JPH03236552A - Air-conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable decision of the presence of abnormality of the piping or the wiring of a unit by a method wherein a first indoor unit is set to a given time, second and following indoor units are set to a time shorter than that of the first indoor unit, and when the temperature of indoor heat exchanger is changed for a value exceeding a given value as a result of inflow of a refrigerant, a signal for this fact is outputted from each indoor unit to monitor the indoor unit. CONSTITUTION:When a multi control part 60 receives a command during operation, an internal timer is set to a given time. All signal outputs from indoor units C1, C2, and C3 are monitored. A release signal is received from the indoor unit C1, decision of abnormality of the indoor unit C2 is forcibly confirmed, and when abnormality is decided, the internal time is set to a time shorter than a given time. The temperature of an indoor heat exchanger 24 is changed for a value exceeding a given value and reduced to a value lower than a given value, a release signal is outputted from an indoor control part 80, and all signal outputs from the indoor units C1, C2, and C3 are monitored, and the presence of abnormality of a piping and a wiring is decided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a multi-system air conditioner capable of air conditioning multiple rooms.

(Prior Art) Generally, a multi-system air conditioner includes one outdoor unit and multiple indoor units, and these indoor units are connected via piping and wiring to the outdoor unit via a branch unit. There is.

The branch unit controls the operation of the outdoor unit in accordance with the request of each indoor unit, and further controls the flow of refrigerant to each indoor unit in accordance with the request of each indoor unit.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) When installing this multi-system air conditioner in a building, incorrect connections of refrigerant pipes may occur between each indoor unit and the branch unit. .

Furthermore, incorrect connection of signal lines, so-called miswiring, may occur between each indoor unit and the branch unit.

Naturally, when such incorrect piping or wiring occurs, proper operation becomes difficult.

Therefore, it is necessary to perform a trial run after installation and carefully check the condition of the piping and wiring.

However, the check relies on manual work and must be performed on each indoor unit, which is extremely troublesome.

Also, because it is a hassle, sufficient checks are not done.
Incorrect piping and wiring are often overlooked.

This invention takes the above circumstances into consideration, and both the air conditioner according to claim 1 and the air conditioner according to claim 2 are designed to artificially control the state of piping and wiring between each indoor unit and the branch unit. The purpose is to be able to automatically, quickly and accurately check the equipment without requiring any additional work, thereby significantly reducing the burden placed on the person during installation, and to enable proper operation after installation. .

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) An air conditioner according to claim 1 includes one outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a branch unit each having an indoor heat exchanger. In a multi-system air conditioner consisting of a plurality of indoor units that are connected to the outdoor unit via piping and wiring, a heat exchanger that is installed in each of the indoor units and detects the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. a temperature sensor, a means for outputting a signal when the temperature detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor provided in each of the indoor units changes by a predetermined value or more; a check switch; means to operate the refrigerant to sequentially flow the refrigerant to each indoor unit for a predetermined period of time, and set the predetermined time to M hours for the first indoor unit and N(k) for the second and subsequent indoor units. M) means for setting the time, and means for monitoring the signal output of each of the indoor units when the check switch is operated to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the piping or wiring of each of the indoor units.

An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention includes one outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, each having an indoor heat exchanger and connected to the outdoor unit by piping and wiring via a branch unit. In a multi-system air conditioner consisting of a plurality of indoor units, a heat exchanger temperature sensor is provided in each of the indoor units to detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger temperature sensor is provided in each of the indoor units to detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. means for outputting a signal to that effect when the temperature detected by the indoor unit temperature sensor changes by more than a predetermined value, a check switch, and when the check switch is operated, the compressor is operated to sequentially supply refrigerant to each of the indoor units for a predetermined period of time. a means for monitoring the signal output of each of the indoor units when the check switch is operated to determine whether there is an abnormality in the piping or wiring of each of the indoor units; and a signal output from any of the indoor units. means for forcibly switching the flow of refrigerant to each indoor unit regardless of the predetermined time period.

(Function) In the air conditioner according to claim 1, when the check switch is operated, the compressor is operated to sequentially flow refrigerant to each indoor unit for a predetermined period of time. Regarding the predetermined time, the first indoor unit is set to M hours, and the second and subsequent indoor units are set to N hours, which is shorter than M hours. When the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger changes by a predetermined value or more due to the inflow of refrigerant, a signal to that effect is output from each indoor unit. In the air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the signal output is monitored to determine whether there is any abnormality in the piping or wiring of each indoor unit, when the check switch is operated, the compressor is operated and each indoor unit is operated for a predetermined period of time. Flow the refrigerant one after another.

