JP2011080760A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner operable in an operation mode for verification without using an exclusive maintenance device. <P>SOLUTION: In the air conditioner composed of an outdoor unit 3 built in with a compressor 11 and an outdoor heat exchanger 15, and an indoor unit 1 built in with an indoor heat exchanger 5, a control unit 60 controlling operation of the air conditioner and including a memory accessible from an exterior of the air conditioner is provided in the outdoor unit 3, a program for verification of a plurality of operation modes for performance verification operating the compressor 11 at different predetermined operating frequencies is stored in the memory, the control unit 60 includes an instruction input part 61 for inputting instruction data from the outside, and when instruction data for an operation mode for performance verification selected from the plurality of operation modes for performance verification are inputted in the control unit 60, the compressor 11 carries out operation in the operation mode for performance verification corresponding to the instruction data on the basis of the program for verification. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for operating an air conditioner in a test operation mode.

Conventionally, an air conditioner in which a maintenance device can be connected is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). This type of air conditioner operates under predetermined operating conditions and may perform performance verification measurements that measure performance and electrical characteristics under such conditions. To perform such measurements, the type and specifications of the air conditioner It was necessary to make a dedicated maintenance device according to the situation.
JP-A-10-267327

  However, the types of air conditioners are diversifying, and the production of maintenance devices for each air conditioner results in an enormous number of types of maintenance devices, and maintenance every time the air conditioner to be measured is changed. There has been a problem that the apparatus has to be changed and the work becomes complicated.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the situation mentioned above, and it is providing the air conditioning apparatus which can be drive | operated in the operation mode for a test | inspection, without using a dedicated maintenance apparatus.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an air conditioner that includes an outdoor unit including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger.
The outdoor unit is provided with a control unit provided with a memory that controls the operation of the device and is accessible from the outside of the device, and the memory is used to operate the compressor at different predetermined operating frequencies. A plurality of performance verification operation mode verification programs are stored, and the control unit includes an instruction input unit for inputting instruction data from the outside, and the control unit is selected from the plurality of performance verification operation modes. When the instruction data for the performance verification operation mode is input, the compressor operates in the performance verification operation mode corresponding to the instruction data based on the verification program.

  In the above configuration, the maintenance device external to the device is provided with a display unit for displaying the operation state of the selected performance test operation mode, and the maintenance device is detachable from a connection port provided in the control unit. It is comprised by this.

  The present invention stores a verification program for performing operation in a plurality of verification operation modes with the air conditioner in a control unit provided in an outdoor unit, and a plurality of programs according to instruction data sent from an external maintenance device Since the operation in the verification operation mode is selectively performed, there is no need to send a control command depending on the model of the air conditioner from the maintenance device, and the verification operation can be performed without using a dedicated maintenance device. It can be operated in mode.

It is a figure showing the outline composition of the gas heat pump type air harmony device concerning this embodiment. It is a figure where it uses for description of the program for a test | inspection.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a gas heat pump type air conditioner (hereinafter, air conditioner) 100 according to the present embodiment. The air conditioner 100 according to this embodiment is a so-called multi-type package air conditioner, and includes a plurality of indoor units 1 and a single outdoor unit 3. On the indoor unit 1 side, an indoor heat exchanger 5, an electric fan 7, an electric expansion valve 9, and the like are installed. On the outdoor unit 3 side, a compressor 11, an electromagnetic four-way valve 13, an outdoor heat exchanger 15, an electric fan 17, an accumulator 19, a receiver tank 21, and the like are installed. The equipment which comprises a refrigerant circuit is connected by the refrigerant | coolant piping 31-48 used for the distribution | circulation of a gas refrigerant or a liquid refrigerant. In the figure, reference numeral 23 denotes a gas engine, which drives the compressor 11 via a flexible coupling 25.

