ES2880404T3 - Air conditioning indoor unit - Google Patents

Abstract

An indoor air conditioning unit (10) comprising: a casing (11) having an inlet port (25, 26) and a blowing port (27), in which the indoor air conditioning unit (10 ) is a wall mount type and is configured to be mounted on a wall (WL); a heat exchanger (13) configured to exchange heat with air that is drawn in through the inlet port (25, 26) to extract heat from the air, during a cooling operation; a fan (14) configured to blow air that has exchanged heat in the heat exchanger out of the blow port; an airflow direction changing mechanism (30) configured to change the airflow direction of exhaust air out through the blow port at least between a first direction that is a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction and a second direction that is a vertically downward or substantially vertically downward direction; and a changeover mechanism control unit (81) configured to control the operation of the airflow direction changeover mechanism (30) to change the airflow direction of the exhaust air outward, characterized in that the changeover mechanism control unit is configured to control the operation of the airflow direction changeover mechanism (30) so that, during the cooling operation, the outgoing exhaust air is temporarily blown according to the second direction , to generate an airflow along the wall (WL ) on which the indoor air conditioning unit (10) is mounted, when a temperature unevenness in a target air conditioning space is detected or anticipated (RS) while the outgoing exhaust air is being blown according to the first direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Air conditioning indoor unit

Technical field

The present invention relates to an indoor air conditioning unit.

Background of the technique

As described in patent literature 1 (Japan patent document No. JP 2013-076530 A), for example, an indoor air conditioning unit configured to send air is known, from which heat has been removed in a heat exchanger, horizontally or substantially horizontally in order to cool a target air conditioning space. The air that is blown horizontally or substantially horizontally from the indoor air conditioning unit generates a circulating air flow in the target air conditioning space to facilitate uniform air conditioning throughout the target air conditioning space. Other air conditioning units are described in the following patent documents: European patent application No. EP 1707892A1, European patent application No. EP 2484986A1, Japan patent document No. JPH06313607A.

<Technical problem>

However, such air which is blown horizontally or substantially horizontally from the indoor air conditioning unit is unlikely to reach an area vertically located below the indoor air conditioning unit. As a result, a temperature unevenness may occur in the air conditioning target space and an improvement in comfort may be further required.

An object of the present invention is the provision of an indoor air conditioning unit configured to facilitate the attenuation of temperature unevenness in an air conditioning target space during cooling operation to achieve an air conditioning target space of high comfort.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is the provision of an indoor air conditioning unit that improves on the state of the art indicated above. This object is achieved by means of the air conditioning indoor unit according to the corresponding appended claims.

<Solution to the problem>

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a heat exchanger, a fan, an air flow direction change mechanism and a change mechanism control unit. The housing has an inlet port and a blow port. The heat exchanger exchanges heat with the air that is drawn in through the inlet port to extract heat from the air. The fan sends the air that has exchanged heat in the heat exchanger out of the blow port. The air flow direction change mechanism changes the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port at least between a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction. The second direction is a vertical downward or substantially vertical downward direction. The shift mechanism control unit controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out in the second direction when a temperature unevenness is detected or anticipated in the air flow. target air conditioning space while the exhaust air to the outside is being blown according to the first direction.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the first aspect of the present invention blows the air in the second direction (vertically downward or substantially vertically downward) in a case where a temperature unevenness in the space is detected or anticipated air conditioning objective when cooling (including dehumidification) is carried out while blowing air in the first direction (horizontally or substantially horizontally). This configuration manages to supply the air conditioning to an area located vertically below the indoor air conditioning unit, where it is unlikely that the exhaust air to the outside that is blown in the first direction will reach, in order to attenuate the unevenness of temperature in the air conditioning target space and to provide a comfortable air conditioning target space.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to the first aspect and further includes a temperature unevenness detection sensor that detects a temperature unevenness and an unevenness detector. Of temperature. The temperature unevenness detector detects a temperature unevenness in the conditioning target space of air according to a measurement result of the temperature unevenness detection sensor. The change mechanism control unit controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out in the second direction according to a detection result by the air flow detector. temperature inequality while the exhaust air is blown out in the first direction.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the second aspect of the present invention can accurately detect the temperature unevenness according to the sensor measurement result and attenuate the temperature unevenness by controlling the air flow direction of the exhaust air to the outside.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to the second aspect and which is of the wall-mounted type. The temperature unevenness detection sensor includes a first temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor measures the temperature from a position located below the indoor air conditioning unit.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the third aspect of the present invention detects the temperature inequality according to a measurement result of the first temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the position located below the air conditioning indoor unit of Wall-mounted type to facilitate accurate detection of temperature unevenness without losing it.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to the third aspect, and the temperature unevenness detecting sensor further includes a second temperature sensor. The second temperature sensor measures the temperature of a position that is away from a wall where the air conditioning indoor unit is installed, in the air conditioning target space. The temperature unevenness detector detects a temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space according to a result of the comparison between a measurement value of the first temperature sensor and a measurement value of the second temperature sensor.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention detects the temperature inequality according to the results of measuring the temperature of the position that is away from the wall where the indoor unit is installed. air conditioning, in the air conditioning target space, and the temperature of the position located below the air conditioning indoor unit, to facilitate accurate detection of temperature unevenness without losing it.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to the third aspect, and the temperature unevenness detector detects a temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space according to to the change with time of the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention detects a temperature unevenness by means of only the first temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the position located below the mounted type air conditioning indoor unit. wall, in other words, by means of a relatively simple configuration, and attenuates the unevenness of temperature by controlling the direction of the air flow of the exhaust air to the outside.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and further including a temperature unevenness anticipator. The temperature inequality anticipator anticipates the occurrence of a temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space in a case where a period in which the exhaust air is continuously blown out in the first direction exceeds a first period. . The change mechanism control unit controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism so that the exhaust air is blown out temporarily according to the second direction according to an anticipation result of the inequality anticipator of temperature while the exhaust air is blown out in the first direction.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the sixth aspect of the present invention appropriately anticipates the occurrence of a temperature inequality based on the characteristic that the temperature inequality is likely to occur in a position immediately below the temperature unit. Indoor air conditioner when the air is blown according to the first direction, in order to avoid the occurrence of the unevenness of temperature, as well as to attenuate the unevenness of temperature.

