Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

An air conditioner (1) includes a refrigerant circuit (19), a main board (200), and a spare board (300). The refrigerant circuit (19) includes shutoff valves (58A to 58D, 59A to 59D) for shutting off the flow of the refrigerant. The main board (200) includes a microcomputer (220) that controls the shutoff valves (58A to 58D, 59A to 59D). The spare board (300) supplies power to the main board (200) from the capacitor (330). The spare board (300) includes a charging circuit (320) for receiving power from the outside and charging the capacitor (330). The microcomputer (220) detects whether or not the spare board (300) is connected to the main board (200) on the basis of the voltage on the upstream side of the charging circuit (320).

Description

Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle device. Background Art

[0003] As described in WO 2018 / 167811 A, a refrigeration cycle device is known that can discharge a capacitor using a backup power circuit to close a valve when power supply from the outside is lost due to a power failure. In this refrigeration cycle device, the refrigerant can be cut off by the refrigerant shut-off valve even during a power failure. Summary of the invention

[0004] As long as the backup power circuit is connected normally, the valve can be controlled to cut off the refrigerant, even during a power failure as described above.

[0005] However, if the voltage of the power supplied from the power supply circuit is monitored to detect whether the backup power supply circuit is normally connected, the detection time becomes long in the case where the capacitor has a large capacitance and takes a long time to charge. Then, the determination of whether the backup power supply circuit is normally connected cannot be confirmed until the long detection time has passed, resulting in problems such as difficulty in immediately starting the operation of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0006] A refrigeration cycle device according to a first aspect includes a refrigerant circuit, a first plate, and a backup power supply circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a first valve that cuts off the flow of refrigerant. The first plate includes a first control unit that controls the first valve. The backup power supply circuit supplies power to the first plate from a first capacitor. The backup power supply circuit includes a charging unit that receives power from the outside and charges the first capacitor. The first control unit detects whether the backup power supply circuit is connected to the first plate based on a voltage on an upstream side of the charging unit of the backup power supply circuit.

[0007] Here, even if the first capacitor has a large capacitance and takes a long time to charge, it is possible to detect whether the backup power supply circuit is connected to the first board based on the voltage on the upstream side of the charging unit, thereby enabling detection before the first capacitor is fully charged.

[0008] The refrigeration cycle device according to the second aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the first aspect, wherein the refrigerant circuit further includes a compressor for compressing the refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle device further includes an operation control unit that controls the compressor. When the first control unit detects that the backup power supply circuit is not connected to the first board, the operation control unit does not start the compressor.

[0009] In the case where the backup power supply circuit is not connected to the first board, when a power failure or the like occurs, it may be difficult for the first control unit to switch the first valve that cuts off the flow of the refrigerant to a shutoff state. Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device according to the second aspect, the operation control unit is configured so that the compressor is not started when the backup power supply circuit is not connected to the first board. As a result, it is possible to prevent the problem that it is difficult for the first valve to cut off the flow of the refrigerant due to disconnection between the backup power supply circuit and the first board when a power failure or the like occurs.

[0010] A refrigeration cycle device according to a third aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the first control unit further detects whether the first capacitor is charged based on a voltage of a power source supplied from the first capacitor to the first board.

[0011] Here, the first control unit not only detects whether the backup power supply circuit is connected to the first board, but also detects whether the first capacitor is charged. When the first capacitor is not charged to the predetermined capacitance for some reason, when a power failure occurs, etc., sufficient power may not be supplied from the first capacitor to the first board, and it is difficult for the first control unit to switch the state of the first valve. However, in the refrigeration cycle device according to the third aspect, the first control unit detects whether the first capacitor is charged, and therefore, it is possible to notify or stop or change the operation of the refrigeration cycle device based on the detection result.

[0012] A refrigeration cycle device according to a fourth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the third aspect, further comprising a notification unit. The notification unit performs notification when the first control unit detects that the first capacitor is not charged.

[0013] Here, a manager or a user of the refrigeration cycle device notified by the notification unit can determine whether to stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle device, whether to perform maintenance of the first capacitor, and the like.

[0014] The refrigeration cycle device according to the fifth aspect is a refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the refrigerant circuit further includes a second valve that cuts off the flow of refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle device further includes a second plate. The second plate includes a second control unit that controls the second valve. The charging unit also charges a second capacitor. The second control unit detects whether the backup power supply circuit is connected to the second plate based on a voltage on the upstream side of the charging unit of the backup power supply circuit.

[0015] Here, in addition to the first plate and the first valve, the refrigeration cycle device also includes a second plate and a second valve, and the charging unit charges the second capacitor in addition to the first capacitor. Then, the second control unit detects whether the backup power supply circuit is connected to the second plate based on the voltage on the upstream side of the charging unit of the backup power supply circuit. As a result, even in the case where the second capacitor has a large capacitance and the charging time is long, it is possible to detect whether the backup power supply circuit is connected to the second plate based on the voltage on the upstream side of the charging unit, thereby enabling detection before the second capacitor is fully charged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant circuit (in which only the heat source unit 2 is illustrated in detail) and a communication circuit of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 is a diagram of a refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 1 (in which only the refrigerant flow switching unit 4-1 and the utilization units 3A-1 to 3D-1 connected to the refrigerant flow switching unit 4-1 are illustrated in detail);

[0019] Figure 4 is an external view of the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 according to the first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 1 is a diagram illustrating a main board 200 and a backup board 300 in an electrical component box 140 of a refrigerant flow switching unit 4 according to the first embodiment, and a board to which the main board 200 is connected.

