CN116981893A

CN116981893A - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: CN116981893A
Application number: CN202280020872.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 高木元辉
Original assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-12
Filing date: 2022-02-24
Publication date: 2023-10-31
Also published as: WO2022190885A1; JP7477475B2; JP2022140033A; JP2023060898A

Abstract

Disclosed is an air conditioner (1) comprising: an outdoor unit (10); a first indoor unit (20A) including a first indoor heat exchanger (24A); a second indoor unit (20B) including a second indoor heat exchanger (24B); and a control unit (50). The control unit (50) is capable of executing: a cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) including a case where the first indoor heat exchanger (24A) is caused to function as an evaporator and the first indoor heat exchanger (24A) is cleaned; and a heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) in which the second indoor heat exchanger (24B) is caused to function as a condenser. When there is a request for a cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and a request for a heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the control unit (50) executes the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) without executing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B). Thus, the user's requirement for the cleaning operation can be satisfied.

Description

Air conditioner

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner.

Background

An air conditioner is known in which moisture in air is condensed or frosted on the surface of an indoor heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger is cleaned with the moisture. Patent document 1 discloses a multi-connected air conditioner having one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units, wherein at least a part of the time periods for cleaning the plurality of indoor heat exchangers is overlapped when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent No. 6786019

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

Patent document 1 discloses that, when one of the plurality of indoor heat exchangers is in a cleaning process (cleaning operation), if an instruction for air-conditioning operation is given to one of the plurality of indoor heat exchangers, the cleaning operation in the plurality of indoor heat exchangers is suspended, and the air-conditioning operation of the indoor unit that received the instruction is executed. However, patent document 1 does not disclose any control when there is a request to simultaneously perform a washing operation in one indoor unit and a heating operation in another indoor unit. In this case, the washing operation for operating the indoor heat exchanger as the evaporator and the heating operation for operating the indoor heat exchanger as the condenser cannot be simultaneously performed, and therefore, if the heating operation is performed, the user's request for the washing operation cannot be satisfied.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of satisfying a user's requirement for a washing operation when there is a requirement for a washing operation in one indoor unit and a requirement for a heating operation in another indoor unit at the same time.

Technical proposal adopted for solving the technical problems

The air conditioner indoor unit of the present disclosure includes: an outdoor unit including an outdoor heat exchanger; a first indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via a refrigerant pipe and including a first indoor heat exchanger; a second indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via the refrigerant pipe and including a second indoor heat exchanger; and a control unit. The control unit is configured to be able to perform a washing operation in the first indoor unit and a heating operation in the second indoor unit, wherein the washing operation in the first indoor unit includes causing the first indoor heat exchanger to function as an evaporator and washing the first indoor heat exchanger, and wherein the heating operation in the second indoor unit causes the second indoor heat exchanger to function as a condenser, and wherein the washing operation in the first indoor unit is not performed but the washing operation in the second indoor unit is performed when there is a request for the washing operation in the first indoor unit and a request for the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

According to the present disclosure, by performing the washing operation in the first indoor unit, the user's requirement for the washing operation can be satisfied.

In the present disclosure, the "when there is a requirement for the washing operation in the first indoor unit and a requirement for the heating operation in the second indoor unit at the same time" is set to include all of the following: a case where a cleaning operation in the first indoor unit is requested first, and the first indoor unit is ready before the start of the cleaning operation at a time point when a request for a heating operation in the second indoor unit exists; a case where the heating operation in the second indoor unit is requested first, and the second indoor unit is ready before the heating operation is started at a time point when the request for the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit is made; and a case where both the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit and the heating operation in the second indoor unit are required.

In the air conditioner of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to perform the cooling operation in the first indoor unit that causes the first indoor heat exchanger to function as an evaporator, and may be configured to perform the heating operation in the second indoor unit without performing the cooling operation in the first indoor unit when there is a request for the cooling operation in the first indoor unit and a request for the heating operation in the second indoor unit at the same time.

In the air conditioner of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to execute, as the air conditioning operation in the first indoor unit, a heating operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as a condenser and a cooling operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and as the air conditioning operation in the second indoor unit, the control unit may be configured to execute, in addition to the heating operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as a condenser, a cooling operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and the control unit may execute a cleaning operation in the second indoor unit, wherein the cleaning operation in the second indoor unit includes a first mode in which the first indoor operation and the second indoor operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and the first mode in which the first indoor operation and the second indoor operation in the second indoor unit are caused to function as the first mode are executed, and the first mode in which the first mode and the second operation in which the first mode in which the first indoor operation and the second indoor operation in the first mode are executed in which the first mode and the first mode in which the first mode and the second mode are executed in which the first mode and the second mode are executed simultaneously.

In this case, when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit, the control unit may interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit and execute the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit.

In the case of operating in the first mode, the control unit may continue the washing operation in the first indoor unit without executing the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the heating operation in the second indoor unit is required during the washing operation in the first indoor unit.

In the case of operating in the second mode, when the heating operation in the second indoor unit is required during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit, the control unit may continue the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit without executing the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

In the case of operating in the second mode, the control unit may interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit and execute the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

In the air conditioner of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to perform, as the air conditioning operation in the first indoor unit, a heating operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as a condenser and a cooling operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and as the air conditioning operation in the second indoor unit, the control unit may be configured to perform, in addition to the heating operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as a condenser, a cooling operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and the control unit may be configured to perform a cleaning operation in the second indoor unit, wherein the cleaning operation in the second indoor unit includes a request for the air conditioning operation and a request for the cleaning operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and wherein the air conditioning operation in the first indoor unit or the request for the cleaning operation and the request for the second indoor heat exchanger are simultaneously stored, and the control mode is performed in the first and the fourth indoor unit and the fourth mode.

