JP5932311B2 - Valve control circuit for air conditioner and air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner valve control circuit and an air conditioner applied to, for example, a building multi-air conditioner.

  Conventionally, a valve control circuit mounted on an existing air conditioner such as a building multi-air conditioner generally includes a main microcomputer and a sub-microcomputer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A plurality of valve devices (for example, electromagnetic valves, three-way valves, etc.) mounted on the conventional air conditioner are connected to the main microcomputer via control signal lines. In addition, some of the multiple valve devices mounted on the conventional air conditioner are connected to the main microcomputer via limit signal lines, and the rest of the multiple valve devices are connected to the sub-microcomputer via limit signal lines. ing.

  In general, a valve device mounted on a conventional air conditioner has a driving range of 0 ° to 180 °. Therefore, if the valve device is driven in the minus direction and further driven in the minus direction further than 0 °, it will collide with the stopper at the position of −8 °. Normally, when the valve device is at a position from −8 ° to 0 °, a limit signal is sent from the valve device. If the valve device collides with a stopper at a position of −8 ° and further attempts to drive in the minus direction, the valve device may be broken.

  In order to prevent the valve device from being broken, the valve control circuit monitors the presence or absence of a limit signal sent from the valve device while sending the drive signal to the valve device when driving the valve device in the minus direction. . When the valve control circuit detects a limit signal sent by the valve device while driving the valve device in the minus direction, the valve control circuit immediately stops sending the drive signal to the valve device. Furthermore, the valve control circuit sends a drive signal that drives the valve device in the plus direction, and stops the drive by driving the valve device in the plus direction to a position where sending of the limit signal stops. In this way, the valve device is prevented from colliding with the stopper, and the valve device is prevented from being broken.

  Similarly, when the valve device is driven in the plus direction, if the valve device is driven in the plus direction further than 180 °, the valve device collides with a stopper at a position of 327 °. Normally, when the valve device is at a position from 315 ° to 327 °, a limit signal is sent from the valve device. If the valve device collides with a stopper at a position of 327 ° and further attempts to drive in the plus direction, the valve device may be broken.

  The valve control circuit monitors the presence or absence of a limit signal sent by the valve device while sending the drive signal to the valve device even when driving the valve device in the plus direction so as not to break the valve device. To do. When the valve control circuit detects a limit signal sent from the valve device while driving the valve device in the plus direction, it immediately stops sending the drive signal to the valve device. Further, the valve control circuit sends a drive signal for driving the valve device in the minus direction, and stops the drive by driving the valve in the minus direction to a position where sending of the limit signal stops. In this way, the valve device is prevented from colliding with the stopper, and the valve device is prevented from being broken.

  The limit signal sent out by the valve device is input to the main microcomputer or the sub-microcomputer via the limit signal line. When two or more valve devices are provided, in order to detect a limit signal for each valve device, the microcomputer needs to have as many input ports as the number of valve devices in order to input the limit signal. Since the number of input ports included in one microcomputer is limited, if the number of valve devices provided increases, the input ports provided in one microcomputer may be insufficient. In such a case, the valve control circuit had to include two or more microcomputers.

JP 2007-2251917 (page 4-5, FIG. 3 etc.)

  As described above, in the conventional air conditioner, when there are a large number of valve devices (that is, when the number of input ports included in one microcomputer is larger than that), it is necessary to include two or more microcomputers. When two or more microcomputers are provided, the number of microcomputers and microcomputer peripheral circuit components increases. For this reason, there has been a problem that the cost of parts becomes high. Further, the second and subsequent microcomputers require a different S / W from that of the first microcomputer, resulting in an increase in the S / W development cost. Furthermore, there is a problem that it is difficult to identify a broken valve device when the valve device is broken.

  When the number of valve devices provided is large, two or more limit signals can be input to one input port, and the required number of input ports of the microcomputer can be reduced. In addition, when the valve device fails and a failure state in which the limit signal continues to be transmitted occurs, the defective valve device can be determined at a glance by visually observing the display device.

  However, when controlling the valve device, the valve devices are driven one by one, and a plurality of valve devices cannot be driven simultaneously. Also, when the limit signal of some valve devices continues to be sent due to a failure, the limit signals of other valve devices cannot be detected, and thus normal valve devices cannot be used.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has improved the circuit configuration of a valve control circuit that controls a valve device mounted on an air conditioner, thereby reducing component costs. It aims at providing the valve control circuit of an air conditioning apparatus, and an air conditioning apparatus.

  In addition, the present invention can drive two or more valve devices at the same time, and even if some of the valve devices fail, the normal valve devices can continue to be usable. Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve control circuit and an air conditioner for the apparatus.

A valve control circuit of an air conditioner according to the present invention is provided in a circuit in which a fluid circulates, and includes a plurality of valve devices that send a limit signal via a limit signal line when a drive range is exceeded, and a drive signal line. A microcomputer for controlling the degree of opening of each of the valve devices by sending a drive signal to each of the valve devices via the valve, and stopping the valve device that sent the drive signal when the limit signal is input And a display device provided on each of the limit signal lines connecting each of the valve devices and the microcomputer, and the limit signal line is connected between the display device and the microcomputer. summarized in small number than the number of devices being connected to said microcomputer, summarizes the limit signal lines to one between the microcomputer and the display device, the microcomputer, the It is intended to deliver a drive signal with a time difference with respect to each device.

  A valve control circuit of an air conditioner according to the present invention is provided in a circuit in which a fluid circulates, and includes a plurality of valve devices that send a limit signal via a limit signal line when a drive range is exceeded, and a drive signal line. A microcomputer for controlling the degree of opening of each of the valve devices by sending a drive signal to each of the valve devices via the valve, and stopping the valve device that sent the drive signal when the limit signal is input And a voltage dividing circuit provided in each of the limit signal lines connecting each of the valve devices and the microcomputer, and the limit signal lines are between the valve device and the microcomputer. The number of valves is less than the number of valve devices and is connected to the microcomputer.

  The air conditioner according to the present invention connects the control circuit, the compressor, the heat source side heat exchanger, the expansion device, the refrigerant side flow paths of the plurality of heat exchangers, and the plurality of refrigerant flow switching devices with refrigerant piping. And a refrigerant circuit for circulating the heat source side refrigerant, a water pump, a usage side heat exchanger, a heat medium side flow path of the plurality of heat exchangers, and an inlet side or an outlet side of the usage side heat exchanger. And a water circuit for circulating a heat medium by connecting a flow switching valve installed on each of the inlet side and the outlet side of the use side heat exchanger with a pipe to circulate the heat medium. An air conditioner in which heat is exchanged between the heat-source-side refrigerant and the heat medium in an oven, wherein the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow path switching valve are controlled by the control circuit.

  According to the valve control circuit and the air conditioner of the air conditioner according to the present invention, it is not necessary to install a plurality of microcomputers without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit, and the component cost can be reduced. .

  According to the valve control circuit and the air conditioner of the air conditioner according to the present invention, two or more valve devices can be driven simultaneously without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit. If the device fails, the normal valve device can continue to be used.

