WO2023228407A1

WO2023228407A1 - Air conditioning device

Info

Publication number: WO2023228407A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/021747
Authority: WO
Inventors: 真貴杉山
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2022-05-27
Filing date: 2022-05-27
Publication date: 2023-11-30

Abstract

This air conditioning device comprises: a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a condenser that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and air and condenses the refrigerant; and a pressure reduction valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and an opening degree of which can be changed; an evaporator that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and air and causes the refrigerant to evaporate; and refrigerant piping that connects the compressor, condenser, pressure reduction valve, and evaporator; and a control device that controls the operating frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the pressure reduction valve, wherein the control device avoids, as avoidance targets, among a plurality of control patterns determined by combinations of the operating frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the pressure reduction valve, a set of control patterns that generate abnormal noises of a magnitude at or above a threshold value, or control patterns that generate abnormal noises of a magnitude at or above the threshold value during transition.

Description

air conditioner

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner that avoids the generation of abnormal noise.

Air conditioning equipment varies depending on the property in which it is installed, such as the piping length and the height difference between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, so even if the same model is operated in the same way, intermittent problems that may not occur in a certain property may occur. Strange noises may occur in other properties. These noises are caused by pressure differences or sudden pressure increases within the pipes, but the cause of the noise and the size of the noise vary depending on the property. Additionally, the effectiveness of air conditioning and heating may vary depending on the property. Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system that is equipped with an acoustic sensor or a vibration sensor and, when the occurrence of abnormal noise is detected, eliminates the generated abnormal noise.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-74945

However, the air conditioner of Patent Document 1 merely eliminates the abnormal noise after the fact every time the occurrence of the abnormal noise is detected. In other words, Patent Document 1 does not suppress the generation of abnormal noise itself.

The present disclosure is intended to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an air conditioner in which the generation of abnormal noise is suppressed.

An air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and air and condenses the refrigerant, and a condenser that has a changeable opening degree and that depressurizes the refrigerant. The pressure reducing valve, the evaporator that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air and evaporates the refrigerant, the compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing valve, and the refrigerant piping that connects the evaporator, the operating frequency of the compressor, and a control device that controls the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve; A set of control patterns that generate noise of a magnitude equal to or greater than a threshold value at the time of transition is avoided as an avoidance target.

The air conditioner of the present disclosure avoids a control pattern that generates abnormal noise of a magnitude greater than a threshold value. Therefore, the air conditioner can suppress the generation of abnormal noise.

1 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal pattern and an avoidance target pattern according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an avoidance target transition pair according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a normal pattern and an avoidance target pattern according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a normal pattern and an avoidance target pattern according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between causes of abnormal noise and control patterns according to Embodiment 3; 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 5. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the fifth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to Embodiment 6. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioner according to a modification of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described based on the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and this is common throughout the entire specification. Moreover, the forms of the constituent elements shown in the entire specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Furthermore, in the following drawings, the size relationship of each component may differ from the actual one.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of an air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 1 performs air conditioning of a plurality of spaces to be air-conditioned, such as an indoor room in a building such as a building. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 1 and a plurality of indoor units 2a to 2c. Note that the number of indoor units 2 may be two or less or four or more.

The outdoor unit 1 is installed outside the air-conditioned space, for example. The indoor units 2a to 2c of the air conditioner 100 supply hot or cold heat to an air-conditioned space using a refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 1. The indoor units 2a to 2c are installed, for example, in an air-conditioned space and perform cooling or heating. The indoor units 2a to 2c are connected to the outdoor unit 1 by

refrigerant pipes

3 and 4 through which refrigerant flows. The

refrigerant pipes

3 and 4 are branched to each of the indoor units 2a to 2c. Therefore, each of the indoor units 2a to 2c is connected to the outdoor unit 1 in parallel.

The outdoor unit 1 includes a compressor 11, a flow path switching valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an accumulator 14, a fan 15, an outdoor pipe 16, and a control device 19. The compressor 11 takes in a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor 11 is, for example, an inverter type compressor whose capacity can be controlled by adjusting the operating frequency.

The flow path switching valve 12 is, for example, a four-way valve. The flow path switching valve 12 switches the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 according to the operation of the indoor units 2a to 2c. The flow path switching valve 12 switches the flow path to connect the discharge side of the compressor 11 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 during cooling operation, and connects the suction side of the compressor 11 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 during heating operation. Switch to the flow path connected via the accumulator 14. Note that the flow path switching valve 12 may be a combination of a three-way valve or a two-way valve.

The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat between air supplied by the fan 15 and a refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser during cooling operation, and condenses and liquefies the refrigerant. Moreover, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator during heating operation, and evaporates and gasifies the refrigerant.

The accumulator 14 is provided on the suction side of the compressor 11 and has a function of separating liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant and a function of storing surplus refrigerant. The fan 15 is, for example, a propeller fan. The fan 15 supplies air around the outdoor unit 1 to the outdoor heat exchanger 13. By controlling the rotation speed of the fan 15 by the control device 19, the condensing capacity or evaporating capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is controlled. The rotation speed of the fan 15 is controlled by, for example, an inverter.

Among the pipes of the air conditioner 100, the outdoor pipe 16 is a pipe inside the casing (not shown) of the outdoor unit 1. The outdoor piping 16 connects the compressor 11 , the flow path switching valve 12 , the outdoor heat exchanger 13 , and the accumulator 14 . An end of the outdoor pipe 16 on the flow path switching valve 12 side is connected to the refrigerant pipe 3. Similarly, the end of the outdoor pipe 16 on the outdoor heat exchanger 13 side is connected to the refrigerant pipe 4.

The control device 19 is stored inside the outdoor unit 1, for example. The control device 19 controls the operation of each device of the air conditioner 100. The specific configuration of the control device 19 and the details of the control will be described later.

The indoor units 2a to 2c supply heat generated by the outdoor unit 1 to the cooling load or heating load of the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 21a, a pressure reducing valve 22a, and indoor piping 23a. The indoor heat exchanger 21a is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger 21a exchanges heat between the air in the air-conditioned space and the refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 21a functions as a condenser during heating operation, and condenses and liquefies the refrigerant. Moreover, the indoor heat exchanger 21a functions as an evaporator during cooling operation, and evaporates and gasifies the refrigerant.