In this case, when the fourth mode operation is performed, the control unit may continue the washing operation in the first indoor unit without performing the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the heating operation in the second indoor unit is required during the washing operation in the first indoor unit, and may interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit and perform the washing operation in the first indoor unit when the washing operation in the first indoor unit is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

In the case of operating in the third mode, the control unit may continue the heating operation in the first indoor unit when the heating operation in the second indoor unit is required during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit, and may not perform the heating operation in the second indoor unit, and may perform the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit and interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

In the air conditioner of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to perform, as the air conditioning operation in the first indoor unit, a heating operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as a condenser and a cooling operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and as the air conditioning operation in the second indoor unit, the control unit may be configured to perform, in addition to the heating operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as a condenser, a cooling operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and the control unit may be configured to perform, as the air conditioning operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, a cleaning operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as an evaporator, and to perform the control of the air conditioning operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as the evaporator and the cleaning operation in which the air conditioning operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger is caused to function as the evaporator is simultaneously stored in the first indoor heat exchanger and the cleaning operation in the second indoor heat exchanger are simultaneously required to be stored as the operation requirements: a first mode in which an operation related to the operation request performed first among the operation requests in the first indoor unit and the operation request in the second indoor unit is preferentially performed; a second mode in which an operation related to the operation request to be performed later is preferentially executed; a third mode in which an operation related to the operation request in the first indoor unit is preferentially executed; and preferentially executing the operation related to the operation request in the second indoor unit.

In this case, when the operation is performed in the first mode and the fourth mode, the control unit may continue the washing operation in the first indoor unit and not perform the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the washing operation in the second indoor unit is required during the washing operation in the first indoor unit, and may perform the washing operation in the first indoor unit and interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the washing operation in the first indoor unit is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

Further, when the second mode and the third mode are operated, the control unit may continue the washing operation in the first indoor unit and not execute the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the washing operation in the first indoor unit is required during the washing operation in the first indoor unit, and may execute the washing operation in the first indoor unit and interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the washing operation in the first indoor unit is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

Further, when the operation is performed in the first mode and the third mode, the control unit may continue the washing operation in the first indoor unit and not perform the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the washing operation in the first indoor unit is required during the washing operation in the first indoor unit, and may perform the washing operation in the first indoor unit and interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the washing operation in the first indoor unit is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

Further, when the operation is performed in the second mode and the fourth mode, the control unit may continue the washing operation in the first indoor unit and not perform the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the washing operation in the first indoor unit is required during the washing operation in the first indoor unit, and may perform the washing operation in the first indoor unit and interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit when the washing operation in the first indoor unit is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-split air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is an external view of the indoor unit shown in fig. 1, as seen obliquely from below.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the multi-type air conditioner shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the washing operation.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when there is a request for a heating operation in the multi-type air conditioner shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when there is a request for a cleaning operation in the multi-type air conditioner shown in fig. 1.

Detailed Description

(integral construction)

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a multi-split air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1, the multi-type air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 10 and three indoor units 20A, 20B, and 20C, and each of the indoor units 20A, 20B, and 20C is connected to the outdoor unit 10 via a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant passes. The indoor unit 20A has an a-room heat exchanger 24A and an a-room fan 25A. The indoor unit 20B has a B-room heat exchanger 24B and a B-room fan 25B. The indoor unit 20C has a C-room heat exchanger 24C and a C-room fan 25C. In the present embodiment, the number of indoor units is three, but the number of indoor units may be any number of two or more. In the following description, the room in which the indoor unit 20A is provided is referred to as a room, the room in which the indoor unit 20B is provided is referred to as B room, and the room in which the indoor unit 20C is provided is referred to as C room.

The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, a four-way switching valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor fan 15, a storage tank 16, and three motor-operated expansion valves EVA, EVB, EVC. One of the four ports of the four-way switching valve 12 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 11, the other is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the other is connected to one end of the accumulator 16, and the other is connected to one end of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A, B-chamber heat exchanger 24B and one end of the C-chamber heat exchanger 24C via three refrigerant pipe connection portions 18A, 18B, 18C. The other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is connected to one end of three electric expansion valves EVA, EVB, EVC. The other ends of the three electric expansion valves EVA, EVB, EVC are connected to the other ends of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A, B, the C-chamber heat exchanger 24B, and the C-chamber heat exchanger 24C via three refrigerant pipe connection portions 17A, 17B, and 17C, respectively. The other end of the accumulator 16 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 11. A room fan 25a, A, B, a room fan 25B, C, and a room fan 25C are disposed in the vicinity of the room heat exchanger 24a, A, B, and the room heat exchanger 24B, C. The a-room fan 25A is driven by an a-room fan motor 26A (see fig. 3). The B-room fans 25 and B, C and the room fans 25C are also driven by indoor fan motors, not shown.

The compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the motor-operated expansion valve EVA, EVB, EVC, A, the chamber heat exchanger 24A, B, the chamber heat exchanger 24B, the chamber heat exchanger 24C, and the accumulator 16 are connected by refrigerant piping to form the refrigerant circuit 3. For example, R32 having micro-combustibility is used as the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 3.

A discharge pipe temperature sensor 31 is disposed on the discharge side of the compressor 11. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 32 for detecting the outdoor heat exchanger temperature, and an outdoor temperature sensor 33 for detecting the outdoor temperature is provided in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

The a-room heat exchanger 24A is provided with an a-room heat exchanger temperature sensor 45A for detecting the indoor heat exchanger temperature, and an a-room temperature sensor 46A for detecting the indoor temperature and an a-room humidity sensor 47A for detecting the indoor humidity are provided in the vicinity of the a-room heat exchanger 24A. The B-room heat exchanger 24B is provided with a B-room heat exchanger temperature sensor 45B for detecting the indoor heat exchanger temperature, and a B-room temperature sensor 46B for detecting the indoor temperature and a B-room humidity sensor 47B for detecting the indoor humidity are provided in the vicinity of the B-room heat exchanger 24B. The C-room heat exchanger 24C is provided with a C-room heat exchanger temperature sensor 45C for detecting the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger, and a C-room temperature sensor 46C for detecting the temperature of the indoor and a C-room humidity sensor 47C for detecting the humidity of the indoor are provided in the vicinity of the C-room heat exchanger 24C.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit 20A from obliquely below. The indoor unit 20A is a ceiling-box (ceiling-embedded) indoor unit. In the present embodiment, all of the three indoor units 20A, 20B, and 20C are ceiling-mounted indoor units, but some or all of the three indoor units may be wall-mounted or floor-mounted indoor units.

