JP2002213797A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner which can prevent the occurrence of dew formation in a room without drying the interior of the room more than needed by maintaining the air in the room at a stable comfortable humidity by quickly adjusting the humidity without performing dehumidifying operation while the air conditioner is operated for heating. SOLUTION: When a hygroscopic fan 15 rotates, air enters into the air conditioner from an intake port 16 through a hygroscopic intake passage 17 and the moisture contained in the air is adsorbed to an absorbent 2. The dried air is discharged from an exhaust port 19 through a hygroscopic exhaust passage 18. The absorbent 2 is rotationally driven by means of a driving motor 8 and the moisture adsorbing portion of the absorbent 2 moves to a passage for moisture discharging air within the extent surrounded by an air sealing material 12. The air which is taken in the air conditioner from another intake port 21 through a moisture discharging intake passage 11 when a moisture discharging fan 20 is rotated and heated while the air passes through a regenerative heater 22 desorbs and regenerates the moisture adsorbed to the absorbent 2. The air absorbing the moisture is discharged into the room from an exhaust port 23 through a moisture discharging exhaust passage 13 as wet air.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a built-in humidifier that does not require water supply.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a heating operation is performed using an air conditioner, the relative humidity in the room decreases as the room temperature rises, and there is a problem that the room is overdried. To prevent this, a humidifier is conventionally used in combination. are doing. At that time, indoor drying /
In order to prevent over-humidification / condensation, connection with an air conditioner in control of the humidifier is performed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-19 / 1991.
No. 455 is proposed. This is a combination of the control condition of the air conditioner and the humidification control, and the control content is represented by the flowchart of FIG. According to FIG. 11, the humidifier is turned on when it is detected that the indoor temperature is equal to or higher than the allowable value and the relative humidity is equal to or lower than the allowable value when the thermostat is ON during heating, and otherwise, The humidifier is turned off.

As a control for preventing the occurrence of dew condensation due to a change in the outdoor environment, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 7-27
A dehumidifying and humidifying device as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 399 is mentioned. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the dew condensation preventing operation of the dehumidifying / humidifying device. As is clear from FIG. 12, this dehumidifying / humidifying device calculates the indoor dew point temperature from the indoor temperature and humidity, and forcibly maintains the dew point temperature for a certain period of time when the outdoor temperature approaches the dew point temperature by comparison with the outdoor temperature. A dehumidifying operation is performed to prevent dew condensation.

The output control of the humidifier is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-185793. this is,
At each time of dehumidification and humidification, the most efficient air heating temperature and air flow rate are determined, and the air heating temperature and air flow rate are determined and maintained so that the capacity inherent in the hygroscopic material can be sufficiently exhibited. This is a control method for fully exhibiting the capacity of the absorbent material.

[0005]

However, in the conventional humidification control or dehumidification control, the humidifier is not humidified even when the relative humidity is low unless the room temperature is rising, so that the humidifier is not required even if the indoor relative humidity is considerably low. There is a problem that there is a risk that the device does not operate. Also, the operating state of the humidifier is ON / OFF
Therefore, hunting occurs in the humidity control, and it is difficult to keep a comfortable humidity state constant. In addition, since the output is only one stage, the output becomes unnecessarily large depending on the situation, and the noise and the energy consumption increase. Also, by dehumidifying for a certain period of time, the room may be dried more than necessary, or the perceived temperature may decrease, and it may be necessary to increase the heating temperature accordingly. In addition, humidification and dehumidification may be repeated depending on the detected temperature, and energy may be wasted.

In the case where the control is performed based on the outdoor environment or the indoor set temperature, if the allowable value of humidity is high, dew condensation occurs when the air conditioner is stopped, and no dew condensation occurs regardless of the outdoor environment or the indoor set temperature. If the allowable value is too low, there is a problem that the room may be too dry and a comfortable humidity state may not be obtained. In addition, since the humidification output corresponding to the blower output level of the air conditioner is not performed, the indoor temperature
Response to changes in humidity is delayed, making it difficult to maintain the optimal indoor humidity.

