ES2731249A1 - AIR CONDITIONER - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner (100) equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (15), an indoor fan (16), a fan cleaning unit (24) which cleans the indoor fan (16) by using a brush (24b), and a control unit (30) for contacting the fan cleaning unit (24) to the indoor fan (16), wherein the control unit (30) has a brush angle changing means (31b1) for changing the angle of the brush which contacts the indoor fan (16).

Description

DESCRIPTION

AIR CONDITIONER

Technical sector of the invention

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background of the invention

As a technique for cleaning an indoor fan (a fan) of an air conditioner, patent document 1 describes a technique that involves "a fan cleaning device for removing dust in a fan", for example. Meanwhile, Figure 1 of patent document 1 describes a configuration in which the fan cleaning device is installed near an indoor fan vent.

Appointment List

Patent Bibliography

Patent Bibliography 1: Japanese Patent No. 4046755

Description of the invention

Technical problem:

In accordance with the technique described in Figure 1, a fan cleaning unit is in contact with the fan before the fan starts rotating. For this reason, a load is applied to the fan cleaning unit when the fan starts rotating and the fan cleaning unit is prone to deterioration. In this case, deterioration of the fan cleaning unit causes problems such as the difficulty of cleaning the fan sufficiently.

Given the situation, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of properly cleaning the fan, considering the deterioration of the brush and the silence of the cleaning fan.

Solution to the problem:

To solve the aforementioned problems, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes an indoor heat exchanger, a blast fan, a fan cleaning unit for cleaning the blast fan with a brush and a control unit for rotate the brush at a predetermined angle to contact the brush with the burst fan. Here, the control unit includes means for changing the angle of the brush to change the predetermined angle. Other aspects of the present invention will be described in the following embodiment.

Advantageous effects of the invention:

In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to carry out the cleaning of the fan correctly, considering the deterioration of the brush and the silence of the cleaning fan.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant circuit in an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a half section configuration of an indoor unit provided to the air conditioner according to the embodiment.

Figure 3 is a perspective view in partial section of the indoor unit provided to the air conditioner according to the embodiment.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow near a fan cleaning unit in the air conditioner according to the embodiment during an air conditioning operation.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an air conditioner control function according to the embodiment.

Figure 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an angle changed from a brush by means of brush angle change, illustrating a case in which the brush is oriented downwards relative to a brush reference line.

Figure 6B is an explanatory diagram showing an angle changed by the brush by the means for changing the angle of the brush, which illustrates a case in which the brush is oriented upwards relative to the reference line of the brush.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the external appearance of a remote controller for the air conditioner according to the embodiment.

Figure 8A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display in a fan cleaning mode, illustrating a case of brush angle adjustment.

Figure 8B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display in the fan cleaning mode, illustrating a case of adjustment of a period of cleaning time.

Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the control processing to be executed by an air conditioner control unit according to the embodiment.

Figure 10A is an explanatory diagram showing the air conditioner according to the embodiment in a state during the cleaning of an interior fan thereof.

Figure 10B is an explanatory diagram showing the air conditioner according to the embodiment in a state during defrosting of an internal heat exchanger thereof.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing the cleaning process of the fan that the air conditioner control unit must execute according to the embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the contact and separation periods of the fan cleaning unit with and of the indoor fan during fan cleaning according to the embodiment.

Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the indoor fan and a fan cleaning unit provided with an air conditioner according to another modified example of the present invention.

Description of the realizations

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail herein. document with reference to the drawings appropriately.

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant circuit Q in an air conditioner 100 in accordance with one embodiment. The continuous line arrows in figure 1 represent the flow of a refrigerant at the time of a heating operation. The dashed arrows in Figure 1 represent a flow of refrigerant at the time of a cooling operation. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 11, an external heat exchanger 12, an external fan 13 and an expansion valve 14. In addition to the constituents mentioned above, the air conditioner 100 includes a indoor heat exchanger (a heat exchanger) 15, an indoor fan (a burst fan) 16 and a four-way valve 17.

The compressor 11 is a device configured to compress a low pressure gas refrigerant at low temperature by driving a compressor motor 11a, and thus emit a high pressure gas refrigerant at high temperature. The external heat exchanger 12 is a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant that passes through its heat transfer tubes (not shown) and the outside air sent from the external fan 13.

The outside fan 13 is a fan configured to send the outside air to the outside heat exchanger 12 by driving an outside fan motor 13a, and is installed near the outside heat exchanger 12. The expansion valve 14 is a valve configured to decompress the refrigerant condensed with a "condenser" (which is the external heat exchanger 12 in the case of the cooling operation or the internal heat exchanger 15 in the case of the heating operation). In this case, the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 14 is directed towards an "evaporator" (which is the internal heat exchanger 15 in the case of the cooling operation or the external heat exchanger 12 in the case of the operation heating).

The indoor heat exchanger 15 is a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant that passes through its heat transfer tubes g (see Figure 2) and the indoor air (air within a target space of the air conditioner). air) sent from the indoor fan 16. The indoor fan 16 is a fan configured to send the indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 15 by driving an indoor fan motor 16m (see Figure 5), and is installed near the heat exchanger interior heat 15.

The four-way valve 17 is a valve configured to change a refrigerant flow channel depending on the mode of operation of the air conditioner 100. At the time of the cooling operation (see the arrows on the dashed line in Figure 1) , for example, the refrigerant circulates in a refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit Q formed by sequentially connecting the compressor 11, the external heat exchanger 12 (the condenser), the expansion valve 14 and the internal heat exchanger 15 ( the evaporator) annularly through the four-way valve 17.

On the other hand, at the time of the heating operation (see the arrows in a continuous line in Figure 1), the refrigerant circulates in a refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit Q formed by sequentially connecting the compressor 11, the heat exchanger internal heat 15 (the condenser), the expansion valve 14 and the external heat exchanger 12 (the evaporator) in an annular shape through the four-way valve 17.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the compressor 11, the external heat exchanger 12, the external fan 13, the expansion valve 14 and the four-way valve 17 are installed in an outdoor unit Uo. On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 are installed in an indoor unit Ui.

Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a half section configuration of the indoor unit Ui provided to the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. In addition to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 mentioned above, the indoor unit Ui includes a dew receiving tray 18, a housing base 19, filters 20a and 20b, a front face panel 21, a horizontal ventilation deflector 22, a vertical ventilation deflector 23, and a fan cleaning unit 24. It should be noted that Figure 2 illustrates a state in which the fan cleaning unit 24 is not cleaning the indoor fan 16.

