KR20080060761A - Multi-air conditioner for heating and cooling operations at the same time and pipe searching method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-air conditioner for simultaneous heating and cooling operation and a pipe searching method thereof are provided to allow effective operation of the air conditioner by allowing heating operation of one indoor unit to be switched into cooling operation, generating large temperature difference which facilitates pipe searching. A multi-air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and at least one distributor connected between the outdoor unit and indoor units to distribute refrigerant to the indoor units for simultaneous heating and cooling operation comprises the steps of: starting cooling operation of the indoor units(S210); controlling a valve installed on a plurality of refrigerant pipes connected to the indoor unit from the distributor, to start heating operation of one indoor unit(S240); searching which indoor unit is switched into heating operation from cooling operation, according to the temperature variation of the indoor units(S260,S270); and matching the searched indoor unit to the refrigerant pipe of the distributor(S290).

Description

Multi-air conditioner for heating and cooling operations at the same time and pipe searching method

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a simultaneous air-conditioning type multi air conditioner according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a detailed configuration of the outdoor unit, indoor unit, distributor connection of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention,

3 is a view showing a refrigerant flow according to the cooling main operation of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention,

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the distributor of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention,

Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a pipe search method of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention,

7 is a diagram illustrating a signal flow between the outdoor unit, the distributor and the indoor unit of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention.

<Brief description of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: outdoor unit 20, 21, 22: distributor

30, 31 to 38: indoor unit

1: control unit 2: matching unit

3: data section 4: temperature sensing section

5: operation control unit 6: communication unit

7: input section

The present invention relates to a simultaneous air-conditioning multi air conditioner and a pipe search method, and more particularly, when a plurality of indoor units are connected to at least one distributor, a pipe search is performed by using a temperature change. A cooling and heating simultaneous multi air conditioner and a pipe searching method thereof.

In general, an air conditioner is a device for cooling or heating an indoor space such as a living space, a restaurant, or an office. In order to more efficiently cool or heat an indoor space partitioned into a large number of rooms, development of air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioners for cooling or heating each room has been continuously made. In particular, the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner has a plurality of indoor units connected to one outdoor unit, and each indoor unit is installed in each room. In addition, each indoor unit is operated in any one operation mode of heating and cooling to air condition the room.

However, since the conventional multi-air conditioner cools or heats the entire rooms, there is a limit that does not satisfy the air conditioning requirements of each room. In order to solve this problem, recently, a plurality of indoor units have been studied in which multiple indoor units perform a cooling operation and other indoor units perform a heating operation.

The conventional air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner is controlled to operate at a target discharge pressure and a suction pressure of a compressor set at the same time of air conditioning. At this time, depending on the operation ratio of the indoor unit for cooling operation or heating operation, the simultaneous heating and cooling simultaneous multi-air conditioner may operate the cooling main body or may simultaneously perform the heating main body. In addition, depending on the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature, the simultaneous operation of the cooling subjects and the simultaneous operation of the heating subjects are also controlled differently. For example, the simultaneous operation of cooling subjects is also controlled by the simultaneous operation of low outdoor temperature cooling subjects and simultaneous operation of high outdoor temperature cooling subjects.

Conventional air-conditioning simultaneous air-conditioning multi air conditioner is connected between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit to control the refrigerant supplied to the indoor unit to perform the cooling or heating operation of the indoor unit, the pipe connection state of the distributor and a plurality of indoor period is wrong If the indoor unit is to be cooled, the heating operation is performed, or a malfunction of the indoor unit, such as driving other problems occur.

When the pipe is incorrectly connected to the distributor and the indoor period, the distributor is located on the ceiling of the room, and thus is difficult to access, so it is difficult to check the connection status of the pipe and change the matching setting, which makes management difficult.

In addition, in the conventional case, the indoor unit was operated one by one, and the pipe search was performed between the distributor and the indoor period. However, in this case, the pressure of the refrigerant may be excessively increased, and the operation efficiency of the air conditioner is greatly reduced by operating only one indoor unit. There is this.

An object of the present invention is to ensure that any one indoor unit is heated while the indoor unit is air-cooled, the heating and cooling simultaneous multi-air conditioner and the piping to match the refrigerant piping of the indoor unit and the distributor to perform a pipe search To provide a search method.