The pressure reducing valve 22a is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is variably controlled. The pressure reducing valve 22a is connected in series with the indoor heat exchanger 21a, and depressurizes and expands the refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 21a or the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 21.

Among the pipes of the air conditioner 100, the indoor pipe 23a is a pipe inside the casing (not shown) of the indoor unit 2. Indoor piping 23a connects indoor heat exchanger 21a and pressure reducing valve 22a. An end of the indoor pipe 23 a on the indoor heat exchanger 21 a side is connected to the refrigerant pipe 3 . Similarly, the end of the indoor pipe 23a on the pressure reducing valve 22a side is connected to the refrigerant pipe 4.

Each configuration of the indoor units 2 and 2c is the same as that of the indoor unit 2. That is, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 21b, a pressure reducing valve 22b, and indoor piping 23b. Similarly, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 21c, a pressure reducing valve 22c, and indoor piping 23c. The configurations of the indoor units 2 and 2c are also similar to the configurations of the indoor unit 2, so description thereof will be omitted. Note that in the following description, the subscripts "a", "b", and "c" may be omitted when the indoor units 2a to 2c and the respective configurations of the indoor units 2a to 2c are not distinguished.

Compressor 11, flow path switching valve 12, outdoor heat exchanger 13, and accumulator 14 are connected to indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c and pressure reducing valves 22a to 22c by outdoor piping 16 and indoor piping 23a to 24c. The refrigerant circuit 5 is configured by this.

An abnormal noise detection device 61 is attached to the refrigerant pipe 3. The abnormal noise detection device 61 detects abnormal noise generated in the refrigerant pipe 3. Abnormal noises are broadly classified into the following types: The first is the sound generated by the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the pipes. The second is the sound caused by the piping vibrating due to resonance. Thirdly, there is a sound caused by a sudden change in the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22. Each of these noises has its own characteristics. For example, the first abnormal noise caused by the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the pipe sounds like a gurgling sound. Further, the third abnormal noise caused by a sudden change in the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 sounds like a thud.

The specific configuration of the abnormal noise detection device 61 and the method of detecting abnormal noise are not particularly limited. The abnormal noise detection device 61 includes, for example, either or both of an acoustic sensor that detects sounds generated in the refrigerant pipe 3 and a vibration sensor that detects vibrations generated in the refrigerant pipe 3. Note that the abnormal noise detection device 61 detects, as abnormal noises, sounds having a specific frequency or having a specific waveform among the sounds generated by the refrigerant pipe 3 . Further, the abnormal sound detection device 61 may detect all sounds of a predetermined loudness or higher as abnormal sounds. The abnormal noise detection device 61 transmits to the control device 19 a detection result including information indicating the magnitude and time of detection of the detected abnormal noise.

A temperature sensor 62 and a pressure sensor 63 are attached to the refrigerant pipe 3. The temperature sensor 62 measures the temperature of the refrigerant pipe 3 , that is, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 3 . Temperature sensor 62 transmits information indicating the detected refrigerant temperature to control device 19 . The pressure sensor 63 and the temperature sensor 62 measure the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 3 . Pressure sensor 63 transmits information indicating the detected refrigerant pressure to control device 19 .

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 19 controls the compressor 11, fan 15, and controls the operation of the pressure reducing valve 22. Specifically, the control device 19 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 11, the frequency of the fan 15, and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22. The control device 19 includes an acquisition section 71, a determination section 72, and a control section 73 as functional sections. The control device 19 also includes a storage section 81 . The storage unit 81 is a nonvolatile memory included in the control device 19.

Here, an example of the hardware of the control device 19 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 19 according to the first embodiment. When the various functions of the control device 19 are executed by hardware, the control device 19 is configured with a processing circuit 91, as shown in FIG. The functions of the acquisition section 71, determination section 72, and control section 73 shown in FIG. 2 are realized by the processing circuit 91.

When each function is executed by hardware, the processing circuit 91 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor 92, a parallel programmed processor 92, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field- Programmable Gate Array) or a combination of these. Each of the functions of the acquisition section 71, the determination section 72, and the control section 73 may be implemented by the processing circuit 91. Further, the functions of the acquisition section 71, the determination section 72, and the control section 73 may be realized by one processing circuit 91.

Also, another example of hardware of the control device 19 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 19 according to the first embodiment. When the various functions of the control device 19 are executed by software, the control device 19 is configured with a processor 92 such as a CPU and a memory 93, as shown in FIG. The functions of the acquisition section 71, the determination section 72, and the control section 73 are realized by the processor 92 and the memory 93. FIG. 4 shows that processor 92 and memory 93 are communicatively connected to each other via bus 94. In this case, the memory 93 may store the information stored in the storage section 81.

When each function is executed by software, the functions of the acquisition unit 71, determination unit 72, and control unit 73 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 93. The processor 92 realizes the functions of each means by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 93.

Examples of the memory 93 include ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM). A nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a programmable ROM (ROM) is used. Further, as the memory 93, a volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) may be used. Further, as the memory 93, a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (Mini Disc), and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) may be used. Note that some of the functions of the control device 19 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and some of them may be realized by software or firmware.

The specific control contents of the control device 19 will be explained together with descriptions of each functional section and the storage section 81 that the control device 19 has. As described above, the control device 19 includes the acquisition section 71, the determination section 72, and the control section 73 as functional sections. The acquisition unit 71 acquires the detection result of the abnormal noise detection device 61, the refrigerant temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62, and the refrigerant pressure measured by the pressure sensor 63. The acquisition unit 71 transmits the acquired detection results of the abnormal noise detection device 61, refrigerant temperature, and refrigerant pressure to the determination unit 72. Here, the state of the air conditioner 100 determined by the combination of refrigerant temperature, refrigerant pressure, operating frequency of the compressor 11, and opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 is referred to as a control pattern of the control device 19.