[0021] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating connection detection of a standby board and charge detection of a capacitor according to the first embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7 is an initial control flow chart of the air-conditioning operation of the air-conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating first to third main boards 200 - 1 to 200 - 3 , a standby board 301 , and capacitor boards 700 and 800 of a refrigerant flow path switching unit of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment; and

[0024] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram illustrating devices to which first to third main boards 200 - 1 to 200 - 3 of a refrigerant flow switching unit of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment are connected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] One of the specific aspects of the refrigeration cycle device, that is, an air conditioner, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] <First Embodiment>

[0027] (1) Overall configuration of air conditioner

[0028] The air conditioner 1 is a device for cooling and heating the indoor space of a building or the like through a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 1 mainly includes a heat source unit 2, a plurality of (here, 8) utilization units 3, a plurality of (here, 2) refrigerant flow path switching units 4 provided between the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3 and switching the flow of the refrigerant in the utilization unit 3, a heat source side connecting pipe 5 extending from the heat source unit 2, and a utilization side connecting pipe 6 extending from the utilization unit 3. The vapor compression refrigerant circuit 19 of the air conditioner 1 is configured by connecting the heat source unit 2, the utilization unit 3, the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4, and the connecting pipes 5 and 6.

[0029] The heat source unit 2 is installed outside the building (on the roof, etc.). The utilization unit 3 is installed in the building, here, in the room, in the ceiling space of the room, etc. The refrigerant flow switching unit 4 is installed in the building, here, in the ceiling space of the passage.

[0030] The heat source unit 2 is connected to the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 through a heat source side connecting pipe 5. Specifically, the heat source unit 2 is connected to the refrigerant flow switching unit 4-1 through a heat source side connecting pipe 5-1. The refrigerant flow switching unit 4-2 is connected to the refrigerant flow switching unit 4-1 through a heat source side connecting pipe 5-2.

[0031] The utilization unit 3 and the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 are connected via the utilization side connecting pipe 6. Specifically, the refrigerant flow switching unit 4-1 is connected to a plurality of (here, 4) utilization units 3A-1 to 3D-1 via the utilization side connecting pipe 6-1. The refrigerant flow switching unit 4-2 is connected to a plurality of (here, 4) utilization units 3A-2 to 3D-2 via the utilization side connecting pipe 6-2.

[0032] Then, the air conditioner 1 can switch the refrigerant flow in the utilization unit 3 for each utilization unit 3 using the refrigerant flow switching unit 4. The air conditioner 1 is a so-called cooling and heating free type air conditioner that can perform cooling operation or heating operation for each utilization unit 3 individually.

[0033] The air conditioner 1 is controlled by a control system including an outdoor control board 600 in the heat source unit 2, an indoor control board 500 in the utilization unit 3, and a main board 200 in the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4. Figure 2As shown, the monitoring computer 90 is connected to the communication line 80 connecting the respective boards 600, 500 and 200. The monitoring computer 90 includes a notification unit 94 including a display and / or a buzzer.

[0034] (2) Detailed configuration of air conditioner

[0035] (2-1) Heat source unit

[0036] The heat source unit 2 is connected to the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 via the heat source side connecting pipe 5 , and forms a part of the refrigerant circuit 19 .

[0037] The heat source side connecting pipe 5 includes a first heat source side connecting pipe 7, a second heat source side connecting pipe 8, and a third heat source side connecting pipe 9. The heat source unit 2 is connected to the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 through a set of three types of heat source side connecting pipes 7, 8, and 9. Specifically, Figure 2 As shown, the heat source unit 2 is connected to the refrigerant flow switching unit 4-1 via heat source side connecting pipes 7-1, 8-1, and 9-1. The refrigerant flow switching unit 4-1 is connected to the refrigerant flow switching unit 4-2 via heat source side connecting pipes 7-2, 8-2, and 9-2.

[0038] Next, the circuit configuration of the heat source unit 2 is described. The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a compressor 21, a first heat source side switching valve 22, a heat source side heat exchanger 23, a heat source side expansion valve 24, and a plurality of (here, three) isolation valves 25 to 27, and a second heat source side switching valve 29.

[0039] When the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is used as a radiator of the refrigerant, the first heat source side switching valve 22 can connect the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the gas side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 (see Figure 2 In addition, when the heat source side heat exchanger 23 is used as an evaporator of the refrigerant, the first heat source side switching valve 22 can connect the suction side of the compressor 21 and the gas side of the heat source side heat exchanger 23 (see Figure 2 , (dashed line of the first heat source side switching valve 22).

[0040] The heat source side heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The heat source unit 2 includes a heat source side fan 28 that generates an airflow of the outdoor air passing through the heat source side heat exchanger 23 .

[0041] The heat source side expansion valve 24 is a device for decompressing the refrigerant, and is composed of, for example, an electric expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.

[0042] When the second heat source side switching valve 29 sends the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 to the second heat source side connecting pipe 8, the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the second isolation valve 26 can be connected to each other (see Figure 2 In addition, when the second heat source side switching valve 29 sends the refrigerant flowing through the second heat source side connecting pipe 8 to the suction side of the compressor 21, the second isolation valve 26 and the suction side of the compressor 21 can be connected to each other (see Figure 2 The solid line of the second heat source side switching valve 29).