The internal heat exchanger 15 includes fins f and the heat transfer tubes g penetrating the fins f. Meanwhile, from another point of view, the internal heat exchanger 15 includes an internal heat exchanger on the front side 15a and an internal heat exchanger on the rear side 15b. The inner heat exchanger on the front side 15a is arranged in front of the inner fan 16. On the other hand, the inner heat exchanger on the back side 15b is arranged behind the inner fan 16. In addition, a portion of upper end of the front side internal heat exchanger 15a is connected to an upper end portion of the side indoor heat exchanger 15b.

The dew receiver tray 18 is configured to receive condensed water in the interior heat exchanger 15, and is arranged below the interior heat exchanger 15 (which is the internal heat exchanger on the front side 15 in the example shown in Figure 2 ).

The inner fan 16 is a cylindrical transverse flow fan, for example, which is disposed near the inner heat exchanger 15. The inner fan 16 includes the fan blades 16a, the partition plates 16b on which these blades of the fan 16a and the indoor fan motor 16m (see figure 5) that serves as the drive source.

Here, the indoor fan 16 is preferably coated with a hydrophilic coating agent. As the coating agent mentioned above, an agent prepared by the addition of a binder (a silicon compound having a hydrolytic group), butanol, tetrahydrofuran and an antimicrobial agent can be used to a silica gel dispersed with isopropyl alcohol which is a hydrophilic material, for example.

Accordingly, a hydrophilic coating is formed on a surface of the inner fan 16, whereby the value of electrical resistance on the surface of the inner fan 16 is reduced and the powders are less likely to adhere to the inner fan 16. In other words , static electricity associated with friction with air is less likely to occur on the surface of the indoor fan 16 while the indoor fan 16 is in operation, so that the adhesion of the powders to the indoor fan 16 can be reduced. Thus, the coating agent described above also functions as an antistatic agent for the indoor fan 16.

The housing base 19 shown in Figure 2 is a housing in which devices are installed including the internal heat exchanger 15, the internal fan 16 and the like. The filter 20a is configured to remove air dusts in the direction of an air intake port h1 on the front side, and is installed in front of the internal heat exchanger 15. The filter 20b is configured to remove air dusts in the direction to an air intake port h2 on an upper side, and is installed above the internal heat exchanger 15.

The front face panel 21 is a panel that will be installed in such a way that it covers the filter 20a on the front side, and is rotated forward on its lower end. Here, it is possible to prevent the front panel 21 from rotating.

The horizontal ventilation deflector 22 is a plate element configured to adjust the flow in a horizontal direction of the air blowing in a room together with the rotation of the inner fan 16. The horizontal ventilation deflector 22 is arranged in a blowing channel of air h3 and is rotated in the horizontal direction by a horizontal ventilation bypass motor 25 (see Figure 5). The vertical ventilation deflector 23 is a plate element configured to adjust the flow in a vertical direction of the air blowing in the room together with the rotation of the inner fan 16. The vertical ventilation deflector 23 is arranged near an air vent h4 and can be rotated in the vertical direction by a vertical ventilation bypass motor 26 (see Figure 5).

The air that enters through the air inlet ports h1 and h2 is subjected to heat exchange with the refrigerant that passes through the heat transfer tubes g of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the air after having suffered heat exchange is directed towards the air blowing channel h3. The air passing through the air blowing channel h3 is guided in a predetermined direction by the horizontal ventilation deflector 22 and the vertical ventilation deflector 23, and is introduced into the room through the air ventilation h4.

Here, most of the powders that are directed to the air inlet ports h1 and h2 together with the air flow are collected by filters 20a and 20b. However, small dusts can pass through filters 20a and 20b and adhere to the internal heat exchanger 15 or to the internal fan 16. Therefore, it is desirable to clean the internal heat exchanger 15 or the internal fan 16 regularly. For this reason, in this embodiment, the indoor fan 16 is cleaned using the fan cleaning unit 24 described below, and then the indoor heat exchanger 15 is rinsed with water.

The fan cleaning unit 24 shown 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 precise, the fan cleaning unit 24 is arranged in a hollow of the internal heat exchanger 15a of the front side which has an L-shape when viewed in a vertical cross-section. In the example shown in Figure 2, the Inner heat exchanger 15 (a lower part of the inner heat exchanger on the front side 15a) is present under the fan cleaning unit 24 and the dew receiving tray 18 is also present there. The fan cleaning unit 24 is partially formed of nylon, for example.

Figure 3 is a perspective view in partial section of the indoor unit provided to the air conditioner 100 in accordance with the embodiment. In addition to a spindle 24a and a brush 24b shown in Figure 3, the fan cleaning unit 24 includes a fan cleaning motor 24m (see Figure 5). The spindle 24a is a rod-shaped element that extends parallel to an axial direction of the inner fan 16, and its two ends are pivotally supported.

Brush 24b is configured to remove dusts that adhere to fan blade 16a, and is installed in spindle 24a. The fan cleaning motor 24m (see figure 5) is a stepper motor, for example, which has a function to turn the spindle 24a only at a predetermined angle.

When the indoor fan 16 is cleaned with the fan cleaning unit 24, the fan cleaning motor 24m (see Figure 5) is driven while the indoor fan 16 rotates back so that the brush 24b comes into contact with the indoor fan 16 (see figure 10A). Then, when the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 with the fan cleaning unit 24 is completed, the fan cleaning motor 24m is driven again to rotate the brush 24b, whereby the brush 24b separates from the indoor fan 16 (see Figure 2).

In this embodiment, a front end of the brush 24b faces the inner heat exchanger 15 as shown in Figure 2 when the inner fan 16 is not being cleaned. Specifically, when the indoor fan 16 is not being cleaned (as well as during the normal operation of the air conditioner), the brush 24b is oriented in a lateral (substantially horizontal) direction and is separated from the inner fan 16. One reason why The fan cleaning unit 24 is located as described above, will be described with reference to Figure 4.

Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow near the fan cleaning unit 24 in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment during the air conditioning operation. The directions of the arrows shown in Figure 4 indicate the directions of the air flow. Meanwhile, one length of each arrow It represents an air flow rate.

At the time of the usual air conditioner operation, the inner fan 16 rotates forward and the air passing through the spaces between the fins f of the inner heat exchanger on the front side 15a is directed to the inner fan 16. In In particular, near the recess r of the inner heat exchanger on the front side 15a, the air flows in the lateral direction (substantially the horizontal direction) towards the inner fan 16 as shown in Figure 4.

As mentioned above, the fan cleaning unit 24 is arranged in this recess in the state where the brush 24b is oriented in the lateral direction. In other words, at the time of the usual air conditioner operation, the orientation of the brush 24b is parallel to the direction of the air flow. Since the extension direction of the brush 24b and the direction of the air flow are substantially parallel to each other as described above, the fan cleaning unit 24 barely blocks the air flow.