The determination unit 72 acquires the operating frequency of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 at the time when the refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure are measured. The determination unit 72 determines a control pattern determined by a combination of the refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure acquired by the acquisition unit 71, the operating frequency of the compressor 11 at the time when the refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure are measured, and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22. In this step, it is determined whether the abnormal noise detected by the abnormal noise detection device 61 has a magnitude greater than or equal to a first threshold value. Furthermore, if the magnitude of the abnormal noise is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the determination unit 72 determines whether or not the abnormal noise has continued for a time equal to or greater than the second threshold. The first threshold is a predetermined value indicating the volume. The second threshold is a predetermined value indicating time, and is, for example, one minute.

Among the plurality of control patterns, the determining unit 72 sets a control pattern that does not generate abnormal noise or generates an abnormal noise with a magnitude less than the first threshold value as a normal pattern, and stores it in the storage unit 81. The determination unit 72 sets a control pattern that causes the generation of abnormal noise having a magnitude equal to or greater than a first threshold value to continue for a time equal to or greater than a second threshold value as an avoidance target pattern, and stores it in the storage unit 81 . Furthermore, if an abnormal noise having a magnitude greater than or equal to the first threshold is generated, but the duration of the abnormal noise is less than the second threshold, the determination unit 72 determines the combination of the previous control pattern and the current control pattern. It is set as an avoidance target transition pair and stored in the storage unit 81. If an abnormal noise is generated that is louder than the first threshold, but the duration of the noise is less than the second threshold, this means that the abnormal noise is instantaneous due to a change (transition) of the control pattern. It means that there was. Note that in the following, the avoidance target pattern and the avoidance target transition pair are collectively referred to as an avoidance target. For example, each time the control pattern is changed, the determination unit 72 determines whether the control pattern at the time of control corresponds to an avoidance target based on the detection result of the abnormal noise detection device 61. That is, the determination unit 72 determines the avoidance target based on the detection results of the abnormal noise detection device 61 for each control pattern.

The control unit 73 avoids the avoidance target stored in the storage unit 81. Specifically, when the control unit 73 receives a command to change the control pattern and changes the control pattern, such as when changing the set temperature of the air-conditioned space using a remote control (not shown) or the like, A control pattern assumed after the transition is determined based on the command value. Then, the control unit 73 determines whether the control pattern assumed after the transition corresponds to the avoidance target. If the control pattern assumed after the transition corresponds to the avoidance target, the control unit 73 changes any value of the control pattern after the transition. For example, by increasing the operating frequency of the compressor 11, if the control pattern assumed after the transition falls under the avoidance target, the operating frequency of the control pattern after the transition is set to be lower than the operating frequency indicated by the control pattern to be avoided. Increase the operating frequency significantly. Thereby, the control unit 73 avoids the avoidance target. However, the control unit 73 may avoid the object to be avoided by changing the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22. In addition, the control unit 73 controls the operation of devices such as the fan 15 that are driven by actuators other than the compressor 11 and the pressure reducing valve 22 to change the refrigerant temperature and pressure to avoid the avoidance target. You may also do so.

Furthermore, the fact that the control pattern assumed after the transition falls under the avoidance target means that the operating frequency or opening degree of each device in the control pattern assumed after the transition is relative to the operating frequency or opening degree of each device to be avoided. means that the value falls within the range obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined value.

Here, the above control will be explained using a specific example. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal pattern and an avoidance target pattern according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 81 of the control device 19 stores normal patterns and avoidance target patterns. In FIG. 5, control A, control C, and control D correspond to a normal pattern in which no abnormal noise exceeding the first threshold value occurs, and control B corresponds to an avoidance target pattern in which abnormal noise exceeding the first threshold value occurs. . Therefore, the control unit 73 of the control device 19 avoids the control pattern corresponding to control B.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of avoidance target transition pairs according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage unit 81 of the control device 19 stores transition pairs to be avoided. In FIG. 6, control A and control D correspond to the avoided transition pair. The control unit 73 of the control device 19 avoids transition to control D when the control pattern is control A.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 19 according to the first embodiment. First, the procedure for storing avoidance targets will be explained. First, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the abnormal noise detection result, the refrigerant temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62, and the refrigerant pressure measured by the pressure sensor 63. Further, the determination unit 72 acquires the operating frequency of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 at the time when the refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure are measured (step S1). Next, the determination unit 72 determines whether or not the magnitude of the abnormal noise detected by the abnormal noise detection device 61 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value in the control pattern at the time when the refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure are measured. Determination is made (step S2). If the magnitude of the abnormal noise is not less than the first threshold (step S2: NO), the determination unit 72 stores the current control pattern as a normal pattern (step S3). Further, when the magnitude of the abnormal noise is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S2: YES), it is determined whether the abnormal noise continues for a time equal to or greater than the second threshold (step S4). If the abnormal noise continues for a time equal to or longer than the second threshold (step S4: YES), the current control pattern is stored as an avoidance target pattern (step S5). If the duration of the abnormal noise is less than the second threshold (step S4: NO), the control unit 73 stores the previous control pattern and the current control pattern as an avoidable transition pair (step S6). The processes of steps S1 to S6 are repeatedly executed at a predetermined period.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 19 according to the first embodiment. Here, the procedure for avoiding the avoidance target will be explained. First, when the control unit 73 receives a command to change the control pattern, such as when changing the set temperature of the air-conditioned space using a remote control (not shown), the control pattern assumed after the transition becomes the avoidance target. It is determined whether this applies (step S11). If the control pattern assumed after the transition corresponds to the avoidance target (step S11: YES), the control unit 73 changes any value of the control pattern assumed after the transition to avoid execution of the control pattern. (Step S12). If the control pattern assumed after the transition does not correspond to the avoidance target (step S11: NO), the control unit 73 executes the control pattern assumed after the transition without changing it.

As described above, in the first embodiment, a control state that generates abnormal noise of a magnitude greater than a threshold value is avoided. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the generation of abnormal noise.

