JP7064153B2 - Air conditioning indoor unit - Google Patents

Description

Regarding air conditioning indoor units.

The room during the washing operation is generally uncomfortable due to reasons such as cold air blowing out. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 6290492), a technique for giving a user an opportunity to leave the room by providing a predetermined waiting time after the air conditioning operation is stopped and before the washing operation is started. There is.

The user may want to start the washing operation before the predetermined waiting time elapses. However, Patent Document 1 has a problem that the washing operation cannot be started until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed.

The air-conditioning indoor unit of the first aspect performs a cleaning operation for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger. The air-conditioning indoor unit includes a control unit. The control unit has a standby mode that waits for a predetermined time before controlling the cleaning operation. The air-conditioning indoor unit further includes a detection unit for detecting a person in the room, and the standby mode ends when the detection unit detects the exit of the person from the room. Alternatively, the standby mode ends if the user permits the cleaning operation.

In the air-conditioning indoor unit of the first aspect, the control unit has a standby mode of waiting for a predetermined time before controlling the washing operation. The air-conditioning indoor unit further includes a detection unit for detecting a person in the room, and the standby mode ends when the detection unit detects the exit of the person from the room. Alternatively, the standby mode ends if the user permits the cleaning operation. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit can be controlled to end the standby mode in the middle and start the cleaning operation without waiting for a predetermined time.

The air-conditioning indoor unit of the second aspect is the air-conditioning indoor unit of the first aspect, and further includes a notification unit. In the standby mode, the notification unit notifies the user to leave the room.

In the air-conditioning indoor unit of the second aspect, the notification unit gives a notification to urge the user to leave the room in the standby mode. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit can give the user an opportunity to leave the room and prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable in the room during the washing operation.

The air-conditioning indoor unit according to the third aspect is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to either the first aspect or the second aspect, and further includes a detection unit. The detection unit detects a person in the room. If no person is detected in the room by the detection unit, the control unit controls to start the cleaning operation without entering the standby mode.

In the air-conditioning indoor unit of the third aspect, the detection unit detects a person in the room. If no person is detected in the room by the detection unit, the control unit controls to start the cleaning operation without entering the standby mode. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit can accelerate the start of the cleaning operation if no person is detected in the room by the detection unit.

The air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fourth aspect is any of the air-conditioning indoor units from the first aspect to the third aspect, and the control unit controls not to start the washing operation when the standby mode ends after a lapse of a predetermined time. conduct.

In the air-conditioning indoor unit of the fourth aspect, the control unit controls not to start the washing operation when the standby mode ends after the lapse of a predetermined time. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit can be controlled not to start the cleaning operation unless there is a user action in the standby mode.

The air-conditioning indoor unit according to the fifth aspect is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and the control unit controls the cleaning operation by the automatic cleaning mode or the manual cleaning mode. In the automatic cleaning mode, the cleaning operation is automatically started when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the manual cleaning mode, the user manually instructs the start of the cleaning operation. When the cleaning operation is started in the automatic cleaning mode, the control unit controls to enter the standby mode. When the cleaning operation is started in the manual cleaning mode, the control unit controls not to enter the standby mode.

In the air-conditioning indoor unit of the fifth aspect, the control unit controls to enter the standby mode when the cleaning operation is started by the automatic cleaning mode. When the cleaning operation is started in the manual cleaning mode, the control unit controls not to enter the standby mode. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit can accelerate the start of the cleaning operation in the manual cleaning mode.

The air-conditioning indoor unit according to the sixth aspect is any of the air-conditioning indoor units from the second aspect to the fifth aspect, and the control unit controls to enter the standby mode after the air-conditioning operation is stopped. The notification unit changes the notification method depending on the operation terminal instructed to stop the air conditioning operation.

In the air-conditioning indoor unit of the sixth aspect, the notification unit changes the notification method depending on the operation terminal instructed to stop the air-conditioning operation. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit can easily convey the notification to the user.

It is a block diagram of an air conditioner. It is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner and a user terminal. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. It is sectional drawing of the air-conditioning indoor unit. It is a figure which shows the state of the room heat exchanger at the time of a washing operation. It is a flowchart of a washing operation. It is a flowchart of a washing operation. It is a block diagram of an air conditioner.

(1) Overall configuration The air conditioning indoor unit 2 is a device constituting the air conditioner 10. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 mainly includes an air conditioner indoor unit 2, an air conditioner outdoor unit 4, and a remote controller 15. The indoor control unit 81 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 cooperates with the outdoor control unit 82 of the air-conditioning outdoor unit 4 to perform a cleaning operation for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 21. Therefore, here, not only the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 but also the configuration of the entire air conditioning device 10 will be described.

Further, the air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment can be operated not only from the remote controller 15 but also from the user terminal 90. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 10 and the user terminal 90. As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 10 and the user terminal 90 are communicably connected to each other through the network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet. When the air conditioner 10 and the user terminal 90 are located in the same building, the air conditioner 10 and the user terminal 90 may be communicably connected by a short-distance network such as WiFi.

(2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Air conditioning device The air conditioning device 10 performs an air conditioning operation for air conditioning the indoor RM and a cleaning operation for the indoor heat exchanger 21. The air conditioning operation includes a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidifying operation, a ventilation operation, and a humidifying operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning device 10 includes an air conditioning indoor unit 2, an air conditioning outdoor unit 4, a humidifying unit 6, and a remote controller 15.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit 13 of the air conditioner 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioning indoor unit 2 and the air conditioning outdoor unit 4 are connected by a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 11 and a gas refrigerant connecting pipe 12. The air-conditioning indoor unit 2 and the air-conditioning outdoor unit 4 are connected to each other via a liquid-refrigerant connecting pipe 11 and a gas-refrigerant connecting pipe 12 to form a refrigerant circuit 13. In the refrigerant circuit 13, for example, the steam compression refrigeration cycle is repeated during the cooling operation, the heating operation, and the dehumidifying operation.

The humidifying unit 6 is a humidifying device that humidifies the indoor RM. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifying unit 6 is used for a humidifying operation or the like in which the indoor RM is humidified by sending moist air from the outdoor OT to the indoor RM. For example, the air conditioner 10 performs a humidification operation so that the absolute humidity of the indoor RM becomes a predetermined value AH1 or more.

As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifying unit 6 is attached to and integrated with the air conditioning outdoor unit 4. The humidifying unit 6 and the air conditioning indoor unit 2 are connected by an intake / exhaust hose 68.

The remote controller 15 instructs the air conditioner 10 to start and stop the operation. Further, the remote controller 15 can receive information such as the current operating state and various notifications from the air conditioner 10. The content received by the remote controller 15 is displayed on the display screen 15a.

In the present embodiment, the air conditioning device 10 includes one air conditioning indoor unit 2, an air conditioning outdoor unit 4, a humidifying unit 6, and a remote controller 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the air conditioning device 10 may include a plurality of air conditioning indoor units 2, an air conditioning outdoor unit 4, a humidifying unit 6, and a remote controller 15.

