ES2723373B2 - Cleaning method of an air conditioner fan - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

CLEANING METHOD OF AN AIR CONDITIONER FAN

technical field

The present invention relates to a cleaning method for an air conditioner.

Background art

As an example of a fan cleaner that cleans an air blowing fan (indoor fan) in an air conditioner, Patent Literature 1 describes a "fan cleaning device for removing dust from a fan". The air conditioner described in Patent Literature 1 has such a structure that a fan cleaner is contacted with an air fan to clean the air fan.

appointment list

Patent Bibliography

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication no. 2007-71210

Summary of the invention

Technical problem:

In the conventional air conditioner described in Patent Literature 1, dust is attached to the fan cleaner every time the fan cleaner cleans the air-blowing fan, and dust is exclusively removed manually by the cleaning personnel. Therefore, it has been desired that a conventional air conditioner has an additional function for cleaning the fan cleaner effectively.

In view of the above, the present invention has an object to provide an air conditioner that cleans a fan cleaner effectively.

Solution to the problem:

To achieve the above object, an air conditioner according to the present invention comprises: a refrigeration cycle having a heat exchanger; an air fan; a fan cleaner that cleans the air fan; and a controller that brings the fan cleaner into contact with either the air blower or the heat exchanger selectively, and prior to bringing the fan cleaner into contact with the heat exchanger or while holding the fan cleaner in place. fan in contact with the heat exchanger, the controller causes the refrigeration cycle to generate dew water on the heat exchanger.

Furthermore, an air conditioner of the present invention comprises: a refrigeration cycle having a heat exchanger; an air fan; a fan cleaner that cleans the air fan; and a controller that brings the fan cleaner into contact with either the air blowing fan or the heat exchanger selectively, and the controller pivots the fan cleaner a plurality of times within an interval containing a angle at which the fan cleaner contacts the heat exchanger.

Advantageous effects of the invention:

The present invention can provide an air conditioner that cleans a fan cleaner effectively.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant circuit in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, with part of the indoor unit cut away.

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating airflow near a fan cleaner. during the air conditioning operation in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an indoor fan cleaning process executed by an air conditioner controller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7A is a diagram illustrating the indoor fan being cleaned in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of how a cleaning member is arranged during operation in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a cleaning member cleaning process executed by the controller of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another cleaning process of the cleaning member executed by the controller of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10A is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of how the cleaning member is oriented during the air conditioning operation.

Figure 10B is a diagram (2) illustrating another example of how the cleaning member is oriented during the air conditioning operation.

Figure 11 is a perspective diagram illustrating yet another example of how the cleaning member is oriented during the air conditioning operation.

Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating how the cleaning member is oriented during the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an air blower cleaning timing change operation.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cleaning member cleaning time change operation.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a fan cleaner cleaning process in an air conditioner according to a first modification of the present invention.

Fig. 16A is a side view of an indoor heat exchanger in an air conditioner according to a second modification of the present invention.

Fig. 16B is an inside view of the indoor heat exchanger in the air conditioner according to the second modification of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of an indoor unit in an air conditioner according to a third modification of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view of an indoor fan and a fan cleaner in an air conditioner according to a fourth modification of the present invention.

Description of embodiments

"Realization"

<Air conditioner setting>

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant circuit Q of an air conditioner 100 according to one embodiment. The present embodiment described here assumes that the air conditioner 100 has a function to perform freezing and defrosting operation of an indoor heat exchanger 15. However, the present invention is also applicable when the air conditioner 100 does not have a function. to execute the freezing and thawing operation of the indoor heat exchanger 15. It should be noted that the "freezing and thawing operations" refer to a heat exchanger temperature lowering operation to cause frost (or ice) to attach to the surface of the heat exchanger fins, and then raise the heat exchanger temperature to defrost the frost and wash the dust attached to the heat exchanger by taking advantage of the momentum of the falling defrost water (condensed water).

Note that the solid arrows in Figure 1 indicate the flow of a refrigerant during the heating operation.

Furthermore, the broken arrows in Figure 1 indicate the flow of a refrigerant during the cooling operation.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor fan 13, and an expansion valve 14. In addition to the above configuration, the air conditioner 100 includes a fan interior 16 and a four-way valve 17.

The compressor 11 is a device driven by a compressor motor 11a for compressing a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharging the gaseous refrigerant as a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

The outdoor heat exchanger 12 is a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger tubes (not shown) and an outdoor air that is fed through the outdoor fan 13.

The outdoor fan 13 is a fan that supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 as it is driven by an outdoor fan motor 13a, and is arranged near the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

The expansion valve 14 is a valve that decompresses a refrigerant condensed by a "condenser" (one of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15). It must be taken into account that the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 14 is conducted to an "evaporator" (the other one between the external heat exchanger 12 and the internal heat exchanger 15).

The indoor heat exchanger 15 is a heat exchanger that performs the heat exchange between a refrigerant flowing through the tubes g of the heat exchanger tube (see Figure 2) and an indoor air (air in the space to be conditioned) fed through the indoor fan 16.

The indoor fan 16 is a fan that feeds indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 15 as it is driven by an indoor fan motor 16c (see Figure 5), and is arranged near the indoor heat exchanger 15. To be more For specific purposes, the indoor fan 16 is arranged downstream of the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the airflow produced when the indoor fan 16 rotates in the normal direction.

The four-way valve 17 is a valve that switches the flow channel of a refrigerant in accordance with the air conditioning operation mode 100. For example, in the cooling operation (see the broken arrows in Figure 1), A refrigerant circulates in a refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit Q formed by the ring sequential connection of the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (condenser), the expansion valve 14 and the indoor heat exchanger 15 (evaporator) to through the four-way valve 17.

In the heating operation (see the solid arrows in Figure 1), a refrigerant circulates in a refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit Q formed by the annular sequential connection of the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (evaporator) through the four-way valve 17.

Note that in the example shown in Figure 1, the compressor 11, outdoor heat exchanger 12, outdoor fan 13, expansion valve 14 and four-way valve 17 are arranged in one outdoor unit Uo , and the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 are arranged in an indoor unit of Ui.

Figure 2 is a longitudinally seen sectional view of the indoor unit Ui.

Note that Fig. 2 illustrates a state where the indoor fan 16 is not being cleaned by a fan cleaner 24. The indoor unit Ui includes, in addition to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16, a dew receiving tray 18, a casing base 19, filters 20a, 20b, a front panel 21, a deflector of side air 22, a vertical air deflector 23, and the fan cleaner 24.

The indoor heat exchanger 15 has a plurality of fins f and a plurality of heat exchanger tubes g penetrating the fins f. Also, seen from another perspective, the indoor heat exchanger 15 has a front indoor heat exchanger 15a and a rear indoor heat exchanger 15b. The front indoor heat exchanger 15a is arranged in front of the indoor fan 16, and the rear indoor heat exchanger 15b is arranged behind the indoor fan 16. Next, the front indoor heat exchanger 15a and the rear indoor heat exchanger 15b are they connect to each other at their upper end portions.

The dew receiving tray 18 receives the condensed water from the indoor heat exchanger 15, and is arranged below the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the front indoor heat exchanger 15a in the example illustrated in Figure 2). It is to be noted that a dew receiving pan provided integrally with the casing base 19 is arranged below the rear indoor heat exchanger 15b.

The indoor fan 16 is, for example, a tubular cross-flow fan, and is arranged near the indoor heat exchanger 15. The indoor fan 16 includes a plurality of fan blades 16a, partition plates 16b on which the fan blades 16a, and the indoor fan motor 16c (see Figure 5) as a driving source.

Preferably, the indoor fan 16 is coated with a hydrophilic coating agent. The coating agent used. It can be obtained, for example, by adding a binder (a silicon compound containing a hydrolyzable group), butanol, tetrahydrofuran, and an antibacterial agent to silica sol dispersed in isopropyl alcohol, which is a hydrophilic material.

Thus, a hydrophilic membrane is formed on the surface of the indoor fan 16, which lowers the electrical resistance value of the surface of the indoor fan 16 and thus makes it less likely that dust will adhere to the indoor fan. 16. In other words, while the indoor fan 16 is driven, the static electricity produced due to air friction is less likely to be produced on the surface of the indoor fan 16. This can reduce the adhesion of dust to the indoor fan 16 In this way, the coating agent also functions as an antistatic agent for the indoor fan 16.

The casing base 19 illustrated in Fig. 2 is a casing in which the equipment such as the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 are arranged.

The filter 20a removes dust from the air directed to a front air intake port h1, and is arranged in front of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The filter 20b removes dust from the air directed to an upper air intake hole h2, and is arranged above the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The front panel 21 is a panel arranged to cover the front filter 20a, and can be turned to the front around a lower edge thereof. Note that the front panel 21 can be configured not to rotate.

The side air baffle 22 is a plate-shaped element that adjusts the side flow of air discharged to the inside by rotating the indoor fan 16. The side air baffle 22 is arranged in the air discharge passage h3 and is configured to rotate laterally as driven by a side air louver motor 25 (see Figure 5).