According to the present invention, a pipe searching method of a simultaneous air-conditioning multi air conditioner includes at least one distributor connected between an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units to distribute and supply refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units. In the piping search method of a simultaneous heating and cooling type multi air conditioner comprising: the plurality of indoor units are cooled in operation, by controlling the valves installed in the plurality of refrigerant pipes connected to the plurality of indoor units from the distributor, the plurality of The indoor unit of any one of the indoor unit is the heating operation, the temperature change of the plurality of indoor units, the step of searching for any one indoor unit switched from the cooling operation to the heating operation, the searched any one indoor unit, Matching the refrigerant piping of the distributor.

In addition, the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention includes an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, at least one distributor connected between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units for distributing and supplying refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units. In the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner, the outdoor unit controls the valves installed in the plurality of refrigerant pipes of the distributor, while the indoor units are air-cooled, so that any one indoor unit of the plurality of indoor units is heated by heating. And performing a pipe search of the distributor and the plurality of indoor periods.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a simultaneous air-conditioning multi air conditioner according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner of the present invention includes an outdoor unit 10, a distributor 20 connected to the outdoor unit 10 to distribute refrigerant to the indoor unit, and a plurality of distributors 20 connected to the outdoor unit 10. The indoor unit 30 is included. In this case, one outdoor unit is one example, which is just an example, and the number of indoor units may vary according to the space and place where the air conditioner is installed, and the number of outdoor units and distributors may also vary.

In addition, the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner may further include a central controller.

The outdoor unit 10 is provided with at least one compressor to circulate the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor according to the set operation mode, so that the refrigerant is delivered to the indoor unit 30 through the distributor 20. The outdoor unit 10 controls the driving of the compressor in accordance with the number of the indoor unit 30 that is operated, thereby performing the cooling subject, heating subject operation.

At least one distributor 20 is connected between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 30 to distribute the refrigerant to each indoor unit 31 to 38 according to the operating state of the indoor unit 30. The first distributor 21 and the second distributor 22 are connected to the outdoor unit 10, the first distributor 21 is connected to the first to fourth indoor units 31 to 34, and the second distributor 22. ) Is connected to the fifth to eighth indoor units 35 to 38 to distribute the refrigerant of high pressure or low pressure to each indoor unit 31 to 38 corresponding to the operation state of each indoor unit 30, 31 to 38.

The indoor unit 30 is connected to the outdoor unit 10 according to a predetermined communication standard by cooling and heating simultaneously, and transmits and receives mutual control commands and data, and discharges cold / hot air into the room according to the set operation mode.

At this time, the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 30, the distributor 20 is connected by a predetermined communication line or wireless, transmit and receive data with each other, performs a set operation. The outdoor unit 10 controls the driving of the compressor according to the operation setting input through each indoor unit 30, and the cold water is supplied to the indoor unit 30 through the distributor 20, and the distributor 20 The refrigerant is distributed and supplied according to the operating state of the indoor unit 30.

Here, a detailed configuration of the outdoor unit 10, the distributor 20 and the indoor unit 30 will be described. Figure 2 is a detailed configuration of the outdoor unit, indoor unit, distributor connection of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention.

At this time, FIG. 2 is an example that one distributor is connected to the outdoor unit, four indoor units are connected to the distributor, and other configurations are omitted from the drawings. At this time, the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner of the present invention will be described as an example of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner, but the present invention may be applied to an air conditioner having a distributor and a type connected to each indoor unit.

Referring to FIG. 2, the outdoor unit 10 includes at least one compressor 11, 12, an accumulator 13, a switching unit 16, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of valves, an outdoor heat exchanger 14, an outdoor unit fan ( 15). The outdoor unit 10 includes an inverter compressor 11 capable of varying the compression capacity of the refrigerant and a constant speed compressor 12 having a constant compression capacity of the refrigerant. At this time, the switching unit 16 may be a four-way valve or a three-way valve.

In the inverter compressor 11 and the constant speed compressor 12, the refrigerant suction part is connected to the common accumulator 13, the discharge part is connected to the pipe, and the inverter compressor 11 and the constant speed compressor 12 are oil of the refrigerant discharged from the Each oil separator is installed to recover the oil.