(2-1-1) Air-conditioning indoor unit As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 is installed on the wall WL of the indoor RM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the air conditioning indoor unit 2 may be installed on the ceiling or the floor, for example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 mainly includes an indoor control unit 81, a detection unit 71, and a notification unit 73.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, and an indoor expansion valve 28. Further, the air conditioning indoor unit 2 is provided with various sensors.

(2-1-1-1) Indoor heat exchanger In the indoor heat exchanger 21, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the air in the indoor RM. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning indoor unit 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor heat exchanger 21 has a plurality of heat transfer fins 21a and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 21b. The heat transfer tube 21b is folded a plurality of times and penetrates one heat transfer fin 21a a plurality of times. The air-conditioning indoor unit 2 drives the indoor fan 22 to suck the air of the indoor RM from the suction port 23a. The sucked indoor RM air passes between the plurality of heat transfer fins 21a. At this time, since the refrigerant flows through the heat transfer tube 21b, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tube 21b and the air in the indoor RM. The air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown out from the outlet 23b.

As shown in FIG. 3, one end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 11 via the refrigerant pipe. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 12 via the refrigerant pipe. During the cooling operation, the refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 from the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 11 side, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. During the heating operation, the refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 from the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 12 side, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant condenser.

As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor heat exchanger 21 has a shape that opens downward so as to cover the upper part of the indoor fan 22. The indoor heat exchanger 21 has a first heat exchange unit 21F far from the wall WL and a second heat exchange unit 21R close to the wall WL. Drain pans 26 are arranged under the first heat exchange section 21F and the second heat exchange section 21R, respectively. The dew condensation generated in the first heat exchange unit 21F is received by the drain pan 26 arranged under the first heat exchange unit 21F. The dew condensation generated in the second heat exchange unit 21R is received by the drain pan 26 arranged under the second heat exchange unit 21R.

(2-1-1-2) Indoor fan The indoor fan 22 is a fan that supplies the air of the indoor RM to the indoor heat exchanger 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor fan 22 is arranged at a substantially central portion in a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning indoor unit 2. In this embodiment, the indoor fan 22 is a cross-flow fan. However, the indoor fan 22 is not limited to this, and may be a centrifugal fan such as a turbo fan or a sirocco fan, for example. The indoor fan 22 is driven by the indoor fan motor 22a. The rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 22a can be controlled by an inverter.

(2-1-1-3) Indoor expansion valve The indoor expansion valve 28 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 13. In this embodiment, the indoor expansion valve 28 is an electronic expansion valve.

During the cooling operation, the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 21 from the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 11 side flows from the first heat exchange unit 21F through the indoor expansion valve 28 to the second heat exchange unit 21R. During the heating operation, the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 21 from the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 12 side flows from the second heat exchange unit 21R through the indoor expansion valve 28 to the first heat exchange unit 21F.

The smaller the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 28, the larger the pressure difference between the first heat exchange section 21F and the second heat exchange section 21R.

(2-1-1-4) Sensor As shown in FIG. 3, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 includes an indoor temperature sensor 31, an indoor humidity sensor 32, a duct temperature sensor 33, a duct humidity sensor 34, and an indoor unit. It includes a heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 and a person detection camera 36.

The indoor temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the air in the indoor RM. The indoor temperature sensor 31 is installed near the suction port 23a.

The indoor humidity sensor 32 detects the absolute humidity of the air in the indoor RM. The indoor humidity sensor 32 is installed near the suction port 23a.

The duct temperature sensor 33 detects the temperature of the air blown from the humidifying unit 6 to the air conditioning indoor unit 2. The duct temperature sensor 33 is installed on the air conditioning indoor unit 2 side of the intake / exhaust hose 68.

The duct humidity sensor 34 detects the absolute humidity of the air blown from the humidifying unit 6 to the air conditioning indoor unit 2. The duct humidity sensor 34 is installed on the air conditioning indoor unit 2 side of the intake / exhaust hose 68.

The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in a specific place of the indoor heat exchanger 21. The specific location is, for example, the location of the heat transfer tube 21b to which the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 is attached.

The person detection camera 36 detects a person in the indoor RM. As shown in FIG. 1, the human detection camera 36 is installed in front of the air conditioning indoor unit 2.

(2-1-1-5) Detection unit The detection unit 71 operates the person detection camera 36 in response to an instruction from the indoor control unit 81 to detect a person in the indoor RM. The detection unit 71 transmits the detection result to the indoor control unit 81.

In the present embodiment, the detection unit 71 is mounted independently of the indoor control unit 81. However, the detection unit 71 may be mounted as a part of the indoor control unit 81.

(2-1-1-6) Indoor control unit The indoor control unit 81 controls the operation of each unit constituting the air conditioning indoor unit 2.

The indoor control unit 81 includes a control arithmetic unit and a storage device. A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used as the control arithmetic unit. The control arithmetic unit reads a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined arithmetic processing according to this program. Further, the control arithmetic unit can write the arithmetic result to the storage device and read the information stored in the storage device according to the program. Further, the indoor control unit 81 includes a timer. In the present embodiment, the timer is installed in the indoor control unit 81, but may be installed in the outdoor control unit 82, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the indoor control unit 81 includes an indoor fan motor 22a, an indoor expansion valve 28, an indoor temperature sensor 31, an indoor humidity sensor 32, a duct temperature sensor 33, a duct humidity sensor 34, and an indoor heat exchanger temperature. It is electrically connected to the sensor 35 and the person detection camera 36 so that control signals and information can be exchanged.

The indoor control unit 81 is configured to be able to receive various signals transmitted from the remote controller 15. The various signals include, for example, a signal instructing the start and stop of operation and a signal related to various settings. The signals related to various settings include, for example, signals related to a target temperature and a target humidity.

The indoor control unit 81 is connected to the outdoor control unit 82 of the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 in a state where control signals and the like can be exchanged by the transmission line 84. The indoor control unit 81 and the outdoor control unit 82 cooperate to function as a control unit 8 that controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 10. The control unit 8 will be described later.

(2-1-1-7) Notification unit The notification unit 73 issues a notification to urge exit from the indoor RM in the standby mode according to an instruction from the indoor control unit 81. The standby mode will be described later. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 73 notifies the user terminal 90. When the user terminal 90 receives the notification from the notification unit 73, the user terminal 90 informs the user of the notification content by, for example, character display on the display screen of the user terminal 90, voice, or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the notification unit 73 may notify the remote controller 15, for example. When the remote controller 15 receives the notification from the notification unit 73, the remote controller 15 informs the user of the notification content, for example, by displaying characters on the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15. Further, the notification unit 73 may notify the user, for example, by blinking the main body lamp (not shown) of the air conditioning indoor unit 2. Further, the notification unit 73 may notify the user by voice from, for example, a speaker (not shown) built in the air conditioning indoor unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the notification unit 73 is mounted independently of the indoor control unit 81. However, the notification unit 73 may be mounted as a part of the indoor control unit 81.

