JPH03213941A - Operation controller of air-conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability, to specify an operation mode without fail and thereby to improve comfortableness by enabling change of the mode by setting a priority condition for a specified remote-controller, and by making the priority condition shiftable. CONSTITUTION:When an operation signal, a set temperature signal, etc. are inputted from a remote-controller 9, outdoor and indoor units are controlled by an indoor control unit 8 and an external control unit 7. A priority condition is set by a priority setting means 16 for a specified one 9 of remote-controllers 9 and the control is executed in accordance with an operation mode of the specified one. When the mode is changed by another remote-controller 9, the priority condition is put in an unset state by a neutral means 17 and the priority condition is shifted to the other remote-controller. When any abnormality in transfer occurs between the remote-controller 9 for which the priority condition is set and the indoor control unit 8, an abnormality neutral means 15 makes the other remote-controller 9 neutral and sets the priority condition for another remote-controller 9. In this way, operability and comfortableness can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an operation control device for a multi-type air conditioner equipped with a plurality of indoor units, and particularly relates to measures for setting an operation mode.

(Prior Art) Generally, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 59-210249, an operation control device for an air conditioner includes
A plurality of indoor control units that control the indoor units are connected to an outdoor control unit that controls the outdoor units via signal lines, and a remote controller is connected to the indoor control unit, while a central controller is connected to the outdoor control unit. There are things that are connected and configured.

The outdoor control unit exchanges various control signals such as operation signals and mode signals with each indoor control unit, and the outdoor control unit exchanges control signals with the central controller. It controls the air conditioning operation by controlling the air conditioner and various electric expansion valves.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) In the operation control device for the air conditioner described above, the central controller is provided with an operation mode switch,
The central controller sends a mode signal to the outdoor control unit to set the operating mode. However, in this case, the operation mode must be set only in one place, such as the manager's room, resulting in poor operability.

Therefore, it is conceivable to provide each remote controller with an operation mode switch and set the mode. However, if it is possible to change the mode using each remote control, there is a problem that the mode may be changed immediately after changing the mode on one remote control, and the driving mode is not specified, resulting in poor comfort. In particular, the operation mode is often changed between winter and summer, and the required mode often differs depending on the installation position of the indoor unit, such as by the window. There will be no.

Furthermore, if the mode can be changed only with one remote control, there will be places where the mode cannot be changed due to changing the partition, and the operability will be inferior as in the operation using the centralized controller.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily change the driving mode, and at the same time, to prevent a decrease in comfort.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the means taken by the present invention is to make it possible to change a remote control that cannot set the operating mode.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the measures taken by the invention according to claim (1) first include an outdoor unit (A) and a plurality of units connected in parallel to the outdoor unit (A). Indoor units (B), (B)... are provided, and a refrigerant circuit (3) whose refrigerant flow direction is variable so that the indoor unit (B) is in a cooling operation state or a heating operation state, and the indoor unit ( A plurality of indoor control units (8), (8), .
Control signals are exchanged between an external control unit (7) that controls the outdoor unit (A) and also exchanges control signals with the indoor control unit (8), and the indoor control unit (8). , and one or more remote controllers (9) for controlling the operation of an indoor unit (B).

A mode setting means (which is provided in each of the remote controllers (9), (9), . . . and which outputs a mode signal for switching the operation mode of the indoor units (B), (B))
92), (92), . . . are provided. Furthermore, priority means (16) is provided for setting priority conditions for a particular remote controller (9) so that any particular mode setting means (92) outputs a mode signal. In addition, a neutral means (17) is provided for outputting a release signal so that the remote controllers (9), (9), etc. of the functions described above are in a state where a priority condition can be set and a priority condition is not set. .

Further, the means taken by the invention according to claim (21) is that in the invention described in claim (1) above, a transmission abnormality occurs between the remote control (9) for which the priority condition is set and the indoor control unit (8). In addition, an abnormality neutral means (15) is provided which outputs a cancellation signal so that the other remote controller (9) enters a priority condition-unset state in which a priority condition can be set.

(Function) With the above configuration, in the invention according to claim (1), operation signals such as operation signals and set temperature signals are input from the remote controller (9), and the operation signals are transmitted to the indoor control unit (8).
and an external control unit (7) to control the outdoor unit (A) and the indoor unit (B).

Then, priority conditions are set by the priority means (16) for a specific remote controller (9) among the remote controllers (9), (9), . The indoor control unit (8) controls the indoor unit (B) etc. according to the operation mode.

Also, when changing the mode with another remote control (9),
The neutral means (17) sets the priority condition to an unset state, moves the priority condition to another remote controller (9), and sets the operation mode using the other remote controller (9).

In addition, in the invention according to claim ('2J), when a transmission abnormality occurs between the remote controller (9) for which the priority condition is set and the indoor control unit (8), the other remote controller (9) for which the priority condition is not set is transmitted. The setting state is set so that priority conditions can be set on the other remote controller (9), and the operation mode is set using the other remote controller (9).

(Effect of the invention) Therefore, according to the invention according to claim (1), it is possible to change the mode by setting a priority condition to a specific remote control (9), and also to move the priority condition. As a result, the mode can be changed only with a specific remote control (9), which improves operability and allows the driving mode to be reliably specified, improving comfort. On the other hand, by changing the priority conditions, it is possible to respond to changes in partitions, and it is possible to improve operability.