Even if the air conditioner indoor unit includes the temperature unevenness detection sensor, under some conditions, temperature unevenness may occur in a position where the temperature unevenness detection sensor has difficulty in operating. perform the measurement. However, in this regard, the occurrence of the temperature unevenness is anticipated when the exhaust air to the outside is blown in the first direction continuously for a long period. This configuration can thus attenuate the temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space, even though there is difficulty for the sensor to detect the temperature inequality.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to any of the first to sixth aspects, and further including a space temperature sensor, a space humidity sensor and a unit of control permission. The space temperature sensor detects a target air conditioning space temperature. The space humidity sensor detects a humidity of the air conditioning target space. The control permission unit allows the shift mechanism control unit to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism. The control permission unit allows the change mechanism control unit to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism so that the exhaust air is blown out according to the second direction in a case where the that a condition that the temperature detected by the space temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature and that the humidity detected by the space humidity sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined humidity is still fulfilled for one second period or more.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the seventh aspect of the present invention prioritizes blowing the air according to the first direction to facilitate the generation of a circulating air flow in the target air conditioning space until the temperature and humidity of the space air conditioning target meet the predetermined conditions. This configuration can thus further improve comfort by attenuating temperature inequalities after initially ensuring comfort throughout the target air conditioning space.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to the seventh aspect, and the control permission unit further allows the shift mechanism control unit to control the operation of the mechanism of changing the direction of the air flow so that the exhaust air is blown out according to the second direction in a case where a period of continuous operation after the indoor air conditioning unit starts to blow the exhaust air out in the first direction for the first time after starting operation exceeds a third period.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the eighth aspect of the present invention allows the exhaust air to be blown out in the second direction immediately after the start of operation when temperature unevenness is particularly likely to occur, regardless of whether the temperature and humidity in the target air conditioning space satisfy the predetermined conditions. This configuration facilitates the attenuation of temperature inequalities immediately after the start of operation.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further including an air flow volume control unit controlling a volume fan airflow. The air flow direction change mechanism changes the air flow direction of the outlet air out from the first direction to the second direction or from the second direction to the first direction, continuously changing the air flow direction exhaust air to the outside. The airflow volume control unit decreases the airflow volume of the fan, compared to the airflow volume of the fan at the times when the exhaust air is blown out according to the first or second the second direction, when the air flow direction change mechanism is changing the outward air air flow direction from the first direction to the second direction, or from the second direction to the first direction.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the ninth aspect of the present invention prevents the air flow from hitting a person directly in the conditioning target space in order not to deteriorate the comfort.

An air conditioning indoor unit according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning indoor unit according to the ninth aspect, and the air flow volume control unit decreases the air flow volume of the fan in the times when the exhaust air to the outside is blown in the second direction compared to the air flow volume of the fan at the times when the exhaust air to the outside is blown in the first direction.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the tenth aspect of the present invention decreases the air flow volume when the air is blown vertically downwards so as to facilitate preventing the air flow from hitting a person directly. in the air conditioning target space in order to reduce the deterioration of comfort.

<Advantageous effects of the invention>

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the first aspect of the present invention blows the air in the second direction (vertically downward or substantially vertically downward) in a case where a temperature unevenness in the space is detected or anticipated air conditioning target when cooling (including dehumidification) is carried out while blowing the air in the first direction (horizontally or substantially horizontally). This configuration manages to supply the air conditioning to an area located vertically below the indoor air conditioning unit, where it is unlikely that the exhaust air to the outside that is blown in the first direction will reach, in order to attenuate the unevenness of the air conditioner. temperature in the air conditioning target space and to provide a comfortable air conditioning target space.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to any of the second to fourth aspects of the present invention can accurately detect a temperature inequality according to the sensor measurement result and attenuate the temperature inequality by controlling the direction of the sensor. air flow from the exhaust air to the outside.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention can detect a temperature unevenness by means of a relatively simple setting and attenuate the temperature unevenness by controlling the air flow direction of the exhaust air towards outside.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the sixth aspect of the present invention appropriately anticipates the occurrence of a temperature inequality based on the characteristic that the temperature inequality is likely to occur in a position immediately below the temperature unit. Indoor air conditioner when the air is blown according to the first direction, in order to avoid the occurrence of the unevenness of temperature, as well as to attenuate the unevenness of temperature.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the seventh aspect of the present invention can further improve comfort by attenuating temperature inequalities after initially ensuring comfort in the entire target air conditioning space.