(2-1-2) Air conditioner outdoor unit As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 is installed in the outdoor OT.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 mainly includes an outdoor control unit 82.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioning outdoor unit 4 mainly includes a compressor 41, a flow direction switching mechanism 42, an accumulator 43, an outdoor heat exchanger 44, an outdoor expansion valve 45, an outdoor fan 46, and the like. It is equipped with. Further, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 is provided with various sensors.

(2-1-2-1) Compressor The compressor 41 sucks in a low-pressure refrigerant, compresses the refrigerant by a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant. In the present embodiment, the compressor 41 is a rotary type or scroll type positive displacement compressor. As shown in FIG. 3, the compression mechanism (not shown) of the compressor 41 is driven by the compressor motor 41a. The refrigerant is compressed by driving the compression mechanism (not shown) by the compressor motor 41a. The compressor motor 41a is a motor capable of controlling the rotation speed by an inverter. By controlling the rotation speed of the compressor motor 41a, the capacity of the compressor 41 is controlled.

(2-1-2-2) Flow direction switching mechanism The flow direction switching mechanism 42 is a mechanism for changing the state of the refrigerant circuit 13 between the first state and the second state by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant circuit 13 is in the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. When the refrigerant circuit 13 is in the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant condenser.

In the present embodiment, the flow direction switching mechanism 42 is a four-way switching valve.

The flow direction switching mechanism 42 has four ports. The first port P1 of the flow direction switching mechanism 42 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 41. The second port P2 of the flow direction switching mechanism 42 is connected to one of the inlets and outlets of the outdoor heat exchanger 44. The third port P3 of the flow direction switching mechanism 42 is connected to the accumulator 43. The fourth port P4 of the flow direction switching mechanism 42 is connected to one of the inlets and outlets of the indoor heat exchanger 21.

During the cooling operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 42 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 13 as the first state. In other words, during cooling operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 42 communicates the first port P1 and the second port P2, and the third port P3 and the fourth port, as shown by the solid line in the flow direction switching mechanism 42 of FIG. Communicate with P4.

During the heating operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 42 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 13 as the second state. In other words, during heating operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 42 communicates the first port P1 and the fourth port P4, and the second port P2 and the third port, as shown by the broken line in the flow direction switching mechanism 42 of FIG. Communicate with P3.

(2-1-2-3) Accumulator The accumulator 43 has a gas-liquid separation function for separating an inflowing refrigerant into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 3, the accumulator 43 is installed between the third port P3 of the flow direction switching mechanism 42 and the suction port of the compressor 41. The refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 43 is separated into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant, and the gas refrigerant collected in the upper space flows out to the compressor 41.

(2-1-2-4) Outdoor heat exchanger In the outdoor heat exchanger 44, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing inside the outdoor heat exchanger 44 and the air of the outdoor OT. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the air-conditioning outdoor unit 4 drives the outdoor fan 46 to suck the air of the outdoor OT from the suction port 47a. The sucked outdoor OT air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 44. At this time, since the refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 44, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 44 and the air of the outdoor OT. The air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is blown out from the outlet 47b.

In the present embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes and fins.

One end of the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is connected to the outdoor expansion valve 45 via a refrigerant pipe. The other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is connected to the second port P2 of the flow direction switching mechanism 42 via a refrigerant pipe.

The outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant condenser during the cooling operation and as a refrigerant evaporator during the heating operation.

(2-1-2-5) Outdoor expansion valve The outdoor expansion valve 45 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 13. In the present embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 45 is an electronic expansion valve.

(2-1-2-6) Outdoor fan The outdoor fan 46 is a fan that supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 44. In the present embodiment, the outdoor fan 46 is a propeller fan. The outdoor fan 46 is driven by the outdoor fan motor 46a. The rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 46a can be controlled by an inverter.

(2-1-2-7) Sensor As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 includes an outside air temperature sensor 51, a discharge pipe temperature sensor 52, an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 53, and an outside air humidity sensor 54. , Is equipped.

The outside air temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature of the air in the outdoor OT. The outside air temperature sensor 51 is installed near the suction port 47a.

The discharge pipe temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge pipe (refrigerant pipe connected to the discharge port of the compressor 41).

The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 53 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in a specific place of the outdoor heat exchanger 44.

The outside air humidity sensor 54 detects the absolute temperature of the air in the outdoor OT. The outside air humidity sensor 54 is installed near the suction port 47a.

(2-1-2-8) Outdoor control unit The outdoor control unit 82 controls the operation of each unit constituting the air conditioning outdoor unit 4.

The outdoor control unit 82 includes a control arithmetic unit and a storage device. A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used as the control arithmetic unit. The control arithmetic unit reads a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined arithmetic processing according to this program. Further, the control arithmetic unit can write the arithmetic result to the storage device and read the information stored in the storage device according to the program.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor control unit 82 includes a compressor motor 41a, a flow direction switching mechanism 42, an outdoor expansion valve 45, an outdoor fan motor 46a, an outside air temperature sensor 51, a discharge pipe temperature sensor 52, and an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor. It is electrically connected to the 53 and the outside air humidity sensor 54 so that control signals and information can be exchanged.

The outdoor control unit 82 is connected to the indoor control unit 81 of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 in a state where control signals and the like can be exchanged by the transmission line 84. The outdoor control unit 82 and the indoor control unit 81 cooperate to function as a control unit 8 that controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 10. The control unit 8 will be described later.

(2-1-3) Humidification unit The humidification unit 6 takes in moisture from the air of the outdoor OT. The humidifying unit 6 generates high-humidity air by applying the taken-in moisture to the air of the outdoor OT. The humidifying unit 6 sends this high humidity air to the air conditioning outdoor unit 4. The air conditioner 10 mixes the high humidity air sent from the humidifying unit 6 with the air of the indoor RM in the air conditioning indoor unit 2 during the humidifying operation. The air-conditioning indoor unit 2 humidifies the indoor RM by blowing out air mixed with high-humidity air to the indoor RM.

As shown in FIG. 3, the humidifying unit 6 mainly includes a suction rotor 61, a heater 62, a switching damper 63, an intake / exhaust fan 64, and a suction fan 65. Further, the humidifying unit 6 includes an intake / exhaust hose 68.

(2-1-3-1) Suction Rotor In this embodiment, the suction rotor 61 is a disk-shaped ceramic rotor having a honeycomb structure. The ceramic rotor can be formed, for example, by firing an adsorbent. The adsorbent has the property of adsorbing the moisture in the air that comes into contact with it. Further, the adsorbent has a property of desorbing the adsorbed water by being heated. Adsorbents include, for example, zeolite, silica gel and alumina. The suction rotor 61 is driven by the suction rotor motor 61a and rotates. The rotation speed of the suction rotor 61 can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the suction rotor motor 61a.

