CN117321344A

CN117321344A - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: CN117321344A
Application number: CN202280024209.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 梅泽光; 冈部光悦
Original assignee: Hitachi Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Inc
Current assignee: Hitachi Johnson Controls Air Conditioning Inc
Priority date: 2022-04-27
Filing date: 2022-08-24
Publication date: 2023-12-29
Also published as: TW202342921A; JP7261947B1; JPWO2023210036A1

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner with high reliability. An air conditioner (100) comprises: the indoor unit (1) and the ventilation unit (3) for supplying power from the indoor unit (1), the ventilation unit (3) is provided with terminal blocks (31, 32), the terminal blocks (31, 32) are provided with temperature fuses (47, 48), and when the temperature fuses (47, 48) are fused, the power supply to the terminal blocks (31, 32) is stopped. The ventilation unit (3) is provided with a frame body having a material different from metal as a main component.

Description

Air conditioner

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background

As a technique for providing a ventilation unit in an air conditioner, for example, a technique described in patent document 1 is known. That is, patent document 1 describes an air conditioner including an air conditioning unit, a ventilation unit, and a timer reservation unit, in which a power relay and a temperature fuse are provided in an indoor unit.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent No. 4401189

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In recent years, ventilation of a room has been recommended as infection with a novel coronavirus or the like expands. Therefore, it is considered to provide a predetermined unit having a function of ventilation or the like in the indoor unit. However, in the technique described in patent document 1, there is no particular consideration for reliability in the case where a ventilation unit is provided in an indoor unit.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner with high reliability.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes: the indoor unit comprises a first indoor unit and a second unit supplied with power from the first indoor unit, wherein the second unit is provided with a second terminal block, the second terminal block is provided with a temperature fuse, and when the temperature fuse is fused, the power supply to the second terminal block is stopped.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, an air conditioner with high reliability can be provided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit and a ventilation unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment in a plan view from the right front.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit and the ventilation unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the right front Fang Angshi.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit including the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a side plate and a top plate of a casing of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment are removed.

Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of an electric power system of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram of an electric power system of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a circuit in the electric power system of the air conditioner of the second embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the third embodiment in a plan view from the right front.

Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram of an electric power system of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment.

Detailed Description

First embodiment

< Structure of air conditioner >

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit 1 and a ventilation unit 3 of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment in a plan view from the right front.

The air conditioner 100 shown in fig. 1 includes an indoor unit 1 (first indoor unit) and an outdoor unit 2 (outdoor unit: see fig. 3) having an air conditioning function, namely, a cooling operation and a heating operation, and a ventilation unit 3 (second indoor unit) having a ventilation function. The indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 are installed indoors (air conditioning room). The outdoor unit 2 is installed outdoors. Hereinafter, the configuration of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 will be described after the configuration of the ventilation unit 3, and the configuration of the power system of the air conditioner 100 will be described in detail.

The ventilation unit 3 shown in fig. 1 is a selection unit having a ventilation function, and is attached to the indoor unit 1. Accordingly, the term "option" includes a meaning that the option can be installed by a subscriber selecting a predetermined standard specification, and a meaning that the option can be added later, and a meaning that the option is different from the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2. For example, the user cannot select a sales mode such as whether or not to install the ventilation unit 3, and the ventilation unit 3 is sold together with the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2. Even in this case, when the ventilation unit 3 is different from the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2, the ventilation unit 3 is a selection unit (an additional device).

In the example of fig. 1, the ventilation unit 3 is disposed adjacent to the wall-mounted indoor unit 1 in the lateral direction. The ventilation unit 3 mainly includes: the ventilation fan 33 (see fig. 5), a baffle (not shown), a hose (not shown), a filter (not shown), a housing 34, and a display unit 35 (second display unit: see fig. 2).

The ventilation fan 33 (see fig. 5) is a blower that sends fresh outside air into the room through a hose (not shown) and an air supply passage (not shown) in the housing 34 in this order. Further, the air in the room may be exhausted to the outside through a hose in response to the driving of the ventilation fan 33. Further, the air supply mode for introducing outside air into the room and the air discharge mode for discharging the air in the room to the outside may be switched.

A shutter (not shown) of the ventilation unit 3 switches communication or blocking between the outside and the inside (air conditioning chamber). That is, when ventilation is performed, the shutter is opened, and the outside and the room communicate with each other via the shutter. On the other hand, when ventilation is not performed, the shutter is closed, and the outside and the inside of the room are blocked by the shutter. The hose (not shown) is a tube that guides outside air to an air supply flow path (not shown) in the frame 34. For example, the hose is inserted into an insertion opening (not shown) of the housing 34 through a hole (not shown) provided in a wall on the back surface side of the ventilation unit 3.

The filter (not shown) of the ventilation unit 3 captures dust from air that passes through a hose (not shown) toward an air supply flow path (not shown). The housing 34 is a case for housing the ventilation fan 33, a baffle (not shown), and the like. The frame 34 is made of, for example, resin, and is composed mainly of a material different from metal. In the example of fig. 1, the casing 34 is formed to be substantially flush with the surface of the indoor unit 1. The housing 34 is provided with an air suction port 34a. In the ventilation operation, outside air guided to an air supply passage (not shown) of the ventilation unit 3 via a hose (not shown) is supplied into the room via the suction port 34a.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 of the air conditioner 100 from the right front side.

As shown in fig. 2, the ventilation unit 3 includes a display unit 35 (second display unit). The display unit 35 displays the operation state of the ventilation unit 3. The ventilation unit 3 performs a predetermined ventilation operation in response to a user operation of a remote controller (not shown). In addition, in addition to the air conditioning operation, the ventilation operation may be performed even when the air conditioning operation is not performed. The remote controller may be provided with a remote controller (not shown) for ventilation, in addition to the remote controller (not shown) for air conditioning.

Fig. 3 includes a configuration diagram of an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit 2 of an air conditioner 100.

Further, solid arrows in fig. 3 indicate the flow of the refrigerant in the heating cycle.

The broken line arrow in fig. 3 indicates the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle.

The air conditioner 100 shown in fig. 3 includes, as a structure provided in the outdoor unit 2: a compressor 81, an outdoor heat exchanger 82, an outdoor fan 83, an expansion valve 84, and a four-way valve 87. The air conditioner 100 is provided as a structure provided in the indoor unit 1, and includes: an indoor heat exchanger 85, and an indoor fan 86.

The compressor 81 compresses a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant and discharges the compressed gas refrigerant as a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. Although not shown in fig. 3, an accumulator 89 (see fig. 4) for separating the refrigerant gas from the liquid is provided on the suction side of the compressor 81.

The outdoor heat exchanger 82 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tube 82b (see fig. 4) and the outside air. The outdoor fan 83 is a fan that sends outside air into the outdoor heat exchanger 82. The outdoor fan 83 includes an outdoor fan motor 83a as a driving source, and is provided in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 82.

The expansion valve 84 is a valve for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the "condenser" (one of the outdoor heat exchanger 82 and the indoor heat exchanger 85). The refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 84 is guided to an "evaporator" (the other of the outdoor heat exchanger 82 and the indoor heat exchanger 85).

The indoor heat exchanger 85 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant flowing through a heat transfer tube (not shown) thereof and indoor air. The indoor fan 86 is a fan that sends indoor air into the indoor heat exchanger 85. The indoor fan 86 includes an indoor fan motor 86a as a driving source, and is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 85.

