Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to a controller of a separate type air conditioner for providing
a common indoor unit for a machine specialized in cooling and a machine for cooling
and heating.
Description of the related Art
[0002] Japanese Unexamined Published Patent Application Hei 9 - 14781 discloses an air conditioner
which can cope with both an outdoor unit specialized in cooling and an outdoor unit
for cooling and heating. A heating kit including a parallel circuit of a check valve
and a heating throttle mechanism is detachably mounted to an indoor unit specialized
in cooling, in order for reducing a manufacturing cost by commonly setting specifications
of the indoor unit specialized in cooling and an indoor unit for cooling and heating.
[0003] In a separate type air conditioner according to the related art, the controller and
the indoor unit for the machine specialized in cooling (cooling machine, hereinafter)
were different from the ones for the machine for cooling and heating (cooling-and-heating
machine, hereinafter). Therefore, it was impossible to provide the common controller
and indoor unit.
[0004] Only the indoor unit modified for the cooling-and-heating machine by detachably mounting
the heating kit is disclosed. Therefore, the disclosed invention has several disadvantages,
such that a control in manufacturing becomes complex, a number of service parts increases,
and a company who installs the machine has to make a unit control. So far, it has
been impossible to provide the common controller and indoor unit without detaching
any component.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] It is one of objects of this invention to solve the above-stated problems. Namely,
it is one of the objects of this invention to reduce a cost by decreasing a number
of parts controlled and ordered by providing a common indoor unit and a common controller
for the separate type cooling machine and the separate type cooling-and-heating machine.
It is another object of this invention to reduce work of the company who installs
the machine in the unit control (i.e., stock control) and installation work.
[0006] According to one aspect of this invention, a separate type air conditioner separated
into an indoor unit and an outdoor unit includes a controller having a microcomputer
in which a program for a cooling machine and a program for a cooling-and-heating machine
are stored, and a program switching mechanism for switching the program for the cooling
machine and the program for the cooling-and-heating machine.
[0007] Further features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from
the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that
the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments
of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and
modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
[0008] Other objects features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the
following description when taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009]
Fig. 1 shows a block chart of an air conditioner in Embodiment 1;
Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of operations in Embodiment 1;
Fig. 3 shows a block chart of an air conditioner in Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 5;
Fig. 4 shows a block chart of an air conditioner in Embodiment 3; and
Fig. 5 shows a block chart of an air conditioner in Embodiment 4.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Embodiment 1.
[0010] Embodiment 1 of this invention is explained with reference to drawings.
[0011] Fig. 1 shows a block chart of an air conditioner in Embodiment 1 of this invention.
Explanations are made on a case in which an integrated indoor unit 101 functioning
both for cooling machine and cooling-and-heating machine (an integrated indoor unit,
hereinafter) and an outdoor unit 111 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner
are installed. A cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine switch 105, which is
an example of a program switching mechanism, is set to a cooling-and-heating machine
before an electric power is supplied. The cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine
switch 105 sends a signal identifying the cooling and heating machine (a cooling-and-heating
machine signal, hereinafter) to a signal analyzer 104. The signal analyzer 104 receives
the signal, and analyzes the signal. Then, the signal analyzer 104 sends the cooling-and-heating
machine signal to a microcomputer 107. When the microcomputer 107 receives the signal
without accident, the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner functions
as the cooling-and-heating machine.
[0012] A wireless remote controller 102 sends an operation signal, and a wireless remote
controller signal receiver 103 receives the operation signal, and sends the operation
signal to the signal analyzer 104. The signal analyzer 104 receives and analyzes the
operation signal. The signal analyzer 104 sends the operation signal to the microcomputer
107. After the microcomputer 107 receives the operation signal, if the microcomputer
107 judges that the integrated indoor unit 101 in the air conditioner works normally,
the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner performs an operation in accordance
with the signal sent from the wireless remote controller 102.
[0013] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
107 sends a compressor operation signal to a signal analyzer 108. When the signal
analyzer 108 judges that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 108 sends the signal to a cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) sender-receiver 109. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal)
sender-receiver 109 sends the compressor operation signal to an indoor unit / outdoor
unit connecting line (connecting line, hereinafter). The signal is sent to a cooling-and-heating
machine signal (serial signal) receiver 112 of the outdoor unit 111 (cooling-and-heating
machine) in the air conditioner. The signal is received by the cooling-and-heating
machine signal (serial signal) receiver 112, then sent to a signal analyzer 114. The
signal is received and analyzed by the signal analyzer 114. Then, the signal is sent
to a microcomputer 115. When the microcomputer 115 receives the signal and judges
that the outdoor unit 111 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is
normal, the microcomputer 115 sends a compressor operation signal to a compressor
operation signal sender-receiver 116. The compressor operation signal sender-receiver
116 receives the compressor operation signal, and sends the compressor operation signal
to a compressor 117. When the compressor 117 receives the compressor operation signal
normally, the compressor 117 operates.
[0014] The microcomputer 115 sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor operation
signal sender-receiver 116 and an outdoor unit operating signal to the signal analyzer
114 at the same time. When the signal analyzer 114 judges that the signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 114 sends the signal to a cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) receiver 113. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) receiver 113 receives the signal, and sends the signal to the connecting line.
The signal is transmitted through the connecting line, and received by the cooling-and-heating
machine signal (serial signal) sender-receiver 109. Later, the signal is sent to the
signal analyzer 108 by the cooling-and-heating unit signal (serial signal) sender-receiver
109. The signal analyzer 108 analyzes the signal, and sends the signal to the microcomputer
107. The microcomputer 107 receives the signal, and judges if the outdoor unit 111
(cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is operating normally.
[0015] When a test operation switch 106 is pushed, a test operation signal is sent from
the test operation switch 106 to the signal analyzer 104. The signal analyzer 104
receives the signal, and analyzes the signal. Then, the signal analyzer 104 sends
the test operation signal to the microcomputer 107. When the microcomputer 107 receives
the test operation signal, if the microcomputer 107 judges that the integrated indoor
unit 101 of the air conditioner is normal, the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air
conditioner performs a test operation.