The outdoor heat exchanger 14 is connected to the four-way valve 16, so that the refrigerant is condensed or evaporated by heat exchange with the outside air. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 flows air into the outdoor heat exchanger 14 in order to facilitate heat exchange. In the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is used as the condenser during the cooling room operation or the simultaneous operation of the cooling main body, and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is used as the evaporator during the heating room full operation or the simultaneous heating main operation. .

On the liquid pipe LP connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the first distributor 21, an outdoor electromagnetic expansion valve and a supercooling device are installed. The outdoor electronic expansion valve expands the refrigerant during the heating of the entire chamber or the simultaneous operation of the heating subjects, and the subcooling device cools the refrigerant that is moved to the first distributor 21 during the operation of the entire cooling chambers or the simultaneous operation of the cooling subjects. The outdoor electronic expansion valve expands the condensed refrigerant before entering the outdoor heat exchanger 14 during the heating room operation or the simultaneous heating operation.

The distributors 20, 21, 22 are connected to the outdoor unit 10 through a communication line, and control the high pressure valve and the low pressure valve according to data and control commands received from the outdoor unit 10 to distribute the refrigerant to each indoor unit 30. do.

The distributors 20, 21, and 22 are disposed between the outdoor unit 10 for both cooling and heating and the indoor units 31 to 34 for the first, second, third and fourth cooling and heating, and the refrigerant is simultaneously cooled in the air-cooling room, the heating room, and the cooling main body. And the first, second, third and fourth indoor units 31 to 34 for both heating and cooling according to the heating and simultaneous operating conditions. The distributors 20, 21, 22 include a high pressure gas header 25, a low pressure gas header 26, a liquid header 27 and a plurality of control valves.

The first to fourth indoor rooms 31 to 34 are connected to the first distributor 21 and the refrigerant pipe to receive the refrigerant, and are connected to the outdoor unit 10 and the distributor 20 by a communication line to mutually transmit and receive control commands and data. In this way, cold / hot air is discharged into the room.

The first, second, third and fourth indoor units 31 to 34 each include a heat exchanger, an electromagnetic expansion valve, and an indoor unit fan. Each of the electromagnetic expansion valves of the first, second, third, and fourth chambers 31 to 34 is provided on the refrigerant pipes 51, 53, 55, and 57 connecting the heat exchangers and the liquid headers 27, respectively.

The high pressure gas header 25 is respectively connected to the high pressure gas pipe of the lamination part of the outdoor unit 10 and one side of the indoor heat exchanger of each indoor unit 31 to 34. In addition, the low pressure gas header 26 is connected to the low pressure gas pipe of the suction pipe of the outdoor unit 10, and is connected to the other side of the indoor heat exchangers (31 to 34). The liquid header 27 is connected to one side of the subcooler of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor heat exchangers 31 to 34, respectively.

The high pressure gas header 25, the low pressure gas header 26, and the liquid header 27 may be further connected to a high pressure gas pipe, a low pressure gas pipe, and a liquid pipe of another outdoor unit (not shown), respectively.

3 is a view showing a refrigerant flow according to the operation of the cooling main body of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention.

3, the operation of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner and the flow of the refrigerant according to the simultaneous operation of the cooling main body. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first, second, and third rooms 31, 32, and 33 operate in the cooling mode, and the fourth room 34 operates in the heating mode. In order to operate the first, second, and third rooms 31, 32, and 33 in the cooling mode, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the liquid header 27 passes through the refrigerant pipes 51, 53, and 55 in the first, second, and third rooms. 31, 32, 33 are introduced and expanded by the electromagnetic expansion valve, and evaporated in the heat exchanger, and then flows into the low pressure gas header 26 through the refrigerant pipes 52, 54, 56.

The high pressure gas refrigerant flows from the high pressure gas header 25 into the fourth room 34 through the refrigerant pipe 58 in the fourth chamber 34 which is heated and then is transferred to the high pressure liquid refrigerant from the heat exchanger 34b. Condensation is introduced into the liquid header 27 through the refrigerant pipe 57.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention.