The indoor air conditioning unit according to the eighth aspect of the present invention facilitates the reduction of the occurrence of temperature unevenness even immediately after the start of operation, when a temperature unevenness is particularly likely to occur.

The air conditioning indoor unit according to the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention facilitates preventing the air flow from hitting a person directly in the air conditioning target space in order to reduce the deterioration of comfort.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an air conditioning indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the indoor air conditioning unit shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the indoor air conditioning unit shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the air conditioning indoor unit shown in Figure 1 in a state of sending air according to a second direction.

Fig. 5 is an explanatory flow chart of the change of the air flow direction of the exhaust air to the outside carried out in the air conditioning indoor unit shown in Fig. 1 during the cooling operation in circulation mode.

Description of achievements

Next, an air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment merely illustrates the present invention by way of example and concretely and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

The following description may include expressions such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "front" and "back" to indicate the arrangement and directions for the convenience of the description. These expressions follow the arrows indicated in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

(1) General description

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 and an air conditioning outdoor unit (not shown) make up a part of an air conditioner. The air conditioner circulates a refrigerant within a refrigerant circuit that includes an indoor heat exchanger 13 of the indoor air conditioning unit 10 to cool or heat a target air conditioning space RS in which the air conditioning unit is installed. indoor air conditioning unit 10 (see Figure 2). Cooling, in this case, includes dehumidifying the air conditioning target space RS. The air conditioner according to the present embodiment is configured to cool and heat the air conditioning target space RS, but should not be limited to that configuration. The air conditioner can alternatively be configured as a dedicated air conditioner for cooling.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the air conditioning indoor unit 10. Figure 2 is a schematic view in right longitudinal section of the air conditioning indoor unit 10 shown in Figure 1, which is cut to along a vertical plane to a transverse direction substantially in the center of the transverse direction. Figures 1 and 2 are views of the air conditioning indoor unit 10 in operation. Figures 1 and 2 are views of the air conditioning indoor unit 10 when, in particular, it is sending air in a first direction that will be described later through a blow port 27 that will be described later. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the air conditioning indoor unit 10.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 is of the wall mount type and is mounted on a wall WL (see Figures 1 and 2). In particular, the air conditioning indoor unit 10 has a rear end fixed to the wall WL.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 mainly includes a housing 11, an air filter 12, the indoor heat exchanger 13, an indoor fan 14, a lower frame 16, an air flow direction change mechanism 30, a floor temperature sensor 70, a space temperature sensor 71, a space humidity sensor 72 and a control unit 80 (see Figures 1 to 3).

(2) Detailed settings

(2-1) Housing

The housing 11 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped elongated in the transverse direction. The housing 11 houses the air filter 12, the indoor heat exchanger 13, the indoor fan 14, the lower frame 16, the air flow direction change mechanism 30, the control unit 80, and the like.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 11 has an upper surface 11a, a front surface 11b, a right surface 11d, a left surface 11e and a lower surface 11f that are covered with a panel 20, as well as a rear surface 11c provided with a board 28. The air conditioning indoor unit 10 is fixed to the wall WL in such a way that the board 28 is fixed to a mounting plate (not shown) arranged on the wall WL by means of a screw or the like.

The upper surface 11a of the housing 11 has an upper inlet port 25 (see Figure 2). When the indoor fan 14 is operated, air is drawn into the housing 11 through the upper inlet port 25. The air that is taken from the target air conditioning space RS through the upper inlet port 25 is sent to indoor fan 14 through air filter 12 and indoor heat exchanger 13.

The front surface 11b of the housing 11 is provided with the panel 20 (front panel 21) having an upper end rotatably supported by means of a hinge (not shown) (see Figure 2). The front panel 21 is provided independently of the panel 20 (right side panel 22) that covers the right surface 11d and the panel 20 (left side panel 23) that covers the left surface 11e (see Figures 1 and two).

The lower surface 11f of the housing 11 has a lower inlet port 26 (see Figure 2). The lower inlet port 26 is provided with an open-close plate 17 configured to open or close the lower inlet port 26. The lower surface 11f is provided with a blow port 27 (see Figure 2). The lower inlet port 26 is arranged behind the blow port 27.