The suction rotor motor 61a is electrically connected to the outdoor control unit 82 so that control signals and information can be exchanged.

(2-1-3-2) Heater The heater 62 is arranged between the humidifying air intake port 69c and the switching damper 63. The air of the outdoor OT taken in from the humidifying air intake port 69c passes through the heater 62, then further passes through the suction rotor 61, and reaches the switching damper 63. When the air heated by the heater 62 passes through the adsorption rotor 61, the moisture is desorbed from the adsorption rotor 61 and the moisture is supplied to the heated air. The heater 62 can change the output, and the temperature of the air passing through the heater 62 can be changed according to the output. Within a specific temperature range, the higher the temperature of the air passing through the suction rotor 61, the greater the amount of water desorbed from the suction rotor 61.

The heater 62 is electrically connected to the outdoor control unit 82 so that control signals and information can be exchanged.

(2-1-3-3) Switching Damper The switching damper 63 includes a first entrance / exit 63a and a second entrance / exit 63b. The switching damper 63 can switch whether the inlet of the air sucking in the air is the first inlet / outlet 63a or the second inlet / outlet 63b when the intake / exhaust fan 64 is being driven. When the air inlet is the first inlet / outlet 63a, the air from the outdoor OT flows from the humidifying air intake inlet 69c to the suction rotor 61, the heater 62, the suction rotor 61, the first inlet / outlet 63a, the intake / exhaust fan 64, and the first. 2 The entrance / exit 63b, the duct 66, the intake / exhaust hose 68, and the air conditioning indoor unit 2 flow in this order (direction of the arrow shown by the solid line in FIG. 3). When the air inlet is switched to the second inlet / outlet 63b, conversely, from the air conditioning indoor unit 2, the intake / exhaust hose 68, the duct 66, the second inlet / outlet 63b, the intake / exhaust fan 64, the first inlet / outlet 63a, and the suction rotor 61. , The heater 62, the suction rotor 61, and the humidifying air inlet 69c flow in this order (direction of the arrow shown by the broken line in FIG. 3). The switching of the switching damper 63 is performed by the switching damper motor 63c.

The switching damper motor 63c is electrically connected to the outdoor control unit 82 so that control signals and information can be exchanged.

(2-1-3-4) Intake / Exhaust Fan The intake / exhaust fan 64 is arranged between the first entrance / exit 63a and the second entrance / exit 63b of the switching damper 63. The intake / exhaust fan 64 generates an air flow from the first inlet / outlet 63a to the second inlet / outlet 63b or from the second inlet / outlet 63b to the first inlet / outlet 63a. The intake / exhaust fan 64 is driven by the intake / exhaust fan motor 64a.

The intake / exhaust fan motor 64a is electrically connected to the outdoor control unit 82 so that control signals and information can be exchanged.

(2-1-3-5) Suction fan The suction fan 65 is arranged in a passage leading from the suction air intake port 69b to the suction air outlet 69a. A suction rotor 61 is arranged in this passage so that the suction rotor 61 can be hooked. The suction fan 65 is driven by the suction fan motor 65a. When the suction fan 65 is driven, the air from the outdoor OT goes from the suction air intake port 69b to the suction air outlet 69a. At this time, when the air of the outdoor OT passes through the suction rotor 61, water is adsorbed on the suction rotor 61.

The suction fan motor 65a is electrically connected to the outdoor control unit 82 so that control signals and information can be exchanged.

(2-1-3-6) Intake / exhaust hose The intake / exhaust hose 68 is connected to the duct 66 at one end and to the air conditioning indoor unit 2 at the other end. With such a configuration, the intake / exhaust hose 68 and the indoor RM communicate with each other via the air conditioning indoor unit 2.

(2-1-4) Control unit As shown in FIG. 3, in the control unit 8, the indoor control unit 81 of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 and the outdoor control unit 82 of the air conditioning outdoor unit 4 are connected via a transmission line 84. It is configured by being communicably connected. The indoor control unit 81 and the outdoor control unit 82 may be wirelessly connected to each other, not by a physical transmission line 84. The control unit 8 controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 10 by the control arithmetic unit of the outdoor control unit 82 and the indoor control unit 81 executing the program stored in the storage device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 8 includes a compressor motor 41a, a flow direction switching mechanism 42, an outdoor expansion valve 45, an outdoor fan motor 46a, an indoor fan motor 22a, an indoor expansion valve 28, a suction rotor motor 61a, a heater 62, and switching. It is electrically connected to various devices of the air conditioning outdoor unit 4, the air conditioning indoor unit 2, and the humidifying unit 6, including the damper motor 63c, the intake / exhaust fan motor 64a, and the suction fan motor 65a. Further, the control unit 8 is electrically connected to various sensors 31 to 35 provided in the air conditioning indoor unit 2 and various sensors 51 to 54 provided in the air conditioning outdoor unit 4.

The control unit 8 starts and stops the operation of the air conditioning device 10 and air-conditions based on the measurement signals of various sensors 31 to 36, 51 to 54, the command received from the remote controller 15 by the indoor control unit 81, and the like. It controls the operation of various devices of the device 10. Further, the control unit 8 can transmit information such as the current operating state and various notifications to the remote controller 15.

The control unit 8 controls the cleaning operation and the air conditioning operation. The control unit 8 has a standby mode in which TT0 waits for a predetermined time before controlling the washing operation. The standby mode ends when the detection unit 71 detects the exit of a person from the indoor RM. Further, the standby mode ends if the user permits the washing operation. Further, the standby mode ends when the predetermined time TT0 of the standby mode elapses.

The control unit 8 is communicably connected to the user terminal 90 via the network NW. The control unit 8 can transmit information about the air conditioner 10 to the user terminal 90. Further, the control unit 8 can receive information about the air conditioner 10 from the user terminal 90.

(2-1-5) Operation of the air conditioner The air conditioner 10 performs an air conditioning operation and a cleaning operation. The air conditioning operation includes a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidifying operation, a ventilation operation, and a humidifying operation. Further, a plurality of operations may be combined, such as a humidifying heating operation in which a heating operation and a humidifying operation are performed in parallel. Here, each driving operation will be described.

(2-1-5-1) Cooling operation The cooling operation is an operation that cools the temperature of the indoor RM to the target temperature.

