to the liquid passage 75 by a plurality of liquid branch passages 95, 96, 97, and 98, respectively. .

A supercooler (not shown) may be installed in the liquid passage 75 .

An outdoor expansion device 33 may be installed in the liquid passage 75 . The outdoor expansion device 33 may include an Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) whose opening is adjustable.

When the outdoor heat exchanger 32 functions as an evaporator, the outdoor expansion device 33 can be controlled with a preset opening degree, the refrigerant can pass through the outdoor expansion device 33 and be expanded, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 ) can be evaporated from Conversely, when the outdoor heat exchanger 32 acts as a condenser, the outdoor expansion device 33 can be controlled with a maximum opening degree, and the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 passes through the outdoor expansion device 33 and expands. It may not be.

The outdoor fan 32A may be disposed to face the outdoor heat exchanger 32, and the air flowed by the outdoor fan 32A may exchange heat with the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

Meanwhile, the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 include the first system indoor units 21, 22 included in the first system 20A and the second system included in the second system 20B. It can be divided into two-system indoor units (23, 24). The first system indoor units (21, 22) can communicate with the first four sides (41), and the second system indoor units (22, 23) can communicate with the second four sides (42).

The plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 are connected in parallel to the first four sides 41 to selectively communicate with the discharge passage 71 or the suction passage 72, and the plurality of second system indoor units The indoor units 23 and 24 may be connected in parallel to the second four sides 42 and selectively communicate with the discharge passage 71 or the suction passage 72 .

The first and second four sides 41 and 42 may be connected to the discharge passage 71 and the suction passage 72 in parallel. That is, the refrigerant in the discharge passage 71 is divided into the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42 and flows in, or the refrigerant passing through the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42 Together, they may flow into the suction passage 72 .

In more detail, the first discharge-side connection passage 83, the first suction-side connection passage 85, and the first gas passage 87 are connected to the first four sides 41, and the second four sides 42 The second discharge-side connection passage 84, the second suction-side connection passage 86, and the second gas passage 88 may be connected.

The first discharge-side connection passage 83 and the second discharge-side connection passage 84 may be connected to the discharge passage 71 by the discharge-side common passage 81 . The first suction-side connection passage 85 and the second suction-side connection passage 86 may be connected to the suction passage 72 by the suction-side common passage 82 .

The first gas flow passage 87 may be connected to the plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 by a plurality of first gas branch passages 91 and 92, respectively, and the second gas passage 88 is The plurality of second gas branch passages 93 and 94 may be connected to the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24, respectively.

The first four sides 41 can selectively communicate the plurality of first-line indoor units 21 and 22 with the discharge passage 71 or the suction passage 72 . In more detail, the first four sides 41 may selectively communicate the first gas passage 87 with the first discharge-side connection passage 83 or the first suction-side connection passage 85 . That is, the first four sides 41 can communicate either one of the first discharge-side connection passage 83 and the first suction-side connection passage 85 with the first gas passage 87 and close the other one. .

In addition, the second four sides 42 can selectively communicate the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 with the discharge passage 71 or the suction passage 72 . In more detail, the second four sides 42 may selectively communicate the second gas passage 88 with the second discharge-side connection passage 84 or the second suction-side connection passage 86 . That is, the second four sides 42 may communicate one of the second discharge-side connection passage 84 and the second suction-side connection passage 86 with the second gas passage 88 and close the other one.

Each indoor unit (21) (22) (23) (24) includes an indoor heat exchanger (25) (26) (27) (28) and an indoor expansion device (34) (35) (36) (37). can

The indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 included in the first system indoor units 21 and 22 may be referred to as first system indoor heat exchangers, and the indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 included in the second system indoor units 23 and 24 The heat exchangers 27 and 28 may be referred to as a second system indoor heat exchanger. In addition, the indoor expansion devices 34 and 35 included in the first system indoor unit 21 and 22 may be referred to as a first system indoor expansion device, and may be referred to as a first system indoor unit 23 and 24. The included indoor expansion mechanism 36, 37 may be referred to as a second system indoor expansion mechanism.

One side of the indoor heat exchanger (25, 26) of the first system indoor unit (21, 22) may be connected to the first gas branch passage (91, 92), and the other side may be connected to the liquid branch passage (95, 96). ) can be connected to One side of the indoor heat exchanger (27, 28) of the second system indoor unit (23, 34) may be connected to the second gas branch passage (93, 94), and the other side may be connected to the liquid branch passage (97, 98). ) can be connected to

Each of the indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be operated in a cooling mode or a heating mode. A plurality of indoor units included in different systems may operate in the same mode or in different modes. On the other hand, a plurality of indoor units included in the same system may be operated in the same mode and may not be operated in different modes. For example, when the first system indoor units 21 and 22 are operated in the heating mode, the second system indoor units 23 and 24 may be operated in the cooling mode. However, when one of the first system indoor units 21 is operated in the heating mode, the other first system indoor unit 22 may not be operated in the cooling mode.

When the first system indoor unit 21, 22 is operated in the heating mode, the first four sides 41 may communicate with the discharge passage 71, and the first system indoor unit 21, 22 The indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 act as condensers so that the refrigerant can be condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26.

When the first system indoor unit (21, 22) is operated in the cooling mode, the first four sides (41) can communicate with the suction passage (72), and the first system indoor unit (21, 22) The indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 act as evaporators so that the refrigerant can be evaporated in the indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26.