The four-way valve 87 is a valve that switches the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 100. For example, during the cooling operation (see the broken line arrow in fig. 3), the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit Q1 through the compressor 81, the outdoor heat exchanger 82 (condenser), the expansion valve 84, and the indoor heat exchanger 85 (evaporator) in this order. On the other hand, during the heating operation (see the solid arrow in fig. 3), in the refrigerant circuit Q1, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 81, the indoor heat exchanger 85 (condenser), the expansion valve 84, and the outdoor heat exchanger 82 (evaporator) in this order.

The indoor unit 1 further includes: a filter 91 (see fig. 1), a display 92 (first display: see fig. 2), a vertical wind deflector 93 (see fig. 2), and a housing 94 (see fig. 1 and 2). The filter 91 captures dust from air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 85 (see fig. 3) in the housing 94, and is disposed upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 85 in the air flow direction.

The display unit 92 displays the state of the air conditioning operation and the like in a predetermined manner. The vertical louver 93 is a plate-like member that adjusts the vertical direction of the air blown out from the indoor unit 1. The casing 94 is a resin casing that houses the indoor heat exchanger 85 (see fig. 3), the indoor fan 86 (see fig. 3), and the like. A horizontal louver (not shown) may be provided to adjust the horizontal direction of the air blown out from the indoor unit 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a side plate and a top plate of the housing 88 of the outdoor unit 2 are removed.

As shown in fig. 4, the outdoor unit 2 includes a housing 88. The casing 88 of the outdoor unit 2 is formed of a material mainly composed of metal, for example. The housing 88 is provided with an electrical equipment box 90 in addition to the compressor 81, the outdoor heat exchanger 82, and the outdoor fan 83. In the example of fig. 4, the L-shaped outdoor heat exchanger 82 is provided on the bottom plate 88a of the housing 88 in a plan view. The outdoor heat exchanger 82 includes: a plurality of fins 82a arranged at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 82b penetrating through the fins 82 a. The configuration of the outdoor unit 2 is not limited to the example of fig. 4.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the electric power system of the air conditioner 100.

Fig. 5 shows power lines and communication lines that are electrically connected by common lines. Specifically, one of the pair of power lines electrically connected to the power relay 16 is indicated by a thick solid line, and the other is indicated by a thick broken line. Fig. 5 shows a communication line that connects the communication circuit 17 of the indoor unit 1 and the communication circuit 26 of the outdoor unit 2 by a dashed line.

First, when the electric connection relationship is roughly described, as shown in fig. 5, the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 are connected via the first cable 5 including the power lines 51, 52 and the communication line 53. Further, power is supplied from the indoor unit 1 (first indoor unit) to the ventilation unit 3 (second unit). The first cable 5 is a cable configured such that two power lines 51, 52 are adjacent to one communication line 53, and is covered with a predetermined sheath. The power lines 51, 52 and the communication line 53 included in the first cable 5 are each covered with a predetermined insulator. As such a first cable 5, an F cable (Flat-type cable) such as a VVF cable (Vinyl insulated Vinyl sheathed Flat-type cable; VVF) may be used.

The ventilation unit 3 and the outdoor unit 2 are connected via a second cable 6 including power lines 61 and 62 and a communication line 63. The second cable 6 includes two power lines 61 and 62 and one communication line 63, and has the same configuration as the first cable 5. As such a second cable 6, for example, an F cable is used.

The third cable 7 shown in fig. 5 is a cable for supplying ac power from an ac power source (not shown) to the indoor unit 1, and includes two power lines 71 and 72. One end of the third cable 7 is a power plug 73, and the other end is connected to a power line E1 between the noise filter 13 and the indoor unit terminal block 11. Then, the power plug 73 is inserted into a socket (not shown), and ac power is supplied from an ac power source (not shown) to the indoor unit 1 via the third cable 7.

The terminal blocks 31 and 32 (second terminal blocks) of the ventilation unit 3 are devices for electrically connecting the power line and the communication line, respectively, and are fixed to a predetermined support body, except for the indoor unit terminal block 11 (first terminal block) and the outdoor unit terminal block 21 shown in fig. 5.

The ac power supplied from an ac power source (not shown) to the indoor unit 1 via the third cable 7 is supplied to the ventilation unit 3 via the indoor unit terminal block 11, the first cable 5, and the terminal block 31 in this order, and is also supplied to the outdoor unit 2 as follows. That is, ac power supplied to the indoor unit 1 via the third cable 7 is also supplied to the outdoor unit 2 via the indoor unit terminal block 11, the first cable 5, the terminal block 31, the power lines E5, E6, the terminal block 32, the second cable 6, and the outdoor unit terminal block 21 in this order.

As described above, in the present embodiment, electric power is supplied from the indoor unit 1 to the outdoor unit 2 via the ventilation unit 3. Accordingly, since the number of the terminal blocks of the indoor units 1 and the outdoor units 2 is only 1, the cost burden of the user when the ventilation unit 3 cannot be mounted due to the user's desire can be reduced, and the space saving of the indoor units 1 and the outdoor units 2 can be realized. In addition, there is an advantage in that it is not necessary to set a dedicated power plug for supplying electric power to the ventilation unit 3.

As shown by the dashed communication line in fig. 5, communication between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 is performed via the ventilation unit 3. That is, the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other via the communication line C2 and the communication line 63 of the second cable 6 in order, in addition to the communication line 53 of the first cable 5. The communication between the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 is performed via communication lines 8a and 8b and an optical coupler 44 shown by solid lines in fig. 5. That is, the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 (second unit) are connected via communication lines 8a and 8b different from the communication line 53 of the first cable 5.

As shown in fig. 5, the indoor unit 1 (first indoor unit) includes an indoor unit terminal block 11 (first terminal block) and an indoor unit control board 12 (first control board). The noise filter 13, the converter 14, the switching power supply 15, the power relay 16, the communication circuit 17, the home automation terminal 18, the MCU19 (Micro Controller Unit, the microcontroller unit), and the FET50 (Field Effect Transistor, the field effect transistor) are mounted on the indoor unit control board 12.

The noise filter 13 is a filter for removing noise associated with the switching operation of the switching power supply 15 or the like from the ac voltage. The converter 14 is a circuit that converts an ac voltage supplied via the third cable 7 into a dc voltage. The switching power supply 15 is a power supply circuit for converting the level of the dc voltage applied from the converter 14. Further, the converted dc voltage by the switching power supply 15 is used for driving the MCU19, for example.

The power relay 16 relays the supply of electric power to the ventilation unit 3 (second unit) and the like. That is, the power relay 16 relays energization to the terminal block 31 (second terminal block) or the terminal block 32 (second terminal block). Specifically, the power relay 16 switches between supply and interruption of electric power from the indoor unit 1 to the ventilation unit 3 and the outdoor unit 2. The power relay 16 includes a coil 16a and a switch 16b. One end of the coil 16a is connected to the FET50 via the wiring L1, and the other end is connected to the thermal fuse 9 via the other wiring L2.