The vertical air louver 23 is a plate-shaped element that adjusts the vertical flow of discharged air to the inside by rotating the indoor fan 16. The vertical air louver 23 is arranged near an air discharge hole h4 and is configured to rotate vertically as driven by a vertical air louver motor 26 (see Figure 5).

The air sucked through the air intake holes h1, h2 exchanges heat with a refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger tubes g of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the heat-exchanged air is led to the air discharge passage h3. The air passing through the air discharge passage h3 is led in a predetermined direction through the side air baffle 22 and the vertical air baffle 23, and is then discharged indoors through the air discharge hole. h4.

It is to be noted that most of the dust directed towards the air suction holes h1, h2 by the air flow is collected by the filters 20a, 20b. Without However, fine dust may pass through the filters 20a, 20b and adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16. Therefore, it is desirable to clean the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 regularly. Thus, in the present embodiment, the fan cleaner 24 to be described below is used to clean the indoor fan 16, and then the indoor heat exchanger 15 is washed with water.

The fan cleaner 24 illustrated in Figure 2 is configured to clean the indoor fan 16 and is arranged between the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16. To be more specific, the fan cleaner 24 is arranged in a portion of recess r of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a in the shape of the symbol "<" in a longitudinal section. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, below the fan cleaner 24, there are the indoor heat exchanger 15 (a lower part of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a) and the dew receiving tray 18.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the indoor unit Ui with a part of it cut away.

The fan cleaner 24 includes, in addition to a shaft part 24a and a brush 24b illustrated in Figure 3, a fan cleaner motor 24c (see Figure 5). The shaft part 24a is a rod-shaped member parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16, and is pivotally supported at both ends.

The brush 24b is a cleaning member that removes dust adhering to the fan blades 16a, and is arranged on the shaft portion 24a. In the present embodiment, the cleaning member is formed by the brush 24b. However, the cleaning member is not limited to the brush 24b and may be formed by other items (for example, such as a sponge). The fan cleaner motor 24c (see Figure 5) is, for example, a stepping motor and has the function of rotating the shaft part 24a at a predetermined angle. However, the fan cleaner motor 24c (see Figure 5) can rotate the shaft portion 24a through 360°.

The brush 24b is longer than either of the longer of the shorter distance from the center of the shaft part 24a to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the shorter distance from the center of the shaft part 24a to the fan. interior 16. The brush 24b is configured to be able to come into contact with (touch) both the heat exchanger indoor 15 as the indoor fan 16 selectively when the shaft part 24a is rotated.

To clean the indoor fan 16 with the fan cleaner 24, the fan cleaner motor 24c (see Figure 5) is driven to bring the brush 24b into contact with the indoor fan 16 (see Figure 7A), and the indoor fan 16 rotates in the reverse direction. Then, after the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 with the fan cleaner 24 is finished, the fan cleaner motor 24c is driven again to rotate the brush 24b to cause the brush 24b to come out of contact with the indoor fan 16 ( see Figure 2).

It is to be noted that, for example, the indoor unit Ui (see Figure 1) in the present embodiment is configured so that, during operation, when spray water (condensed water) is attached to the brush 24b, such as by freezing and thawing operation or cooling operation, the brush 24b is pivoted along a lower semicircle of the shaft portion 24a (directions indicated by arrows A1 shown in Fig. 2). In other words, the indoor unit Ui (see Figure 1) is configured so that the brush 24b is pivoted along a lower semicircle of the shaft part 24a (directions indicated by arrows A1 shown in Figure 2). after the refrigeration cycle generates spray water in the indoor heat exchanger 15. This is done to reduce the probability of spray water splashing (condensed water), since the spray receiving tray is relatively deep. short. In other words, if the brush 24b had been pivoted along an upper semicircle of the shaft part 24a, the spray water (condensed water) attached to the brush 24b would flow from the tip side to the shaft part side. shaft 24a of the brush 24b, would collect on the shaft part 24a, and drip from the shaft part 24a as a drop with a relatively large diameter. Spray water (condensed water) which has dripped in this way tends to disperse. Therefore, the indoor unit Ui (see Figure 1) is configured so that, during the operation where spray water (condensed water) is attached to the brush 24b, the brush 24b pivots along a lower semicircle of the shaft portion 24a (directions indicated by arrows A1 shown in Figure 2) to help prevent spray water (condensed water) from scattering.

Such a configuration also brings with it the following advantages. Specifically, in this configuration, the dew water (condensed water) attached to the brush 24b flows from the shaft portion 24a side to the brush tip 24b side and drips from the brush tip 24b. In this case, dew water (condensed water) drops together with dust adhering to the brush 24b. Therefore, the indoor unit Ui (see Figure 1) can remove dust on the brush 24b effectively.

In the present embodiment, when the indoor fan 16 is not being cleaned, as illustrated in Figure 2, the brush tip 24b is oriented toward the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the brush tip 24b is in contact with the heat exchanger. front inner heat exchanger 15a, or more preferably, the tip of the brush 24b is located in the space in the front inner heat exchanger 15a. Specifically, when the indoor fan 16 is not being cleaned (even during normal operation of the air conditioner), the brush 24b moves away from the indoor fan 16 while resting on its side (substantially horizontally). The reason for arranging the fan cleaner 24 in such a way will be described by Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the airflow near the fan cleaner 24 during air conditioning operation.

Note that the direction of each arrow illustrated in Figure 4 indicates the direction of airflow. Also, the length of each arrow indicates the speed of the airflow.

During normal operation of the air conditioner, the indoor fan 16 rotates in the normal direction, and the air that has passed through the gaps between the fins f of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a is directed to the indoor fan 16. Especially close From the recess portion r of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, air flows laterally (substantially horizontally) to the indoor fan 16 as illustrated in Fig. 4.

As described above, the fan cleaner 24 is arranged in this recess portion r with the brush 24b lying on its side. In other words, during normal operation of the air conditioner, the orientation of the brush 24b is parallel to the air flow direction. Since the direction in which the brush 24b extends and the direction in which the air flows are substantially parallel, the fan cleaner 24 is unlikely to impede the air flow.

In addition, the fan cleaner 24 is arranged in a region upstream of the flow of air produced when the indoor fan 16 rotates in the normal direction, not in the middle range or downstream of the flow (near the air discharge hole h4 illustrated in Figure 2). Next, the air flowing laterally along the brush 24b is accelerated by the fan blades 16a, and the accelerated air is directed to the air discharge port h4 (see Figure 2). Since the fan cleaner 24 is thus arranged in the upstream region where the air flows at a relatively low velocity, the fan cleaner 24 hardly contributes to the reduction of the amount of air. Note that the fan cleaner 24 can remain in the same state as in Figure 4, as long as the indoor fan 16 is not rotating as well.

Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 100.

The indoor unit Ui illustrated in Figure 5 includes, in addition to the configuration described above, a remote control transmitter-receiver 27 and an indoor control circuit 31.

The remote control transceiver 27 exchanges predetermined information with a remote control 40.

The internal control circuit 31 is configured including electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) and various interfaces, although they are not shown. The programs stored in ROM are then read and loaded into RAM, and the CPU performs various types of processing.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the indoor control circuit 31 includes a storage 31a and an indoor controller 31b.

The storage 31a stores not only predetermined programs, but also the data received through the remote control transceiver 27, detection values of various sensors (not shown) and the like.

Based on the data stored in the storage 31a, the indoor controller 31b controls the fan cleaner motor 24c, the indoor fan motor 16c, the side air louver motor 25, the vertical air louver motor 26 and the like.

The outdoor unit Uo includes, in addition to the configuration described above, an outdoor control circuit 32. The outdoor control circuit 32 is configured including electronic circuits such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and various interfaces, although they are not shown, and is connected to the indoor control circuit 31 through a communication line. As illustrated in Figure 5, the outdoor control circuit 32 includes a storage 32a and an outdoor controller 32b.

The storage 32a stores not only the predetermined programs, but also the data received from the internal control circuit 31 and the like. Based on the data stored in the storage 32a, the outdoor controller 32b controls the compressor motor 11a, the outdoor fan motor 13a, the expansion valve 14 and the like. Hereinafter, the indoor control circuit 31 and the outdoor control circuit 32 are collectively referred to as "controller 30".

<Indoor fan cleaning>

As a function of cleaning the indoor fan 16, the indoor unit Ui has a function of cleaning the indoor fan 16 using spray water (condensed water) generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 during freezing and thawing operation or cooling operation. . In addition, as a cleaning function of the brush 24b, the indoor unit Ui has a function of cleaning the brush 24b using spray water (condensed water) generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 during freezing and thawing operation or cooling operation.

Referring to Figure 6, an operation for cleaning the indoor fan 16 is described below. Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a cleaning process for the indoor fan 16 executed by the controller 30 (see Figure 2 when necessary). ).

Note that the following description assumes that at the time of "START" in the flowchart of Figure 6, the air conditioning operation is not being performed, and the tip of the brush 24b is oriented towards the heat exchanger. front inner heat 15a (the state illustrated in Fig. 2).