Further, according to the invention according to claim (2), since the operating mode can be changed even when transmission is abnormal, an accurate operating mode can be set.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

As shown in Figure 2, (X) is one outdoor unit) (
For A), multiple (5 in the drawing) indoor units (
There is a multi-type air conditioner in which B), (B), ... are connected in parallel.

The outdoor unit (A) is equipped with a compressor (1) and two outdoor heat exchangers (2a) and <2b>, and the compressor (1) is a first compressor whose capacity is controlled by an inverter. machine (1
a) and a second compressor (1) whose capacity is controlled by an unloading mechanism.
b), the discharge side of the first compressor (1a) is connected to an oil separator (1d), and the discharge side of the second compressor (1b) is connected to a one-way valve (IC) and an oil separator ( 1e) to a high pressure gas line (31) of the refrigerant circuit (3), and the suction side to a low pressure gas line (32).

Furthermore, the return pipes (of the oil separators (ld), (le))
1f) and (Ig) are connected to the suction side of the compressor (1), and an oil equalizing pipe (1h) is provided between the compressors (la) and (Ib). Further, each of the outdoor heat exchangers (2a) and (2b) is provided in parallel with the compressor (1), and each of the outdoor heat exchangers (2a) and (2b) is provided in parallel with the compressor (1).
One end of (2b) is a four-way switching valve (21a),
(22a) with (21b) (22b)
are switchably connected to the high pressure gas line (31) and the low pressure gas line (32) via a refrigerant circuit (3) at the other end of each outdoor heat exchanger (2a), (2b).
The liquid pipes (33a) and (33b) of the liquid line (33) in
) are connected. Then, each of the four-way switching valves (21
a), (21b) are each outdoor heat exchanger (2a),
When (2b) functions as a condenser, it switches to a solid line in the figure, and the gas pipes (22a) and (22b) communicate with the high-pressure gas line (31), and conversely, each outdoor heat exchanger (2a)
, (2b) function as an evaporator, the regas pipes (22a) and (22b) are switched to the broken lines in the figure and are configured to communicate with the low pressure gas line (32). Further, one port of the four-way switching valve (21a), (21b) is connected to the four-way switching valve (21g) via a connecting pipe (24a), (24b) equipped with a capillary (23a), (23b). , (21b) and low pressure gas line (3
2) gas pipes (22a) and (22b)l: connected.

Furthermore, a gas pipe (22a) is connected to the high pressure gas line (31).
), a one-way valve (4) is installed downstream from the connection part of (22b), and a gas pipe (22a) is connected to the low pressure gas line (32).
The accumulator (41) is located downstream from the connection part (22b).
) are respectively interposed, and both gas lines (31)
, (32) is connected with a pressure equalizing bypass path (42). The pressure equalization bypass path (42) has an on-off valve (4
2a) and a flow rate adjustment capillary (42b), one end of which is connected to the gas pipe (2a) in the high pressure gas line (31).
2a), (22b) and the compressor (1), the other end of which is the low pressure gas line (32).
2a), (22b) and the accumulator (4)
1).

In addition, each liquid pipe (33a) in the liquid line (33)
, (33b) are connected to the receiver (43) and the liquid refrigerant is combined therewith, and the liquid line (33b) is connected to the receiver (43).
) is connected to the main liquid pipe (33c). Furthermore, each of the liquid pipes (33a) (33b) is equipped with an outdoor electric expansion valve (2).
5a), (25b) are interposed, and the outdoor electric expansion valves (25a), (25b) are connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (
2a).

(2b) reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant when it functions as an evaporator,
It is configured to adjust the flow rate of liquid refrigerant when functioning as a condenser.

In addition, (26) is the outdoor heat exchanger (2a), (2b)
(44) is an inlet heat exchanger formed between the low pressure gas line (32) and the main liquid pipe (33c).

Moreover, the − direction valve (
4), one end of a hot gas bypass line (45) is connected to the downstream side of the hot gas bypass line (45).
The other end is connected to the receiver (43), and a hot gas on-off valve (45a) and a capillary (45b) for adjusting the flow rate of hot gas are interposed. The hot gas on/off valve (45a) opens and transfers the hot gas to the receiver (43) when the outside air temperature falls below a preset temperature during cooling operation of the indoor unit (B).
) to maintain the liquid line (33) at a predetermined pressure.

On the other hand, the high-pressure gas line (31), low-pressure gas line (32), and main liquid pipe (33) are arranged to extend toward the indoor side, and have flow dividers (31a), (32a), and (33), respectively.
d) via high pressure branch pipes (31b), (31b),...
・Low pressure branch pipe (32b), (32b), , and liquid branch pipe (33e).

(33e), ..., and each branch pipe (3l b
) (32b), (33e) are each indoor unit (B)
(B),... are connected.