The air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner configured as described above is configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 4, the outdoor unit 10 controls the distributor 20 and the indoor unit 30, and generates a predetermined control command according to a set operation mode to control the operation of the outdoor unit 10. And a matching unit that matches each of the pipes 51 to 58 of the distributor 20 and the indoor unit 30 with respect to the plurality of indoor units 30 connected to the distributor 20 in response to the determination result of the controller 1 ( 2) and the data unit 3 for storing address data for communication with the indoor unit 30 and the distributor 20, and storing the transmitted and received data and matching data between the distributor 20 and the indoor unit 30, and the indoor unit. It includes a temperature sensing unit 4 including a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the room 30 and the indoor unit 30 pipe temperature is installed.

In addition, the outdoor unit 10 operates to control the actual compressor and the heat exchanger according to the control command of the control unit 1 so that the outdoor unit 10 is operated in the cooling room, heating room, cooling subjects simultaneously, and heating subjects simultaneously operation mode. The controller 5, the plurality of indoor units 30, the distributor 20 connected to at least one of the outdoor units 10, the communication unit 6 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the outdoor unit 10, and at least one button And an input unit 7 to which predetermined data is input. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 further includes an output unit including at least one of status information, an error code, a display device for outputting an error message, a speaker for outputting a predetermined warning sound, and a lamp that is lit or flashing.

The temperature detection unit 4 includes a plurality of temperature sensors, each temperature sensor is installed on any one side of the room for measuring the indoor temperature for each room where the indoor unit 30 is installed, or the heat exchanger of the indoor unit 30 It may be installed in the suction or discharge refrigerant pipe. The temperature sensing unit 4 transmits temperature data to the controller 1 by measuring the room temperature or the pipe temperature through a plurality of temperature sensors. In this case, when the temperature sensor 4 is installed in the refrigerant pipe, it is preferable that the temperature sensor 4 is installed in the refrigerant pipe through which the high pressure / low pressure gas refrigerant flows.

At this time, when the temperature sensor 4 is installed indoors, the temperature data is transmitted to the communication unit 6 of the outdoor unit 10 through each indoor unit 30, or a predetermined communication means to the temperature sensor itself The temperature data may be transmitted to the communication unit 6 of the outdoor unit 10. In addition, when the temperature sensor is installed in the refrigerant pipe, it may be provided with its own communication means, or may transmit data to the outdoor unit 10 through the communication unit of the adjacent indoor unit 30 or the distributor 20.

The control unit 1 is initially operated after the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner is installed, or when a predetermined signal is input from the input unit 3, a request signal is input from the indoor unit 30, or the distributor 20 and If there is no matching data of the indoor unit 30, the pipe search is automatically performed. In this case, the controller 1 may be configured to perform a pipe search in a state in which address setting for data communication with the distributor 20 and the indoor unit 30 is completed.

The control unit 1 generates a pipe search start command, applies it to the matching unit 2, and transmits it to the indoor unit 30 and the distributor 20 through the communication unit 6. At this time, the operation control unit 5 controls the operation of the outdoor unit including the compressor. When the pipe search is started, the controller 1 generates a pipe search command so that the valve of the refrigerant pipe is controlled by each distributor 20 according to the pipe search program set in the data unit 3, and transmits the pipe search command to the distributor 20. .

At this time, the control unit 1 allows all the indoor units 30 to be cooled, and then controls the valves of the refrigerant pipes by the distributor 20 so that any one indoor unit is heated. The control unit 1 searches for any one indoor unit that is heated and operated among the plurality of indoor units by sequentially controlling the valves of the refrigerant pipe of the distributor 20 one by one. At this time, when the search of all the pipes is completed with respect to one distributor 21, the controller 1 allows the pipe search of the next distributor 22 to be performed.

In addition, the controller 1 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 4 to determine one indoor unit whose temperature has changed in accordance with a temperature change before and after cooling or heating operation, and applies the determination result to the matching unit 2. At this time, the control unit 1 receives the temperature data measured from the temperature sensing unit 4 during the cooling operation and stores it in the data unit 3 as an initial temperature, and after the initial temperature measurement, the valve of the refrigerant pipe of each distributor is controlled. Be sure to In particular, the controller 1 searches for an indoor unit in which the temperature is increased by a predetermined temperature or more through the temperature comparison since any one indoor unit is switched to the heating operation during the cooling operation.