It is a schematic circuit block diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a refrigerant circuit diagram which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant at the time of "all cooling" of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a refrigerant circuit diagram which shows the flow of the refrigerant | coolant at the time of [cooling main / cooling / heating] of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a control circuit diagram which shows roughly the circuit structure of the valve control circuit which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a control circuit diagram which shows roughly the circuit structure of the valve control circuit mounted in the conventional air conditioning apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the drive range of a valve apparatus. It is a control circuit diagram which shows roughly the circuit structure of the valve control circuit which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a control circuit diagram which shows roughly the circuit structure of the valve control circuit which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic circuit diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the voltage dividing circuit of the valve control circuit mounted in the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as an air-conditioning apparatus 100) according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioner 100 will be described based on FIG. This air conditioner 100 uses the refrigeration cycle (refrigerant circuit 11 and water circuit 12) that circulates the refrigerant (heat source side refrigerant, heat medium) so that each indoor unit can freely operate in the cooling mode or the heating mode. You can choose. In addition, in the following drawings including FIG. 1, the relationship of the size of each component may be different from the actual one. Moreover, in FIG. 1, the flow of the refrigerant | coolant at the time of a heating only operation mode is shown collectively.

  The air conditioner 100 includes a single outdoor unit 8 that is a heat source unit, a plurality of indoor units 10, and a shunt controller 9 that is interposed between the outdoor unit 8 and the indoor unit 10. The shunt controller 9 performs heat exchange between the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium. The outdoor unit 8 and the shunt controller 9 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 11a that conducts the heat source side refrigerant. The shunt controller 9 and the indoor unit 10 are connected by a pipe (heat medium pipe) 12a that conducts the heat medium. The cold or warm heat generated by the outdoor unit 8 is delivered to the indoor unit 10 via the shunt controller 9.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 8 and the diversion controller 9 include a heat exchanger for heat medium (hereinafter referred to as a heat exchanger 13 a (heat exchanger 13 a (1), heat exchanger) provided in the diversion controller 9. 13a (2)) and a heat exchanger 13b (referred to as heat exchanger 13b (1) and heat exchanger 13b (2)) are connected by the refrigerant pipe 11a. The diversion controller 9 and the indoor unit 10 are also connected by a pipe 12a through a heat exchanger 13a and a heat exchanger 13b. The refrigerant pipe 11a and the pipe 12a will be described in detail later. Moreover, although the state which has connected the heat exchanger 13a in parallel with the heat exchanger 13a (1) and the heat exchanger 13a (2) is shown as an example, it does not need to be divided in parallel (about the heat exchanger 13b) The same).

  The outdoor unit 8 is usually arranged in an outdoor space that is a space outside a building such as a building (for example, a rooftop), and supplies cold or hot heat to the indoor unit 10 via the shunt controller 9. The indoor unit 10 is arranged at a position where cooling air or heating air can be supplied to an indoor space that is a space inside the building (for example, a living room), and the cooling air or heating air is supplied to the indoor space that is the air-conditioning target space. Air is supplied. The shunt controller 9 is configured as a separate housing from the outdoor unit 8 and the indoor unit 10 so that it can be installed at a position different from the outdoor space and the indoor space. 11 a and a pipe 12 a are connected to each other, and cold heat or hot heat supplied from the outdoor unit 8 is transmitted to the indoor unit 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the air conditioner 100, the outdoor unit 8 and the diversion controller 9 use two refrigerant pipes 11a, and the diversion controller 9 and each indoor unit 10 use two pipes 12a. Are connected to each other. Thus, in the air conditioner 100, construction is easy by connecting each unit (the outdoor unit 8, the indoor unit 10, and the diversion controller 9) using two pipes (the refrigerant pipe 11a and the pipe 12a). It has become. The number of connected outdoor units 8, indoor units 10, and diversion controllers 9 is not limited to the number illustrated in FIG. 1, and the number may be determined according to the building where the air conditioner 100 is installed. .

[Outdoor unit 8]
A compressor (not shown), a four-way valve (not shown), a heat source side heat exchanger (not shown), and an accumulator (not shown) are connected to the outdoor unit 8 in series by a refrigerant pipe 11a. .

  The compressor sucks the heat source side refrigerant and compresses the heat source side refrigerant to be in a high temperature / high pressure state. For example, the compressor may be composed of an inverter compressor capable of capacity control. The four-way valve has a heat source side refrigerant flow during heating operation (during heating operation mode and heating main operation mode) and a heat source side refrigerant flow during cooling operation (in cooling only operation mode and cooling main operation mode) Is to switch.

  The heat source side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator during heating operation, functions as a condenser (or radiator) during cooling operation, and between the air supplied from a blower such as a fan (not shown) and the heat source side refrigerant. Heat exchange is performed to evaporate or condense the heat source side refrigerant. The accumulator is provided on the suction side of the compressor and stores excess refrigerant due to a difference between the heating operation and the cooling operation, or excess refrigerant with respect to a transient change in operation.

[Indoor unit 10]
Each indoor unit 10 is equipped with a use side heat exchanger 26. The use side heat exchanger 26 is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve 19 and the second three-way valve (flow path switching valve) 21 of the flow dividing controller 9 by a pipe 12a. The use side heat exchanger 26 performs heat exchange between air supplied from a blower such as a fan (not shown) and a heat medium, and generates heating air or cooling air to be supplied to the indoor space. Is.

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which six indoor units 10 are connected to the diversion controller 9. From the bottom of the page, the indoor unit 10a, the indoor unit 10b, the indoor unit 10c, the indoor unit 10d, and the indoor unit 10e are shown. It is illustrated as an indoor unit 10f. Further, in accordance with the indoor unit 10a to the indoor unit 10f, the use side heat exchanger 26 also uses the use side heat exchanger 26a, the use side heat exchanger 26b, the use side heat exchanger 26c, and the use side heat exchange from the lower side of the drawing. It is illustrated as a heat exchanger 26d, a use side heat exchanger 26e, and a use side heat exchanger 26f.

[Diversion controller 9]
The shunt controller 9 is connected to four heat exchangers 13, two four-way valves (refrigerant flow switching devices) 14, three flow rate adjusting valves 15, electromagnetic valves 16, and two water pumps 18. The same number (six here) of first indoor units 10 as the first three-way valve (flow path switching valve) 20, and the same number of indoor units 10 as connected (here, six) second three-way valves 21, The same number (six in this case) of flow control valves 19 as the indoor units 10 to be connected are mounted. A four-way valve 14, a flow rate adjustment valve 15, an electromagnetic valve 16, and an HIC circuit 17 are connected to the refrigerant circuit 11 in the diversion controller 9. A water pump 18, a flow rate adjustment valve 19, a first three-way valve 20, and a second three-way valve 21 are connected to the water circuit 12 in the diversion controller 9.

  The four heat exchangers 13 (heat exchanger 13a (1), heat exchanger 13a (2), heat exchanger 13b (1), heat exchanger 13b (2)) are a condenser (heat radiator) or an evaporator. The heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium exchange heat, and the cold or warm heat generated in the outdoor unit 8 and stored in the heat source side refrigerant is transmitted to the heat medium. The heat exchanger 13a is provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 15a and the four-way valve 14a in the refrigerant circuit 11, and serves to heat the heat medium in the cooling / heating mixed operation mode. The heat exchanger 13b is provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 15b and the four-way valve 14b in the refrigerant circuit 11, and serves to cool the heat medium in the cooling / heating mixed operation mode.

  The two four-way valves 14 (four-way valve 14a and four-way valve 14b) switch the flow of the heat source side refrigerant according to the operation mode. The four-way valve 14a is provided on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 13a in the flow of the heat source side refrigerant during the heating only operation. The four-way valve 14b is provided on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 13b in the flow of the heat source side refrigerant in the heating only operation mode.