Each of the indoor units (B), (B), . . . includes an indoor heat exchanger (5) and an indoor electric expansion valve (51). and the indoor unit (B),
(B), ... are configured to be switchable between cooling operation and heating operation, and three third indoor units (B),
(B), ... are configured to have the same operation mode, and the three sections (DI) (D2)
(D3), the first and second sections (
One indoor unit (B) is installed in DI) and (D2), and three indoor units (B) are installed in the third section (D3).
B) are provided in parallel. A liquid branch pipe (33e) is connected to one end of the indoor unit (B) in the first and second sections (Dl) (D2) via an indoor electric expansion valve (51).
), and a low pressure branch pipe (3) is connected to the other end via a gas pipe (5a).
2b) and a high pressure branch pipe (3l b) are connected, and one end of the indoor unit (B) in the third section (D3) is connected to an indoor electric expansion valve (51), a liquid pipe (5b) and a flow divider (58a). ) to a liquid branch pipe (33e), and the other end is connected to a low pressure branch pipe (32b) and a high pressure branch pipe (3l b) via a gas pipe (5a) and a flow divider (58b). . Then, the high pressure branch pipe (31b) and the low pressure branch pipe (3
On-off valves (52) and (53) are interposed at each end of the connection to the indoor heat exchanger (5) and the high-pressure gas. Line (31)
and a low-pressure gas line (32), and when the indoor heat exchanger (5) functions as an evaporator (during cooling), the low-pressure side on-off valve (53) connects the condenser The high-pressure side on-off valves (52) are configured to open and move when the air conditioner functions as a heater (during heating).

Further, a low pressure bypass path (54) is connected to the liquid branch pipe (33e) on the indoor unit (B), (B), . . . side, and the low pressure bypass path (54) is connected to the low pressure branch pipe (32b).
A bypass valve (54a) and a capillary (54b) are interposed, and a pipe heat exchanger (54) is connected to the downstream side of the on-off valve (53) in the liquid branch pipe (33e).
c) is formed and is configured to prevent flash of liquid refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger (5) during heating. Further, a high pressure bypass path (55) is connected to the upstream side of the on-off valve (52) in the high pressure branch pipe (3l b), and the high pressure bypass path (55) is connected to the gas pipe (5a).
and a capillary (55a) for flow rate adjustment.
), and is configured to bypass condensate that accumulates in the high-pressure branch pipe (3lb) etc. during cooling. The on-off valves (52), (5B) and the bypass paths (54), (55) are integrally housed in the kit to form a branch unit (56), while the compressor (1) , outdoor heat exchangers (2a), (2b), indoor heat exchangers (5), (5), ... are connected to a high pressure gas line (31), a low pressure gas line (32) and a liquid line (3).
3) to constitute the refrigerant circuit (3).

Note that (57) is an indoor fan placed close to the indoor heat exchanger (5).

In the refrigerant circuit (3) described above, each indoor unit (B
), (B), ..., both four-way switching valve (21a) of the outdoor unit (A).

(2l b) to the solid line in Figure 2 and connect the gas pipe (22a)
, (22b) are connected to the high-pressure gas line (31), while the indoor units (B), (B), ... close the high-pressure side on-off valve (52) and open the low-pressure side on-off valve (53), The gas pipe (5a) is connected to the low pressure branch pipe (32b). In this state, the high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1) flows to each outdoor heat exchanger (2a), (2b) and condenses, and the condensed liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid line (33).
The air flows through the indoor units (B), (B), . . . through the indoor electric expansion valves (51), (51), .
After expanding in each indoor heat exchanger (5), (5),
... and will flow through the low pressure gas line (32) and return to the compressor <1).

On the other hand, when heating the indoor units (B), (B), . . . Switch to the broken line in Figure 2 and open the high pressure side on-off valve (52).
The low-pressure side on-off valve (53) is closed, and the refrigerant is condensed from the high-pressure gas line (31) in the indoor heat exchanger (5), flows through the liquid line (33), and is passed through the outdoor electric expansion valve (25a), (2
5b), and the outdoor heat exchanger (2a), (2b
) and return to the compressor (1).

During the cooling operation, for example, the double opening/closing valve (52) in one indoor unit (B).

(53) for heating operation, or conversely, during the above-mentioned heating operation, for example, by switching both on-off valves (52) and (53) in one indoor unit (B) for cooling operation, so-called simultaneous cooling and heating. Driving takes place. At that time, the liquid refrigerant flowing out from the indoor unit (B) in the heating mode joins at the flow divider (33d) of the liquid line (33), flows into the indoor unit (B) in the cooling mode, evaporates, and goes into the low-pressure gas line. (32) returns to the compressor (1).

During this simultaneous heating and cooling operation, two outdoor heat exchangers (
2a) and (2b) operate as an evaporator or a condenser depending on the indoor load, and furthermore, one unit is operated and the other unit is stopped.