Meanwhile, the fan cleaning unit 24 is not located in an intermediate place or downstream of the air flow (near the air outlet h4 shown in Figure 2) in the case of rotating the inner fan 16 towards ahead, but is located in a place upstream of it. In addition, the air that passes in the lateral direction along the brush 24b is accelerated by the fan blades 16a and the accelerated air is directed towards the air outlet h4 (see Figure 2). As described above, since the fan cleaning unit 24 is located at the upstream site where the air flows relatively at a lower speed, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the volume of air flow attributable to the cleaning unit of fan 24. Here, the fan cleaning unit 24 can be retained in the same state as shown in Figure 4 when the indoor fan 16 is stopped.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a control function of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. In addition to the configuration described above, the indoor unit Ui shown in Figure 5 includes a remote control transmission-reception unit 27 and an internal control circuit 31. The remote control transmission-reception unit 27 exchanges prescribed information with a remote controller 40 (an air conditioner control terminal, see figure 7). The internal control circuit 31 includes electrical circuits such as a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (memory of read only), a RAM (random access memory) and various interfaces, although these electronic circuits are not represented. In addition, programs stored in ROM are read and developed in RAM, and the CPU executes a variety of processes.

As shown in Figure 5, the internal control circuit 31 includes a storage unit 31a and an internal control unit 31b. In addition to the prescribed programs, the data received through the remote control transmission-reception unit 27 and the values detected by various sensors (not shown) are stored in the storage unit 31a. Based on the data stored in the storage unit 31a, the indoor control unit 31b controls the fan cleaning motor 24m, the indoor fan motor 16m, the horizontal ventilation baffle motor 25, the vertical ventilation baffle motor 26, and the like

In addition to the function mentioned above for controlling the motors and the like, the indoor control unit 31b has a function to bring the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16. The indoor control unit 31b also includes: brush angle change 31b1 (a brush angle adjustment mode) having a function to automatically change an angle of the brush 24b in contact with the inner fan 16 (see step S202 in Figure 11, for example), for show the angle of the brush 24b on the remote control 40, and change the angle of the brush according to an instruction of the remote control 40; and the means for changing the cleaning period 31b2 (a mode for adjusting the cleaning period) having a function to automatically change a cleaning period for the indoor fan 16, to show the cleaning period for the indoor fan 16 in the remote control 40, and to change the cleaning period for the indoor fan 16 according to the instructions of the remote control 40.

The storage unit 31a stores the number of times of operations and / or an accumulated period of operating time of the air conditioner 100. The indoor control unit 31b changes the angle of the brush 24b or the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 in depending on the number of times of operations and / or the accumulated period of operation time.

In addition to the configuration mentioned above, the outdoor unit Uo includes an external control circuit 32. The external control circuit 32 includes electrical circuits such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and various interfaces, although these electronic circuits are not illustrated. The external control circuit 32 is connected to the internal control circuit 31 a Through a line of communication. As shown in Figure 5, the external control circuit 32 includes a storage unit 32a and an external control unit 32b.

In addition to the prescribed programs, the data received from the internal control circuit 31 and the like are stored in the storage unit 32a. Based on the data stored in the storage unit 32a, the external control unit 32b controls the compressor motor 11a, the external fan motor 13a, the expansion valve 14 and the like. Next, the internal control circuit 31 and the external control circuit 32 will be collectively referred to as "control unit 30".

Fig. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an angle changed from the brush 24b by the angle change means of the brush 31b1, illustrating a case in which the brush 24b is oriented downwards relative to a reference line of the brush BL . Figure 6B is an explanatory diagram showing an angle changed from the brush 24b by the means for changing the angle of the brush 31b1, which illustrates a case in which the brush 24b is oriented upwards relative to the reference line of the brush. The reference line of the BL brush is defined in each of Figures 6A and 6B by connecting the center 24c of the rotation axis of the fan cleaning unit 24 to the center 16c of the rotation axis of the inner fan 16. Here, an angle formed between the reference line of the BL brush and the brush 24b while the center 24c is used as a vertex, it will be defined as a.

In the case of Fig. 6A, the brush 24b exhibits an angle close to an initial angle and is oriented downwards (for example in degrees) with respect to the reference line of the BL brush. Meanwhile, Figure 6B shows a case in which it is assumed that the brush 24b is damaged and is oriented upwards (for example -a degrees) with respect to the reference line of the brush. In the event that the inner fan 16 rotates backwards, the angle change means of the brush 31b1 can start from the state illustrated in Figure 6A and change the angle of the brush 24b each time by an amount a in the direction of the brush 24b shown in Figure 6B according to a tendency to deteriorate the brush 24b. On the other hand, when the inner fan 16 is of a type that must be rotated forward when cleaning the fan, the angle change means of the brush 31b1 can start from the state illustrated in Figure 6B and change the angle of the brush 24b each time by the amount Aa in the direction of the brush 24b shown in Figure 6A according to the tendency to deteriorate the brush 24b. The change in the angle of the brush 24b can be carried out before the rotation of the inner fan 16 or during the rotation of the inner fan 16.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the external appearance of the remote controller 40 for the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the remote control 40 (the air conditioner control terminal) includes a screen section 41, a cooling button 42, a heating button 43, a stop button 44, a key up - down 45 (a / - key), a function button 46, a setting button 47, and so on. The remote control 40 is manipulated by a user and is configured to transmit infrared signals to the remote control transmission-reception unit 27 (see Figure 5) of the indoor unit Ui. The details of the signals include various instructions concerning an operation request, a change in the setting temperature, a timer, a change in the operating mode, a stop request, etc. Based on these signals, the AC air conditioner can conduct at least cooling, heating, dehumidification and the like in the room, and may also include other air conditioner functions such as air cleaning. In other words, the AC air conditioner can adjust the room air to various conditions. The current status of the operation is shown in screen section 41.

As for the various functions, the function button 46 is pressed and then the configuration button 47 is pressed after selecting a function (such as a fan cleaning mode) shown in the screen section 41 using the up-down key 45. Then, the configuration detail is changed with the up-down key 45. To be more precise, the angle of the brush 24b (see Figure 8A) is changed in the case of the brush angle adjustment mode, or the Cleaning period for the indoor fan 16 (see Figure 8B) is changed in the case of the cleaning period adjustment mode.

Incidentally, when the fan cleaning mode is active, the display screens illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B can be automatically displayed on the remote control 40, as appropriate, so that the user or service personnel of the air conditioner can adjust the angle of the brush or the period of cleaning time.