As shown in fig. 2, the indoor unit 20A includes a casing main body 101, a rectangular plate 102 attached to the lower side of the casing main body 101, and a grill 103 detachably attached to the plate 102. Although not shown in fig. 2, the board 102 has a Light Emitting Diode (LED) on its surface, and an a-room display unit 28A (see fig. 3) for notifying the user by light, characters, graphics, and the like is provided.

A blow-out port 110 is provided along one of the short sides of the plate 102 in the longitudinal direction of the plate 102. In addition, the plate 102 is fitted with a damper 120. The damper 120 is rotatable within a predetermined angular range with respect to the plate 120 by being driven by a chamber a damper driving motor 27A (see fig. 3), whereby the blow-out port 110 can be opened and closed. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the blow-out port 110 is closed by the damper 120.

The drain sleeve 107 protrudes from a side wall of the housing body 101. A drain hose (not shown) is connected to the drain sleeve 107 from the outside. Further, the pipe connection portions 105 and 106 protrude from the side wall of the housing main body 101. Refrigerant piping (not shown) is connected to the piping connection parts 105 and 106 from the outside. The hanging fittings 111 to 113 protrude laterally from the housing main body 101. Further, an electrical component part 108 is disposed near the housing main body 101.

(control System)

Next, a control system of the multi-air conditioner 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the three indoor units 20A, 20B, and 20C have the same structure, and therefore, the indoor unit 20A will be mainly described here. In fig. 3, the indoor units 20B and 20C are schematically illustrated.

The outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor control unit 51, and the outdoor control unit 51 is configured by a microcomputer including an arithmetic unit and a storage unit, an input/output circuit, and the like. The indoor units 20A, 20B, and 20C include indoor control units 52A, 52B, and 52C each including a microcomputer including an arithmetic unit and a storage unit, an input/output circuit, and the like. The outdoor control unit 51 and the indoor control unit 52A are connected by a communication line LA, the outdoor control unit 51 and the indoor control unit 52B are connected by a communication line LB, and the outdoor control unit 51 and the indoor control unit 52C are connected by a communication line LC. The outdoor control unit 51 and the three indoor control units 52A, 52B, and 52C communicate with each other via communication lines LA, LB, and LC, and the outdoor control unit 51 and the indoor control units 52A, 52B, and 52C operate as the control unit 50 of the multi-type air conditioner 1.

The temperature detection signals from the discharge pipe temperature sensor 31, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 32, and the outdoor temperature sensor 33 are supplied to the outdoor control unit 51. The outdoor control unit 51 controls the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor fan motor 14, the motor-operated expansion valve EVA, EVB, EVC, and the like.

The detection signals from the a-chamber heat exchanger temperature sensor 45A, A, the room temperature sensor 46A and the a-chamber humidity sensor 47A are supplied to the indoor control unit 52A. The indoor control unit 52A controls the a-room fan motor 26A, A, the a-room damper drive motor 27A, A, the a-room display unit 28A, the a-room communication unit 29A, and the like. The a-room communication unit 29A performs wireless communication with a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote controller") which is not shown and can be operated by a user. The control unit 50 receives a command from a remote controller and controls the operation of the air conditioner 1. The remote controller has a liquid crystal display unit or a Light Emitting Diode (LED), and can notify a user by light, text, graphics, and the like.

In the multi-type air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 50 can perform the following cleaning operation in addition to the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation and the air blowing operation for rotating the a-chamber fan 25A, B and the C-chamber fans 25B and 25C in each indoor unit.

In the multi-type air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, when the indoor unit 20A performs the cooling operation, the outdoor control unit 51 switches the four-way switching valve 12 to the position indicated by the broken line in fig. 1, and starts the operation of the compressor 11. At this time, the outdoor control unit 51 opens the motor-operated expansion valve EVA at a predetermined opening degree, and closes the motor-operated expansion valves EVB and EVC. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is condensed by heat exchange with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functioning as a condenser by the outdoor control unit 51 rotating the outdoor fan 15, and turns into a liquid refrigerant. Next, the liquid refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is depressurized by the motor-operated expansion valve EVA, and then reaches the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A. The indoor control unit 52A operates the a-chamber fan 25A, whereby the depressurized liquid refrigerant evaporates in the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A functioning as an evaporator by heat exchange with the indoor air, becomes a gas refrigerant, and returns to the suction side of the compressor 11. Further, the indoor control unit 52A moves the damper 120 to a position where the air outlet 110 is opened, whereby the air cooled by the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A is discharged from the air outlet 110.

