U.S. patent application number 16/039398 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-23 for air conditioner unit having a control board with multiple preset personalities.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Leonardo Maximiliano Falcon Izzi, Mike Fradkin, Eric Paez.
Application Number | 20200025405 16/039398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69161693 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200025405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paez; Eric ; et al. |
January 23, 2020 |
AIR CONDITIONER UNIT HAVING A CONTROL BOARD WITH MULTIPLE PRESET
PERSONALITIES
Abstract
An conditioner appliance, including methods for operating the
same, is provided herein. The air conditioner appliance may include
a housing, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a
bulkhead, an outdoor fan, an indoor fan, one or more sensors, and a
substitute control board. The housing may define an outdoor portion
and an indoor portion. The outdoor fan may be disposed in the
outdoor portion to direct an airflow across the outdoor heat
exchanger. The indoor fan may be disposed in the indoor portion to
direct an airflow across the indoor heat exchanger. The one or more
sensors may be mounted within the housing. The substitute control
board may be operably coupled to the outdoor fan, the indoor fan,
and the one or more sensors. The substitute control board may be
configured to initiate a service operation.
Inventors: |
Paez; Eric; (Louisville,
KY) ; Fradkin; Mike; (Peachtree City, GA) ;
Falcon Izzi; Leonardo Maximiliano; (Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69161693 |
Appl. No.: |
16/039398 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/0018 20130101;
F24F 2110/12 20180101; F24F 1/022 20130101; F24F 11/67 20180101;
F24F 11/49 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/67 20060101
F24F011/67; F24F 1/00 20060101 F24F001/00; F24F 1/02 20060101
F24F001/02 |
Claims
1. A method of operating an air conditioner unit comprising an
outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion and an indoor
heat exchanger disposed in an indoor portion, the method
comprising: activating a substitute control board within the air
conditioner unit; detecting one or more sensors from voltage
signals received from a predetermined plurality of potential
sensors; selecting an operating personality from a plurality of
preset personalities based on the one or more detected sensors; and
directing rotation of one or more fans within the air conditioner
unit according to the selected operating personality.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined plurality of
potential sensors comprises an indoor ambient temperature sensor
configured to detect temperature for air entering the indoor
portion, and an indoor refrigerant temperature sensor configured to
detect temperature for the indoor heat exchanger.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined plurality of
potential sensors comprises an indoor outlet temperature sensor
configured to detect temperature for air exiting the indoor
portion, an outdoor ambient temperature sensor configured to detect
temperature for air entering the outdoor portion, and an outdoor
ambient temperature sensor configured to detect temperature for air
entering the outdoor portion.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein each sensor of the predetermined
plurality of potential sensors is a temperature sensor.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined plurality of
potential sensors comprises an indoor outlet temperature sensor
configured to detect temperature for air exiting the indoor
portion, wherein detecting one or more sensors comprises detecting
the indoor outlet temperature sensor, and wherein selecting an
operating personality comprises selecting a high voltage
personality in response to detecting the indoor outlet temperature
sensor.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined plurality of
potential sensors comprises an outdoor ambient temperature sensor
configured to detect temperature for air entering the outdoor
portion, wherein detecting one or more sensors comprises detecting
the outdoor ambient temperature sensor, and wherein selecting an
operating personality comprises selecting a heat pump personality
in response to detecting the outdoor ambient temperature
sensor.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined plurality of
potential sensors comprises an outdoor refrigerant temperature
sensor configured to detect temperature for the outdoor heat
exchanger, wherein detecting one or more sensors comprises
detecting the outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor, and wherein
selecting an operating personality comprises selecting a heat pump
personality in response to detecting the outdoor refrigerant
temperature sensor.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing a speed of a
refrigerant compressor according to the selected operating
personality.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing a reversible
refrigerant valve according to the selected operating
personality.
10. An air conditioner unit, comprising: a housing defining an
outdoor portion and an indoor portion; an outdoor heat exchanger
disposed in the outdoor portion; an indoor heat exchanger disposed
in the indoor portion; a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat
exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse
direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor
portion; an outdoor fan disposed in the outdoor portion to direct
an airflow across the outdoor heat exchanger; an indoor fan
disposed in the indoor portion to direct an airflow across the
indoor heat exchanger; one or more sensors mounted within the
housing; and a substitute control board operably coupled to the
outdoor fan, the indoor fan, and the one or more sensors, the
substitute control board being configured to initiate a service
operation, the service operation comprising activating the
substitute control board, detecting the one or more sensors from
voltage signals received from a predetermined plurality of
potential sensors, selecting an operating personality from a
plurality of preset personalities based on the one or more detected
sensors, and directing rotation of the indoor fan and the outdoor
fan according to the selected operating personality.