The lower inlet port 26 communicates, through an inlet flow path 16a, with a space located above the air filter 12 in the housing 11 (see Figure 2). The inlet flow path 16a is disposed behind the indoor fan 14 and extends vertically adjacent to the rear surface of the housing 11. When the indoor fan 14 is driven with the open-close plate 17 open, it is aspirated air through the lower inlet port 26. The air drawn in through the lower inlet port 26 passes through the inlet flow path 16a, the air filter 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 13, and is sent to indoor fan 14.

The blow port 27 is a substantially rectangular opening having a long side that extends transversely. The blow port 27 has an upper edge 27a arranged on a front side and elongated in the transverse direction, and a lower edge 27b arranged on a rear side and elongated in the transverse direction (see Figure 2). The blow port 27 communicates with the interior of the housing 11 through a spiral air blow flow path 16b (see Figure 2). The spiral air blowing flow path 16b extends obliquely forward and downward from a position immediately below the indoor fan 14 toward the blowing port 27. Indoor air being drawn in through the upper intake port 25 and from the lower inlet port 26 exchanges heat in the indoor heat exchanger 13, and then goes to through the spiral air outlet flow path 16b and sent into the room through the blow port 27.

(2-2) Air filter

The air filter 12 is configured to collect dust from the air that is drawn from the air conditioning target space RS through the upper inlet port 25 and the lower inlet port 26. The air filter 12 prevents dust from adhere to a surface of the indoor heat exchanger. 13. The air filter 12 is arranged between the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the upper surface 11a and the front surface 11b of the casing 11 (see Figure 2). The air filter 12 is removable for maintenance.

(2-3) Indoor heat exchanger

The indoor heat exchanger 13 includes a plurality of fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes penetrating the fins. The indoor heat exchanger 13 is fixed to the lower frame 16 which is housed in the casing 11.

As shown in Figure 2, the indoor heat exchanger 13 is substantially inverted V-shaped with both ends directed downward in a side view. Indoor heat exchanger 13 is arranged above indoor fan 14 to cover indoor fan 14.

The indoor heat exchanger 13 behaves as an evaporator when the air conditioner including the indoor air conditioning unit 10 performs cooling (including dehumidification) of the air conditioning target space RS. In other words, when the air conditioning cools the air conditioning target space RS, the indoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with the air drawn in through the upper inlet port 25 and the lower inlet port 26 in order to extract the heat of the air. More specifically, when the air conditioner cools the air conditioning target space RS, heat is exchanged between the air that is drawn in through the upper intake port 25 and the lower intake port 26 and the refrigerant that circulates through the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the heat is removed from the air.

On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger 13 behaves like a condenser when the air conditioning performs heating of the air conditioning target space RS. In other words, when the air conditioner heats the air conditioning target space RS, the indoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with the air drawn in through the upper inlet port 25 and the lower inlet port 26 in order to provide heat to the air. More specifically, when the air conditioner heats the air conditioning target space RS, heat is exchanged between the air drawn in through the upper inlet port 25 and the lower inlet port 26 and the refrigerant circulating through the tubes. heat transfer system of the indoor heat exchanger 13 in order to supply heat to the air.

(2-4) Indoor fan

As shown in Figure 2, the indoor fan 14 is disposed substantially in the center of the housing 11. The indoor fan 14 is configured as a cross-flow fan having a substantially tubular shape extending in the longitudinal direction. (cross direction) of the air conditioning indoor unit 10. When the indoor fan 14 is driven to rotate, the air from the air conditioning target space RS is drawn in through the upper intake port 25 and the intake port. lower 26 and passes through the air filter 12 to then pass through the indoor heat exchanger 13. The indoor fan 14 sends the air (conditioned air), which has exchanged heat in the indoor heat exchanger 13, out from the blow port 27 to the air conditioning target space RS.

(2-5) Lower frame

The lower frame 16 supports the air filter 12, the indoor heat exchanger 13, and the indoor fan 14 (see Figure 2). The housing 11 has disposed therein the inlet flow path 16a and the spiral air blowing flow path 16b, which are configured by means of the lower frame 16 (see Figure 2). The spiral air blowing flow path 16b is a space located intermediate between an upper surface of flow path 16c located on the front side and a lower surface of flow path 16d located on the rear side (see FIG. two).

(2-6) Airflow direction change mechanism

The air flow direction change mechanism 30 modifies the direction of an air flow of air blown through the blow port 27 so as to adjust the air flow direction.

The air flow direction change mechanism 30 includes a first upper flap 40, a second upper flap 50, and a lower flap 60 which extend in the transverse direction and are used to vertically alter the direction of the air flow. exhaust air to the outside (see Figures 1 and 2). The mechanism of change The air flow direction 30 further includes a plurality of vertical fins 15 used to transverse direction change the air flow direction of the exhaust air outward (see Figures 1 and 3).

The first upper fin 40 and the second upper fin 50 are arranged on the upper edge side 27a of the blow port 27 (see Figure 2). The lower fin 60 is arranged on the side of the lower edge 27b of the blow port 27 (see Figure 2).