In addition, since the user cannot arbitrarily set the humidification output, the user needs to frequently turn on / off the humidification operation to maintain the desired humidity, which may be quite troublesome. Further, since it is difficult to keep the humidity state constant, there is a possibility that ON / OFF is frequently repeated or the set value is not easily reached depending on the set value even when the humidity is set to the user's favorite humidity.

The present invention provides a method for quickly adjusting the humidity of a room without performing a dehumidifying operation on the room air during a heating operation, maintaining a stable and comfortable humidity, and forming a dew without excessively drying the room. It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that prevents the occurrence of dew and prevents dew condensation occurring when operation is stopped. It is another object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner with good operability that allows a user to arbitrarily set the indoor humidity.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifying device for absorbing moisture from the air to release moisture to the outside, a sensor for detecting temperature and humidity, and a control device for controlling an output of the humidifying device. An air conditioner comprising: The humidifier,
A moisture absorbing material having a ventilation hole for absorbing moisture in the air, a blower for blowing air to the moisture absorbing material, a regeneration heater for heating the moisture absorbing material to desorb and regenerate moisture, and an air intake for inhaling air A mouth and an exhaust port for exhausting air are provided. The sensor includes an indoor temperature sensor for detecting an indoor temperature and a humidity sensor for detecting an indoor humidity. During the heating and humidifying operation, the control device calculates the optimal humidity from the indoor temperature and humidity detected by the indoor temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and outputs the output of the humidifying device according to the difference between the indoor humidity and the optimal humidity. It is characterized in that it is controlled in multiple stages.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the humidifier of the first aspect, the sensors are an indoor temperature sensor for detecting an indoor temperature, an outdoor temperature sensor for detecting an outdoor temperature, and a humidity sensor for detecting indoor humidity. Consists of Further, the control device
During the heating and humidifying operation, the dew point temperature is calculated from the indoor temperature and the humidity detected by the indoor temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and the output of the humidifier is controlled in multiple stages according to the difference between the outdoor temperature and the exposure temperature. It is characterized by the following.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner according to the first or second aspect, the control device, as output control means of the humidifying device, varies the applied power of the regeneration heater in multiple stages. is there.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the air conditioner according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control device, as the output control means of the humidifying device, varies the air volume of the blower in multiple stages.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the humidifying device includes a moisture absorbing passage and a moisture releasing passage each having an exhaust port, and the regeneration heater is disposed in the moisture releasing passage. The material is arranged so as to straddle the passage for moisture absorption and the passage for moisture release, and is held rotatably.
3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the output control means of the humidifier varies the number of rotations of the moisture absorbent in multiple stages. The intake port may be provided in each of the passage for absorbing moisture and the passage for releasing moisture, or a common intake port may be provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main body blower for blowing air dehumidified from the humidifier into the room, and the control device corrects and controls the output of the humidifier in accordance with the output of the main body blower. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a switching section for allowing the user to arbitrarily set the humidification output, and a display section for displaying the set contents. Machine.

The invention according to claim 8 is a switching section for allowing the user to arbitrarily set the humidification output, a display for displaying the set contents, and a storage for storing the humidification output contents arbitrarily set by the user. Means, the control device performs the humidification control using the operation content stored by the storage means at the start of the next operation, even if the heating and humidification operation is stopped or the power is turned off. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

In the present invention, since the output of the humidifier is controlled in multiple stages, the optimum humidity is quickly reached according to the humidity condition of the room. Since unnecessary humidification is not performed, there is no waste in energy consumption. Further, since complicated ON / OFF repetition is eliminated, it is possible to minimize the influence on the air conditioner body and peripheral devices due to the rush current generated at the start of operation.

In particular, in the invention of claim 2, since the dew point humidity is compared with the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor, the output of the humidifier is controlled in multiple stages based on the difference between the indoor humidity and the optimum humidity. In addition, even when the indoor air is cooled down to the outdoor temperature during the heating and humidifying operation and at the time of the stop, no dew condensation occurs in the room.