The matching unit 2 performs matching between the distributor and the indoor period according to the determination result of the control unit 1. That is, when the distributor and piping information for the refrigerant pipe in which the controlled valve is installed and the information of the indoor unit whose temperature is changed, that is, the temperature is increased, match the indoor unit to the refrigerant pipe in which the controlled valve is installed, When the indoor unit is matched with respect to all the refrigerant pipes, one of the matching data is generated and stored in the data unit 3.

In addition, when the matching unit 2 completes the matching between the distributor 20 and the indoor unit 30 by the matching unit 2, the matching unit 2 stores the matching data stored in the data unit 3 through the communication unit 6. To be sent).

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the distributor of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the distributor 20 transmits and receives data to and from the valve control unit 20b for controlling a valve installed in a refrigerant pipe connected to the plurality of indoor units 30, the outdoor unit 10, and the indoor unit 30. A communication unit 20d for storing the matching data and valve control data received from the outdoor unit 10, a data unit 20c for storing the data, and a distributor control unit for controlling the data to be transmitted and received and controlling the operation of the distributor 20 ( 20a).

The distributor controller 20a stores the matching data received from the outdoor unit 10 in the data unit 20c, and through the valve control unit 20b based on the stored matching data according to the control command received from the outdoor unit 10. By controlling the valve, the refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit 30 so that the indoor unit is cooled or heated.

Here, when the pipe search start command and the pipe search command are input by the outdoor unit 10, the distributor control unit 20a controls the valve through the valve control unit 20b according to the pipe search program stored in the distributor data unit 20c. To be performed. Here, the distributor controller 20a transmits the control result to the outdoor unit 10 through the communication unit 20d when the valve is controlled.

That is, when the pipe search start command is input from the outdoor unit 10 through the communication unit 20d, the distributor control unit 20a opens the low pressure valves VL1 to VL4 of the low pressure gas header 26 by the valve control unit 20b. The high pressure valves VH1 to VH4 are controlled to close. Accordingly, the high pressure liquid refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit connected to the distributor so that the indoor unit is cooled. For example, when the first to fourth indoor units 31 to 34 are connected to the first distributor 21, the first to fourth indoor units 31 to 34 are cooled in operation.

When the pipe search command is input, the distributor control unit 20a locks the first low pressure valve VL1 connected to the first refrigerant pipe 52 through the valve control unit 20b according to the pipe search program, and the first high pressure valve VH1. ) Open. Accordingly, any one indoor unit connected to the first refrigerant pipe 52 flows in the high pressure gas refrigerant through the first refrigerant pipe 52 and discharges the liquid refrigerant into the refrigerant pipe 51, thereby being heated.

When the distributor control unit 20a receives a return command from the outdoor unit 10, the first low pressure valve VL1 is opened through the valve control unit 20b and the first high pressure valve VH1 is locked so that all connected indoor units are cooled. Let it drive

When the pipe search command is received from the outdoor unit 10, the distributor controller 20a controls the valve of the next refrigerant pipe, that is, the second high pressure valve VH2 and the second low pressure valve VL2, to control the outdoor unit 10. Valve control is performed sequentially according to the pipe search command.

That is, the outdoor unit 10 transmits a pipe search command to the distributor 20, and the valve of the refrigerant pipe of the distributor 20 is adjusted, so that when any one indoor unit is heated and operated, it is measured by the temperature sensing unit 4. Compare the temperature with the initial temperature and search the indoor unit with temperature change. Accordingly, the refrigerant pipe of the valve-controlled distributor and the indoor unit are matched.

Looking at the operation of the present invention configured as described above are as follows. Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a pipe search method of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, an air conditioning and heating type multi air conditioner is initially driven after installation, or when a pipe search is requested as a predetermined button provided in an outdoor unit and an indoor unit is operated, or when no matching data exists, automatic pipe search is performed. Perform (S200).