The switch 16b is provided on the power line E1 connecting the noise filter 13 and the connection terminal 11a of the indoor unit terminal block 11. When the air conditioning operation and the ventilation operation are performed, the FET50 is controlled by the MCU19 to energize the coil 16a, and the switch 16b is turned on. In addition, when the MCU19 stops energizing the coil 16a, the switch 16b is switched to an off state by the elastic force of a spring (not shown). When the ventilation operation is performed without performing the air conditioning operation, the power relay 16 is turned on to supply electric power to the ventilation unit 3.

The thermal fuse 9 (first thermal fuse) is an element that fuses when the indoor unit terminal block 11 is overheated, and is provided in the indoor unit terminal block 11. That is, the indoor unit terminal block 11 (first terminal block) has the thermal fuse 9 (first thermal fuse). The thermal fuse 9 is connected to the coil 16a of the power relay 16 via the wiring L2. Then, a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 v) is normally applied from the switching power supply 15 to the thermal fuse 9. When the indoor unit terminal block 11 is overheated due to a connection failure of the first cable 5 or the like and the thermal fuse 9 is fused, a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 v) is not applied to the coil 16a of the power relay 16, and therefore the switch 16b is switched to the off state. This prevents the power from being continuously supplied to the ventilation unit 3 and the outdoor unit 2 when the indoor unit 1 is abnormal.

The communication circuit 17 is a circuit for performing predetermined data communication with the outdoor unit 2. The home automation terminal 18 is a terminal for connecting the communication lines 8a and 8 b. The communication lines 8a and 8b are used to communicate between the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3. Although not shown, the MCU19 is configured to include: electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit ), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory ), and various interfaces. Then, the program stored in the ROM is read and developed in the RAM, and the CPU is caused to execute various processes.

The indoor unit terminal block 11 includes seven connection terminals 11a to 11g. Of the seven connection terminals 11a to 11g, five connection terminals 11a to 11e are used for connection of power lines, and the remaining two connection terminals 11f, 11g are used for connection of communication lines. In addition to the outdoor unit terminal block 21, the terminal blocks 31 and 32 of the ventilation unit 3 are also provided with connection terminals for connection of power lines and connection terminals for connection of communication lines.

In addition to the connection terminals 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f into which the power lines are inserted in the terminal block 31, the connection terminals 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d into which the power lines are inserted in the terminal block 32 are also referred to as "power line insertion portions". The shape of these "power line insertion portions" is not particularly limited. For example, in the terminal block 31 and the terminal block 32, the connection portions of the adjacent power lines may be partitioned by a resin wall. The resin wall does not need to particularly surround the entire periphery near the tip of the power line, and may be opened upward or downward, for example.

As shown in fig. 5, one end of the power line E1 provided with the power relay 16 is connected to the noise filter 13, and the other end is connected to the connection terminal 11a of the indoor unit terminal block 11. The other power line E2 has one end connected to the noise filter 13 and the other end connected to the connection terminal 11d of the indoor unit terminal block 11.

One of the power lines 71 included in the third cable 7 is connected to the noise filter 13 side of the power relay 16 on the power line E1. The power line 71 is connected to the noise filter 37 of the ventilation unit 3 and also to the outdoor unit 2 via the power line E1 (a part), the connection terminals 11a and 11b of the indoor unit terminal block 11, the power line 51 of the first cable 5, the connection terminals 31a and 31b of the terminal block 31, and the power line E3 in this order, as described below.

That is, the power line 71 is connected to the noise filter 23 of the outdoor unit 2 via the power line E1 (part of), the connection terminals 11a and 11b of the indoor unit terminal block 11, the power line 51 of the first cable 5, the connection terminals 31a and 31c of the terminal block 31, the power line E5, the connection terminals 32a and 32b of the terminal block 32, the power line 61 of the second cable 6, the connection terminals 21a and 21b of the outdoor unit terminal block 21, and the power line E7 in this order. In short, the power lines are branched into two at the connection terminals 31b and 31c of the terminal block 31, one of which is connected to the ventilation control board 36, and the other of which is connected to the outdoor unit control board 22 via the terminal block 32, the second cable 6, and the outdoor unit terminal block 21 in this order.

The other power line 72 included in the third cable 7 is connected to the noise filter 13 of the indoor unit control board 12 via the connection terminals 11c and 11d of the indoor unit terminal block 11 and the power line E2 in this order. The power line 72 is connected to the noise filter 37 of the ventilation unit 3 via the connection terminals 11c and 11E of the indoor unit terminal block 11, the power line 52 of the first cable 5, the connection terminals 31d and 31E of the terminal block 31, and the power line E4 in this order, and is also connected to the outdoor unit 2 as described below. That is, the power line 72 is connected to the noise filter 23 of the outdoor unit 2 via the connection terminals 11c and 11E of the indoor unit terminal block 11, the power line 52 of the first cable 5, the connection terminals 31d and 31f of the terminal block 31, the power line E6, the connection terminals 32c and 32d of the terminal block 32, the power line 62 of the second cable 6, the connection terminals 21c and 21d of the outdoor unit terminal block 21, and the power line E8 in this order.

The communication line C1 connected to the communication circuit 17 of the indoor unit 1 is connected to the communication circuit 26 of the outdoor unit 2 via the ventilation unit 3. To describe in more detail, the communication line C1 is connected to the communication circuit 26 of the outdoor unit 2 via the connection terminals 11f and 11g of the indoor unit terminal block 11, the communication line 53 of the first cable 5, the connection terminals 31g and 31h of the terminal block 31, the communication line C2, the connection terminals 32e and 32f of the terminal block 32, the communication line 63 of the second cable 6, the connection terminals 21e and 21f of the outdoor unit terminal block 21, and the communication line C3 in this order.

As shown in fig. 5, the outdoor unit 2 includes an outdoor unit terminal block 21 and an outdoor unit control board 22. The noise filter 23, the converter 24, the switching power supply 25, and the communication circuit 26 are mounted on the outdoor unit control board 22. The functions of the circuits mounted on the outdoor unit control board 22 are the same as those mounted on the indoor unit control board 12, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted. The communication circuit 26 performs predetermined communication with the communication circuit 17 of the indoor unit 1. In addition, although not shown in fig. 5, an MCU is also mounted on the outdoor unit control board 22.

The ventilation control board 36 (second control board) is mounted with the noise filter 37, the converter 38, and the switching power supply 39 connected in this order. Further, the FET41 (Field Effect Transistor ), the MCU42 (second control microcomputer), the home automation terminal 43, and the optocoupler 44 are mounted on the ventilation control board 36. The functions of the noise filter 37, the converter 38, and the switching power supply 39 are the same as those of the case where they are mounted on the indoor unit control board 12, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The FET41 is a switching element for switching whether or not the voltage converted by the switching power supply 39 is applied to the ventilation fan 33. That is, when the ventilation fan 33 is driven, the FET41 is switched on by the MCU 42. When the ventilation fan 33 is stopped, the FET41 is switched off by the MCU 42. In the example of fig. 5, the wiring for connecting the converter 38 of the ventilator unit 3 and the switching power supply 39 is connected to the ventilator fan 33 via another wiring L10. Further, a relatively high voltage (voltage before conversion by the switching power supply 39) of about 141 v which is about 2 times 100 v or about 283 v which is about 2 times 200 v is applied to the ventilation fan 33 via the wiring L10. Thus, the current flowing to the ventilation fan 33 is suppressed, and the power consumption of the ventilation fan 33 can be reduced.