The control unit 8 receives instructions from, for example, the remote controller 15 to start the cooling operation and the target temperature. The control unit 8 switches the flow direction switching mechanism 42 to the state shown by the solid line in FIG. During the cooling operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 42 causes the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the second port P2, and flows the refrigerant between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. The flow direction switching mechanism 42 during the cooling operation causes the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 to flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 44. In the outdoor heat exchanger 44, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the air of the outdoor OT supplied by the outdoor fan 46. The refrigerant cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 45 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21. In the indoor heat exchanger 21, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the air in the indoor RM supplied by the indoor fan 22. The refrigerant warmed by the heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 21 is sucked into the compressor 41 via the flow direction switching mechanism 42 and the accumulator 43. The air in the indoor RM cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown out from the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 to the indoor RM to cool the indoor RM. In the air conditioner 10, the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant evaporator to cool the air in the indoor RM, and the outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant condenser in the cooling operation.

(2-1-5-2) Heating operation The heating operation is an operation that warms the temperature of the indoor RM to the target temperature.

The control unit 8 receives instructions from, for example, the remote controller 15 to start the heating operation and the target temperature. The control unit 8 switches the flow direction switching mechanism 42 to the state shown by the broken line in FIG. During the heating operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 42 causes the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the fourth port P4, and flows the refrigerant between the second port P2 and the third port P3. The flow direction switching mechanism 42 during the heating operation causes the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 to flow through the indoor heat exchanger 21. In the indoor heat exchanger 21, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the air in the indoor RM supplied by the indoor fan 22. The refrigerant cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 45 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 44. In the outdoor heat exchanger 44, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the air of the indoor RM supplied by the outdoor fan 46. The refrigerant warmed by the heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is sucked into the compressor 41 via the flow direction switching mechanism 42 and the accumulator 43. The air in the indoor RM heated by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown out from the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 to the indoor RM to heat the indoor RM. In the air conditioner 10, in the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant condenser to warm the air in the indoor RM, and the outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

(2-1-5-3) Dehumidifying operation The dehumidifying operation is an operation of lowering the humidity of the indoor RM by condensing the moisture contained in the air of the indoor RM on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21.

The control unit 8 receives an instruction to start the dehumidifying operation from, for example, the remote controller 15. The control unit 8 switches the flow direction switching mechanism 42 to the state shown by the solid line in FIG. During the dehumidifying operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 42 causes the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the second port P2, and flows the refrigerant between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. Therefore, in the refrigerant circuit 13, the direction in which the refrigerant flows is the same during the dehumidifying operation and the cooling operation.

Here, a case where three types of dehumidifying operation can be selected will be described. Information on which of the first dehumidifying operation, the second dehumidifying operation, and the third dehumidifying operation is selected is transmitted from the remote controller 15 to the control unit 8. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of the indoor heat exchanger 21 during the cleaning operation. In FIG. 5, the indoor heat exchanger 21, which is originally shaped as shown in FIG. 4, is drawn flat. The refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 13 in the direction of the dotted arrow. As shown in FIG. 5, in the first dehumidification operation, the first dehumidification operation is performed in which substantially all of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is in the evaporation region. In the second dehumidifying operation, a second dehumidifying operation is performed in which a part of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is set as an evaporation region and the remaining portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is set as a superheat region. In the third dehumidification operation, the first heat exchange section 21F on the upstream side of the indoor expansion valve 28 is the condensation region, and the second heat exchange section 21R on the downstream side of the indoor expansion valve 28 is the evaporation region. Driving is done.

(2-1-5-3-1) First dehumidifying operation In the first dehumidifying operation, the control unit 8 fully opens the indoor expansion valve 28. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 8 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 41 and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 45 so that all of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is substantially in the evaporation region. do.

In the first dehumidification operation, since all of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is substantially in the evaporation region, moisture contained in the air of the indoor RM can be condensed on the entire surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21. Therefore, the first dehumidifying operation has a high dehumidifying effect. On the other hand, the temperature of the portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 which is the evaporation region is low, and cold air is blown to the indoor RM. Therefore, in the first dehumidifying operation, the temperature of the indoor RM is lowered.

In addition, in order to "make substantially all of the indoor heat exchanger 21 into an evaporation region", a part of the indoor heat exchanger 21 (for example, 1/3 or less of the total volume of the indoor heat exchanger 21 or less) is used. Except for the part of), the case of making it an evaporation area is included. The part is a part near the refrigerant outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21. At this time, the part becomes an overheated region.

(2-1-5-3-2) Second dehumidifying operation In the second dehumidifying operation, the control unit 8 fully opens the indoor expansion valve 28. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, in the control unit 8, a part of the first heat exchange unit 21F (for example, a part of 2/3 or less of the total volume of the indoor heat exchanger 21) is in the evaporation region and the first heat is generated. The operating frequency of the compressor 41 and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 45 are controlled so that the remaining portion of the exchange unit 21F and the second heat exchange unit 21R are in the overheated region. For example, the control unit 8 reduces the pressure applied to the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 21 by making the valve opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 45 smaller than that in the case of the first dehumidification operation, and the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant. Lower. As a result, the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 21 evaporates faster than in the case of the first dehumidification operation.

In the second dehumidification operation, the portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 which is the evaporation region is smaller than that in the first dehumidification operation. Therefore, the second dehumidifying operation has a lower dehumidifying effect than the first dehumidifying operation. Further, the temperature of the portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 which is the heating region is higher than that of the portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 which is the evaporation region. Therefore, in the second dehumidifying operation, the decrease in the temperature of the indoor RM is suppressed as compared with the first dehumidifying operation.

(2-1-5-3-3) Third dehumidification operation In the third dehumidification operation, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 8 has the first heat exchange unit 21F in the condensed region and the second heat exchange unit 21R. Controls the valve opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 28, the operating frequency of the compressor 41, and the valve opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 45 so that For example, the control unit 8 fully opens the outdoor expansion valve 45, and controls the outdoor heat exchanger 44 and the first heat exchange unit 21F so as to be in the condensed region as a whole. Further, for example, the control unit 8 narrows the valve opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 28 and lowers the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange unit 21R, so that the second heat exchange unit 21R becomes an evaporation region. To control. In the third dehumidification operation, the portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to be in the evaporation region is smaller than in the second dehumidification operation. Therefore, the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange unit 21R in the third dehumidification operation needs to be lower than the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 21 in the second dehumidification operation.

In the third dehumidification operation, the portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 which is the evaporation region is smaller than that in the second dehumidification operation. Therefore, the third dehumidifying operation has a lower dehumidifying effect than the second dehumidifying operation. Further, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 in the condensed region is higher than that in the indoor heat exchanger 21 in the superheated region. Therefore, in the third dehumidifying operation, the decrease in the temperature of the indoor RM is suppressed as compared with the second dehumidifying operation.

(2-1-5-3-4) Summary of dehumidifying operation In the dehumidifying operation, the dehumidifying effect is higher in the order of the first dehumidifying operation, the second dehumidifying operation, and the third dehumidifying operation. Further, in the dehumidifying operation, the decrease in the temperature of the indoor RM is suppressed in the order of the third dehumidifying operation, the second dehumidifying operation, and the first dehumidifying operation.