11. The air conditioner appliance of claim 10, wherein the
predetermined plurality of potential sensors comprises an indoor
ambient temperature sensor configured to detect temperature for air
entering the indoor portion, and an indoor refrigerant temperature
sensor configured to detect temperature for the indoor heat
exchanger.
12. The air conditioner appliance of claim 10, wherein the
predetermined plurality of potential sensors comprises an indoor
outlet temperature sensor configured to detect temperature for air
exiting the indoor portion, an outdoor ambient temperature sensor
configured to detect temperature for air entering the outdoor
portion, and an outdoor ambient temperature sensor configured to
detect temperature for air entering the outdoor portion.
13. The air conditioner appliance of claim 10, wherein the one or
more sensors comprises a temperature sensor.
14. The air conditioner appliance of claim 10, wherein the one or
more sensors comprises an indoor outlet temperature sensor
configured to detect temperature for air exiting the indoor
portion, and wherein selecting an operating personality comprises
selecting a high voltage personality in response to detecting the
indoor outlet temperature sensor.
15. The air conditioner appliance of claim 10, wherein the one or
more sensors comprises an outdoor ambient temperature sensor
configured to detect temperature for air entering the outdoor
portion, and wherein selecting an operating personality comprises
selecting a heat pump personality in response to detecting the
outdoor ambient temperature sensor.
16. The air conditioner appliance of claim 10, wherein the one or
more sensors comprises an outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor
configured to detect temperature for the outdoor heat exchanger,
and wherein selecting an operating personality comprises selecting
a heat pump personality in response to detecting the outdoor
refrigerant temperature sensor.
17. The air conditioner appliance of claim 10, wherein the service
operation further comprises directing a speed of a refrigerant
compressor according to the selected operating personality.
18. The air conditioner appliance of claim 10, wherein the service
operation further comprises directing a reversible refrigerant
valve according to the selected operating personality.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to air
conditioning appliances, and more particularly to air conditioner
units and methods for varying the personality settings on a control
board thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Air conditioner units are conventionally utilized to adjust
the temperature within structures such as dwellings and office
buildings. In particular, one-unit type room air conditioner units
may be utilized to adjust the temperature in, for example, a single
room or group of rooms of a structure. A typical one-unit type air
conditioner or air conditioning appliance includes an indoor
portion and an outdoor portion. The indoor portion is generally
located indoors, and the outdoor portion is generally located
outdoors. Accordingly, the air conditioner unit generally extends
through, for example, a wall of the structure. Generally, a fan may
be operable to rotate to motivate air through the indoor portion.
Another fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the
outdoor portion. A sealed cooling system including a compressor is
generally housed within the air conditioner unit to treat (e.g.,
cool or heat) air as it is circulated through, for example, the
indoor portion of the air conditioner unit. One or more control
boards are typically provided to direct the operation of various
elements of the particular air conditioner unit.
[0003] Although certain elements are common to most air conditioner
units, many elements and features can vary between different models
(e.g., based on the desired cooling/heating capacity or features of
a particular model of air conditioner unit). As an example, some
air conditioner units may be operable in a heat pump mode, wherein
the sealed cooling system is configured to selectively heat air
within the indoor portion. As another example, some air conditioner
units may provide heating elements configured to heat air within
the indoor portion independently of the sealed cooling system. The
operation or functionality of even the common elements (e.g., fans)
shared by multiple models of air conditioner units may be affected
by the presence or operation of the varied elements. In order to
address such variations, the control board of a given model of air
conditioner unit is generally programmed with a specific
personality (e.g., relating to heat pump capable operation vs.
non-heat pump capable operation) that is tailored to that same
model of air conditioner unit.
[0004] In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the
control board of a particular air conditioner unit. For example, it
is possible that the original (e.g., factory-installed) control
board may be damaged or broken after the air conditioner unit is
mounted or installed within a dwelling or office building. In
response, a repairman or service professional will often remove the
damaged or broken control board and install a new replacement
control board (i.e., substitute control board). Since a service
professional is likely to encounter numerous different models of
air conditioner units, a single substitute control board may
include multiple different personalities (e.g., discrete
personalities that correspond to different models of air
conditioner units). During installation of the new replacement
control board, the service professional will generally select a
specific personality according to which model of air conditioner
unit the control board in being installed into.