When the second system indoor unit (23, 24) is operated in the heating mode, the second four-sided side (42) can communicate with the discharge passage (71), and the second system indoor unit (23, 24) The indoor heat exchangers 27 and 28 act as condensers so that the refrigerant can be condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 27 and 28.

When the second system indoor unit (23, 24) is operated in the cooling mode, the second four-sided side (42) can communicate with the suction passage (72), and the second system indoor unit (23, 24) The indoor heat exchangers 27 and 28 act as evaporators so that the refrigerant can be evaporated in the indoor heat exchangers 27 and 28.

The plurality of indoor expansion devices 34, 35, 36, and 37 may be installed in the plurality of liquid branch passages 95, 96, 97, and 98, respectively. Each of the indoor expansion devices 34, 35, 36, and 37 may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose opening degree can be adjusted.

When the indoor heat exchanger (25, 26) of the first system indoor unit (21, 22) acts as an evaporator, the indoor expansion mechanism (34, 35) of the first system indoor unit (21, 22) A preset opening degree can be controlled, the refrigerant can be expanded while passing through the indoor expansion mechanism 34, 35, and can be evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 25, 26. Conversely, when the indoor heat exchanger (25, 26) of the first system indoor unit (21, 22) acts as a condenser, the indoor expansion mechanism (34, 35) of the first system indoor unit (21, 22) The maximum opening may be controlled, and the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 may not expand while passing through the indoor expansion mechanism 34 and 35.

When the indoor heat exchangers (27, 28) of the second system indoor units (23, 24) act as evaporators, the indoor expansion mechanisms (36, 37) of the second system indoor units (23, 24) A preset opening degree can be controlled, the refrigerant can be expanded while passing through the indoor expansion mechanism 36, 37, and can be evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 27, 28. Conversely, when the indoor heat exchanger (27, 28) of the second system indoor unit (23, 24) acts as a condenser, the indoor expansion mechanism (36, 37) of the second system indoor unit (23, 24) may be controlled with a maximum opening degree, and the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 27 and 28 may pass through the indoor expansion mechanism 36 and 37 and not be expanded.

An indoor fan (not shown) may be provided in each indoor unit 21, 22, 23, and 24, and the indoor fan faces the indoor heat exchangers 25, 26, 27, and 28. The air flowed by the indoor fan may exchange heat with the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchangers 25, 26, 27, and 28.

Meanwhile, in the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first temperature sensor 51 provided in the first suction-side connection passage 85 and the second temperature sensor 51 provided in the second suction-side connection passage 86 A sensor 52 may be further included.

The first temperature sensor 51 can detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the suction passage 72 passing through the first four sides 41, and the second temperature sensor 52 can detect the temperature of the second four sides 42. The temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the suction passage 72 may be sensed.

In addition, the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of liquid temperature sensors 61A, 62A, 63A ( 64A), and a plurality of gas temperature sensors 61B, 62B, 63B, and 64B respectively provided in the plurality of gas branch passages 91, 92, 93, and 94 may be further included.

The plurality of liquid temperature sensors 61A, 62A, 63A, and 64A and the plurality of gas temperature sensors 61B, 62B, 63B, and 64B are respectively indoor heat exchangers 25, 26, 27 ( 28) may mean the inlet/outlet temperature sensor.

A plurality of indoor heat exchangers (25) (26) in addition to or instead of a plurality of liquid temperature sensors (61A) (62A) (63A) (64A) and a plurality of gas temperature sensors (61B) (62B) (63B) (64B) (27) It is also possible, of course, that an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor (not shown) is provided in each of (28).

2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant during operation of a cooling front chamber.

During the cooling front room operation, both the plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 and the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 may be operated in the cooling mode.

During the cooling front room operation, the common four sides 40 communicate the outdoor heat exchanger 32 with the discharge passage 71, and the first four sides 41 connect the plurality of first-line indoor units 21 and 22. It communicates with the suction passage 72, and the second four sides 42 can communicate the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 with the suction passage 72.

In more detail, the common four sides 40 may communicate the discharge-side connection passage 73 with the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 and close the suction-side connection passage 76 . The first four sides 41 may communicate the first suction-side connection passage 85 with the first gas passage 87 and close the first discharge-side connection passage 83 . The second four sides 42 may communicate the second suction-side connection passage 86 with the second gas passage 88 and close the second discharge-side connection passage 84 .

Also, during the cooling front chamber operation, the outdoor expansion device 33 may be controlled at a maximum opening degree, and the plurality of indoor expansion devices 34, 35, 36, and 37 may be controlled at a preset expansion opening degree.

Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant during the operation of the cooling front chamber will be described.

The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed in the compressor 31 and discharged through the discharge passage 71 can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 32 through the first four sides 40 and the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74. have. The refrigerant passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and can be condensed into a liquid state by exchanging heat with air blown by the outdoor fan 32A.

The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and flowing into the connection passage 75 may be divided into a plurality of liquid branch passages 95, 96, 97, and 98 to flow. The refrigerant flowing through each of the liquid branch passages 95, 96, 97, and 98 may be expanded while passing through each of the indoor expansion devices 34, 35, 36, and 37. The refrigerant expanded in the indoor expansion devices 34, 35, 36, and 37 may be phase-changed into a two-phase state in which a liquid and a gas state coexist.

The refrigerant expanded in each of the indoor expansion devices 34, 35, 36, and 37 passes through each of the indoor heat exchangers 25, 26, 27, and 28 and is blown by an indoor fan (not shown). It can be evaporated into a gaseous state by heat exchange with air. The air cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant is discharged into the room to cool the room.