  The three flow rate adjustment valves 15 (flow rate adjustment valve 15a, flow rate adjustment valve 15b, and flow rate adjustment valve 15c) function as pressure reducing valves and expansion valves, and expand the heat source side refrigerant by reducing the pressure. The flow rate adjusting valve 15a is provided on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 13a in the flow of the heat source side refrigerant during the heating only operation. The flow rate adjusting valve 15b is provided on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 13b in the flow of the heat source side refrigerant during the heating only operation. The flow rate adjusting valve 15 c is provided in a HIC (Heat Interchanger) circuit 17 provided so as to connect two refrigerant pipes 11 a connected to the outdoor unit 8. The three flow rate adjusting valves 15 may be configured by a valve whose opening degree can be variably controlled, for example, an electronic expansion valve.

  The electromagnetic valve 16 is composed of a two-way valve, for example, and opens and closes the refrigerant pipe 11a. The solenoid valve 16 is provided in the refrigerant pipe 11a (the refrigerant pipe 11a that is branched in the diversion controller 9 and connected to the flow rate adjustment valve 15) on the inlet side of the heat source side refrigerant.

  The HIC circuit 17 divides the heat source side refrigerant flowing between the solenoid valve 16 and the flow rate adjusting valve 15, and refrigerant pipe 11 a on the outlet side of the heat source side refrigerant (refrigerant pipe 11 a connected to the outdoor unit 8 in FIG. 1). The refrigerant pipes 11a) connected to the upper side are joined together. The HIC circuit 17 is provided with a refrigerant heat exchanger 17a in addition to the flow rate adjustment valve 15c. The refrigerant heat exchanger 17a performs heat exchange between the heat source side refrigerant flowing between the electromagnetic valve 16 and the flow rate adjusting valve 15 and the heat source side refrigerant branched to the HIC circuit 17 side.

  The two water pumps 18 (water pump 18a and water pump 18b) circulate a heat medium that conducts through the pipe 12a. The water pump 18 a is provided in the pipe 12 a between the heat exchanger 13 a and the second three-way valve 21. The water pump 18b is provided in the pipe 12a between the heat exchanger 13b and the second three-way valve 21. The two water pumps 18 may be configured by, for example, capacity-controllable pumps, and the flow rate thereof may be adjusted depending on the load in the indoor unit 10.

  The six first three-way valves 20 (first three-way valve 20a to first three-way valve 20f) switch the flow path of the heat medium. The number of first three-way valves 20 is set according to the number of indoor units 10 installed (here, six). The first three-way valve 20 has one of the three sides connected to the heat exchanger 13a, one of the three sides connected to the heat exchanger 13b, and one of the three sides connected to the use side heat exchanger 26. It is provided on the inlet side of the heat medium flow path of the side heat exchanger 26. In correspondence with the indoor unit 10, as a first three-way valve 20a, a first three-way valve 20b, a first three-way valve 20c, a first three-way valve 20d, a first three-way valve 20e, and a first three-way valve 20f from the lower side of the drawing. It is shown. The switching of the heat medium flow path includes not only complete switching from one to the other but also partial switching from one to the other.

  The six second three-way valves 21 (second three-way valve 21a to second three-way valve 21f) switch the flow path of the heat medium. The number of the second three-way valves 21 according to the number of installed indoor units 10 (here, six) is provided. In the second three-way valve 21, one of the three sides is connected to the heat exchanger 13a, one of the three sides is connected to the heat exchanger 13b, and one of the three sides is connected to the flow regulating valve 19, respectively. It is provided on the outlet side of the heat medium flow path of the exchanger 26. In correspondence with the indoor unit 10, as the second three-way valve 21a, the second three-way valve 21b, the second three-way valve 21c, the second three-way valve 21d, the second three-way valve 21e, and the second three-way valve 21f from the lower side of the page. It is shown. The switching of the heat medium flow path includes not only complete switching from one to the other but also partial switching from one to the other.

  The six flow rate adjusting valves 19 (flow rate adjusting valve 19a to flow rate adjusting valve 19f) are configured by two-way valves or the like that can control the opening area, and control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the pipe 12a. The number of flow rate adjusting valves 19 is set according to the number of indoor units 10 installed (here, six). One of the flow rate adjustment valves 19 is connected to the use side heat exchanger 26 and the other is connected to the second three-way valve 21, and is provided on the outlet side of the heat medium flow path of the use side heat exchanger 26. That is, the flow rate adjusting valve 19 adjusts the amount of the heat medium flowing into the indoor unit 10 according to the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor unit 10 and the temperature of the heat medium flowing out, and an optimal amount of heat medium corresponding to the indoor load. Can be provided to the indoor unit 10.

  In correspondence with the indoor unit 10, the flow rate adjustment valve 19a, the flow rate adjustment valve 19b, the flow rate adjustment valve 19c, the flow rate adjustment valve 19d, the flow rate adjustment valve 19e, and the flow rate adjustment valve 19f are illustrated from the lower side of the drawing. Further, the flow rate adjusting valve 19 may be provided on the inlet side of the heat medium flow path of the use side heat exchanger 26. Further, the flow rate adjusting valve 19 may be provided on the inlet side of the heat medium flow path of the use side heat exchanger 26 and between the second three-way valve 21 and the use side heat exchanger 26. Furthermore, in the indoor unit 10, when a load such as stop or thermo OFF is not required, the supply of the heat medium to the indoor unit 10 can be stopped by fully closing the flow rate adjustment valve 19.

  Further, the shunt controller 9 includes a temperature sensor 22a, a temperature sensor 22b, a temperature sensor 22c, a temperature sensor 22d for measuring the temperature of the heat source side refrigerant on the inlet side or the outlet side of the heat exchanger 13, and the refrigerant heat of the HIC circuit 17. Temperature sensor 22e, temperature sensor 22f for measuring the temperature of the heat source side refrigerant on the inlet side or outlet side of the exchanger 17a, temperature sensor 23a for measuring the temperature of the heat medium on the inlet side or outlet side of the heat exchanger 13, and temperature A sensor 23f, a temperature sensor 24a, and a temperature sensor 24b are provided.

  Information (temperature information) detected by these sensors is sent to a control device (illustrated in FIG. 2) for overall control of the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 100, and the compressor drive frequency (including ON / OFF), illustrated. Omission fan speed (including ON / OFF), switching of four-way valve mounted on outdoor unit 8, driving frequency of water pump 18 (including ON / OFF), switching of four-way valve 14, flow rate adjusting valve 15 It is used for controlling the opening degree, opening / closing of the electromagnetic valve 16, switching of the first three-way valve 20, switching of the second three-way valve 21, and driving of the flow rate adjusting valve 19. And a control apparatus performs each operation mode mentioned later. The control device may be provided for each unit or may be provided in the outdoor unit 8 or the diversion controller 9.

[Refrigerant piping 11a]
The refrigerant pipe 11a includes, for example, natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), hydrocarbons, and helium, alternative refrigerants that do not contain chlorine, such as HFC410A, HFC407C, and HFC404A, or R22 and R134a that are used in existing products. The heat source side refrigerant such as the chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant flows.