[0005] Although it may be desirable to have multiple different
personalities on a single substitute control board, this presents
some difficulties. For instance, the service professional is
typically being relied upon to know the exact model into which the
substitute control board is being installed. Moreover, the service
professional is typically being relied upon to choose the correct
personality. If the service professional is incorrect in either
instance, the air conditioner unit may fail to operate as intended.
In extreme cases, the air conditioner unit may even become further
damaged. Specialized tools that the service professional utilizes
to select a specific personality may also add to these
difficulties. In particular, additional tools may be damaged
themselves or simply be cumbersome and difficult to use.
[0006] As a result, there is a need for improved air conditioner
units or methods to address one or more of the above identified
issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0008] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method
of operating and air conditioner unit is provided. The method may
include activating a substitute control board within the air
conditioner unit; detecting one or more sensors from voltage
signals received from a predetermined plurality of potential
sensors; selecting an operating personality from a plurality of
preset personalities based on the one or more detected sensors; and
directing rotation of one or more fans within the air conditioner
unit according to the selected operating personality.
[0009] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an
air conditioner appliance is provided. The air conditioner
appliance may include a housing, an outdoor heat exchanger, an
indoor heat exchanger, a bulkhead, an outdoor fan, an indoor fan,
one or more sensors, and a substitute control board. The housing
may define an outdoor portion and an indoor portion. The outdoor
heat exchanger may be disposed in the outdoor portion. The indoor
heat exchanger may be disposed in the indoor portion. The bulkhead
may be disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor
heat exchanger along a transverse direction. The bulkhead may
define the indoor portion and the outdoor portion. The outdoor fan
may be disposed in the outdoor portion to direct an airflow across
the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor fan may be disposed in the
indoor portion to direct an airflow across the indoor heat
exchanger. The one or more sensors may be mounted within the
housing. The substitute control board may be operably coupled to
the outdoor fan, the indoor fan, and the one or more sensors. The
substitute control board may be configured to initiate a service
operation. The service operation may include activating the
substitute control board, detecting the one or more sensors from
voltage signals received from a predetermined plurality of
potential sensors, selecting an operating personality from a
plurality of preset personalities based on the one or more detected
sensors, and directing rotation of the indoor fan and the outdoor
fan according to the selected operating personality.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures.
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an air conditioner
unit, with a room front exploded from a remainder of the air
conditioner unit for illustrative purposes, in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components of an indoor
portion of an air conditioner unit in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a bulkhead assembly in
accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of components of an
indoor portion of an air conditioner unit in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of an air conditioner unit
according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of
operating an air conditioner unit according to exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0019] The terms "includes" and "including" are intended to be
inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising." Similarly,
the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "A or B"
is intended to mean "A or B or both"). The phrase "in one
embodiment," does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment,
although it may. The terms "first," "second," and "third" may be
used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and
are not intended to signify location or importance of the
individual components. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer
to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a
fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the flow direction
from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the flow
direction to which the fluid flows.
[0020] Referring now to the figures, in FIGS. 1 through 5, an air
conditioner unit 10 according to various exemplary embodiments is
provided. The air conditioner unit 10 is generally a one-unit type
air conditioner, also conventionally referred to as a room air
conditioner or package terminal air conditioner unit. The unit 10
includes an indoor portion 12 and an outdoor portion 14, and
defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a
transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is perpendicular to
each other, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally
defined.
[0021] As will be described herein, certain exemplary embodiments
of unit 10 include elements or features that are absent from other
exemplary embodiments of unit 10. In other words, multiple discrete
models of air conditioner unit are provided as unique exemplary
embodiments. One exemplary embodiment may be described herein as a
heat pump unit (e.g., configured to operate a sealed refrigeration
system alternately in a cooling cycle and a heating cycle). Another
exemplary embodiment may be described herein as an A/C exclusive
unit (e.g., configured to operate a sealed cooling system
exclusively in cooling cycle). An additional or alternative
embodiment may be described herein as a low voltage unit (e.g.,
configured to operate at a relatively low voltage, such as 230 V).