The refrigerants evaporated in the plurality of first system indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 and flowed to the gas branch passages 91 and 92 can be combined and flowed to the first gas passage 87, and the plurality of second system The refrigerants evaporated in the indoor heat exchangers 27 and 28 and flowed into the gas branch passages 93 and 94 may be combined and flow into the second gas passage 88 .

The refrigerant flowing through the first gas passage 87 may pass through the first four sides 41 and flow into the first suction-side connection passage 85, and the refrigerant flowing into the second gas passage 88 may flow into the first suction-side connection passage 85. It can flow into the second suction-side connection passage 86 through the two quadrilaterals 42 . The refrigerant flowing through the first suction-side connection passage 85 and the refrigerant flowing through the second suction-side connection passage 86 can be merged and flowed into the suction-side common passage 82, passing through the suction passage 72 It can be sucked into the compressor (31). Thereafter, the compressor 31 discharges the refrigerant to the discharge passage 71 again, and repeats the above-described process to circulate the cooling cycle.

3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant during operation of a heating front room.

During the heating front room operation, both the plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 and the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 may be operated in the heating mode.

During the heating front room operation, the common four sides 40 communicate the outdoor heat exchanger 32 with the suction passage 72, and the first four sides 41 connect the plurality of first-line indoor units 21 and 22. It communicates with the discharge passage 71, and the second four sides 42 can communicate the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 with the discharge passage 71.

More specifically, the common four sides 40 may communicate the suction-side connection passage 76 with the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 and close the discharge-side connection passage 73 . The first four sides 41 may communicate the first discharge-side connection passage 83 with the first gas passage 87 and close the first suction-side connection passage 85 . The second four sides 42 may communicate the second discharge-side connection passage 84 with the second gas passage 88 and close the second suction-side connection passage 86 .

Also, during operation of the heating front room, the outdoor expansion device 33 may be controlled at a preset expansion opening degree, and the plurality of indoor expansion devices 34, 35, 36, and 37 may be controlled at a maximum opening degree.

Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant during the heating front room operation will be described.

The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed in the compressor 31 and discharged to the discharge passage 71 passes through the discharge-side common passage 81 and flows through the first discharge-side connection passage 83 and the second discharge-side connection passage 84. It can be.

The refrigerant flowing through the first discharge-side connection passage 83 may pass through the first four sides 41 and the first gas passage 87 and be divided into a plurality of gas branch passages 91 and 92 to flow. It can flow to the first outdoor heat exchanger (25) (26).

The refrigerant flowing into the second discharge-side connection passage 84 may pass through the second four sides 42 and the second gas passage 88 and be divided into a plurality of gas branch passages 93 and 94 to flow. It can flow to two second system outdoor heat exchangers (27) (28).

The refrigerant flowing into each of the indoor heat exchangers 25, 26, 27, and 28 passes through the indoor heat exchangers 25, 26, 27, and 28 and is blown by an indoor fan (not shown). It can be condensed into a liquid state through heat exchange. The air heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant is discharged into the room to heat the room.

The refrigerant condensed in each indoor heat exchanger (25, 26, 27, and 28) and flowing into each liquid branch passage (95) (96) (97) (98) can be combined and flowed into the liquid passage (75). have. The refrigerant flowing through the liquid passage 75 may pass through the outdoor expansion device 33 and expand. The refrigerant expanded in the outdoor expansion device 33 may be phase-changed into a two-phase state in which a liquid and a gas state coexist.

The refrigerant expanded by the outdoor expansion device 33 passes through each outdoor heat exchanger 32 and exchanges heat with the air blown by the outdoor fan 32A to be evaporated in a gaseous state.

The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 passes through the common four sides 40 and the suction side connection passage 76 to flow into the suction passage 72, and the compressor (31) can be inhaled. Thereafter, the compressor 31 discharges the refrigerant to the discharge passage 71 again, and repeats the above-described process to circulate the cooling cycle.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant during simultaneous cooling and heating operation in which the first system indoor unit is in a heating operation and the second system indoor unit is in a cooling operation.

During simultaneous cooling and heating operation, the plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 may be operated in a heating operation and the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 may be operated in a cooling mode.

During simultaneous air conditioning/heating operation in which heating is performed by a plurality of first system indoor units (21, 22) and cooling is performed by a plurality of second system indoor units (23, 24), the common four-way valve (40) exchanges outdoor heat. The gas 32 communicates with the suction passage 72, the first four sides 41 communicate the plurality of first-line indoor units 21, 22 with the discharge passage 71, and the second four sides (41) 42 may communicate the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 with the suction passage 72 .

More specifically, the common four sides 40 may communicate the suction-side connection passage 76 with the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 and close the discharge-side connection passage 73 . The first four sides 41 may communicate the first discharge-side connection passage 83 with the first gas passage 87 and close the first suction-side connection passage 85 . The second four sides 42 may communicate the second suction-side connection passage 86 with the second gas passage 88 and close the second discharge-side connection passage 84 .

In addition, the outdoor expansion device 33 and the second system outdoor expansion device 36, 37 may be controlled with a predetermined expansion opening degree, and the first system outdoor expansion device 34 and 35 may be controlled with a maximum opening degree. .

Hereinafter, the flow of refrigerant during simultaneous heating and cooling operation in which heating is performed in the plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 and cooling is performed in the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 will be described.

The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed in the compressor 31 and discharged to the discharge passage 71 sequentially passes through the discharge-side common passage 81, the first discharge-side connection passage 83, and the first four sides 41, It can flow into one gas passage 87. The refrigerant flowing through the first gas passage 87 can be divided into a plurality of gas branch passages 91 and 92 and flowed to the plurality of first-line outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26, respectively. .