The MCU42 appropriately controls the switch 46 and the display unit 35 (see also fig. 2) in addition to driving the ventilation fan 33 and the stepping motor 45 based on data received from the indoor unit 1 via the communication lines 8a and 8b and the optical coupler 44 in this order. A predetermined voltage (5[V in the example of fig. 5) is applied from the switching power supply 39 to the MCU 42.

The home automation terminal 43 of the ventilation control board 36 is a terminal for connecting the communication lines 8a and 8 b. The communication line 8a is a line for notifying the indoor unit 1 from the ventilation unit 3 whether an abnormality has occurred in the terminal block 31 or the terminal block 32. The other communication line 8b is a line for transmitting a ventilation on command or the like from the indoor unit 1 to the ventilation unit 3. One end of the communication line 8a is connected to the home automation terminal 18 of the indoor unit 1, and the other end is connected to the home automation terminal 43 of the ventilation unit 3. The same applies to the other communication line 8 b.

The optical coupler 44 is an element that converts an electrical signal transmitted from one of the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 to the other via the communication lines 8a and 8b into an optical signal, and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal again, and is provided on the ventilation control board 36 (second control board). The indoor unit control board 12 (first control board) and the ventilation control board 36 (second control board) are connected via the optical coupler 44 by communication lines 8a and 8 b. Thus, even when the reference potentials are different in the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3, the optocoupler 44 is used to electrically insulate the indoor units, so that occurrence of communication failure can be prevented.

As shown in fig. 5, the terminal block 31 (second terminal block) of the ventilation unit 3 is provided with a thermal fuse 47. The terminal block 32 (second terminal block) of the ventilation unit 3 is also provided with a thermal fuse 48. These thermal fuses 47 and 48 are elements that fuse when the temperature thereof is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. That is, when either one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 is fused, the supply of electric power to the ventilation unit 3 (second unit) is stopped. That is, when either one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 is fused, the energization to the terminal block 31 (second terminal block) and the terminal block 32 (second terminal block) is stopped.

It is preferable that the thermal fuse 47 is disposed at a position overlapping with the junction of the power lines 51 and 52 in the terminal block 31 (the same applies to the thermal fuse 48 of the terminal block 32). The overheating due to poor connection is usually due to the power line. For example, the thermal fuse 47 may be disposed above or below a "power line insertion portion" into which a power line is inserted in the terminal block 31. The thermal fuse 47 may be disposed between two "power line insertion portions" or above or below the two "power line insertion portions". The same applies to the arrangement of the thermal fuses 48 of the terminal block 32. By disposing the thermal fuses 47 and 48 in this manner, when a predetermined power line is overheated due to poor connection, the thermal fuses 47 and 48 are easily fused by joule heat. Therefore, the power supply to the ventilation unit 3 can be cut off at an early stage.

The resistor 49 is connected to a wiring L3 (fourth wiring) of a predetermined reference potential (for example, 0[ v ]). The resistor 49 is a device for dividing a voltage (for example, 5[V) applied from the secondary side (side to which the converted voltage is supplied) of the switching power supply 39 of the ventilation unit 3 via the wiring L9 or the like into predetermined values. That is, a predetermined voltage (for example, 5[V) is divided by a ratio of the combined resistance of the series connection of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 to the resistance value of the resistor 49. In the example of fig. 5, one end of the resistor 49 is connected to the wirings L4 and L5 (third wiring), and the other end is connected to the wiring L3 (fourth wiring) of the reference potential (for example, 0[ v ]). The wiring L3 is connected to, for example, a terminal of a reference potential (e.g., 0 v) on the primary side (side connected to the converter 38) or the secondary side of the switching power supply 39.

If the voltage applied from the switching power supply 39 to the thermal fuse 48 is Vh, the resistance values of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 are R1, and the resistance value of the resistor 49 is R2, the voltage Vp (a/D converted voltage) applied to the MCU42 via the wiring L4 is expressed by the following equation (1).

Vp＝(R2/(2×R1+R2))×Vh···(1)

In such a configuration, the resistance value R1 of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 is preferably smaller than the resistance value R2 of the resistor 49 (R1 < R2). Thus, the voltage Vp applied to the MCU42 via the wiring L4 is close to the voltage Vh (for example 5[V) applied to the thermal fuse 48 from the switching power supply 39. Therefore, by comparing the predetermined voltage threshold value based on the voltage Vh with the voltage Vp, the MCU42 can appropriately detect the blowing of the thermal fuses 47, 48.

When the resistance value R1 of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 is significantly smaller than the resistance value R2 of the resistor 49 (R1 < < R2), the voltage Vp applied to the MCU42 via the wiring L4 is substantially equal to the voltage Vh applied to the thermal fuse 48 (vp≡vh). The respective resistance values of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 need not be particularly the same, and may be different.

As shown in fig. 5, the wirings L4, L5, L6, the terminal 10, the wiring L6, the thermal fuse 47, the wiring L7, the thermal fuse 48, the wiring L8, the terminal 10, and the wiring L9 are connected in this order from the MCU42 of the ventilation control board 36. That is, the two thermal fuses 47 and 48 provided corresponding to the terminal block 31 and the terminal block 32 are connected in series. Thus, when at least one of the two thermal fuses 47 and 48 is blown, the MCU42 can detect the blowing based on a decrease in the voltage of the wiring L4. In addition, in the MCU42, 1 number of ports (ports of the connection wiring L4) to be used for electrical connection with the thermal fuses 47, 48 is sufficient.

A predetermined voltage (for example, 5[V) is applied from the switching power supply 39 to the temperature fuses 47, 48 connected in series. One end of the wiring L3 provided with the resistor 49 is connected to a connection point between the wirings L4 and L5. The potential on the opposite side of the connection point of the wirings L4 and L5 on the wiring L3 is approximately 0 v.

The stepping motor 45 shown in fig. 5 is a driving source of a shutter (not shown) of the ventilation unit 3, and is driven in advance based on an instruction from the MCU 42. Although not shown, the ventilating fan 33 includes an inverter, a motor, and a fan body. Then, a predetermined ac voltage is applied from the inverter to the motor, thereby rotating the fan body. The switch 46 shown in fig. 5 is a limit switch for detecting whether or not a shutter (not shown) is operating normally. The display unit 35 (see also fig. 2) displays the operation state of the ventilation unit 3 and the like in a predetermined manner.

At the start of the air conditioning operation and the ventilation operation, the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1 turns on the power relay 16. Accordingly, in addition to the ac power being supplied to the ventilation unit 3 via the third cable 7, the indoor unit 1, and the first cable 5 in sequence, the ac power is also supplied to the outdoor unit 2 via the ventilation unit 3 and the second cable 6 in sequence. In addition, during the ventilation operation, an instruction to turn on the ventilation operation is input from the indoor unit 1 to the MCU42 of the ventilation unit 3 via the communication line 8b and the optocoupler 44 in order. At this time, the MCU42 drives the stepping motor 45 in a predetermined manner to open a shutter (not shown). Further, the MCU42 turns on the FET41 to supply power to the ventilation fan 33, thereby driving the ventilation fan 33 at a predetermined rotational speed. Thereby, fresh outside air is supplied into the room.