On the other hand, when the indoor unit 20A performs the heating operation, the outdoor control unit 51 switches the four-way switching valve 2 to the position shown by the solid line in fig. 1, and starts the operation of the compressor 11. At this time, the outdoor control unit 51 opens all the motor-operated expansion valves EVA, EVB, EVC at a predetermined opening degree. Therefore, when the indoor unit 20A performs the heating operation, the high-temperature refrigerant also flows into the other indoor units 20B and 20C. This is to prevent the refrigerant from stagnating in the indoor units 20B and 20C and the refrigerant pipes before and after the indoor units do not perform the heating operation. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is condensed by heat exchange with the indoor air in the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A functioning as a condenser by the operation of the a-chamber fan 25A by the indoor control unit 52A, and turns into a liquid refrigerant. Next, the refrigerant from the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A, B, the C-chamber heat exchanger 24B, and the C-chamber heat exchanger 24C is depressurized in the motor-operated expansion valve EVA, EVB, EVC, and then reaches the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The outdoor control unit 51 rotates the outdoor fan 15, so that the depressurized refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functioning as an evaporator by heat exchange with the outdoor air to become a gas refrigerant, and returns to the suction side of the compressor 11. Further, the indoor control unit 52A moves the damper 120 to a position where the air outlet 110 is opened, whereby the air heated by the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A is discharged from the air outlet 110.

The control unit 50 changes the control contents of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor units 20A, 20B, and 20C by a command from a remote controller. The user can request the selection of the heating operation and the cooling operation, the operation start, the operation stop, the setting of the indoor temperature and the air volume, and the start and the stop of the washing operation for the multi-type air conditioner 1 by operating the remote controller.

(cleaning operation)

Next, the details of the washing operation performed by the multi-unit air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with further reference to fig. 4. In the following description, it is assumed that the air conditioning operation is not required for the other indoor units 20B and 20C until the cleaning operation is completed, while all the indoor units are stopped, and the cleaning operation is required for one indoor unit 20A.

First, when the remote controller of the indoor unit 20A is operated and the indoor unit 20A is required to perform the cleaning operation, the control unit 50 executes an evaporator stage of the cleaning operation in step S1. Specifically, the four-way switching valve 12 is switched to the position of the broken line shown in fig. 1, and the operation of the compressor 11 is started. The control unit 50 drives the a-chamber fan motor 26A to rotate the a-chamber fan 25A at a predetermined rotational speed, and drives the a-chamber damper drive motor 27A to move the damper 120 to a position where the outlet 110 is opened. At this time, the control unit 50 opens the electric expansion valve EVA at a predetermined opening degree, and closes the electric expansion valves EVB and EVC. Thus, the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A functions as an evaporator in the same manner as in the cooling operation, and starts the evaporator stage of the cleaning operation. When the temperature of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A is higher than 0 ° and equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, moisture in the air starts to form condensation on the surface of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A. Dirt adhering to the surface of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A can be cleaned by the dew condensation water. In this case, the temperature of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A may be set to a temperature equal to or lower than the freezing point, and moisture in the air may be frosted on the surface of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A. In the present embodiment, the length of the evaporator stage is set to a predetermined time. The length of the evaporator stage may be a time period until moisture in an amount required for cleaning is condensed on the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A, which is calculated by the control unit 50 from the environmental conditions (indoor temperature and humidity of the a-chamber, outdoor temperature). When the evaporator stage ends, the control unit 50 stops the operation of the compressor 11.

Next, in step S2, the control unit 50 executes the air blowing stage of the cleaning operation. In detail, the a-chamber fan motor 26A is continuously driven to rotate the a-chamber fan 25A after step S1. The position of the damper 120 is maintained at the same position as in step S1. In the air blowing stage, since the compressor 11 is stopped, the temperature of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A is raised compared with the temperature of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A in the evaporator stage. Also, typically the temperature of the A-chamber heat exchanger 24A exceeds the dew point temperature. By rotating the a-chamber fan 25A, evaporation of moisture condensed on the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A can be promoted. In the present embodiment, the rotation speed and the air blowing time (length of the air blowing stage) of the a-room fan 25A are fixed to a constant value. In the air blowing stage, if the temperature of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A is higher than the temperature of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A in the evaporator stage, the compressor 11 may not be stopped.

In step S3, the control unit 50 executes a condenser stage of the washing operation. Specifically, the four-way switching valve 12 is switched to the position shown by the solid line in fig. 1, and the operation of the compressor 11 is started. Further, after step S2, the control unit 50 continues to drive the a-room fan motor 26A so that the a-room fan 25A rotates at a predetermined rotational speed, and maintains the position of the damper 120 at the same position as in step S1. At this time, the control unit 50 opens all the electric expansion valves EVA, EVB, EVC at a predetermined opening degree. Thus, the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A functions as a condenser, and the cleaning operation is started in the condenser stage, as in the heating operation. In the condenser stage, the temperature of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A is raised compared to the temperature of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A in the air supply stage. Therefore, evaporation of moisture remaining on the surface of the a-chamber heat exchanger 24A can be further promoted. The length of the condenser stage may be a predetermined time. When the condenser stage is completed, the control unit 50 stops the compressor 11 and the a-chamber fan 25A, and drives the a-chamber damper drive motor 27A to move the damper 120 to a position where the outlet 110 is closed. In addition, for example, in the case where the air blowing stage in step S is made sufficiently long, the condenser stage may be omitted.

(operation mode)

Here, the following operation modes will be described: in the multi-type air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, when there is a request for executing operation simultaneously for two or more indoor units, the operation mode that can be set by the user is set as to whether or not any one of them is prioritized. The "case where there is a requirement for executing operation simultaneously for two or more indoor units" includes both of the following: the operation of any indoor unit is required first; and a case where the operation in two or more indoor units is simultaneously required. In the following description, the air conditioning operation request and the cleaning operation request are referred to as operation requests.

The multi-type air conditioner 1 has five operation modes, which will be described below, as to whether or not any one of the indoor units is to be operated preferentially. The first mode is a mode in which, when there is a request for air conditioning operation or cleaning operation in any one of the indoor units 20A, 20B, 20C and a request for air conditioning operation or cleaning operation in another one of the indoor units 20A, 20B, 20C at the same time, the requested operation is preferentially executed, and the second mode is a mode in which the requested operation is preferentially executed after the execution. The user can operate a remote controller, a centralized operation panel, or the like, not shown, to select only one of the first mode and the second mode. For example, when one of the operation requests made before and after requests for heating operation and the other requests for cooling operation, the requested operation is not performed in the first mode and then is performed. However, when the cooling operation is required for both the front and rear operation requests, the first mode can perform the required cooling operation.