[0043] The shutoff valves 25 to 27 are manual valves that are opened or closed when the heat source unit 2 is connected to or disconnected from the outside (here, the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 ).

[0044] (2-2) Utilization Unit

[0045] The usage unit 3 is connected to the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 via the usage-side connecting pipe 6 , and forms a part of the refrigerant circuit 19 .

[0046] The utilization side connecting pipe 6 has a first utilization side connecting pipe 10 and a second utilization side connecting pipe 11. The utilization unit 3 and the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 are connected by a set of two types of utilization side connecting pipes 10, 11. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4-1 is connected to the utilization units 3A-1 to 3D-1 by four sets of utilization side connecting pipes 10-1 and 11-1 (10A-1 and 11A-1, 10B-1 and 11B-1, 10C-1 and 11C-1, 10D-1 and 11D-1). The refrigerant flow path switching unit 4-2 is connected to the utilization units 3A-2 to 3D-2 by four sets of utilization side connecting pipes 10-2 and 11-2 (10A-2 and 11A-2, 10B-2 and 11B-2, 10C-2 and 11C-2, 10D-2 and 11D-2).

[0047] Next, the loop configuration of the utilization unit 3 will be described. Since the utilization units 3A-1 to 3D-1 and 3A-2 to 3D-2 all have the same configuration, the description here will omit the subscripts "A", "B", "C", "D", "-1", and "-2" used to distinguish the utilization units 3.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the utilization unit 3 mainly includes a utilization side expansion valve 31 and a utilization side heat exchanger 32. The utilization side expansion valve 31 is a device for decompressing the refrigerant, and for example includes an electric expansion valve with an adjustable opening. The utilization side heat exchanger 32 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The utilization unit 3 has a utilization side fan 33 that generates an airflow of the indoor air passing through the utilization side heat exchanger 32.

[0049] (2-3) Refrigerant flow switching unit

[0050] The refrigerant flow switching unit 4 is provided between the heat source unit 2 and the usage unit 3 , is connected to the heat source unit 2 via the heat source side connection pipe 5 , is connected to the usage unit 3 via the usage side connection pipe 6 , and forms a part of the refrigerant circuit 19 .

[0051] Next, the circuit configuration of the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 is described. Since the refrigerant flow switching units 4-1 and 4-2 have the same configuration, the description here will omit the subscripts "-1" and "-2" used to distinguish the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 as much as possible. Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 mainly includes a first internal connecting pipe 41, a second internal connecting pipe 42, a third internal connecting pipe 43, a fourth internal connecting pipe 44A to 44D, a fifth internal connecting pipe 45A to 45D, a first flow path switching valve 46A to 46D, a second flow path switching valve 47A to 47D, a liquid side stop valve 58A to 58D, and a gas side stop valve 59A to 59D.

[0052] (2-3-1) Internal connecting pipe

[0053] The first internal connecting pipe 41 is connected to the first heat source side connecting pipe 7 . The second internal connecting pipe 42 is connected to the second heat source side connecting pipe 8 . The third internal connecting pipe 43 is connected to the third heat source side connecting pipe 9 .

[0054] A plurality of (four in this case) fourth internal connecting pipes 44A to 44D are connected to the first internal connecting pipe 41. The first ends of the fourth internal connecting pipes 44A to 44D are connected in a manner of branching from the middle of the first internal connecting pipe 41. In addition, the second ends of the fourth internal connecting pipes 44A to 44D are connected to the first utilization-side connecting pipes 10A to 10D, respectively.

[0055] The plurality of (four in this case) fifth internal connecting tubes 45A to 45D include sixth internal connecting tubes 48A to 48D branched from the second internal connecting tube 42, seventh internal connecting tubes 49A to 49D branched from the third internal connecting tube 43, and eighth internal connecting tubes 50A to 50D connecting the sixth internal connecting tubes 48A to 48D and the seventh internal connecting tubes 49A to 49D. The first ends of the sixth internal connecting tubes 48A to 48D are connected to the middle of the second internal connecting tube 42, and the second ends of the sixth internal connecting tubes 48A to 48D are connected to the first ends of the eighth internal connecting tubes 50A to 50D, respectively. In addition, the first ends of the seventh internal connecting tubes 49A to 49D are connected to the middle of the third internal connecting tube 43, and the second ends of the seventh internal connecting tubes 49A to 49D are connected to the first ends of the eighth internal connecting tubes 50A to 50D, respectively. The second ends of the eighth internal connecting tubes 50A to 50D are connected to the second utilization side connecting tubes 11A to 11D, respectively.

[0056] (2-3-2) Flow path switching valve

[0057] A plurality of (four here) first flow path switching valves 46A to 46D are respectively provided in the sixth internal connecting pipes 48A to 48D. In addition, a plurality of (four here) second flow path switching valves 47A to 47D are respectively provided in the seventh internal connecting pipes 49A to 49D. Each of the first flow path switching valves 46A to 46D and the second flow path switching valves 47A to 47D is configured using, for example, an electric expansion valve or a solenoid valve. The first flow path switching valves 46A to 46D are closed when the corresponding utilization units 3A to 3D perform cooling operation, and are opened when the corresponding utilization units 3A to 3D perform heating operation. However, when there is no utilization unit performing heating operation in the entire refrigerant circuit 19, the first flow path switching valves 46A to 46D are opened even if the corresponding utilization units 3A to 3D perform cooling operation. In addition, the second flow path switching valves 47A to 47D are opened when the corresponding utilization units 3A to 3D perform cooling operation, and are closed when the corresponding utilization units 3A to 3D perform heating operation.