Furthermore, it is difficult to determine the characteristics depending on the property, such as the presence or absence of abnormal noise, unless the air conditioner is actually installed in each property. For this reason, after installing an air conditioner, it is sometimes necessary to create software that changes control parameters depending on the property, or to enter setting values on-site. According to the first embodiment, the occurrence of abnormal noises when the air conditioner 100 is actually installed in a property is stored, and control is performed based on the stored occurrences of abnormal noises. Therefore, generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed depending on the property to which the air conditioner 100 is installed, without changing software parameters for each property and without requiring on-site work.

Embodiment 2.
Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in the method of avoiding the avoidance target. In Embodiment 2, the same parts as Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

Similar to the first embodiment, the determination unit 72 determines each control pattern based on the detection results of the abnormal noise detection device 61, and stores the normal pattern and the avoidance target pattern in the storage unit 81.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 73 of the control device 19 controls the compressor 11 in stages based on the abnormal noise generation rate. The abnormal noise occurrence rate is calculated by dividing the number of control patterns determined to be avoided by the number of all control patterns stored at the time of control. For example, when the abnormal noise generation rate is more than 0% and less than 25%, the control unit 73 lowers the operating frequency of the compressor 11 by 2.5% across all control patterns. Further, if the abnormal noise generation rate is more than 25% and less than 50%, the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is lowered by 5% across all control patterns. In this way, the control unit 73 increases or decreases the rate at which the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is lowered in accordance with the level of the abnormal noise generation rate. As a result, control that is different from the control pattern stored as the avoidance target pattern is performed, so that the avoidance target pattern can be avoided. Similarly, at the time of control pattern transition, control that is different from the post-transition control pattern stored in the avoidable transition pair is performed, so that the avoidable transition pair can be avoided. Note that the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is adjusted in stages by a switch (not shown) provided in the control device 19 or the like. Thereby, the control amount of the operating frequency can be adjusted at the site where the air conditioner 100 is installed.

Here, the above control will be explained using a specific example. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal pattern and an avoidance target pattern according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, there are a total of four control patterns stored at the time of control, and two avoidance target patterns. Therefore, since the abnormal noise generation rate in this example is 50%, the control unit 73 lowers the operating frequency of the compressor 11 by 5% in all control patterns.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal pattern and an avoidance target pattern according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 10, there are a total of four control patterns stored at the time of control, and one pattern to be avoided. Therefore, since the abnormal noise generation rate in this example is 25%, the control unit 73 uniformly lowers the operating frequency of the compressor 11 by 2.5% in all control patterns.

Note that the control unit 73 may control the pressure reducing valve 22 in stages based not only on the operating frequency of the compressor 11 but also on the abnormal noise generation rate. For example, when the abnormal noise generation rate is more than 0% and less than 25%, the control unit 73 uniformly lowers the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 by 2.5% in all control patterns. Furthermore, if the abnormal noise generation rate is more than 25% and less than 50%, the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 is lowered by 5% in all control patterns. In this manner, the control unit 73 increases or decreases the rate at which the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 is increased in accordance with the level of the abnormal noise generation rate. However, the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 is not controlled in units of %, but may be controlled in units of pulses.

As described above, the second embodiment uses a method different from the first embodiment to avoid control states that generate abnormal noise of a magnitude greater than a threshold value. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the generation of abnormal noise.

Embodiment 3.
Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in the method of avoiding the avoidance target. Specifically, in Embodiment 3, the cause of abnormal noise is estimated based on the stored normal pattern and avoidance target pattern, and the correspondence between the cause of abnormal noise and the control pattern, and control is performed based on the estimation result. . In Embodiment 3, the same parts as Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence between causes of abnormal noise and control patterns according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the storage unit 81 stores, for each cause of abnormal noise, a control pattern that is expected to cause abnormal noise equal to or higher than the first threshold value to be associated with each other. For example, if the cause of the abnormal noise is "cause a", it is predicted that the control pattern of control B and the control unit 73 will cause abnormal noise that is equal to or higher than the first threshold value. On the other hand, if the abnormal noise of the first threshold value or more is generated under the control pattern of control B and the control unit 73, it can be estimated that the cause of the abnormal noise is "cause a". Note that the cause of the abnormal noise is, for example, that the compressor 11 has a specific operating frequency or that the pressure reducing valve 22 has a specific opening degree.

The control unit 73 estimates the cause of the abnormal noise based on the stored normal pattern and avoidance target pattern, and the correspondence between the cause of the abnormal noise and the control pattern. Then, the control unit 73 increases the level corresponding to the cause of the abnormal noise estimated from the recorded avoidance target pattern by one. When the level corresponding to the cause of the occurrence increases by one, the control unit 73 controls the level of the equipment causing the abnormal noise when executing the avoidance target pattern that generates the abnormal noise of a magnitude equal to or greater than the first threshold value. Change the operating frequency or opening degree by a predetermined amount. As a result, control that is different from the control pattern stored as the avoidance target pattern is performed, so that the avoidance target pattern can be avoided. Similarly, at the time of control pattern transition, control that is different from the post-transition control pattern stored in the avoidable transition pair is performed, so that the avoidable transition pair can be avoided. In addition, even if the level is increased, if the abnormal noise continues to be generated when executing the avoidance target pattern that generates abnormal noise louder than the first threshold, the level is further increased by one. . In this way, the control unit 73 controls the operating frequency or the opening degree of the device that is the cause of the abnormal noise in a stepwise manner depending on the level corresponding to the cause of the abnormal noise.

For example, if the cause of the abnormal noise is "cause a", the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is controlled. The control unit 73 lowers the operating frequency of the compressor 11 by 5% in the avoidance target pattern in which abnormal noise of a magnitude equal to or greater than the first threshold value occurs each time the level corresponding to "cause a" increases by one. Furthermore, if the cause of the abnormal noise is "cause b", the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 is controlled. The control unit 73 lowers the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 by 5% in the avoidance target pattern in which abnormal noise of a magnitude equal to or greater than the first threshold value occurs each time the level corresponding to "cause b" increases by one. However, the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 is not controlled in units of %, but may be controlled in units of pulses. Furthermore, if the cause of the abnormal noise is "cause c", the frequency of the fan 15 is controlled. The control unit 73 lowers the frequency of the fan 15 by 5% in the avoidance target pattern in which abnormal noise of a magnitude equal to or greater than the first threshold value occurs each time the level corresponding to "cause c" increases by one.