When the pipe search is started, the control unit 1 of the outdoor unit 10 transmits a pipe search start command to the indoor unit 30 and the distributor 20 so that all indoor units 30 are cooled in operation (S210). The control unit 1 of the outdoor unit 10 applies a control command to the operation control unit 5 to drive the compressor and the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 10. At this time, the distributor 20 opens all the low pressure valves VL1 to VL4, and closes all the high pressure valves VH1 to VH4 so that the liquid refrigerant is supplied to each indoor unit so that the indoor unit 30 is cooled.

Here, n shown in Figure 6 is the distributor number, m is the valve number of the refrigerant pipe, in the sequential control of the distributor and the valve in the description, a number arbitrarily assigned for convenience of explanation and the initial value is 1 (S220) ).

When the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 30, and the distributor 20 are cooled and operated, the control unit 1 of the outdoor unit 10 is provided with an indoor temperature at which the indoor unit 30 is installed through a plurality of temperature sensors of the temperature sensing unit 4. Alternatively, the pipe temperature of the refrigerant pipe of the indoor unit 30 is received, and the input temperature data is stored in the data unit 3 as an initial temperature (S230).

When the pipe search command is transmitted to the first distributor 21 by the controller 1 of the outdoor unit, the distributor controller 20a of the first distributor 21 passes the first high pressure of the first refrigerant pipe through the valve controller 20b. Adjust the valve and the first low pressure valve. At this time, all the low pressure valves VL1 to VL4 are opened for initial cooling operation, all the high pressure valves VH1 to VH4 are closed, the first low pressure valve VL1 is locked, and the first high pressure valve VH1 is opened. (S240). Accordingly, since the high-pressure gas refrigerant is introduced into any indoor unit connected to the first refrigerant pipe, any one indoor unit is heated. The other valve of the first distributor 21 is kept in its original initial cooling state.

As described above, when the valve control of the first distributor 21 is completed, the controller 1 of the outdoor unit 10 measures the temperature through the temperature detector 4 after a predetermined time elapses (S250).

The controller 1 compares the measured temperature and the previously measured and stored initial temperature, respectively (S260), and searches for a temperature-changing indoor unit (S270). At this time, since the indoor unit of any one of the cooling operation is the heating operation is searched for the indoor unit having a temperature increased by a predetermined temperature or more. In this case, when the indoor unit having a temperature change does not exist, the controller 1 determines that an error has occurred in the pipe search so that at least one of an error message, a warning sound, and a warning light is output through the output unit (S280).

The controller 1 determines that the indoor unit whose temperature is increased through the temperature comparison as described above is an indoor unit which is switched from a cooling operation to a heating operation. In this case, the matching unit 2 matches the indoor unit having a temperature change according to the determination result applied from the control unit 1 and the first refrigerant pipe of the first distributor having the valve controlled (S290). Here, the refrigerant pipe matched to the indoor unit is a liquid refrigerant pipe and a gas refrigerant pipe connected to the indoor unit. That is, the gas refrigerant pipe 52 is provided with a high pressure valve and a low pressure valve and a liquid refrigerant pipe 51 through which the liquid refrigerant flows.

The controller 1 of the outdoor unit 10 transmits a valve return command to the distributor 20 when matching is completed with respect to the first refrigerant pipe of the first distributor. The distributor control unit 20a controls the first low pressure valve VL1 to be opened and the first high pressure valve VH1 to be closed through the valve control unit 20b to allow the connected indoor unit to be cooled.

The controller 1 determines whether matching has been completed for all refrigerant pipes of the first distributor 21 (S300), and when not completed, performs matching of indoor periods with respect to the next refrigerant pipe. That is, when the matching of the first refrigerant pipe is completed, the matching of the second refrigerant pipe is repeatedly performed (S310, S230 to S300).

When the matching with the indoor unit is completed for all the refrigerant pipes of the first distributor 21, it is determined whether the first distributor is the last distributor so that the matching of the indoor period of the next distributor is performed (S320). That is, when the pipe search of the first distributor 21 is completed, the pipe search of the second distributor 21 is performed. At this time, n is increased by 1 to 2, and since the distributor is changed, the valve number m is initialized to 1 (330).

