KR20120090275A - Air conditioner and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An air conditioner and a control method thereof are provided to easily control an operation ratio of the air conditioner by controlling the capacity of one or more compressors of an outdoor unit. CONSTITUTION: An air conditioner comprises a plurality of indoor units, an outdoor unit, a controller(200), and a contact controller(100). The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor units. The controller inputs analog control signals. The contact controller connected to the outdoor unit receives and transmits data. The contact controller changes the capacity of a compressor corresponding to a set value and the analog control signals. The contact controller increases or reduces the capacity of the compressor in multi steps.

Description

Air conditioner and control method

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and a control method for controlling the compressor capacity of an outdoor unit using a contact controller.

The air conditioner is installed to provide a more comfortable indoor environment for humans by discharging cold air into the room to adjust the indoor temperature and purifying the indoor air to create a comfortable indoor environment. In general, an air conditioner includes an indoor unit which is configured as a heat exchanger and installed indoors, and an outdoor unit which is configured as a compressor and a heat exchanger and supplies refrigerant to the indoor unit.

The air conditioner is separated and controlled by an indoor unit composed of a heat exchanger and an outdoor unit composed of a compressor and a heat exchanger, and is operated by controlling power supplied to a compressor or a heat exchanger. In addition, the air conditioner may be connected to at least one indoor unit to the outdoor unit, the refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit according to the requested operating state, the operation is operated in the cooling or heating mode.

Such an air conditioner may be connected to a remote controller to control a plurality of indoor units and outdoor units.

However, it is difficult to add and install a remote controller in a state where indoor unit and outdoor unit units are already installed, and the remote controller includes various functions and may target a plurality of units, which may be expensive.

Therefore, there is a need for a method for controlling indoor units and outdoor units that are already installed, or for more easily controlling the indoor units.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a method of controlling the air conditioner to easily control the air conditioner in a small building by connecting the contact controller to the air conditioner.

An air conditioner according to the present invention includes a plurality of indoor units and an outdoor unit connected to the plurality of indoor units; A controller for inputting an analog control signal; And connected to the outdoor unit to transmit and receive data, and to increase or decrease the capacity of the compressor for the outdoor unit in multiple stages according to a set value of a mode setting switch unit and the analog control signal input from the controller. It includes a contact controller.

In addition, the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention comprises the steps of setting a contact point controller connected to at least one outdoor unit, the analog control mode by the provided mode setting switch unit; Inputting an analog control signal having a predetermined voltage value from a connected regulator; Setting the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit to increase or decrease in a predetermined unit corresponding to the voltage value of the analog control signal; And controlling the operation of the outdoor unit by transmitting a control command whose output value is changed according to the set compressor capacity to the outdoor unit.

An air conditioner and a control method according to the present invention configured as described above are connected to a contact controller to an outdoor unit, by controlling the capacity of at least one compressor of the outdoor unit, through a regulator connected to the contact controller, There is an effect of easily controlling the operation rate of.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner to which a contact controller is connected according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a contact controller in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view showing the connection of the contact controller and the regulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart referred to for explaining a method of controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the regulator signal in the air conditioner connected to the contact controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner to which a contact controller is connected according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner according to the present invention includes a plurality of indoor units 20 (21 to 23), a plurality of outdoor units (11 to 13) 10 connected to a plurality of indoor units, and a plurality of outdoor units (10). It includes a contact controller 100 connected to).

In addition, it is connected to the contact controller 100, and includes a regulator 200 for inputting a predetermined signal.

The air conditioner may be any one of a stand type air conditioner, a wall-mounted air conditioner, and a ceiling type air conditioner, but for convenience of description, a ceiling type air conditioner will be described as an example. The air conditioner may further include at least one of a ventilator, an air cleaner, a humidifier, and a heater to operate in conjunction with the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor (not shown) for receiving and compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) for exchanging refrigerant and outdoor air, and an accumulator for extracting a gas refrigerant from the supplied refrigerant and supplying it to the compressor (not shown). And a four-way valve (not shown) for selecting a flow path of the refrigerant according to the heating operation. In addition, although a plurality of sensors, valves and oil recovery device, etc. are further included, the description of the configuration will be omitted below.

The outdoor unit 10 supplies a refrigerant to the indoor unit 20 by compressing or heat-exchanging the refrigerant according to a setting by operating a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit 10 is driven by the request of the contact controller 100 or the indoor unit, and as the cooling / heating capacity is changed corresponding to the indoor unit being driven, the number of operation of the outdoor unit and the number of operation of the compressor installed in the outdoor unit vary.