The refrigerant flowing into each of the first-line indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 passes through the indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 and can be condensed into a liquid state by exchanging heat with air blown by an indoor fan (not shown). have. The air heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant is discharged into the room to heat the room where the first system indoor units 21 and 22 are disposed.

The refrigerant condensed in the first system indoor heat exchanger (25, 26) and flowing into each liquid branch passage (95, 96) may be combined and flow into the liquid passage (75). Some of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid passage 75 may flow toward the outdoor unit 10 along the liquid passage 75, and the other part may flow toward the second system indoor units 23 and 24.

The refrigerant flowing toward the second system indoor units (23, 24) may be divided and flowed through a plurality of liquid branch passages (97, 98) respectively connected to a plurality of second system indoor heat exchangers (27, 28). and can be inflated while passing through the second system indoor expansion mechanism (36, 37). The refrigerant expanded in the second system indoor expansion device 36, 37 may be phase-changed into a two-phase state in which a liquid state and a gas state coexist. The refrigerant expanded in the second system indoor expansion device (36, 37) passes through the second system indoor heat exchanger (27, 28), exchanges heat with air blown by an indoor fan (not shown), and evaporates into a gaseous state. It can be. Air cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant is discharged into the room to cool the room where the second system indoor units 23 and 24 are disposed.

The refrigerants evaporated in each second system indoor heat exchanger (27, 28) and flowed to the gas branch passages (93, 94) can be combined and flowed to the second gas passage (88), and the second four sides (42) ), the second suction-side connection passage 86, and the suction-side common passage 82 in order to flow into the suction passage 72.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing from the liquid passage 75 toward the outdoor unit 10 may pass through the outdoor expansion mechanism 33 and expand. The refrigerant expanded in the outdoor expansion device 33 may be phase-changed into a two-phase state in which a liquid and a gas state coexist. The refrigerant expanded by the outdoor expansion device 33 passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and exchanges heat with the air blown by the outdoor fan 32A to evaporate into a gaseous state.

The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 passes through the common four sides 40 and the suction side connection passage 76 in order and flows into the suction passage 72. have.

The refrigerant flowing into the suction passage 72 through the suction-side common passage 82 and the refrigerant flowing into the suction passage 72 through the suction-side connection passage 76 may be combined and sucked into the compressor 31 . Thereafter, the compressor 31 discharges the refrigerant to the discharge passage 71 again, and repeats the above-described process to circulate the cooling cycle.

5 is a diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant during simultaneous heating and cooling operation in which a first system indoor unit is in a cooling operation and a second system indoor unit is in a heating operation.

During simultaneous cooling and heating operation, the plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 may be operated in a cooling mode and the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 may be operated in a heating mode.

During simultaneous cooling and heating operation in which cooling is performed by a plurality of first system indoor units (21, 22) and heating is performed by a plurality of second system indoor units (23, 24), the common four-way valve (40) exchanges outdoor heat. The group 32 communicates with the suction passage 72, the first four sides 41 communicates the plurality of first-line indoor units 21, 22 with the suction passage 72, and the second four sides ( 42 may communicate the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 with the discharge passage 71 .

More specifically, the common four sides 40 may communicate the suction-side connection passage 76 with the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 and close the discharge-side connection passage 73 . The first four sides 41 may communicate the first suction-side connection passage 85 with the first gas passage 87 and close the first discharge-side connection passage 83 . The second four sides 42 may communicate the second discharge-side connection passage 84 with the second gas passage 88 and close the second suction-side connection passage 86 .

In addition, the outdoor expansion device 33 and the first system outdoor expansion device 34, 35 may be controlled at a preset expansion opening degree, and the second system outdoor expansion device 36, 37 may be controlled at a maximum opening degree. .

Hereinafter, the flow of refrigerant during simultaneous cooling and heating operation in which cooling is performed in the plurality of first system indoor units 21 and 22 and heating is performed in the plurality of second system indoor units 23 and 24 will be described.

The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed in the compressor 31 and discharged to the discharge passage 71 sequentially passes through the discharge-side common passage 81, the second discharge-side connection passage 84, and the second four sides 42, It can flow into two gas passages 88. The refrigerant flowing through the second gas passage 88 can be divided into a plurality of gas branch passages 93 and 94 and flowed to the plurality of second system outdoor heat exchangers 27 and 28, respectively. .

The refrigerant flowing into each second system indoor heat exchanger (27, 28) passes through the indoor heat exchanger (27, 28) and can be condensed into a liquid state by exchanging heat with air blown by an indoor fan (not shown). have. The air heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant is discharged into the room to heat the room where the second system indoor units 23 and 24 are disposed.

The refrigerant condensed in the second system indoor heat exchanger (27, 28) and flowing into each liquid branch passage (97, 98) may be combined and flow into the liquid passage (75). Some of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid passage 75 may flow toward the outdoor unit 10 along the liquid passage 75, and the other part may flow toward the first system indoor units 21 and 22.

The refrigerant flowing toward the first system indoor units (21, 22) may be divided and flowed through a plurality of liquid branch passages (95, 96) respectively connected to a plurality of first system indoor heat exchangers (25, 26). and can be inflated while passing through the first system indoor expansion mechanism (34, 35). The refrigerant expanded in the first system indoor expansion device 34, 35 may be phase-changed into a two-phase state in which a liquid state and a gas state coexist. The refrigerant expanded in the first system indoor expansion device (34, 35) passes through the first system indoor heat exchanger (25, 26), exchanges heat with air blown by an indoor fan (not shown), and evaporates into a gaseous state. It can be. The air cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant is discharged into the room to cool the room where the first system indoor units 21 and 22 are disposed.