In the invention according to claim 6, after the output of the humidifier is set, the correction is performed in accordance with the output of the main blower of the air conditioner. Depending on the output of the blower, it may be too dry or humidified. Alternatively, there is a case where calming by reducing the blowing noise is more important than humidification.
Therefore, the humidification output can be corrected according to the output of the main blower. In addition, it is possible to predict the change in the humidity in advance by anticipating the change in the room temperature and control the output of the main unit blower. Therefore, it is possible to quickly set the optimum humidity without excessively drying or humidifying.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the user can set a desired humidification output.
Since the setting content of the humidification output is stored, it is not necessary to set it again at the next humidification operation.

[0021]

An embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a humidifying device built in an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention. Here, the rotary non-water supply humidifier will be described.

Inside the humidifying device 1, a cylindrical hygroscopic material 2 is covered by a rotor frame 3, and a center shaft 4 at the center thereof is rotatably held by bearings 5 from both sides.
Drive motor 8 via timing belt 6 and pulley 7
Is driven to rotate. The rotor frame 3 is pressed against the partition plate 9 by an air seal material 10, the dehumidifying intake passage 11 is pressed by an air seal material 12 against the cross-section on the windward side of the partition plate 9 and the hygroscopic material 2, and the dehumidifying exhaust passage 13 is compressed by air. Since the sealing member 14 is pressed against the leeward section of the hygroscopic material 2, the air on the moisture absorbing side and the air on the moisture releasing side do not mix inside the humidifier 1. When the moisture absorption fan 15 rotates, the air flows into the intake port 16.
The moisture enters through the moisture absorbing intake passage 17, passes through the moisture absorbing material 2, is adsorbed by the moisture absorbing material 2, is dried, and is discharged from the exhaust port 19 through the moisture absorbing exhaust passage 18. The portion of the hygroscopic material 2 that has absorbed moisture is driven to rotate by the drive motor 8 and travels to the moisture release passage surrounded by the air seal material 12. Then, by the rotation of the dehumidifying fan 20, the air is taken in from the inlet 21 through the dehumidifying intake passage 11, and 100 to 140 while passing through the regeneration heater 22.
The air heated to about ° C. desorbs and regenerates the moisture adsorbed on the hygroscopic material 2. The air deprived of moisture becomes humid air and is discharged from the exhaust port 23 through the exhaust passage 13 for moisture release.
Then, the portion of the hygroscopic material 2 from which the moisture has been removed is continuously driven to rotate, and also absorbs moisture from the air. In this manner, the cycle of moisture absorption and moisture release is repeated, and the room air is continuously humidified.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the control device of the air conditioner according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, as components in the microcomputer 25, a read-only memory (ROM) 26 stores all the operation programs, but the set temperature and the like can be changed using a key. Can be. Reference numeral 27 denotes a data write memory (RAM) which stores signals from the key and environment detection circuit 41 in the RAM 27 through input control units 33 and 34. Reference numeral 28 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) of the microcomputer 25. In the CPU 28, an arithmetic unit 2 for comparing data stored in the RAM 27, performing addition and subtraction, and the like.
9 and a control unit 30 for controlling the operation of each unit in the microcomputer 25 are provided. Reference numeral 31 denotes a timer, and reference numerals 35 to 37 denote control units for operating the respective devices according to signals taken out of the RAM 27. or,
An input key circuit 40 including the key switch as an external circuit of the microcomputer 25, an environment detection circuit 41 for detecting temperature, humidity, and the like by a sensor, and a display for displaying temperature, mode, wind direction, air volume, humidity setting, and the like. Air conditioner load drive circuit 4 for controlling the device 42, the main unit blower 45, the compressor 46, the heat exchanger 47, and the like.
3. A humidifier load drive circuit 44, a power supply circuit 48, and a reset circuit 49 for controlling the regeneration heater 22, the blowers 15 and 20, the rotary drive motor 8, and the like are connected.