When the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger changes by a predetermined value or more due to the inflow of the medium, a signal to that effect is output from each indoor unit. This signal output is monitored to determine whether there is any abnormality in the piping or wiring of each indoor unit.

Furthermore, when a signal is output from any of the indoor units, the flow of refrigerant to each indoor unit is forcibly switched regardless of the predetermined time.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, A is one outdoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units C1, C2, and C3 are connected to this outdoor unit A via a branch unit B through piping.

The outdoor unit A is equipped with two variable capacity compressors 1 and 2,
The refrigerant discharge ports of the compressors 1 and 2 are connected to an outdoor heat exchanger 6 via a check valve 3.4 and a four-way valve 5, respectively.

A header H is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 via a parallel body of a heating expansion valve 7 and a cooling cycle forming check valve 8, and a liquid tank 9, and an electric flow rate regulating valve (hereinafter referred to as PMV) is connected to the header H. ) 11゜21.31, cooling expansion valves 12, 22゜32, and heating cycle forming check valve 1
Indoor heat exchanger 14.2 through parallel body of 3,23°33
4°34 is connected.

The indoor heat exchanger 14, 24, 34 is connected to a header H, and the header H is connected to the refrigerant suction ports of the compressors 1 and 2 via the accumulator 10.

In this way, the outdoor unit A1, the branch unit B1, and the indoor units C, C2, and C3 constitute a heat pump type refrigeration cycle.

That is, during cooling operation, the refrigerant flows in the direction of the solid arrow shown in the figure to form a cooling cycle, and during heating operation, the refrigerant is caused to flow in the direction of the broken line arrow in the figure by switching the four-way valve 5 to form a heating cycle. That's what I do.

Furthermore, an oil separator 41 is connected to each refrigerant discharge side port of the compressors 1 and 2, and the oil separator 41
An oil bypass pipe 42 is connected to the refrigerant suction ports of the compressors 1 and 2. In addition, compressors 1 and 2
In each case, the position of the TIs quasi-oil level is set to 4
3 to allow mutual lubricating oil to flow.

The cooling expansion valves 12, 22, and 32 each have a temperature sensing tube 1.
2a, 22a, and 32a, and these temperature sensing tubes are attached to the gas side refrigerant pipes of the indoor heat exchangers 14, 24, and 34, respectively.

Heat exchanger temperature sensors 15, 25.35 are attached to the indoor heat exchangers 14, 24.34, respectively.

The control circuit is shown in FIG.

The outdoor unit A includes an outdoor control section 50.

The multi-control unit 6 of the branch unit B is connected to this outdoor control unit 50.
0 and connect the indoor unit c1 to the multi-control unit 60.
+ 02 + C3 indoor control unit 70.8
0.90 is connected.

The outdoor control unit 50 is composed of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, and externally includes a four-way valve 5, inverter circuits 51 and 52, an incorrect distribution check switch 54, and a display unit 5.
5, and an outdoor air temperature sensor 56 are connected.

The inverter circuits 51 and 52 rectify the voltage of the AC power supply 53, convert it into an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency by switching according to a command from the outdoor control unit 50, and supply it as driving power to the compressor motors IM and 2M, respectively. It is something to do.

The multi-control unit 60 consists of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, and has an external PMVII.

21.31 is connected.

The indoor control units 70, 80, and 90 are made up of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, and are externally connected to an operating unit 71,
81, 91, indoor air temperature sensors 72, 82, 92, and the heat exchanger temperature sensors 15, 25, 35 are connected, respectively.

Then, the indoor control units 70, 80.90 transmit the required capacity according to the air conditioning load (difference between the set temperature and the indoor air temperature) of the room in which each of them is installed using the frequency setting signals f, , f2.
f3 to the multi-control unit 60, and a functional means that outputs a release signal to that effect when the temperature detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 15°25.35 changes by more than a predetermined value and becomes less than a predetermined value. have.

The multi-control unit 60 receives the received frequency setting signal f1.
．． f2. The required capacity of each indoor unit is determined from f3, and the frequency setting signal fo corresponding to the sum is sent to the outdoor control unit 50.
It has functional means to send to.

The outdoor control unit 50 has functional means for controlling the operation and output frequency of the inverter circuits 51 and 52, that is, the number of operating compressors 1 and 2 and the operating frequency, in accordance with the frequency setting signal fo that is sent. .

Then, in the outdoor control unit 50 and the multi-control unit 60, when the misdelivery check switch 54 is operated, the compressors 1 and 2 are
Driving an indoor unit hc,.