At this time, as described above (S230 to S320), the low pressure valve is opened for all the refrigerant pipes of the second distributor 22 to allow the indoor unit to be cooled and operated, the refrigerant pipe of the second distributor sequentially closes the low pressure valve By controlling the high-pressure valve to open, so that any one indoor unit is heated to operate, the indoor unit whose temperature is increased is matched to the corresponding refrigerant pipe.

When the indoor unit matching is completed for all refrigerant pipes of all the distributors, the controller 1 transmits the matching data stored in the data unit 3 to each distributor 20 (S340). At this time, the distributor 20 stores the matching data received from the outdoor unit 10, and then when the air conditioner is driven, the refrigerant is controlled to each indoor unit by controlling the valve based on the matching data so that the designated indoor unit is operated by heating or cooling. To be supplied.

When performing a pipe search between the plurality of indoor units and the distributor as described above, the signal transmission and reception between each outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the distributor are as follows. 7 is a diagram illustrating a signal flow between the outdoor unit, the distributor and the indoor unit of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the air conditioner is initially installed and initially driven, pipe search is automatically performed. Alternatively, when a pipe search command is input by an operation of a plurality of buttons provided in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, automatic pipe search of the indoor unit and the distribution period is performed (S400).

The outdoor unit 10 transmits a pipe search start command to the indoor unit 30 and the distributor 20 to perform a pipe search (S410). At this time, since the indoor unit 30 is cooled by evaporating the introduced liquid refrigerant to discharge the cold air (S420). At the same time, the outdoor unit 10 drives the compressor and the heat exchanger by the operation control unit 5 (S430). The distributor 20 closes the high pressure valves of all the refrigerant pipes according to the pipe search start command, opens the low pressure valve, and allows the high pressure liquid refrigerant to flow into the connected indoor unit 30 to allow the indoor unit to be cooled (S440).

After the indoor unit 30 is heated and the predetermined time has elapsed, the indoor temperature or the piping temperature is measured by a temperature sensor provided in the indoor unit in which the indoor unit 30 is installed, or a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerant pipe of the indoor unit 30. 10) (S450).

The outdoor unit 10 stores the received temperature data as an initial temperature, generates a pipe search command, and transmits it to the distributor 20. In this case, the distributor 20 opens the high pressure valve for any one of the valves of the refrigerant pipe according to the designated pipe search program, and closes the low pressure valve so that the high pressure gas refrigerant flows into the connected indoor unit (S470). Accordingly, any one indoor unit connected to the distributor is switched from the cooling operation to the heating operation.

Here, the outdoor unit 10 receives the room temperature or the pipe temperature through the temperature sensing unit 4 after a predetermined time elapses after valve control of the refrigerant pipe by the distributor 20 (S480), and compares with the previously stored initial temperature. (S490).

At this time, the outdoor unit 10 determines the indoor unit whose temperature is changed, that is, switched to the cooling operation during the heating operation to increase the temperature by a predetermined temperature or more, and in response to the determination result, the indoor unit 10 and the distributor connected to the controlled valve are connected. Match the refrigerant pipe (S500).

The outdoor unit 10 generates a command to return the valve to the initial state and transmits the command to the distributor 20 (S510), and the distributor closes the regulated high pressure valve and opens the low pressure valve to allow all indoor units to be cooled (S520). ).

The outdoor unit 10 allows the pipe search to be performed on the next refrigerant pipe (S530).

Therefore, the present invention allows any one indoor unit to be operated by heating while all indoor units are operated by heating, and performs pipe search according to the temperature change. Accordingly, when only one indoor unit is driven, the pressure of the refrigerant is greatly increased, and the air conditioner can be efficiently driven, and since the indoor unit is switched from the cooling mode to the heating mode, the temperature difference is large so that the temperature of the indoor unit is changed. Judgment becomes easy.

As described above, the air-conditioning and simultaneous air-conditioning multi air conditioner according to the present invention and its pipe searching method have been described with reference to the illustrated drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and the technical concept is protected It can be applied within the range.