An object of the present invention is to control the temperature of a room to a comfortable temperature as described above. FIG. 3 shows the comfortable humidity range based on the correlation between the room temperature and the humidity. The comfortable humidity range depends on the temperature, and it is uncomfortable above and below. That is, assuming that the upper limit of the comfortable humidity range is G1 and the lower limit is G2, the indoor humidity Ri is G1>
When Ri> G2 is satisfied, it can be said that the user is comfortable. However, the comfortable humidity range in the figure is a fairly wide range as a control target value, and in this case, a line is drawn connecting substantially the center values of the comfortable range, and this is defined as the optimum humidity R. For example, when the room temperature is 22 ° C., the optimum humidity is 45% RH.

Next, the operation of the control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the first embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, during the heating and humidifying operation, first, the indoor temperature Ti is detected by the indoor temperature sensor in step S1, and the indoor humidity Ri is detected by the humidity sensor in step S2. The detected room temperature Ti and room humidity Ri are input to the microcomputer 25 via the input control unit 34 as signals by the environment detection circuit 41, and are stored in the RAM 27 as data. Then, in step S3, the arithmetic unit 29 in the microcomputer 25
Calculates the comfortable humidity R using the data (room temperature Ti) stored in the RAM 27. Step S4 is RAM
This is a comparison between the data (indoor humidity Ri) stored in 27 and the calculated comfort humidity R. If the indoor humidity Ri is lower than the comfort humidity R, it is necessary to perform a humidification operation, and the process proceeds to step S5.

In steps S5 to S11, determination for setting the humidification output and setting of the humidification output are performed. Α1 to α3 used for the determination are stored in ROM2 in advance.
6 and α1>α2> α3. In step S5, the difference between the indoor humidity Ri and the comfortable humidity R (R
If -Ri) is larger than α1, it means that there is a considerable difference from the target comfort humidity R, so the humidification output level is set to 5 in step S9, and the output is maximized. If the difference (R−Ri) is equal to or less than α1, it means that the vehicle is approaching the comfortable humidity R to some extent, and therefore, in step S6, the difference (R−R) is similar to step S5.
Compare i) with α2. If the difference (R−Ri) is larger than α2, the humidification output level is set to 4 in step S10, and if it is smaller than α2, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the difference (R−Ri) is similarly compared with α3. α3
If it is larger, the humidification output level is set to 3 in step S11, and if it is less than α3, it means that the indoor humidity Ri is very close to the comfortable humidity R, so the humidification output level is set to 2 in step S8. Set and perform the weakest humidification operation.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the room humidity Ri is equal to or higher than the optimum humidity R, it is necessary to determine whether the humidity is too high or just right. Therefore, in step S12, the magnitude of the difference between the room humidity Ri and the optimum humidity R is determined using α4, which is a constant stored in the ROM 26 in advance. If it is larger than α4,
Because no humidification is required or the humidity needs to be reduced,
In step S14, the output of the humidifier is stopped. If α4 or less, the current indoor humidity is determined to be in the optimal humidity state. However, if the heating is continued by natural ventilation with the outside air or the like, the indoor humidity tends to decrease. In order to prevent the humidity, in step S13, the humidification output for performing the moisturizing operation for maintaining the indoor humidity is provided. Set level to 1.

FIG. 5 shows the correlation between the electric power applied to the regeneration heater and the humidification amount according to the air conditioner of the first embodiment. When the electric power applied to the heater for regeneration is less than the value (H1), the heater temperature does not reach the desorption temperature of water, so that the dehumidification becomes almost impossible, and the humidification amount becomes extremely small. Further, when the value is equal to or more than a certain value (H2), the moisture is completely released. However, since the amount of moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material 2 has an upper limit, the humidification amount does not exceed a certain value. In the range of H1 to H2, the amount of humidification can be changed by changing the power applied to the heater. In this case, if conditions other than the heater power for regeneration of the humidifier are determined, the relationship of FIG. 5 is uniquely established, and therefore, the power applied to the heater for regeneration in accordance with the humidification output level must be set in advance between H1 and H2. And the humidification amount can be controlled. In addition, as a method of changing the heater applied power,
For example, a method of controlling the phase of the heater input voltage can be considered.