At this time, the outdoor unit 10 is based on the plurality of outdoor units connected to each other to supply the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units, a plurality of outdoor units may be supplied to each of the indoor units connected to each of the indoor unit individually connected.

The indoor unit 20 is connected to any one of the plurality of outdoor units 21 to 23 and receives coolant from the outdoor unit 10 to discharge cold air.

The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), an indoor unit fan (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown) for expanding the supplied refrigerant, and a plurality of sensors (not shown).

In this case, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected to each other by a communication line to transmit and receive data, and the outdoor unit 10 is connected to the contact controller 100 by a separate communication line to operate under the control of the contact controller 100. do.

One indoor unit of the plurality of indoor units 21 to 23 may be set as the master indoor unit, and the remaining slave indoor units other than the master indoor unit operate according to the setting of the master indoor unit.

 The contact controller 100 is connected to the plurality of outdoor units 11 to 13 to control the driving of the compressor provided in the outdoor unit.

The contact controller 100 controls the compressor capacity for the plurality of outdoor units in response to the input contact signal and the signal input from the connected controller 200. The contact controller 100 allows the plurality of outdoor units 11 to 13 to operate at a specified operation rate through capacity control of the compressor.

In this case, the contact controller 100 controls the capacity of the compressor provided in each outdoor unit when the plurality of outdoor units are individually connected to a predetermined indoor unit. That is, when the outdoor unit is individually connected to the indoor unit, the capacity of the inverter compressor provided in the outdoor unit is controlled. When the inverter compressor and the constant speed compressor are provided, the capacity of the two compressors is controlled.

On the other hand, the contact controller 100 controls the total capacity according to the operation for the plurality of compressors provided in the plurality of outdoor units when the plurality of outdoor units are interconnected to supply the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units.

The regulator 200 is connected to the contact controller 100, and inputs a predetermined signal to the contact controller 100 according to the input. The regulator 200 includes a rotary switch or a rotary switch, and the internal resistance value or the resistance value is changed according to the position of the switch.

The controller 200 inputs an analog signal for a voltage value that varies due to a resistance value or a resistance value that changes according to a switch input, to the contact controller 100.

When the contact controller 100 performs compressor capacity control on the plurality of outdoor units 10 in response to an analog signal input from the controller 200, the outdoor unit 10 drives the compressor with a specified capacity, and accordingly, a predetermined refrigerant. Is supplied to the indoor unit 20, the cold air is discharged to the room.

Accordingly, the contact controller 100 can control the compressor capacity by controlling the compressor capacity according to the input of the regulator 200, thereby controlling the air discharged to the indoor unit.

The contact controller 100 is connected to the plurality of outdoor units 11 to 13 by a communication line, and applies a control command to the outdoor unit through a communication method different from that of the outdoor unit indoor period.

The contact controller 100 controls ON / OFF control, cooling mode, heating mode, blowing mode setting, and compressor according to the input contact signal or analog control signal for the plurality of outdoor units 11 to 13. The capacity can be set.

In addition, the contact controller 100 includes a conversion means according to a plurality of communication methods or protocols to enable data transmission and reception between communication using different communication methods or different protocols, and converts the data transmitted and received to the destination of the data. To be transmitted.

2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a contact controller in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the contact controller 100 includes a mode setting switch unit 110, a setting switch unit 120, a contact signal input unit 130, a control signal input unit 140, a display unit 150, and a contact point. It includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the overall operation of the controller 100.

In addition, the contact controller 100 further includes a communication unit (not shown) connected to the outdoor unit 10 to transmit and receive data with the outdoor unit in an air conditioner communication method.

The mode setting switch unit 110 sets an operation mode of the contact controller 100 and sets an address used in communication with the outdoor unit. The mode setting switch unit 110 includes a first setting switch 111, a second setting switch 112, and a third setting switch 113. As the first setting switch 111, the second setting switch 112, and the third setting switch 113, any one of a rotary switch, a rotary switch, and a step switch may be used.

The first setting switch 111 sets an operation mode according to the value of the contact controller 110 to control the outdoor unit 10. The first setting switch 111 sets whether to control the outdoor unit according to the contact signal of the contact signal input unit 130, to control the outdoor unit according to the control signal of the control signal input unit 140, or to ignore the contact signal.

For example, when the set value of the first setting switch 111 is 0 to 6, A, the set value is set to the contact control mode to control the outdoor unit according to the contact signal value of the contact signal input unit 130, and the set value is D or In the case of E, it is set to the analog control mode to control the outdoor unit according to the control signal value of the control signal input unit 140.