[0016] When at least three minutes have passed after the electric power being supplied,
the microcomputer 107 sends the compressor operation signal to the signal analyzer
108. When the signal analyzer 108 analyzes the compressor operation signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 108 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) sender-receiver 109. The cooling-and-heating machine signal
(serial signal) sender-receiver 109 sends the compressor operation signal to the connecting
line. The signal is sent to the cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal)
receiver 112 of the outdoor unit 111 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner.
The signal is received by the cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver
112, then sent to the signal analyzer 114. The signal is received and analyzed by
the signal analyzer 114. Then, the signal is sent to the microcomputer 115. Then the
microcomputer 115 receives the signal and judges that the outdoor unit 111 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner is normal, the microcomputer 115 sends the compressor
operation signal to the compressor operation signal sender-receiver 116. The compressor
operation signal sender-receiver 116 receives the compressor operation signal, and
sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor 117. When the compressor 117
receives the compressor operation signal normally, the compressor 117 operates.
[0017] The microcomputer 115 sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor operation
signal sender-receiver 116 and the outdoor unit operating signal to the signal analyzer
114 at the same time. When the signal analyzer 114 judges that the signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 114 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) receiver 113. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) receiver 113 receives the signal, and sends the signal to the connecting line.
The signal is transmitted through the connecting line, and received by the cooling-and-heating
machine signal (serial signal) sender-receiver 109. Later, the signal is sent to the
signal analyzer 108 by the cooling-and-heating unit signal (serial signal) sender-receiver
109. The signal analyzer 108 analyzes the signal, and sends the signal to the microcomputer
107. The microcomputer 107 receives the signal, and judges if the outdoor unit 111
(cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is operating normally.
[0018] Explanations are made on a case in which an outdoor unit 118 (cooling machine) is
installed for the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner. The cooling machine
/ cooling-and-heating machine switch 105 is set to a cooling machine, and the electric
power is supplied. The cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine switch 105 sends
a signal identifying the cooling machine (a cooling machine signal, hereinafter) to
the signal analyzer 104. The signal analyzer 104 receives and analyzes the cooling
machine signal. Then, the signal analyzer 104 sends the cooling machine signal to
the microcomputer 107. When the microcomputer 107 receives the signal normally, the
integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner functions as the cooling machine.
[0019] The wireless remote controller 102 sends an operation signal. The wireless remote
controller signal receiver 103 receives the operation signal, and sends the operation
signal to the signal analyzer 104. The signal analyzer 104 receives and analyzes the
operation signal. The signal analyzer 104 sends the operation signal to the microcomputer
107. After the microcomputer 107 receives the operation signal, if the microcomputer
107 judges that the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner works normally,
the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner performs an operation in line
with the signal sent from the wireless remote controller 102.
[0020] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
107 sends the compressor operation signal to the signal analyzer 108. When the signal
analyzer 108 judges that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 108 sends the signal to a cooling machine signal sender 110. The
cooling machine signal sender 110 receives the compressor operation signal, and sends
the compressor operation signal to the connecting line. The signal is transmitted
through the connecting line, and received by a cooling machine signal receiver + signal
analyzer 119 of the outdoor unit 118 (cooling machine) in the air conditioner. When
the compressor operation signal is judged as a normal signal by the signal analyzer,
the compressor operation signal is sent to a compressor operation signal sender 120.
The compressor operation signal sender 120 receives the signal, and sends the signal
to a compressor 121. If the compressor 121 receives the compressor operation signal
normally, the compressor 121 operates. Thus, the air conditioner operates normally.
[0021] Explanations are made on a case in which the outdoor unit 118 (cooling machine) is
installed (or connected) to the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner.
After installation, the cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine switch 105 in
the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner is turned on. Then, when the
electric power is supplied, the signal analyzer 104 recognizes the operation of cooling
machine is selected, and sends a cooling machine signal to the microcomputer 107.
Then, the microcomputer 107 instructs the integrated indoor unit 101 to operate as
the cooling machine.
[0022] The wireless remote controller sends an air conditioner operation signal (for example,
cooling operation, set temperature at 25°C, and air velocity at Hi; a provided room
temperature is 26°C or higher in this case), and the wireless remote controller signal
receiver 103 in the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner receives the
air conditioner operation signal. Then, the wireless remote controller signal receiver
103 sends the air conditioner operation signal to the signal analyzer 104. When the
signal analyzer 104 judges that the air conditioner operation signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 104 sends the air conditioner operation signal to the
microcomputer 107. When the microcomputer 107 receives the air conditioner operation
signal and at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power,
and a fun motor and other components (elements), etc. are operating normally, the
microcomputer 107 sends the cooling machine signal to the signal analyzer 108. The
signal analyzer 108 receives the cooling machine signal, and sends the cooling machine
signal to the cooling machine signal sender 110. The cooling machine signal sender
110 sends the cooling machine signal to the cooling machine signal receiver + signal
analyzer 119 in the outdoor unit 118 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner. The
cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 119 receives the signal, and analyzes
the signal. Then, the cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 119 sends
a compressor operation signal to a compressor operation signal sender 120. The compressor
operation signal sender 120 receives the compressor operation signal, and sends the
compressor operation signal to the compressor 121. The compressor 121 receives the
compressor operation signal, and the compressor operates. Hence, the integrated indoor
unit 101 operates as the cooling machine.
[0023] Explanations are made on a case in which the outdoor unit 111 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner is installed (or connected) to the integrated indoor
unit of the air conditioner. After installation, the cooling machine / cooling-and-heating
machine switch 105 in the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner is turned
off. Then, when the electric power is supplied, the signal analyzer 104 recognizes
the cooling-and-heating machine, and sends a cooling-and-heating machine signal to
the microcomputer 107. Then, the microcomputer 107 instructs the integrated indoor
unit 101 to operate as the cooling-and-heating machine.
[0024] The wireless remote controller 102 sends an air conditioner operation signal (for
example, heating operation, set temperature at 25°C, and air velocity at Hi; a provided
room temperature is 24°C or lower in this case), and the wireless remote controller
signal receiver 103 in the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner receives
the air conditioner operation signal. Then, the wireless remote controller signal
receiver 103 sends the air conditioner operation signal to the signal analyzer 104.