Figure 8A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display in the fan cleaning mode, illustrating the case of brush angle adjustment. Figure 8B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display in the fan cleaning mode, illustrating the case of the cleaning period adjustment. The remote control 40 is equipped with the brush angle adjustment mode that allows the adjustment of the angle of the brush 24b while the angle of the brush 24b is shown in the screen section 41, the cleaning period adjustment mode that allows the cleaning period setting for the indoor fan 16 while the cleaning period for the indoor fan 16 is shown in the screen section 41, and so on.

In the case of the brush angle adjustment shown in Figure 8A, the brush angle can be adjusted by the predetermined angle (such as Aa) by selection with the up-down key 45. Specifically, if an initial brush angle is a0, a brush angle adjustment value is n, and a predetermined brush change angle is Aa, then the brush angle a is changed as

a = a0-nAa (1).

For example, when the part of the up-down key 45 of the remote control 40 is pressed once (+1), the adjustment value of the brush angle n corresponds to 1 and the brush angle a is a0-Aa. When the part is pressed twice (+2), the adjustment value of the brush angle n corresponds to 2 and the brush angle a is a0 - 2Aa. When the part - once (-1) is pressed, the adjustment value of the brush angle n corresponds to -1 and the angle of the brush a is a0 Aa. When the part is pressed twice (-2), the adjustment value of the brush angle n corresponds to -2 and the angle of the brush a is a0 2Aa. The predetermined angle Aa is defined as 0.5 degrees, 1 degrees or the like and is stored in the storage unit 31a (see Figure 5) in advance.

In the case of setting the cleaning time period shown in Figure 8B, the cleaning time period can be adjusted for the predetermined period of time (such as ACT) by selecting with the up-down key 45. Specifically, if an initial cleaning time period is CT0, a cleaning time period setting value is m, and a predetermined time period for the cleaning time period is ACT, then the CT cleaning time period is changed as

CT = CT0 mACT (2).

For example, in the case of 1 with the up-down key 45 of the remote control 40, the setting value of the cleaning period m corresponds to 1 and the cleaning time period CT turns out to be CT0 ACT. In the case of 2, the adjustment value of the cleaning period m corresponds to 2 and the cleaning time period CT turns out to be CT0 2ACT. In the case of -1, the setting value of the cleaning time period m corresponds to -1 and the cleaning time period CT turns out to be CT0-ACT. In the case of -2, the adjustment value of the period of cleaning time m corresponds to -2 and the cleaning time period CT turns out to be CT0 -2ACT. The default ACT time period is defined as 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or the like and is stored in the storage unit 31a (see Figure 5) in advance.

When "fan cleaning" starts, the control unit 30 can make an announcement such as "Cleaning the indoor fan started" via a voice unit of the remote control 40. This announcement makes it easy for the user to adjust the Brush angle and adjustment of the cleaning period during "fan cleaning". Here, if the setting mode for "fan cleaning" is read, it is possible to change the brush angle setting and the cleaning period setting even when "fan cleaning" is not performed. Note that the details of the brush angle adjustment and the cleaning period adjustment shown in Figures 8A and 8B will be described later (see Figure 11).

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the control processing to be performed by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment (see Figure 2 as appropriate). Here, suppose that the operation of the air conditioner has not yet been carried out and that the front end of the brush 24b is in the state facing the inner heat exchanger of the front side 15a (the state shown in Figure 2) in the "START" moment in figure 9.

In step S101 of Figure 9, the control unit 30 causes the fan cleaning unit 24 to clean the indoor fan 16. Here, a trigger to start cleaning the indoor fan 16 may be a condition for the accumulated time of the pre-cleaning air conditioner operation reaches a predetermined period of time, for example. However, the trigger is not limited to particular conditions. The state during cleaning of the indoor fan 16 will be described with reference to Figure 10A.

Figure 10A is an explanatory diagram showing the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment in a state during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16. Note that Figure 10A illustrates the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor fan 16 and the tray spray receiver 18, while the illustration of the rest of the components is omitted therein.

The control unit 30 rotates the indoor fan 16 in the opposite direction (turns backwards) to the direction at the time of the usual air conditioner operation. When the rotation of the inner fan 16 reaches a predetermined rotation speed Rc, the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 contacts the inner fan 16 at the angle changed by the angle change means of the brush 31b1 or in the angle changed instructed from the remote control 40.

Specifically, the control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b pivotally around the spindle 24a approximately 180-a ° (see Figure 6A) from the state where the front end of the brush 24b faces the inner heat exchanger 15 (see Figure 2), so that the front end of the brush 24b is facing the inner fan 16 (see Figure 10A). Consequently, the brush 24b comes into contact with one of the fan blades 16a of the inner fan 16.

In the example of Figure 10A, the internal heat exchanger 15 (the internal heat exchanger on the front side 15a) is below a contact position K in the state where the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the fan inside 16, and the dew receiving tray 18 is also present there as indicated by a dashed line of the chain L.

As described above, since the inner fan 16 is turned back, the front end of the brush 24b is inclined along with the movement of the fan blade 16a, whereby the brush 24b is pushed against the fan blade 16a to clean a rear surface of the fan blade 16a. Then, the powders collected in the vicinity of a leading end (an end part in a radial direction) of the fan blade 16a are removed with the brush 24b.

Dusts tend to accumulate near the front end of each fan blade 16a in particular, because air strikes a portion near a leading end on an inner side of each fan blade 16a during the air conditioner operation on the indoor fan 16 rotates forward (see Figure 4) and, therefore, the powders adhere to this part near the leading end. The air that has struck the part in the vicinity of the front end of the fan blade 16a passes through a clearance between adjacent fan blades 16a, 16a such that it traces a curved surface on the inner side of the fan blade. 16th

As described above, in this embodiment, when the inner fan 16 rotates back and the rotation of the inner fan 16 reaches the predetermined rotation speed Rc, the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 contacts the fan blade 16a, either at the angle changed by the angle change means of the brush 31b1 or at the changed angle instructed from the remote control 40. In this way, the brush 24b comes into contact with the part near the front end on the rear surface of the fan blade 16a, thus eliminating the dust collected near the front end on the rear surface of the fan blade 16a. As a consequence, a large part of the powders gathered in the inner fan 16 can be removed.

In addition, a smooth air flow in the opposite direction to the direction at the time of forward rotation (see figure 4) is generated inside the indoor unit Ui (see figure 2) by turning the indoor fan 16 backwards. Consequently, the powders j removed from the inner fan 16 are not directed to the air outlet h4 (see Figure 2) but are directed to the spray receiver tray 18 through a space between the inner heat exchanger on the front side 15a and the indoor fan 16 as shown in Figure 10A.