(2-1-5-4) Blower operation The blower operation is an operation to blow air to the indoor RM.

The control unit 8 receives instructions from, for example, the remote controller 15 to start the blowing operation and the target air volume. The control unit 8 stops the compressor 41 and stops the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit 13. The control unit 8 controls the indoor fan motor 22a of the indoor fan 22 so that the target air volume is reached.

(2-1-5-5) Humidification operation Humidification operation is an operation to raise the humidity of the indoor RM to the target humidity.

The control unit 8 receives instructions from, for example, the remote controller 15 to start the humidification operation and the target humidity.

First, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 41 and stops the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit 13. However, in the case of the humidification / heating operation, the control unit 8 does not stop the compressor 41 and simultaneously performs the refrigeration cycle of the heating operation.

Next, the control unit 8 controls the humidification unit 6 so as to perform the first drying operation for drying the intake / exhaust hose 68. In the first drying operation, the control unit 8 stops the suction fan 65 and the suction rotor 61. The control unit 8 heats the air in the heater 62, switches the switching damper 63 so that an air flow from the first inlet / outlet 63a to the second inlet / outlet 63b is generated, and drives the intake / exhaust fan 64. The temperature of the air in the outdoor OT taken in from the humidifying air intake port 69c is heated by the heater 62 and rises. Therefore, the relative humidity of the air decreases. Further, since the suction rotor 61 is stopped, moisture is not supplied to the air passing through the suction rotor 61. The air dried in this way passes through the intake / exhaust hose 68 by the intake / exhaust fan 64, so that the intake / exhaust hose 68 is dried. The control unit 8 counts the time of the first drying operation by a timer, for example, and ends the first drying operation when the time of the first drying operation reaches a predetermined time.

When the first drying operation is completed, the control unit 8 drives the suction fan 65 and rotates the suction rotor 61. By driving the suction fan 65, the air of the outdoor OT passes through the suction rotor 61, so that the moisture of the air of the outdoor OT is adsorbed on the suction rotor 61. The location where the moisture is adsorbed moves to a location where the air heated by the heater 62 passes by the rotation of the adsorption rotor 61. As a result, moisture is desorbed from the adsorption rotor 61, and the moisture is contained in the heated air. The air having a high humidity in this way is sent to the indoor RM by the intake / exhaust fan 64 via the intake / exhaust hose 68 and the air conditioning indoor unit 2. The control unit 8 drives the indoor fan 22 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 in order to blow out high-humidity air into the indoor RM.

(2-1-5-6) Cleaning operation The cleaning operation is an operation for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 21. The control unit 8 cleans the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 by generating dew condensation water. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 referred to here includes heat transfer fins 21a.

In order for the control unit 8 to perform the cleaning operation, the absolute humidity of the indoor RM must be a predetermined value AH1 or more. When the absolute humidity of the indoor RM is not a predetermined value AH1 or more, the control unit 8 first performs a humidification operation, sets the absolute humidity of the indoor RM to a predetermined value AH1 or more, and then performs a cleaning operation.

When the control unit 8 starts the cleaning operation, the control unit 8 automatically performs the cleaning operation when the user manually instructs the start of the cleaning operation (manual cleaning mode) and when a predetermined condition is satisfied. There is a case to start (automatic cleaning mode). When the user manually instructs the start of the washing operation, the user instructs the washing operation, for example, from the remote controller 15.

The cleaning operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7.

As shown in step S0, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the user has instructed to start the cleaning operation, or whether or not the cleaning start condition of the automatic cleaning mode is satisfied. The control unit 8 proceeds to step S1-1 when the user has instructed to start the cleaning operation or the cleaning start condition of the automatic cleaning mode is satisfied. The cleaning start conditions in the automatic cleaning mode will be described later.

When the process proceeds from step S0 to step S1-1, the control unit 8 enters a standby mode in which TT0 waits for a predetermined time before starting the cleaning operation.

When the control unit 8 enters the standby mode, as shown in step S1-2, the control unit 8 notifies the user to urge the user to leave the indoor RM by the function of the notification unit 73.

When the control unit 8 notifies the user, as shown in step S1-3, the detection unit 71 detects the exit of the person from the indoor RM, the user permits the cleaning operation, and the standby mode is set. It is determined whether or not at least one of the three conditions of the lapse of the predetermined time TT0 is satisfied. When at least one of the three conditions is satisfied, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S1-4. If any of the three conditions is not satisfied, the control unit 8 continues the standby mode until at least one of the conditions is satisfied.

When the process proceeds from step S1-3 to step S1-4, the control unit 8 ends the standby mode.

When the standby mode is terminated, the control unit 8 starts the cleaning operation as shown in step S2.

When the cleaning operation is started, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the absolute humidity of the indoor RM is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH1 as shown in step 3. Here, the predetermined value AH1 is a humidity suitable for the washing operation. If the absolute humidity of the indoor RM is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH1, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S10. The control unit 8 proceeds to step S4 if the absolute humidity of the indoor RM is not equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH1.

When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the absolute humidity of the outdoor OT is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH2. Here, the predetermined value AH2 is a humidity at which the absolute humidity of the indoor RM can be expected to be equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH1 by humidifying the indoor RM using the air of the outdoor OT. For example, when it rains a while ago, it is highly possible that the absolute humidity of the outdoor OT is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH2 even if the absolute humidity of the indoor RM is not equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH1. If the absolute humidity of the outdoor OT is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH2, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S6. The control unit 8 proceeds to step S5 if the absolute humidity of the outdoor OT is not equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH2.

When the process proceeds from step S4 to step S5, the control unit 8 notifies the user that it is not suitable for the cleaning operation. For the notification to the user, for example, the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15 is displayed to indicate that it is not suitable for the cleaning operation. When the control unit 8 notifies the user, the cleaning operation is stopped and the process is terminated as shown in step S16.

When the process proceeds from step S4 to step S6, the control unit 8 starts a humidification operation in order to make the absolute humidity of the indoor RM a predetermined value AH1. As a humidification operation, the control unit 8 performs a humidification operation if the temperature of the indoor RM is at least a predetermined value T1 and a humidification / heating operation if the temperature is not at least a predetermined value T1. From the start of the humidification operation, the control unit 8 starts counting the humidification operation by a timer.

As shown in step S7, the control unit 8 waits for TT1 for a predetermined time from the start of the humidification operation.

After waiting for TT1 for a predetermined time, the control unit 8 again determines whether or not the absolute humidity of the indoor RM is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH1 as shown in step S8. If the absolute humidity of the indoor RM is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH1, the control unit 8 stops the humidification operation and proceeds to step S9. The control unit 8 repeats steps S7 and S8 until the absolute humidity of the indoor RM becomes a predetermined value AH1 or more, and continues the humidification operation.

When the process proceeds from step S8 to step S9, the control unit 8 ends the humidification operation.