[0058] (2-3-3) Stop valve

[0059] Liquid-side stop valves 58A to 58D are provided in the fourth internal connection pipes 44A to 44D, respectively. Each of the liquid-side stop valves 58A to 58D is configured using a solenoid valve or an electric valve. When a refrigerant leak described later is detected, the liquid-side stop valves 58A to 58D are changed from an open state to a closed state by the microcomputer 220 of the main board 200 in the electric component box 140.

[0060] The gas side stop valves 59A to 59D are provided in the eighth internal connection pipes 50A to 50D, respectively. Each of the gas side stop valves 59A to 59D is configured using a solenoid valve or an electric valve. When a refrigerant leak described later is detected, the gas side stop valves 59A to 59D are changed from an open state to a closed state by the microcomputer 220 of the main board 200 in the electric component box 140.

[0061] (2-3-4) Appearance

[0062] Figure 4 : is an appearance stereogram of the refrigerant flow switching unit 4. The refrigerant flow switching units 4-1 and 4-2 have the same configuration, and therefore, will be illustrated and described by omitting the subscripts "-1" and "-2" used to distinguish the refrigerant flow switching unit 4. The shell 120 of the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 is a roughly rectangular box, and mainly includes an upper surface plate 121, a lower surface plate 122, and side surface plates 123, 124, 125, 126. The left side surface plate 125 is provided with a first heat source side small nozzle 71, a first heat source side middle nozzle 81, and a first heat source side large nozzle 91 as the first heat source side connecting nozzle connected to the heat source side connecting pipes 7, 8, 9. In addition, the right side surface plate 126 is provided with a second heat source side small nozzle 72, a second heat source side middle nozzle 82, and a second heat source side large nozzle 92 as the second heat source side connecting nozzle connected to the heat source side connecting pipes 7, 8, 9. In addition, the rear side surface plate 124 is provided with a plurality (four groups here) of utilization side small nozzles 101A to 101D and utilization side large nozzles 111A to 111D as utilization side connection nozzles connected to the utilization side connection pipes 10 , 11 .

[0063] The electric component box 140 is mounted on the front surface plate 123 of the housing 120 .

[0064] (2-3-5) Control unit in the electrical component box

[0065] In the electrical component box 140 , the main board 200 is provided as a control unit for controlling the above-mentioned respective valves in the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 . Figure 5 2 is a diagram illustrating a circuit of the refrigerant flow switching unit 4. The solid lines in the circuit in the figure represent power lines, and the dotted lines represent signal lines. An AC voltage (e.g., a single-phase AC of 200V±10%) is supplied to the main board 200 from an external AC power supply PS. Note that for the AC voltage, two phases and two lines can be taken out from a three-phase AC power supply. Similarly, an AC voltage is also supplied to the standby board 300 described later.

[0066] The main board 200 includes an AC-DC switching power supply circuit 210, a valve driving circuit 240, a regulator 230, a microcomputer 220, a power failure detection unit 250, a connection detection unit 280, and a charging detection unit 290. The AC-DC switching power supply circuit 210 converts a 200V AC voltage into a DC voltage (13.8V DC in this embodiment). The two systems are insulated from each other while outputting a 13.8V DC output. The first output electrical path L1 as one of the two systems is connected to the regulator 230 and the microcomputer 220, and the second output electrical path L2 as the other of the two systems is connected to the power failure detection unit 250.

[0067] The valve drive circuit 240 can open and close the flow path switching valves 46A to 46D, 47A to 47D and the stop valves 58A to 58D, 59A to 59D based on the input voltage (13.8V DC) and the valve drive signal from the microcomputer 220. The regulator 230 steps down the 13.8V DC (to 5V DC in the present embodiment) and supplies the power supply voltage to the microcomputer 220.

[0068] When the 13.8V DC voltage supplied from the AC-DC switching power supply circuit 210 decreases, the power failure detection unit 250 detects a power failure.

[0069] Note that the power failure detection unit 250 can detect a power failure based on a voltage obtained by further stepping down 13.8 V DC. The power failure detection unit 250 can also detect a power failure based on a drop in the AC voltage input to the AC-DC switching power supply circuit 210.

[0070] When a power failure is detected, the power failure detection unit 250 transmits a power failure signal to the microcomputer 220 .

[0071] (2-3-6) Indoor control panel connected to the control unit in the electrical component box

[0072] The indoor control board 500 is connected to a refrigerant leakage sensor 95 provided in the utilization unit 3 or in a room where the utilization unit 3 is provided. When refrigerant leakage from the utilization unit 3 to the room is detected, the refrigerant leakage sensor 95 transmits a detection signal to the indoor control board 500. The indoor control board 500 transmits the detection signal of the refrigerant leakage to the main board 200 of the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4, the outdoor control board 600 of the heat source unit 2, and the monitoring computer 90.