The third mode is a mode in which the operation in the indoor unit 20A is preferentially executed when there is a request for the air conditioning operation or the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A and a request for the air conditioning operation or the cleaning operation in the other indoor units 20B and 20C. Similarly, the fourth mode is a mode in which the operation in the indoor unit 20B is preferentially performed, and the fifth mode is a mode in which the operation in the indoor unit 20C is preferentially performed. The user can operate a remote controller, a centralized operation panel, or the like, not shown, to select only one of the third mode, the fourth mode, and the fifth mode. In the third mode, for example, when there is a request for the heating operation in the indoor unit 20A and a request for the cooling operation in the indoor unit 20B at the same time, the heating operation in the indoor unit 20A can be performed, but the cooling operation in the indoor unit 20B cannot be performed. However, in the third mode, when there is a request for the heating operation in the indoor unit 20A and a request for the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B at the same time, the heating operation in any one of the indoor units can be executed.

When the multi-type air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment operates in the third mode, for example, the indoor unit 20B that has previously requested operation and the indoor unit 20C that has subsequently requested operation are set to have priority for the indoor unit 20B that has previously requested operation. In this case, the indoor unit 20C that is to be subsequently required to perform operation may be prioritized.

The multi-type air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment can operate in one of the first to fifth modes, and can also operate in two modes, i.e., one mode selected from the first and second modes and one mode selected from the third to fifth modes. In the present embodiment, the third to fifth modes are prioritized if two modes, i.e., one mode selected from the first and second modes and one mode selected from the third to fifth modes, collide. For example, when the operation is in the first mode and the third mode, if the heating operation of the indoor unit 20A is required after the cooling operation of the indoor unit 20B is previously required, the cooling operation of the indoor unit 20B is interrupted and the heating operation of the indoor unit 20A is executed in accordance with the rule of the third mode that is prioritized with respect to the first mode. In this case, the first to second modes may be prioritized.

(operation when heating operation is required)

Next, an operation in the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B required to be installed in the B room in the multi-unit air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with further reference to the flowchart of fig. 5. The following steps are executed by the control unit 50. In the following description, the multi-type air conditioner 1 is operated in the second mode and the fourth mode.

When the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B is required, in step S11, the control unit 50 determines whether or not at least one of the indoor unit 20A provided in the a chamber and the indoor unit 20C provided in the C chamber is in the air conditioning operation or the cleaning operation. In step S11, the control unit 50 also determines whether or not the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B and the air conditioning operation or the cleaning operation of at least one of the indoor units 20A and 20C are simultaneously required. The term "simultaneously" as used herein includes not only the case where the operation is performed at the same time but also the case where the indoor units 20A and 20C are in a ready state before the start of the air conditioning operation or the cleaning operation. At the time point when the heating operation is required, the indoor unit 20B may or may not perform the washing operation or the cooling operation. In the following description, it is assumed that the indoor unit 20B is in a rest state in which no operation is performed at the time point when the heating operation is required.

When the above condition is satisfied (yes in S11), the control unit 50 determines in step S12 whether or not at least one of the indoor units 20A and 20C is in the cooling operation. In step S12, the control unit 50 also determines whether or not the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B and the cooling operation of at least one of the indoor units 20A and 20C are simultaneously required. The term "simultaneously" here includes not only the case where the operation is performed at the same time, but also the case where the indoor units 20A and 20C are in a ready state before the start of the cooling operation.

If the above condition is satisfied (yes in S12), the process proceeds to step S13. Hereinafter, the indoor unit 20C is assumed to be in a stopped state, and is not operated, but only the indoor unit 20A is operated. As described above, in the multi-type air conditioner 1, the second mode, that is, the "priority-after mode" in which the operation required first is prioritized is effective. In the fourth mode, the indoor unit 20B having priority requests the heating operation. Therefore, the control unit 50 starts the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B according to the rules of the second mode and the fourth mode. If the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B and the cooling operation in the indoor unit 20A are simultaneously required, the control unit 50 starts the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B in step S13, as in the rule of the fourth mode. The multi-unit air conditioner 1 is in a state of waiting for the next instruction while executing the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B (hereinafter referred to as "heating operation state"). In this case, since the cooling operation cannot be continued in the indoor unit 20A, the control unit 50 notifies the user of the intention of "the cooling operation is interrupted due to the mode collision with another room" based on the display unit or the remote controller of the indoor unit 20A of the a room in step S13.

If the condition of step S12 is not satisfied (no in step S12), the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 50 determines whether or not at least one of the indoor units 20A and 20C is in the evaporator stage or the blower stage of the cleaning operation, or in the blower operation. In step S14, the control unit 50 also determines whether or not the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B and the operation other than the cooling operation of at least one of the indoor units 20A and 20C are simultaneously required. The term "simultaneously" here includes not only the case where the operation is performed at the same time, but also the case where the indoor units 20A and 20C are in a ready state before the start of the operation other than the cooling operation.

When the above condition is satisfied (yes in step S14), the control unit 50 continues the operation (the evaporator stage or the air blowing operation) in the indoor unit 20A in step S15 against the rules of the second mode and the fourth mode. If the operation other than the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B and the cooling operation in the indoor unit 20A are simultaneously required, the control unit 50 starts the evaporator stage of the cleaning operation or the air blowing operation in the indoor unit 20A in step S15 in violation of the rule of the fourth mode. When the evaporator stage of the washing operation is continued or started, the multi-air conditioner 1 then sequentially shifts to the air supply stage (S2) and the condenser stage (S3) of the washing operation described in fig. 4. If the air supply stage of the cleaning operation is continued, the multi-type air conditioner 1 then shifts to the condenser stage (S3). Next, when the condenser stage is completed, the multi-type air conditioner 1 is brought into a stopped state, and the details are omitted here. On the other hand, when the air-blowing operation is continued or started, the multi-type air conditioner 1 maintains a state of waiting for the next instruction (hereinafter referred to as "air-blowing operation state") or changes to the air-blowing operation state while executing the air-blowing operation in the indoor unit 20A. In this case, since the heating operation cannot be performed in the indoor unit 20B, the control unit 50 notifies the user of the intention of "the heating operation cannot be performed due to the mode collision with another room" based on the display unit or the remote controller of the indoor unit 20B of the B room in step S15.