A functional means for sequentially flowing refrigerant into C2+C3 for a predetermined time each time, and setting the predetermined time to M time for the first indoor unit, for example 10 minutes, and N for the second and subsequent indoor units (<M). A means for setting the time to 5 minutes, for example, and monitoring the release signal output of the indoor units C, C2 and C3 when the misplacement checkerag switch 54 is operated to detect abnormalities in the piping or wiring of the indoor units C1, C2, C3. It has a functional means for determining the presence or absence. The configuration of this functional means corresponds to the air conditioner according to claim 1.

Further, as a configuration of functional means corresponding to the air conditioner of claim 2, the outdoor control unit 50 and the multi-control unit 60 operate the compressors 1 and 2 when the misdistribution check switch 54 is operated, and the indoor units c, A functional means for sequentially supplying the medium to c2 and C3 for a predetermined time each time, and a function means for sequentially flowing the medium to the indoor units c1. The release signal outputs of C2 and C3 are monitored and the same indoor unit c1. c2. A functional means for determining whether there is an abnormality in the piping or wiring of C3, and when a signal is output from either indoor unit c, C2 or C3, the flow of refrigerant to each indoor unit is controlled for the predetermined time M,
It has functional means for forcibly switching regardless of N.

The operation of the above configuration will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 5.

First, let's talk about installation and then regular operation.

It is assumed that all indoor units are currently performing cooling operation.

At this time, the indoor control section 7° of the indoor unit C1 calculates the difference between the temperature detected by the indoor air temperature sensor 72 and the set temperature determined by the operation operation section 71, and generates a frequency setting signal f1 corresponding to the temperature difference. Multi-control unit 6 as required cooling capacity
Transfer to o.

Similarly, the indoor control section 80.9 of the indoor units C2 and C3
0 also transfers the frequency setting signal f2+f3 to the multi-control unit 6o as the required cooling capacity.

The multi-control unit 60 determines the required cooling capacity of each indoor unit based on the transferred frequency setting signal, and generates a frequency setting signal f corresponding to the sum total.

is transferred to the outdoor control unit 50.

The outdoor control unit 50 receives the transferred frequency setting signal fo.
Based on the number of operating compressors 1 and 2 and operating frequency (
The output frequency of the inverter circuits 51 and 52 is controlled.

In this case, the outdoor control unit 50 shifts from operating one compressor 1 to operating two compressors 1 and 2 as the total required cooling capacity increases.

Note that the multi-control unit 60 controls the indoor units C1c2. C
PMVII corresponding to the required cooling capacity of 3.
, 21.31, and indoor heat exchangers 14, 24.
．． The refrigerant flow rate to 34 is adjusted to maintain a constant refrigerant superheat degree.

In heating operation, the flow of refrigerant is reversed and similar capacity control is performed.

Next, we will discuss below how to check for misplacement when installing in a building.

The installer operates the misdelivery check switch 54 of the outdoor unit A upon completion of the installation.

When the misdelivery check switch 54 is operated, the outdoor control section 50 transmits a check signal to the multi-control section 60.

The multi-control unit 60 monitors the reception of the check signal (step S1), and upon receiving the check signal, executes the following control.

Set an internal restart prevention timer (step S2)
, sends an operation stop command to all indoor units C1, C2, and C3.

t due to count-up of restart prevention timer.

After the time has passed (step S4), the indoor unit C1
PMVII corresponding to the indoor unit C1 is set to an opening proportional to the capacity of the indoor unit C1 (corresponding to the capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 14) (step S5), and the outdoor control section 50 of the outdoor unit A is set to perform cooling operation at a predetermined frequency. A command is transmitted (step S6).

The outdoor control unit 50 starts the compressor 1.2 based on a command from the multi-control unit 60 and transmits an in-operation command to the multi-control unit 60.

When the compressor], 2 starts, a cooling cycle is formed and refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 14.

In this case, if the piping of the indoor heat exchanger 14 is properly arranged, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 14 of the indoor unit C1 changes by more than a predetermined value and becomes less than a predetermined value, and a release signal is output from the indoor control unit 70. be done.

On the other hand, the multi-control unit 60 monitors the reception of the running command (step S7), and upon receiving the running command, executes the following control.

The internal timer T1 is set to a predetermined M time of 10 minutes (step S8). This 10 minutes includes sufficient time for the operation of the refrigeration cycle to stabilize.

The signal outputs of all indoor units c, , C21C3 are monitored (step S9.SIO, Sl, 2).

Here, if a release signal is received from the indoor unit C1, the process is forced to proceed to step S16 regardless of the elapsed time of the internal timer T1.