At step S101 in Fig. 6, the controller 30 causes the fan cleaner 24 to clean the indoor fan 16. It is to be noted that the time for cleaning the fan indoor fan 16 (a trigger for starting cleaning of the indoor fan 16) may be a condition where, for example, an integrated time of air conditioning operation since the previous cleaning of the indoor fan 16 reaches a predetermined time.

Fig. 7A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the indoor fan 16 is cleaned.

Note that Fig. 7A shows the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor fan 16 and the mist receiving tray 18 and omits illustration of the other members.

The controller 30 brings the fan cleaner 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16, and rotates the indoor fan 16 in the opposite direction to the direction during normal operation of the air conditioner (ie, rotates in a reverse direction).

In other words, the controller 30 rotates the brush 24b approximately 180° around the shaft portion 24a from the state (see Figure 2) where the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15, so that the tip of the brush 24b of the brush 24b is now oriented towards the internal fan 16 (see Figure 7A). As a result, the brush 24b comes into contact with the fan blades 16a of the indoor fan 16.

Note that in the example of Figure 7A, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the front indoor heat exchanger 15a) and the dew receiving tray 18 are located below a contact position K where the wiper 24 of the fan is in contact with the indoor fan 16, as indicated by a dotted line and dashes L.

With the indoor fan 16 rotating in the reverse direction as described above, the tip of the brush 24b is tilted by the movement of the fan blades 16a, and the brush 24b is pressed against the backs of the fan blades 16a by rubbing . Next, the dust that accumulates near the leading edges (radial edge portions) of the fan blades 16a is removed with the brush 24b.

Dust tends to accumulate near the front edges of the fan blades 16a in particular. This is because during air conditioning operation (see Fig. 4) in which the indoor fan 16 rotates in the normal direction, air strikes near the leading edges of the fan blade faces 16a, and dust settles near these leading edges. The air which has struck the portions near the leading edges of the fan blades 16a travels along the curves of the fan blade faces 16a and passes through the gaps between the fan blades 16a, 16a. adjacent fan.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the brush 24b is brought into contact with the fan blades 16a, and the indoor fan 16 is rotated in the reverse direction. The brush 24b then comes into contact with the trailing portions of the fan blades 16a near their leading edges, and the dust that accumulates near the front edges of both the faces and trailing portions of the fan blades. 16a fan are removed together. As a result, most of the dust that accumulates in the indoor fan 16 can be removed.

In addition, the reverse rotation of the indoor fan 16 produces, inside the indoor unit Ui (see Figure 2), smooth airflows in directions opposite to the directions during the rotation in the normal direction of the indoor fan 16 (see Figure 4). Therefore, the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 is not directed to the air discharge hole h4 (see Figure 2), and is directed to the dew receiving pan 18 through the space between the indoor heat exchanger front 15a and indoor fan 16, as illustrated in Figure 7A.

To be more specific, the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 by the brush 24b is slightly pressed against the front indoor heat exchanger 15a by air pressure. Further, the dust j falls on the dew receiving tray 18 (see arrow in Fig. 7A) along the inclined surface of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a (edges of the fins f). Therefore, it is very unlikely that the dust j will adhere to the rear surface of the vertical air baffle 23 (see Figure 2) through a small gap between the indoor fan 16 and the dew receiving tray 18. This achieves prevent dust j from being discharged inside during the next air conditioning operation.

It is to be noted that there is a possibility that part of the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 does not fall into the dew receiving tray 18, but is attached to the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. Said powder j attached to the heat exchanger front interior 15a is washed in a process at step S103 to be described later.

During cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the controller 30 may drive the indoor fan 16 at a rotation speed in a medium to high speed range or may drive the indoor fan 16 at a rotation speed in a low speed range. The range from medium to high speed of the rotating speed of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, 300 min-1 or more to less than 1700 min-1. When the indoor fan 16 thus rotates at a speed in the middle of the high-speed range, the dust j tends to be directed towards the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, and accordingly, the dust j is less likely to adhere to the fan. rear surface of vertical air baffle 23 (see Figure 2) as described above. Therefore, this prevents dust j from being discharged indoors during the next air conditioning operation.

In addition, the low speed range of the rotating speed of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, 100 min-1 or more to less than 300 min-1. When the indoor fan 16 thus rotates at a speed in the low speed range, the indoor fan 16 can be cleaned with little noise.

After the process ends at the step S101 in Fig. 6, at the step S102 the controller 30 moves the brush 24b, which is a cleaning member. In other words, the controller 30 rotates the brush 24b approximately 180° around the axis portion 24a from the state (see Figure 7A) where the brush tip 24b faces the indoor fan 16, so that the brush tip 24b 24b is now oriented towards the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see Figure 7B). This can prevent the fan cleaner 24 from impeding the airflow in the air conditioning operation that is performed later. Note that, as illustrated in Figure 7B, when the brush tip 24b is made to face the indoor heat exchanger 15, the brush tip 24b is preferably in contact with the front indoor heat exchanger. 15a, or is more preferably in the space in the front indoor heat exchanger 15a.

Next, at step S103, the controller 30 freezes and defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 sequentially. First, the controller 30 makes the indoor heat exchanger 15 work as an evaporator to freeze the indoor heat exchanger 15, forming the water frost contained in the air entering the indoor unit Ui in the indoor heat exchanger 15. You have to take into Note that the process of freezing the indoor heat exchanger 15 is included in a matter of "fixing the condensed water" to the indoor heat exchanger 15.

While the indoor heat exchanger 15 is freezing, the controller 30 preferably sets a low temperature as the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 15. In other words, while the indoor heat exchanger 15 is running As an evaporator to freeze the indoor heat exchanger 15 (or fix the condensed water), the controller 30 adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 15 so that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant can be lower during the normal operation of the air conditioner.

For example, the controller 30 reduces the amount of air in the indoor unit Ui either by decreasing the degree to which the expansion valve 14 opens (see Figure 1), by decreasing the number of revolutions of the indoor fan 16, or by stopping the fan. 16, so that a refrigerant at low pressure and low evaporation temperature can flow into the indoor heat exchanger 15. As a result, frost or ice (indicated by reference sign i in Fig. 7B) grows more easily. in the indoor heat exchanger 15, and therefore, during subsequent defrosting, the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed with a large amount of water.

Furthermore, it is preferable that in the indoor heat exchanger 15, an area located below the fan cleaner 24 is not in a region downstream of the flow of refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 15 (that is, the area is is in an upstream or intermediate region of the flow). As a result, a low-temperature liquid-gas two-phase refrigerant flows at least below (on the lower side of) the fan cleaner 24, and therefore frost or ice adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 can thicken. Thus, in subsequent defrosting, the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed with a large amount of water.

It is to be noted that the dust scraped from the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaner 24 is likely to adhere to the area of the indoor heat exchanger 15 located below the fan cleaner 24. Therefore, the flow of the low-temperature liquid-gas two-phase refrigerant in the area of the indoor heat exchanger 15 below the fan cleaner 24 makes it easier for the generation of frost or ice, and the melting of frost. or ice results in the washing of dust into the indoor heat exchanger 15 properly.

Furthermore, while the indoor heat exchanger 15 is made to function as an evaporator and freezing (or fixing condensed water to) the indoor heat exchanger 15, the controller 30 preferably closes the vertical air baffle 23 (see Figure 2) or orients the vertical air baffle 23 at a more upward angle than a horizontal state. This helps to prevent low temperature air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 15 from escaping into the room and allows defrosting and the like of the indoor heat exchanger 15 to be performed without putting the user in an uncomfortable environment.

After thus freezing the indoor heat exchanger 15, the controller 30 defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 (Step S103 in Fig. 6). For example, the controller 30 defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 at room temperature while keeping the equipment stopped. Alternatively, the controller 30 can melt the frost or ice attached to the indoor heat exchanger 15 when performing heating operation or fan operation.

Fig. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state that the indoor heat exchanger 15 is being defrosted.

When the indoor heat exchanger 15 is defrosted, the frost or ice attached to the indoor heat exchanger 15 melts, and a large amount of water flows from the fins f to the dew receiving tray 18. As a result, dust j attached to the indoor heat exchanger 15 during the air conditioning operation can be washed.

In addition, the dust j attached to the front indoor heat exchanger 15a as a result of cleaning the indoor fan 16 with the brush 24b is washed and flowed to the dew receiving tray 18 as well (see arrow in Fig. 7B). . The water w which has thus been caused to flow downwards into the mist receiving tray 18 is discharged to the outside through a drain hose (not shown) together with the powder j (see Figure 7A) which has fallen directly to the dew receiving tray 18 during cleaning of the indoor fan 16. As described above, there is almost no possibility that the drain hose or the like (not shown) in which a large amount of water flows down during defrosting of the heat exchanger interior 15 clogged with dust j.

After the freezing and thawing of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (Step S103), the controller 30 can perform the heating operation or the fan operation to dry the indoor of the indoor unit Ui, although it is omitted in Fig. 6. This it can help prevent bacteria from growing in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the like.