To be more precise, the powders j removed from the inner fan 16 by the brush 24b are gently pushed against the inner heat exchanger of the front side 15a due to wind pressure. In addition, the above-mentioned powders j fall on the dew receiving tray 18 (see an arrow in Figure 10A) while moving along an inclined surface of the inner heat exchanger of the front side 15a (an edge of the fin f ). Therefore, the powders j barely adhere to a rear surface of the vertical ventilation deflector 23 (see Figure 2) through a small space between the inner fan 16 and the dew receiving tray 18. Therefore, it is possible prevent dusts j from being poured into the room during the subsequent operation of the air conditioner.

Here, part of the dust j removed from the inner fan 16 can adhere to the inner heat exchanger on the front side 15a instead of falling on the spray receiver tray 18. The powders j thus adhering to the inner heat exchanger on the front side 15a they are rinsed in the process of step S103 which will be described later.

Meanwhile, during cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 can drive the indoor fan 16 at a rotation speed in a medium or high speed range or can drive the indoor fan 16 at a rotation speed in a range Low speed

The rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 in the medium or high speed range is equal or greater than 300 min-1 (300 rpm) and below 1700 min-1 (1700 rpm), for example. By rotating the indoor fan 16 in the medium or high range as described above, it is more likely that the powders j will be directed to the indoor heat exchanger 15a on the front side. Therefore, powders j are less likely to adhere to the rear surface of the vertical ventilation deflector 23 (see Figure 2) as mentioned above. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dusts j from entering the room during the subsequent operation of the air conditioner.

Meanwhile, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 in the low speed range is equal to or greater than 100 min-1 (100 rpm) and below 300 min-1 (300 rpm), for example. By rotating the indoor fan 16 in the low range as described above, it is possible to clean the indoor fan 16 with low noise.

After completing the processing in step S101 of Figure 9, the control unit 30 moves the fan cleaning unit 24 in step S102. Specifically, the control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b pivotally around the spindle 24a approximately 180-a ° (see Figure 6A) from the state where the front end of the brush 24b faces the inner fan 16 (see Figure 10A), in order to make the front end of the brush 24b face the inner heat exchanger 15 (see Figure 10B). In this way, it is possible to prevent the fan cleaning unit 24 from blocking the air flow during the subsequent operation of the air conditioner.

Next, the control unit 30 sequentially conducts the freezing and thawing of the indoor heat exchanger 15 in step S103. First, the control unit 30 causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 to function as an evaporator to cause moisture contained in the air entering the indoor unit Ui to frost and freeze in the indoor heat exchanger 15. It is necessary to have Note that the process for freezing the indoor heat exchanger 15 is included in a concept of "making the condensed water adhere" to the indoor heat exchanger 15.

When the control unit 30 freezes the internal heat exchanger 15, the control unit 30 preferably reduces the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the internal heat exchanger 15. In other words, when the control unit 30 causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 functions as the evaporator and freezes (causes moisture to adhere) this indoor heat exchanger 15, the control unit 30 adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 15 such that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant is lower than that in The timing of the usual air conditioner operation.

For example, the control unit 30 causes the low pressure and low evaporation temperature refrigerant to flow into the internal heat exchanger 15 by reducing the opening of the expansion valve 14 (see Figure 1). This makes it easier for the frost and ice (the reference sign shown in Figure 10B) to grow in the indoor heat exchanger 15. Accordingly, the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be rinsed with plenty of water during subsequent defrosting.

Meanwhile, the region of the indoor heat exchanger 15 located below the fan cleaning unit 24 is preferably not a downstream site (in other words, preferably an upstream site or an intermediate site) of the refrigerant flow passing to through the internal heat exchanger 15. In this way, the two-stage low temperature gaslidic refrigerant flows at least below (on a lower side of) the fan cleaning unit 24, so that the thickness of the frost and The ice that adheres to the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be increased. Accordingly, the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be rinsed with plenty of water during subsequent defrosting.

In this case, it is likely that the dust scraped from the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24 adhered to the region of the indoor heat exchanger 15 located below the fan cleaning unit 24. Accordingly, the growth of frost and ice is promoted by feeding the two-phase refrigerant gas-liquid at low temperature in the region of the indoor heat exchanger 15 located below the fan cleaning unit 24. In addition, the powders in the indoor heat exchanger 15 they can be rinsed properly as frost and ice thaw.

Meanwhile, when the control unit 30 causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 to function as the evaporator and freezes (causes the condensed water to adhere) this indoor heat exchanger 15, the control unit 30 preferably closes the ventilation baffle vertical 23 (see figure 2) or set the angle of the vertical ventilation deflector 23 upwards from the horizontal plane. In this way, it is possible to prevent the low temperature air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 15 from leaking into the room, and thus conduct the freezing and the like of the indoor heat exchanger 15 in a comfortable condition for the user.

After the indoor heat exchanger 15 freezes as described previously, the control unit 30 defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 (step S103 in Figure 9). For example, the control unit 30 defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 at room temperature while maintaining the stopped state of the respective components. Alternatively, the control unit 30 can promote defrosting of the frost and ice that adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 15 by performing a fan operation. The state of the indoor heat exchanger 15 during defrosting will be described with reference to Figure 10B.

Fig. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment in the state during defrosting of the indoor heat exchanger 15. The frost and ice that adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 15 is defrosted as a consequence. of defrosting the internal heat exchanger 15, whereby a large amount of water flows along the fin f and down into the dew receiving tray 18. Therefore, it is possible to rinse the adhered powders j to the indoor heat exchanger 15 during air conditioner operation.

In addition, the powders j that have adhered to the inner heat exchanger of the front part 15a are rinsed and flow down into the dew receiver tray 18 at the same time that the inner fan 16 is cleaned with the brush 24b (see an arrow in figure 10B). Water flowing down into the dew receiver tray 18 is drained through a drain hose (not shown) together with the powders j (see Figure 10A) that fell directly onto the dew receiver tray 18 during the Cleaning the indoor fan 16. Since there is a lot of water coming out of the indoor heat exchanger 15 during defrosting as mentioned above, there is little chance of clogging the drain hose (not shown) and the like with powders j.

Although the description is omitted in Figure 9, after freezing and thawing of the indoor heat exchanger 15, the control unit 30 can operate the fan to dry the interior of the indoor unit Ui. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the spread of bacteria or molds in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the like.

<Fan cleaning unit operations>

Next, the operations of the fan cleaning unit 24 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

Figure 11 is a flow chart showing the cleaning process of the fan S200 to be executed by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the contact and separation periods of the fan cleaning unit 24 with and from the inner fan 16 during fan cleaning according to the embodiment.

In step S201, the control unit 30 sets the initial values. Initial values include the following elements of the elapsed cleaning time period T, the cleaning time period CT, the adjustment value of the brush angle n, the adjustment value of the cleaning time period m, a period of time of cumulative operation DT, a cumulative operating time period threshold DTc, a rotation speed R, the predetermined rotation speed Re, the initial angle of the brush a0 and the angle of the brush a.