When the ventilation unit 3 is installed, the operator connects one end side of the first cable 5 (for example, F-cable) to the indoor unit terminal block 11, and connects the other end side to the terminal block 31 of the ventilation unit 3. More specifically, the operator inserts the power line 51 of the power lines 51 and 52 and the communication line 53 exposed at one end side of the first cable 5 into the connection terminal 11b of the indoor unit terminal block 11, inserts the power line 52 into the connection terminal 11e, and inserts the communication line 53 into the connection terminal 11g. Similarly, the worker connects the power lines 51 and 52 and the communication line 53 on the other end side of the first cable 5 to the terminal block 31 of the ventilation unit 3.

Here, if the power line or the like of the first cable 5 is not firmly inserted into each connection terminal (so-called half-insertion) of the terminal block 31, a contact failure of the first cable 5 may occur. For example, if the power line 51 is not firmly inserted into the connection terminal 31a of the terminal block 31, the contact area between the power line 51 and the connection terminal 31a becomes small, and thus the contact resistance becomes large, and the terminal block 31 may overheat due to joule heat. The same applies to the terminal block 32 and the outdoor unit terminal block 21 to which the second cable 6 is connected, except for the indoor unit terminal block 11 to which one end of the first cable 5 is connected.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the temperature fuse 47 is provided to the terminal block 31 of the ventilation unit 3, and the temperature fuse 48 is provided to the terminal block 32. Thus, for example, when the terminal block 31 is overheated due to a contact failure of the first cable 5, the thermal fuse 47 is fused. In addition, when the terminal block 32 is overheated due to a contact failure of the second cable 6, the thermal fuse 48 fuses. As a result, the power supply to the ventilation unit 3 can be prevented from being continued in a state where the terminal block 31 and the terminal block 32 are overheated, and thus the reliability of the ventilation unit 3 can be improved. In addition, when at least one of the temperature fuses 47 and 48 fuses, the supply of electric power to the outdoor unit 2 is stopped. That is, even when at least one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 is fused, the energization of the outdoor unit terminal block 21 is stopped. This prevents the continuation of the power supply to the outdoor unit 2 during an abnormality.

In addition, for example, when the temperature of the thermal fuse 47 increases, the resistance value of the thermal fuse 47 increases accordingly (the same applies to the other thermal fuse 48). As a result, the voltage applied to the MCU42 (second control microcomputer) via the wiring L4 (third wiring) decreases (see the above-described expression (1)). Therefore, even when at least one of the temperature fuses 47 and 48 is not fused, the power relay 16 is opened on the indoor unit 1 side when the MCU42 determines that the voltage applied via the wiring L4 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value. In addition, even when the connection of the power line to the terminal block 31 or the like is insufficient, power may be supplied to the MCU42 of the ventilation control board 36.

In the example of fig. 5, the indoor unit terminal block 11 has the thermal fuse 9, but the outdoor unit terminal block 21 does not have the thermal fuse. Unlike the case 94 (see fig. 1) of the indoor unit 1 using a large amount of resin, the case 88 (see fig. 4) of the outdoor unit 2 is made of metal, and no particularly serious problem occurs even when the outdoor unit terminal block 21 is overheated. In this way, by configuring the outdoor unit terminal block 21 to have no thermal fuse, the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner 100 can be reduced.

As shown in fig. 5, the thermal fuse 47 is connected to the MCU42 (second control microcomputer) via the wirings L6, L5, and L4 (third wiring) in sequence. Similarly, the other thermal fuse 48 is connected to the MCU42 via the wirings L7, L6, L5, and L4 (third wiring) in this order. When at least one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 fuses, the voltage applied to the MCU42 via the wiring L4 decreases. For example, when at least one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 fuses, the voltage applied to the MCU42 via the wiring L4 is reduced from about 5[V ] to substantially zero.

When the voltage applied through the wiring L4 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the MCU42 determines that at least one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 is blown. The MCU42 transmits a predetermined signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality to the indoor unit control board 12 via the optocoupler 44 and the communication line 8a in sequence. The indoor unit control board 12 having received the signal opens the power relay 16. In this way, when at least one of the temperature fuses 47 and 48 fuses, the power relay 16 of the indoor unit 1 is opened.

In the example of fig. 5, the ventilation unit 3 (second unit) is not provided with a power relay. That is, in the present embodiment, the power relay 16 of the indoor unit 1 is used as a structure for cutting off the power supply to the ventilation unit 3 when the terminal block 31 or the terminal block 32 is overheated. In other words, even when the temperature fuse 9 (first temperature fuse) of the indoor unit 1 (first indoor unit) is blown, or when the temperature fuses 47, 48 of the ventilation unit 3 (second unit) are blown, the common (i.e., same) power relay 16 is opened. Thus, since it is not necessary to set a power relay in the ventilation unit 3, the manufacturing cost of the ventilation unit 3 can be reduced. The MCU42 (second control microcomputer) for the ventilation control board 36 supplies electric power without passing through the temperature fuses 47 and 48. Therefore, even after the temperature fuses 47 and 48 are fused, the indoor unit control board 12 can be notified of the occurrence of an abnormality in the ventilation unit 3 from the ventilation control board 36 via the communication line 8a until the power relay 16 is turned on.

When at least one of the temperature fuses 47 and 48 fuses, the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1 preferably performs a predetermined error display on the display unit 92 (first display unit: see fig. 2). This can notify the user of the occurrence of an abnormality in the ventilation unit 3. In addition, when the temperature fuses 47 and 48 are fused, a predetermined sound may be generated from the indoor unit 1.

Even when at least one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 is fused, the display unit 35 (second display unit) of the ventilation unit 3 may not be erroneously displayed. This is because no electric power is supplied to the ventilation unit 3 in a state where the temperature fuses 47 and 48 are fused and the power relay 16 is opened.

According to the present embodiment, when at least one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 is fused, the power relay 16 is opened to cut off the power supply to the ventilation unit 3. Thus, even when a contact failure occurs in the first cable 5 or the second cable 6, overheating of the resin frame 34 (see fig. 1) of the ventilation unit 3 can be prevented. Therefore, the reliability of the air conditioner 100 can be improved.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the MCU42 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the level of the voltage applied via the wiring L4. Therefore, it is not particularly necessary to provide a cable or a connector for predetermined abnormality detection. In addition, it is not particularly necessary to provide a power relay in the ventilation unit 3. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the ventilation unit 3 can be made compact and low-cost.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, communication lines different from the first cable 5 and the second cable 6 are used as the communication lines 8a and 8b connecting the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3. This can suppress occurrence of communication failure between the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3. In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the thermal fuses 47 and 48 are fused, abnormality of the ventilation unit 3 can be notified by the display unit 92 (see fig. 2) of the indoor unit 1.

Second embodiment

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the temperature fuses 47 and 48 of the ventilation unit 3A (see fig. 6) are connected to the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1A (see fig. 6) via the wirings 9a and 9b and the like (see fig. 6). The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a first resistor 55 and a second resistor 56 (see fig. 6) connected in parallel are provided to a series connection body of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 (see fig. 6). Otherwise, the same as in the first embodiment is applied. Therefore, the description will be given of portions different from those of the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted for the duplicated portions.

Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram of a power system of an air conditioner 100A according to the second embodiment.