In the air conditioner 100 thus configured, the fan cleaner 24 cleans the inside of the fan 16 (Step S101 in Fig. 6), which can help to prevent dust j from being discharged inside. In addition, since the fan cleaner 24 is arranged between the front indoor heat exchanger 15a and the indoor fan 16, the dust which is scraped from the indoor fan 16 by the brush 24b can be conducted to the dew receiving tray 18.

Furthermore, during cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the controller 30 rotates the indoor fan 16 in the reverse direction. This can prevent the dust j from being directed to the air discharge hole h4.

In addition, during normal operation of the air conditioner, the brush 24b lies laterally (see Figure 4) and hardly impedes the flow of air. In addition to that, the fan cleaner 24 is arranged upstream in the air flow. These two configurations help to avoid, during the normal operation of the air conditioner, the reduction of the amount of air due to the fan cleaner 24 and the increase of the power consumed by the indoor fan 16. The reason why the reduction of the amount of air when the fan cleaner 24 is upstream is because the airflow is slower downstream than upstream due to the fact that the areas of the air intake holes h1, h2 are larger than those of the air discharge hole h4.

When a large amount of dust is attached to the indoor fan 16, in some cases, dew dripping inside during cooling operation may be caused, because the air discharge lowers the temperature to compensate for the decrease in the performance of the fan. indoor fan 16. To cope with this, in the present embodiment, as described above, the indoor fan 16 is cleaned appropriately to help prevent the decrease in the amount of air in the indoor fan 16 due to the fixing of dust. Therefore, the present embodiment can prevent dew dripping due to caused by dust on the indoor fan 16.

In addition, since the controller 30 freezes and defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 sequentially (Step S103 in Fig. 6), dust f attached to the indoor heat exchanger 15 is washed away with water W and flowed down to the dew receiving tray 18. In this way, the present embodiment can keep the indoor fan 16 clean, and can also keep the indoor heat exchanger 15 clean. As a result, the air conditioner 100 can achieve pleasant air conditioning. In addition, the labor of the user and the maintenance cost for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 can be reduced.

<Cleaning process of cleaning member (brush)>

Referring to Fig. 8, a cleaning operation of the brush 24b (cleaning member) will be described below. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning process of the brush 24b (the cleaning member) performed by the controller 30 (see Figure 2 when necessary).

The following description assumes that at the time of "START" in the flow chart in Figure 8, the air conditioning operation is not being performed.

At step S110 in Fig. 8, the controller 30 performs the control to bring the brush 24b (cleaning member) into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15. It is to be noted that the time of cleaning the brush 24b (a cleaning member) The trigger for starting the cleaning process of the brush 24b) may be a condition in which, for example, an integrated time of air conditioning operation since the pre-cleaning of the brush 24b reaches a predetermined time. It should be noted that this is merely an example. For example, the controller 30 can adjust the timing of cleaning the brush 24b during the cooling or freezing operation, and cleaning the fan cleaner 24 during the cooling or freezing operation.

Next, at step S120, the controller 30 starts control of the spray water generating operation. In this control, the controller 30 executes the freezing and thawing operation, the cooling operation or the like.

Next, in step S130, the controller 30 repeatedly determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and waits until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes").

When it is determined in step S130 that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes"), in step S140 the controller 30 ends the control of the mist water generating operation.

Next, at step S150, the controller 30 performs the control to close the vertical air louver 23 or orient the vertical air louver 23 horizontally or more upward.

If the heating operation is carried out later in step S170, it is preferable that in step S160 the controller 30 performs the control to stop the rotation of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan). This processing in step S160 is performed in order to keep the room comfortable by preventing heat-exchanged air from being discharged indoors when the heating operation is performed in step S170 to dry the brush 24b (cleaning member ). Even if the controller 30 does not perform the processing in step S160 (that is, it does not stop the rotation of the indoor fan 16 (air blower)), the air conditioner 100 can still dry the brush 24b (cleaning member) in the step S170. Therefore, the processing in step S160 is not essential and can be omitted. Furthermore, the processing in step S160 is performed assuming that the heating operation will be performed in step S170. If the heating operation is not to be performed in step S170, the processing in step S160 is skipped.

Next, at step S170, the controller 30 starts to control a drying operation of the brush 24b (cleaning member). The air conditioner 100 can dry the brush 24b (cleaning member) by performing a heating operation in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 functions as a condenser, fan, or the like. The following description assumes that the controller 30 performs the heating operation.

Next, in step S180, the controller 30 repeatedly determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and waits until the predetermined time has elapsed.

When it is determined in step S180 that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes"), at step S190, the controller 30 ends the drying operation of the brush 24b (cleaning member). Then, at the S step 200, the controller 30 performs the control to move the brush 24b (cleaning member) away from the indoor heat exchanger 15. With this, a series of the process ends.

It is to be noted that in steps S170 to S200, the temperature of the brush 24b is increased to a thermal death point of bacteria or higher and is maintained for a convenient period of time so that the bacteria (fungi) can be completely killed. . The following description assumes that the thermal death point of bacteria is 50°C or higher. This 50 °C temperature is based on the thermal death point of bacteria (Aspergillus sp. Conidium) (time: 5 minutes) in Table 4 "Heat Tolerance of Bacteria" on the following Ministry of Education website , Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. However, the thermal death point of bacteria is not necessarily limited to 50 °C or higher.

(Website)

http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chousa/sonota/003/houkoku/08111918/002.htm

For example, the desired time period described above may be five minutes when the holding temperature is 50°C or higher. The desired period of time may be less than five minutes when the holding temperature is greater than 50°C.

The indoor unit Ui can keep the brush 24b clean by maintaining the temperature of the brush 24b at the thermal killing point of the bacteria in Steps S170 to S200 to kill the bacteria (fungi).

The flowchart in Figure 8 can be modified into the flowchart in Figure 9, for example. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another cleaning process of the brush 24b (cleaning member) performed by the controller 30.

The flowchart in Figure 9 differs from the flowchart in Figure 8 in that the processing of Steps S110 and S120 is replaced by the processing of Steps S110a and S120a. The processing of step S110a in Figure 9 corresponds to the processing of step S120 in Figure 8, and the processing of step S120a in Figure 9 corresponds to the processing of step S110 in Figure 8. In other words, in the flowchart of Figure 9, Steps S110 and S120 of Figure 8 are changed.

Specifically, in the flowchart of Fig. 9, at Step S110a, the controller 30 starts the control for the mist water generating operation. In this control, the controller 30 performs freezing and thawing operation, cooling operation or the like. Next, in the flowchart of Fig. 9, at Step S120a, the controller 30 performs the control to bring the brush 24b (cleaning member) into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15.

<Orientation of cleaning member (brush)>

While performing the air conditioning operation such as heating operation or cooling operation, the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 is preferably oriented within a range of a desirable allocating angle to up and down from the direction horizontal, as illustrated in Figure 10A for example. It is also preferable that the orientation of the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 is maintained, as illustrated in Figure 10A during the processing of Step S110 in Figure 8 or Step S120a in Figure 9, as well. Fig. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of how the brush 24b (cleaning member) is oriented during the air conditioning operation. In this case, the indoor unit Ui can achieve a relatively favorable air conditioning efficiency by keeping the orientation of the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 in the orientation shown in Fig. 10A so as not to prevent the inflow of air. Note that in the example illustrated in Fig. 10A, the shaft part 24a of the fan cleaner 24 is arranged at a position P0 located next to the bending portion of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. Then, the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 is kept oriented within the range of the tolerance angle a upward and downward of the horizontal direction.

It should be noted that inside the indoor unit Ui, air flows to the center O (see Figure 10B) of the indoor fan 16. Therefore, around the indoor fan 16, an upward direction has low air resistance in a position higher than the center O of the indoor fan 16, and a downward direction has low air resistance at a position lower than the center O of the indoor fan 16. Therefore, the orientation of the brush 24b of the cleaner 24 of the fan can preferably be kept parallel to the air flow as illustrated in Fig. 10B, for example, during air conditioning operation such as heating operation or cooling operation. It is also preferable that the orientation of the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 can be maintained as illustrated in Figure 10B in processing at Step S110 in Figure 8 or Step S120a in Figure 9 as well. Fig. 10B is a diagram illustrating another example of how the brush 24b (cleaning member) is oriented during the air conditioning operation or during the cleaning operation of the brush 24b (cleaning member). For example, the orientation of the brush 24b in this case is such that the tip of the brush 24b is oriented upwards than horizontally if the shaft part 24a is located at a position P1 higher than the center O of the indoor fan 16. Furthermore For example, the orientation of the brush 24b in this case is such that the tip of the brush 24b is oriented more downward horizontally if the shaft part 24a is located at a position P2 lower than the center O of the indoor fan 16. Also in this case, the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 is in contact with the fins f of the indoor heat exchanger 15 which are in contact with the tubes g of the heat exchanger through which a refrigerant in a gaseous state or two-phase state flows. Next, in this case also, the indoor unit Ui can achieve a relatively favorable air conditioning efficiency by keeping the orientation of the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 in the orientation shown in Fig. 10B so as not to impede the inflow of air. .