Yet another additional or alternative embodiment may be described
herein as a high voltage unit (e.g., configured to operate at a
relatively high voltage, such as 265 V). Except as otherwise
indicated, or described exclusively in regard to one of the
above-identified embodiments, it is generally understood the
elements of unit 10 described below are common to each of the
discrete identified embodiments of unit 10.
[0022] Generally, a housing 20 of the unit 10 contains various
other components of the unit 10. Housing 20 may include, for
example, a rear grill 22 and a room front 24 that may be spaced
apart along the transverse direction T by a wall sleeve 26. The
rear grill 22 may be part of the outdoor portion 14, while the room
front 24 is part of the indoor portion 12. Components of the
outdoor portion 14, such as an outdoor heat exchanger 30, outdoor
fan 33 (FIG. 5), and compressor 32 may be housed within the wall
sleeve 26. A casing 34 may additionally enclose the outdoor fan 33,
as shown.
[0023] Referring now also to FIG. 2, indoor portion 12 may include,
for example, an indoor heat exchanger 40, a blower fan 42, and a
heating unit 44. These components may, for example, be housed
behind the room front 24. Additionally, a bulkhead 46 may generally
support or house various other components or portions thereof of
the indoor portion 12, such as the blower fan 42 and the heating
unit 44. Bulkhead 46 may generally separate and define the indoor
portion 12 and outdoor portion 14.
[0024] Outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may be components
of a thermodynamic assembly (i.e., sealed system), which may be
operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a
refrigeration cycle) and, in the case of the heat pump unit
embodiment, a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). Thus,
as is understood, exemplary heat pump unit embodiments may be
selectively operated perform a refrigeration cycle at certain
instances (e.g., while in a cooling mode) and a heat pump cycle at
other instances (e.g., while in a heating mode). By contrast,
exemplary A/C exclusive unit embodiments may be unable to perform a
heat pump cycle (e.g., while in the heating mode), but still
perform a refrigeration cycle (e.g., while in a cooling mode).
[0025] In optional embodiments, such as exemplary heat pump unit
embodiments, the sealed system includes a reversible refrigerant
valve 110 (FIG. 5). Reversible refrigerant valve 110 selectively
directs compressed refrigerant from compressor 32 to either indoor
heat exchanger 40 or outdoor heat exchanger 30. For example, in a
cooling mode, reversible refrigerant valve 110 is arranged or
configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 32 to
outdoor heat exchanger 30. Conversely, in a heating mode,
reversible refrigerant valve 110 is arranged or configured to
direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 32 to indoor heat
exchanger 40. Thus, reversible refrigerant valve 110 permits the
sealed system to adjust between the heating mode and the cooling
mode, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0026] The assembly may, for example, further include compressor 32
and an expansion valve, both of which may be in fluid communication
with the heat exchangers 30, 40 to flow refrigerant therethrough,
as is generally understood. Optionally, the compressor 32 may be a
variable speed compressor or, alternatively, a single speed
compressor. When the assembly is operating in a cooling mode, and
thus performs a refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40
acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as a
condenser. In heat pump unit embodiments, when the assembly is
operating in a heating mode, and thus performs a heat pump cycle,
the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser and the outdoor
heat exchanger 30 acts as an evaporator. The outdoor and indoor
heat exchangers 30, 40 may each include coils 31, 41, as
illustrated, through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange
purposes, as is generally understood.
[0027] Bulkhead 46 may include various peripheral surfaces that
define an interior 50 thereof. For example, and additionally
referring to FIG. 3, bulkhead 46 may include a first sidewall 52
and a second sidewall 54 which are spaced apart from each other
along the lateral direction L. A rear wall 56 may extend laterally
between the first sidewall 52 and second sidewall 54. The rear wall
56 may, for example, include an upper portion 60 and a lower
portion 62. Upper portion 60 may for example have a generally
curvilinear cross-sectional shape, and may accommodate a portion of
the blower fan 42 when blower fan 42 is housed within the interior
50. Lower portion 62 may have a generally linear cross-sectional
shape, and may be positioned below upper portion 60 along the
vertical direction V. Rear wall 56 may further include an indoor
facing surface 64 and an opposing outdoor facing surface. The
indoor facing surface 64 may face the interior 50 and indoor
portion 12, and the outdoor facing surface 66 may face the outdoor
portion 14.