Furthermore, various sensors are installed in the refrigerant circuit (3), and (Thl) is a liquid temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the liquid refrigerant in the indoor unit (B), (Th2) is a liquid temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the liquid refrigerant in the indoor unit (B).
), an outside temperature sensor that detects the gas refrigerant temperature of (T h3
) is a room temperature sensor that detects the intake air temperature of the indoor fan (57), (Th4) is an outdoor heat exchanger (2a), (2
b) Liquid temperature sensor that detects the liquid refrigerant temperature on the side (T h5
) is an outside air temperature sensor that detects the discharge gas refrigerant temperature on the outdoor side heat exchanger (2a) and (2b) side, (The) is an outside air temperature sensor that is an outside air temperature detection means that detects the outside air temperature,
(T h7) is a discharge outside air temperature sensor that detects the discharge gas refrigerant temperature of the compressor (1), (HPS) is a high pressure sensor that detects the discharge gas refrigerant pressure of the compressor (1), (L P
S) is a low-pressure pressure sensor that detects the suction gas refrigerant pressure of the compressor (1).

Next, FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing the control system of the air conditioner (X), which controls the outdoor unit l-(A) by controlling the capacity of the compressor (1), etc. A control unit (6) and the above-mentioned on-off valves (52), (53)
Branching units (56), (56),
Branch control unit (7), (7) that controls...
, . . . and indoor control unit nodes (8), (8) that control the indoor units (B), (B), . . . by controlling the opening degree of the indoor electric expansion valve (51), etc. ,...
are connected via a signal line (10). and,
The branch control unit (7) is the outdoor control unit (6)
This includes the external control unit. In addition, each control unit (6), (7), (8) has three layers (C
1) (C2), (C3), and the first layer (C
1), the outdoor control unit (6) is located on the second floor (C2), and the branch control unit (7), (7), ... is located on the third floor.
5 indoor control units (8) (8) on floor (C3)
It is classified according to which... belongs. Furthermore, the third
Indoor control units (8), (8),... on floor (C3)
・There are three sections (DI).

An indoor unit (B) that is divided into (D2) and (D3) and connected to the branch unit (56).

Corresponding to (B), ..., the first and second sections (Di) and (D2) are equipped with an indoor control unit (8
), (8), but the third section (D3) is configured such that three indoor control units (8), (8), . . . belong thereto.

In addition, the second layer (C2) branch control unit) (7)
, (7), ... are installed in the outdoor control unit (6) for each section (Dl) in the third floor (C3), (
D2), . . . indoor control unit (8).

(8), . . . are respectively connected to each branch control unit (7). Then, each of the above layers (C1) to (C3
), each control unit (6) to (8) is connected to an independent transmission circuit (E), (E),...
・is formed.

In each of the transmission circuits (E), (E), ..., between the first layer (C1) and the second layer (C2), the outdoor control unit (6) is the primary station, and the branch control unit (6) is the primary station. 7),
(7) is set as the secondary station, and branch control units (7), (7) are set between the second layer (C2) and the third layer (C3).
is the primary station, and the indoor control unit (8), (8),
... is set as the secondary station, and each transmission circuit (E), (E
), ... and transmits and receives control signals for each branch control unit (7) or outdoor and indoor control unit (6),
(8) is configured to perform data transfer between the two. And each indoor control unit (8), (8), ・
... is configured in the terminal, and the remote control (9),
(9), . . . are connected. the remote control (9);
(9), . . . are the indoor control unit (8),
(8), . It is made.

Further, the branch control unit (7) is configured to be connectable to the heating/cooling switching remote control (71), while the remote control unit (7) is
9) has a cooling/heating selection display section (91) that shows whether mode setting is possible or not, and an operation switching button (92) that sets the operation mode.
), and the indoor unit (
B).

(B) The operating mode of . . . is configured to be switched between a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a blowing mode. Then, the branch control unit (7) and the indoor control unit (
8) and the remote controller (9), as shown in FIG. 8).

(8), . . . are configured such that the setting manner of the operation mode of the indoor units (B), (B), . . . is determined according to each code A to F.

Therefore, to explain the contents of each of the above codes A to F, first, the first code A is an external code, and the first code A is an external code.
The indoor control unit (8) that receives the code A (bit: 000) is configured to set the indoor unit (B) to one of the cooling mode, heating mode, or ventilation mode according to the command signal from the branch control unit (7). However, the air blowing can be set using the remote control (9). The second code B (bit: 001) is the sub-remote control mode, and the indoor control unit (8) that has received the second code B sets the indoor unit (B) to the cooling mode according to the command signal from the remote control (9). It is configured to be set to heating mode, ventilation mode, or automatic mode. The second code B is an indoor control unit (8) other than the indoor control unit (8) that outputs a third code C, which will be described later.
Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (8a), the branch control unit (
If there is no indoor control unit (8) to which the remote control (9) is connected to the branch control unit (7), the output is output to one indoor control unit (8) connected to the branch control unit (7). ing. The automatic mode is a mode in which the cooling mode and the heating mode are automatically switched based on the suction temperature of the indoor unit (B), and the second code B is the indoor control mode that receives the second code B. Unit (8)
is configured to automatically switch based on its own suction temperature, etc. The third code C (bit 2010) is a remote control code, and the indoor control unit (8) that receives the third code C sets the indoor unit (B) to cooling mode according to the command signal from the remote control (9). Any one of a group of indoor control units (8), (8), .
In other words, the output is output to one main unit which is a main unit and is connected to one branch control unit (7), and the other indoor control units (8) of each group are output.
, (8), . . . In other words, the slave unit etc. is configured to receive the first code A and receive a command signal for the operating mode of the master unit from the branch control unit (7). At that time, in automatic mode, the indoor control unit (8) of the master unit switches the cooling mode etc. based on its own suction temperature etc., and the indoor control unit (8) of the slave unit etc.
, ... will be followed, but in automatic mode, the indoor control unit (8) that received the second code B will independently switch the cooling mode etc. separately from the indoor control unit (8) of the main unit. It is composed of In other words, the second code and the third code C are connected to indoor control units (8), (8) connected to one branch control unit (7).
, . . . is configured to be output to one of them. The fourth code D (bit: 110) is a neutral code, and is in a state where the third code C is being set. Configured to indicate the status of the settings. The fifth code E (bit: 011) has no automatic mode among the third code C, and is otherwise configured similarly to the third code C, and the sixth code F (bit: 111) is
It is waiting for the setting of the fifth code E, and is configured to correspond to the fourth code D.