If the signal analyzer 104 judges that the air conditioner operation signal is normal,
the signal analyzer 104 sends the air conditioner operation signal to the microcomputer
107. When the microcomputer 107 receives the air conditioner operation signal, if
at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, and a fun motor
and other components (elements) are operating normally, the microcomputer 107 sends
a cooling-and-heating machine signal to the signal analyzer 108. When the signal analyzer
108 receives the cooling-and-heating machine signal, the signal analyzer 108 sends
a serial signal to the cooling-and-heating machine signal sender-receiver 109. The
cooling-and-heating machine signal sender-receiver 109 sends the serial signal to
the cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver 112 in the outdoor
unit 111 (cooling-and-heating machine) in the air conditioner. When the signal analyzer
114 receives the serial signal, if the serial signal is transmitted normally, the
signal analyzer 114 sends the serial signal to the microcomputer 115. The microcomputer
115 receives the serial signal. If the air conditioner is prepared to operate normally,
the microcomputer 115 sends a compressor operation signal to the compressor operation
signal sender-receiver 116. The compressor operation signal sender-receiver 116 sends
the operation signal to the compressor 117. When the compressor 117 receives the signal,
the compressor operates. Thus, the indoor unit operates as the cooling-and-heating
machine.
[0025] The cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating machine operate normally in the above-described
steps. Next, a case is explained in which an error occurs in the operation.
[0026] While the outdoor unit 111 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is
connected (or installed) to the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner,
the cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine switch 105 is turned on by mistake,
and the electric power is supplied. The signal analyzer 104 recognizes that the outdoor
unit is the cooling machine, and sends the cooling machine signal to the microcomputer
107. The microcomputer 107 recognizes that the outdoor unit is for the cooling machine.
Therefore, the serial signal is not transmitted. A microcomputer 115 judges that the
operation is in error. Therefore, the microcomputer 115 does not start the operation
of the compressor 117. Hence, a normal operation is not made. (In this case, since
the microcomputer 115 recognizes that the outdoor unit is for the cooling machine,
a display monitor of the indoor unit does not display that the operation is in error.
However, since the compressor 117 does not operate and air conditioning does not start,
it is possible to judge that the operation is in error).
[0027] Explanations are made on a case in which the outdoor unit 118 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner is (installed to be) connected to the integrated indoor
unit 101 of the air conditioner, the cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine
switch 105 is turned off by mistake, and the electric power is supplied. The signal
analyzer 104 recognizes that the outdoor unit is the cooling-and-heating machine,
and sends the cooling-and-heating machine signal to the microcomputer 107. The microcomputer
107 recognizes that the outdoor unit is the cooling-and-heating machine. The microcomputer
107 sends a serial signal to the outdoor unit 118 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner,
but a serial signal is not returned. Therefore, the microcomputer 107 judges that
the operation is in error. The microcomputer 107 displays that the operation is in
error on the display monitor of the integrated indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner,
so that it is possible to avoid further mistake.
[0028] Above-stated operations are explained with reference to Fig. 2. In step 202, the
outdoor unit is connected (or installed) to the integrated indoor unit of the air
conditioner. In step 203, a judgement is made whether or not the outdoor unit is the
cooling machine. If it is judged that the outdoor unit is the cooling machine, the
cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine switch, which is located in the controller
of the integrated indoor unit in the air conditioner, is turned on in step 204. Then,
in step 205, the electric power is supplied (a rated voltage is supplied). Consequently,
the air conditioner functions as the cooling machine (step 206). Then, an air conditioner
normal operation signal is sent from the wireless remote controller. When the controller
in the integrated indoor unit of the air conditioner receives the signal from the
wireless remote controller normally and at least three minutes have passed after the
electric power is supplied, the compressor in the outdoor unit (cooling machine) of
the air conditioner starts to operate. Thus, the air conditioner operates normally
(step 210).
[0029] In case that the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is the cooling-and-heating machine,
in step 203 in which a judgement is made if the outdoor unit is the cooling machine,
since the outdoor unit is cooling-and-heating machine, the judgement is "NO." Therefore,
in step 207, the cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine switch in the controller
of the integrated indoor unit of the air conditioner is turned off. Then, in step
208, the electric power is supplied (the rated voltage is supplied), and the air conditioner
functions as the cooling-and-heating machine (step 209). Then, the air conditioner
normal operation signal is sent from the wireless remote controller. When the controller
in the integrated indoor unit of the air conditioner receives the signal from the
wireless remote controller normally and at least three minutes have passed after the
electric power is supplied, the compressor in the outdoor unit (cooling machine) of
the air conditioner starts to operate. Thus, the air conditioner operates normally
(step 210).
[0030] As stated, in Embodiment 1, the indoor unit (including controller) of the cooling
machine and the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the cooling-and-heating machine
are integrated. Therefore, a manufacturer can produce a common indoor unit. Hence,
a mass production becomes possible, and a cost can be reduced. Additionally, since
service parts can be unified, a control system can be simplified. Besides, the installation
company does not mistake a combination of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Thus,
the control can be simplified.
Embodiment 2.
[0031] Explanations are made on Embodiment 2 of this invention with reference to the drawings.
[0032] Fig. 3 shows a block chart of the air conditioner in Embodiment 2 of this invention.
[0033] An integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner and an outdoor unit 311 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner are installed, and the electric power is supplied.
A wireless remote controller 302 sends a cooling-and-heating machine signal and an
operation signal, and a wireless remote controller signal receiver 303 receives the
cooling-and-heating machine signal and the operation signal, and sends the signals
to a signal analyzer 304. The signal analyzer 304 receives the cooling-and-heating
machine signal and the operation signal, and analyzes the signals. The signal analyzer
304 sends the cooling-and-heating machine signal and the operation signal to a microcomputer
307. After the microcomputer 307 receives the signals, when the microcomputer 307
judges that the integrated indoor unit 301 in the air conditioner is set for the cooling
machine and the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner works normally,
the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner performs in accordance with
the signal sent from the wireless remote controller 302.
[0034] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
307 sends a compressor operation signal to a signal analyzer 308. When the signal
analyzer 308 judges that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 308 sends the signal to a cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) sender-receiver 309. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal)
sender-receiver 309 sends the compressor operation signal to the connecting line.
Then, the signal is sent to a cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver
312 of the outdoor unit 311 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner.