[0028] Bulkhead 46 may additionally extend between a top end 61 and
a bottom end 63 along vertical axis V. Upper portion 60 may, for
example, include top end 61, while lower portion 62 may, for
example, include bottom end 63.
[0029] Bulkhead 46 may additionally include, for example, an air
diverter 68, which may extend between the sidewalls 52, 54 along
the lateral direction L and through which air may flow.
[0030] In exemplary embodiments, blower fan 42 may be a tangential
fan. Alternatively, however, any suitable fan type may be utilized.
Blower fan 42 may include a blade assembly 70 and a motor 72. The
blade assembly 70, which may include one or more blades disposed
within a fan housing 74, may be disposed at least partially within
the interior 50 of the bulkhead 46, such as within the upper
portion 60. As shown, blade assembly 70 may for example extend
along the lateral direction L between the first sidewall 52 and the
second sidewall 54. The motor 72 may be connected to the blade
assembly 70, such as through the housing 74 to the blades via a
shaft. Operation of the motor 72 may rotate the blades, thus
generally operating the blower fan 42. Further, in exemplary
embodiments, motor 72 may be disposed exterior to the bulkhead 46.
Accordingly, the shaft may for example extend through one of the
sidewalls 52, 54 to connect the motor 72 and blade assembly 70.
[0031] In exemplary embodiments, heating unit 44 includes one or
more heater banks 80. Each heater bank 80 may be operated as
desired to produce heat. In some embodiments, three heater banks 80
may be utilized, as shown. Alternatively, however, any suitable
number of heater banks 80 may be utilized. Each heater bank 80 may
further include at least one heater coil or coil pass 82, such as
in exemplary embodiments two heater coils or coil passes 82.
Alternatively, other suitable heating elements may be utilized. As
is understood, each heater coil pass 82 may be provided as a
resistive heating element configured to generate heat in response
to resistance to an electrical current flowed therethrough.
[0032] The operation of air conditioner unit 10 including
compressor 32 (and thus the sealed system generally) blower fan 42,
fan 33, heating unit 44, and other suitable components may be
controlled by a control board or controller 85. Controller 85 may
be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless
connection) to such components of the air conditioner unit 10. By
way of example, the controller 85 may include a memory and one or
more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like,
such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to
execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated
with operation of unit 10. The memory may be a separate component
from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read
only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
[0033] Generally, the processor executes programming instructions
stored in memory. For instance, a set of programming instructions
may correspond to a specific personality stored in memory. In some
embodiments, multiple discrete preset personalities (e.g.,
programming instructions) corresponding different models for
embodiments of the unit 10 are stored in memory. For example, the
controller 85 may be a substitute control board configured to
automatically (e.g., without direct input or selections from the
user or service professional) select or initiate one of the
plurality of preset personalities as the operating personality for
the unit 10 based on one or more detected signals. Each of the
plurality of preset personalities may direct certain elements to
operate uniquely (e.g., in response to user selection or mode). For
instance, each personality may include different settings for
rotation speed of the fans 33, 42 or, in the case of a variable
speed compressor, compressor 32. Thus, the rotation speed of the
fans 33, 42 or compressor 32 may be determined, at least in part,
by the one of the preset personality settings that is selected as
the operating personality setting. For instance, rotation speeds of
fans 33, 42 may generally be programmed as higher values (e.g., for
any given setting of unit 10) in a high voltage unit embodiment
than in a low voltage unit embodiment. Since certain exemplary
embodiments include features not found in other exemplary
embodiments (e.g., a reversible refrigerant valve 110 provided in
the exemplary heat pump unit embodiments, but not A/C exclusive
unit embodiments), directing operation of this features may be
determined by the one of the preset personality settings that is
selected as the operating personality setting. In some embodiments,
the plurality of preset personalities includes a heat pump
personality, an A/C exclusive personality, a low voltage
personality, or a high voltage personality.
[0034] Unit 10 may additionally include a control panel 87 and one
or more user inputs 89, which may be included in control panel 87.
The user inputs 89 may be in communication with the controller 85.
A user of the unit 10 may interact with the user inputs 89 to
operate the unit 10, and user commands may be transmitted between
the user inputs 89 and controller 85 to facilitate operation of the
unit 10 based on such user commands. A display 88 may additionally
be provided in the control panel 87, and may be in communication
with the controller 85. Display 88 may, for example be a
touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively
may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as
required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or
setting for the unit 10.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, a first indoor
temperature sensor 92 (e.g., indoor refrigerant temperature sensor)
and a second indoor temperature sensor 94 (e.g., indoor ambient
temperature sensor) may be disposed within the indoor portion 12.