[Piping 12a]
The pipe 12a that conducts the heat medium is composed of a pipe connected to the heat exchanger 13a and a pipe connected to the heat exchanger 13b. The pipe 12a is branched (here, six branches each) according to the number of indoor units 10 connected to the flow dividing controller 9. The pipe 12 a is connected by a first three-way valve 20 and a second three-way valve 21. By controlling the first three-way valve 20 and the second three-way valve 21, the heat medium from the heat exchanger 13a flows into the use side heat exchanger 26, or the heat medium from the heat exchanger 13b is used as the use side heat exchange. Whether to flow into the vessel 26 is determined. In addition, a heat medium such as water or antifreeze flows through the pipe 12a.

  And in the air conditioning apparatus 100, the component circuit mounted in the outdoor unit 8 and the component device mounted in the shunt controller 9 are connected by the refrigerant | coolant piping 11a, and the refrigerant circuit 11 is comprised. Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus 100, the element device of the indoor unit 10 and the element device of the shunt controller 9 are connected by the pipe 12a, and the water circuit 12 is comprised. That is, a plurality of usage-side heat exchangers 26 are connected in parallel to each of the heat exchangers 13, and the water circuit 12 has a plurality of systems.

  Therefore, in the air conditioner 100, the outdoor unit 8 and the diversion controller 9 are connected via the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b provided in the diversion controller 9, and both the diversion controller 9 and the indoor unit 10 are It is connected via the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b. That is, in the air conditioner 100, the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 11 and the heat medium circulating in the water circuit 12 exchange heat in the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b.

  Each operation mode executed by the air conditioning apparatus 100 will be described. The air conditioner 100 can perform a cooling operation or a heating operation in the indoor unit 10 based on an instruction from each indoor unit 10. That is, the air conditioner 100 can perform the same operation for all the indoor units 10 and can perform different operations for each of the indoor units 10.

The air conditioning apparatus 100 has the following three types of operation modes. Each operation mode executed by the air conditioner 100 will be described together with the flow of the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium.
[action mode]
(1) A heating only operation mode in which all of the driven indoor units 10 perform a heating operation (hereinafter referred to as “full heating”).
(2) A cooling only operation mode in which all of the driven indoor units 10 perform a cooling operation (hereinafter referred to as “cooling”).
(3) A cooling / heating mixed operation mode in which the indoor unit 10 for performing the heating operation and the indoor unit 10 for performing the cooling operation are mixed (hereinafter referred to as “cooling / cooling / heating”).

[Warm]
In FIG. 1, “total warming” will be described by taking as an example a case where a thermal load is generated in the use side heat exchanger 26 a of the indoor unit 10 a to the use side heat exchanger 26 d of the indoor unit 10 d. In addition, in FIG. 1, the pipe | tube represented by the thick line has shown the piping through which a refrigerant | coolant (a heat source side refrigerant | coolant and a heat medium) flows. In FIG. 1, the flow direction of the heat source side refrigerant is indicated by solid line arrows, and the flow direction of the heat medium is indicated by broken line arrows. Further, in the air conditioner 100, regardless of the operation requested by the indoor unit 10, the flow of the heat-source-side refrigerant that flows into the shunt controller 9 is set in a certain direction.

  In the case of “full warm” shown in FIG. 1, in the refrigerant circuit 11 of the shunt controller 9, the electromagnetic valve 16 causes the heat source side refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 8 to go to both the four-way valve 14a and the four-way valve 14b. Closed. The four-way valve 14a and the four-way valve 14b are controlled so as to send the heat source side refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 8 to both the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b. The flow rate adjusting valve 15a and the flow rate adjusting valve 15b are controlled in opening degree so that the degree of supercooling of the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b is appropriate by checking the temperatures of the temperature sensors 22a to 22d. The The flow rate adjustment valve 15c is fully opened. In this way, the heat-source-side refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 8 passes through the four-way valve 14a and the four-way valve 14b, passes through the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b, and is returned to the outdoor unit 8 via the HIC circuit 17. .

  In the water circuit 12 of the diversion controller 9, the heat medium that has received heat from the heat-source-side refrigerant by the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b merges and then performs the heating operation of the indoor units 10a to 10d. The first three-way valve 20a to the first three-way valve 20d connected to the indoor unit 10 performing the heating operation are set to an intermediate opening degree. The water pump 18a and the water pump 18b are driven, the flow rate adjusting valve 19a to the flow rate adjusting valve 19d are opened, the flow rate adjusting valve 19e and the flow rate adjusting valve 19f are fully closed, and the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b are respectively closed. The heat medium circulates between the use side heat exchanger 26a to the use side heat exchanger 26d.

  The heating medium that contributes to the heating operation by the indoor unit 10a to the indoor unit 10d, and the returned heat medium has an appropriate temperature difference from the sent heat medium, the temperature sensor 23a to the temperature sensor 23d, the temperature sensor 24a, and the temperature sensor. By checking 24b, it is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting valve 19a to the flow rate adjusting valve 19d. The second three-way valve 21a to the second three-way valve 21d are opened at intermediate positions so that the heat medium that has passed through the flow rate adjustment valve 19a to the flow rate adjustment valve 19d flows in approximately half to the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b. And The heat medium directed to the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b is sent to the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b through the water pump 18a and the water pump 18b, respectively.

  In addition, when performing “total warming”, it is not necessary to flow the heat medium to the use side heat exchanger 26 (including the thermo-off) without heat load. The heat medium is prevented from flowing to the heat exchanger 26. In FIG. 1, the use-side heat exchanger 26 a to the use-side heat exchanger 26 d have a heat load, and thus a heat medium is flowing. However, the use-side heat exchanger 26 e and the use-side heat exchanger 26 f have a heat load. The corresponding flow rate adjustment valve 19e and flow rate adjustment valve 19f are fully closed. When a heat load is generated from the use side heat exchanger 26e or the use side heat exchanger 26f, the flow rate adjustment valve 19e or the flow rate adjustment valve 19f may be opened to circulate the heat medium.

[All cold]
FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating the flow of the refrigerant when the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is “fully cooled”. In FIG. 2, “total cooling” will be described by taking as an example a case where a cooling load is generated in the use side heat exchanger 26 a of the indoor unit 10 a to the use side heat exchanger 26 d of the indoor unit 10 d. In addition, in FIG. 2, the pipe | tube represented by the thick line has shown the piping through which a refrigerant | coolant (a heat source side refrigerant | coolant and a heat medium) flows. In FIG. 2, the flow direction of the heat source side refrigerant is indicated by a solid line arrow, and the flow direction of the heat medium is indicated by a broken line arrow.

  2, in the refrigerant circuit 11 of the shunt controller 9, the electromagnetic valve 16 is opened so that the heat source side refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 8 is directed to the HIC circuit 17. The flow rate adjusting valve 15c is controlled so that the degree of superheat of the heat source side refrigerant flowing through the HIC circuit 17 is appropriate. The heat source side refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the heat source side refrigerant flowing through the HIC circuit 17 in the refrigerant heat exchanger 17a passes through the flow rate adjustment valve 15a and the flow rate adjustment valve 15b, and flows to the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b, respectively. The flow rate adjusting valve 15a and the flow rate adjusting valve 15b adjust the flow rate of the heat source side refrigerant so that the degree of superheat of the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b is appropriate. The heat-source-side refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b is directed to the four-way valve 14a and the four-way valve 14b, respectively. The four-way valve 14a and the four-way valve 14b are controlled such that the heat source side refrigerant returns to the outdoor unit 8 from the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b.