The signal is received by the cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver
312, then sent to a signal analyzer 314. The signal is received and analyzed by the
signal analyzer 314. Then, the signal is sent to a microcomputer 315. When the microcomputer
315 receives the signal, if the microcomputer 315 judges that the outdoor unit 311
(cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is normal, the microcomputer
315 sends the compressor operation signal to a compressor operation signal sender-receiver
316. The compressor operation signal sender-receiver 316 receives the compressor operation
signal, and sends the compressor operation signal to a compressor 317. When the compressor
317 receives the compressor operation signal normally, the compressor 317 starts to
operate.
[0035] The microcomputer 315 sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor operation
signal sender-receiver 316 and an outdoor unit operating signal to the signal analyzer
314 at the same time. When the signal analyzer 314 judges that the signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 314 sends the signal to a cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) receiver 313. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) receiver 313 receives the signal, and sends the signal to the connecting line.
The signal is transmitted through the connecting line, and received by the cooling-and-heating
machine signal (serial signal) sender-receiver 309. Later, the signal is sent to the
signal analyzer 308 by the cooling-and-heating unit signal (serial signal) sender-receiver
309. The signal analyzer 308 analyzes the signal, and sends the signal to the microcomputer
307. The microcomputer 307 receives the signal, and judges if the outdoor unit 311
(cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is operating normally.
[0036] Explanations are made on a case in which the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air
conditioner and an outdoor unit 318 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner are installed.
The wireless remote controller 302 sends a cooling machine signal and an operation
signal. The wireless remote control receiver 303 receives the cooling machine signal
and the operation signal, and sends the signals to the signal analyzer 304. The signal
analyzer 304 receives and analyzes the cooling machine signal and the operation signal.
The signal analyzer 304 sends the cooling machine signal and the operation signal
to the microcomputer 307. When the microcomputer 307 receives the signals and judges
that the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner is set for the cooling
machine and the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner works normally,
the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner performs in accordance with
the signal sent from the wireless remote controller 302.
[0037] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
307 sends the compressor operation signal to the signal analyzer 308. When the signal
analyzer 308 analyzes that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 308 sends the signal to a cooling machine signal sender 310. The
signal is received by the cooling machine signal sender 310. The signal is sent to
the connecting line of the air conditioner. The signal is transmitted through the
connecting line, and received by a cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer
319 of an outdoor unit 318 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner. When the cooling
machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 319 receives and analyzes that the signal
is transmitted normally, the cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 319
sends the compressor operation signal to a compressor operation signal sender 320.
The compressor operation signal sender 320 receives the signal, and sends the signal
to a compressor 321. When the compressor 321 receives the compressor operation signal
normally, the compressor 321 starts to operate. Thus, the air conditioner operates
normally.
[0038] Explanations are made on a case in which the outdoor unit 318 (cooling machine) of
the air conditioner is installed (or connected) to the integrated indoor unit 301
of the air conditioner. The electric power is supplied after the installation. The
wireless remote controller 302 sends a cooling machine signal and an air conditioner
operation signal (for example, cooling operation, set temperature at 25°C, and air
velocity at Hi; a provided room temperature is 26°C or higher in this case). The wireless
remote controller signal receiver 303 receives the cooling machine signal and the
air conditioner operation signal, and the wireless remote controller signal receiver
303 sends the signals to the signal analyzer 304. The signal analyzer 304 receives
and analyzes the cooling machine signal and the air conditioner operation signal.
Then, the signal analyzer 304 sends the cooling machine signal and the air conditioner
operation signal to the microcomputer 307. The microcomputer 307 instructs the integrated
indoor unit to fulfill a cooling machine operation and an air conditioner operation.
(A wireless remote controller signal for distinguishing the cooling machine and the
cooling-and-heating machine is received only once after the electric power is supplied.
For example, if the above-stated cooling machine signal is received as a first signal
after the electric power is supplied and a cooling-and-heating machine signal is sent
as a second or later signal, the wireless remote controller signal receiver 303 receives
the cooling-and-heating machine signal from the wireless remote controller. However
the signal analyzer 304 cancels the cooling-and-heating machine signal, and does not
send the cooling-and-heating machine signal to the microcomputer 307. However, if
the second or later signal from the wireless remote controller is the cooling machine
signal which is same as the first signal, the signal analyzer 304 judges that the
second or later signal is same as the first signal, and sends the second or later
signal to the microcomputer 307).
[0039] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, and the
fun motor and other components (elements) are operating normally, the microcomputer
307 sends the cooling machine signal to the signal analyzer 308. When the signal analyzer
308 receives the cooling machine signal, the signal analyzer 308 sends the cooling
machine signal to the cooling machine signal sender 310. The cooling machine signal
sender 310 sends the cooling machine signal to the cooling machine signal receiver
+ signal analyzer 319 of the outdoor unit 318 (cooling machine) in the air conditioner.
The cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 319 receives and analyzes the
signal. Then, the cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 319 sends a compressor
operation signal to the compressor operation signal sender 320. The compressor operation
signal sender 320 receives the compressor operation signal, and sends the compressor
operation signal to the compressor 321. When the compressor 321 receives the compressor
operation signal, the compressor starts to operate. Thus, the indoor unit operates
as the cooling machine.
[0040] Explanations are made on a case in which the outdoor unit 311 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner is installed (or connected) to the integrated indoor
unit 301 of the air conditioner. The electric power is supplied after the installation.
The wireless remote controller 302 sends a cooling-and-heating machine signal and
an air conditioner operation signal (for example, heating operation, set temperature
at 25°C, and air velocity at Hi; a provided room temperature is 24°C or lower in this
case). When the wireless remote controller signal receiver 303 receives the cooling-and-heating
machine signal and the air conditioner operation signal, the wireless remote controller
signal receiver 303 sends the signals to the signal analyzer 304. The signal analyzer
304 receives and analyzes the cooling-and-heating machine signal and the air conditioner
operation signal. Then, the signal analyzer 304 sends the cooling-and-heating machine
signal and the air conditioner operation signal to the microcomputer 307. The microcomputer
307 instructs the integrated indoor unit to fulfill the cooling-and-heating machine
operation and the air conditioner operation.