  In the indoor unit 1, an indoor control board (hereinafter referred to as an indoor control unit (ECU)) 50 that drives the electric fan 7 and the electric expansion valve 9 is installed. The indoor control unit 50 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a time counter, an input / output interface, a communication port 51, and the like. The CPU controls each part of the indoor unit 1, and various control programs executed by the CPU are stored in the ROM. The input / output interface includes a suction temperature sensor 53 that detects the suction temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 5, a blowout temperature sensor 55 that detects the blowout temperature, and refrigerant temperatures on the inlet and outlet sides of the indoor heat exchanger 5. Are connected to the communication port 51, and a communication line L1 for communicating with the outdoor control unit 60 accommodated in the outdoor unit 3 is connected to the communication port 51. In the outdoor unit 3, an outdoor control board (hereinafter referred to as an outdoor control unit (ECU)) 60 that drives and controls the four-way valve 13, the electric fan 17, the gas engine 23, and the like is installed. The outdoor control unit 60 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a timer counter, an input / output interface, a communication port 61, an EEPROM (memory) 62, and the like. The CPU controls each part of the outdoor unit 3, and various control programs (including control programs for normal operation) executed by the CPU are stored in the ROM.

  The input / output interface includes refrigerant temperature sensors 63 and 65 that detect refrigerant temperatures on the inlet side and outlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger 15, and refrigerant temperature sensors that detect refrigerant temperatures on the suction side and discharge side of the compressor 11. 67, 69, pressure sensors 71, 73 for detecting the pressure on the suction side and the discharge side of the compressor 11, an outside air temperature sensor 75 for detecting the outside air temperature, and the like are connected to the bypass lines 46, 47 of the compressor 11. Connected are bypass valves 81 and 83, outdoor expansion valves 85 and 87 that operate during heating operation, a liquid valve 89 interposed in the liquid line 48, and the like.

  The communication port (instruction input unit) 61 communicates with the communication line L1 for communicating with the indoor control unit 50 accommodated in each indoor unit 1 and the engine control unit 105 for controlling the gas engine 23. The communication line L2 is connected, and the connection port 113 provided in the outer peripheral part of the outdoor unit 3 is connected via the communication line L3 and the power supply line L4. The EEPROM 62 stores various data set by the manufacturer and maintenance contractor of the air conditioner 100, and this data stores data related to the setting of the model.

  In the gas engine 23, a gas pipe 91 from a fuel gas supply source is connected to a fuel system, and a gas regulating valve 93 and a fuel gas valve (shutoff valve) 94 are disposed in the gas pipe 91. Further, cooling water pipes 95 and 97 from a radiator (not shown) are connected to the cooling system, and an electric cooling water pump 99 and a cooling water three-way valve 101 are arranged in the cooling water pipe 95 on the supply side. It is installed. The gas regulating valve 93, the fuel gas valve 94, the cooling water pump 99 and the cooling water three-way valve 101 are connected to the outdoor control unit 60 and driven and controlled by the outdoor control unit 60. In the figure, reference numeral 103 denotes a water temperature sensor that detects the cooling water temperature, and is connected to the input interface of the outdoor control unit 60. Further, the gas engine 23 is provided with an engine control unit 105 that performs intensive operation control, and this engine control unit 105 is connected to the outdoor control unit 60 via a communication line L3.

  Between the outdoor control unit 60 and the indoor control unit 50 in each indoor unit 1, drive commands and operation information are transmitted and received via the communication line L 1. For example, the indoor control unit 50 can detect detection values of various sensors and the like. Operation information such as the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 9 is transmitted to the outdoor control unit 60, and the outdoor control unit 60 transmits a drive command to the indoor control unit 50, and the indoor control unit 50 performs the indoor unit 1 based on this drive command. Control each part.

  Further, between the outdoor control unit 60 and the engine control unit 105, drive commands and operation information are transmitted and received via the communication line L2. For example, the engine control unit 105 can detect the detection values of various sensors and the electric expansion valve 9. Operation information such as the opening degree is transmitted to the outdoor control unit 60, and the outdoor control unit 60 transmits a drive command to the engine control unit 105, and the engine control unit 105 controls the gas engine 23 based on this drive command.

  The connection port 113 provided in the outdoor unit 3 functions as a detachable attachment / detachment unit for the maintenance device 111. The maintenance device 111 is a device that functions as a remote controller used when performing performance verification measurement of the air conditioner 100. When the maintenance device 111 is connected to the connection port 113, the maintenance device 111 is connected to the outdoor unit 3 via the power supply line L4. While operating by the supplied electric power, it communicates with the outdoor control unit 60 via the communication line L3.