The refrigerants evaporated in each of the first system indoor heat exchangers (25, 26) and flowed to the gas branch passages (91, 92) can be combined and flowed to the first gas passage (87), and the first four sides (41) ), the first suction-side connection passage 85, and the suction-side common passage 82 in order to flow into the suction passage 72.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing from the liquid passage 75 toward the outdoor unit 10 may pass through the outdoor expansion mechanism 33 and expand. The refrigerant expanded in the outdoor expansion device 33 may be phase-changed into a two-phase state in which a liquid and a gas state coexist. The refrigerant expanded by the outdoor expansion device 33 passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and exchanges heat with the air blown by the outdoor fan 32A to evaporate into a gaseous state.

The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger connection passage 74 passes through the common four sides 40 and the suction side connection passage 76 in order and flows into the suction passage 72. have.

The refrigerant flowing into the suction passage 72 through the suction-side common passage 82 and the refrigerant flowing into the suction passage 72 through the suction-side connection passage 76 may be combined and sucked into the compressor 31 . Thereafter, the compressor 31 discharges the refrigerant to the discharge passage 71 again, and repeats the above-described process to circulate the cooling cycle.

6 is a control block diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller 100, an input unit 101, an output unit 102, and a storage unit 103.

The controller 100 may be disposed in at least one of the outdoor unit 10 and the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24. In addition, the controller 100 may also be disposed in a building in which an air conditioning system is installed.

The controller 100 may control overall operation of the air conditioning system. The controller 100 includes the aforementioned first temperature sensor 51, second temperature sensor 52, gas temperature sensors 61B, 62B, 63B, 64B, and liquid temperature sensors 61A, 62A, 63A. ) 64A, it is possible to receive the temperature information measured at each, and control the common four sides 40, the first four sides 41, and the second four sides 42 described above. Of course, the controller 100 can also control the outdoor expansion device 33, the indoor expansion device 34, 35, 36, 37, the outdoor fan 32A, and the indoor fan (not shown) described above. .

The input unit 101 is a component that receives a user's command, and is preferably provided in each of the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24, but is not limited thereto. The type of input unit 101 is not limited, and may be composed of, for example, a switch, a remote control, and the like. The controller 100 may receive a command input through the input unit 101 .

The output unit 102 is a component that outputs information related to the operation of the air conditioning system, and is preferably provided in each of the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24, but is not limited thereto. The type of output unit 102 is not limited, and may include, for example, a display or a speaker. The controller 100 may output information through the output unit 102 .

The storage unit 103 is a component that stores information related to the operation of the air conditioning system, and the controller 100 may store information in the storage unit 103 or retrieve information stored in the storage unit 103 .

7 to 9 are flowcharts of a pipe search method of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform pipe search. Piping search means searching for which of the first system (20A) and the second system (20B) each indoor unit (21) (22) (23) (24) belongs to when installing and setting the air conditioning system. can mean That is, when searching for a pipe, each indoor unit 21, 22, 23, and 24 may be matched with one of the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42.

When an operator's pipe search start command is input to the input unit 101, the controller 100 may start pipe search.

The pipe search method according to the present embodiment includes an initial operation step of turning on any one indoor unit 21 among a plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 (S11); An initial matching step (S12) (S13) (S14) of matching any one indoor unit (21) with the first four sides (41) or the second four sides (42) according to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (51). ); an operation step (S21) (S31) of turning on another indoor unit 22 among the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24; And when one indoor unit 21 is matched with the first four sides 41, the other indoor unit 22 is set to the first four sides 41 according to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52. Alternatively, it is matched with the second four sides 42 (S22) (S23) (S24), and when any one indoor unit 21 is matched with the second four sides 42, the first temperature sensor 51 A matching step of matching another indoor unit 22 with the first four sides 41 or the second four sides 42 according to the sensed temperature (S32, S33, and S34) may be included.

The initial matching steps (S12, S13, and S14) include a process of sensing a temperature with the first temperature sensor 51 after a predetermined time has elapsed after one of the indoor units 21 is turned on; And when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor 51 is lower than the predetermined temperature, matching any one indoor unit 21 with the first four sides 41 (S12) (S13), the first temperature sensor 51 ) may include matching (S12) to (S14) any one indoor unit 21 with the second quadrilateral 42 when the detected temperature of ) is maintained above the predetermined temperature.

In the initial matching step, when one indoor unit 21 is matched with the first four sides 41 (S12) (S13), in the matching step, the other indoor unit 22 is turned on and a predetermined time has elapsed. Afterwards, the second temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature; and when the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the predetermined temperature, matching the other indoor unit 22 with the second four sides 42 (S22) (S23), the second temperature sensor 52 ) may include a process of matching (S22) to (S24) the other indoor unit 22 with the first four sides 41 when the detected temperature of ) is maintained above the predetermined temperature.

In the initial matching step, when one indoor unit 21 is matched with the second quadrilateral 42 (S12) (S14), in the matching step, the other indoor unit 22 is turned on and a predetermined time has elapsed. Afterwards, the first temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature; and when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor 52 is lower than the preset temperature, the other indoor unit 22 is matched with the first four sides 41 (S32) (S33), and the first temperature sensor 51 If the detected temperature of ) is maintained above the predetermined temperature, a process of matching another indoor unit 22 with the second quadrilateral 42 (S32) (S34) may be included.