As shown in fig. 6, the air conditioner 100A includes: an indoor unit 1A (first indoor unit), an outdoor unit 2 (outdoor unit), and a ventilation unit 3A (second unit). The indoor unit 1A includes an indoor unit terminal block 11 (first terminal block) and an indoor unit control board 12A (first control board). The indoor unit control board 12A is provided with a home automation terminal 64 and a second resistor 56 in addition to the MCU19 (first control microcomputer) and the like as in the first embodiment.

A pair of wires 9a and 9b are connected to the home automation terminal 64. A predetermined voltage (for example, 5[V) is applied to one of the wirings 9a from the switching power supply 15 of the indoor unit 1A. The other wire 9b is connected to an a/D conversion port of the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1A via another wire 9c and (a part of) the other wire 9D. Further, a second resistor 56 is connected to a wiring 9e (second wiring) of a predetermined reference potential (for example, 0[ v ]).

The second resistor 56 is an element for dividing a voltage (for example, 5[V) applied from the secondary side (side to which the converted voltage is supplied) of the switching power supply 15 of the indoor unit 1A by a predetermined voltage. That is, the predetermined voltage (for example, 5[V) is divided by the ratio of the combined resistance of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 and the first resistor 55 to the resistance of the second resistor 56. In the example of fig. 6, one end of the second resistor 56 is connected to the wiring 9d (first wiring), and the other end is connected to the wiring 9e (second wiring) of the reference potential (e.g., 0[ v ]). The wiring 9e is connected to, for example, a terminal of a reference potential (e.g., 0[ v ]) on the primary side (side connected to the converter 38) or the secondary side of the switching power supply 39.

Further, the power is supplied to the thermal fuses 47 and 48 from the switching power supply 15 of the indoor unit 1A. Thus, even when the ventilation unit 3A cannot be appropriately supplied with electric power via the terminal block 31 by so-called half insertion or the like, electric power can be supplied to the thermal fuses 47 and 48.

As shown in fig. 6, the temperature fuse 48 of one of the ventilation units 3A is connected to the MCU19 (first control microcomputer) of the indoor unit 1A via the wirings L8 and L11, the home-automation terminal 65, the wiring 9b, the home-automation terminal 64, and (a part of) the wirings 9c and 9d in this order. The "first wiring" connecting the thermal fuse 48 to the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1A is configured to include the wirings L8, L11, 9b, 9c, and 9d. The other temperature fuse 47 of the ventilation unit 3A is similarly connected to the MCU19 (first control microcomputer) of the indoor unit 1A via a first wiring. Even when the power supplied to the ventilation unit 3A via the terminal block 31 cannot be properly supplied by so-called half-insertion or the like, the MCU19 (first control microcomputer) of the indoor unit 1A operates, and therefore, the fusing of the temperature fuses 47 and 48 can be detected.

Further, one end of the first resistor 55 is connected to one of the pair of wires L11 and L12 connecting the terminal 10 of the ventilation unit 3A and the home automation terminal 65, and the other end of the first resistor 55 is connected to the other wire L12. Further, the first resistor 55 is connected in parallel with the thermal fuses 47, 48 (i.e., the series connection of the thermal fuses 47, 48).

Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a circuit in the power system of the air conditioner 100A according to the second embodiment (see fig. 6 as appropriate).

In fig. 7, the two thermal fuses 47 and 48 of fig. 6 are collectively referred to as "thermal fuse 4", and the resistance value (resistance) thereof is referred to as a predetermined resistor 54. In fig. 7, the MCU19, the first resistor 55, and the second resistor 56 are shown by being pulled out, and the remaining components are appropriately omitted. The a/D conversion port of the MCU19 shown in fig. 7 is a port to which the wiring 9D is connected in the MCU19 shown in fig. 6.

The air conditioner 100A includes, as a "resistor" connected in parallel with the thermal fuse 4: a first resistor 55 disposed on the ventilation unit 3A (second unit) and a second resistor 56 disposed on the indoor unit 1A (first indoor unit). That is, the second resistor 56 is connected in parallel to the thermal fuse 4 and the first resistor 55.

It is preferable that the resistance value of the thermal fuse 4 (for example, the resistance values of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 shown in fig. 6) is smaller than the resistance value of the first resistor 55. In the example of fig. 7, the resistance value of the thermal fuse 4 is 46[ mΩ ], and the resistance value of the first resistor 55 is 4.3[ kΩ ]. Thus, the voltage threshold (threshold related to the voltage applied to the a/D conversion port of the MCU 19) of whether the thermal fuse 4 is fused or not can be appropriately set based on the value of the combined resistance of the thermal fuse 4 and the first resistor 55.

In addition, the resistance value of the thermal fuse 4 is preferably smaller than the resistance value of the second resistor 56. In the example of fig. 7, the resistance value of the thermal fuse 4 is 46[ mΩ ], and the resistance value of the second resistor 56 is 10[ kΩ ]. Thus, the voltage applied to the a/D conversion port of the MCU19 at normal time approaches the voltage (for example, 5[V) applied to the thermal fuse 4 from the switching power supply 15 (refer to fig. 6). Accordingly, based on a predetermined voltage threshold, the MCU19 can appropriately detect the fusing of the thermal fuse 4.

In addition, the resistance value of the first resistor 55 is preferably smaller than the resistance value of the second resistor 56. In the example of fig. 7, the resistance value of the first resistor 55 is 4.3[ mΩ ], and the resistance value of the second resistor 56 is 10[ kΩ ]. In the case where power is not supplied to the thermal fuse 4, the voltage applied to the a/D conversion port of the MCU19 approaches 0[ v ], whereas in the case where the thermal fuse 4 is fused, the voltage applied to the a/D conversion port of the MCU19 becomes a predetermined voltage higher than 0[ v ].

For example, when the thermal fuse 4 (i.e., either one of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 shown in fig. 6) blows, the voltage applied to the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1A via the wiring 9d (first wiring: see fig. 6) decreases. When the voltage applied via the wiring 9d is equal to or lower than a first predetermined value lower than the normal voltage (for example, 5[V), the MCU19 determines that the thermal fuse 4 is blown (or that a half of the power line is inserted), and opens the power relay 16. This prevents the power supply to the ventilation unit 3A from being continued in a state where the terminal block 31 (see fig. 6) and the terminal block 32 (see fig. 6) are overheated. When the thermal fuse 4 blows, the voltage applied to the a/D conversion port of the MCU19 is, for example, about 3.5 v.

For example, when the voltage applied to the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1A via the wiring 9d (see fig. 6) is equal to or lower than the second predetermined value, the MCU19 determines that neither of the home automation terminals 64 and 65 is connected to the wiring, and displays the display unit 92 (see fig. 2) of the indoor unit 1A as a predetermined one. This is because, in the case where neither of the home automation terminals 64, 65 is connected with a wiring, the voltage applied to the a/D conversion port of the MCU19 is substantially zero. The second predetermined value is a voltage threshold value which is a criterion for determining when the detection wire is not connected, and is set to a value higher than 0[ v ] and lower than the first predetermined value.

When the voltage applied to the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1A via the wiring 9d is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value, the MCU19 determines that the wiring connection or the like is normal, and continues the normal control. This is because no special wiring is not connected, or when the thermal fuse 4 is not blown, a predetermined voltage (for example, 5[V) is applied from the switching power supply 15 (see fig. 6) to the a/D conversion port of the MCU 19. The third predetermined value is a voltage threshold value that is a criterion for determining whether or not connection of the wiring is normal, and is set to be the same value as the first predetermined value or a value higher than the first predetermined value.