  In the water circuit 12 of the diversion controller 9, the heat medium that has passed the heat to the heat-source-side refrigerant by the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b joins and then cools the indoor units 10a to 10d. The first three-way valve 20a to the first three-way valve 20d connected to the indoor unit 10 that is performing the cooling operation are set to an intermediate opening degree. The water pump 18a and the water pump 18b are driven, the flow rate adjusting valve 19a to the flow rate adjusting valve 19d are opened, the flow rate adjusting valve 19e and the flow rate adjusting valve 19f are fully closed, and the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b are respectively closed. The heat medium circulates between the use side heat exchanger 26a to the use side heat exchanger 26d.

  The heating medium that contributes to the cooling operation by the indoor unit 10a to the indoor unit 10d and returns to the heating medium so that the temperature difference from the sent heating medium becomes appropriate, the temperature sensor 23a to the temperature sensor 23d, the temperature sensor 24a, the temperature sensor By checking 24b, it is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting valve 19a to the flow rate adjusting valve 19d. The second three-way valve 21a to the second three-way valve 21d are opened at intermediate positions so that the heat medium that has passed through the flow rate adjustment valve 19a to the flow rate adjustment valve 19d flows in approximately half to the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b. And The heat medium directed to the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b is sent to the heat exchanger 13a and the heat exchanger 13b through the water pump 18a and the water pump 18b, respectively.

  Note that when performing “all cooling”, it is not necessary to flow the heat medium to the use side heat exchanger 26 (including the thermo-off) without a heat load. The heat medium is prevented from flowing to the heat exchanger 26. In FIG. 2, the use-side heat exchanger 26 a to the use-side heat exchanger 26 d have a heat load, and thus a heat medium is flowing. However, the use-side heat exchanger 26 e and the use-side heat exchanger 26 f have a heat load. The corresponding flow rate adjustment valve 19e and flow rate adjustment valve 19f are fully closed. When a heat load is generated from the use side heat exchanger 26e or the use side heat exchanger 26f, the flow rate adjustment valve 19e or the flow rate adjustment valve 19f may be opened to circulate the heat medium.

[Cool / Cool]
FIG. 3 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating the flow of the refrigerant when the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is [cooling main / cooling]. In FIG. 3, a thermal load is generated in the use side heat exchanger 26a to the use side heat exchanger 26c of the indoor unit 10a, and a cold load is generated in the use side heat exchanger 26d of the indoor unit 10d. “Cold main / cooling / heating” will be described as an example. In addition, in FIG. 3, the piping represented with the thick line has shown the piping through which a refrigerant | coolant (a heat source side refrigerant | coolant and a heat medium) flows. In FIG. 3, the flow direction of the heat source side refrigerant is indicated by a solid line arrow, and the flow direction of the heat medium is indicated by a broken line arrow.

  In the case of “cooling main / cooling” shown in FIG. 3, in the refrigerant circuit 11 of the shunt controller 9, the electromagnetic valve 16 is closed so that the heat source side refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 8 is directed to the four-way valve 14a. The The four-way valve 14a is controlled to send the heat source side refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit 8 to the heat exchanger 13a. The flow rate adjustment valve 15a is fully opened and the flow rate adjustment valve 15c is fully closed so that the heat source side refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 13a flows to the heat exchanger 13b. The heat-source-side refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 13a is adjusted by the flow rate adjustment valve 15b so that the degree of supercooling becomes optimal. The heat-source-side refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 13b flows to the four-way valve 14b. The four-way valve 14b is controlled so that the heat source side refrigerant sent from the heat exchanger 13b returns to the outdoor unit 8.

  In the water circuit 12 of the shunt controller 9, the heating operation is performed so that the heat medium that has received heat from the heat source side refrigerant by the heat exchanger 13a is sent to the indoor units 10a to 10c that are performing the heating operation. The opening degree of the first three-way valve 20a to the first three-way valve 20c connected to the indoor unit 10 is controlled. The water pump 18a and the water pump 18b are driven, the flow rate adjusting valve 19a to the flow rate adjusting valve 19d are opened, the flow rate adjusting valve 19e and the flow rate adjusting valve 19f are fully closed, and the heat exchanger 13a and the use side heat exchanger 26a to The heat medium circulates between the use side heat exchanger 26c and between the heat exchanger 13b and the use side heat exchanger 26d.

  The temperature sensor 23a to the temperature sensor 23c and the temperature sensor 24a are confirmed so that the temperature difference from the heat medium that contributes to the heating operation by the indoor unit 10a to the indoor unit 10c and returns is appropriate. Thus, the flow rate adjustment valve 19a to the flow rate adjustment valve 19c are adjusted. The opening degree of the second three-way valve 21a to the second three-way valve 21c is controlled so that the heat medium that has passed through the flow rate adjustment valve 19a to the flow rate adjustment valve 19c flows to the heat exchanger 13a. The heat medium toward the heat exchanger 13a is sent to the heat exchanger 13a through the water pump 18a.

  On the other hand, the first three-way valve 20d connected to the indoor unit 10d that is performing the cooling operation is opened so that the heat medium that has passed the heat to the heat source side refrigerant by the heat exchanger 13b is sent to the indoor unit 10d that is performing the cooling operation. The degree is controlled. The heat medium that has contributed to the cooling operation by the indoor unit 10d and has returned is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting valve 19d by checking the temperature sensor 23d and the temperature sensor 24b so that the temperature difference with the heat medium to be sent is appropriate. Is done. The opening degree of the second three-way valve 21d is controlled so that the heat medium that has passed through the flow rate adjusting valve 19d flows to the heat exchanger 13b. The heat medium toward the heat exchanger 13b is sent to the heat exchanger 13b through the water pump 18b.

[Valve control circuit for controlling the valve device]
FIG. 4 is a control circuit diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of the valve control circuit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a control circuit diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of a valve control circuit 1 ′ mounted on a conventional air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as air conditioner 100 ′). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a driving range of the valve device. Based on FIGS. 4-6, the structure of the valve control circuit 1 of the valve apparatus 3 mounted in the air conditioning apparatus 100 is demonstrated in detail. In FIG. 4, the valve devices 3 (flow rate adjusting valve 19a to flow rate adjusting valve 19f, first three-way valve 20a to first three-way valve 20f, and second three-way valve 21a to second three-way mounted on the air conditioner 100 are shown. The valve control circuit 1 of the valve 21f) is illustrated. Further, the valve device 3 mounted on the air conditioner 100 is the same as the valve device 3 ′ mounted on the air conditioner 100 ′.

  The valve device 3 (valve device 3a to valve device 3h) mounted on the air conditioner 100 is configured by, for example, an electromagnetic valve or a three-way valve. That is, the valve device 3 shown in FIG. 4 includes the flow rate adjusting valve 19a to the flow rate adjusting valve 19f, the first three-way valve 20a to the first three-way valve 20f, and the second three-way valve 21a to the second three-way described with reference to FIGS. This corresponds to one of the valves 21f. The valve control circuit 1 mounted on the air conditioner 100 includes only the microcomputer 2a and does not include a sub-microcomputer. The valve device 3 is connected to the microcomputer 2 a via the control signal line 4. Further, the valve device 3 mounted on the air conditioning apparatus 100 is connected to the display device 7 via the limit signal line 5. The limit signal lines 5 are combined into one after passing through the display device 7 and connected to the microcomputer 2a.