However, even if the shaft part 24a is located at the position P0 higher than the center O of the indoor fan 16 as illustrated in Fig. 11, for example, the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 can be oriented so that the tip of the brush 24b is more downward than horizontal. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of how the brush 24b (cleaning member) is oriented during the air conditioning operation. In this case, the dew water (condensed water) attached to the brush 24b flows from the shaft side 24a to the brush tip side 24b and drips from the brush tip 24b. In this case, dew water (condensed water) drops together with dust adhering to the brush 24b. Therefore, the indoor unit Ui can effectively remove dust from the brush 24b.

Note that as illustrated in Figure 11 for example, the controller 30 may preferentially set the angle of the fan cleaner 24 so that the fan cleaner 24 is arranged to face obliquely downwards so that in the generation of spray water, the spray water can flow from the tip side of the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 into a part of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (for example, its lower part) or into the water receiving pan. dew 18. Thus, the air conditioner 100 can make the fan cleaner 24 function as a conduit for spray water.

Furthermore, preferably, the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 can be moved away from the front indoor heat exchanger 15a as illustrated in Fig. 12 for example, during the operation of cooling the indoor heat exchanger 15, such as the cooling operation. or dehumidification operation. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating how the brush 24b (cleaning member) is oriented during the cooling operation or dehumidifying operation. In this case, the indoor unit Ui can prevent spray water (condensed water) generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 from falling through the brush 24b and dripping. Therefore, the indoor unit Ui can clean the indoor heat exchanger 15 with spray water (condensed water) effectively.

Alternatively, even during the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation, the fan cleaner 24 can be oriented horizontally or in the range of the predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal direction as illustrated in Figure 10A for example.

Furthermore, even during cooling operation or dehumidifying operation, the fan wiper 24 can be oriented parallel to the airflow as illustrated in Figure 10B, for example.

Furthermore, even during the heating operation, the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 can move away from the front indoor heat exchanger 15a as illustrated in Figure 12, for example. In other words, during heating operation, cooling operation, or dehumidifying operation, controller 30 can keep fan cleaner 24 out of contact with indoor heat exchanger 15 as illustrated in Figure 12, for example. .

<Time to clean the air fan (indoor fan)>

In the above-described embodiment, the time of cleaning the indoor fan 16 (a trigger for starting cleaning of the indoor fan 16) is a condition where an integrated time of air conditioning operation since the previous cleaning of the indoor fan 16 reaches a time predetermined. However, the time for cleaning the indoor fan 16 can be changed to suit the operation, as illustrated in Figure 13 for example. Figure 13 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of changing the timing for cleaning the indoor fan 16 (blowing air fan).

Referring to Fig. 13, an operation for changing the timing of cleaning the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) is described below. In this example, a user of the air conditioner 100 instructs the air conditioner 100 to perform the conditioning operation and to stop the air conditioning operation at any time.

At Step S610 in Fig. 13, the controller 30 sets the time to clean the indoor fan 16 based on a set condition stored in the storage 31a (see Fig. 5) in advance. The following description assumes as the time for cleaning the indoor fan 16, an operation condition where an operation time (cumulative operation time) of the indoor fan 16 reaches a desired time is set. In addition, the following description assumes that the timing of cleaning the indoor fan 16 is changed when the operation time of the indoor fan 16 reaches a preset threshold. Instead of the operation of the indoor fan 16, the controller 30 can use the accumulated number of revolutions of the indoor fan 16, the integrated value of the rotational speed of the indoor fan 16 and the operation time, or the like.

Next, in Step S620, the controller 30 starts the air conditioning operation when a user instructs execution of the air conditioning operation.

Next, at Step S630, the controller 30 times the operation of the indoor fan 16 (air-blowing fan).

Next, at Step S640, the controller 30 determines whether the operation condition indicates that it is time to clean the indoor fan 16 (air blow fan).

When it is determined in Step S640 that the operation condition indicates that the time to clean the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) has arrived ("Yes"), the process proceeds to Step S690. If, on the other hand, it is determined at Step S640 that the operation condition indicates that the time of cleaning the indoor fan 16 (fan air flow) has not arrived ("No"), at Step S650 the controller 30 determines whether the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) has reached the threshold.

When it is determined in Step S650 that the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) has not reached the threshold ("No"), in Step S660 the controller 30 determines whether an operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation must end, that is, a user has given instructions to stop the air conditioning operation.

When it is determined in Step S660 that the operation condition does not indicate that the air conditioning operation should end ("No"), the process continues again to Step S630. When, on the other hand, it is determined at Step S660 that the operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation should end ("Yes"), at Step S670 the controller 30 ends the air conditioning operation. With this, a series of the process ends.

When it is determined in the above Step S650 that the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) has reached the threshold ("Yes"), in Step S680 the controller 30 changes the timing of cleaning the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) based on the set condition stored in the storage 31a (see Figure 5) in advance. This allows the controller 30 to clean the indoor fan 16 (air blower) at a higher or lower frequency than the current frequency. Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step S690.

In Step S690, the controller 30 repeatedly determines whether the operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation should end, whether a user has given instructions to stop the air conditioning operation, and waits until it is determined that the operation condition indicates that the training operation should be finished ("Yes").

When it is determined at Step S690 that the operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation should end ("Yes"), at Step S700 the controller 30 ends the air conditioning operation. Next, at Step S710, the controller 30 cleans the indoor fan 16 (air fan). With this, a series of the process ends.

<Time to clean the cleaning member (brush)>

In the above-described embodiment, the time of cleaning the brush 24b (a trigger for starting the cleaning of the brush 24b) is, for example, a condition in which an integrated time of air conditioning operation since the previous cleaning of the brush 24b reaches a predetermined time. However, the timing of cleaning the brush 24b can be changed to suit the operation, as illustrated in Figure 14 for example. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of an example of an operation of changing the timing of cleaning the brush 24b (member cleaning).

Referring to Fig. 14, an operation for changing the timing of cleaning the brush 24b (cleaning member) is described below. In this example, a user of the air conditioner 100 instructs the air conditioner 100 to perform the conditioning operation and to stop the air conditioning operation at any time.

At Step S810 in Figure 14, the controller 30 sets the time to clean the brush 24b based on a set condition stored in the storage 31a (see Figure 5) in advance. The following description assumes that, as the time of cleaning the brush 24b, an operation condition is established where the operation time (cumulative operation time) of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) reaches the desired time. In addition, the following description assumes that the timing of cleaning the brush 24b is changed when the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) reaches a predetermined threshold. It should be noted that the aforementioned time for cleaning the brush 24b is just an example. For example, the controller 30 can use the cooling operation or the freezing operation as the time to clean the brush 24b, and clean the fan cleaner 24 during the cooling operation or the freezing operation.

Next, in Step S820, the controller 30 starts the air conditioning operation after the user instructs the execution of the air conditioning operation.

Next, at Step S830, the controller 30 times the operation of the indoor fan 16 (air-blowing fan).

Next, at Step S840, the controller 30 determines whether the operation condition indicates that the time to clean the brush 24b has arrived.

When it is determined at Step S840 that the operation condition indicates that the time to clean the brush 24b has arrived ("Yes"), the process proceeds to Step S890. If, on the other hand, it is determined at Step S840 that the time to clean the brush 24b has not arrived ("No"), at Step S850 the controller 30 determines whether the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (air cooling fan blown) has reached the threshold.

When it is determined in Step S850 that the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) has not reached the threshold ("No"), in Step S860 the controller 30 determines whether an operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation must end, that is, a user has given instructions to stop the air conditioning operation.

When it is determined in Step S860 that the operation condition does not indicate that the air conditioning operation should end ("No"), the process returns to Step S830. When, on the other hand, it is determined at Step S860 that the operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation should end ("Yes"), at Step S870 the controller 30 ends the air conditioning operation. With this, a series of the process ends.

When it is determined in the above Step S850 that the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) has reached the threshold ("Yes"), in Step S880 the controller 30 changes the timing of cleaning the brush 24b to function of setting the condition stored in the storage 31a (see Figure 5) in advance. This allows controller 30 to clean brush 24b at a higher or lower frequency than the current frequency. Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step S890.

In Step S890, the controller 30 repeatedly determines whether the operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation should end, that is, whether a user has commanded to stop the air conditioning operation, and waits until it is determined that the operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation should end ("Yes").

When it is determined in Step S890 that the operation condition indicates that the air conditioning operation should end ("Yes"), in Step S900 the controller 30 ends the air conditioning operation. Next, at Step S910, the controller 30 cleans the brush 24b. With this, a series of the process ends.

<Fan cleaner cleaning frequency by putting the fan cleaner in contact with the indoor heat exchanger>

In the present embodiment, the indoor unit Ui cleans the brush 24b (cleaning member) of the fan cleaner 24 by taking advantage of spray water (condensed water) generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 during the freezing and thawing operation or the Cooling. However, the generation of spray water requires energy. Therefore, it is preferable that the frequency of cleaning the fan cleaner 24 by bringing the fan cleaner 24 in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 is as low as possible. Considering this point, since the amount of dust attached to the fan cleaner 24 is less than the amount of dust attached to the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan), the frequency of cleaning the fan cleaner 24 by putting the The fan cleaner 24 in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 is preferably less than the frequency of cleaning the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) with the fan cleaner 24. Thus, the air conditioner 100 can reduce power consumption.