In step S202, it is determined whether the accumulated operating time period DT of the air conditioner 100 has reached or not the accumulated operating time period threshold DTc. When the accumulated operating time period DT has reached the cumulative operating time period threshold DTc (Yes in step S202), the control unit 30 adds 1 to the adjustment value of the brush angle n, calculates the angle of the brush a (a = a0 - nAa), set the cumulative operating time period DT to "0" (zero) (step S203), and then move on to step S204. On the other hand, the control unit 30 advances directly to step S204 when the cumulative operating time period DT has not reached the cumulative operating time period threshold DTc (Not in step S202).

The angle of the brush 24b is changed in step S203 to improve the contact between the brush 24b and the fan blades 16a due to the anticipation that the brush 24b has deteriorated.

In step S204, the control unit 30 starts the rotation of the indoor fan 16 by controlling the indoor fan motor 16m, and accelerates the indoor fan 16.

In step S205, the control unit 30 determines whether the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 reaches or not the predetermined rotation speed Rc at the time of cleaning (such as the predetermined rotation speed Rc = 800 min-1). The control unit 30 goes to step S210 when the control unit 30 determines that the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 reaches the predetermined rotation speed Rc (Yes in the stage S205). The control unit 30 returns to step S205 when the control unit 30 determines that the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 does not reach the preset rotation speed Rc (Not in step S205).

In step S210, the control unit 30 puts the fan cleaning unit 24 in contact with the indoor fan 16 when controlling the fan cleaning motor 24m. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m, so that the fan cleaning unit 24 is in a position to contact the indoor fan 16 after the acceleration of the indoor fan 16.

Meanwhile, if the 24m fan cleaning motor is a stepper motor of either PM (permanent magnet) and HB type, the 24m fan cleaning motor has a holding torque in an un-electrified state and, therefore, it can maintain its position when the fan cleaning unit 24 contacts the indoor fan 16 in step S210. However, in order to reliably retain the position at the time of fan cleaning, the control unit 30 can feed a holding current to maintain the position at a predetermined angle to the fan cleaning motor 24m (a drive device) during blast fan cleaning after driving the brush 24b to the predetermined angle. Note that the HB-type motor has a structure in which a cylindrical magnet magnetized in an axial direction is between two iron rotors.

Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16m so that the indoor fan 16 rotates in the state of bringing the fan cleaning unit 24 in contact with the indoor fan 16. Therefore, it is possible to improve the durability of the fan cleaning unit 24 and remove dust that adheres to the inner fan blades 16.

Meanwhile, the control unit 30 preferably reduces the speed of rotation of the brush 24b immediately before putting the brush 24b against (immediately before putting the brush 24b in contact with) the inner fan 16. Since the inner fan 16 rotates to The predetermined rotation speed Rc, it is possible to reduce the impact by bringing the brush 24b into contact and reducing the wear of the brush 24b at the same time.

Meanwhile, the control unit 30 controls the motor of the horizontal ventilation deflector 25 such that it closes the horizontal ventilation deflector 22 while the control unit Fan cleaning 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16. Similarly, the control unit 30 controls the motor of the vertical ventilation deflector 26 such that it closes the vertical ventilation deflector 23 while the fan cleaning unit 24 it is in contact with the indoor fan 16. In this way, it is possible to improve the silence of the air conditioner 100, prevent the dust from dispersing and prevent the user from putting his hand on the indoor unit Ui.

In step S211, the control unit 30 determines whether or not there is a request to change the angle of the brush from the remote control 40. When there is a request to change the angle of the brush (Yes in step S211), the unit of control 30 calculates the angle of the brush a (a = a0 -nAa), changes the angle of the brush to (step S212) and then moves on to step S213. The control unit 30 advances directly to step S213 when there is no request to change the angle of the brush (Not in step S211).

In step S213, the control unit 30 determines whether or not there is a request to change the cleaning time period from the remote controller 40. When there is a request to change the cleaning time period (Yes in step S213) , the control unit 30 calculates the cleaning period CT (CT = CT0 mACT), changes the cleaning period CT (step S214), and then continues step S215. The control unit 30 advances directly to step S215 when there is no request for a cleaning period (Not in step S213).

In step S215, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the cleaning time period T elapsed for the indoor fan 16 reaches the cleaning time period CT (such as the cleaning time period CT = 5 seconds). In other words, the control unit 30 determines the period of time during which the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contract with the indoor fan 16. The control unit 30 continues with step S220 when the control unit 30 determines that the cleaning time period for the indoor fan 16 reaches the cleaning time period CT (Yes in step S215). The control unit 30 returns to step S211 when the control unit 30 determines that the elapsed cleaning time period T for the indoor fan 16 does not reach the cleaning time period CT (Not in step S215).

In step S220, the control unit 30 separates the fan cleaning unit 24 from the indoor fan 16 by controlling the fan cleaning motor 24m. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m, so that the unit of cleaning the fan 24 and the inner fan 16 are located in positions far apart from each other before the deceleration of the inner fan 16.

In step S221, the control unit 30 slows down the indoor fan 16 and ends the rotation of the indoor fan 16 by controlling the indoor fan motor 16m.

In step S222, the control unit 30 stores the adjustment value of the brush angle n and the adjustment value of the cleaning time period m, which are the set values, in the storage unit 31a.

According to the processing described above, the control unit 30 separates the fan cleaning unit 24 from the indoor fan 16 for a period from time t0 to time t1 (during the acceleration of the indoor fan 16) shown in Figure 12. Then, the control unit 30 puts the fan cleaning unit 24 in contact with the indoor fan 16 for a period from time t1 to time t2 (during the rotation of the indoor fan 16 at the predefined rotation speed Rc) shown in Figure 12. Subsequently, the control unit 30 separates the fan cleaning unit 24 from the indoor fan 16 for a period from time t2 to time t3 (during the deceleration of the indoor fan 16) shown in Figure 12. The period from time t1 to time t2 corresponds to the period of cleaning time CT.

In this way, it is possible to separate the fan cleaning unit 24 from the indoor fan 16 during acceleration when the indoor fan 16 begins the rotation or during the deceleration when the indoor fan 16 finishes the rotation, and thus avoid the problem that the unit fan cleaning 24 is prone to deterioration due to the application of a load to the fan cleaning unit 24. It is also possible to avoid a problem of disturbing the user by an increase in noise associated with an increase or decrease in the rotational speed of the indoor fan 16.

<Advantageous effects>

In comparison with conventional air conditioners, the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment can achieve adequate fan cleaning since the brush angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 can be changed according to the deterioration of the brush 24b .