That is, each code A to F is sent to the branch control unit (7).
), the indoor control unit (8), and the remote controller (9), and the operation mode of the indoor unit (B) is set using the branch control unit (7) or the remote controller (9). Moreover, if two or more indoor control units (8) of the master unit to which the remote controller (9) is connected are connected to the branch control unit (7), one remote controller (9) and the remote controller (9) The third code C or the fifth code E is transmitted to one indoor control unit (8) to which the Code D and 6th code F are connected to the remote control (9) and the indoor control unit (8).
The configuration is such that the priority conditions can be transferred to other remote controllers (9).

Furthermore, the operation switching button (92) of the remote control (9) switches the operation mode, and if the operation switching button (92) of the remote control (9) to which the above-mentioned priority conditions are set is held down for a predetermined period of time, for example, 4 seconds, , cancel the above priority conditions,
All remote controls (9) linked to one branch control unit (7).

(9) It is configured to be in a priority condition unset state (fourth and sixth codes D, F) in which a priority condition can be set to any one of the above, and in the unset state, the cooling/heating selection display section (91
) is configured to flicker. Then, when the operation switching button (92) of one remote control (9) is pressed while the cooling/heating selection display section (91) is flickering,
The remote control (9) is configured to be able to set priority conditions and set operating modes.

Also, each of the branch control units (7), (7).

... is provided with a jumper (72), and when the jumper (72) is cut, the third
The configuration is such that automatic mode cannot be set in code C. In other words, if the cooling/heating mode is automatically switched based on the suction temperature of one indoor unit I-(B), the requests of other indoor units (B) that are controlled by that operation mode will be ignored, so only manual switching will be required. It allows you to set the driving mode.

Next, the configuration and operation of setting the operation mode of the indoor unit (B), which is a feature of the present invention, will be explained based on FIGS. 5 to 8. First, FIG. 5 shows each branch control unit (7). The control flow for the setting operation of each code A to F is shown in FIG.
9), and if it is determined that the heating/cooling switching remote control (71) is to be used depending on the settings of the branch control unit (7), the process moves to step ST2. In step ST2, data R of the first code A is sent to each indoor control unit (8).
At the same time as transmitting CCDT, the instruction flag RCC8F is reset.In other words, each code is configured to set the instruction flag RCC3F and transmit it to the indoor unit (8).However, for the first code A, the instruction flag RCCS is set.
Logic is set regardless of F. In step ST2, all indoor control units (8), (8), . . . connected to this branch control unit (7) are
Code A is transmitted, and the operation mode setting for all indoor control units (8), (8), . . . is performed by the command signal of the branch control unit (7).

On the other hand, when setting the driving mode using the indoor remote control (9), the process moves from step ST2 to step ST3.
It is determined whether or not to set the automatic mode, that is, the third
It is determined whether to set code C or fifth code E, and if third code C is to be set, step ST
Move on to 4. In this step ST4, all the indoor control units (8), (8), . . .
The fourth code D is transmitted in the reset state of 5F, that is,
At the initial stage of installation, all indoor control units (8), (8),
Since . . . is set to the first code A, the instruction flag RCCSF is reset.

After that, from step ST4 to step ST5, Sr.
1 and Sr1 are determined in order. In step ST5, it is determined whether there is one unit No. 30 or not.
In step ST6, it is determined whether the unit N090 is 0 or not, and in step ST7, it is determined whether the unit number is 0 or a plurality of units. In other words, this unit No. 0 is set to the indoor control unit (8) of the parent unit to which the remote controller (9) is connected among the group 1 controlled by the remote controller (9), and the indoor control unit (8) of the parent unit ( 8) sequentially determines how many units are in the branch control unit (7). If there is only one indoor control unit (8) of the parent unit, step ST
5 to step ST8, and in step 5T81, the unit No.

While setting the instruction flag RCC5F to the indoor control unit (8) of No. 0 and transmitting the third code C, step 5T82
, the first code A is transmitted to the indoor control unit (8) of the child unit other than unit No. 0. In other words, the remote control (9) is automatically sent to the indoor control unit (8) of the parent unit.
) allows you to set the driving mode.

Also, if there is no indoor control unit (8) of the master unit, that is, if it is controlled by a remote control (9) linked to another branch control unit (7) (see Fig. 3 (8a)). ), move from step ST6 to step ST9,
In step 5T91, polling address No.
The instruction flag RCC3F is set to the indoor control unit 0 (8) and the second code B is transmitted, while the first code A is transmitted to the other indoor control units (8).