[0041] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, and the
fun motor and other components (elements) are operating normally, the microcomputer
307 sends the cooling-and-heating machine signal to the signal analyzer 308. When
the signal analyzer 308 receives the cooling-and-heating machine signal, the signal
analyzer 308 sends a serial signal to the cooling-and-heating machine signal sender-receiver
309. The cooling-and-heating machine signal sender-receiver 309 sends the serial signal
to the cooling-and-heating machine signal receiver 312 in the outdoor unit 311 (cooling-and-heating
machine) in the air conditioner. When the signal analyzer 314 receives the serial
signal and judges the signal is a normal signal, the signal analyzer 314 sends the
serial signal to the microcomputer 315. When the microcomputer 315 receives the serial
signal, if the air conditioner is prepared to operate normally, the microcomputer
315 sends a compressor operation signal to the compressor operation signal sender-receiver
316. The compressor operation signal sender-receiver 316 sends the operation signal
to the compressor 317. When the compressor 317 receives the signal, the compressor
317 starts to operate. Thus, the indoor unit operates as the cooling-and-heating machine.
[0042] The cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating machine operate normally in the above-described
steps. Next, a case is explained in which an error occurs in the operation.
[0043] While the outdoor unit 311 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is
connected (or installed) to the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner,
a cooling machine signal is sent from the wireless remote controller 302 by mistake.
In this case, the microcomputer 307 judges that the outdoor unit is for the cooling
machine, the serial signal is not transmitted. The microcomputer 315 judges that the
operation is in error, and does not start the operation of the compressor 117. Hence,
a normal operation is not made. (In this case, since the microcomputer 315 judges
that the outdoor unit is for the cooling machine, a display monitor of the indoor
unit does not display that the operation is in error. However, since the compressor
317 does not operate and air conditioning does not start, it is possible to judge
that the operation is in error).
[0044] Explanations are made on a case in which the outdoor unit 318 (cooling machine) of
the air conditioner is connected (or installed) to the integrated indoor unit 301
of the air conditioner. When the wireless remote controller 302 sends the cooling-and-heating
machine signal, if the microcomputer 307 judges that the outdoor unit is the cooling-and-heating
machine, the microcomputer 307 sends a serial signal to the outdoor unit 318 (cooling
machine) of the air conditioner. However, a serial signal is not returned. Therefore,
the microcomputer 307 judges that the operation is in error. The microcomputer 307
displays that the operation is in error on the display monitor of the integrated indoor
unit 301 of the air conditioner, so that it is possible to avoid further mistake.
[0045] As stated, in Embodiment 2, the indoor unit (including controller) of the air conditioner
of the cooling machine and the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the cooling-and-heating
machine are integrated. Therefore, a manufacturer can produce a common indoor unit
for the cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating machine. Hence, a mass production
becomes possible, and a cost can be reduced. Additionally, since service parts can
be unified, a control system can be simplified. Besides, the installation company
does not mistake a combination of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and the control
can be simplified.
Embodiment 3.
[0046] Embodiment 3 of this invention is explained with reference to drawings.
[0047] Fig. 4 shows a block chart of an air conditioner in Embodiment 3 of this invention.
Explanations are made on a case in which an integral indoor unit 401 of an air conditioner
and an outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner are installed.
When the electric power is supplied, a microcomputer 415 of the outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner sends a cooling-and-heating machine serial signal
(cooling-and-heating machine signal, hereinafter) to a signal analyzer 414. The signal
analyzer 414 receives and analyzes the signal. If the signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 414 sends the signal to a cooling-and-heating machine signal sender
413. Then, the cooling-and-heating machine signal sender 413 sends the signal to the
connecting line. The signal is transmitted through the connecting line, and received
by a cooling-and-heating machine signal sender-receiver 409 of the integrated indoor
unit 401 of the air conditioner. A signal analyzer 408 analyzes the cooling-and-heating
machine signal, and sends the signal to a microcomputer 407. When the microcomputer
407 receives the signal normally, the integrated indoor unit 401 of the air conditioner
operates as the cooling-and-heating machine.
[0048] A wireless remote controller 402 sends an operation signal. A wireless remote controller
signal receiver 403 receives the operation signal, and sends the operation signal
to a signal analyzer 404. The signal analyzer 404 receives the operation signal, and
analyzes the operation signal. Then, the signal analyzer 404 sends the operation signal
to the microcomputer 407. When the microcomputer 407 receives the operation signal
and judges that the integrated indoor unit 401 in the air conditioner works normally,
the integrated indoor unit 401 of the air conditioner performs in accordance with
the signal sent from the wireless remote controller 402.
[0049] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
407 sends a compressor operation signal to the signal analyzer 408. When the signal
analyzer 408 judges that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 408 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine signal
(serial signal) sender-receiver 409. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) sender-receiver 409 sends the compressor operation signal to the connecting
line of the air conditioner. Then, the signal is sent to a cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) receiver 412 of the outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating machine)
of the air conditioner. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver
412 receives the signal, and sent to a signal analyzer 414. The signal analyzer 414
receives and analyzes the signal. Then, the signal analyzer 414 sends the signal to
the microcomputer 415. When the microcomputer 415 receives the signal, if the microcomputer
415 judges that the outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner
works normally, the microcomputer 415 sends the compressor operation signal to a compressor
operation signal sender-receiver 416. The compressor operation signal sender-receiver
416 receives the compressor operation signal, and sends the compressor operation signal
to a compressor 417. When the compressor 417 receives the compressor operation signal
normally, the compressor 417 starts to operate.
[0050] The microcomputer 415 sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor operation
signal receiver 416 and an outdoor unit operating signal to the signal analyzer 414
at the same time. When the signal analyzer 414 judges that the signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 414 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) receiver 413. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) receiver 413 receives the signal, and sends the signal to the connecting line.
The signal is transmitted through the connecting line, and received by the cooling-and-heating
machine signal (serial signal) sender-receiver 409. The signal is sent to the signal
analyzer 408. The signal analyzer 408 analyzes the signal, and sends the signal to
the microcomputer 407. The microcomputer 407 receives the signal, and judges if the
outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is operating
normally.
[0051] When a test operation switch 406 is pushed, a test operation signal is sent from
the test operation switch 406 to a signal analyzer 404. The signal analyzer 404 receives
and analyzes the signal. Then, the signal analyzer 404 sends the test operation signal
to the microcomputer 407. When the microcomputer 407 receives the test operation signal
and judges that the integrated indoor unit 401 of the air conditioner works normally,
the integrated indoor unit 401 of the air conditioner performs a test operation.