The first upper fin 40 has a first upper fin upper surface 41 and a lower first upper fin surface 42 which are located in an upper position and in a lower position, respectively, in the state shown in Figure 2, wherein the air exits out of the blow port 27 in a first direction which will be described later. The first upper fin 40 has a first end 43 and a second end 44 which are located in a front position and in a rear position, respectively, in the state shown in Figure 2. The second upper fin 50 has a second upper surface. upper fin 51 and an upper second fin lower surface 52 which are located in an upper position and in a lower position, respectively, in the state shown in Figure 2 (see Figure 2). The second upper fin 50 has a first end 53 and a second end 54 which are located in a front position and in a rear position, respectively, in the state shown in Figure 2. The lower fin 60 has a lower fin upper surface. 61 and a lower fin lower surface 62 which are located in an upper position and in a lower position, respectively, in the state shown in Figure 2. The lower fin 60 has a first end 63 and a second end 64 that are located in a front position and in a rear position, respectively, in the state represented in Figure 2.

The first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50, and the lower flap 60 are rotatably attached to the housing 11. The air flow direction change mechanism 30 includes a flap drive motor (not shown) configured to individually drive the first upper fin 40, the second upper fin 50 and the lower fin 60. The first upper fin 40, the second upper fin 50 and the lower fin 60 are configured to be rotated independently by means of the motor flap drive, which is controlled by the control unit 80. The first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50 and the lower flap 60 are driven by means of the flap drive motor to rotate around a center of rotation. 45, a center of rotation 55 and a center of rotation 65, respectively, which extend in the transverse direction (see Figure 4). The center of rotation 45, the center of rotation 55 and the center of rotation 65 are located adjacent to the second end 44 of the first upper fin 40, the second end 54 of the second upper fin 50 and the second end 64 of the lower fin 60, respectively. In Figure 2, the center of rotation 45 is not shown, nor is the center of rotation 55 nor the center of rotation 65.

The first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50 and the lower flap 60 are rotated by means of the flap drive motor when the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is in operation and adopt predetermined positions in order to vertically adjust the air flow direction of the air that is blown out of the blow port 27 independently of each other or in conjunction with each other. The first upper fin 40, the second upper fin 50, and the lower fin 60 adjust the air flow direction to cause air to be blown out of the blow port 27 substantially horizontally and forward, forward and downward. , or substantially in a vertical and downward direction. The lower flap 60 opens the blow port 27 when the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is in operation and closes the blow port 27 when the air condition indoor unit 10 is not in operation. When the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is not in operation, the second upper flap 50 is positioned close to the casing 11 to assume a posture as part of the casing 11 together with the panel 20.

The plurality of vertical fins 15, each having a flat surface that intersects the transverse direction, is arranged behind the first upper fin 40 (upstream in an air flow direction of the indoor fan 14) (see Figures 1 and 4). In Figure 2, the vertical fins 15 are not represented. The air flow direction change mechanism 30 includes a vane drive motor (not shown) configured to drive the vertical vanes 15. Each of the vertical vanes 15 is configured to be rotated about a center of vertically extending rotation (not shown) by means of the flap drive motor which is controlled by the control unit 80. The vertical flaps 15 transversely adjust the direction of the air flow of the air that is blown out of the intake port. blown 27.

(2-6-1) Outward air direction during cooling operation in circulating mode

Described below is the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 during cooling operation in circulating mode (while the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is operated in a circulating mode. which will be described later for the purpose of cooling (including dehumidification) the air conditioning target space RS). Described herein is the outward air flow direction set (changed) by the first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50 and the lower flap 60 of the direction change mechanism. air flow 30.

The air flow direction change mechanism 30, in circulation mode cooling operation, changes the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 at least between a first direction, which is a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction, and a second direction which is a vertical downward or substantially vertical downward direction. The air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 can be further changed to a direction (for example, forward and downward) other than the first direction and the second direction, as required. , during circulating mode cooling operation.

The air flow direction change mechanism 30 continuously changes the positions of the first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50, and the lower flap 60 in order to change the air flow direction of the exhaust air toward out through the blow port 27 from the first direction to the second direction, 0 from the second direction to the first direction. In other words, the airflow direction change mechanism 30 changes the airflow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 from the first direction to the second direction or from the second direction. to the first direction by continuously changing the direction of the air flow from the exhaust air to the outside.

(A) First address

The first direction is horizontal or substantially horizontal.

The airflow direction change mechanism 30 changes the airflow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 to the first direction (sets the first direction) in cooling operation in cooling mode. circulation. The circulation mode is a mode of operation of the air conditioning indoor unit 10 in which the air is blown out mainly according to the first outlet direction of the blow port 27 so that the air flow reaches a position remote into the air conditioning target space RS and circulates conditioned air in the air conditioning target space RS.

When air is blown out through blow port 27 according to the first direction (hereinafter referred to as sometimes as when air is blown out according to the first direction for simplified description), the exhaust air to the outside through the blow port 27 circulates substantially along the ceiling, the walls and the floor in the ceiling order, a remote wall facing the wall WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10 (a wall located opposite the air conditioning indoor unit 10), the floor and the wall WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10, in order to generate a circulating air flow in the air conditioning target space of air RS. Preferably, a laminar airflow with high airflow velocity is generated without causing the air to diffuse into the blow port 27 in order to enable the airflow to reach a remote area in the target air conditioning space. air RS.