The pipe search method according to the present embodiment includes turning off the other indoor unit 22 (S25) (S35); Additional operation steps (S27) (S21) (S37) (S31) of turning on another indoor unit 23 among the plurality of indoor units; And when one of the indoor units 21 is matched with the first four sides 41, another indoor unit 23 is connected to the first four sides 41 according to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52. ) or matching with the second four sides 42 (S27) (S22) (S23) (S24), and when one indoor unit 21 is matched with the second four sides 42, the first temperature sensor (S37) (S32) (S33) (S34) Additional matching for matching another indoor unit (23) with the first four sides (41) or the second four sides (42) according to the detected temperature of (51) Further steps may be included.

Hereinafter, the pipe search method according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

The piping search method according to the present embodiment is in a state in which the common four sides 40, the first four sides 41, and the second four sides 42 are controlled in the same way as in the case of the front room cooling mode operation (see FIG. 2). can be carried out. In this case, all of the common quadrilaterals 40, the first quadrilaterals 41, and the second quadrilaterals 42 may be defined as being turned off.

The controller 100 may turn on any one of the indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 of a plurality (N units, for example, N = 4) (S11). Any one of the above indoor units may be referred to as a first indoor unit. In this case, the refrigerant circulating in the cooling cycle may be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and evaporated in the first indoor unit.

The temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 51 may be transmitted to the controller 100 after a predetermined time elapses after the first indoor unit is turned on. When the detected temperature transmitted from the first temperature sensor 51 is lower than the predetermined temperature, the controller 100 matches the first indoor unit with the first four sides 41 (S12) (S13), and When the sensed temperature transmitted from the sensor is maintained at a predetermined temperature or higher, the first indoor unit may be matched with the second four sides 42 (S12) (S14).

For example, when the first indoor unit is included in the first system 20A, the refrigerant evaporated in the first indoor unit may pass through the first four sides 41 . Therefore, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 51 can be lowered by the cool refrigerant, and thus the first indoor unit can be matched with the first four sides 41 .

On the other hand, when the first indoor unit is included in the second system 20B, the refrigerant evaporated in the first indoor unit may pass through the second four sides 42 and not pass through the first four sides 41. have. Therefore, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 51 can be maintained relatively high, and thus the first indoor unit can be matched with the second four sides 42 .

The controller 100 may store, in the storage unit 103, information about which of the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42 the first indoor unit matches.

When the first indoor unit is matched with the first four sides 41, since the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 51 has already gone down, the search for the remaining indoor units depends on the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 51. may not be able to judge. Accordingly, when the first indoor unit matches the first four sides 41, the search for the remaining indoor units can be determined according to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 52 (S20).

On the other hand, when the first indoor unit is matched with the second four sides 42, since the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor 52 has already gone down, the search for the remaining indoor units is performed by the second temperature sensor 52. You may not be able to judge based on temperature. Accordingly, when the first indoor unit is matched with the second four sides 42, the search for the remaining indoor units can be determined according to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 51 (S30).

The controller 100 sequentially selects the remaining indoor units excluding the first indoor unit among the plurality of (N, for example, N=4) indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 on the first four sides. (41) or the second quadrilateral (42). In this case, each indoor unit may be named a K-th indoor unit according to the matching order of the plurality of indoor units. That is, the controller 100 may sequentially match the second indoor unit, the third indoor unit, or the N-th indoor unit with the first four sides 41 or the second four sides 42 .

When the first indoor unit matches the first four sides 41 (S20), the controller 100 can turn on the Kth indoor unit (S21). Since the first indoor unit remains on, the refrigerant circulating in the cooling cycle can be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and evaporated in the first indoor unit and the Kth indoor unit.

The temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 52 may be transmitted to the controller 100 after a predetermined time elapses after the Kth indoor unit is turned on. When the detected temperature transmitted from the second temperature sensor 52 is lower than the predetermined temperature, the controller 100 matches the K-th indoor unit with the second four sides 42 (S22) (S23), and When the sensed temperature transmitted from the sensor 52 is maintained at a predetermined temperature or higher, the K-th indoor unit may be matched with the first four sides 41 (S22) (S24).

For example, when the Kth indoor unit is included in the first system 20A, the refrigerant evaporated in the Kth indoor unit passes through the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42. may not Accordingly, the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 52 can be maintained relatively high, and thus the K-th indoor unit can be matched with the first four sides 41 .

On the other hand, when the K-th indoor unit is included in the second system 20B, the refrigerant evaporated in the K-th indoor unit may pass through the second four sides 42 . Accordingly, the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 52 can be lowered by the cool refrigerant, and thus the K-th indoor unit can be matched with the second four sides 42 .

The controller 100 may store in the storage unit 103 information about which side of the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42 the K-th indoor unit matches.

Thereafter, the controller 100 may turn off the Kth indoor unit (S25) and determine whether K is equal to N (S26). If K is less than N, it means that all indoor units have not been matched yet, so K is increased by 1 (S27) to match the next indoor unit with the first quadrilateral 41 or the second quadrilateral 42. can If K is equal to N, it means that matching of all indoor units is completed, and thus the pipe search can be terminated.

Meanwhile, when the first indoor unit matches the second four sides 42 (S30), the controller 100 can turn on the Kth indoor unit (S31). Since the first indoor unit remains on, the refrigerant circulating in the cooling cycle can be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and evaporated in the first indoor unit and the Kth indoor unit.

The temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 51 may be transmitted to the controller 100 after a predetermined time elapses after the Kth indoor unit is turned on. When the detected temperature transmitted from the first temperature sensor 51 is lower than the preset temperature, the controller 100 matches the K-th indoor unit with the first four sides 41 (S32) (S33), and If the sensed temperature transmitted from the sensor 51 is maintained above a preset temperature, the K-th indoor unit may be matched with the second quadrilateral 42 (S32) (S34).

For example, when the Kth indoor unit is included in the first system 20A, the refrigerant evaporated in the Kth indoor unit may pass through the first four sides 41 . Therefore, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 51 can be lowered by the cool refrigerant, and thus the Kth indoor unit can be matched with the first four sides 41 .

On the other hand, when the Kth indoor unit is included in the second system 20B, the refrigerant evaporated in the Kth indoor unit may pass through the second four sides 42 and not pass through the first four sides 41. have. Accordingly, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 51 can be maintained relatively high, and thus the Kth indoor unit can be matched with the second four sides 42 .

The controller 100 may store in the storage unit 103 information about which side of the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42 the K-th indoor unit matches.

Thereafter, the controller 100 may turn off the Kth indoor unit (S35) and determine whether K is equal to N (S36). If K is smaller than N, it means that all indoor units have not been matched yet, so K is increased by 1 (S37) to match the next indoor unit with the first quadrilateral 41 or the second quadrilateral 42. can If K is equal to N, it means that matching of all indoor units is completed, and thus the pipe search can be terminated.

10 is a flowchart of a pipe search method of an air conditioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When an operator's pipe search start command is input to the input unit 101, the controller 100 may start pipe search.

The air conditioning system may selectively perform any one of the pipe search method according to the above-described embodiment or the pipe search method according to the present embodiment according to an operator's command.

In the pipe search method of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment, the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 of the indoor units 21 and 22 connected to the first four sides 41. (41) is controlled, and the second four sides (42) are controlled so that the refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor heat exchangers (27, 28) of the indoor units (23, 24) connected to the second four sides (42). stool control step; an operation step of turning on the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24; and a matching step of matching the indoor unit whose temperature of the indoor heat exchanger has risen with the first four sides 41 and matching the indoor unit whose temperature of the indoor heat exchanger has decreased with the second four sides 42 .

Hereinafter, the pipe search method according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

The pipe searching method according to the present embodiment is the same as the simultaneous cooling and heating operation (see FIG. 4) in which the first system indoor units 21 and 22 are in a heating operation and the second system indoor units 23 and 24 are in a cooling operation. The common four sides 40, the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42 may be implemented in a controlled state. That is, the controller 100 can turn on the common four sides 40 and the first four sides 41, and keep the second four sides 42 off (S41).

Thereafter, the controller 100 may turn on all the indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 (S42). In this case, the refrigerant circulating in the cooling cycle may be condensed in the first system indoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 and evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and the second system indoor heat exchangers 27 and 28.

After all indoor units (21, 22, 23, and 24) are turned on and a predetermined time elapses, the temperature of each indoor unit (21, 22, 23, and 24) can be transmitted to the controller (100). have. In more detail, the temperature of the indoor heat exchangers 25, 26, 27, and 28 of each indoor unit 21, 22, 23, and 24 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The temperature of each indoor heat exchanger 25, 26, 27, and 28 is measured by a liquid temperature sensor 61A, 62A provided at the inlet and outlet of each indoor heat exchanger 25, 26, 27, and 28. (63A) (64A) and the gas temperature sensors (61B) (62B) (63B) (64B) can be calculated by the sensed temperature respectively. Calculating the temperature of the heat exchanger according to the inlet/outlet temperature of the heat exchanger is a well-known technique, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The controller 100 sequentially sets a plurality (N units, for example, N=4) of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 to the first four sides 41 or the second four sides 42. can be matched with In this case, each indoor unit may be named a K-th indoor unit according to the matching order of the plurality of indoor units. That is, the controller 100 sequentially matches the first indoor unit, the second indoor unit, the third indoor unit????, the Nth indoor unit with the first four sides 41 or the second four sides 42. can

When the temperature of the K-th indoor unit rises, that is, higher than the preset temperature, the controller 100 may match the K-th indoor unit with the first four sides 41 (S43 and S44). Conversely, when the temperature of the K-th indoor unit decreases, that is, lower than the preset temperature, the controller 100 may match the K-th indoor unit with the second four sides 42 (S43 and S45).

For example, when the K-th indoor unit is included in the first system 20A, the indoor heat exchanger of the K-th indoor unit is heated by a high-temperature refrigerant and the temperature rises, and as a result, the K-th indoor unit It can be matched with one quadrilateral (41).

On the other hand, when the K-th indoor unit is included in the second system 20B, the indoor heat exchanger of the K-th indoor unit is cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant and the temperature is lowered. It can be matched with side 42.

The controller 100 may store in the storage unit 103 information about which side of the first four sides 41 and the second four sides 42 the K-th indoor unit matches.

Thereafter, the controller 100 may determine whether K is equal to N (S46). If K is smaller than N, it means that all indoor units have not been matched yet, so K is increased by 1 (S47) to match the next indoor unit with the first quadrilateral 41 or the second quadrilateral 42. can If K is equal to N, it means that matching of all indoor units is completed, and thus the pipe search can be terminated.

11 is a flowchart of a method of determining whether an indoor unit can be controlled according to an input cooling/heating command.