FIG. 6 shows the correlation between the amount of air on the moisture absorption side and the amount of humidification in the air conditioner of the first embodiment. When the amount of air on the moisture absorption side increases, the amount of moisture passing through the moisture absorbent also increases in proportion, so that the amount of humidification also increases. However, when the air flow exceeds a certain air flow (F), the humidification amount reaches a plateau. This is a limit value due to the moisture release performance when the moisture release performance is lower than the moisture absorption performance, and a value according to the moisture absorption limit of the moisture absorbent when the moisture release performance is sufficiently higher than the moisture absorption performance. In the range of F or less, the humidification amount can be changed by changing the air flow on the moisture absorption side. In this case, if conditions other than the air volume on the moisture absorption side are determined, the relationship of FIG. 6 is uniquely established. Therefore, the air volume on the moisture absorption side according to the humidification output level is determined in advance in the range of F or less. Can be controlled. In addition, as a method of changing the amount of air on the moisture absorption side, for example, if the moisture absorption fan motor is a DC motor, a method of changing the number of revolutions of the fan by controlling the applied voltage may be mentioned. In the case of a motor, a method of changing the rotation speed of the fan by controlling the frequency of the voltage can be considered. Further, a method of providing a damper in the air path for absorbing moisture and changing the cross-sectional area of the air path to change the air volume is also conceivable.

FIG. 7 shows the correlation between the number of rotations of the hygroscopic material and the amount of humidification according to the air conditioner of the first embodiment. The humidification amount decreases as the rotation speed increases or decreases with the rotation speed P as a peak. That is, the rotation speed P is the most efficient rotation speed in this system, and corresponds to level 5 in terms of the humidification output level. In this case, if conditions other than the rotation speed of the absorbent material are determined, the relationship of FIG. 7 is uniquely established. Therefore, the rotation speed according to the humidification output level is determined in advance in the range of P or less or P or more. It is possible to control the amount of humidification. In addition, as a method of changing the rotation number of the moisture absorbent, for example, a method of controlling the frequency of a motor used for rotational driving can be considered.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the second embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, during the heating and humidifying operation, first, in step S2,
At 1, the indoor temperature Ti is detected by the indoor temperature sensor, and then at step S22, the indoor humidity Ri is detected by the humidity sensor. These detected room temperature Ti and room humidity R
i is input to the input control unit 34 as a signal by the environment detection circuit 41.
Is input to the microcomputer 25 via the CPU and stored in the RAM 27 as data. Then, step S2
At 3, the arithmetic unit 29 in the microcomputer 25
The dew point temperature Tm is calculated using the data (room temperature Ti and room humidity Ri) stored in M27. Step S
At 24, the outdoor temperature To is detected by an outdoor temperature sensor, and the detected outdoor temperature To is input to the microcomputer 25 via the input control unit 34 as a signal by the environment detection circuit 41, and stored in the RAM 27 as data. In step S25, the calculation unit 29 compares the previously obtained dew point temperature Tm with the outdoor temperature To. Here, the control unit 3
If 0 is determined to be To> Tm, the indoor dew point temperature T
m is lower than the outdoor temperature To, and even if the indoor temperature drops to the same temperature as the outdoor, dew condensation does not occur. That is,
It means that it can still be humidified.