  For example, a portable computer is applied to the maintenance device 111. The maintenance device 111 includes a display unit 115 for displaying various types of information and an operation unit 117, and is detachably connected to the connection port 113 via a connection cable 119. The maintenance device 111 includes a keyboard and a touch panel disposed on the display unit 115 as the operation unit 117, and a pointing pen 120 for touch panel operation is attached.

  By the way, in the performance verification measurement of the air conditioner 100, the air conditioner 100 is operated under a predetermined operating condition, and the operation mode of the air conditioner 100 is fixed in order to measure performance and electrical characteristics under the operating condition. There is a need. In this method of fixing the operation mode, various settings and driving commands of the air conditioner 100 are performed from an external maintenance device, and it is necessary to match the model and specification of the air conditioner 100, and a dedicated maintenance device for each model and specification. Will have to prepare.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, various settings and drive commands for operating the air conditioner 100 in the performance verification operation mode (hereinafter referred to as performance verification operation mode) are performed on the EEPROM 62 in the outdoor control unit 60. Stores a test program describing the process. The maintenance device 111 has a function of sending instruction data for the performance verification operation mode, and the maintenance device 111 is configured to send instruction data independent of the model.

  The maintenance device 111 according to the present embodiment also has a monitor function of acquiring operation information transmitted and received between the outdoor control unit 60 and each indoor control unit 50 and displaying the contents thereof. It is good also as a structure which does not comprise a function.

  As the verification program, a program for switching the operation mode between the normal operation mode and the performance verification operation mode in accordance with data set in a predetermined setting area of the EEPROM 62 is applied. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the data “0” is set, the test program causes the processing to switch to the normal operation mode to execute the data “1” to “5”. When any of these is set, processing for operating in five operation modes (rated operation mode, 1/2 performance operation mode, maximum frequency operation mode, nominal mode) corresponding to the operation mode for performance verification is performed. Let it run.

  Among these performance verification operation modes, the rated operation mode assigned to the data “1” is an operation in which the operation frequency of the compressor 11 is fixed to the rated frequency, and the 1/2 performance assigned to the data “2”. The operation mode is an operation in which the operation frequency of the compressor 11 is fixed to ½ frequency (intermediate frequency). The maximum frequency operation mode assigned to the data “3” is an operation for fixing the operation frequency of the compressor 11 to the maximum, and the minimum frequency operation mode assigned to the data “4” is an operation of the compressor 11. The nominal rated operation mode assigned to data “5” is an operation in which the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is fixed to the lower rated frequency.

  When performing a performance verification measurement of the air conditioner 100, the maintenance worker connects the connection cable 119 from the maintenance device 111 to the connection port 113, and inputs to the maintenance device 111 according to a predetermined procedure. 115 displays a selection screen for the above five operation modes for performance verification and normal operation mode, and when a target operation mode is selected from among them, the maintenance device 111 outputs instruction data for instructing the operation mode. To do. When the instruction data is output, the data in the setting area of the EEPROM 62 of the outdoor control unit 60 is set to data corresponding to the instruction data (any one of data “0” to “5”).

  On the other hand, the outdoor control unit 60 accesses the setting area of the EEPROM 62 every time it is activated. When the data set in this setting area is “0”, the outdoor control unit 60 operates in the normal operation mode, and the data is “1” to “ In the case of “5”, on the basis of the verification program stored in the EEPROM 62, the operation is performed in the performance verification operation mode corresponding to the data.