[0073] (2-3-7) Spare board in the electrical component box

[0074] Inside the electrical component box 140, in addition to the main board 200, a standby board 300 connected to the main board 200 is provided. When a power failure or the like occurs and the AC voltage is no longer supplied from the external AC power supply PS to the main board 200, the standby board 300 functions as a power supply for supplying the AC voltage to the main board 200. In other words, the standby board 300 is a board that functions as a standby power supply circuit for supplying a standby voltage to the first output electrical path L1 during a power failure.

[0075] The standby board 300 includes an AC-DC switching power supply circuit 310, a charging circuit 320, a capacitor 330, a boost circuit 340, and the like. The AC-DC switching power supply circuit 310 rectifies and smoothes a single-phase AC of 200V into a DC voltage and converts the DC voltage into a low voltage. The charging circuit 320 charges the capacitor 330 based on the DC voltage provided from the AC-DC switching power supply circuit 310. The capacitor is, for example, an electric double layer capacitor having a large capacitance. By using the capacitor 330, the circuit can be simplified and the size of the circuit board can be reduced compared to the case of using another auxiliary power supply (battery, etc.). In addition, by using the electric double layer capacitor 330, a larger electrostatic capacitance can be ensured while further reducing the size of the board. Note that the type of capacitor is not limited to the electric double layer.

[0076] The output voltage (here, about 6.2V DC) between both terminal electrodes of the capacitor 330 is input to the boost circuit 340. The boost circuit 340 is a semiconductor obtained by integrating a boost chopper into one chip, and boosts the DC voltage to 13.8V.

[0077] Figure 6 3 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a state in which charging of the capacitor 330 is performed by the standby board 300. After the power is turned on at time t0, the microcomputer reset is released at time t1. When the unstable time elapses after the microcomputer reset is released and reaches time t2, the connection detection unit 280 and the microcomputer 220 can detect the connection or disconnection of the standby board 300. Figure 6 In the figure, Lo indicates connection and Hi indicates disconnection. The microcomputer 220 of the main board 200 uses the connection detection unit 280 to monitor the voltage ( Figure 5 The voltage at point P1 in the circuit is used to detect whether the standby board 300 is connected to the main board 200.

[0078] However, at time t2 , the capacitor 330 of the standby board 300 has not been fully charged, and it is not possible to detect whether the standby board 300 is connected to the main board 200 by detecting the charging status of the capacitor 330 .

[0079] When time continues to pass and reaches time t3, the charging voltage of the capacitor 330 exceeds the operating voltage threshold Vth of the boost circuit 340, and the charging detection unit 290 can detect the charging of the capacitor 330. Figure 6 In the example, Lo indicates that charging is detected, and Hi indicates that charging is not detected. The microcomputer 220 of the main board 200 monitors the voltage supplied from the capacitor 330 to the main board 200 via the boost circuit 340 using the charge detection unit 290, and detects whether the capacitor 330 is charged based on the voltage.

[0080] (3) Normal operation of the air conditioner

[0081] The air conditioner 1 having the above circuit configuration can perform cooling-only operation, heating-only operation, cooling-dominant operation, and heating-dominant operation. Here, cooling-only operation is an operation in which only the utilization unit 3 performing cooling operation exists. Heating-only operation is an operation in which only the utilization unit 3 performing heating operation exists. Cooling-dominant operation is an operation in which the utilization unit 3 performing cooling operation and the utilization unit 3 performing heating operation coexist, and the first heat source side switching valve 22 of the heat source unit 2 is in the Figure 2 The heating dominant operation is an operation in which the utilization unit 3 performing cooling operation and the utilization unit 3 performing heating operation coexist, and the first heat source side switching valve 22 of the heat source unit 2 is in the state shown by the solid line in the middle. Figure 2 The state shown by the dotted line.

[0082] The details of each operation are known operations of a so-called cooling and heating free type air conditioner, and thus description thereof will be omitted here.

[0083] (4) Air conditioner operation when refrigerant leakage is detected

[0084] During the operation of the air conditioner 1, when the refrigerant leakage sensor 95 detects a refrigerant leakage, the indoor control board 500 sends a refrigerant leakage signal to the outdoor control board 600, the microcomputer 220 of the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4, and the monitoring computer 90. The outdoor control board 600 stops the operation of the air conditioner 1, thereby stopping the compressor 21. The microcomputer 220 of the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 sends a drive signal to the valve drive circuit 240 to completely close the stop valves 58A to 58D and 59A to 59D.

[0085] The monitoring computer 90 notifies a manager or a user of the air conditioner 1 of the refrigerant leakage through a display and / or a buzzer of the notification unit 94 .

[0086] When the operation stop operation of the air conditioner is performed while the AC power source PS normally supplies voltage, the operation of the air conditioner 1 stops, but, in the absence of refrigerant leakage, the stop valves 58A to 58D, 59A to 59D remain in an open state. Even when the air conditioner 1 is stopped, the AC power source PS is active and supplies voltage to the main board 200 and the standby board 300.

[0087] (5) Operation of the refrigerant flow switching unit during power failure

[0088] After power is turned on, the main board 200 of the refrigerant flow switching unit 4 outputs 13.8V DC and 5V DC to start power failure monitoring by the power failure detection unit 250. On the other hand, as described above, when a predetermined time elapses from power on, the voltage of the capacitor 330 is charged to 6.2V.