In steps S26 to S32, the determination for determining the setting of the humidification output and the setting of the humidification output are performed. Β1 to β3 to be used for determination are stored in ROM
26, where β1>β2> β3. If the difference (To−Tm) between the dew point temperature Tm and the outdoor temperature To (To−Tm) is larger than β1 in step S26, the room is very dry, so the humidification output level is set to 5 in step S30 and the output is maximized. I do. When the difference (To−Tm) is equal to or smaller than β1, the difference (To−Tm) and β2 are determined in step S27 in the same manner as in step S26.
Compare. If the difference (To−Tm) is larger than β2, the humidification output level is set to 4 in step S31,
If β2 or less, the process proceeds to step S28. Step S
Similarly, at 28, the difference (To−Tm) is compared with β3. If the difference is larger than β3, the humidification output level is set to 3 at step S32. If the difference is smaller than β3, the indoor dew point temperature approaches the outdoor temperature considerably. Therefore, the humidification output level is set to 2 in step S29, and the weakest humidification operation is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the dew point temperature Tm is equal to or higher than the outdoor temperature To, it is necessary to determine whether the humidity is too high or just right. Therefore, in step S33, the magnitude of the dew point temperature Tm and the outdoor temperature To is determined using β4 which is a constant stored in the ROM 26 in advance. If it is larger than β4, the output of the humidifier is stopped in step S35 because no humidification is required or the humidity needs to be reduced. If β4 or less, it is determined that the current indoor humidity is an optimal humidity state without dew condensation. However, if the heating is continued by natural ventilation with the outside air or the like, the indoor humidity tends to decrease.
Then, the humidification output level is set to 1 in order to perform the humidifying operation for maintaining the indoor humidity.

Although this flowchart does not include the determination of the comfortable temperature range shown in FIG. 2, considering the outdoor temperature in winter, as long as the humidity control is performed with the upper limit of the dew point temperature. This is because it is unlikely that the room will be operated at high humidity. In this control, it may be determined whether or not the room humidity is within the aforementioned optimum humidity range.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the third embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention. During the heating and humidifying operation as shown in FIG.
In steps 1 to S54, the same control as in steps S1 to S14 in FIG. 4 is executed, and a multi-stage humidification output setting is performed. That is, the room temperature Ti and the room humidity Ri are detected, the comfort humidity R is calculated from the detected contents, the room humidity Ri is compared with the comfort humidity R, and the humidification output is set according to the comparison result. Next, in steps S55 to S67, the output setting of the humidifier determined in steps S41 to S54 is finally determined using the output K of the blower of the air conditioner body. Here, the main unit blower
It plays a role in sending out the air discharged by the humidifier into the room.

Now, for example, it is assumed that the output level of the main body blower has four levels of strong / medium / weak / breeze. Step S
At 55, the RAM 27 inside the microcomputer 25
Is used as the comparison data K, and in step S56, if the calculation unit 29 determines that the output level K of the main body blower is high, the process proceeds to step S61 and step S62. Since the main blower is performing the strongest operation, the room temperature will increase significantly in the future. Therefore, in step S62, the humidification output is maximized to prepare for a decrease in the indoor relative humidity due to an increase in the temperature of the indoor air. However, when the humidification output is performing the humidification operation at the level 1 in step S61, it indicates that the indoor humidity is currently optimal, so that the output is not immediately increased to check the situation.

If it is determined in step S57 that the output K of the main blower is in the middle, it means that the air conditioner is operating normally, and it is not necessary to change the humidification output setting. Only when it is determined in step S63 that the humidification output level is set to 5, the output level is set to 4
To lower. Because it is assumed that the level 5 here is a very strong output level, and since the air volume is large and the air volume is large, a quieter air conditioner can be realized by lowering the level by one step. Also, ensure the humidification amount. If it is determined in step S58 that the main body fan output K is weak, the humidification output level is 5 in step S65 or the humidification output level is 4 in step S66, and the humidification is performed in step S67. Lower the output by one step. If it is determined in step S58 that the main body fan output K is not weak, the main body fan output K is light wind. The breeze is used, for example, during the night's "good night driving", so the humidification output level must be as low as possible to minimize noise.
In this case, if it is determined in step S59 that the humidification output level is 3 or more, the humidification output level is reduced to 2 in step S60, and the weakest humidification operation is performed. If the humidification output level is determined to be less than 3, the level is maintained as it is.