  In addition, when the maintenance device 111 receives an operation data display command from a maintenance company, various types of operation data are transferred from the outdoor control unit 60 to the RAM in the maintenance device 111. And after these operation data are arranged in the maintenance apparatus 111, the present thing is displayed on the display part 115 by a table form by a character and a number. In this case, for each indoor unit 1, capacity (kW), model name, start / stop (operation / stop), mode (cooling / heating / air blowing), thermo (whether air-conditioning operation is in progress), suction temperature, blow-out temperature The refrigerant temperature on the inlet side of the heat exchanger, the refrigerant temperature on the outlet side of the heat exchanger, the fan air volume (weak / strong / rapid), and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 9 can be displayed. For the outdoor unit 3, the suction pressure and suction side refrigerant temperature of the compressor 11, the discharge pressure and discharge side refrigerant temperature of the compressor 11, the inlet side refrigerant temperature of the heat exchanger, the outlet side refrigerant temperature of the heat exchanger, Outside air temperature, cooling water temperature of gas engine 23, fan output, opening of outdoor expansion valve 85, opening of bypass valve 81, opening of liquid valve 89, opening of gas regulating valve 93, after engine oil replacement Elapsed time, operation time of gas engine 23, number of operations of gas engine 23, ON / OFF of four-way valve 13, ON / OFF of fuel gas valve 94, ON / OFF of cooling water pump 99, ON of cooling water three-way valve 101 / OFF, suction heating degree, engine speed, starter operation time, starter operation number, etc. can be displayed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the verification program for performing the operation in the verification operation mode by the air conditioner 100 is stored in the EEPROM 62 in the outdoor control unit 60 and sent from the maintenance device 111. Since the operation in the verification operation mode is performed according to the instruction data, it is not necessary to send a control command depending on the model of the air conditioner 100 from the maintenance device 111, and a dedicated maintenance device is not used. Can also be operated in the test operation mode.

  For this reason, the same instruction from the maintenance device 111 is stored in an air conditioner of a different model from the air conditioner 100 by storing a test program for operating the air conditioner in the test operation mode. By sending data, even air conditioners of different models can be operated in the performance verification mode, and the same maintenance device 111 can be shared by a plurality of types of air conditioners. Therefore, the types of maintenance devices 111 can be reduced, and the performance verification work of the air conditioner 100 can be facilitated.

  Further, in this configuration, the instruction data of the maintenance device 111 is not only instruction data (corresponding to data “1” to “5”) specifying the type of the operation mode for verification, but also data (data) indicating the normal operation mode. Therefore, switching to the normal operation mode can be performed remotely, and returning to the normal operation mode is easy.

  Further, in this configuration, data is set in a predetermined setting area of the EEPROM 62 based on the instruction data of the maintenance device 111, and the outdoor control unit 60 accesses the setting area and sets the operation mode every time it is started. As long as is not updated, the operation mode can be continued. For this reason, even if the maintenance apparatus 111 is removed from the air conditioning apparatus 100, the test operation mode can be continued.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, A various change implementation is possible. For example, the component parts and the piping configuration shown in the above embodiment are not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the verification program is stored in the EEPROM 62 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory other than the EEPROM may be used. The test program may be stored in the memory.

  Moreover, although the case where this invention is applied to a gas heat pump type air conditioning apparatus was demonstrated in the above-mentioned embodiment, it can apply widely not only to this but the air conditioning apparatus etc. which rotate a compressor with a motor. . In addition, the maintenance device 111 is not limited to the configuration in which the maintenance device 111 is connected to the air conditioning device 100 in a wired manner, and a configuration in which the maintenance device 111 is wirelessly connected may be applied. It only has to be.

100 Gas heat pump type air conditioner (air conditioner)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Indoor unit 3 Outdoor unit 5 Indoor heat exchanger 11 Compressor 15 Outdoor heat exchanger 23 Gas engine 50 Indoor control unit 51 Communication port 60 Outdoor control unit (control unit)
61 Communication port (instruction input unit)
62 EEPROM (memory)
105 Engine Control Unit 111 Maintenance Device 113 Connection Port 115 Display Unit 117 Operation Unit L1, L2, L3 ... Communication Line L4 Power Supply Line

Claims (2)

In an air conditioner composed of an outdoor unit incorporating a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor unit incorporating an indoor heat exchanger, the operation of the apparatus is controlled and access from the outside of the apparatus is performed. A control unit having a memory capable of being provided in the outdoor unit,
The memory stores a verification program for a plurality of performance verification operation modes in which the compressor is operated at different predetermined operating frequencies.
The control unit includes an instruction input unit for inputting instruction data from the outside, and when the instruction data of the performance verification operation mode selected from the plurality of performance verification operation modes is input to the control unit, The air conditioner is characterized in that the compressor operates in a performance verification operation mode corresponding to the instruction data based on the verification program.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance device external to the device includes a display unit that displays an operation state of the selected performance verification operation mode, and the maintenance device is attached to the control unit. An air conditioner configured to be detachably attached to a provided connection port.