Here, the above control will be explained using a specific example. For example, in the case of FIG. 9 described in Embodiment 2, abnormal noises greater than the first threshold are generated in control C and control D. Therefore, referring to the correspondence between the causes of abnormal noise and control patterns in FIG. 11, the cause of abnormal noise occurring in control C is estimated to be "cause b", and the The cause of the sound generation is estimated to be "cause c". Although abnormal noise is generated in control D, "cause a" is not the cause of the abnormal noise. This is because if the cause of the abnormal noise is "Cause a", abnormal noise should be generated in both control B and control D, but since no abnormal noise is generated in control B, This is because "Cause a" is presumed not to be the true cause of the abnormal noise.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 19 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, following the procedure for storing avoidance targets described in the first embodiment, a level is determined for each cause of abnormal noise. The level corresponding to the cause of abnormal noise is determined as follows. In addition, here, we will explain the case where there are three causes of abnormal noise, "Cause a", "Cause b", and "Cause c", but there may be one, two, or four or more causes. Good too.

First, the control unit 73 determines, based on the stored normal pattern and avoidance target pattern, as well as the correspondence between the cause of the abnormal noise and the control pattern, whether or not an abnormal noise has occurred whose generation cause is estimated to be "cause a". It is determined whether or not (step S21). If an abnormal noise is generated whose cause is estimated to be "cause a" (step S21: YES), the level corresponding to "cause a" is increased by 1 (step S22). Further, if no abnormal noise is generated which is presumed to be caused by "cause a" (step S21: NO), the control unit 73 does not adjust the level corresponding to "cause a".

Next, based on the stored normal pattern and avoidance target pattern, as well as the correspondence between the cause of the abnormal noise and the control pattern, the control unit 73 controls the control unit 73 to generate an abnormal noise that is estimated to be caused by "cause b". It is determined whether or not (step S23). If an abnormal noise is generated whose cause is estimated to be "cause b" (step S23: YES), the control unit 73 increases the level corresponding to "cause b" by 1 (step S24). Further, if no abnormal noise is generated which is presumed to be caused by "cause b" (step S23: NO), the control unit 73 does not adjust the level corresponding to "cause b".

Then, the control unit 73 determines whether an abnormal noise has occurred whose generation cause is estimated to be "cause c", based on the stored normal pattern and avoidance target pattern, and the correspondence between the cause of the abnormal noise and the control pattern. It is determined whether or not (step S25). If an abnormal noise is generated whose cause is estimated to be "cause c" (step S25: YES), the control unit 73 increases the level corresponding to "cause c" by 1 (step S26), and ends the process. . Further, if the abnormal noise that is estimated to be caused by "cause c" is not occurring (step S25: NO), the control unit 73 does not adjust the level corresponding to "cause c" and ends the process. .

Next, the procedure for avoiding the avoidance target will be explained. Note that since this is the same as in Embodiment 1, the flowchart will be omitted. In the third embodiment, in step S12 of the flowchart of FIG. 8, the control unit 73 controls the equipment related to the cause of the abnormal noise according to the determined level in the control pattern assumed after the transition. to avoid execution of the control pattern.

In addition, the abnormal noise generated in a certain control pattern is subdivided by the frequency component of the abnormal noise, the cause is estimated for each frequency component of the abnormal noise, and depending on the estimation results, the equipment to be controlled may be changed or the control amount may be changed. You may also change the . Differences in the frequency components of abnormal noises appear in the way they sound, such as hissing, gurgling, or thumping. In other words, for example, if a hissing noise occurs in a certain control pattern, the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is adjusted, and if a gurgling noise occurs in a certain control pattern, the pressure reducing valve 22 is adjusted. The opening degree may be adjusted. Further, the cause of abnormal noise estimated by a certain control pattern may be adjusted to be avoided by using another control pattern.

As described above, in Embodiment 3 as well, a control state that generates abnormal noise of a magnitude greater than a threshold value is avoided by using a method different from Embodiment 1. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the generation of abnormal noise.

Further, according to the third embodiment, the control unit 73 estimates the cause of the abnormal noise according to the level corresponding to the cause of the abnormal noise, and adjusts the operating frequency or opening degree of the equipment according to the estimation result. control in stages. Therefore, it is possible to set the operating frequency or opening degree of the equipment that is necessary and sufficient to suppress the generation of abnormal noise. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 of Embodiment 3 can both suppress the generation of abnormal noise and improve the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 100.

Embodiment 4.
Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in that whether or not to avoid an object to be avoided is determined based on the detection result of human detection sensor 24. In Embodiment 4, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. 13, the indoor unit 2 is provided with a human detection sensor 24. Similarly, the indoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 2 are provided with a human detection sensor 24 and a human detection sensor 24 . In the following, the human detection sensors 24a to 24c will be collectively referred to as the human detection sensor 24. The human detection sensor 24 detects the presence or absence of a person in the room. The person detection sensor 24 is, for example, an image sensor that analyzes people from indoor images, or an infrared sensor that analyzes people from indoor infrared information.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. 14, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the detection result of the human detection sensor 24, and transmits the detection result of the human detection sensor 24 to the control unit 73.

When the detection result of the human detection sensor 24 indicates that a person is present in the room, the control unit 73 controls the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 in order to avoid the object to be avoided, similarly to the first embodiment. . On the other hand, when the detection result of the person detection sensor 24 indicates that there is no person in the room, the avoidance target is not avoided.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 19 according to the fourth embodiment. Here, the procedure for avoiding the avoidance target will be explained. First, upon receiving a command to change the control pattern, the control unit 73 determines whether the control pattern expected after the change corresponds to an avoidance target (step S31). If the control pattern assumed after the transition corresponds to the avoidance target (step S31: YES), the control unit 73 determines whether there is a person in the room based on the detection result of the person detection sensor 24 (step S31: YES). S32). If a person is detected in the room (step S32: YES), the control unit 73 changes any value of the control pattern assumed after the transition to avoid execution of the control pattern (step S33). If the control pattern assumed after the transition does not correspond to the avoidance target (step S31: NO) and if no person is detected in the room (step S32: NO), the control unit 73 uses the control pattern assumed after the transition. Run without modification.