However, if a release signal is received from an indoor unit C2 other than the indoor unit C1, it is determined that the piping or wiring of the indoor units C, C2 is abnormal (Step 511), and the step S16 is forced regardless of the elapsed time of the internal timer T1.
Move to.

If a release signal is received from the indoor unit C3 other than the indoor unit C1, it is determined that the piping or wiring of the indoor unit ClC5 is abnormal (Step 31B), and the internal timer T1
Regardless of the elapsed time, the process forcibly moves to step S16.

Further, if M minutes have passed without receiving a release signal from any indoor unit (step 514), it is determined that the piping or wiring of the indoor unit C1 is abnormal (step 515), and the process moves to step S16.

In step S16, it is checked whether there is an abnormality determination of the indoor unit C2, and if there is an abnormality determination, step S2
Moving to 9, if there is no abnormality determination, the following control is executed.

The PMV 21 corresponding to the indoor unit C2 is set to an opening proportional to the capacity of the indoor unit C2 (corresponding to the capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 24) (step 517).

The internal timer Tl is set to 5 minutes, which is N time shorter than the M time (step 518),
The internal timer T2 is set to a predetermined value of 30 seconds (step 519).

Here, the N time is set to 5 minutes, taking into account that the refrigeration cycle is already in stable operation, and is the time necessary only for checking.

In this way, when the PMV 21 starts to open and 30 seconds have elapsed based on the elapsed time of the internal timer T2 (step 520)
PMVII is fully closed (step 521).

In this case, if the piping of the indoor heat exchanger 24 is normal, the refrigerant will flow into the indoor heat exchanger 24. As a result, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 24 changes by more than the predetermined value and becomes less than the predetermined value, and the indoor control unit 80 outputs a release signal.

All indoor units c1. c2. The signal output of C3 is monitored (steps S22, S23, 525).

Here, if a release signal is received from the indoor unit C2, the process is forced to proceed to step S29 regardless of the elapsed time of the internal timer T2.

However, if a release signal is received from an indoor unit C1 other than the indoor unit C2, the piping or wiring of the indoor units C, C2 will be determined to be abnormal (step 524), and the step S29 will be forced regardless of the elapsed time of the internal timer T2.
Move to.

If a release signal is received from an indoor unit C3 other than the indoor unit C2, it is determined that the piping or wiring of the indoor unit C2-C3 is abnormal (step 526), and the internal timer T is activated.
The process forcibly moves to step S29 regardless of the elapsed time in step S29.

Further, if N minutes have passed without receiving a release signal from any indoor unit (step 527), it is determined that the piping or wiring of the indoor unit C2 is abnormal (step 528), and the process moves to step S29.

In step S29, it is checked whether there is an abnormality determination of the indoor unit C3, and if there is an abnormality determination, step S4
Moving on to 2, if there is no abnormality determination, the following control is executed.

The PMV 31 corresponding to the indoor unit C3 is set to an opening proportional to the capacity of the indoor unit C3 (corresponding to the capacity of the indoor heat exchanger 34) (step 530).

The internal timer T1 is set to 5 minutes, which is N time (step 531), and the internal timer T2 is set to a predetermined value of 30 seconds (step 532).

In this way, when the PMV 31 starts to open and 30 seconds have elapsed based on the elapsed time of the internal timer T2 (step 333),
The PMV 21 is fully closed (step 534).

In this case, if the piping of the indoor heat exchanger 34 is normal, the refrigerant will flow into the indoor heat exchanger 34. As a result, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 34 changes by more than the predetermined value and becomes less than the predetermined value, and the indoor control unit 90 outputs a release signal.

The signal outputs of all indoor units C1, C2, ca are monitored (steps S35, S36, 538).

Here, if a release signal is received from the indoor unit C3, the process is forced to proceed to step S42 regardless of the elapsed time of the internal timer T2.

However, if a release signal is received from an indoor unit C1 other than indoor unit C3, the piping or wiring of indoor units c, c3 is determined to be abnormal (step 537), and step S42 is forced regardless of the elapsed time of internal timer T2.
Move to.

If a release signal is received from an indoor unit C2 other than the indoor unit C3, it is determined that the piping or wiring of the indoor unit C2-C3 is abnormal (step 839), and the internal timer T is activated.
The process forcibly moves to step S42 regardless of the elapsed time in step S42.

Further, if N minutes have passed without receiving a release signal from any indoor unit (step 540), it is determined that the piping or wiring of the indoor unit C3 is abnormal (step 541), and the process moves to step S42.

In step S42, the PMV 31 is fully closed.

Then, the content of the determined abnormality is transmitted to the outdoor control section 50 of the outdoor unit A for 3 seconds (step 543).
). Then, a check completion signal is transmitted to the outdoor control section 50 of the outdoor unit A (step 544).