  On the other hand, the valve device 3 ′ (valve device 3 a ′ to valve device 3 h ′) mounted on the air conditioner 100 ′ is constituted by, for example, an electromagnetic valve or a three-way valve. The valve control circuit 1 ′ mounted on the air conditioner 100 ′ generally includes a microcomputer 2 a ′ and a sub-microcomputer 2 b ′. The valve device 3 'is connected to the microcomputer 2a' via a control signal line 4 '. Further, a part of the valve device 3 ′ (valve device 3a ′ to valve device 3d ′) mounted on the air conditioner 100 ′ is connected to the microcomputer 2a ′ via the limit signal line 5 ′, and the valve device 3 ′. (The valve device 3e ′ to the valve device 3h ′) are connected to the sub-microcomputer 2b ′ via the limit signal line 5 ′. Further, the microcomputer 2a 'and the sub-microcomputer 2b' are communicably connected via an inter-microcomputer communication line 6 '.

The characteristics of the valve device 3 that is controlled by the valve control circuit 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.
When the valve device 3 that is controlled by the valve control circuit 1 continues to be driven in the opening direction or the closing direction, it collides with the stopper. The valve device 3 may be broken if it continues to collide with the stopper for a long time. When the valve device 3 is close to the stopper, it sends a limit signal. With such a valve device 3 as a control object, the valve control circuit 1 performs control so that the valve device 3 does not collide with the stopper when a limit signal is detected.

  The drive / excitation system of the valve device 3 is a valve opening / closing drive system using a stepping motor of 2-2 phase excitation. The rated voltage of the drive pulse of the valve device 3 is DC12 ± 1.2V. Further, the position detection of the valve device 3 is limit signal detection by the Hall IC. Based on such control of the valve device 3, the operation of the valve control circuit 1 will be described in detail below.

[Operation of valve control circuit during normal operation]
As shown in FIG. 6, the valve device 3 (including the valve device 3 ′) generally has a driving range from 0 ° to 180 °. The valve control circuit 1 (including the valve control circuit 1 ′) is connected to the control signal line 4 (control signal line 4) when the valve device is driven in the minus direction so as not to damage the valve device 3. While the drive signal is transmitted through “including”, the presence or absence of the limit signal transmitted from the valve device 3 through the limit signal line 5 (including the limit signal line 5 ′) is monitored. When the valve control circuit 1 detects the limit signal sent by the valve device 3 while driving the valve device 3 in the minus direction, the valve control circuit 1 immediately stops sending the drive signal to the valve device 3. The same applies when the valve device 3 is driven in the plus direction.

  Since the valve control circuit 1 ′ detects a limit signal for each valve device 3 ′, it is necessary to provide as many input ports as the number of valve devices 3 ′ in order to input the limit signal to the microcomputer. Since the number of input ports included in one microcomputer is limited, if the number of valve devices 3 'included is increased, the input ports included in one microcomputer may be insufficient. Therefore, in the valve control circuit 1 ′, the number of input ports is insufficient with only the microcomputer 2 a ′, and the sub-microcomputer 2 b ′ has to be provided.

  On the other hand, the valve control circuit 1 has the same number of control signal lines 4 as the number of valve devices 3, but has only one limit signal line 5 input to the microcomputer 2a. Therefore, in the valve control circuit 1, the number of input ports can be greatly reduced. However, it is not possible to determine from which valve device 3 the limit signal is transmitted. Therefore, in the valve control circuit 1, when the limit signal is detected when the drive signal is sent to the valve device 3, it is determined that the valve device 3 sending the drive signal is sending the limit signal. To do. Then, the transmission of the drive signal to the valve device 3 is immediately stopped. That is, the valve control circuit 1 cannot drive a plurality of valve devices 3 at the same time, and sends a drive signal with a time difference, so that the above determination can be made.

  Further, the valve control circuit 1 sends a drive signal for driving the valve device 3 in the minus direction, and drives it in the minus direction to a position where sending of the limit signal stops. In this way, the valve control circuit 1 prevents the valve device 3 from being broken by preventing the valve device 3 from colliding with the stopper for a long time. The valve control circuit 1 performs the same control when the valve device 3 is driven in the plus direction, and prevents the valve device 3 from being broken by preventing the valve device 3 from colliding with the stopper for a long time. ing.

[Operation of valve control circuit in case of abnormality]
As one of the failure states of the valve device 3 (including the valve device 3 '), when the valve device 3 is outside the driving range, the valve device 3 fails and cannot be driven, and the valve device 3 sends a limit signal. I have been doing it. In such a failure state, if the valve device 3 is being driven, it can be determined that the valve device 3 being driven is broken. However, when the air conditioner 100 (including the air conditioner 100 ′) is turned on, the valve device has already failed, and the valve control circuit 1 (including the valve control circuit 1 ′) is limited by the valve device 3. If the signal continues to be detected, it cannot be determined which valve device 3 is sending the limit signal. The failure of the valve device 3 includes, for example, failure of the valve itself, disconnection of a connector, cable disconnection / short circuit / ground fault, and the like.

  Therefore, in the valve control circuit 1 of the air conditioner 100, each of the limit signal lines 5 connected to each of the plurality of valve devices 3 is connected to the microcomputer 2a as a single line through the display device 7. Like to do. That is, according to the valve control circuit 1, it is possible to easily visually recognize which valve device 3 is sending the limit signal by connecting the display device 7 to each of the limit signal lines 5. Therefore, when a failure state in which the limit signal continues to be transmitted from the valve device 3 occurs, the failed valve device 3 can be determined at a glance by visually observing the display device 7. The replacement work of the valve device 3 becomes simpler.

  Therefore, according to the air conditioning apparatus 100, the sub-microcomputer need not be provided without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit 1. Therefore, according to the air conditioning apparatus 100, the number of sub-microcomputers and sub-microcomputer peripheral circuit components does not increase, and the component cost required for that amount can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a sub-microcomputer, the development cost of S / W is not necessary. Furthermore, according to the air conditioning apparatus 100, it is possible to identify the failed valve device 3 without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit 1.

  The type of the display device 7 is not particularly limited, but if an inexpensive one is used, the production cost of the valve control circuit 1 can be further reduced. For example, a commercially available LED may be used as the display device 7. Further, the color of the display device 7 may be divided, the lighting state may be changed, or a character display may be used. Furthermore, although the case where the use side heat exchanger 26 is six was demonstrated to the example, the number is not specifically limited. Further, the case where there are two heat exchangers 13a and 13b has been described as an example, but of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the heat medium can be cooled or / and heated, any number of heat exchangers may be installed. May be. Each of the water pump 18a and the water pump 18b is not limited to one, and a plurality of small-capacity pumps may be connected in parallel.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a control circuit diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of a valve control circuit 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Based on FIG. 7, the configuration of the valve control circuit 1A of the valve device 3 mounted in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration and function as the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  The feature of the second embodiment is that the limit signal input to the microcomputer 2a is increased from one to two. That is, in the valve control circuit 1A, the limit signal lines 5 are divided into a predetermined number of groups (two groups in FIG. 7) and input to the microcomputer 2a. In this way, two or more valve devices 3 can be driven simultaneously. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the limit signal lines 5 connected to the valve devices 3a to 3d are collectively input to the microcomputer 2a as a single limit signal line 5A, and the valve devices 3e to 3h. The limit signal lines 5 connected to are collectively input to the microcomputer 2a as limit signal lines 5B. Therefore, a total of two limit signal lines 5 (limit signal line 5A and limit signal line 5B) are input to the microcomputer 2a.