[0089] When a power failure of the AC power supply PS occurs during normal operation or stop of the air conditioner 1, the power failure detection unit 250 of the main board 200 detects the power failure. During the power failure, the output voltage of the AC-DC switching power supply circuit 210 becomes 0V. At the same time, 13.8V DC is supplied to the main board 200 via the boost circuit 340 from the capacitor 330 of the standby board 300. Therefore, 13.8V DC and 5V DC in the main board 200 are maintained, and the microcomputer 220 can continue to operate. The microcomputer 220 outputs a drive signal to the valve drive circuit 240 that instructs the stop valves 58A to 58D and 59A to 59D to be completely closed. In response to this, the valve drive circuit 240 outputs a drive pulse and starts to close the stop valves 58A to 58D, 59A to 59D. Thereafter, the voltage of the capacitor 330 gradually decreases, but 13.8V DC is maintained by the boost circuit 340, and the stop valves 58A to 58D, 59A to 59D are completely closed.

[0090] Thereafter, the drive signals of the cutoff valves 58A to 58D and 59A to 59D are turned off, and the valve drive circuit 240 stops outputting the drive pulses.

[0091] When the voltage of the capacitor 330 further decreases, the boost circuit 340 cannot output 13.8V DC, and the 13.8V DC and 5V DC sent to the main board 200 both become 0 V. At this time, the microcomputer 220 of the main board 200 stops operating.

[0092] (6) Prohibition of normal operation of the air conditioner

[0093] When an operation instruction is sent by a remote control unit or the like (not illustrated) of unit 3, the control system of air conditioner 1 starts the above-mentioned normal operation. In addition, even if a trial operation instruction has been issued when air conditioner 1 is installed, compressor 21 starts operating.

[0094] However, when the microcomputer 220 of the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 detects that the standby board 300 is not connected to the main board 200, the operation of the air conditioner 1 is prohibited. Specifically, when the standby board 300 is not connected to the main board 200, the outdoor microcomputer 620 of the outdoor control board 600 of the control system of the air conditioner 1 will not start the compressor 21 even if there is an operation instruction.

[0095] (7) Notification that charging on the standby board is not detected during normal operation of the air conditioner

[0096] As described above, when it is detected that the standby board 300 is not connected to the main board 200, the air conditioner 1 does not start the compressor 21 even if there is an operation instruction. On the other hand, when it is detected that the standby board 300 is connected to the main board 200, even if it is detected that the capacitor 330 is not charged, if there is an operation instruction, the air conditioner 1 starts the compressor 21 for normal operation. For example, if there is an operation instruction during power failure recovery, the outdoor microcomputer 620 starts the compressor 21 to start the air conditioning operation even if the charging of the capacitor 330 is not detected.

[0097] However, when the capacitor 330 of the backup board 300 is not charged due to reasons such as component failure, it is difficult to completely close the stop valves 58A to 58D and 59A to 59D during a power failure. When the air conditioner 1 is continued to operate in such a state, another measure needs to be taken to cope with the power failure.

[0098] In view of this, when the charge detection unit 290 detects that the capacitor 330 is not charged, the microcomputer 220 of the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 in the air conditioner 1 sends a signal indicating that the charging of the capacitor 330 is not detected to the monitoring computer 90. The computer 90 notifies the administrator or user of the air conditioner 1 through a display and / or a buzzer that the capacitor 330 of the standby board 300 is not charged.

[0099] Figure 7The initial control flow of the operation of the air conditioner 1 including the content of (6) above is illustrated. When it is determined in step S11 that there is an operation instruction, it is determined in step S12 whether there is a connection detection of the standby board 300 connected to the main board 200. When there is no connection detection, the process proceeds to step S17, and the monitoring computer 90 notifies that the standby board 300 is not connected to the main board 200. When the process proceeds to step S17, the start of the compressor 21 is prohibited. When it is determined in step S12 that there is a connection detection, the control for starting the compressor 21 and the control for normal operation of the air conditioner 1 in steps S13 and S14 are started in sequence. In step S15, it is determined whether a predetermined time required for charging the capacitor 330 has passed, and if the predetermined time has passed since the power supply was turned on, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, it is determined whether the capacitor 330 is charged, and if charging is not detected, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the monitoring computer 90 notifies the administrator or user of the air conditioner 1 that the capacitor 330 of the standby board 300 is not charged.

[0100] (8) Characteristics

[0101] (8-1)

[0102] The refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 of the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment detects whether the standby board 300 forming the standby power supply circuit is connected to the main board 200 based on the voltage on the upstream side of the charging circuit 320. As a result, even if the capacitor 330 of the standby board 300 has a large capacitance and a long time (e.g., several tens of minutes) is required to charge the capacitor 330, it is possible to detect whether the standby board 300 is connected to the main board 200 before the capacitor 330 is sufficiently charged.

[0103] (8-2)

[0104] When a power failure or the like occurs in a case where the standby board 300 is not connected to the main board 200, it may be difficult for the microcomputer 220 of the main board 200 to change the stop valves 58A to 58D and 59A to 59D that cut off the flowing refrigerant to a cut-off state. In view of this, the control system of the air conditioner 1 is configured so that in the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment, the compressor 21 is not started in a case where the standby board 300 is not connected to the main board 200. As a result, it is possible to prevent a problem that it is difficult to cut off the flow of refrigerant through the stop valves 58A to 58D, 59A to 59D due to disconnection between the standby board 300 and the main board 200 when a power failure or the like occurs. For example, even in a case where a refrigerant leak is detected during a power failure, it is possible to prevent a problem that it is difficult to change the stop valves 58A to 58D, 59A to 59D to a cut-off state.