When the air is blown out according to the first direction, the first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50 and the lower flap 60 of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 are controlled by the control unit 80, which is controlled. will be described later, in order to adopt the positions represented in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, when the air is blown out in the first direction, the first upper fin 40 assumes a position in which the lower surface of the first fin The upper surface 42 extends smoothly forward from the upper flow path surface 16c of the spiral air blowing flow path 16b. When the air is blown out in the first direction, the lower flap 60 assumes a position in which the upper surface of the lower flap 61 extends smoothly forward from the lower flow path surface 16d of the blown flow path. spiral air flow 16b. In other words, when the air is blown out in the first direction, the first upper fin 40 and the lower fin 60 artificially establish a condition in which the spiral air blowing flow path 16b extends forward. This enables the generation of the laminar airflow having a high airflow velocity in order to easily allow the airflow to reach a remote area in the target air conditioning space RS.

The second upper fin 50 arranged in a downstream position according to an air outlet direction with respect to the first upper fin 40 finely adjusts in a vertical direction the direction of the air that is blown from one part, behaving as a blow port of the path of artificially extended spiral air blowing flow 16b, limited by the first end 43 of the first upper fin 40 and by the first end 63 of the lower fin 60. The second upper fin 50, in the state represented in Figure 2 , has a position of minimizing the resistance to the air that is blown outward and directing slightly upward the direction of the air flow of the air that is blown slightly downward with respect to the horizontal direction.

These positions of the first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50, and the lower flap 60 when air is blown out in the first direction are merely examples herein. The positions of the first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50, and the lower flap 60 can be appropriately determined to make the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 to be the first direction (horizontally or substantially horizontally).

(B) Second address

The second direction is vertical downward or substantially vertical downward.

The airflow direction change mechanism 30 temporarily changes the airflow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 to the second direction when a temperature unevenness in the space is detected or anticipated RS air conditioning target in circulating mode cooling operation. Changing the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 during circulating mode cooling operation will be described later.

When air is blown out through blow port 27 in the second direction (hereinafter referred to as sometimes as when air is blown out in the second direction for simplified description), An air flow is generated so that the air from the blow port 27 circulates along the wall WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10, and the air conditioner is sent to the position immediately below the air conditioning indoor unit 10.

When the air is blown out in the second direction, the first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50 and the lower flap 60 of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 are controlled by the control unit 80, which is controlled will be described later, in order to adopt the positions represented in Figure 4. When the first upper fin 40, the second upper fin 50 and the lower fin 60 adopt the positions represented in Figure 4, an air flow is generated that goes rearwardly (towards the wall WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10) from the blow port 27. When the air is blown out in the second direction, the lower flap 60 rotates to arrange the first end 63 in a rearward position with respect to the second end 64 so that the upper lower fin surface 61 is inclined with respect to the vertical plane in a state in which its upper end side (the l from the second end 64) forward. When the air is blown outward in the second direction, the second upper fin 50 rotates to arrange the first end 53 in a rear position relative to the second end 54 so that the upper surface of the second upper fin 51 inclines relative to the vertical plane in a state that its upper end side (the second end side 54) is arranged forward. When the air is blown out in the second direction, the first upper fin 40 rotates to arrange the first end 43 in a rear position relative to the second end 44 so that the upper surface of the first upper fin 41 is inclined with respect to the plane. vertical in a state in which its upper end side (the second end side 44) is disposed forward.

The lower fin lower surface 62 preferably has a recess 66 positioned adjacent the second end 64. The lower fin 60 is shaped to allow the recess 66 provided in the lower fin lower surface 62 to receive the lower edge 27b of the port. blown 27 when the air is blown out in the second direction. Compared to a case where the lower flap bottom surface 62 has no recess 66, this configuration makes it possible for the first end 63 of the lower flap 60 to move further rearward to allow air to circulate along the length of the flap. wall WL from a higher position.

These positions of the first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50, and the lower flap 60 when air is blown out in the second direction are merely examples herein. The positions of the first upper flap 40, the second upper flap 50, and the lower flap 60 can be appropriately determined to make the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 to be the second direction (vertically down or substantially vertically down). The positions of the first upper fin 40, the second upper fin 50 and the lower fin 60 can alternatively be determined such that the upper surface of the first upper fin 41, the upper surface of the second upper fin 51 and the upper surface of lower fin 61 are arranged as substantially vertical planes when air is blown out in the second direction.

(2-7) Floor temperature sensor

Floor temperature sensor 70 is an exemplary temperature unevenness detection sensor configured to detect temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS.

The floor temperature sensor 70 detects a floor temperature in the room. The soil temperature sensor 70 can be configured as a sensor that adopts any of different detection methods. In this embodiment, the soil temperature sensor 70 is a thermopile array sensor. The floor temperature sensor 70 may be arranged on the lower surface 11f of the housing 11, for example (see Figure 1).