<Main features of the air conditioner>

(1) As illustrated in Figure 2, the air conditioner 100 includes the refrigeration cycle having indoor heat exchanger 15 (heat exchanger), indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan), cleaner 24 of the fan cleaning the indoor fan 16 with the brush 24b (cleaning member), and the controller 30 (see Figure 5). The brush 24b is configured to be able to contact both the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 selectively. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the controller 30 can perform the contact control to contact the brush 24b with the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see Step S110) and the generating operation control to generate dew water ( condensed water) in the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see Step S120). As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the controller 30 causes the refrigeration cycle to generate dew water in the indoor heat exchanger 15 before the fan cleaner 24 turns on. contact the indoor heat exchanger 15 or while keeping the fan cleaner 24 in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15.

Note that the cleaning member may be a sponge-shaped member instead of the brush 24b.

Spray water (condensed water) generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be temporarily frozen and fixed on the indoor heat exchanger 15 as frost (or ice) and thawed.

In addition, contact control (see Step S110 in Figure 8) and generating operation control (see Step S120 in Figure 8) can be reversed in order, such as Steps S110a and S120a illustrated in Figure 9.

The air conditioner 100 thus configured can clean the brush 24b by taking advantage of the dew water (condensed water) generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15, and thus can clean the brush 24b effectively.

(2) As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, the controller 30 performs a drying operation after causing the refrigeration cycle to generate dew water in the indoor heat exchanger 15. The drying operation is performed by the operation heating or fan operation in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 functions as a condenser (see Step S170).

The air conditioner 100 configured in this way can dry the brush 24b efficiently and thus can keep the brush 24b clean.

(3) As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, if the heating operation in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 functions as a condenser is performed in Step S170, since the drying operation after the refrigeration cycle generates dew water in the indoor heat exchanger 15, at Step S110 in Figure 8 or Step S120a in Figure 9 the controller 30 preferably performs contact control on the fan cleaner 24 and brings the brush 24b into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15.

In the heating operation in Step S170, the air conditioner 100 thus configured allows the heat of the indoor heat exchanger 15 to be transmitted to the brush 24b efficiently, and therefore can dry the brush 24b quickly. However, the air conditioner 100 can dry the brush 24b without having the indoor heat exchanger 15 in contact with the brush 24b.

(4) In the drying operation that is performed after the refrigeration cycle, dew water is generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the controller 30 preferably closes the vertical air baffle 23 either orients the vertical air louver 23 horizontally or higher (see Step S150), the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) stops (see Step S160), or both.

The air conditioner 100 as configured above performs the drying operation with the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 15 which is not strongly discharged inward through the air discharge hole h4 (see Figure 2). . Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can help to prevent dew water from leaking outside through the air discharge hole h4 (see Figure 2) and can keep indoor air clean.

(5) As illustrated in Figure 10A, 10B, or 11, for the drying operation, the controller 30 preferably brings the fan cleaner 24 in contact with the fins F of the indoor heat exchanger 15 that are in contact with the g tubes of the heat exchanger where a refrigerant in a gas state or a two-phase state flows.

The air conditioner 100 configured in this way can raise the temperature of the fan cleaner 24 efficiently by using the heat transmitted from the fins f. In particular, the heat exchanger tubes g of the indoor heat exchanger 15 in which a refrigerant in a gas state or a two-phase state flows tend to be hotter than the heat exchanger tubes g in which it flows. a liquid refrigerant. For this reason, when the fan cleaner 24 comes into contact with the fins f in contact with the tubes g of the heat exchanger in which a refrigerant in a gas state or a two-phase state flows, the fan cleaner 24 fan can raise its temperature more easily.

(6) For example, if the heating operation using the indoor heat exchanger 15 as a condenser is performed in Step S170 in the example illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 as illustrated in Figs. 10A, 10B and 11, the controller 30 points preferably the fan cleaner 24 towards the indoor heat exchanger 15 to make it easier for the fan cleaner 24 to raise its temperature.

The air conditioner 100 configured in this way can raise the temperature of the fan cleaner 24 by using the heat transmitted from the blades f, so that, for example, bacteria (fungi) can be sufficiently killed. Thus, the air conditioner 100 can keep the fan cleaner 24 clean.

(7) For example, as illustrated in Fig. 12, the controller 30 can keep the fan cleaner 24 away from the indoor heat exchanger 15 during heating operation, cooling operation or dehumidifying operation.

During heating operation, cooling operation or dehumidifying operation, the air conditioner 100 thus configured can help prevent dust from moving from the indoor heat exchanger 15 to the fan cleaner 24, and can reduce the amount of dust to be inserted into the fan cleaner 24. In addition, the air conditioner 100 can prevent spray water (condensed water) generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 from running down the brush 24b and dripping, and therefore the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed with the water from dew (condensed water) effectively.

(8) The fan cleaner 24 is structured to rotate around the shaft part 24a. During heating operation, cooling operation, or dehumidifying operation, controller 30 desirably orients fan cleaner 24 horizontally or within a range of a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal direction, as illustrated in Figure 10A. .

The air conditioner 100 configured in this way does not prevent the inflow of air, and therefore can achieve relatively favorable air conditioning efficiency.

(9) Alternatively, during heating operation, cooling operation, or dehumidification, controller 30 may direct fan cleaner 24 parallel to the airflow as illustrated in Figure 10B.

The air conditioner 100 configured in this way does not prevent the inflow of air, and therefore can achieve relatively favorable air conditioning efficiency.

(10) In the air conditioner 100, part of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (for example, its lower portion) or the dew receiving tray 18 is arranged below the fan cleaner 24. For example, as illustrated in Figure 11, the controller 30 may preferentially direct the fan cleaner 24 obliquely downward so that the tip of the fan cleaner 24 can be positioned downward. Thus, the air conditioner 100 can make the fan cleaner 24 work as a conduit for spray water, so that in generating spray water, spray water can flow from the tip side. of the fan cleaner 24 towards a part of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (for example, its lower part) or towards the dew receiving tray 18.

By making the fan cleaner 24 function as a conduit for spray water, the air conditioner 100 thus configured allows dust attached to the fan cleaner 24 to fall together with spray water. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can wash the fan cleaner 24 effectively.

(11) Preferably, the frequency of cleaning the fan cleaner 24 by bringing the fan cleaner 24 in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 is less than the frequency of cleaning the indoor fan (blow air fan) 16 with the cleaner. 24 fan.

The air conditioner 100 thus configured can reduce the frequency of generating spray water (condensed water) to clean the fan cleaner 24 . Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can reduce the power consumption.

(12) As illustrated in Fig. 8, if the heating operation is to be performed in Step S170, the controller 30 preferably performs an operation control to stop the rotation of the indoor fan 16 (air fan) in Step S160.

The air conditioner 100 configured in this way performs the heating operation in Step S170 with the rotation of the indoor fan 16 stopped, and thus prevents the air which has exchanged heat from being discharged indoors, so as to keep the room comfortable.

(13) As illustrated in Fig. 13, the controller 30 can preferentially change the timing of cleaning the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) according to the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan). .

The air conditioner 100 thus configured can automatically switch the cleaning monument of the indoor fan 16 (air fan), and thus can improve the cleaning efficiency of the indoor fan 16 (air fan).

(14) As illustrated in Fig. 14, the controller 30 can preferably change the timing of cleaning the brush 24b (cleaning member) in accordance with the operating time of the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan).

The air conditioner 100 thus configured can automatically change the timing of cleaning the brush 24b (cleaning member), and thus can improve the cleaning efficiency of the brush 24b (cleaning member).

In addition, for example, since the brush 24b is less likely to be dirty as compared with the indoor fan 16, the air conditioner 100 thus configured can set the time for cleaning the brush 24b in such a way that the frequency of cleaning of the brush 24b by contacting the brush 24b with the indoor heat exchanger 15 is less than the frequency of cleaning the indoor fan 16 with the fan cleaner 24. Thus, the air conditioner 100 can set a favorable value as the cleaning frequency of the brush 24b by contacting the brush 24b with the indoor heat exchanger 15.

(15) By performing the contact control to introduce the brush 24b into the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see Step S110 in Figure 8), the controller 30 can move the dust attached to the brush 24b from the brush 24b to the indoor heat exchanger. fifteen.

The air conditioner 100 thus configured can move the dust attached to the brush 24b from the brush 24b to the indoor heat exchanger 15 by rubbing the dust against the indoor heat exchanger 15, and thus can effectively remove dust from the brush 24b.

In addition, the air conditioner 100 allows the dust moved to the indoor heat exchanger 15 to drip together with the spray water running in the indoor heat exchanger 15, and therefore the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

In addition, since the indoor heat exchanger 15 is usually grounded, the air conditioner 100 can achieve a neutralization effect for the brush 24b (that is, the effect of neutralizing the brush 24b so that it is difficult for dust to settle). adhere to brush 24b). As a result, the air conditioner 100 can make dust less likely to adhere to the brush 24b and keep the brush 24b clean more easily.