When the control unit 8 finishes the humidification operation, the control unit 8 starts the cleaning operation as shown in step S10. The cleaning operation is the same as the dehumidifying operation. In the present embodiment, the first dehumidifying operation is performed as the dehumidifying operation. However, the dehumidifying operation is not limited to this, and the dehumidifying operation may be a second dehumidifying operation or a third dehumidifying operation. The first dehumidifying operation has the highest dehumidifying effect and can cause dew condensation on almost all the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger 21, so that the cleaning range is the widest. On the other hand, since the third dehumidifying operation suppresses the decrease in the temperature of the indoor RM most, it is possible to prevent the indoor RM from becoming the most unpleasant temperature when the washing operation is performed in the cold season. From the start of the cleaning operation, the control unit 8 starts counting the cleaning operation time by a timer.

As shown in step S11, the control unit 8 waits for TT2 for a predetermined time from the start of the cleaning operation.

After waiting for TT2 for a predetermined time, the control unit 8 ends the cleaning operation as shown in step S12.

When the cleaning operation is completed, the control unit 8 starts the drying operation as shown in step S13. From the start of the drying operation, the control unit 8 starts counting the drying operation time by a timer. The drying operation includes a first drying operation for drying the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 and a second drying operation for drying the intake / exhaust hose 68.

As the first drying operation, the control unit 8 performs a ventilation operation if the temperature of the indoor RM is T2 or more, and a heating operation if the temperature is not T2 or more. The control unit 8 air-drys the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 by passing the air of the indoor RM through the indoor heat exchanger 21 by the ventilation operation or the heating operation. Further, the control unit 8 promotes the drying of the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 by raising the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 by the heating operation. The heating operation also has the effect of raising the temperature of the indoor RM lowered by the cleaning operation.

The control unit 8 performs the same operation as the first drying operation of the humidification operation as the second drying operation. The control unit 8 stops the suction fan 65 and the suction rotor 61 of the humidifying unit 6 in order to dry the intake / exhaust hose 68. Further, the control unit 8 heats the air in the heater 62 of the humidifying unit 6, switches the switching damper 63 so as to generate an air flow from the first inlet / outlet 63a to the second inlet / outlet 63b, and drives the intake / exhaust fan 64.

As shown in step S14, the control unit 8 waits for TT3 for a predetermined time from the start of the drying operation.

After waiting for TT3 for a predetermined time, the control unit 8 ends the drying operation as shown in step S15.

When the drying operation is completed, the control unit 8 stops the washing operation and ends the process as shown in step S16.

(2-1-5-6-1) Cleaning start condition in automatic cleaning mode The control unit 8 counts the drive time of the air conditioning operation from the time when the cleaning operation is stopped by a timer (hereinafter, counted). The drive time is referred to as the integrated drive time). Specifically, the integrated drive time is the drive time of the indoor fan 22 in the air conditioning operation. The integrated drive time is reset when the washing operation is stopped.

The cleaning start condition in the automatic cleaning mode is that the air conditioning operation is stopped after the integrated drive time has elapsed from the previous cleaning operation for a predetermined time of TT4.

(2-2) User terminal As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 90 mainly includes an air conditioning operation unit 91. Further, the user terminal 90 includes a display screen (not shown).

The user terminal 90 includes a control arithmetic unit and a storage device. A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used as the control arithmetic unit. The control arithmetic unit reads a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined arithmetic processing according to this program. Further, the control arithmetic unit can write the arithmetic result to the storage device and read the information stored in the storage device according to the program. The air conditioning operation unit 91 is a functional block realized by the control arithmetic unit. In this embodiment, the user terminal 90 is a smartphone. However, the user terminal 90 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a tablet, a notebook PC, or the like.

(2-3-1) Air-conditioning operation unit The air-conditioning operation unit 91 has the same function as the remote controller 15. Specifically, the air conditioning operation unit 91 receives information from the air conditioning device 10 and notifies the user of the received content. The air-conditioning operation unit 91 notifies the user of the received content by, for example, displaying characters on the display screen of the user terminal 90, voice, or the like. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning operation unit 91 receives a notification from the air conditioning device 10 prompting the exit from the indoor RM, and displays the notification content on the display screen of the user terminal 90.

Further, the air conditioning operation unit 91 gives an instruction to the air conditioner 10 to start and stop the operation. The air conditioning operation unit 91 displays, for example, an image imitating the remote controller 15 on the display screen of the user terminal 90. By tapping the image or the like, the user gives an instruction to the air conditioner 10 to start or stop the operation.

The air conditioning operation unit 91 is realized by, for example, a smartphone application.

(3) Features (3-1)
The room during the washing operation is generally uncomfortable due to reasons such as cold air blowing out. Therefore, conventionally, after the air conditioning operation is stopped and before the start of the washing operation, a predetermined waiting time is provided to give the user an opportunity to leave the room.

However, the user may want to start the cleaning operation before the predetermined waiting time elapses. Conventionally, there has been a problem that the washing operation cannot be started until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed.

In the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 of the present embodiment, the control unit 8 has a standby mode of waiting for TT0 for a predetermined time before controlling the cleaning operation. The air-conditioning indoor unit 2 further includes a detection unit 71 for detecting a person in the indoor RM, and the standby mode ends when the detection unit 71 detects the exit of the person from the indoor RM. Alternatively, the standby mode ends if the user permits the cleaning operation. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 can control to end the standby mode in the middle and start the cleaning operation without waiting for TT0 for a predetermined time.

(3-2)
In the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 of the present embodiment, the notification unit 73 provides notification to urge exit from the indoor RM in the standby mode. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 can give the user an opportunity to leave the indoor RM and prevent the indoor RM from being uncomfortable during the washing operation.

(4) Modification example (4-1) Modification example 1A
In the present embodiment, after entering the standby mode in step S1-1 of FIG. 6, the control unit 8 detects the exit of a person from the indoor RM by the detection unit 71 and the cleaning operation by the user in step S1-3. It was determined whether or not at least one of the three conditions of the permission operation of the above and the lapse of the predetermined time TT0 in the standby mode is satisfied. When at least one of the above three conditions is satisfied, the control unit 8 has terminated the standby mode in step S1-4.

However, even if the control unit 8 selects any two of the above three conditions and determines in step S1-3 whether or not at least one of the two conditions is satisfied. good. Further, the control unit 8 may select any one of the above three conditions and determine in step S1-3 whether or not the one condition is satisfied.

As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 can end the standby mode depending on flexible conditions.

(4-2) Modification 1B
In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 determines in step S1-3 that the detection unit 71 has detected the exit of the person from the indoor RM after entering the standby mode in step S1-1 of FIG. When the exit of the person from the indoor RM is detected, the control unit 8 ends the standby mode in step S1-4 and starts the washing operation in step S2.

However, if the detection unit 71 does not detect a person in the indoor RM before entering the standby mode, the control unit 8 may not enter the standby mode and start the cleaning operation.