In FIG. 9, the output control of the humidifier of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is performed, but the output control of the humidifier of the second embodiment of FIG. 8 may be performed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the fourth embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention. In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the "humidification only operation" S for enabling the user to set the humidification operation output.
A display device for displaying W and the set level is provided. Here, the output level 5 is set to “full power”,
Is "strong", level 3 is "medium", level 2 is "weak", level 1 is "moisturizing", and humidification automatic operation is "auto". When the “humidification only operation” SW in the input key circuit 40 is input during the heating / humidification operation, the input content is stored in the RAM 27 via the input control device 33.
Is stored in In step S71, "only humidifier"
It is determined whether or not there is an input of the SW. If there is an input, in step S 72, the content of the “humidification only operation” SW input stored in the RAM 27 is read into the arithmetic unit 29, and the value of the content of the only input S To update. Step S7
If it is determined in S3 that S = full power, step S
The humidification output level 5 is set at 80, and "full power" is displayed on the display device 42 via the output control device 35 at step S85.

Hereinafter, similarly, steps S74 to S
At 77, the humidification input content S is determined, and at steps S81 to S84, the humidification output level corresponding to the humiliation input content S is set. At steps S86 to S89, the humidification input level is set. Content S
Is displayed using a display device. Step S73-
In step S77, if none of the results of the determination of the input content S is true, the automatic humidification operation is set assuming that the automatic humidification operation has been selected, and the automatic humidification setting is performed in step S78. Perform operation display. After that, the process shifts to heating / humidifying operation output control.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the fifth embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention. In step S91, at the end of the previous heating and humidifying operation, the humidification output setting contents M stored in the RAM 27 are taken out to the arithmetic unit 29, and in step S92, only the initial contents are stored in the input contents S. After that, control similar to the above-described control is performed. That is, steps S93 to S111 correspond to steps S71 to S8 in FIG.
9 is supported. In step S112, the content of the special output content S is set as the humidification output setting content M at the end of the heating and humidification operation, and the RAM of the microcomputer is used.
27. After that, the process shifts to heating / humidifying operation output control.

[0042]

According to the air conditioner of the present invention, during the heating and humidifying operation, the control device calculates the optimum indoor humidity from the indoor environmental data input from each sensor, and calculates the optimum humidity and the indoor humidity. , The output of the humidifier is controlled in multiple stages, so that the optimum humidity can be reached quickly, and after reaching the optimum humidity, the optimum humidity can be kept constant and a comfortable indoor space can be provided. In addition, since unnecessary humidification is not performed, there is no waste in energy consumption. In addition, complicated ON / OFF
Therefore, the influence on the air conditioner body and peripheral devices due to the rush current generated at the start of operation can be prevented to a minimum.

In particular, according to the air conditioner of the second aspect,
The control device calculates the indoor dew point temperature from the indoor environmental data input from each sensor during the heating and humidifying operation, and controls the output of the humidifier in multiple stages based on the difference between the dew point temperature and the outdoor humidity. Even if the room reaches the optimum humidity quickly and the indoor air is cooled down to the outdoor temperature during the heating and humidifying operation and when the room is stopped, the room will not condense even if it cools down to the outdoor temperature. It can maintain and provide a comfortable indoor space.

Further, according to the air conditioner of the sixth aspect, the control device performs the humidification output control in accordance with the output of the main unit blower, thereby reducing the blowing noise and achieving quietness. . In addition, since the change in indoor temperature is anticipated and the change in humidity can be inferred and controlled in advance, it is possible to prevent the room from being excessively dried or humidified, and to quickly reach the optimum humidity. Therefore, a comfortable indoor space can be provided.

Further, according to the air conditioner of the present invention, since the user can set a desired humidification output, it is possible to realize an environment setting specific to the room where the air conditioner is placed. It becomes possible. Further, since the range of use can be expanded and the humidification output content can be confirmed by display, it is possible to know a desired humidification output level.