(16) By rotating and moving the brush 24b after performing the operation control to connect the spray water to the brush 24b, the controller 30 pivots the brush 24b along a lower semicircle of the shaft part 24a of the cleaner 24 fan.

The air conditioner 100 configured in this way can help prevent dew water adhering to the brush 24b from flowing from the tip side to the shaft 24a side of the brush 24b, collecting on the shaft portion 24a, and dripping from the shaft part 24a as a big drop. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can reduce the scattering of spray water.

As described above, the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment can wash the fan cleaner 24 effectively.

"Modifications"

Although the air conditioner 100 according to the present invention has been described above using the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to what has been described above, and can be modified in various ways.

<First modification>

Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning process of the fan cleaner 24 of an air conditioner according to a first modification.

In the first modification, the cleaning process of the fan cleaner 24 illustrated in Figure 15 is performed at any time. For example, when the process in the flowchart in Figure 8 (or Figure 9) is performed at the desired time, the air conditioner according to the first modification can perform the process in the flowchart illustrated in Figure 15 instead of the process in the flowchart in Figure 8 (or Figure 9) once every several times. As an alternative, the air conditioner according to the first modification may perform the process in the flow chart illustrated in Figure 15 instead of the process in the flow chart in Figure 8 (or Figure 9) each time.

In the example of Figure 15, the controller 30 determines whether it is time to clean the fan cleaner 24 (Step S1010). When it is determined in Step S1010 that the cleaning time has not arrived ("No"), the process ends. When it is determined that the cleaning time has arrived ("Yes"), the process proceeds to Step S1020. In this case, the controller 30 rotates the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) in the reverse direction of the rotation direction during the air conditioning operation (Step S1020). Next, the controller 30 pivots the fan cleaner 24 a plurality of times within a range including an angle at which the fan cleaner 24 contacts the indoor heat fan 15 (Step S1030). With this, the process ends.

By bringing the fan cleaner 24 into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 several times, the air conditioner according to the first modification thus configured can rub the fan cleaner 24 against the indoor heat exchanger 15 and scrape off adhering dust. to fan cleaner 24. In addition, after the indoor heat exchanger 15 is grounded, the air conditioner 100 according to the first modification can achieve a neutralization effect for the brush 24b (that is, the effect of neutralizing the brush 24b so that it it is difficult for the dust to adhere to the brush 24b). As a result of the air conditioner 100 according to the first modification, dust is less likely to adhere to the brush 24b, and it can more easily keep the brush 24b clean. In addition, the air conditioner 100 according to the first modification does not generate dew water and can reduce power consumption, as compared with the case of carrying out the process in the flowchart of Figure 8 (or Figure 9).

In the first modification, in the rotating operation of the fan cleaner 24, the indoor fan 16 (air blowing fan) rotates in the reverse direction of the rotating direction during the air conditioning operation (see Step S1020). The air conditioner according to the first modification can thus prevent dust from flying into the indoor unit Ui and being discharged indoors through the air discharge hole h4.

<Second modification>

Fig. 16A is a side view of the indoor heat exchanger 15 of an air conditioner according to a second modification. Fig. 16B is an inside view of the indoor heat exchanger 15 of the air conditioner according to the second modification.

As illustrated in Fig. 16A, in the air conditioner according to the second modification, the fins f of the indoor heat exchanger 15 are provided with slits sl. As illustrated in Figure 16A, each slot sl is preferably provided at a location with which the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 comes into contact when the fan cleaner 24 is pivoted. In the example illustrated in Figure 16B, the groove sl is formed when the inner surface part of the fin f is bent alternately from one surface side and the other surface side over a width of several millimeters.

In some cases, the space between the fins f of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (fin pitch) may be wider than the thickness of the bristles of the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24. Even in such a case, the air conditioner according to the second modification can bring the brush 24b into contact with the fins f of the indoor heat exchanger 15 effectively. Thus, the air conditioner according to the second modification can wash the fan cleaner 24 effectively.

<Third Modification>

Fig. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of an indoor unit UAi of an air conditioner according to a third modification.

In the third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 17, a groove member M having a recessed shape in longitudinal section is arranged below the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. Furthermore, a rib 28 extending upwardly from the bottom surface of the groove member M is provided in the groove member M. Note that other points are the same as in the embodiment.

In the slot member M illustrated in Fig. 17, a portion on the front side of the edge 28 functions as a spray receiver 18A that receives spray water from the indoor heat exchanger 15. Furthermore, in the slot member M, a portion at the rear of the rib 28 functions as a dust catcher 29 that receives dust falling from the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16. The dust catcher 29 is arranged below the indoor heat exchanger 15.

In addition, below the fan cleaner 24, there are the indoor heat exchanger 15 (a lower part of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a) and the dust collector 29. To be more specific, although not shown, both the fan cleaner The indoor heat 15 and the dust receiver 29 are located below a contact position where the fan cleaner 24 contacts the indoor fan 16. Such a configuration also produces advantageous effects similar to those produced by the above-described embodiment.

It should be noted that during the defrosting of the indoor heat exchanger 15, water falls not only into the spray receiver 18A, but also into the dust receiver 29. Thus, the dust that accumulates in the dust receiver 29 can be downloaded without any problem.

Furthermore, although the upper edge of the rib 28 is not in contact with the front indoor heat exchanger 15a in the example illustrated in Figure 17, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, the upper edge of the rib 28 may be in contact with the front indoor heat exchanger 15a.

<Fourth Modification>

Figure Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of the indoor fan 16 and a fan cleaner 124A in an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18, the fan cleaner 124A includes a rod-shaped shaft part 124d parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16, a brush 124e arranged on the shaft part 124d, and a pair of support parts 124f, 124f arranged at the respective ends of the shaft part 124d. The fan cleaner 124A also includes a movement mechanism for moving the fan cleaner 124A axially and the like, although Figure 18 does not show the mechanism.

As illustrated in Fig. 18, the length of the fan cleaner 124A in a direction parallel to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the indoor fan 16 is shorter than the axial length of the indoor fan 16. It should be noted that the The axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the indoor fan 16 is the lateral direction as seen from the front of the indoor unit Ui. Then, during cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the fan cleaner 124A moves in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the indoor fan 16. In other words, the indoor fan 16 is cleaned in its predetermined area corresponding to the length of the cleaner. 124A in a sequential time in the axial direction of the indoor fan 16. When the relatively short fan cleaner 124A is thus configured to move, the manufacturing costs of the air conditioner can be reduced in comparison with the first embodiment.

Note that a bar (not shown) extending parallel to the shaft portion 124d may be provided near (eg, above) the fan cleaner 124A, and a predetermined movement mechanism (not shown) may move the fan cleaner 124A. fan along this bar. In addition, after the fan cleaner 124A cleans the indoor fan 16, the movable mechanism (not shown) can rotate or translate the fan cleaner 124A appropriately to remove the fan cleaner 124A from the indoor fan 16.

In addition, in the described embodiment, to clean the indoor fan 16, the controller 30 brings the fan cleaner 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16 and rotates the indoor fan 16 in the reverse direction to the direction of rotation during normal operation. of the air conditioner (reverse rotation). However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, the controller 30 can bring the fan cleaner 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16 and rotate the indoor fan 16 in the same direction as the direction of rotation during normal operation of the air conditioner (rotation in the normal direction). .

When the indoor fan 16 rotates in the normal direction with the brush 24b in contact with the indoor fan 16, dust adhering near the front edges of the faces of the fan blades 16a can be effectively removed. Furthermore, since a circuit element for rotating the indoor fan 16 in the reverse direction is unnecessary, the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner 100 can be reduced. It is to be noted that during cleaning, the indoor fan 16 can be rotated in the normal direction at a rotational speed in any of a low speed range, a medium speed range, and a high speed range, as in the realization.

Furthermore, although the embodiment describes a configuration for rotating the brush 24b around the shaft portion 24a of the fan cleaner 24, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, to clean the indoor fan 16, the controller 30 may move the shaft portion 24a toward the indoor fan 16 to bring the brush 24b into contact with the indoor fan 16. Then, after cleaning the indoor fan 16, the The controller 30 can remove the shaft portion 24a by pulling the brush 24b out of contact with the indoor fan 16.

Furthermore, although the embodiment describes a configuration in which the fan cleaner 24 includes the brush 24b, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, as long as it is a member that can clean the indoor fan 16, a sponge or the like can be used.

Furthermore, although the embodiment describes a configuration in which a region of the indoor heat exchanger 15 located below the fan cleaner 24 is not in the downstream region in the flow of a refrigerant, the present invention is not limited to a configuration of this type. For example, the following configuration can be used. Specifically, in the indoor heat exchanger 15, a region higher than the fan cleaner 24 cannot be in the downstream region (but in the upstream or intermediate region) in the flow of a refrigerant flowing through the exchanger. indoor heat exchanger 15. To be more specific, in the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, a region which is located downstream in the airflow during normal operation of the air conditioner and is higher than the fan cleaner 24 preferably it is not in the downstream region in the flow of a refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 15. With such a configuration, when the indoor heat exchanger 15 freezes, a thick frost adheres to the region where the front indoor heat exchanger 15a which is located downstream in the airflow during normal operation of the air conditioner (the right side of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a as seen in Figure 2) and is higher than the fan cleaner 24. Then, when the indoor heat exchanger 15 is defrosted afterwards, a large amount of water runs down the fins f. As a result, dust adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 (including dust removed from the indoor fan 16) can be washed in the dew receiving tray 18.