In the outdoor control section 50, the details of the abnormality are displayed on the display section 55 based on the transmission signal from the multi-control section 60.

Therefore, the state of the piping and wiring between the indoor units C1, C2, C3 and the branch unit B can be checked automatically, quickly and accurately without requiring any manual work. This greatly reduces the burden placed on the person during installation, and enables proper operation after installation.

In particular, for the first indoor unit, the check time is set to M time, which takes into account the stabilization of the refrigeration cycle, and for the second and subsequent indoor units, the time required only for the check is set to N (<M). Since the time is set, there are advantages in that the life of the refrigeration cycle equipment can be extended, and the time required from the start to the completion of the check can be significantly shortened.

Furthermore, when a release signal is output from any of the indoor units, the flow of refrigerant to each indoor unit is forcibly switched regardless of whether time M or time N has elapsed. It is also possible to significantly reduce the time required from the start to the completion of a check.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where there are three indoor units is explained as an example, but there is no limit to the number of indoor units;
The same implementation is also possible for the number of units or more units.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the air conditioner of claim 1 has the following features: a heat exchanger temperature sensor provided in each indoor unit to detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger; means for outputting a signal to that effect when the detected temperature of the heat exchanger temperature sensor changes by more than a predetermined value, a check switch, and a means for operating the compressor to operate each indoor unit for a predetermined period of time when the check switch is operated. means for sequentially flowing the refrigerant, means for setting the predetermined time to M hours for the first indoor unit and N (<M) hours for the second and subsequent indoor units; Since it is equipped with a means to monitor the signal output of each indoor unit when the check switch is operated and determine whether there is an abnormality in the piping or wiring of each indoor unit, the piping or wiring between each indoor unit and the branch unit is The state,
It is possible to check automatically, quickly and accurately without requiring any human work, which greatly reduces the burden on the person during installation and enables proper operation after installation.

The air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a heat exchanger temperature sensor provided in each indoor unit to detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger, and a temperature detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor provided in each indoor unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. means for outputting a signal to that effect when the check switch is operated; means for operating the compressor to sequentially flow refrigerant to each indoor unit for a predetermined period of time when the check switch is operated; means for monitoring the signal output of the indoor units to determine whether there is any abnormality in the piping or wiring of each indoor unit;
Since it is equipped with a means for forcibly switching the flow of refrigerant to each indoor unit regardless of the above-mentioned predetermined time when a signal is output from any of the indoor units, the flow of refrigerant between each indoor unit and the branch unit is The condition of piping and wiring can be checked automatically, quickly and accurately without the need for any manual work, which greatly reduces the burden on personnel during installation and ensures proper operation after installation. becomes possible.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit of the same embodiment, and FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts for explaining the effects of the respective embodiments. A...Outdoor unit, B...Branch unit, C1°C2, C3...Indoor unit, 50...Outdoor control section, 60...Multi control section, 70, 80.90...Indoor Control unit, 54...mis-delivery check switch.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) One outdoor unit that has a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and multiple indoor units that each have an indoor heat exchanger and are connected by piping and wiring to the outdoor unit via a branch unit. A multi-system air conditioner comprising: a heat exchanger temperature sensor provided in each indoor unit to detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger;
means for outputting a signal to that effect when the detected temperature of the heat exchanger temperature sensor changes by more than a predetermined value, provided in each of the indoor units; and a check switch, which operates the compressor when the check switch is operated; Means for sequentially flowing refrigerant to each indoor unit for a predetermined time, and setting the above predetermined time to M hours for the first indoor unit and N (<M) hours for the second and subsequent indoor units. and a means for monitoring the signal output of each of the indoor units when the check switch is operated to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the piping or wiring of each of the indoor units. . (2) One outdoor unit that has a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and multiple indoor units that each have an indoor heat exchanger and are connected by piping and wiring to the outdoor unit via a branch unit. A multi-system air conditioner comprising: a heat exchanger temperature sensor provided in each indoor unit to detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger;
means for outputting a signal to that effect when the detected temperature of the heat exchanger temperature sensor changes by more than a predetermined value, provided in each of the indoor units; and a check switch, which operates the compressor when the check switch is operated; means for sequentially flowing refrigerant into each indoor unit for a predetermined period of time; and means for monitoring signal output of each indoor unit when the check switch is operated to determine whether there is an abnormality in the piping or wiring of each indoor unit; An air conditioner comprising means for forcibly switching the flow of refrigerant to each indoor unit regardless of the predetermined time period when a signal is output from any of the indoor units.