If the condition of step S14 is not satisfied (no in step S14), the process proceeds to step S16. At this time, the indoor unit 20A is in the condenser stage of the cleaning operation or in the heating operation. In step S16, the control unit 50 starts the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B and continues the condenser stage or the heating operation in the indoor unit 20A as it is, as in the rules of the second mode and the fourth mode. Specifically, the damper 120 of the indoor unit 20B is moved to a position where the air outlet 110 is opened. The rotation speed of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve EVB are adjusted, if necessary. If the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B and the heating operation in the indoor unit 20A are simultaneously required, the heating operation in the indoor units 20A and 20B is started in accordance with the rule of the fourth mode.

Next, in step S17, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the condenser stage of the cleaning operation is being performed in the indoor unit 20A. If the above condition is satisfied (yes in S17), the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the control unit 50 ends the condenser stage in the indoor unit 20A when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the condenser stage. Specifically, the room fan 25A is stopped, the room-a damper drive motor 27A is driven to move the damper 120 to a position where the air outlet 110 is closed, and the multi-unit air conditioner 1 is set in the heating operation state. If the condition of step S17 is not satisfied (no in step S17), the multi-type air conditioner 1 is brought into the heating operation state without performing the process of step S18.

If the condition of step S11 is not satisfied (S11: no), neither indoor unit 20A nor 20C is operated. In step S19, the control unit 50 starts the heating operation of the indoor unit 20B. Specifically, the four-way switching valve 2 is switched to the position shown by the solid line in fig. 1, and the operation of the compressor 11 is started, and the electric expansion valve EVA, EVB, EVC is opened at a predetermined opening degree. Further, the damper 120 of the indoor unit 20B is moved to a position where the air outlet 110 is opened. Thereby, the multi-air conditioner 1 shifts to the heating operation state.

The above description is that operation at the time of heating operation in the indoor unit 20B is required when the multi-type air conditioner 1 is operated in the second mode and the fourth mode, and the multi-type air conditioner 1 is operated in a mode different from the second mode and the fourth mode.

When the multi-type air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment is operated in the second mode, the fourth mode, the first mode and the fourth mode, the second mode and the fourth mode, or the second mode and the fifth mode, the operation in the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B is required to be the same as the operation described in fig. 5. In these cases, in step S13, the operation is determined in accordance with the rule of the second mode or the fourth mode. In step S15, the operation of the indoor unit 20A is continued in either case, against the rule of the second mode or the fourth mode.

On the other hand, when the multi-type air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment is operated in the first mode, the third mode, the fifth mode, the second mode and the third mode, or the first mode and the fifth mode, the operation at the time of the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B is required, and the operation is the same as that described in fig. 5 except for step S13. In this case, in step S13, the operation is determined in accordance with the rules of the first mode or the third mode, and the cooling operation of the indoor unit 20A is continued, and the heating operation of the indoor unit 20B is not performed. In step S15, the operation (the evaporator stage of the cleaning operation, the air blowing stage, or the air blowing operation) in the indoor unit 20A is continued in either case, as in the rule of the first mode or the third mode.

(action when cleaning operation is required)

Next, an operation in the multi-unit air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, in which the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A provided in the a chamber is required, will be described with further reference to the flowchart of fig. 6. The following steps are executed by the control unit 50. In the following description, the multi-type air conditioner 1 is operated in the second mode and the fourth mode.

When the cleaning operation of the indoor unit 20A is required, in step S31, the control unit 50 determines whether or not at least one of the indoor unit 20B provided in the B chamber and the indoor unit 20C provided in the C chamber is in the air conditioning operation or the cleaning operation. In step S31, the control unit 50 also determines whether or not the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A and the air conditioning operation or the cleaning operation in at least one of the indoor units 20B and 20C are simultaneously required. The term "simultaneously" as used herein includes not only the case where the operation is performed at the same time but also the case where the indoor units 20B and 20C are in a ready state before the start of the air conditioning operation or the cleaning operation. At the time point when the cleaning operation is required, the indoor unit 20A may or may not perform the air conditioning operation. In the following description, it is assumed that the indoor unit 20A is in a rest state in which no operation is performed at the time point when the cleaning operation is required.

If the above condition is satisfied (yes in S31), the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the control unit 50 determines whether or not at least one of the indoor units 20B and 20C is in the heating operation or in the execution of the condenser stage of the cleaning operation. In step S32, the control unit 50 also determines whether or not the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A and the heating operation of at least one of the indoor units 20B and 20C are simultaneously required. The term "simultaneously" here includes not only the case where the operation is performed at the same time, but also the case where the indoor units 20B and 20C are in a ready state before the start of the heating operation.