The floor temperature sensor 70 detects a floor temperature for each of the zones of the air conditioning target space RS. For example, the floor temperature sensor 70 divides the floor of the air conditioning target space RS into 8 x 8 zones and detects a temperature in each of the zones. The floor temperature sensor 70 detects a temperature of a floor surface adjacent to the wall WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10, as a temperature of a position located below the air conditioning indoor unit 10. The floor temperature sensor 70 detects a temperature of a floor surface away from the wall WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10, such as a temperature of a position away from the wall WL in the air conditioning target space RS. The soil temperature sensor 70 is an example of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

The soil temperature sensor 70 according to the present embodiment behaves as the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, although the present invention should not be limited to such a configuration. The soil temperature sensor 70 may alternatively include a first soil temperature sensor that behaves as the first temperature sensor, and a second soil temperature sensor provided independently of the first soil temperature sensor and that behaves as the second temperature sensor.

(2-8) Space temperature sensor

The space temperature sensor 71 detects an air conditioning target space temperature RS. The space temperature sensor 71 is arranged adjacent to the upper inlet port 25 or the like and detects, as the air conditioning target space temperature RS, a temperature of the air introduced into the air conditioning indoor unit 10. The Arrangement of the space temperature sensor 71 described in this embodiment is merely an example, and the space temperature sensor 71 may alternatively be arranged in a different position in which a representative temperature of the target air conditioning space can be detected RS .

(2-9) Space humidity sensor

The space humidity sensor 72 detects a humidity of the air conditioning target space RS. The humidity sensor of the space 72 is arranged adjacent to the upper inlet port 25 or the like and detects, as humidity of the air conditioning target space RS, a humidity of the air introduced into the air conditioning indoor unit 10. The Arrangement of the humidity sensor of the space 72 described in this embodiment is merely an example, and the humidity sensor of the space 72 may alternatively be arranged in a different position in which a representative humidity of the target air conditioning space can be detected RS .

(2-10) Control unit

The control unit 80 mainly includes a CPU (not shown) and a memory (not shown). The control unit 80 executes a program stored in memory to control the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 10.

The control unit 80 is electrically connected to the indoor fan 14 and the air flow direction change mechanism 30 (to the flap drive motor of the air flow direction change mechanism 30) of the indoor unit. air conditioning unit 10. The control unit 80 is also electrically connected to different sensors including the floor temperature sensor 70, the space temperature sensor 71 and the space humidity sensor 72 of the air conditioning indoor unit. 10. The control unit 80 is also electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) included in the air conditioning outdoor unit that configures the air conditioning together with the air conditioning indoor unit 10. The control unit 80 It is configured to communicate with a remote control (not shown) operated by a user of the air conditioner to give instructions to the air conditioner. onditioned.

The control unit 80 controls the operation of the indoor fan 14, the air flow direction change mechanism 30 and the like according to the results of the measurements of the different sensors, to the signals transmitted from the air flow control unit. the air conditioning outdoor unit, to the air conditioning user commands transmitted through the remote controller, and the like.

In this embodiment, the control of the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 10 during the cooling operation in circulation mode is mainly described among the different controls of the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 10 by the unit. control 80.

The control unit 80 includes, as functional units particularly related to the control of the operation of the air conditioning indoor unit 10 during cooling operation in circulation mode, a shift mechanism control unit 81, a permit unit control 82, a fan control unit 83, a temperature unevenness detector 84, and a temperature unevenness anticipator 85.

(2-10-1) Shift mechanism control unit

The change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 for changing the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27.

The change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 for changing the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 according to as indicated by the user of the air conditioner through the use of the remote control or according to an operating mode or an air flow mode of the air conditioner indicated by the user of the air conditioner through the use of the remote control distance. The air conditioner has modes of operation including an automatic mode, a cooling mode, a dehumidification mode, a heating mode, a ventilation mode, and the like. The automatic mode corresponds to an operation mode in which the control unit 80 automatically selects an operation content in accordance with a temperature, a humidity or the like of the target air conditioning space RS. The air flow modes are related to aspects of sending the exhaust air out through the blow port 27, and the aforementioned circulation mode corresponds to one of the air flow modes.

The present specification particularly describes the operation of the shift mechanism control unit 81 during cooling operation in circulation mode. When in circulation mode cooling operation, the user of the air conditioner selects automatic mode, cooling mode or dehumidification mode as the air conditioner operation mode, and the circulation mode as flow mode. of air, for the execution of the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation by the air conditioner.

During cooling operation in circulation mode, the shift mechanism control unit 81 normally controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 to make the air conditioning indoor unit 10 send the air from exit out according to the first direction.

The change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out in the second direction when a temperature unevenness is detected or anticipated. in the air conditioning target space RS while the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is sending the exhaust air out according to the first direction. More specifically, the change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out according to the second direction according to a result of detection by the temperature unevenness detector 84 which will be described later while the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is sending the exhaust air out according to the first direction. In addition, the change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is blown out temporarily according to the second direction according to an anticipation result by part of the temperature unevenness anticipator 85 which will be described later while the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is sending the exhaust air out according to the first direction.