[0052] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
407 sends the compressor operation signal to the signal analyzer 408. When the signal
analyzer 408 judges that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 408 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine signal
(serial signal) sender-receiver 409. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) sender-receiver 409 sends the compressor operation signal to the connecting
line. The signal is sent to the cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal)
receiver 412 of the outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner,
and received by the cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver 412.
Then, the signal is sent to the signal analyzer 414. The signal is received and analyzed
by the signal analyzer 414. Then, the signal is sent to the microcomputer 415. When
the microcomputer 415 receives the signal and judges that the outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner works normally, the microcomputer 415 sends the compressor
operation signal to the compressor operation signal sender-receiver 416. The compressor
operation signal sender-receiver 416 receives the compressor operation signal, and
sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor 417. When the compressor 417
receives the compressor operation signal normally, the compressor 417 starts to operate.
[0053] The microcomputer 415 sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor operation
signal sender-receiver 416 and the outdoor unit operating signal to the signal analyzer
414 at the same time. Then the signal analyzer 414 judges that the signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 414 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) receiver 413. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) receiver 413 receives the signal, and sends the signal to the connecting line.
The signal is transmitted through the connecting line, and received by the cooling-and-heating
machine signal (serial signal) sender-receiver 409. The signal is sent to the signal
analyzer 408. The signal analyzer 408 analyzes the signal, and sends the signal to
the microcomputer 407. The microcomputer 407 receives the signal, and judges if the
outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is operating
normally.
[0054] Explanations are made on a case in which an outdoor unit 418 (cooling machine) of
the air conditioner is installed to the integrated indoor unit 401 of the air conditioner.
When the electric power is supplied, since a serial signal is not sent from the outdoor
unit 418 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner, the microcomputer 407 judges that
the outdoor unit is for the cooling machine, and the integrated indoor unit 401 of
the air conditioner performs an operation for the cooling machine. The wireless remote
controller sends an operation signal, and the wireless remote controller signal receiver
403 receives the operation signal. Then, the wireless remote controller signal receiver
403 sends the operation signal to the signal analyzer 404. The signal analyzer 404
receives and analyzes the operation signal. The signal analyzer 404 sends the operation
signal to the microcomputer 407. When the microcomputer 407 receives the signal, if
the microcomputer 407 judges that the integrated indoor unit 401 of the air conditioner
works normally, the integrated indoor unit 401 of the air conditioner performs in
accordance with the signal sent from the wireless remote controller 402.
[0055] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
407 sends the compressor operation signal to the signal analyzer 408. Then the signal
analyzer 408 judges that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 408 sends the signal to a cooling machine signal sender 410. The
signal is received by the cooling machine signal sender 410. The signal is sent to
the connecting line of the air conditioner. The signal is transmitted through the
connecting line, and received by a cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer
419 of the outdoor unit 418 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner. When the cooling
machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 419 judges that the signal is transmitted
normally, the cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 419 sends the compressor
operation signal to a compressor operation signal sender 420. The compressor operation
signal sender 420 receives the signal, and sends the signal to a compressor 421. When
the compressor 421 receives the compressor operation signal normally, the compressor
421 starts to operate. Thus, the air conditioner operates normally.
[0056] Explanations are made on a case in which the outdoor unit 418 (cooling machine) of
the air conditioner is installed (or connected) to the integrated indoor unit 401
of the air conditioner. The electric power is supplied after the installation. The
microcomputer 407 sends a serial signal to the signal analyzer 408, and the signal
analyzer 408 sends the serial signal to the serial signal sender-receiver 409. However,
since the outdoor unit 418 of the air conditioner is for the cooling machine, the
serial signal is not returned. Therefore, the microcomputer 407 judges that the outdoor
unit is for the cooling machine, and the indoor unit operate as the cooling machine.
[0057] Explanations are made on a case in which the outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating
machine) is installed (or connected) to the integrated indoor unit 401 of the air
conditioner. After installation, the electric power is supplied, and the microcomputer
407 sends the serial signal to the signal analyzer 408. Then, the signal analyzer
408 sends the serial signal to the serial signal sender-receiver 409. The serial signal
sender-receiver 409 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine signal receiver
412 in the outdoor unit 411 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner,
and the cooling-and-heating machine signal receiver 412 receives the signal. Then,
the signal analyzer 414 receives and analyzes the signal. If the signal analyzer 414
can analyze the serial signal correctly, the signal analyzer 414 sends the signal
to the microcomputer 415. The microcomputer 415 receives the signal, and sends an
answer signal of the serial signal to the signal analyzer 414. Then, the signal analyzer
414 sends the answer signal to the cooling-and-heating machine signal sender 413.
The cooling-and-heating machine signal sender 413 sends the answer serial signal to
the cooling-and-heating machine signal sender-receiver 409 in the integrated indoor
unit 401 of the air conditioner. The cooling-and-heating machine signal sender-receiver
409 sends the answer signal to the signal analyzer 408. When the signal analyzer 408
receives the answer signal and judges that the answer serial signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 408 sends the answer signal to the microcomputer 407.
When the microcomputer 407 receives the answer serial signal, the microcomputer 407
selects a software for the cooling-and-heating machine. Hence, the air conditioner
operates as the cooling-and-heating machine.
[0058] As stated, the cooling machine / cooling-and-heating machine switch is not necessary
in Embodiment 3. Therefore, switching of the cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating
machine can be made with a low cost.
Embodiment 4.
[0059] Explanations are made on Embodiment 4 of this invention with reference to the drawings.
[0060] Fig. 5 shows a block chart of the air conditioner in Embodiment 4 of this invention.
In Fig. 5, an integrated indoor unit 501 of the air conditioner and an outdoor unit
511 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner are installed. When the electric
power is supplied, the integrated indoor unit 501 of the air conditioner functions
as the cooling-and-heating machine. Then, a wireless remote controller 502 sends an
operation signal. A wireless remote controller signal receiver 503 receives the operation
signal, and sends the operation signal to a signal analyzer 504. The signal analyzer
504 receives and analyzes the operation signal. The signal analyzer 504 sends the
operation signal to a microcomputer 507. When the microcomputer 507 receives the operation
signal and judges that the integrated indoor unit 501 in the air conditioner works
normally, the integrate indoor unit 501 of the air conditioner performs in accordance
with the signal sent from the wireless remote controller 502.