As described above, the indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 belonging to the same system 20A and 20B can be operated only in the same mode, and may not be operated in different modes. Therefore, after the pipe search is completed, the controller 100 uses the matching information of each indoor unit 21, 22, 23, and 24 stored in the storage unit 103 to search for each indoor unit 21, 22 ( 23) It is possible to perform the cooling/heating operation of (24).

When the user inputs a cooling/heating mode start command for one indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units 21, 22, 23, and 24 through the input unit 101, the controller 100 sends the input It can be determined whether or not it is controllable according to the given cooling/heating command.

In more detail, the controller 100 may determine whether there are other indoor units operating in the systems 20A and 20B to which the one indoor unit to which the cooling/heating mode command is input corresponds (S51). For example, when a cooling/heating command is input to one of the first system indoor units 21, the controller 100 can determine whether the other first system indoor units 22 are in operation.

If there is no indoor unit operating in the system 20A or 20B to which the indoor unit corresponds, the controller 100 may operate the indoor unit in the input command mode (S51) (S53).

On the other hand, if there is an indoor unit in operation in the system 20A or 20B to which the one indoor unit corresponds, the controller 100 checks whether the cooling/heating mode of the indoor unit in operation matches the command mode of the one indoor unit. It can be judged (S52).

When the cooling/heating mode of the indoor unit under operation and the command mode of the one indoor unit match, the controller 100 can operate the indoor unit in the input command mode (S52 and S53). For example, when a cooling command is input to one first system indoor unit 21 and another first system indoor unit 22 is in a cooling operation, the controller 100 sets the first system indoor unit to the cooling mode. driving can start.

On the other hand, if the cooling/heating mode of the indoor unit being operated and the command mode of the one indoor unit are different, the controller 100 may output a notification of a different driving state through the output unit 102 . For example, when a cooling command is input to one first system indoor unit 21 and another first system indoor unit 22 is in heating operation, the controller 100 cools the first system 20A because it is currently in heating operation. A notification may be displayed indicating that driving is impossible.

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

The protection scope of the present invention should be construed according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

10: outdoor unit 21, 22: first system indoor unit
23, 24: second system indoor unit 25, 26: first system indoor heat exchanger
27, 28: second system indoor heat exchanger 31: compressor
32: outdoor heat exchanger 33: outdoor expansion device
40: common quadrilateral 41: first quadrilateral
42: second four sides 51: first temperature sensor
52: second temperature sensor

Claims (14)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete A plurality of indoor units connected to the first or second four sides, a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first four sides, and sensing the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the second four sides Regarding the piping search method of the air conditioning system including the second temperature sensor to
an initial operation step of turning on any one indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units;
an initial matching step of matching the one of the indoor units with the first four-sided side or the second four-sided side according to the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor;
an operation step of turning on another indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units; and
When the one indoor unit is matched with the first four sides, the other indoor unit is matched with either the first four sides or the second four sides according to the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor, and and a matching step of matching the other indoor unit with the first or second four sides according to the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor when the indoor unit of is matched with the second four sides. Piping search method of the system. According to claim 9,
an additional operation step of turning on another indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units after the matching step; and
After the additional operation step, when the one indoor unit is matched with the first four sides, the another indoor unit is selected according to the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor to the first four sides or the second four sides. and, when the one indoor unit is matched with the second four sides, matching the another indoor unit with the first or second four sides according to the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor. A piping search method of an air conditioning system further comprising an additional matching step to perform. According to claim 9,
In the first matching step,
detecting a temperature with the first temperature sensor after a predetermined time elapses after the one indoor unit is turned on; and
When the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor is lower than the predetermined temperature, the one indoor unit is matched with the first four-sided side, and when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor is maintained above the predetermined temperature, the one of the indoor units is matched with the first four-sided side. A pipe search method of an air conditioning system comprising the step of matching an indoor unit of the second quadrilateral with the second quadrilateral. According to claim 9,
In the first matching step, when the one indoor unit is matched with the first quadrilateral, the matching step,
sensing a temperature with the second temperature sensor after a predetermined time has elapsed after the other indoor unit is turned on; and
When the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature, the other indoor unit is matched with the second four-sided side, and when the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor is maintained above the preset temperature, the other indoor unit is matched with the second four-sided side. A pipe search method of an air conditioning system comprising the step of matching an indoor unit of the first quadrilateral with the first quadrilateral. According to claim 9,
In the first matching step, when the one of the indoor units is matched with the second quadrilateral, the matching step,
detecting a temperature with the first temperature sensor after a predetermined time elapses after the other indoor unit is turned on; and
When the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined temperature, the other indoor unit is matched with the first four-sided side, and when the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor is maintained at a predetermined temperature or higher, the other indoor unit is matched with the first four-sided side. A pipe search method of an air conditioning system comprising the step of matching an indoor unit of the second quadrilateral with the second quadrilateral. Regarding a piping search method of an air conditioning system including a plurality of indoor units connected to a first or second quadrilateral and having an indoor heat exchanger and a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature change of the indoor heat exchanger disposed in each indoor unit ,
In the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit connected to the first four sides, the first four sides are controlled to condense the refrigerant, and in the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit connected to the second four sides, the second four sides are controlled to evaporate the refrigerant. a quadrilateral control step to be;
an operation step of turning on the plurality of indoor units; and
and a matching step of matching an indoor unit whose temperature of the indoor heat exchanger has risen with the first quadrilateral and matching an indoor unit whose temperature of the indoor heat exchanger has decreased with the second quadrilateral. .

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