As described above, in Embodiment 4, as in Embodiment 1, a control state that generates abnormal noise of a magnitude equal to or greater than a threshold value is avoided as an avoidance target. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the generation of abnormal noise.

The air conditioner 100 of the fourth embodiment determines whether or not to avoid an object to be avoided based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 24. Thereby, the air conditioner 100 can be operated with emphasis on efficiency and heating and cooling effects when no one is present, and with emphasis on quietness when there are people.

Embodiment 5.
Embodiment 5 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the occurrence of abnormal noise is determined based on a trained model. In Embodiment 5, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

In addition to what was explained in the first embodiment, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) may be added to the hardware configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to the fifth embodiment. In this case, the GPU executes a process of estimating the size of the abnormal noise based on the learned model.

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 5. The control device 19 includes a setting section 74 . The setting unit 74 acquires the height difference and piping length of the air conditioner 100. The height difference and piping length of the air conditioner 100 are set by a contractor or the like when the air conditioner 100 is installed on a property. Note that the height difference of the air conditioner 100 is the difference in height between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2. Specifically, the difference in height between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 is the height from the reference ground, etc. to the bottom of the outdoor unit 1, and the height from the reference ground, etc. to the bottom of the indoor unit 2. It is determined by the difference between

The determination unit 72 uses the learned model to output the magnitude of the abnormal noise based on the height difference, pipe length, operating frequency of the compressor 11, and opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22. The learned model is a model for inferring the height difference, pipe length, operating frequency of the compressor 11, and opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 as input data, and the magnitude of abnormal noise as output data. The learned model is, for example, one learned during product development, and is stored in the storage unit 81.

The trained model is, for example, a neural network configured by combining multiple perceptrons, and each perceptron has a bias value and a weighting coefficient set. The bias value and weighting coefficient are parameters that are adjusted through learning. During learning, multiple pieces of training data are given to the neural network, and the bias values and weighting coefficients of each perceptron are adjusted so that the output of the neural network approaches the correct label.

When the control unit 73 receives a command to change the control pattern, such as when changing the set temperature of the air-conditioned space using a remote control, etc., and when changing the control pattern, the control unit 73 determines what is assumed after the transition based on the command value. Determine control pattern. Then, at the time of transition of the control pattern, the control section 73 transmits to the determination section 72 the operating frequency of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 that are assumed after the transition. Then, when the magnitude of the abnormal noise estimated by the determination unit 72 using the learned model is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the control unit 73 avoids the control pattern assumed after the transition. Specifically, as in the first embodiment, any value of the control pattern is changed.

Additionally, the control device 19 includes an evaluation update section 75. The evaluation update unit 75 evaluates the learned model based on the output result of the learned model and the detection result of the abnormal noise detection device 61, and updates the learned model based on the evaluation result. An example of a method for evaluating and updating a trained model will be described below.

The evaluation update unit 75 determines the reward based on the output result of the learned model. Specifically, the evaluation update unit 75 determines whether the error between the magnitude of the abnormal noise estimated by the determination unit 72 and the detection result of the abnormal noise detection device 61 is within a specified value. When the evaluation updating unit 75 determines that the error between the magnitude of the abnormal noise estimated by the determining unit 72 and the detection result of the abnormal noise detection device 61 is within a predetermined value, the evaluation updating unit 75 increases a preset amount of change Δ1 as a reward. On the other hand, when the evaluation updating unit 75 determines that the error between the magnitude of the abnormal noise estimated by the determining unit 72 and the detection result of the abnormal noise detection device 61 exceeds a predetermined value, the evaluation updating unit 75 reduces the preset amount of change Δ1.

The evaluation update unit 75 adjusts the weighting coefficient and bias value so that the amount of change Δ1 is maximized. As a result, the learned model is updated so that the error between the magnitude of the abnormal noise estimated by the determination unit 72 and the detection result of the abnormal noise detection device 61 is reduced.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 19 according to the fifth embodiment. Here, the procedure for avoiding the avoidance target will be explained. First, when the control unit 73 receives a command to change the control pattern, the evaluation update unit 75 updates the height difference of the air conditioner 100, the pipe length, the operating frequency of the compressor 11 assumed after the transition, and the pressure reducing valve. Based on the opening degree of 22, the magnitude of the abnormal noise is output (step S41). Next, the control unit 73 determines whether the magnitude of the abnormal noise estimated by the determination unit 72 using the learned model is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S42). If the magnitude of the abnormal noise estimated by the determination unit 72 using the trained model is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S42: YES), the control unit 73 selects any value of the control pattern assumed after the transition. The control pattern is changed to avoid execution of the control pattern (step S43). If the magnitude of the abnormal noise estimated by the determination unit 72 using the learned model is less than the first threshold (step S42: NO), the control unit 73 executes the control pattern assumed after the transition without changing it. do.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment as well, control states that generate abnormal noise of a magnitude greater than a threshold value are avoided. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the generation of abnormal noise. In particular, according to Embodiment 5, the magnitude of the abnormal noise is estimated based on a learned model that is stored in advance, so it is possible to avoid generating the abnormal noise for the first time.

Embodiment 6.
Embodiment 6 differs from Embodiment 1 in that, in addition to the control in Embodiment 1, control is performed based on the effectiveness of heating and cooling. In Embodiment 6, the same parts as Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

The determination unit 72 determines the effectiveness of heating and cooling in the property where the air conditioner 100 is installed, based on the refrigerant temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62, the refrigerant pressure measured by the pressure sensor 63, and the control pattern. The effectiveness of heating and cooling is evaluated numerically, and the more effective the heating and cooling, the higher the value. Although the method of calculating the effectiveness of air conditioning is not particularly limited, it is evaluated based on, for example, the control pattern being executed at the time of control, and the temperature transfer coefficient and pressure transfer coefficient in the control pattern. The temperature transfer coefficient is calculated by dividing the time required for the refrigerant temperature to reach the specified value from the start of the control pattern by the difference between the refrigerant temperature at the start of the control cycle and the specified value. Similarly, the pressure transfer coefficient is calculated by dividing the time required from the start of the control pattern until the refrigerant pressure reaches the specified value by the difference between the refrigerant pressure at the time of processing and the specified value. Furthermore, the easier it is for the operating frequency of the compressor 11 or the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 indicated by the control pattern to work toward shortening the time it takes for the refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure to reach the specified values, the better the condition of the property will be. Correct the effectiveness of heating and cooling as a characteristic to a smaller value.