Meanwhile, the angle of the brush can be adjusted with the remote control 40, so that the user or the service personnel of the air conditioner can change the angle of the brush to an optimum angle. Similarly, the fan cleaning period can also be adjusted with the remote control 40, so that the user or the air conditioner service personnel can change the fan cleaning period to an optimal period of time.

In comparison with conventional air conditioners, the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment can reduce the period of contact between the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the fan cleaning unit, and thus perform the air conditioner with greater silence.

According to the air conditioner 100 of the embodiment, the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 rotate in the same direction while the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16. Therefore, it is possible to improve the durability of the fan cleaning unit 24.

According to the air conditioner 100 of the embodiment, the angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 is adjusted according to a front end surface of the indoor fan 16, while the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16. Therefore, it is possible to improve the silence.

According to the air conditioner 100 of the embodiment, the horizontal ventilation deflector 22 and the vertical ventilation deflector 23 are closed while the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16. Therefore, it is possible improve the silence of the air conditioner 100, prevent the dust from dispersing and prevent the user from putting his hand on the indoor unit Ui by mistake.

According to the embodiment, since the indoor fan 16 is cleaned using the fan cleaning unit 24 (S101 in Fig. 9), it is possible to prevent dusts j from entering the room. In addition, since the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed between the inner heat exchanger on the front side 15a and the inner fan 16, the powders j that are scraped off the inner fan 16 by the brush 24b can be directed to the receiving tray of dew 18. In addition, the control unit 30 rotates the indoor fan

16 backwards when cleaning the indoor fan 16. This makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned dusts j from being directed to the air outlet h4.

Meanwhile, since the brush 24b is oriented in the lateral direction during the usual air conditioning operation (see Figure 4), the air flow is barely blocked by an influence of the brush 24b. In addition, because the fan cleaning unit 24 is located in the place upstream of the air flow, the reduction in the volume of air flow attributable to the fan cleaning unit 24 is suppressed during normal operation of the conditioner. of air, and an increase in energy consumption by the indoor fan 16 is also suppressed.

Incidentally, the adhesion of a large amount of dust to the indoor fan 16 can cause a reduction in the volume of air flow, which leads the indoor heat exchanger 15 to a state of overcooling (too cold) and possibly causing a dripping of dew during cooling operation. On the other hand, as described above, the indoor fan 16 is adequately cleaned according to the embodiment and, therefore, the reduction in the volume of air flow associated with the adhesion of the powders is suppressed. As a consequence, according to the embodiment, it is possible to avoid the dripping of dew attributed to the powders in the indoor fan 16.

Meanwhile, since the control unit 30 sequentially conducts the freezing and thawing of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (S103 in Figure 9), the powders j that have adhered to the indoor heat exchanger 15 are rinsed with the water w and flow into below in the spray receiver tray 18. As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to secure the indoor fan 16 in a clean condition and secure the indoor heat exchanger 15 also in a clean condition. As a consequence, the air conditioner 100 can drive the air conditioner comfortably. In addition, it is possible to save the labor of the user necessary for cleaning the internal heat exchanger 15 and the internal fan 16, and to reduce the maintenance costs thereof.

<<Modified examples>>

Although the air conditioner 100 according to the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above descriptions and various modifications are possible.

The means of change for the angle of the brush and for the period of cleaning time have been described in the embodiment with reference to Figures 5, 8A, 8B and 11. However, the present Invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 30 may include rotation speed change means for changing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 from the time of initial adjustment when the indoor fan 16 is cleaned using the fan cleaning unit 24. Yes the brush 24b deteriorates, it is possible to carry out the cleaning of the fan effectively increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16. On the other hand, when there is a great noise at the time of cleaning the fan, it is possible to reduce the noise at reduce the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16. The control unit 30 can change the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 depending on the number of times of operations and / or the accumulated operating time period mentioned above.

Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the indoor fan 16 and a fan cleaning unit 24A provided with an air conditioner according to another modified example. In the example shown in Figure 13, the fan cleaning unit 24A includes a rod-shaped shaft 24d extending parallel to the axial direction of the inner fan 16, a brush 24e installed in the spindle 24d and a pair of brackets 24f, 24f installed at two ends of spindle 24d. In addition, although the illustration is omitted, the fan cleaning unit 24A also includes a movement mechanism that moves the fan cleaning unit 24A in the axial direction and so on.

As shown in Figure 13, a length of the fan cleaning unit 24A in the direction parallel to the axial direction of the inner fan 16 is smaller than a length in the axial direction of the inner fan itself 16. In addition, during the Cleaning the indoor fan 16, the fan cleaning unit 24A is allowed to move in the axial direction of the indoor fan 16 (in the horizontal direction seen from the front face of the indoor unit). In other words, the predetermined regions of the inner fan 16, each corresponding to the length of the fan cleaning unit 24A, are sequentially cleaned in the axial direction of the inner fan 16. By adopting the configuration to move the cleaning unit of the fan 24A having the relatively small length as described above, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the air conditioner compared to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

Here, a rod (not shown) extending parallel to the spindle 24d can be provided near (on the spindle 24d, for example) of the fan cleaning unit 24A, and the given movement mechanism (not shown) can move the 24A fan cleaning unit along this rod. Alternatively, the movement mechanism (not shown) can rotate or move the fan cleaning unit 24A as appropriate after cleaning by the fan cleaning unit 24A, which causes the fan cleaning unit 24A to be removed from the indoor fan 16.

Meanwhile, the embodiment has described the processing in which the control unit 30 puts the fan cleaning unit 24 in contact with the inner fan 16 and rotates the inner fan 16 in the opposite direction (turns backwards) to the address during the usual operation of the air conditioner. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, the control unit 30 may place the fan cleaning unit 24 in contact with the indoor fan 16 and rotate the indoor fan 16 in the same direction (rotates forward) as the direction at the time of the usual operation of the conditioner of air. In this case, as described above, brush 24b is preferably set to an initial state at the time of fan cleaning as shown in Figure 6B, and the brush angle is preferably adjusted in the direction shown in Figure. 6A together with the deterioration of the brush 24b.

Dusts that adhere to the portion in the vicinity of the front end on the inner side of each fan blade 16a are effectively removed by bringing the brush 24b into contact with the inner fan 16 and rotating the inner fan 16 forward. as described above. In addition, this configuration does not require a circuit element to rotate the inner fan 16 backwards and, therefore, can reduce the manufacturing costs of the air conditioner 100. In this case, the rotation speed that will be applied when rotating the inner fan 16 forward during cleaning can be any of a low speed range, a medium speed range and a high speed range as in the embodiment described above.

Meanwhile, the embodiment has described the configuration for rotating the brush 24b rotatably around the spindle 24a of the fan cleaning unit 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when cleaning the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 can move the spindle 24a towards the inner fan 16 to bring the brush 24b into contact with the inner fan 16. Then, after completing the cleaning of the inner fan 16, the control unit 30 can cause the spindle 24a to retract to separate the brush 24b from the indoor fan 16.