[0061] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
507 sends a compressor operation signal to a signal analyzer 508. If the signal analyzer
508 judges that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally, the signal
analyzer 508 sends the signal to a cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal)
sender-receiver 509. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) sender-receiver
509 sends the compressor operation signal to the connecting line. The signal is sent
to and received by a cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver 512
of the outdoor unit 511 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner. Then,
the signal is sent to a signal analyzer 514. The signal is received and analyzed by
the signal analyzer 514. Then, the signal is sent to a microcomputer 515. When the
microcomputer 515 receives the signal and judges that the outdoor unit 511 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner works normally, the microcomputer 515 sends the compressor
operation signal to a compressor operation signal sender-receiver 516. The compressor
operation signal sender-receiver 516 receives the compressor operation signal, and
sends the compressor operation signal to a compressor 517. When the compressor 517
receives the compressor operation signal normally, the compressor 517 starts to operate.
[0062] The microcomputer 515 sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor operation
signal sender-receiver 516 and an outdoor unit operating signal to the signal analyzer
514 at the same time. If the signal analyzer 514 judges that the signal is normal,
the signal analyzer 514 sends the signal to a cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) receiver 513. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver
513 receives the signal, and sends the signal to the connecting line. The signal is
transmitted through the connecting line, and received by the cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) sender-receiver 509. The signal is sent to the signal analyzer
508. The signal analyzer 508 analyzes the signal, and sends the signal to the microcomputer
507. The microcomputer 507 receives the signal, and judges if the outdoor unit 511
(cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is operating normally.
[0063] When a quick start operation switch 506 is pushed, an emergency operation signal
is sent from the emergency operation switch 506 to the signal analyzer 504. The signal
analyzer 504 receives and analyzes the signal. Then, the signal analyzer 504 sends
the emergency operation signal to the microcomputer 507, and the microcomputer 507
receives the emergency operation signal. Then, if the microcomputer 507 judges that
the integrated indoor unit 501 of the air conditioner works normally, the integrated
indoor unit 501 of the air conditioner performs a quick start operation.
[0064] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
507 sends the compressor operation signal to the signal analyzer 508. When the signal
analyzer 508 judges that the compressor operation signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 508 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine signal
(serial signal) sender-receiver 509. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) sender-receiver 509 sends the compressor operation signal to the connecting
line. The signal is sent to the cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal)
receiver 512 of the outdoor unit 511 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner,
and received by the cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial signal) receiver 512.
The signal is sent to the signal analyzer 514. The signal is received and analyzed
by the signal analyzer 514. Then, the signal is sent to the microcomputer 515. When
the microcomputer 515 receives the signal and judges that the outdoor unit 511 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner works normally, the microcomputer 515 sends the compressor
operation signal to the compressor operation signal sender-receiver 516. The compressor
operation signal sender-receiver 516 receives the compressor operation signal, and
sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor 517. When the compressor 517
receives the compressor operation signal normally, the compressor 517 starts to operate.
[0065] The microcomputer 515 sends the compressor operation signal to the compressor operation
signal sender-receiver 516 and the outdoor unit operation signal to the signal analyzer
514 at the same time. When the signal analyzer 514 judges that the signal is transmitted
normally, the signal analyzer 514 sends the signal to the cooling-and-heating machine
signal (serial signal) receiver 513. The cooling-and-heating machine signal (serial
signal) receiver 513 receives the signal, and sends the signal to the connecting line.
The signal is transmitted through the connecting line, and received by the cooling-and-heating
machine signal (serial signal) sender-receiver 509. The signal is sent to the signal
analyzer 508. The signal analyzer 508 analyzes the signal, and sends the signal to
the microcomputer 507. The microcomputer 507 receives the signal, and judges if the
outdoor unit 511 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is operating
normally.
[0066] Explanations are made on a case in which the integrated indoor unit 501 of the air
conditioner and an outdoor unit 518 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner are installed.
The electric power is supplied while the quick start operation switch is being pushed.
In this case, a cooling machine signal is sent from the quick start operation switch
506 to the signal analyzer 504. The signal is received and analyzed by the signal
analyzer 504. When the signal analyzer judges that the signal is transmitted normally,
the signal analyzer 504 sends the signal to the microcomputer 507. When the microcomputer
507 receives the signal normally, the integrated indoor unit 501 of the air conditioner
functions as the cooling machine.
[0067] The wireless remote controller 502 sends an operation signal, and the wireless remote
controller signal receiver 503 receives the operation signal. The wireless remote
controller signal receiver 503 sends the operation signal to the signal analyzer 504.
The signal analyzer 504 receives and analyzes the operation signal. The signal analyzer
504 sends the operation signal to the microcomputer 507. When the microcomputer 507
receives the operation signal and judges that the integrated indoor unit 501 in the
air conditioner works normally, the integrated indoor unit 501 of the air conditioner
performs in accordance with the signal sent from the wireless remote controller 502.
[0068] When at least three minutes have passed after supplying the electric power, the microcomputer
507 sends the compressor operation signal to the signal analyzer 508. When the signal
analyzer 508 judges that the compressor operation signal is normal, the signal analyzer
508 sends the signal to a cooling machine signal sender 510. The cooling machine signal
sender 510 receives the compressor operation signal, and sends the compressor operation
signal to the connecting line. The signal is transmitted through the connecting line,
and received by a cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 519 of the outdoor
unit 518 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner. When the cooling machine signal
receiver + signal analyzer 519 judges that the compressor operation signal is normal,
the cooling machine signal receiver + signal analyzer 519 sends the compressor operation
signal to a compressor operation signal sender 520. The compressor operation signal
sender 520 receives the signal, and sends the signal to a compressor 521. When the
compressor 521 receives the compressor operation signal normally, the compressor 521
starts to operate. Thus, the air conditioner operates normally.
[0069] Explanations are made on a case in which the integrated indoor unit 501 of the air
conditioner and the outdoor unit 518 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner are
installed. The electric power is supplied while the quick start operation switch is
being pushed. In this case, a signal is sent from the emergency operation switch 506
to the signal analyzer 504. Since a condition of supplying the electric power + turning
the quick start operation switch on is fulfilled, the signal analyzer 504 sends the
cooling machine signal to the microcomputer 507. When the microcomputer 507 receives
the cooling machine signal, the integrated indoor unit 501 of the air conditioner
functions as the cooling machine.