According to the second embodiment, based on the voltage applied to the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1A, the fusing of the temperature fuse 48 set on the terminal block 32 can be detected in addition to the temperature fuse 47 set on the terminal block 31 of the ventilation unit 3A. Therefore, even when the ventilation unit 3A cannot be appropriately supplied with the electric power via the terminal block 31 by so-called half insertion or the like, the fusing of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 can be reliably detected. In addition, based on the voltage applied to the MCU19 of the indoor unit 1A via the wiring 9d, the MCU19 can also detect that the wiring is not connected to the home automation terminals 64, 65. Therefore, disconnection of wiring during the mounting operation of the air conditioner 100A can be prevented.

Third embodiment

The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a first indoor unit 1B (see fig. 8) that performs air conditioning and a second indoor unit 3B (see fig. 8) that performs ventilation are provided in 1 frame 10Ba of an indoor unit 10B (see fig. 8). Further, the same applies to the other aspects as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description will be given of portions different from those of the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted for the duplicated portions.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the indoor unit 10B of the air conditioner 100B according to the third embodiment in a plan view from the right front.

The indoor unit 10B shown in fig. 8 includes a first indoor unit 1B and a second indoor unit 3B. The first indoor unit 1B has an air conditioning function and has the same structure as the indoor unit 1 (see fig. 1) of the first embodiment. The second indoor unit 3B has a ventilation function and has the same configuration as the ventilation unit 3 (see fig. 1) of the first embodiment. Further, power supply from the first indoor unit 1B to the second indoor unit 3B is formed.

As shown in fig. 8, the first indoor unit 1B and the second indoor unit 3B are provided on a common housing 10Ba. That is, the indoor unit 10B includes 1 casing 10Ba having the first indoor unit 1B and the second indoor unit 3B therein.

Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram of a power system of an air conditioner 100B according to a third embodiment.

As shown in fig. 9, the first indoor unit 1B includes an indoor unit control board 12 (first control board) and an indoor unit terminal block 11 (first terminal block). The second indoor unit 3B includes: a ventilation control board 36 (second control board), and terminal blocks 31 and 32 (second terminal blocks). One end of communication lines 8a and 8b is connected to a home automation terminal 18 of the indoor unit control board 12. The other ends of the communication lines 8a and 8b are connected to the home automation terminal 43 of the ventilation control board 36. The communication lines 8a and 8B are routed inside the indoor unit 10B.

According to the third embodiment, the first indoor unit 1B and the second indoor unit 3B are housed in 1 casing 10Ba (see fig. 8), and not only the mounting work of the indoor unit 10B is easy, but also the design of the indoor unit 10B is improved.

Modification example

Although the air conditioner 100 according to the present invention has been described in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications are possible.

For example, in each embodiment, the configuration in which the power relay 16 is provided in the indoor unit 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the ventilation unit 3 may be provided with a power relay, and both the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 may be provided with a power relay.

In the respective embodiments, the case where the thermal fuses 47 and 48 are disposed at the positions overlapping the connection portions of the power lines in the terminal blocks 31 and 32 of the ventilation unit 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the thermal fuses 47 and 48 may be appropriately arranged at predetermined positions of the terminal block 31 and the terminal block 32, which do not overlap with the connection portions of the power lines.

In each embodiment, the case where the ventilation unit 3 includes two terminal blocks (the terminal block 31 and the terminal block 32) has been described, but the number of terminal blocks provided in the ventilation unit 3 may be 3 or more. That is, a predetermined second unit (optional unit) such as the ventilation unit 3 includes a plurality of second terminal blocks, and each of the plurality of second terminal blocks may include a thermal fuse. In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of thermal fuses provided corresponding to the plurality of second terminal blocks be connected in series. Thus, when at least one of the plurality of thermal fuses is blown, the MCU42 of the ventilation unit 3 can detect the blowing of the thermal fuse.

In each embodiment, the description has been made of a configuration in which the terminal block 31 has 6 "power line insertion portions" (the connection terminals 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31 f) and the terminal block 32 has 4 "power line insertion portions" (the connection terminals 32a, 32b, 32c, 32 d), but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the "second terminal block" of the "second unit" such as the ventilation unit may have a structure having at least two "power line insertion portions".

In the respective embodiments, the case where the optical coupler 44 is provided on the ventilation control board 36 (second control board) has been described, but the optical coupler (not shown) may be provided on the indoor unit control board 12 (first control board). That is, an optical coupler may be provided on the indoor unit control board 12 or the ventilation control board 36. This makes it possible to perform communication between the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 in an electrically insulated state.

In the respective embodiments, the description has been made of the case where the indoor unit 1 and the ventilation unit 3 transmit signals via the home automation terminal, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, electric power may be supplied from the indoor unit 1 to the ventilation unit 3 via a home automation terminal and wiring.

In the second embodiment, the case where two home automation terminals 18 and 64 (see fig. 6) are provided on the indoor unit control board 12A (see fig. 6) has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, 1 home automation terminal to which 4 wires (including communication lines) can be connected may be provided on the indoor unit control board 12A. The same applies to the ventilation control board 36A.

In the embodiments, the ventilation unit 3 (see fig. 1) is attached to the indoor unit 1, but the ventilation unit 3 is not limited to this, and is provided adjacent to the right side of the indoor unit 1. That is, the ventilation unit 3 may be provided on the left side of the indoor unit 1. A ventilation unit (not shown) may be provided on the back side of the indoor unit 1 (between the indoor unit 1 and the wall).

In the respective embodiments, the case where the ac power is supplied to the indoor unit 1 via the third cable 7 including the power plug 73 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the configuration in which ac power is supplied to the outdoor unit 2, each embodiment may be applied to a case in which ac power is supplied from the outdoor unit 2 to the indoor unit 1 via the ventilation unit 3.

In the respective embodiments, the case where the electric power is supplied from the indoor unit 1 to the outdoor unit 2 via the ventilation unit 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 may be directly connected via a cable. In this case, the ventilation unit 3 is provided with 1 terminal block, and at least one thermal fuse is provided on the terminal block.

In each embodiment, the description has been made of the case where two thermal fuses 47 and 48 are connected in series, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a configuration in which a predetermined voltage is applied from the switching power supply 39 to each of the two thermal fuses 47 and 48, each of the thermal fuses 47 and 48 may be electrically connected to the MCU 42.

In addition, the embodiments can be appropriately combined. For example, the second embodiment (see fig. 6 and 7) may be combined with the third embodiment (fig. 8 and 9). That is, in the circuit configuration of the second embodiment, the first indoor unit 1B for air conditioning and the second indoor unit 3B for ventilation may be housed in 1 housing.

In the respective embodiments, the ventilation unit 3 (second unit) is provided in the vicinity of the indoor unit 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the ventilation unit 3 may be provided at a position distant from the indoor unit 1.

In the respective embodiments, the case where the predetermined "second unit" is the ventilation unit 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the embodiments may be applied to a predetermined second unit having a so-called air purifying function, a second unit having various functions such as a camera (not shown) for imaging an indoor space, or a second unit such as a sensor.

In the embodiments, the configuration in which 1 indoor unit 1 (see fig. 1) and 1 outdoor unit 2 (see fig. 1) are provided is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a plurality of indoor units connected in parallel may be provided, or a plurality of outdoor units connected in parallel may be provided. In addition to the indoor air conditioner, the present invention is applicable to a cabinet air conditioner and a multi-function air conditioner for a building.