Simultaneous air-conditioning and multi-air conditioner of the present invention and the pipe search method of the plurality of indoor units connected to the distributor to operate the cooling, by controlling the valve for the cooling pipe of any one of the distributor so that any one indoor unit heating operation By searching for the indoor unit connected to the refrigerant pipe of the distributor according to the temperature change, it not only prevents excessive increase in the refrigerant pressure that may occur when a small number of indoor units are driven, but also the temperature difference due to the heating and cooling conversion is large, so The pipe search can be easily performed according to the connected indoor unit. In addition, the present invention has an effect of improving the reliability of the product because the accuracy of matching the dispenser and the indoor period is improved to reduce the malfunction due to mismatching.

Claims (13)

In the pipe search method of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner including an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and at least one distributor connected between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units for distributing and supplying refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units. , Cooling down the plurality of indoor units; Controlling a valve installed in a plurality of refrigerant pipes connected to the plurality of indoor units from the distributor, such that any one indoor unit of the plurality of indoor units is heated and heated; Searching for any one indoor unit switched from a cooling operation to a heating operation in response to temperature changes of the plurality of indoor units; Matching any one indoor unit found, the pipe search method of the simultaneous heating and cooling multi air conditioner comprising the step of matching the refrigerant pipe of the distributor. The method according to claim 1, After the indoor unit cooling operation, the air conditioner further comprises the step of measuring any one of each of the indoor temperature and the pipe temperature of the refrigerant pipe of the plurality of indoor units installed the plurality of indoor units and stores as an initial temperature Piping Search Method for Simultaneous Multi-Air Conditioners The method according to claim 2, After the valve control of the refrigerant pipe, at least any one of the room temperature and the pipe temperature re-measuring, characterized in that the pipe search method of the simultaneous heating and cooling multi air conditioner. The method according to claim 3, By comparing the temperature measured after the valve control of the refrigerant pipe and the initial temperature to determine the indoor unit increased by a predetermined temperature or more, characterized in that the cooling and heating simultaneous type characterized in that it determines the indoor unit switched from heating operation to heating operation Piping search method of multi air conditioner. The method according to claim 1, When the indoor unit matching with respect to the refrigerant pipe is completed, storing the matching data, Closing the high pressure valve of the refrigerant pipe, the low pressure valve by opening the plurality of indoor units connected to the distributor air-cooled, characterized in that the pipe search method further comprises the air conditioner. The method according to claim 5, And opening the high pressure valve and closing the low pressure valve with respect to any one of the plurality of refrigerant pipes connected to the distributor to close the low pressure valve, wherein the indoor unit of any one of the plurality of indoor units is further heated. Pipe search method of air conditioner simultaneous air conditioner multi air conditioner. The method according to claim 5, When the pipe search for the distributor and the plurality of indoor units is completed, transmitting the stored matching data to the distributor further comprises a pipe search method of the air-conditioning simultaneous multi-air conditioner. In the air-conditioning simultaneous multi air conditioner including an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and at least one distributor connected between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units for distributing and supplying refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units, The outdoor unit controls the valves installed in the plurality of refrigerant pipes of the distributor while the plurality of indoor units are cooled to operate, so that any one indoor unit of the plurality of indoor units is heated to operate. Heating and cooling simultaneous multi air conditioner, characterized in that to perform a pipe search. The method according to claim 8, The outdoor unit includes a temperature sensing unit including a plurality of temperature sensors; A control unit for generating a control command to control the valve of the refrigerant pipe of the distributor and searching for any one indoor unit switched from a cooling operation to a heating operation in response to the valve control of the refrigerant piping; And a matching unit which matches the one indoor unit searched by the control unit with the refrigerant pipe and stores the matching unit in matching data. The method according to claim 9, The controller measures the temperature before and after the valve control of the distributor refrigerant pipe through the temperature sensing unit, and determines that the indoor unit having an increased temperature is an indoor unit that is heated in a cooling operation. group. The method according to claim 9, And the control unit transmits the matching data to the distributor when the pipe search is completed in the distributor and the plurality of indoor periods. The method according to claim 9, The temperature sensor is a cooling and heating simultaneous multi air conditioner, characterized in that installed in at least one of the indoor unit and the refrigerant pipe of the indoor unit is installed. The method according to claim 8, And the distributor controls the refrigerant supplied to the plurality of indoor units by controlling the high pressure valve and the low pressure valve connected to the plurality of refrigerant pipes in response to a control command of the outdoor unit.

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