[0070] In case of the cooling-and-heating machine, if the outdoor unit 511 (cooling-and-heating
machine) of the air conditioner is installed (or connected) to the integrated indoor
unit 501 of the air conditioner and the electric power is supplied, the integrated
indoor unit functions as the cooling-and-heating machine. (An original setting is
the cooling-and-heating machine, and the electric power is supplied while the quick
start operation switch is being pushed. Therefore, software of the microcomputer 507
is switched).
[0071] As stated, in Embodiment 4, the emergency operation switch 506 can be used for switching
programs. Therefore, switching of the cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating
machine can be produced with a low cost.
Embodiment 5.
[0072] Explanations are made on Embodiment 5 of this invention with reference to Fig. 3.
(Fig. 3 was already explained in Embodiment 2).
[0073] The outdoor unit 318 (cooling machine) of the air conditioner is installed (or connected)
to the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner, and the electric power is
supplied after the installation. The wireless remote controller 302 sends a cooling
machine signal and an air conditioner operation signal (for example, cooling operation,
set temperature at 25°C, and air velocity at Hi; a provided room temperature is 26°C
or higher in this case). When the wireless remote controller signal receiver 303 receives
the cooling machine signal and the air conditioner operation signal, the wireless
remote controller signal receiver 303 sends the signals to the signal analyzer 304.
The signal analyzer 304 receives and analyzes the cooling machine signal and the air
conditioner operation signal. Then, the signal analyzer 304 sends the cooling machine
signal and the air conditioner operation signal to the microcomputer 307. The microcomputer
307 instructs the indoor unit to perform a cooling machine operation and an air conditioner
operation.
[0074] The outdoor unit 311 (cooling-and-heating machine) of the air conditioner is installed
(or connected) to the integrated indoor unit 301 of the air conditioner, and the electric
power is supplied after the installation. The wireless remote controller 302 sends
a cooling-and-heating machine signal and an air conditioner operation signal (for
example, heating operation, set temperature at 25°C, and air velocity at Hi; a provided
room temperature is 24°C or lower in this case). When the wireless remote controller
signal receiver 303 receives the cooling-and-heating machine signal and the air conditioner
operation signal, the wireless remote controller signal receiver 303 sends the signals
to the signal analyzer 304. The signal analyzer 304 receives and judges the cooling-and-heating
machine signal and the air conditioner operation signal. Then, the signal analyzer
304 sends the cooling-and-heating machine signal and the air conditioner operation
signal to the microcomputer 307. The microcomputer 307 instructs the indoor unit to
perform the cooling-and-heating machine operation and the air conditioner operation.
[0075] As stated, in Embodiment 5, a possibility of a mistake in switching software for
the cooling machine and software for the cooling-and-heating machine decreases. Further,
the indoor can surely be set as either the cooling machine or the cooling-and-heating
machine without a mistake.
Embodiment 6.
[0076] Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 can be combined, that is the cooling machine and the
cooling-and-heating machine can be switched by using either the cooling machine /
cooling-and-heating machine switch or the wireless remote controller.
Embodiment 7.
[0077] For the sale of the cooling machine, a wireless remote controller for the cooling
machine is packaged with the outdoor unit for the cooling machine. For the sale of
the cooling-and-heating machine, a wireless remote controller for the cooling-and-heating
machine is packaged with the outdoor unit for the cooling-and-heating machine. However,
for the sale of the integrated indoor unit of the air conditioner, a wireless remote
controller is not packaged.
[0078] In Embodiment 7, either the wireless remote controller for the cooling machine or
the wireless remote controller for the cooling-and-heating machine is not packaged
with / attached to the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Therefore, the cost can
be reduced, and a sale price can be lowered. Further, a wrong operation of the air
conditioner due to a usage of a wrong wireless remote controller can be prevented.
[0079] According to this invention, a separate type air conditioner for being separated
into the indoor unit and the outdoor unit includes a controller having a microcomputer
storing a program for the cooling machine and a program for the cooling-and-heating
machine, and a switching mechanism for switching the program for the cooling machine
and the program for the cooling-and-heating machine. Therefore, the indoor unit (including
the controller) of the air conditioner for the cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating
machine can be integrated. Hence, the manufacturer can provide a common indoor unit,
and it leads to a mass production and a cost reduction. Besides, since service parts
are rationalized, a control system can be simplified. Further, the company who installs
the air conditioner does not mistake a combination of the outdoor unit and the indoor
unit, and the control can be simplified.
[0080] The program switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching the program for the
cooling machine and the program for the cooling-and-heating machine by the cooling
machine signal and the cooling-and-heating machine signal from the wireless remote
controller. Therefore, a switch for switching the cooling machine and cooling-and-heating
machine is not necessary, and the cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating machine
can be switched with a low cost.
[0081] The program switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching the program for the
cooling machine and the program for the cooling-and-heating machine based on whether
or not a serial signal is transmitted from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Therefore,
the cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating machine can be switched with a low
cost.
[0082] The program switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching the program for the
cooling machine and the program for the cooling-and-heating machine based on whether
or not a quick start operation switch is operated at the time of supplying the electric
power. Since the emergency operation switch can be used for switching the programs,
the cooling machine and the cooling-and-heating machine can be switched with a low
cost.
[0083] The wireless remote controller for the cooling machine and the wireless remote controller
for the cooling-and-heating machine are provided. The program switching mechanism
is the mechanism for receiving a signal from each of the wireless remote controllers
after the electric power is supplied and switching the program for the cooling machine
and the program for the cooling-and-heating machine based on the received signal.
Therefore, a possibility of a mistake in switching the above programs becomes lower.
Further, the indoor unit can surely be set for either the cooling machine or the cooling-and-heating
machine correctly.
[0084] The wireless remote controller for the cooling machine is packaged with the outdoor
unit of the cooling machine, and the wireless remote controller for the cooling-and-heating
machine is packaged with the outdoor unit of the cooling-and-heating machine. Therefore,
reductions both on the cost and the sales price can be expected. Further a wrong operation
due to a usage of a wrong wireless remote controller can be prevented.
[0085] Having thus described several particular embodiments of the invention, various alterations,
modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such
alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure,
and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the foregoing description is by way of example only and is limited only as defined
in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.