In some embodiments, such as exemplary high voltage unit
embodiments, a third indoor temperature sensor 126 (e.g., indoor
outlet temperature sensor) (as indicated in phantom lines) is
disposed within the indoor portion 12. Optionally, other
embodiments, such as exemplary low voltage unit embodiments, will
be free of any such third indoor temperature sensor 126. Each
temperature sensor may be configured to sense the temperature of
its surroundings. For example, each temperature sensor may be a
thermistor or a thermocouple. The indoor temperature sensors 92,
94, 126 may be in communication with the controller 85, and may
transmit temperatures sensed thereby to the controller 85 (e.g., as
one or more voltages or signals, which the controller 85 is
configured to interpret as temperature readings).
[0036] First indoor temperature sensor 92 may be disposed proximate
the indoor heat exchanger 40 (such as relative to the second indoor
temperature sensor 94). For example, in some embodiments, first
indoor temperature sensor 92 may be in contact with the indoor heat
exchanger 40, such as with a coil 41 thereof. The first indoor
temperature sensor 92 may be configured to detect a temperature for
the indoor heat exchanger 40. Second indoor temperature sensor 94
may be spaced from the indoor heat exchanger 40, such as in the
transverse direction T. For example, the second indoor temperature
sensor 94 may be in contact with the room front 24, as illustrated
in FIG. 1. Second indoor temperature sensor 94 may be configured to
detect a temperature of air entering the indoor portion 12. Third
indoor temperature sensor 126 may be spaced apart from and disposed
downstream of both the first indoor temperature sensor 92 and the
second indoor temperature sensor 94. For example, the third indoor
temperature sensor 126 may be attached to or in contact with the
air diverter 68. The third indoor temperature sensor 126 may be
configured to detect a temperature for air exiting the indoor
portion 12. During certain operations (e.g., cooling operations),
air may thus generally flow across or adjacent to the second indoor
temperature sensor 94, the first indoor temperature sensor 92, and
then the third indoor temperature sensor 126.
[0037] Referring especially to FIGS. 1 and 5, some embodiments,
such as exemplary heat pump unit embodiments, a first outdoor
temperature sensor 132 (e.g., outdoor refrigerant temperature
sensor) (as indicated in phantom lines) and a second outdoor
temperature sensor 134 (e.g., outdoor ambient temperature sensor)
(as indicated in phantom lines) are disposed within the outdoor
portion 14. Each temperature sensor may be configured to sense the
temperature of its surroundings. For example, each temperature
sensor may be a thermistor or a thermocouple. The outdoor
temperature sensors 132, 134 may be in communication with the
controller 85, and may transmit temperatures sensed thereby to the
controller 85 (e.g., as one or more voltage signals, which the
controller 85 is configured to interpret as temperature
readings).
[0038] First outdoor temperature sensor 132 may be disposed
proximate the outdoor heat exchanger 30 (such as relative to the
second outdoor temperature sensor 134). For example, in some
embodiments, first outdoor temperature sensor 132 may be in contact
with the outdoor heat exchanger 30, such as with a coil 31 (FIG. 1)
thereof. The first outdoor temperature sensor 132 may be configured
to detect a temperature for the outdoor heat exchanger 30. Second
outdoor temperature sensor 134 may be spaced from the outdoor heat
exchanger 30, such as in the transverse direction T. For example,
the second outdoor temperature sensor 134 may be in contact with
the rear grill 22 (FIG. 1). The second outdoor temperature sensor
134 may be configured to detect a temperature for air entering the
outdoor portion 14. During certain operations (e.g., heating
operations), air may thus generally flow across or adjacent to the
second outdoor temperature sensor 134 and then the first outdoor
temperature sensor 132.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, the present disclosure may further
be directed to methods 600 of operating or servicing an air
conditioner or air conditioning appliance, such as unit 10. Such
methods may advantageously simplify installation of a new
substitute control board. In particular, in their place control
board may automatically determine and select a corresponding
personality setting without requiring direct input or knowledge
from a user or service professional. In exemplary embodiments, the
placement control board or controller 85 may be operable to perform
various steps of a method in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0040] As illustrated, at 610, the method 600 includes activating a
substitute control board within an air conditioner unit. Such
activation may take place after the previous or original control
board has been replaced and the substitute control board has been
installed within the air conditioner unit (e.g., by service
professional). Activation may include supplying power to the
substitute control board along with the rest of the air conditioner
unit (e.g., from a municipal power source or grid). In some such
embodiments, 610 follows activating (i.e., turning on) the air
conditioner unit.