In controlling the outdoor unit, the controller first checks whether a mode according to the setting value of the first setting switch 111, that is, whether the contact control mode or the analog control mode, and the contact signal input unit 130 or The outdoor unit is controlled in response to an input signal of the control signal input unit 140.

When the contact control mode is set by the first setting switch 111, the controller may control the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit, the on / off control of the compressor, and the outdoor unit according to the setting value of the first setting switch 111 and the value of the contact signal. Set whether to lock according to cooling / heating / blowing mode. The control unit transmits a control command to the outdoor unit through the communication unit according to the setting.

When the analog control mode is set by the first setting switch 111, the controller ignores the contact signal input through the contact signal input unit 130 and according to the control signal value input through the control signal input unit 140. Control the outdoor unit.

At this time, the control unit controls the operation of the connected outdoor unit 10 corresponding to the input value of the control signal input unit 140 in 11 steps, controlling the compressor capacity in 9 steps, controlling the operation of the compressor, the end of the operation of the outdoor unit. do.

The second setting switch 112 and the third setting switch 113 set an address for the contact controller when the contact controller 100 communicates with an outdoor unit or another device. In addition, the address can be set for devices that cannot be set among the devices connected through the contact contact controller.

In the outdoor unit control through the contact controller 100, the setting switch unit 120 sets a cooling / heating mode of the outdoor unit 10 separately from the mode setting switch unit 110 and sets a master or slave controller for the contact controller. Set to.

For example, the setting switch unit 120 sets whether the master / slave when another controller is connected to the air conditioner or when another contact controller is connected.

The display unit 150 displays an operation, a set mode, a connection state, and an outdoor unit control state of the contact controller 100. At this time, the display unit 150 includes a plurality of lamps, and displays the operation state of the contact controller according to the light emission color of the lamp and whether it is lit. In some cases, the display unit 150 may be provided with a display device that displays numbers or letters.

The contact signal input unit 130 includes a plurality of contact terminals, receives a contact signal input through the contact terminal, and applies the contact signal to the controller. The contact signal input unit 130 is connected to the contact signal switch, the contact signal according to the operation of the contact signal switch is input.

The contact signal input unit 130 is applied with 0 or 1 for each contact terminal, and inputs a 4-digit contact signal to the controller. The controller sets an output value for controlling the outdoor unit according to each signal value of the contact signal together with the setting value of the first setting switch 111 and transmits the output value to the outdoor unit.

For example, when the controller does not control the outdoor unit according to the setting value of the first setting switch 111, the output value is 0, the outdoor unit operation stops 4, and the output value according to the compressor capacity control of the outdoor unit is 3 to 8, the minimum value. In case 8, the maximum capacity of the compressor is 3, the output value is 9 when the compressor is stopped and the output value is 10 when the outdoor unit is stopped.

In addition, according to the setting value of the first setting switch 111, the lock on the heating / cooling / blowing mode of the outdoor unit is 1 to 3 as an output value, and the outdoor unit operation stop is transmitted to the outdoor unit with 4 as the output value.

The control signal input unit 140 includes a plurality of signal terminals, receives a control signal input through the signal terminal, and applies it to the controller. The controller 200 is connected to the control signal input unit 140 so that an analog control signal is input from the controller.

At this time, the control signal input unit 140 is input as a control signal a predetermined voltage value that varies according to the change in the resistance value of the connected regulator (200).

The control unit controls the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit in response to the voltage value input through the control signal input unit 140.

In this case, the controller may control the outdoor unit control on the input voltage value differently according to the setting value of the first setting switch 111. For example, when the setting value of the first setting switch 111 is D, the compressor capacity is set to increase as the voltage value input through the control signal input unit 140 increases, and when the setting value is E, The compressor capacity can be set to decrease as the voltage value increases.

When the controller sets the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit according to the input voltage value, the controller transmits the predetermined output value to the outdoor unit as a control command to control the operation of the outdoor unit.

3 is a view showing the connection of the contact controller and the regulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the control signal input unit 140 of the contact controller includes first to fourth control terminals 141 to 144.

The first control terminal 141 is connected to the plus terminal of the controller 200 by an analog input plus terminal, and the second control terminal 142 is connected to the plus terminal of the controller 200 by an analog input minus terminal. Connected to the negative terminal of).

The analog control signal of the regulator 200 is input to the contact controller 100 through the first and second control terminals 141 and 142.