Furthermore, although the embodiment describes a configuration in which while cleaning the indoor fan 16, the controller 30 maintains the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 in contact with the indoor fan 16, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. guy. In other words, while cleaning the indoor fan 16, the controller 30 can keep the brush 24b of the fan cleaner 24 close to the indoor fan 16. To be more specific, the controller 30 brings the brush 24b close to the indoor fan 16 in a degree such as to be able to eliminate accumulation of dust on the leading edges of the fan blades 16a and increasing radially outward from the leading edges. Such a configuration can also remove dust that accumulates on the indoor fan 16 in a proper manner.

Furthermore, although the embodiment describes a process for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 15 by subjecting the indoor heat exchanger 15 to freezing and the like, the present invention is not limited to such a process. For example, condensation may occur in the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be washed with the spray water (condensed water). For example, the controller 30 calculates an indoor air dew point based on the indoor air temperature and relative humidity. Next, the controller 30 controls how much the expansion valve 14 is opened and the like, so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be equal to or less than the dew point and greater than a predetermined freezing temperature.

The "freezing temperature" is a temperature at which the water contained in the indoor air starts to freeze in the indoor heat exchanger 15 when the indoor air temperature is lowered. Thus, when condensation occurs in the indoor heat exchanger 15, dew water (condensed water) can be used to wash dust from the indoor heat exchanger 15.

In addition, the controller 30 can perform a cooling or dehumidifying operation to cause condensation in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and wash the indoor heat exchanger 15 with spray water (condensed water).

Furthermore, although the embodiment (see Figure 2) describes a configuration in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 and mist receiving tray 18 are located below the fan cleaner 24, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. guy. Specifically, the present invention may employ a configuration in which at least one of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the mist receiving tray 18 is located below the fan cleaner 24 . For example, the mist receiving tray 18 can be located (immediately) below the fan cleaner 24 in a configuration in which a lower part of the indoor heat exchanger 15 having the shape of the symbol "<" in longitudinal section it extends vertically.

Although the third modification illustrated in Figure 17 describes a configuration in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 and dust collector 29 are located below the fan cleaner 24, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, the present invention can employ a configuration in which at least one of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dust collector 29 is located below the fan cleaner 24.

Furthermore, although the embodiment describes a configuration in which an indoor unit Ui (see Figure 1) and an outdoor unit Uo (see Figure 1) are provided, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, a plurality of parallel-connected indoor units can be provided, or a plurality of parallel-connected outdoor units can be provided.

Furthermore, although the embodiment describes the wall-mounted air conditioner 100, the present invention can be applied applicable to air conditioners of other types.

In addition, the embodiment assumes that the air conditioner 100 has a function of executing freezing and defrosting operation of the indoor heat exchanger 15. However, the present invention is applicable to the air conditioner 100 without the function of executing freezing operation. freezing and thawing of indoor heat exchanger 15.

The embodiment is described in detail to clearly describe the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to include all described configurations. In addition, some configurations of the embodiments may have a configuration added, removed or replaced.

On the other hand, the mechanisms and configurations described above are those that are necessary to illustrate the present invention, and all the mechanisms and configurations necessary as a product may not necessarily be described.

Furthermore, the present invention is applicable not only to the indoor unit Ui, but also to the outdoor unit Uo.

List of reference signs

100 air conditioner

11 compressor

12 outdoor heat exchanger

13 outdoor fan

14 expansion valve

15 indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

15a front indoor heat exchanger

15b rear indoor heat exchanger

16 indoor fan (air blowing fan)

17 four-way valve

18 dew receiving tray

22 side air deflector

23 vertical air baffle (air baffle)

24, 124A fan cleaner

24a, 124d shaft part

24b, 124e brush (cleaning member)

124f support part

28 rib

29 dust catcher

30 controller

K contact position

Q refrigerant circuit

r recess portion

Claims (16)

1. A method of cleaning a fan of an air conditioner (100), wherein the air conditioner (100) comprises: a heat exchanger (15); a refrigerant; a fan (16); a fan cleaner (24, 124A) that cleans the fan; and a controller (30) configured to control at least the heat exchanger (15), the fan (16) and the fan cleaner (24, 124A); characterized in that the cleaning method is carried out by the controller by executing the following steps: • circulate the refrigerant through the heat exchanger (15) in a refrigeration cycle until dew water is generated; • bringing the fan cleaner (24, 124A) into contact with any of the fan (16) and the heat exchanger (15) selectively, simultaneously or after the heat exchanger (15) generates spray water. . A method of cleaning an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: perform a drying operation after the refrigeration cycle generates dew water in the heat exchanger (15) by the heat exchanger (15), which is configured as a condenser or as a fan to carry out the operation drying. A method of cleaning an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises: configuring the heat exchanger (15) as a condenser during the drying operation, and bringing the fan cleaner (24, 124A) in contact with the heat exchanger (15). A method of cleaning an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises: configure the heat exchanger (15) as a condenser during the drying operation, and perform at least one action selected from: closing an air baffle (23), orienting the air baffle (23) horizontally, orienting the air baffle (23) air (23) more up than horizontally and stop the fan (16). An air conditioner fan (100) cleaning method according to claim 3, wherein the heat exchanger (15) has heat exchanger tubes and fins, characterized by further comprising, when performs the drying operation, bring the cleaner (24, 124A) of the fan in contact with the fins of the heat exchanger (15) that are in contact with the tubes of the heat exchanger in which the refrigerant in a gaseous state or a two-phase state flows. Cleaning method of an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises, when the heat exchanger (15) is configured as a condenser during the drying operation, aiming the cleaner (24, 124A) from the fan to the heat exchanger (15). 7. Cleaning method of an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: keep the fan cleaner (24, 124A) out of contact with the heat exchanger (15) during heating operation, cooling operation or dehumidifying operation. An air conditioner fan (100) cleaning method according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: configuring the fan cleaner (24, 124A) to pivot about a portion of an axis (24a, 124d) thereof, such that the fan cleaner (24, 124A) is oriented in a horizontal direction or within a interval of a predetermined angle from the horizontal direction during heating operation, cooling operation or dehumidifying operation. A method of cleaning an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: configuring the fan cleaner (24, 124A) to rotate about an axis portion (24a, 124d) thereof, such that the fan cleaner (24, 124A) is oriented parallel to the airflow during operation heating, cooling operation or dehumidifying operation. A method of cleaning an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 1, wherein part of the heat exchanger (15) or a dew receiving tray (18) is located below the fan cleaner (24, 124A); and, characterized in that it further comprises, during the generation of spray water, orienting the fan cleaner (24, 124A) obliquely downwards, so that the tip of the fan cleaner (24, 124A) is downwards. 11. Cleaning method of an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: set a frequency of cleaning the fan cleaner (24, 124A) by bringing the fan cleaner (24, 124A) in contact with the heat exchanger (15) less than a frequency of cleaning the fan (16) with the cleaner (24 , 124A) from the fan. 12. Cleaning method of an air conditioner fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: pivoting the cleaner (24, 124A) of the fan (16) several times within a range containing an angle in which the cleaner (24, 124A) of the fan (16) contacts the heat exchanger (15) . An air conditioner fan (100) cleaning method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises, while the fan cleaner (24, 124A) pivots, rotating the fan (16) in one direction reverse to a direction in which the fan (16) is rotated during the air conditioning operation. An air conditioner fan (100) cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the fan cleaner (24, 124A) comprises a bristle brush (24b, 124e) and the heat exchanger (15) comprises fins, which have a pitch wider than a thickness of the bristles of the brush (24b, 124e), and the fins of the heat exchanger (15) are provided with a slit; characterized in that it additionally comprises: pivoting the cleaner (24, 124A) of the fan (16) several times within a range containing an angle in which the cleaner (24, 124A) of the fan (16) contacts the heat exchanger (15) . An air conditioner fan (100) cleaning method according to claim 1 or 12, wherein the fan cleaner (24, 124A) has a structure in which a cleaning member (24b, 124e) pivots on a shaft portion (24a, 124d), characterized in that it further comprises, after causing the refrigeration cycle to generate dew water in the heat exchanger (15), pivoting the cleaning member (24b, 124e) ) along a lower semicircle of the shaft part (24a, 124d). An air conditioner fan (100) cleaning method according to claim 1 or 12, wherein the fan cleaner (24, 124A) has a cleaning member (24b, 124e) that is more short than the fan (16) in a longitudinal direction of the fan (16); characterized in that it further comprises moving the cleaning member (24b, 124e) in the longitudinal direction of the fan (16).