In addition, if there are multiple indoor control units (8) of the parent unit, the process moves from step ST7 to step 5T10, and step 5TI of the subroutine in step 5TIO is executed.
In I, first, each indoor control unit (8
), (8),...
It is determined whether an indoor control unit (8) with code C or fifth code E exists. In other words, this step 5T
Reference numeral 10 indicates an indoor control unit (8) that transmits the third or fifth code C, E when the connection is changed, etc.
If there are 0 units or 2 or more units, the process moves to step 5712, and in state 2-1, the instruction flag RCC8F is set to the indoor control unit (8) of the base unit of unit N010, and the fourth code D is transmitted. , In state 2-2, the first code A is transmitted to the indoor control unit (8) of the slave device. Then, when the remote control (9) with the priority conditions for setting the operation mode is identified, that is, when the operation switch button (92) is pressed from the state where the priority conditions are not set and the cooling/heating selection button (91) flickers. , the remote control (9
) sends the third code C to the branch control unit (7) via the indoor control unit (8), and this third code C
In response, step 5T13 is executed from step 5T12 above.
Then, the instruction flag RC is sent to the indoor control unit (8).
C8F is set and transmitted, and the process moves to step 5T14.

In this step 5T14, in state 3-2, the third code C is sent to the indoor control unit (8) that sent the third code C, and the indoor control unit (8) confirms that the third code C has been received. While later resetting the support flag RCC3F, in state 3-1, the indoor control unit (8) other than the indoor control unit (8) that sent the third code C
The first code A is sent to. In this step 5T14, only one remote controller (9) to which the priority condition has been set is identified, and the one indoor control unit (8) whose operation mode is to be set by the remote controller (9) is identified. In response to the command signal from the one indoor control unit (8), the branch control unit (7) sends the command signal to the other indoor control unit (8).
), (8), . . . will send the command signal for the operation mode.

Also, in step 5TII above, the third or fifth code C,
If it is determined that only one indoor control unit (8) transmits E, the indoor control unit (8)
After setting the instruction flag RCC5F and transmitting it, the process moves to step 5T14, and the third code C is sent to the indoor control unit (8), and the third code C is sent to the other indoor control units l-(8),
(8) Send the first code A to .

Then, steps ST5 to ST7 and step 5T
The IO operation will be repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST3 to set the automatic mode, the process moves to step 5T4-1. From this step 5T4-1 to step 5TI
O-1 corresponds to steps ST4 to ST5TIO above, and the control operations are the same except that the fifth code E1 is sent instead of the third code C, and the sixth code F is sent instead of the fourth code D. Therefore, detailed explanation will be omitted.

Further, in step ST8 and step 5T81, if a transmission abnormality occurs between the indoor control unit (8) that transmitted the third or fifth code C, E and the remote control (9), the branch control unit (7) Set unit number
Indoor control unit (8) of next unit No. 9 among 6
A second code B is transmitted to the controller so that the operation mode is set between the indoor control unit (8) and the remote control (9) that can transmit the command signal to the indoor control unit (8). Based on other indoor control units (8), (8
), . . . operation mode is set and controlled. Also, in step ST9 and step 5T9-1, if a transmission abnormality occurs between the indoor control unit (8) that sent the second code B and the remote control (9), the indoor control unit (8) at the next polling address ( 8), and the indoor control unit (8) is set to the operating mode by the remote control (9). When the transmission abnormality is resolved, the system is configured to return to its original state.

Furthermore, the above step 5TIO and step 5TIO
-1, if a transmission error occurs between the indoor control unit (8) that sent the third or fifth code C2E and the remote control (9), the indoor control of the master unit to which the other remote control (9) is connected If there is one unit (8), the third or fifth code C, E is sent to the indoor control unit (8), and if there are two or more indoor control units (8) of the base unit, this code is sent to the indoor control unit (8). The fourth or sixth code D or F, which is a priority condition release signal, is transmitted to the indoor control unit (8) of all base units, the other remote controllers (9) are set to a priority condition-unset state, and the cooling/heating selection display section is (91) flickers. When the operation switch button (92) of the other remote controller (9) is pressed, priority conditions are set for that remote controller (9), and the operation mode is set with that remote controller (9). . This step 5
Abnormal neutral means (15
) is configured.

6 and 7 are control flow diagrams and state transition diagrams showing the setting operation of each code A to F in the indoor control unit (8).
1, the branch control unit (7), that is, determines whether or not the first code A is received from the outside, and outputs the first code A.
When the
), the first code is sent to the remote control (9), and the first code A is sent to the central controller (C) (not shown) provided in the indoor control unit (8), and the self The indoor control unit (8) of (I) is set to the state of the first code A, and the operation mode is set according to the command signal from the branch control unit (7). Thereafter, the process moves to step 5T103, where the instruction flag RCC3F is set and transmitted to the remote controller (9) and central controller, and the process returns.