The control unit 73 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 11 based on the effectiveness of heating and cooling. The control unit 73 increases the operating frequency of the compressor 11 when the heating and cooling is not effective, specifically when the effectiveness of the heating and cooling is below the third threshold. In addition, if heating and cooling is not effective, it may be due to large height differences or long pipe lengths. Therefore, when the effectiveness of heating and cooling is less than or equal to the third threshold, the control unit 73 performs control for the height difference. As control for the height difference, for example, the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is increased, and conditions such as pressure and time for detecting an abnormality are changed. Further, the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 may be changed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 19 according to the sixth embodiment. Here, control based on the effectiveness of heating and cooling will be explained. First, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the refrigerant temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62 and the refrigerant pressure measured by the pressure sensor 63 (step S51). Here, the acquisition unit 71 continuously measures changes in refrigerant temperature and refrigerant pressure in the control pattern at the time of processing. Next, the determination unit 72 determines the effectiveness of heating and cooling in the property where the air conditioner 100 is installed based on the refrigerant temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62, the refrigerant pressure measured by the pressure sensor 63, and the control pattern. (Step S52).

The control unit 73 determines whether the effectiveness of heating and cooling is less than or equal to the third threshold (step S53). When the effectiveness of heating and cooling is less than or equal to the third threshold (step S53: YES), the control unit 73 controls the elevation difference or increases the operating frequency of the compressor 11 (step S54). When the effectiveness of heating and cooling exceeds the third threshold (step S53: NO), the control unit 73 executes a normal control pattern.

As described above, in Embodiment 6, as in Embodiment 1, a control state that generates abnormal noise of a magnitude greater than a threshold value is avoided. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the generation of abnormal noise.

Furthermore, according to the sixth embodiment, control is performed based on the effectiveness of heating and cooling. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can shorten the time it takes for heating and cooling to become effective, and can improve user comfort.

The above is a description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and various modifications or combinations are possible within the scope of the technical idea. . For example, in

Embodiment

2, 3, 5, or 6, the human detection sensor 24 described in Embodiment 4 is added, and based on the detection result of the human detection sensor 24, the control pattern to be avoided is You may try to avoid this. Furthermore, in the second to fifth embodiments, as described in the sixth embodiment, the operating frequency of the compressor 11 may be controlled based on the effectiveness of heating and cooling.

Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the effectiveness of heating and cooling is determined based on the refrigerant temperature and pressure, but the indoor temperature may be used as a factor for determining the effectiveness of heating and cooling. Specifically, the effectiveness of heating and cooling is calculated based on the value obtained by dividing the time from the start of the control pattern until the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature by the difference between the indoor temperature at the start of the control and the set temperature. judge.

Furthermore, the mounting positions of the abnormal noise detection device 61, the temperature sensor 62, and the pressure sensor 63 are adjusted as appropriate depending on the property. For example, the abnormal noise detection device 61, the temperature sensor 62, and the pressure sensor 63 may be attached to the refrigerant pipe 4 instead of the refrigerant pipe 3. Furthermore, the abnormal noise detection device 61 may be attached to each of the indoor pipes 23a to 23c. Furthermore, the locations where abnormal noises are generated are not limited to piping. In this case, considering that users who use buildings such as buildings are concerned about this, the abnormal noise detection device 61 is installed on the outdoor unit 1 on the roof of a building, etc., where abnormal noises are not bothersome even if they occur. It is preferable to install it near the indoor unit 2, on the ceiling of the building, or under the floor, rather than nearby.

Furthermore, the state of the air conditioner 100 determined by the combination of refrigerant temperature, refrigerant pressure, operating frequency of the compressor 11, and opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22 has been described as being referred to as a control pattern. However, the control pattern may be determined only by the operating frequency of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22. Further, the states of other devices included in the air conditioner 100 or physical quantities measured in the air conditioner 100 may be used as elements for determining the control pattern.

Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 to 6, the air conditioner 100 that performs so-called direct expansion air conditioning in which refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit 2 has been described. However, the content of the present disclosure may be applied to an air conditioner that performs so-called expansion air conditioning, in which a refrigerant and a heat medium such as water or brine exchange heat, and the heat medium is supplied to the indoor unit 2. . In this case, the abnormal noise detection device 61 may be provided, for example, in a pipe that connects the indoor unit and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and a heat medium.

Further, in Embodiments 1 to 6, the air conditioner 100 is installed in the piping of the outdoor unit 1 or the branch controller, and when the operation mode is changed, the refrigerant flows in only one direction, and the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction. It may have a check valve that shuts off the flow of refrigerant. FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioner according to a modification of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the air conditioner 100 includes a first connection pipe 17a, a second connection pipe 17b, a check valve 18a, a check valve 18b, a check valve 18c, and a check valve 18d. The first connection pipe 4a connects the outdoor pipe 16 on the downstream side of the check valve 18d and the outdoor pipe 16 on the downstream side of the check valve 18a in the outdoor unit 1. The second connection pipe 4b connects the outdoor pipe 16 upstream of the check valve 18d and the outdoor pipe 16 upstream of the check valve 18a in the outdoor unit 1. The check valve 18a is provided in the refrigerant pipe 4 between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor unit 2, and allows the heat source side refrigerant to flow only in a predetermined direction (from the outdoor unit 1 to the indoor unit 2). It is something to do. The check valve 18b is provided in the first connection pipe 4a and allows the heat source side refrigerant to flow only in the direction from the downstream side of the check valve 18d to the downstream side of the check valve 18a. The check valve 18c is provided in the second connection pipe 4b and allows the heat source side refrigerant to flow only in the direction from the upstream side of the check valve 18d to the upstream side of the check valve 18a. The check valve 18d is provided in the refrigerant pipe 4 between the indoor unit 2 and the flow path switching valve 12, and allows the heat source side refrigerant to flow only in a predetermined direction (from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 1). It is something to do. The check valves 18a to 18d are members (not shown) provided in a container (not shown) that move back and forth depending on the flow of refrigerant, and when they move in one direction, they close and block the flow of refrigerant. , the structure allows the refrigerant to flow when it moves to the other side. When the members inside the container are moved by the refrigerant that has suddenly flowed into the container and collide with the container with force, an abnormal noise is generated. The control device 19 may change the operation of the device to be controlled when it estimates that the abnormal noise is caused by the operation of the check valves 18a to 18d based on the way the abnormal noise is generated.