The embodiments are described in detail for easy understanding of the description of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to the configuration having all the described structures. Further, other structures may be added, removed, and replaced for a part of the structures of the respective embodiments.

The mechanism and structure described above are not limited to the one shown in the drawings, but are necessarily all the mechanisms and structures shown in the drawings.

Description of the reference numerals

1. 1A indoor machine (first indoor unit)

1B first indoor Unit

9 temperature fuse (first temperature fuse)

11 indoor machine terminal (first terminal)

12. 12A indoor machine control base plate (first control base plate)

14. Converter

15. Switching power supply

16. Power relay

19MCU (first control microcomputer)

92 display unit (first display unit)

2 outdoor machine (outdoor unit)

21 outdoor unit terminal block

3. 3A ventilation unit (second unit)

3B second indoor unit (second unit)

31 terminal block (second terminal block)

31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f (power line insertion part)

32 terminal block (second terminal block)

32a, 32b, 32c, 32d connection terminals (power line insertion portions)

34 frame (frame of second indoor unit)

35 display unit (second display unit)

36 ventilation control base plate (second control base plate)

42MCU (second control microcomputer)

47. 48-temperature fuse

49. Resistor

5. First cable

6. Second cable

51. 52, 61, 62 power lines

55. First resistor

56. Second resistor

8a, 8b communication line

9d wiring

88 frame (frame of outdoor machine)

100. 100A air conditioner

L8, L11, 9b, 9c, 9d wiring (first wiring)

9e (second wiring)

10B indoor unit

10Ba frame (frame of indoor machine)

L7, L6, L5, L4 wiring (third wiring)

L3 wiring (fourth wiring).

Claim (modification according to treaty 19)

1. (after modification) an air conditioner comprising:

a first indoor unit, a second unit supplied with power from the first indoor unit, and an outdoor unit,

the second unit is provided with a second terminal block,

the first indoor unit includes: a first control board, and a power relay for relaying the current to the second terminal block,

the second terminal block has a thermal fuse,

when the thermal fuse is fused, the first control board opens the power relay to stop the energization of the second terminal block.

2. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that,

the second unit includes a frame body having a material different from a metal as a main component.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the second terminal block has at least two power line insertion portions into which power lines are inserted,

the thermal fuse is disposed above or below the power line insertion portion, between two of the power line insertion portions, or above or below between two of the power line insertion portions.

4. (delete)

5. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that,

the first indoor unit is provided with a first terminal station,

the first terminal station has a first thermal fuse,

and opening the power relay when the first temperature fuse is fused.

6. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that,

no power relay is provided in the second unit.

7. (after modification) an air conditioner comprising:

the second unit is provided with a second terminal block,

the second terminal block has a thermal fuse,

the first indoor unit is provided with a first control substrate on which a first control microcomputer is mounted,

the temperature fuse is connected to the first control microcomputer via a first wiring,

and stopping energizing the second terminal block when the temperature fuse is fused.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein,

when the thermal fuse blows, a voltage applied to the first control microcomputer via the first wiring is reduced.

9. (modified) the air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that,

the air conditioner has a first resistor disposed in the second unit and connected in parallel with the thermal fuse,

the resistance value of the temperature fuse is smaller than that of the first resistor.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein,

the air conditioner has a second resistor disposed at the first indoor unit,

one end of the second resistor is connected with the first wiring, the other end is connected with a second wiring of a reference potential,

the resistance value of the temperature fuse is smaller than that of the second resistor.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein,

the resistance value of the first resistor is smaller than the resistance value of the second resistor.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein,

the first indoor unit has: a converter that converts an alternating-current voltage into a direct-current voltage; a switching power supply for converting the level of the DC voltage applied from the converter,

and supplying power to the thermal fuse from the switching power supply of the first indoor unit.

13. (delete)

14. (delete)

15. (delete)

16. (delete)

17. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the first indoor unit is provided with a first display part,

and when the temperature fuse is fused, performing error display on the first display part.

18. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 17, characterized in that,

the second unit is provided with a second display part,

even when the thermal fuse is blown, the second display unit does not display an error.

19. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that,

the second unit is provided with a plurality of second terminal blocks,

the plurality of second terminal blocks each have the thermal fuse.

20. The air conditioner according to claim 19, wherein,

the plurality of thermal fuses provided corresponding to the plurality of second terminal blocks are connected in series.

21. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that,

the first indoor unit is provided with a first control substrate,

the second unit is provided with a second control substrate,

an optical coupler is mounted on the first control substrate or the second control substrate,

The first control substrate and the second control substrate are connected by a communication line via the optical coupler.

22. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that,

the outdoor unit comprises a frame body mainly composed of metal, and an outdoor unit terminal block,

the outdoor unit terminal block is not provided with a temperature fuse.

23. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that,

the outdoor unit is provided with an outdoor unit terminal block,

when the temperature fuse is blown, the energization of the outdoor unit terminal block is stopped.

24. (modified) air conditioner according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that,

the air conditioner is provided with: and an indoor unit configured to include 1 casing having the first indoor unit and the second unit therein.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising:

a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit powered from the first indoor unit,

the second indoor unit is provided with a second terminal block,

the second terminal block has a thermal fuse,

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the second indoor unit includes a frame body having a material different from a metal as a main component.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the first indoor unit is provided with a power relay for relaying the energization to the second terminal block,

and opening the power relay when the temperature fuse is fused.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein,

the first indoor unit is provided with a first terminal station,

the first terminal station has a first thermal fuse,

and opening the power relay when the first temperature fuse is fused.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein,

a power relay is not provided at the second indoor unit.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the temperature fuse is connected to the first control microcomputer via a first wiring.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein,

9. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein,

the air conditioner has a first resistor disposed in the second indoor unit and connected in parallel with the temperature fuse,

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein,

the air conditioner has a second resistor disposed at the first indoor unit,

11. The air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein,

12. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein,

13. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the second indoor unit is provided with a second control substrate on which a second control microcomputer is mounted,

the temperature fuse is connected to the second control microcomputer via a third wiring.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein,

when the thermal fuse blows, the voltage applied to the second control microcomputer via the third wiring decreases.

15. The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein,

the second control microcomputer is not supplied with power via the temperature fuse.

16. The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein,

the air conditioner has a resistor having one end connected to the third wiring and the other end connected to a fourth wiring of a reference potential,

The resistance value of the temperature fuse is smaller than that of the resistor.

17. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the first indoor unit is provided with a first display part,

18. The air conditioner according to claim 17, wherein,

the second indoor unit is provided with a second display part,

19. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the second indoor unit is provided with a plurality of the second terminal blocks,

the plurality of second terminal blocks each have the thermal fuse.

20. The air conditioner according to claim 19, wherein,

21. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the first indoor unit is provided with a first control substrate,

the second indoor unit is provided with a second control substrate,

22. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the air conditioner comprises a frame body with metal as a main component,

the outdoor unit is provided with an outdoor unit terminal block,

the outdoor unit terminal block is not provided with a temperature fuse.

23. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit having an outdoor unit terminal block,

24. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein,

the air conditioner is provided with: and an indoor unit configured to include 1 frame having the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit therein.