Further, if another signal is received from the indoor control unit (8) or branch control unit (7), step 5T104
It is determined whether or not the second code B has been received, and if the second code B is received, the process moves to step S T 105,
The state becomes the state ■ shown in Fig. 7 (b), the first code A is sent to the remote controller (9) and the central controller, the own indoor control unit (8) is set to the state of the second code B, and the automatic mode is activated. In some cases, the operating mode, such as cooling mode, can be set independently. Thereafter, the process returns via step 5T103.

If no signal has been received from the branch control unit (7), the determination at step 5T106 is NO, and the process returns via steps 5TIOI, 5T104 and step 5T106, while the set instruction flag RCC5F is Once received, proceed to step 5T below.
Judgments 107 to 5T111 are made, and if the signal does not correspond to any of the signal contents, the process returns. This step 5TI
O7 to STI 11 determine which code C-F the transmission code of the branch control unit (7) corresponds to,
When the third code C is received, the process moves from step 5T107 to step 5T112, and returns via the above step 5T103. When the fifth code E is received, the process moves from step DT108 to step S T 11.3, and the process moves to the above step 5T103. Return via and also
If the current own code and the received code match, the process returns from step 5T109 to step ST103, and if the fourth code D is received,
The process moves from step 5TIIO to step 5T114, returns through step 5T103, and also returns to step 5T114.
When code F is received, the process moves from step STI 11 to step 5T115, and returns via step 5T103.

Therefore, to explain the contents of each step 5T112 to 5TII5, first, in step 5T112, the state [phase] shown in FIG. The indoor control unit (8) is set to the state of the third code C, and in step 5T113, the state becomes 0 as shown in FIG. 7(C), and the fifth code E is sent to the remote controller (9) and the central controller. , the own indoor control unit (8) is set to the state of the fifth code E. And which state [phase],
The operating mode is also set at point o based on the command signal from the remote controller (9).

In addition, in the above step 5T114, the state becomes the state (d) in FIG. 7, and the remote controller (9) and the central controller
By transmitting the code D, the own indoor control unit (8) is set to the state of the fourth code D, and also in step 5T above.
At 115, the state becomes the state shown in Fig. 7 (e), and the remote control (9
) and the central controller, and the indoor control unit (8) is set to the state of the sixth code E. In both states (1) and (2), each indoor control unit (8), (8), . . . is set to a state in which the priority condition of the remote controller (9) is not set.

On the other hand, in the above FIG. 7(c), when the instruction flag RCC3F is reset from the state (2), the state moves to the state (2) of FIG. 7(d), and when the instruction flag RCC3F is reset from the state (2), Moving to state ■ in Figure 7(e), the third or fifth
Send code C2E and own indoor control unit (8)
establishes the state of the third or fifth code C, H, and resets the instruction flag RCCSF that it outputs (see block S1).

In the above-mentioned state (3) of FIG. 7(d), when the third code C is received from the remote controller (9) or the central controller with the indoor control unit (8) or the instruction flag RCC5F reset, that is, when the third code C is received from the remote controller (9) or the central controller, ) When the operation switching button (92) is pressed while the cooling/heating selection display section (91) of the controller (see block S2) is flickering, the instruction flag RCC3F is set and transmitted to the remote controller (9) and central controller (see block S2), and the above state is set. Moving to (2), the indoor control unit (8) enters the third code C state. Conversely, in the above state (3), when the instruction flag RCC5F is reset, the fourth
When code D is received, the set instruction flag RCC3
Send F, move to the above state ■, and set the instruction flag RCCSF.
(see block S1). On the other hand, Fig. 7 (
The operation between states ① and 0 in e) is similar to that between states ① and ①, and the state changes upon reception of the fifth code E or the sixth code F.

Depending on the state between ■ and ■ and between ■ and ■, the indoor control unit (8) changes between the remote control (9) with priority conditions for setting the operation mode, the specified state, and the unspecified state with no priority conditions set. do.

In addition, in the above states ■, ■, ■, ■, [stock] and 0, if the central controller sets and transmits the temperature control change prohibition flag, the states ■, ■, ■.

■, 0 and 0, and transmits the first code A to the remote controller (9) without changing its own code C-F and without changing the transmission code to the central controller, and then transmits the first code A to the remote controller (9). (9) turns off the cooling/heating selection display section (91) and prohibits mode change. Then, when the above-mentioned prohibition on temperature control changes is lifted, it will return to normal, but the state will change! ! When the third code C or the fifth code E is received from the remote control (9) at @ and [phase], the state shifts to state (2) and state (2). In addition, in the above states ■, ■, ■, and ■, when each code C-F is received from the remote control (9), the above states ■, ■,
, ■ and ■.

Next, Fig. 8 shows each code A to F in the remote control (9).
is a state transition diagram showing the setting operation of , where state ■ is the initial state after the power is turned on until each code A to F is received;
When each code A-FRCC is received from this initial state from the branch control unit (7) via the indoor control unit (8), the first code A goes to state ■, the third code C goes to state ■, and the fourth code In D, the state goes to ■, in the fifth code E, goes to the state ■, and in the sixth code F, goes to the state [stock]. For the second code B, please use the remote control (
9) is irrelevant, so there is no state for code B.