Furthermore, when avoiding an object to be avoided, although abnormal noise can be avoided, the control may not be optimal from the viewpoint of air conditioning, and the comfort of the user who uses the controlled indoor unit 2 may decrease. Therefore, in Embodiments 1 to 6, when there are multiple indoor units 2 in the same air-conditioned space, the indoor unit 2 controlled by another indoor unit 2 different from the controlled indoor unit 2 The motion may be supplemented. For example, if the outlet temperature of the indoor unit 2a decreases during heating by changing the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 22a to avoid an object to be avoided, the pressure reducing valve 22b of the indoor unit 2b installed in the same room may be changed. The blowing temperature of the indoor unit 2b may be increased by changing the opening degree. Thereby, even when avoiding an object to be avoided, user comfort can be maintained.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the model number of the compressor 11 and the refrigerant type may be used as input data. The amount of refrigerant extruded varies depending on the type of compressor 11. Further, depending on the type of refrigerant, the state of gas and liquid flowing in the refrigerant pipe 3 and, by extension, the situation in which refrigerant noise is generated changes. Furthermore, since the refrigerant pressure differs depending on the type of refrigerant, the diameter of the refrigerant pipe 3 installed also changes. Since the model number of the compressor 11 and the type of refrigerant are related to the magnitude of the abnormal noise, by using these as input data, it is possible to improve the accuracy of estimating the magnitude of the abnormal noise.

1 outdoor unit, 2, 2a, 2b, 2c indoor unit, 3, 4 refrigerant piping, 5 refrigerant circuit, 11 compressor, 12 flow path switching valve, 13 outdoor heat exchanger, 14 accumulator, 15 fan, 16 outdoor piping, 17a First connection pipe, 17b Second connection pipe, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d Check valve, 19 Control device, 21a, 21b, 21c Indoor heat exchanger, 22, 22a, 22b, 22c Pressure reducing valve, 23a, 23b , 23c indoor piping, 24, 24a, 24b, 24c human detection sensor, 61 abnormal noise detection device, 62 temperature sensor, 63 pressure sensor, 71 acquisition section, 72 judgment section, 73 control section, 74 setting section, 75 evaluation update section , 81 storage unit, 91 processing circuit, 92 processor, 93 memory, 94 bus, 100 air conditioner.

Claims

a compressor that compresses refrigerant;
a condenser that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air and condenses the refrigerant;
a pressure reducing valve whose opening degree can be changed and which reduces the pressure of the refrigerant;
an evaporator that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air to evaporate the refrigerant;
refrigerant piping connecting the compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing valve, and the evaporator;
A control device that controls the operating frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve,
The control device selects a control pattern that generates an abnormal noise of a magnitude equal to or greater than a threshold value from among a plurality of control patterns determined by a combination of the operating frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve, or the An air conditioner that avoids a set of control patterns that generate abnormal noise of a magnitude greater than a threshold value.
Further comprising an abnormal noise detection device installed in the refrigerant pipe and detecting the occurrence of abnormal noise,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines the avoidance target based on a detection result of the abnormal noise detection device for each of the control patterns.
The control device controls the operation of the compressor based on an abnormal noise occurrence rate obtained by dividing the number of control patterns determined to be avoided by the number of all control patterns stored at the time of control. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frequency and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve are changed in stages to avoid the avoidance target that generates abnormal noise of a magnitude greater than the threshold value.
The control device estimates the cause of the abnormal noise from the tendency of the avoidance target, and changes the operating frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve based on the estimation result to avoid the avoidance target. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The control device includes:
Accepts settings for the height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and the piping length of the refrigerant piping,
Using a trained model for inferring the magnitude of abnormal noise from the height difference, the piping length, the operating frequency of the compressor, and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve, the height difference, the piping length, The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the level of abnormal noise is output based on the operating frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve.
Further comprising an abnormal noise detection device installed in the refrigerant pipe and detecting the occurrence of abnormal noise,
The control device evaluates the learned model based on the output result of the learned model and the detection result of the abnormal noise detection device, and updates the learned model based on the evaluation result. The air conditioner described in .
It is further equipped with a human detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in the air-conditioned space where air conditioning is performed,
The control device avoids the avoidance target when a person is present in the air-conditioned space, and avoids the avoidance target when no person exists in the air-conditioned space, based on the detection result of the human detection sensor. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air conditioner does not perform.
a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerant pipe and measuring refrigerant temperature;
further comprising a pressure sensor provided in the refrigerant pipe and measuring refrigerant pressure,
The control device determines the effectiveness of the heating and cooling based on the refrigerant temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the refrigerant pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and the control pattern, and determines the effectiveness of the heating and cooling based on the effectiveness of the heating and cooling. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operating frequency of the compressor is controlled.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device estimates the cause of the abnormal noise from the way the noise sounds, and changes the operation of the device to be controlled based on the estimation result. .
Further comprising a check valve provided in the refrigerant pipe and allowing the refrigerant to flow in only one direction,
The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the control device changes the operation of the device to be controlled when it is estimated that the check valve is the cause of the abnormal noise based on how the abnormal noise is generated.