If the above condition is satisfied (yes in S32), the process proceeds to step S33. Hereinafter, description will be given assuming that the indoor unit 20C is in a stopped state and is not operated, that only the indoor unit 20B is in heating operation, or that the condenser stage is being executed. In step S33, the control unit 50 starts the cleaning operation of the indoor unit 20A against the rule of the fourth mode, which is prioritized over the second mode, and interrupts the operation (the heating operation or the condenser stage of the cleaning operation) of the indoor unit 20B. Specifically, the four-way switching valve 2 is switched to the position of the broken line shown in fig. 1, and the electric expansion valves EVB, EVC are closed. The rotation speed of the compressor 11, the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 15, and the rotation speed of the a-room fan 25A are adjusted to values suitable for the evaporator stage of the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A, and the damper 120 of the indoor unit 20A is moved to a position where the outlet 110 is opened. The B-room fan 25B is stopped, and the damper 120 of the indoor unit 20B is moved to a position where the outlet 110 is closed. Accordingly, when the evaporator stage of the washing operation is started, the multi-type air conditioner 1 sequentially shifts to the air supply stage (S2) and the condenser stage (S3) of the washing operation described in fig. 4. When the condenser stage is completed, the multi-air conditioner 1 is in a stopped state. In step S33, the control unit 50 notifies the user of the intention of "stop of operation due to a mode collision with another room" based on the display of the indoor unit 20B of the B room or the remote controller.

If the condition of step S32 is not satisfied (no in step S32), the process proceeds to step S34. Hereinafter, the indoor unit 20C will be described assuming that it is not operated in a rest state. At this time, the indoor unit 20B is in the execution of the evaporator stage or the air-sending stage of the cooling operation, the air-sending operation, or the cleaning operation. In step S34, the control unit 50 starts the cleaning operation of the indoor unit 20A against the rule of the fourth mode, which is prioritized over the second mode, and interrupts the operation (the cooling operation, the air-sending operation, or the evaporator stage or the air-sending stage of the cleaning operation) of the indoor unit 20B. Specifically, the B-room fan 25B is stopped, and the damper 120 of the indoor unit 20B is moved to a position where the outlet 110 is closed. Further, as necessary, the motor-operated expansion valve EVB is closed and the four-way switching valve 2 is switched to the position indicated by the broken line in fig. 1, and then the rotation speed of the compressor 11, the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 15, and the rotation speed of the a-chamber fan 25A are adjusted to values suitable for the evaporator stage of the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A, so that the damper 120 of the indoor unit 20A is moved to the position where the blowout port 110 is opened. Accordingly, when the evaporator stage of the washing operation is started, the multi-type air conditioner 1 sequentially shifts to the air supply stage (S2) and the condenser stage (S3) of the washing operation described in fig. 4. When the condenser stage is completed, the multi-air conditioner 1 is in a stopped state. In step S34, the control unit 50 notifies the user of the intention of "stop of operation due to a mode collision with another room" based on the display of the indoor unit 20B of the B room or the remote controller.

If the condition of step S31 is not satisfied (S31: no), neither indoor unit 20B nor 20C is operated. In step S37, the control unit 50 starts the cleaning operation of the indoor unit 20A. Specifically, the four-way switching valve 2 is switched to the position indicated by the broken line in fig. 1, the operation of the compressor 11 is started, and the electric expansion valve EVA is opened at a predetermined opening degree. Further, the damper 120 of the indoor unit 20A is moved to a position where the air outlet 110 is opened. Then, the multi-air conditioner 1 sequentially shifts to the air supply stage (S2) and the condenser stage (S3) of the cleaning operation described in fig. 4. When the condenser stage is completed, the multi-air conditioner 1 is in a stopped state.

The above description is an operation required at the time of the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A when the multi-type air conditioner 1 is operated in the second mode and the fourth mode, and the multi-type air conditioner 1 is operated in a mode different from the second mode and the fourth mode.

When the multi-type air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment is operated in the second mode, the third mode, the second mode and the third mode, or the second mode and the fifth mode, the operation at the time of the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A is required to be the same as that described in fig. 6. In these cases, in step S33 and step S34, the operation is determined in accordance with the rule of the second mode or the third mode.

On the other hand, when the multi-type air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment is operated in the first mode, the fourth mode, the fifth mode, the first mode and the fourth mode, the first mode and the fifth mode, or the second mode and the fourth mode, the operation at the time of the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A is required, and the operation is the same as that described in fig. 6. In these cases, in step S33 and step S34, the operation is determined so as to violate the rule of the first mode or the fourth mode.

(effects of the embodiment)

As described above, in the present embodiment, when there is a request for the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A and a request for the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B at the same time, the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A is performed without performing the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B. Therefore, when there is a request for the cleaning operation in one indoor unit and a request for the heating operation in another indoor unit at the same time, the user's request for the cleaning operation can be satisfied.

In the present embodiment, when the multi-type air conditioner 1 is operating in the second mode, the fourth mode, and the like, and there is a request for the cooling operation in the indoor unit 20A and a request for the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B at the same time, the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B is performed without performing the cooling operation in the indoor unit 20A. In this way, when the cooling operation collides with the heating operation, the operation according to the user's intention can be performed by performing the operation according to the operation mode.

In the present embodiment, when the multi-type air conditioner 1 is operated in any mode, the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A is not performed but the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A is performed when there is a request for the cleaning operation in the indoor unit 20A and a request for the heating operation in the indoor unit 20B at the same time. Therefore, the user's requirement for the washing operation can be satisfied regardless of the operation mode.

(modification)

In the operation at the time of the heating operation request described above, step S14 may be modified to determine whether or not at least one of the indoor units 20A and 20C is in the cleaning operation or the air blowing operation. In this case, in step S15, the indoor unit 20A of the a chamber is also continued when it is in the condenser stage of the cleaning operation. After step S15, step S17 and step S18 are performed.

The embodiments have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

(symbol description)

3 refrigerant circuit

10 outdoor unit

11 compressor

12 four-way switching valve

13 outdoor heat exchanger

16 storage tank

17A, 17B, 17C refrigerant piping connection parts

18A, 18B, 18C refrigerant piping connection parts

20A, 20B and 20C indoor unit

24A A chamber heat exchanger

24B B chamber heat exchanger

24C C chamber heat exchanger

25A A room fan

25B B room fan

25C C room fan

31 discharge pipe temperature sensor

32 outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor

33 outdoor temperature sensor

45A A chamber heat exchanger temperature sensor

45B B chamber heat exchanger temperature sensor

45C C chamber heat exchanger temperature sensor

46A A chamber temperature sensor

46B B chamber temperature sensor

46C C chamber temperature sensor

EVA, EVB, EVC an electric expansion valve.