The regulator 200 includes adjusting means for changing an internal resistance value according to a switch operation, such as a rotary switch or a rotary switch, and a voltage value applied between a positive terminal and a negative terminal provided as the resistance value is changed. .

The controller 200 outputs a voltage of about 0 to 10 V to the contact controller 100 as an analog control signal according to a switch operation.

The control unit controls the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit according to the analog control signal input from the controller 200 through the control signal input unit 140.

For example, if the setting value of the first setting switch 111 is D, when the input value of the analog control signal is 0, the control command is transmitted to the outdoor unit with an output value of 0 so as not to control the compressor.

In addition, the control unit outputs an output value 1 so that the compressor operates at 100% when the input value of the analog control signal is 1, an output value 2 for controlling the compressor capacity at 90% when the input value is 2, and a capacity of the compressor when the input value is 3; Output value 3 for controlling 80% of the value, output value 4 for controlling the capacity of the compressor at 70% if the input value is 4, output value 5 for controlling the capacity of the compressor at 60% if the input value is 5, 6 output 6 to control the capacity of the compressor at 45%, 7 input value 7 to control the capacity of the compressor at 45%, and 8 input value 8 to control the capacity of the compressor to 40%. Is transmitted to the outdoor unit as a control command.

In addition, the control unit generates an input value of the analog control signal of 9 and generates an output value 9 as a control command so that the compressor is stopped. If the input value is 10, the controller controls the outdoor unit to stop operating.

On the other hand, if the set value of the first set switch is E, the capacity control ratio of the compressor is set to increase as the input value increases.

Therefore, the contact controller 100 controls the operation rate of the air conditioner by simple switch operation by controlling the set value of the mode setting switch unit and the capacity of the connected outdoor unit in response to the analog control signal input from the controller 200. Can be. .

4 is a flowchart referred to for explaining a method of controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the regulator signal in the air conditioner connected to the contact controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the contact controller 100 is connected to at least one outdoor unit to control the outdoor unit. The contact controller 100 sets the control mode for the outdoor unit according to the setting value of the mode setting switch unit provided.

The contact controller 100 receives an analog control signal of a predetermined voltage into the controller 200 connected to the control signal connection unit 140 (S310).

The control unit of the contact controller 100 determines whether the first mode is set according to the setting value of the first setting switch 111 of the mode setting switch unit 110 (S320).

At this time, the first mode and the second mode are analog control modes for controlling the outdoor unit in response to the analog control signal of the controller 200 input through the control signal input unit 140. In the analog control mode, the signal input through the contact signal input unit 130 is ignored as described above.

On the other hand, when the contact control mode is set by the first setting switch, the control unit ignores the analog control signal through the control signal input unit 140 (S430), and controls the outdoor unit according to the contact signal through the contact signal input unit 130 do.

When the first mode is set by the first setting switch 111, the controller ignores the contact signal input from the contact signal input unit 130 and analog control of the controller 200 input through the control signal input unit 140. Control the outdoor unit in response to the input voltage to the signal.

The control unit of the contact controller 100 is an analog control mode is set by the first setting switch 111 of the mode setting switch unit 110, in particular, when the first mode is set, according to the input voltage of the analog control signal To control.

If the input voltage of the analog control signal is 0, the control unit maintains the current state without changing the control setting of the outdoor unit (S340). The control unit transmits a control command of the output value 0 that does not control the outdoor unit to the outdoor unit (S420).

In addition, when the input voltage of the analog control signal is 9, the control unit sets the compressor to stop (S360). The control unit transmits a control command of the output value 9 to the outdoor unit and controls the compressor of the outdoor unit to stop operation (S420).

On the other hand, when the input voltage of the analog control signal is 10, the controller sets the outdoor unit to stop. At this time, the control unit transmits a control command of the output value to the outdoor unit to control the outdoor unit to stop the operation (S420).

 In addition, when the input voltage of the input analog control signal is greater than 0 and less than 9, the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit is divided into a plurality of stages from the maximum to the minimum value, and the compressor capacity is set according to the magnitude of the input voltage (S410).

At this time, the compressor capacity is set by dividing the compressor capacity into 8 stages in 10% units.

As the magnitude of the input voltage increases, the compressor capacity is decreased in steps of 10% from the maximum value to set the compressor capacity for the outdoor unit. That is, when the input voltage is 1, the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit operates at the maximum value. When the input voltage is 2, the compressor capacity is set to 90%. When the input voltage is 3, the compressor capacity is set to 80%.