In this state ■, the mode flag BSF is reset in the state of the first code A, and the cooling/heating selection display section (91
) goes out and the operation mode cannot be changed, meaning that priority conditions have not been set.

However, in this state ■, if the operation switching button (92) indicated by BS is pressed, the operation mode of the indoor unit (B) is changed between cooling and ventilation or heating and ventilation, and block S
Change the display with ll. Further, when another code C-F is received from the indoor control unit (8) from the above state (3), the state shifts to states (2), (2), (2), and [phase] corresponding to each code C to F.

Therefore, for example, when the third code C is received, the state moves to the state ■ via the states [phase], ) is configured. The remote control (9) then sets the operation mode using the operation switching button (92). In other words, the operation switching button (92) is pressed to 1.
When pressed twice, the display changes in block S12, moving to state ■, setting the timer for 4 seconds, and when the operation switch button (92) is turned off within the 4 seconds, moving to state ■, setting the timer to 2.
The second is set, and when the timer times up, the state returns to state (2) and the state of third code C is maintained. Then, in the above state ■, press the operation switch button (92) again within 2 seconds.
When the button is pressed, the display changes sequentially as the state changes to ■, while the state changes from ■ to ■, and when the mode flag BSF is reset from the set state, the operation mode is switched in accordance with the display.

On the other hand, if the operation switching button (92) is continuously pressed for 4 seconds or more in the above state ■, the state changes to state ■, the fourth code D state is entered, the priority condition cancellation signal is output, and the priority condition It becomes unconfigured and branch control unit 1 (
All remote controllers connected to 7) (9), (9),...
・The priority condition is not set. In this state (2), the neutral means (17) is configured. When this priority condition is not set, the cooling/heating selection display section (91
) flickers, and if the operation change button (92) of any remote controller (9) is pressed in this state, that remote controller (9) shifts to state (2), and the other remote controllers (9) shift to state (2). As a result, the remote control (9) used to set the operating mode will be changed.

In addition, from state ■ to state ■, the mode flag BSF
remains set, the operation mode will not change and the display will return to its original state.

Also, between the state ■ and the state [stock], the fifth code E and the sixth code F are changed in the same way as between the above states ■ and ■, and the state shown in block 813 is The change and the operation mode change are performed.

As described above, each code A is transmitted between the branch control unit (7), the indoor control unit (8), and the remote control (9).
-F is sent and received to set the operation mode.

Therefore, since it is possible to change the mode by setting priority conditions for a specific remote control (9), and also to be able to move the priority conditions, it is possible to change the mode by setting priority conditions for a specific remote control (9).
Since the mode can be changed only in 9), it is possible to improve operability, and the driving mode can be reliably specified, improving comfort. It is also possible to respond to changes in the number of items, thereby improving operability.

In addition, in the event of a transmission error, the priority conditions are set to an unset state, so the operation mode can be changed.
Precise driving mode can be set.

In addition, in this embodiment, the branch unit (56) and the branch tF1
Although one unit is provided, in the present invention, the indoor unit (B) may be connected to the outdoor unit (A), and the indoor control unit (8) may be connected to the outdoor control unit (6). .

Further, the connection mode of the remote control (9) is not limited to the embodiment,
For example, remote controllers (a), (a) are provided for all indoor control units (8), (8), . . . , respectively.

... may be provided.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention. 2 to 8 show an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner, and FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the control system. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of the control code means, Fig. 5 is a control flow diagram of the branch control unit, Fig. 6 is a control flow diagram of the indoor control unit, and Figs. 7 (a) and (b).
), (c), (d) and (e) are state transition diagrams, and FIG. 8 is a state transition diagram of the remote controller. (3)...Refrigerant circuit (6)...Outdoor control unit (7)...Branch control unit (8)...Indoor control unit (9)...Remote control (15)...Abnormal neutral Means (16)... Priority means (17)... Neutral means (92)... Operation switching button and 2 others

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) an outdoor unit (A) and a plurality of indoor units (B) connected in parallel to the outdoor unit (A);
B)..., a refrigerant circuit (3) whose refrigerant flow direction is variable so that the indoor unit (B) is in a cooling operation state or a heating operation state, and the indoor unit (B), (B), A plurality of indoor control units (8), (8), . . .
and an external control unit (7) that controls the outdoor unit (A) and transmits and receives control signals to and from the indoor control unit (8), and a control signal that is transmitted between the indoor control unit (8) and the indoor control unit (8). In the operation control device for an air conditioner, the operation control device includes one or more remote controllers (9) for transmitting and receiving and operating the indoor unit (B), each of the remote controllers (9), (9),...
mode setting means (92), (92), ... for outputting a mode signal for switching the operation mode of the indoor units (B), (92), etc. ) to output a mode signal, a priority means (16) for setting priority conditions for a specific remote controller (9), and the other remote controllers (9),
), . . . neutral means (1
7) An operation control device for an air conditioner, comprising: (2) In the operation control device for an air conditioner according to claim (1), if a transmission abnormality occurs between the remote controller (9) for which priority conditions have been set and the indoor control unit (8), the other remote controller (9) ) is equipped with an abnormality neutral means (15) that outputs a cancellation signal so that the priority condition becomes a state where a priority condition can be set and a priority condition is not set.