[0105] (8-3)

[0106] In the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment, the microcomputer 220 of the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 not only detects whether the backup board 300 is connected to the main board 200, but also detects whether the capacitor 330 is charged. When the capacitor 330 is not charged to a predetermined capacitance for some reason, sufficient backup power may not be supplied from the capacitor 330 to the main board 200 during a power failure or the like, and the microcomputer 220 cannot change the states of the stop valves 58A to 58D and 59A to 59D.

[0107] However, in the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment, the microcomputer 220 detects whether the capacitor 330 is charged, and therefore, notification based on the detection result can be performed (here, by the monitoring computer 90).

[0108] (8-4)

[0109] In the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment, as described in (7), the monitoring computer 90 notifies the administrator or user of the air conditioner 1 that the capacitor 330 of the standby board 300 is not charged. As a result, the notified administrator or user of the air conditioner 1 can determine whether to stop the operation of the air conditioner 1 and repair or replace the standby board 300 on which the capacitor 330 is installed.

[0110] (8-5)

[0111] When the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment is inspected in a factory manufacturing the air conditioner 1, connection or disconnection of the backup board 300 is confirmed, but charging of the capacitor 330 of the backup board 300 is not confirmed. When the air conditioner 1 is installed in a building, charging of the capacitor 330 is confirmed on site.

[0112] As a result, the inspection time of the air conditioner 1 in the factory can be shortened.

[0113] (9) Modification

[0114] (9-1) Modification 1A

[0115] Although in the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment, the monitoring computer 90 notifies whether the capacitor 330 is charged based on the detection result, the notification can also be performed by the remote control unit of the utilization unit 3 provided in the room. For example, the content of the notification can be a direct notification that the capacitor 330 is not charged, or a prompt for maintenance.

[0116] (9-2) Modification 1B

[0117] The air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment notifies the monitoring computer 90 when the charging of the capacitor 330 is not detected. In addition or instead of this, the operation of the air conditioner 1 can be stopped or changed. For example, an operation change for setting an upper limit of the capacity of the compressor 1 or an operation change for setting an upper limit of the valve opening can be performed.

[0118] (9-3) Modification 1C

[0119] When the refrigerant leakage sensor 95 detects refrigerant leakage during operation, the microcomputer 220 of the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 sends a drive signal to the valve drive circuit 240 to completely close all the stop valves 58A to 58D and 59A to 59D in the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment. Instead of this control, the stop valves 58A to 58D, 59A to 59D corresponding to the utilization unit 3 corresponding to the room where the refrigerant leakage sensor 95 detecting the refrigerant leakage is installed may be completely closed to continue the operation of the other utilization units 3. In this case, the outdoor microcomputer 620 continues the operation of the compressor 21.

[0120] (9-4) Modify 1D

[0121] The air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment adopts a configuration in which four utilization units 3A-1 to 3D-2, 3A-2 to 3D-2 are connected to each of two refrigerant flow switching units 4-1, 4-2, but three or more refrigerant flow switching units 4 may also be provided, or five or more utilization units 3 may be connected to one refrigerant flow switching unit 4.

[0122] <Second Embodiment>

[0123] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The first main board 200-1, the second main board 200-2, the third main board 200-3, the standby board 301, and the capacitor boards 700 and 800 in the electrical component box of the refrigerant flow path switching unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment are illustrated. The air conditioner of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment, except for the number and type of devices connected to the refrigerant flow path switching unit. Therefore, the description of the heat source unit and the utilization unit having the same configuration as the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the various boards of the refrigerant flow path switching unit will be described below. Regarding the refrigerant flow path switching unit, the description of the same configuration as the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0124] The refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 of the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment is provided with only a single main board 200, and a total of eight flow path switching valves 46A to 46D and 47A to 47D and a total of eight stop valves 58A to 58D and 59A to 59D are connected to the microcomputer 220 of the main board 200. However, the refrigerant flow path switching unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment is provided with a total of three main boards (a first main board 200-1, a second main board 200-2, and a third main board 200-3). Eight first stop valves SV11 to SV18 and eight first electric valves EV11 to EV18 are connected to the first main board 200-1, and a ventilation fan 96 is connected. In addition, the refrigerant leakage sensor 95 inputs a refrigerant leakage detection signal only to the first main board 200-1. Eight second stop valves SV21 to SV28 and eight second electric valves EV21 to EV28 are connected to the second main board 200-2. Eight third shut-off valves SV31 to SV38 and eight third electric valves EV31 to EV38 are connected to the third main board 200-3. The first main board 200-1 includes a first microcomputer 220-1, the second main board 200-2 includes a second microcomputer 220-2, and the third main board 200-3 includes a third microcomputer 220-3. The first microcomputer 220-1 controls the opening and closing of eight first shut-off valves SV11 to SV18 and eight first electric valves EV11 to EV18, and controls the ventilation fan. The second microcomputer 220-2 controls the opening and closing of eight second shut-off valves SV21 to SV28 and eight second electric valves EV21 to EV28. The third microcomputer 220-3 controls the opening and closing of eight third shut-off valves SV31 to SV38 and eight third electric valves EV31 to EV38.