The control unit generates a control command based on the output value and transmits the control command to the outdoor unit, thereby controlling the outdoor unit and controlling the operation rate of the air conditioner accordingly (S420).

 Meanwhile, when the second mode is set by the first setting switch 111 (S390), the controller controls the compressor of the outdoor unit according to the input voltage of the analog control signal as described above. In the second mode, however, no control or outdoor unit operation control is not performed.

At this time, if the input voltage of the analog control signal is 0, the control unit sets the compressor to stop (S360). The control unit transmits the output value 9 according to the compressor stop to the outdoor unit as a control command (S420).

In the second mode, the compressor capacity is set according to the input voltage of the analog control signal, but the compressor capacity is set to increase gradually from the minimum value as the input voltage of the analog control signal increases.

However, if the input voltage of the analog control signal is greater than or equal to a certain magnitude, that is, more than 8, the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit is set to the maximum.

The controller generates a control command and transmits an output value according to the setting to the outdoor unit to control the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit and to control the operation of the outdoor unit.

Accordingly, the air conditioner and the control method of the present invention can be easily set and changed the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit by connecting the contact controller connected to the outdoor unit and using the analog control signal of the regulator connected to the contact controller. Accordingly, even if a separate central controller is not installed, the outdoor unit operation rate of the air conditioner can be easily controlled through the contact controller.

As described above, the air conditioner and the address setting method according to the present invention 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 idea is within the scope of protection. Can be applied.

10, 11 to 13: outdoor unit 20, 21 to 24: indoor unit
100: contact controller
110: mode setting switch unit 120: setting switch unit
130: contact signal input unit 140: control signal input unit
150: display unit
200: regulator

Claims (10)

A plurality of indoor units and an outdoor unit connected to the plurality of indoor units;
A controller for inputting an analog control signal; And
Connected to the outdoor unit to transmit / receive data, and in response to the setting value of the mode setting switch unit provided and the analog control signal input from the controller, the capacity of the compressor for the outdoor unit is controlled to increase or decrease in multiple stages. Air conditioner including contact controller. The method of claim 1,
When the analog control mode is set by the mode setting switch unit, the contact controller corresponds to the input voltage of the analog control signal of the controller connected through a control signal input unit, and the capacity of the compressor to the outdoor unit, the compressor And an operation of the outdoor unit. The method of claim 2,
The contact controller according to the input voltage of the analog control signal, the air conditioner, characterized in that for controlling the capacity of the compressor divided into eight levels from the maximum value to the minimum value. The method of claim 3, wherein
The control signal input unit is an analog input plus terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the regulator, the analog input minus terminal is connected to the negative terminal of the regulator, characterized in that the input as the analog control signal that the voltage value is variable from the regulator Air conditioner. The method of claim 4, wherein
The regulator includes at least one switch, and outputs the analog control signal by changing the voltage value applied between the plus terminal and the minus terminal in response to a resistance value varying according to the setting of the switch. Air conditioner. The method of claim 1,
When the analog control mode is set by the mode setting switch unit, the contact controller ignores the contact signal of the contact signal input unit and controls the outdoor unit according to the analog control signal of the control signal input unit.
When the contact control mode is set by the mode setting switch unit, the analog control signal of the control signal input unit is ignored, and the outdoor unit is controlled in response to the contact signal and the setting value of the mode setting switch unit. Air conditioning. A contact controller connected to the at least one outdoor unit is set to an analog control mode by the provided mode setting switch unit;
Inputting an analog control signal having a predetermined voltage value from a connected regulator;
Setting the compressor capacity of the outdoor unit to increase or decrease in a predetermined unit corresponding to the voltage value of the analog control signal; And
And controlling the operation of the outdoor unit by transmitting a control command having an output value changed according to the set compressor capacity to the outdoor unit. The method of claim 7, wherein
An air conditioner for setting the compressor capacity for the outdoor unit by dividing the compressor capacity in a plurality of stages from a maximum value to a minimum value according to a setting value of the mode setting switch unit and a voltage value of the analog control signal. Control method. The method of claim 8,
And controlling the compressor capacity, the stop of the compressor, and the stop of the outdoor unit according to the voltage value of the analog control signal. The method of claim 9,
If the set value of the mode setting switch unit is a first set value, the compressor capacity is set to decrease in a predetermined unit as the voltage value of the analog control signal increases.
And if the set value is the second set value, set the compressor capacity to increase by a predetermined unit as the voltage value of the analog control signal increases.

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