Meanwhile, the embodiment has described the configuration in which the fan cleaning unit 24 includes the brush 24b. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, other elements, such as a sponge, are always applicable that said element can clean the indoor fan 16.

Meanwhile, the embodiment has described the configuration in which the region of the indoor heat exchanger 15 located below the fan cleaning unit 24 is not the site downstream of the refrigerant flow. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the present invention may apply a configuration in which the region of the indoor heat exchanger 15 located on the fan cleaning unit 24 in terms of height is not the downstream site (in other words, preferably it is the water site above or the downstream site) of the refrigerant flow passing through the internal heat exchanger 15. To be more precise, the region of the internal heat exchanger of the front side 15a, which is located on the downstream side of the flow of air at the time of normal operation of the air conditioner and has a height greater than the fan cleaning unit 24, is not preferably the downstream site of the refrigerant flow passing through the indoor heat exchanger 15. According to This configuration, together with the freezing of the indoor heat exchanger 15, the thick frost adheres to the region of the heat exchanger i inside the front side 15a, which is located on the downstream side of the air flow at the time of the usual operation of the air conditioner (a right part on a sheet surface of the front side inner heat exchanger 15a shown in Figure 2) and has a height greater than the fan cleaning unit 24. Then, when the internal heat exchanger 15 is defrosted thereafter, a large amount of water flows down along the fin f . As a consequence, the powders that have adhered to the indoor heat exchanger 15 (including the powders removed from the inner fan 16) can be rinsed in the spray receiver tray 18.

Meanwhile, the embodiment has described the configuration in which the control unit 30 puts the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 in contact with the indoor fan 16 during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16. However, the present invention It is not limited to this setting. Specifically, the control unit 30 can bring the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 closer to the indoor fan 16 during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16. To be more precise, the control unit 30 brings the brush 24b closer to the indoor fan 16 to the extent that brush 24b can remove dusts that have accumulated at the front end of each fan blade 16a and have grown to an outer side of the front end in the radial direction. This configuration can also adequately remove the dust accumulated in the indoor fan 16.

Meanwhile, each embodiment has described the process for washing the indoor heat exchanger 15 by subjecting the indoor heat exchanger 15 to freezing and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be allowed to experience dew condensation and the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be washed with the dew condensation water (the condensed water). For example, the control unit 30 calculates the dew point of the indoor air based on the temperature and the relative humidity of the indoor air. Then, the control unit 30 controls the opening of the expansion valve 14 and the like, so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is equal to or lower than the dew point mentioned above and is greater than a predetermined freezing temperature.

The "freezing temperature" mentioned above is a temperature at which the humidity contained in the indoor air begins to freeze in the indoor heat exchanger 15 when the indoor air temperature decreases. By allowing the indoor heat exchanger 15 to experience dew condensation as described above, it is possible to rinse the powders in the indoor heat exchanger 15 using the dew condensation water (the condensed water).

Alternatively, the control unit 30 can be configured to cause dew condensation of the indoor heat exchanger 15 when performing the cooling operation or a dehumidification operation, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed with the resulting dew condensation water (condensed water).

Meanwhile, the embodiment (see Figure 2) has described the configuration in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dew tray 18 are under the fan cleaning unit 24. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, the present invention can be configured to provide at least one of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dew receiver tray 18 below the fan cleaning unit 24. For example, in a configuration where the bottom of the indoor heat exchanger 15 with the L-shaped vertical section extending in the vertical direction, the spray receiver tray 18 may be present below (just below) the fan cleaning unit 24.

Meanwhile, the embodiment has described the configuration in which the single indoor unit Ui (see Figure 1) and the single outdoor unit Uo (see Figure 1) are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, they can be provided two or more indoor units connected in parallel or two or more outdoor units connected in parallel. In addition, although the air conditioner 100 of a wall-mounted type has been described in the embodiment, the present invention is also applicable to air conditioners of other types.

It should be understood that each embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention. In this context, the present invention is not limited to the configuration that includes all the constituents and structures described herein. Meanwhile, the configuration of each embodiment can be partially removed, partially replaced or additionally provided with other constituents. In addition, the mechanisms and configurations mentioned above represent characteristics that are considered essential for the purpose of the description and do not necessarily reveal all the mechanisms and configurations that are required in a product as a whole.

Reference List

100 air conditioner

11 compressor

12 outdoor heat exchanger

13 outdoor fan

14 expansion valve

15 indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

15a internal heat exchanger on the front side (heat exchanger)

15b internal heat exchanger on the rear side (heat exchanger)

16 indoor fan (burst fan)

16m indoor fan motor

17 four way valve

18 spray receiver tray

22 horizontal ventilation deflector

23 vertical ventilation deflector

24 fan cleaning unit

24th spindle

24b brush

24m fan cleaning motor (drive device)

29 dust receiver

30 control unit

31 indoor control unit

31b1 brush angle change means (brush angle adjustment mode) 31b2 cleaning time period change means (cleaning time period adjustment mode)

40 remote control (air conditioner control terminal)

41 display section

45 up-down keys

46 function button

47 setting button

BL brush reference line

K contact position

m setting value of the cleaning time period

n brush angle adjustment value

Q refrigerant circuit

r recess

Ui indoor unit

Uo outdoor unit

angled brush

Claims (6)

1. An air conditioner comprising: an indoor heat exchanger; a burst fan; a fan cleaning unit configured to clean the blast fan with a brush; and a control unit configured to rotate the brush at a predetermined angle to bring the brush into contact with the burst fan, in which The control unit includes means for changing the angle of the brush to change the predetermined angle. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, comprising: a brush angle adjustment mode capable of displaying the angle of the brush in an air conditioner control terminal and adjusting the angle of the brush. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: the fan cleaning unit includes a drive device configured to change the angle of the brush, and The control unit feeds a holding current to the drive device after the brush is driven to form a predetermined angle by the drive device, to cause the drive device to retain the predetermined angle during blast fan cleaning. 4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reduces the speed of rotation of the brush immediately before placing the brush against the burst fan. 5. An air conditioner comprising: an indoor heat exchanger; a burst fan; a fan cleaning unit configured to clean the blast fan with a brush; and a control unit configured to put the fan cleaning unit in contact with the burst fan, in which the control unit includes means for changing the rotation speed to change a Burst fan rotation speed when the burst fan is cleaned with the fan cleaning unit. 6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, comprising: a cleaning period adjustment mode capable of displaying a cleaning period for the blast fan at an air conditioner control terminal, and adjusting the cleaning period for the blast fan.