  By setting the valve control circuit 1A to such a circuit configuration, one of the valve devices 3a to 3d and one of the valve devices 3e to 3h are driven in total. be able to. That is, the microcomputer 2a can send a drive signal to the two valve devices 3 to be driven and can simultaneously monitor two limit signals. The limit signal lines 5 are collected between the display device 7 and the microcomputer 2a.

  Further, if the limit signal line 5A and the limit signal line 5B described in the second embodiment are further combined into one, the failed valve device 3 is the valve device 3a to the valve device 3d, or the valve device 3e to the valve device. 3h cannot be determined instantaneously, but can be solved by checking the two valve devices 3. By doing so, even when the plurality of valve devices 3 are driven simultaneously, the limit signal lines 5 can be further combined if the condition that the failed valve device is specified as one is removed.

  Therefore, according to the air conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2, the sub-microcomputer need not be provided without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit 1A. Therefore, the air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 does not increase the number of sub-microcomputers and sub-microcomputer peripheral circuit components, and can reduce the component cost required for that amount. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a sub-microcomputer, the development cost of S / W is not necessary. Furthermore, according to the air conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to identify the failed valve device 3 without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit 1A. In addition, a plurality of valve devices 3 can be simultaneously driven and monitored.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 8 is a control circuit diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of the valve control circuit 1B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Based on FIG. 8, the structure of the valve control circuit 1B of the valve apparatus 3 mounted in the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated in detail. In the third embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above will be mainly described, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the description will be omitted. The air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration and function as the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1. Further, the valve device 3 shown in FIG. 8 includes the flow rate adjusting valve 19a to the flow rate adjusting valve 19f, the first three-way valve 20a to the first three-way valve 20f, and the second three-way valve 21a to the second three-way described with reference to FIGS. This corresponds to one of the valves 21f.

  In FIG. 8, the valve control circuit 1B of the valve device 3 (valve device 3a to valve device 3h) mounted on the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3 is illustrated. The valve control circuit 1B mounted on the air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 includes a microcomputer 2a. The valve device 3 is connected to the microcomputer 2 a via the control signal line 4. Further, the valve device 3 mounted on the air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 is connected to the voltage dividing circuit 50 via the limit signal line 5. The limit signal lines 5 are combined into one after passing through the voltage dividing circuit 50 and connected to the microcomputer 2a. The voltage dividing circuit 50 includes a resistor 51.

  By the way, the valve apparatus 3 (valve apparatus 3a-valve apparatus 3h) mounted in the air conditioning apparatus 100 which concerns on Embodiment 1 is comprised by the solenoid valve and the three-way valve, for example. The valve control circuit 1 mounted on the air conditioning apparatus 100 includes a microcomputer 2a. The valve device 3 is connected to the microcomputer 2 a via the control signal line 4. The limit signal lines 5 are combined into one after passing through the display device 7 and connected to the microcomputer 2a.

  In the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1, the number of control signal lines 4 is the same as the number of valve devices 3, but only one limit signal line 5 is input to the microcomputer 2a. Therefore, in the valve control circuit 1, the number of input ports can be greatly reduced. However, it is not possible to determine from which valve device 3 the limit signal is transmitted. Therefore, in the valve control circuit 1, when the limit signal is detected when the drive signal is sent to the valve device 3, it is determined that the valve device 3 sending the drive signal is sending the limit signal. To do. Then, the transmission of the drive signal to the valve device 3 is immediately stopped. That is, the valve control circuit 1 cannot drive a plurality of valve devices 3 at the same time, and sends a drive signal with a time difference, so that the above determination can be made.

  Further, the valve control circuit 1 sends a drive signal for driving the valve device 3 in the minus direction, and drives it in the minus direction to a position where sending of the limit signal stops. In this way, the valve control circuit 1 prevents the valve device 3 from being broken by preventing the valve device 3 from colliding with the stopper for a long time. The valve control circuit 1 performs the same control when the valve device 3 is driven in the plus direction, and prevents the valve device 3 from being broken by preventing the valve device 3 from colliding with the stopper for a long time. ing.

  In contrast, the valve control circuit 1B inputs the limit signal line 5 to the microcomputer 2a after the voltage dividing circuit 50 is interposed between the valve devices 3. The resistance value of the resistor 51 of the voltage dividing circuit 50 is different for each valve device 3, and the voltage value of the limit signal input to the microcomputer 2 a is also different for each valve device 3. Based on the voltage value of the limit signal, the microcomputer 2a can detect which valve device 3 is transmitting the limit signal.

  Even when a plurality of valve devices 3 send limit signals at the same time, the microcomputer 2a can detect which valve device 3 is sending the limit signal from the voltage value of the limit signal. Therefore, the valve control circuit 1B can drive a plurality of valve devices 3 simultaneously.

  In the valve control circuit 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1, each of the limit signal lines 5 connected to each of the plurality of valve devices 3 is combined into one line through the display device 7. It is connected to the microcomputer 2a. That is, according to the valve control circuit 1, it is possible to visually recognize which valve device 3 is sending the limit signal by connecting the display device 7 to each of the limit signal lines 5. When a failure state in which a limit signal continues to be sent from the valve device 3 occurs, the failed valve device 3 can be determined by looking at the display device 7.

  However, in the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment, human eyes are required to check the valve device 3 that transmits the limit signal, and the microcomputer 2a cannot detect it. For this reason, only the failed valve device 3 is not used, and the operation of the air conditioner 100 cannot be continued using the normal valve device 3 that has not failed, and the entire operation of the air conditioner 100 must be stopped. I had to.

  In contrast, in the valve control circuit 1B of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3, as described above, the microcomputer 2a detects which valve device 3 is sending the limit signal from the voltage value of the limit signal. Can do. Therefore, even when a failure state occurs in which the limit signal continues to be sent from the valve device 3, only the failed valve device 3 is not used, and the normal valve device 3 that is not broken is used for air. The operation of the harmony device can be continued. Note that the voltage dividing circuit 50 includes only the resistor 51. The display device 7 generally uses LEDs. Since the resistor is generally cheaper than the LED, there is an effect of reducing the cost of the components of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3.

  Therefore, according to the air conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3, the sub-microcomputer need not be provided without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit 1B. Therefore, the air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 does not increase the number of sub-microcomputers and sub-microcomputer peripheral circuit components, and can reduce the component cost required for that amount. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a sub-microcomputer, the development cost of S / W is not necessary. Furthermore, according to the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to identify the failed valve device 3 without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit 1B. In addition, according to the air conditioner according to Embodiment 3, even when a failure state occurs in which the limit signal continues to be sent from the valve device 3, only the failed valve device 3 is not used, It is possible to continue the operation of the air conditioner by using a normal valve device 3 that is not malfunctioning.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the voltage dividing circuit 50A of the valve control circuit mounted on the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Based on FIG. 9, the voltage dividing circuit 50A of the valve control circuit mounted on the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment described above only in the circuit configuration of the voltage dividing circuit, and the configuration other than the voltage dividing circuit is the same as that of the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the case where the voltage dividing circuit 50 is configured by only the resistor 51 is shown as an example, but in the fourth embodiment, the voltage dividing circuit 50A is configured by the resistor 51, the LED 52, and the diode 53. The case is shown as an example.