[0125] Although the refrigerant flow path switching unit 4 of the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment is provided with only a single standby board 300, the refrigerant flow path switching unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment is provided with a standby board 301 and two capacitor plates 700 and 800. The two capacitor plates 700, 800 are connected to the standby board 301. Here, one standby board 301 and the two capacitor plates 700, 800 form a standby power supply circuit 900. The charging circuit 321 of the AC-DC switching power supply circuit 311 connected to the standby board 301 charges not only the capacitor 331 of the standby board 301, but also the capacitor 731 of the capacitor plate 700 and the capacitor 831 of the capacitor plate 800. The standby board 301 is provided with three boost circuits 341, 342, 343. The first microcomputer 220-1 supplies the standby power from the capacitor 331 of the standby board 301 via the boost circuit 341. The second microcomputer 220-2 is supplied with standby power from the capacitor 731 of the capacitor board 700 via the boost circuit 342. The third microcomputer 220-3 is supplied with standby power from the capacitor 831 of the capacitor board 800 via the boost circuit 343.

[0126] The first microcomputer 220-1 generates a voltage ( Figure 8 The second microcomputer 220-2 detects whether the standby board 301 is connected to the second main board 200-2 based on the voltage on the upstream side of the charging circuit 321 of the standby board 301. The third microcomputer 220-3 detects whether the standby board 301 is connected to the third main board 200-3 based on the voltage on the upstream side of the charging circuit 321 of the standby board 301.

[0127] The first microcomputer 220-1 monitors the voltage supplied from the capacitor 331 to the first main board 200-1 via the boost circuit 341, and detects whether the capacitor 331 is charged based on the voltage. The second microcomputer 220-2 monitors the voltage supplied from the capacitor 731 to the second main board 200-2 via the boost circuit 342, and detects whether the capacitor 731 is charged based on the voltage. The third microcomputer 220-3 monitors the voltage supplied from the capacitor 831 to the third main board 200-3 via the boost circuit 343, and detects whether the capacitor 831 is charged based on the voltage.

[0128] The air conditioner of the second embodiment using the above configuration detects whether the standby board 301 is connected to the first main board 200-1, whether the standby board 301 is connected to the second main board 200-2, and whether the standby board 301 is connected to the third main board 200-3 based on the voltage on the upstream side of the charging circuit 321 of the standby board 301. As a result, even if each of the capacitor 331, the capacitor 731, and the capacitor 831 has a large capacitance and requires a long time to charge, the connection of the standby board 301 can be detected at a stage before the capacitor 331, the capacitor 731, and the capacitor 831 are fully charged.

[0129] Reference numerals list

[0130] 1: Air conditioner (refrigeration cycle device)

[0131] 19: Refrigerant circuit

[0132] 21: Compressor

[0133] 58A to 58D: Liquid side stop valve (first valve)

[0134] 59A to 59D: Gas side stop valve (first valve)

[0135] 94: Notification unit

[0136] 200: Main board (first board)

[0137] 200-1: First Main Board (First Board)

[0138] 200-2: Second main board (second board)

[0139] 220: Microcomputer (first control unit)

[0140] 220-1: First microcomputer (first control unit)

[0141] 220-2: Second microcomputer (second control unit)

[0142] 300: Backup board (a board forming a backup power supply circuit)

[0143] 320: Charging circuit (charging unit)

[0144] 321: Charging circuit (charging unit)

[0145] 330: Capacitor (first capacitor)

[0146] 620: Outdoor microcomputer (operation control unit for controlling the compressor)

[0147] 731: Capacitor (second capacitor)

[0148] 900: Backup power circuit

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device (1), comprising: A refrigerant circuit (19), the refrigerant circuit comprising a first valve (58A to 58D, 59A to 59D, SV11 to SV18) for shutting off the flow of refrigerant; A first plate (200, 200-1), the first plate comprising a first control unit (220, 220-1) for controlling the first valve; as well as a backup power supply circuit (300, 900) which supplies power to the first board from a first capacitor (330, 331), The backup power supply circuit includes a charging unit (320, 321) for receiving power from the outside and charging the first capacitor, and The first control unit detects whether the backup power supply circuit is connected to the first board based on a voltage on an upstream side of the charging unit of the backup power supply circuit.

2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, further comprising: an operation control unit (620), the operation control unit controlling the compressor (21), in, The refrigerant circuit further includes the compressor for compressing the refrigerant, and When the first control unit detects that the backup power circuit is not connected to the first board, the operation control unit does not start the compressor.

3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The first control unit also detects whether the first capacitor is charged based on a voltage of a power source supplied from the first capacitor to the first board.

4. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 3, further comprising: A notification unit (94) is configured to perform notification when the first control unit detects that the first capacitor is not charged.

5. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second plate (200-2), the second plate comprising a second control unit (220-2) for controlling the second valve (SV21 to SV28), in, The refrigerant circuit further includes the second valve for cutting off the flow of the refrigerant. The charging unit (321) also charges the second capacitor (731), and The second control unit detects whether the backup power supply circuit (900) is connected to the second board based on a voltage on an upstream side of the charging unit of the backup power supply circuit.

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