Claims

1. An air conditioner (1), characterized by comprising:

an outdoor unit (10), wherein the outdoor unit (10) includes an outdoor heat exchanger (13);

a first indoor unit (20A), wherein the first indoor unit (20A) is connected to the outdoor unit (10) via a refrigerant pipe, and comprises a first indoor heat exchanger (24A);

a second indoor unit (20B), wherein the second indoor unit (20B) is connected to the outdoor unit (10) via the refrigerant pipe, and comprises a second indoor heat exchanger (24B); and

a control unit (50),

the control unit (50) is capable of executing a washing operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and a heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), wherein the washing operation in the first indoor unit (20A) includes causing the first indoor heat exchanger (24A) to function as an evaporator and the first indoor heat exchanger (24A) to be washed, the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) causes the second indoor heat exchanger (24B) to function as a condenser,

When there is a request for the washing operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and a request for the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the washing operation in the first indoor unit (20A) is executed without executing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).

2. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 1, wherein,

the control unit (50) is capable of performing a cooling operation in the first indoor unit (20A) that causes the first indoor heat exchanger (24A) to function as an evaporator,

when there is a request for the cooling operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and a request for the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) can be performed without performing the cooling operation in the first indoor unit (20A).

3. Air conditioner (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

the control unit (50) is capable of performing, as an air conditioning operation in the first indoor unit (20A), a heating operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger (24A) functions as a condenser and a cooling operation in which the first indoor heat exchanger (24A) functions as an evaporator,

As an air conditioning operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the control unit (50) is capable of performing a cooling operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger (24B) functions as an evaporator in addition to the heating operation in which the second indoor heat exchanger (24B) functions as a condenser, and the control unit (50) is capable of performing a cleaning operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the cleaning operation in the second indoor unit (20B) including causing the second indoor heat exchanger (24B) to function as an evaporator and cleaning the second indoor heat exchanger (24B),

when the air-conditioning operation request and the cleaning operation request are set as operation requests, the control unit (50) can perform operations in a first mode in which operations related to the operation request of the first indoor unit (20A) and the operation request of the second indoor unit (20B) performed first are preferentially performed, and in a second mode in which operations related to the operation request performed later are preferentially performed when the air-conditioning operation request or the cleaning operation request of the first indoor unit (20A) and the cleaning operation request of the second indoor unit (20B) are simultaneously present.

4. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 3, wherein,

when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) while operating in the first mode, the control unit (50) interrupts the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) and executes the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A).

5. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 3, wherein,

when the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) is required during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) while operating in the first mode, the control unit (50) continues the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) without executing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).

6. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 3, wherein,

when the second indoor unit (20B) is required to perform the heating operation during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) while operating in the second mode, the control unit (50) continues the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) without performing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).

7. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 3, wherein,

when the second mode is operated and the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the control unit (50) interrupts the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) and executes the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A).

8. Air conditioner (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

When the air conditioning operation request and the cleaning operation request are set as operation requests, the control unit (50) can perform operations in a third mode in which an operation related to the operation request in the first indoor unit (20A) is preferentially executed, and in a fourth mode in which an operation related to the operation request in the second indoor unit (20B) is preferentially executed when the air conditioning operation request or the cleaning operation request in the first indoor unit (20A) and the air conditioning operation request or the cleaning operation request in the second indoor unit (20B) coexist.

9. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 8, wherein,

when the fourth mode is operated, the control unit (50) continues the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) without performing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) when the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) is required during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A), and the control unit (50) interrupts the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) and performs the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).

10. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 8, wherein,

when the third mode is operated, the control unit (50) causes the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) to continue, and does not execute the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) is required during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A), and causes the control unit (50) to execute the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and to interrupt the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).

11. Air conditioner (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

When the air-conditioning operation request and the cleaning operation request are set as operation requests, the control unit (50) can perform operations in a first mode in which an operation relating to the operation request in the first indoor unit (20A) and an operation relating to the operation request in the second indoor unit (20B) is preferentially performed, a second mode in which an operation relating to the operation request in the second indoor unit (20B) is preferentially performed, and a third mode in which an operation relating to the operation request in the first indoor unit (20A) is preferentially performed, and a fourth mode in which an operation relating to the operation request in the second indoor unit (20B) is preferentially performed, when the air-conditioning operation request or the cleaning operation request in the first indoor unit (20A) and the operation request in the second indoor unit (20B) are simultaneously present.

12. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that,

when the cleaning operation in the second indoor unit (20B) is required during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) while the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) is being operated in the first mode, the control unit (50) continues the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) without executing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), and when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the control unit (50) executes the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and interrupts the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).

13. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that,

when the second indoor unit (20B) is required to perform the heating operation during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) while the second indoor unit (20B) is operating in the second mode, the control unit (50) continues the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) without performing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), and when the first indoor unit (20A) is required to perform the cleaning operation during the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the control unit (50) executes the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and interrupts the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).

14. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that,

when the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) is required during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) while the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B) is being operated in the first mode and the third mode, the control unit (50) continues the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) without executing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), and when the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) is required during the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the control unit (50) executes the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and interrupts the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).

15. An air conditioner (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that,

when the second indoor unit (20B) is required to perform the heating operation during the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) while the second indoor unit (20B) is operating in the second mode, the control unit (50) continues the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) without performing the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), and when the first indoor unit (20A) is required to perform the cleaning operation during the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B), the control unit (50) performs the cleaning operation in the first indoor unit (20A) and interrupts the heating operation in the second indoor unit (20B).