  In the fourth embodiment, when a limit signal is transmitted from the valve device 3, as in the second embodiment, the microcomputer 2a can detect which valve device 3 is transmitting the limit signal from the voltage value of the limit signal. Further, the LED 51 of the voltage dividing circuit 50A connected to the valve device 3 that is sending the limit signal is turned on. Thereby, it can be easily visually recognized from which valve device 3 the limit signal is transmitted. Therefore, when a failure state in which the limit signal continues to be sent from the valve device 3 occurs, the failed valve device 3 can be identified at a glance by visually checking the LED 52. The replacement work of 3 becomes simpler.

  Therefore, according to the air conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4, the sub-microcomputer need not be provided without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit. Therefore, the air conditioner according to Embodiment 4 does not increase the number of sub-microcomputers and sub-microcomputer peripheral circuit components, and can reduce the component cost required for that amount. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a sub-microcomputer, the development cost of S / W is not necessary. Furthermore, according to the air conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4, it is possible to identify the failed valve device 3 without complicating the circuit configuration of the valve control circuit. In addition, according to the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4, even when a failure state in which the limit signal continues to be sent from the valve device 3 occurs, only the failed valve device 3 is not used, It is possible to continue the operation of the air conditioner by using a normal valve device 3 that is not malfunctioning. Furthermore, according to the air conditioning apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the failed valve device 3 can be determined at a glance, and the replacement operation of the failed valve device 3 becomes simpler.

  1 valve control circuit, 1A valve control circuit, 1B valve control circuit, 2a microcomputer, 2b sub-microcomputer, 3 valve device, 3a valve device, 3b valve device, 3c valve device, 3d valve device, 3e valve device, 3f valve device, 3g valve device, 3h valve device, 4 control signal line, 5 limit signal line, 5A limit signal line, 5B limit signal line, 6 communication line between microcomputers, 7 display device, 8 outdoor unit, 9 diversion controller, 10 indoor unit, 10a indoor unit, 10b indoor unit, 10d indoor unit, 10d indoor unit, 10e indoor unit, 10f indoor unit, 11 refrigerant circuit, 11a refrigerant pipe, 12 water circuit, 12a pipe, 13 heat exchanger, 13a heat exchanger, 13b Heat exchanger, 14 four-way valve, 14a four-way valve, 14b four-way valve, 15 flow adjustment valve, 15a flow adjustment valve, 15b flow adjustment valve, 1 c Flow Control Valve, 16 Solenoid Valve, 17 HIC Circuit, 17a Refrigerant Heat Exchanger, 18 Water Pump, 18a Water Pump, 18b Water Pump, 19 Flow Control Valve, 19a Flow Control Valve, 19b Flow Control Valve, 19c Flow Control Valve 19d Flow adjustment valve, 19e Flow adjustment valve, 19f Flow adjustment valve, 20 First three-way valve, 20a First three-way valve, 20b First three-way valve, 20c First three-way valve, 20d First three-way valve, 20e First three-way Valve, 20f first three-way valve, 21 second three-way valve, 21a second three-way valve, 21b second three-way valve, 21c second three-way valve, 21d second three-way valve, 21e second three-way valve, 21f second three-way valve, 22a temperature sensor, 22b temperature sensor, 22c temperature sensor, 22d temperature sensor, 22e temperature sensor, 22f temperature sensor, 23a temperature sensor 23b Temperature sensor, 23c Temperature sensor, 23d Temperature sensor, 23e Temperature sensor, 23f Temperature sensor, 24a Temperature sensor, 24b Temperature sensor, 26 Usage side heat exchanger, 26a Usage side heat exchanger, 26b Usage side heat exchanger, 26c User side heat exchanger, 26d User side heat exchanger, 26e User side heat exchanger, 26f User side heat exchanger, 50 voltage divider circuit, 50A voltage divider circuit, 51 resistor, 52 LED, 53 diode, 100 Air conditioner .

Claims (7)

A plurality of valve devices that are provided in a circuit in which fluid circulates and send a limit signal via a limit signal line when the driving range is exceeded;
The valve device for controlling the opening degree of the valve device by sending a drive signal to each of the valve devices via a drive signal line, and sending the drive signal when the limit signal is input A microcomputer to stop
A display device provided on each of the limit signal lines connecting each of the valve devices and the microcomputer; and
The limit signal line is
The display device and the microcomputer are connected to the microcomputer in a smaller number than the number of the valve devices ,
Combine the limit signal lines into one between the display device and the microcomputer,
The microcomputer is
A valve control circuit of an air conditioner that sends a drive signal with a time difference to each of the valve devices . A plurality of valve devices that are provided in a circuit in which fluid circulates and send a limit signal via a limit signal line when the driving range is exceeded;
The valve device for controlling the opening degree of the valve device by sending a drive signal to each of the valve devices via a drive signal line, and sending the drive signal when the limit signal is input A microcomputer to stop
A display device provided on each of the limit signal lines connecting each of the valve devices and the microcomputer; and
The limit signal line is
The display device and the microcomputer are connected to the microcomputer in a smaller number than the number of the valve devices,
Summarize the limit signal line into two between the display device and the microcomputer,
The microcomputer is
Simultaneously send drive signals to the two valve devices
Valve control circuit for air conditioner. A plurality of valve devices that are provided in a circuit in which fluid circulates and send a limit signal via a limit signal line when the driving range is exceeded;
The valve device for controlling the opening degree of the valve device by sending a drive signal to each of the valve devices via a drive signal line, and sending the drive signal when the limit signal is input A microcomputer to stop
A display device provided on each of the limit signal lines connecting each of the valve devices and the microcomputer; and
The limit signal line is
The display device and the microcomputer are connected to the microcomputer in a smaller number than the number of the valve devices,
The display device is an LED
Valve control circuit for air conditioner. A plurality of valve devices that are provided in a circuit in which fluid circulates and send a limit signal via a limit signal line when the driving range is exceeded;
The valve device for controlling the opening degree of the valve device by sending a drive signal to each of the valve devices via a drive signal line, and sending the drive signal when the limit signal is input A microcomputer to stop
A voltage dividing circuit provided in each of the limit signal lines connecting each of the valve devices and the microcomputer; and
The limit signal line is
A valve control circuit for an air conditioner, wherein the valve device and the microcomputer are connected to the microcomputer, the number being less than the number of the valve devices. The limit signal lines are combined into one line between the voltage dividing circuit and the microcomputer.
The microcomputer is
The valve control circuit of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein a drive signal is simultaneously sent to each of the valve devices. The valve control circuit of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein a display device is provided in the voltage dividing circuit. A control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ;
A compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, an expansion device, a refrigerant side flow path of a plurality of heat exchangers, a refrigerant circuit that circulates the heat source side refrigerant by connecting a plurality of refrigerant flow switching devices with a refrigerant pipe,
Water pump, use side heat exchanger, heat medium side flow path of the plurality of heat exchangers, flow rate adjusting valve installed on the inlet side or outlet side of the use side heat exchanger, inlet of the use side heat exchanger A water circuit that circulates the heat medium by connecting a flow path switching valve installed on each of the side and the outlet side with piping, and
In the plurality of heat exchangers, the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium exchange heat with each other,
The flow rate adjustment valve and the flow path switching valve are:
An air conditioner whose opening degree is controlled by the control circuit.

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