[0041] At 620, the method 600 includes detecting one or more
sensors from voltage signals from a predetermined plurality of
potential sensors. In other words, one or more voltage signals from
sensors within the air conditioner unit are supplied to the
substitute control board. The sensors correspond to the
predetermined plurality of potential or possible sensors. The
substitute control board may be preconfigured to detect each of the
predetermined plurality of potential sensors. However, the sensors
of particular air conditioner unit (e.g., model of air conditioner
unit) into which the substitute control board is installed may
include less than all of the predetermined plurality of potential
sensors. For example, as described above, discrete or unique
temperature sensors may be provided within different exemplary
models and embodiments of air conditioner unit. Some models of air
conditioner units may include a greater number of sensors of the
plurality of predetermined sensors, while other models of air
conditioner units may include a few number of sensors of the
plurality of predetermined sensors.
[0042] In certain embodiments, each sensor of the predetermined
plurality of potential sensors is a temperature sensor.
Alternatively, however, other sensors may be provided and detected
by the substitute control board. In some embodiments, the
predetermined plurality of potential sensors includes an indoor
ambient temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature for
air entering the indoor portion, and an indoor refrigerant
temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature for the
indoor heat exchanger. In additional or alternative embodiments,
the predetermined plurality of potential sensors includes an indoor
outlet temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature for
air exiting the indoor portion, an outdoor ambient temperature
sensor configured to detect a temperature for air entering the
outdoor portion, and an outdoor ambient temperature sensor
configured to detect a temperature for air entering the outdoor
portion. In further additional or alternative embodiments, the
predetermined plurality of potential sensors includes an indoor
outlet temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature for
air exiting the indoor portion or an outdoor ambient temperature
sensor configured to detect a temperature for air entering the
outdoor portion. In yet further additional or alternative
embodiments, the predetermined plurality of potential sensors
includes an outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor configured to
detect a temperature for the outdoor heat exchanger.
[0043] At 630, the method 600 includes selecting an operating
personality from a plurality of preset personalities based on the
one or more detected sensors. As is understood, the operating
personality may be considered the personality or programmed
instructions that an air conditioner unit actually executes. The
specific preset personality that is to become the operating
personality is selected in response to which sensors of the
predetermined plurality of sensors are detected at 620. The
plurality preset personalities may include a heat pump personality,
an A/C exclusive personality, a low voltage personality, or a high
voltage personality. Each of the plurality preset personalities may
include one or more unique settings directions for operation of the
air conditioner appliance (e.g., to account for the unique features
or capabilities of certain models of air conditioner units).
[0044] In exemplary embodiments wherein detecting an indoor outlet
temperature sensor is included with or as a result of 620, 630
includes selecting a high voltage personality in response to
detecting the indoor outlet temperature sensor. In exemplary
embodiments wherein detecting an outdoor ambient temperature sensor
is included with or as the result of 620, 630 includes includes
selecting a heat pump personality in response to detecting the
outdoor ambient temperature sensor. In exemplary embodiments
wherein detecting an outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor is
included with or as a result of 620, 630 includes selecting a heat
pump personality in response to detecting the outdoor refrigerant
temperature sensor.
[0045] At 640, the method 600 includes directing rotation of one or
more fans (e.g., the indoor fan or the outdoor fan) within the air
conditioner unit according to the selected operating personality.
As described above, the rotation speed of one or more of the indoor
fan or the outdoor fan may vary according to which preset
personality is selected as the operating personality. Thus,
rotation and rotation speeds of the fan may vary in response to 620
and 630.
[0046] In optional embodiments, rotation speed of the compressor
may also vary according to which preset personality is selected as
the operating personality. In some such embodiments, 640 includes
directing a speed of a refrigerant compressor according to the
selected operating personality at 630. In additional or alternative
embodiments, the positioning of a reversible refrigerant may only
be possible or vary in certain exemplary embodiments of the air
conditioner unit. Thus, 40 may further include directing a
reversible refrigerant valve according to the selected operating
personality.
[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
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