According to the air conditioner of the present invention, since the user stores the desired humidification output, there is no need to set the desired humidification output every time the heating and humidification operation is performed. The humidifying operation which is easy to use can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a humidifier built in an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing a comfortable humidity range based on a correlation between room temperature and humidity.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control contents of the first embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing a correlation between a power applied to a regeneration heater and a humidification amount according to the air conditioner of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a correlation between the amount of air on the moisture absorption side and the amount of humidification according to the air conditioner of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a correlation between the number of rotations of the hygroscopic material and the humidification amount according to the air conditioner of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control contents of a second embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control contents of a third embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control contents of a fourth embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control contents of a fifth embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control contents of a conventional humidifier control device attached to an air conditioner.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control contents of a conventional dehumidifying / humidifying device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Humidifying unit 2 Moisture absorbing material 6 Timing belt 7 Pulley 8 Drive motor 15 Moisture absorbing fan 20 Moisture releasing fan 22 Regeneration heater 25 Microcomputer 26 ROM 27 RAM 29 Operation unit 30 Control unit 40 Input key circuit 41 Environment detection circuit 42 Display device 43 Air conditioner load drive circuit 44 Load drive circuit for humidifier 45 Body blower

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner comprising: a humidifier that absorbs moisture from the air to release moisture to the outside; a sensor that detects temperature and humidity; and a controller that controls an output of the humidifier. The apparatus includes a moisture absorbent having a ventilation hole for absorbing moisture in the air, a blower for blowing air to the moisture absorbent, a regeneration heater for heating the moisture absorbent to desorb and regenerate moisture, and An indoor air temperature sensor for detecting an indoor temperature, comprising an air intake port for inhaling air and an exhaust port for exhausting air,
A humidity sensor for detecting indoor humidity, wherein the control device calculates the optimum humidity from the room temperature and humidity detected by the room temperature sensor and the humidity sensor during the heating and humidifying operation, An air conditioner characterized by controlling the output of a humidifier in multiple stages according to the difference in humidity. 2. An air conditioner comprising: a humidifier that absorbs moisture from the air and releases moisture to the outside; a sensor that detects temperature and humidity; and a controller that controls an output of the humidifier. The apparatus includes a moisture absorbent having a ventilation hole for absorbing moisture in the air, a blower for blowing air to the moisture absorbent, a regeneration heater for heating the moisture absorbent to desorb and regenerate moisture, and An indoor air temperature sensor for detecting an indoor temperature, comprising an air intake port for inhaling air and an exhaust port for exhausting air,
An outdoor temperature sensor for detecting an outdoor temperature, and a humidity sensor for detecting indoor humidity, the control device, during heating and humidifying operation, from the indoor temperature and humidity detected by the indoor temperature sensor and the humidity sensor An air conditioner which calculates a dew point temperature and controls the output of a humidifier in multiple stages according to a difference between an outdoor temperature and an exposure temperature. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control device, as an output control unit of the humidifying device, varies the applied power of the regeneration heater in multiple stages. 4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control device, as an output control means of the humidifier, changes the air volume of the blower in multiple stages. 5. The humidifying device includes a moisture absorbing passage and a moisture releasing passage each having an exhaust port, the regeneration heater is disposed in the moisture releasing passage, and the cylindrical moisture absorbing material is used for absorbing moisture. It is configured to be disposed astride the passage and the passage for dehumidification and rotatably held, wherein the control device, as an output control means of the humidifier,
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of rotations of the hygroscopic material is varied in multiple stages. 6. A main unit blower for blowing air dehumidified from the humidifier into a room, wherein the control device controls an output of the main unit blower, and the humidifier according to an output of the main unit blower. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the output of the air conditioner is corrected and controlled. 7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching unit for allowing the user to arbitrarily set the humidification output; and a display unit for displaying the set contents. 8. A switching unit for a user to arbitrarily set a humidification output, a display unit for displaying setting contents, and a storage unit for storing humidification output contents arbitrarily set by a user, The control device performs humidification control using the operation content stored by the storage means at the start of the next operation, even if the heating and humidification operation is stopped or the power is turned off. The air conditioner as described.