If no person is detected in the indoor RM by the detection unit 71 before entering the standby mode, it is considered that the standby mode is unnecessary. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 can accelerate the start of the cleaning operation.

(4-3) Modification 1C
In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 determines the passage of the predetermined time TT0 in the standby mode in step S1-3 of FIG. If the control unit 8 determines that the predetermined time TT0 has elapsed, the control unit 8 ends the standby mode in step S1-4 and starts the washing operation in step S2.

However, the control unit 8 does not have to start the washing operation when the standby mode ends with the passage of the predetermined time TT0.

As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 can be controlled so as not to start the washing operation unless there is a user action in the standby mode.

(4-4) Modification 1D
In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 determines in step S0 whether or not the user has instructed to start the cleaning operation, or whether or not the cleaning start condition of the automatic cleaning mode is satisfied. The control unit 8 has been instructed by the user to start the cleaning operation (starting the cleaning operation in the manual cleaning mode), or the cleaning start condition in the automatic cleaning mode has been satisfied (starting the cleaning operation in the automatic cleaning mode). In that case, the standby mode was entered in step S1-1. After that, the control unit 8 ended the standby mode in step S1-4 and started the washing operation in step S2.

However, when the cleaning operation is started by the manual cleaning mode, the control unit 8 may start the cleaning operation without entering the standby mode.

When the control unit 8 starts the cleaning operation by the manual cleaning mode, it is considered that the standby mode is unnecessary. As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 can accelerate the start of the cleaning operation in the manual cleaning mode.

(4-5) Modification 1E
In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 determines in step S0 whether or not the cleaning start condition of the automatic cleaning mode is satisfied. If the cleaning start condition of the automatic cleaning mode is satisfied, the control unit 8 enters the standby mode in step S1-1. The cleaning start condition in the automatic cleaning mode is that the air conditioning operation is stopped after the integrated drive time has elapsed from the previous cleaning operation for a predetermined time of TT4. In the present embodiment, regardless of whether the control unit 8 receives an instruction to stop the air conditioning operation from either the remote controller 15 or the user terminal 90, the notification unit 73 notifies the user terminal 90 from the indoor RM. A notification was given to urge them to leave.

However, the notification unit 73 may change the notification method depending on the operation terminal instructed to stop the air conditioning operation. Specifically, when the control unit 8 receives an instruction from the remote controller 15 to stop the air conditioning operation, the notification unit 73 notifies the remote controller 15. The notification content is displayed, for example, on the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15. In this case, since it is assumed that the user is in the indoor RM, the notification unit 73 may further notify by voice from the air conditioning indoor unit 2. On the other hand, when the control unit 8 receives an instruction to stop the air conditioning operation from the user terminal 90, the notification unit 73 notifies the user terminal 90 to urge the user terminal 90 to leave the indoor RM.

As a result, the air-conditioning indoor unit 2 can easily convey the notification to the user.

(4-6) Modification 1F
In the present embodiment, the cleaning start condition of the automatic cleaning mode is that the air conditioning operation is stopped after the integrated drive time has elapsed from the previous cleaning operation for a predetermined time of TT4. However, as the cleaning start condition in the automatic cleaning mode, the integrated actual time described later may be used instead of the integrated drive time. As a result, the information notification system 100 can automatically start the cleaning operation regardless of the driving time of the air conditioning operation.

Specifically, the control unit 8 counts the real time from the time when the washing operation is stopped by the timer (hereinafter, the counted real time is referred to as an integrated real time). The total real time is reset when the washing operation is stopped.

At this time, the cleaning start condition of the automatic cleaning mode is that the air conditioning operation is stopped after the accumulated actual time has elapsed from the previous cleaning operation for a predetermined time of TT6.

(4-7) Modification 1G
In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 10 humidifies the indoor RM by using the humidifying unit 6 integrated with the air conditioning outdoor unit 4. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the air conditioner 10 may humidify the indoor RM by using the indoor humidifier 200 installed in the indoor RM.

The indoor humidifier 200 includes a humidification control unit (not shown) that controls the humidification operation. The humidification control unit (not shown) is communicably connected to the indoor control unit 81 so that control signals and information can be exchanged. Therefore, the control unit 8 can control the humidification operation performed by the indoor humidifier 200.

The main difference between the cleaning operation using the humidifying unit 6 and the cleaning operation using the indoor humidifier 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7. In the washing operation using the humidifying unit 6, the control unit 8 determines in step S4 whether or not the absolute humidity of the outdoor OT is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH2. In the washing operation using the indoor humidifier 200, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the absolute humidity of the indoor RM is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH3. Here, the predetermined value AH3 is a humidity at which the absolute humidity of the indoor RM can be expected to be equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH1 by the humidification operation using the indoor humidifier 200. Further, in the humidification operation of steps S6 to S9, the control unit 8 performs a humidification operation using the indoor humidifier 200. Further, in the drying operation of steps S13 to S15, since the control unit 8 does not have the intake / exhaust hose 68, it is not necessary to dry the intake / exhaust hose 68.

(4-8)
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of the embodiments and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims. ..

2 Air-conditioning indoor unit 8 Control unit 15 Remote controller 21 Indoor heat exchanger 71 Detection unit 73 Notification unit 90 User terminal RM indoor

Patent No. 6290492

Claims (5)

An air-conditioning indoor unit (2) that performs a cleaning operation for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger (21).
The control unit (8), which has a standby mode that waits for a predetermined time (TT0) before controlling the washing operation.
Equipped with
A detection unit (71) for detecting a person in the room (RM) is further provided, and the standby mode ends when the detection unit detects the exit of the person from the room.
Or,
The standby mode ends if the user permits the cleaning operation.
The control unit controls not to start the washing operation when the standby mode ends after the lapse of the predetermined time.
Air conditioning indoor unit (2). A notification unit (73) that performs notification to urge exit from the room in the standby mode.
Further prepare,
The air-conditioning indoor unit (2) according to claim 1. Further equipped with a detection unit (71) that detects people in the room (RM),
The control unit controls to start the cleaning operation without entering the standby mode unless a person is detected in the room by the detection unit.
The air-conditioning indoor unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit controls the cleaning operation by an automatic cleaning mode in which the cleaning operation is automatically started when a predetermined condition is satisfied, or a manual cleaning mode in which the user manually instructs the start of the cleaning operation.
The control unit controls to enter the standby mode when the cleaning operation is started by the automatic cleaning mode, and does not enter the standby mode when the cleaning operation is started by the manual cleaning mode. Take control,
The air-conditioning indoor unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . A notification unit (73) that performs notification to urge exit from the room in the standby mode.
Further prepare
The control unit controls to enter the standby mode after the air conditioning operation is stopped.
The notification unit changes the notification method by the operation terminal (15, 90) instructing to stop the air conditioning operation.
The air-conditioning indoor unit (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4 .

Images