(2-10-2) Control permission unit

The control permission unit 82 is a functional unit configured to allow the change mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30. In the opposite direction, the control permission unit 82 is a functional unit configured to prohibit the change mechanism control unit 81 from controlling the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30. In particular, the control permission unit 82 allows the control unit of the change mechanism 81 control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 in order to change the air flow direction of the exhaust air out to the second direction while the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is in operation. sending the air according to the first direction.

As previously described, the change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 according to a detection result by the temperature unevenness detector 84 or an anticipation result by the temperature unevenness anticipator 85 while the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is sending the exhaust air out according to the first direction. In the case where the control permission unit 82 does not allow control, the change mechanism control unit 81 cannot control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 to change the flow direction. airflow from the exhaust air out from the first direction to the second direction, even though a temperature unevenness has been detected or anticipated in the air conditioning target space RS.

A description will be provided below as to under which conditions the control permission unit 82 enables the change mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30.

(2-10-3) Fan control unit

The fan control unit 83 controls the operation or stop of the indoor fan 14, and further controls an air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 (number of turns of a fan motor). Unit Fan control 83 is an example of the air flow volume control unit. The fan control unit 83 controls the operation of the indoor fan 14 to change an air flow volume of the exhaust air to the outside through the blow port 27 as indicated by the user of the air conditioner by means of the using the remote control or according to an operation mode or air flow mode of the air conditioner specified by the user of the air conditioner by using the remote control.

The fan control unit 83 decreases the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14, compared to the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 at times when the exhaust air to the outside is expelled in the first direction. or according to the second direction, while the air flow direction change mechanism 30 is changing the air flow direction of the exhaust air out from the first direction to the second direction or from the second direction to the first direction during cooling operation in circulation mode. The fan control unit 83 controls the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 to be at a minimum level while the air flow direction change mechanism 30 is changing the air flow direction of the exhaust air. outward from the first direction to the second direction or from the second direction to the first direction during circulating mode cooling operation. Furthermore, during cooling operation in circulation mode, the fan control unit 83 decreases the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 at the times when the exhaust air is blown out in the second direction in comparison with the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 at the times when the exhaust air to the outside is blown in the first direction. The fan control unit 83 controls the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 in this way during cooling operation in circulation mode to prevent the air flow from directly hitting a person in the target conditioning space. of air Rs in order to reduce the deterioration of comfort.

(2-10-4) Temperature unevenness detector

The temperature inequality detector 84 detects temperature inequalities in the air conditioning target space RS according to a measurement result by the floor temperature sensor 70. The temperature inequality detector 84 detects the temperature inequality in the air conditioning target space RS at least during circulating mode cooling operation.

During cooling operation in circulation mode, the temperature unevenness detector 84 detects the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS according to a result of the comparison between a temperature on a near side and a temperature on a far side transmitted by the floor temperature sensor 70. The temperature on the near side indicates a measurement value of the temperature of the position located below the indoor air conditioning unit 10 (temperature of the floor surface in position adjacent to the wall WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10) measured by the floor temperature sensor 70. The temperature on the far side indicates a temperature measurement value of the position away from the wall WL in the air conditioning target space RS (temperature of the floor surface away from the wall WL provided with the air indoor unit e conditioning 10) measured by the floor temperature sensor 70. During cooling operation in circulation mode, the temperature inequality detector 84 detects the temperature inequality in the air conditioning target space RS when a difference between the temperature on the near side and the temperature on the far side is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, more specifically, when the temperature on the near side is greater than the temperature on the far side by at least the predetermined value.

The temperature unevenness detector 84 can detect the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS according to a result of the comparison between the near side temperature and the far side temperature at a given time. The temperature unevenness detector 84 can alternately detect the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS according to a result of the comparison between the near side temperature and the far side temperature during a given period ( for example, one minute). For example, the temperature unevenness detector 84 can detect the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS when the temperature on the near side is higher than the temperature on the far side by at least the predetermined value during the period determined.

(2-10-5) Temperature Inequality Anticipator

The temperature inequality anticipator 85 anticipates the occurrence of the temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS. The temperature unevenness detector 84 anticipates the occurrence of the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS at least during circulating mode cooling operation.

The temperature inequality anticipator 85 anticipates the occurrence of the temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space when a period in which the exhaust air is blown out. continuously according to the first direction exceeds a predetermined period during cooling operation in circulation mode.

(3) Changing the air flow direction of the exhaust air to the outside during cooling operation in circulating mode

The change of the air flow direction of the exhaust air to the outside carried out during cooling operation in circulation mode will be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 5.

The following series of processes is started when the user of the air conditioner selects, through the use of the remote control, the automatic mode, the cooling mode or the dehumidification mode as the operating mode of the air conditioner, as well as the mode circulation as the air flow mode, and then it gives the air conditioning start instruction, and the control unit 80 selects the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation if the automatic mode is selected as the operation mode. For simplicity, the following description does not take into account a case where the user of the air conditioner switches the operating mode or the air flow mode in half.

Initially, in step S1, the change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 to direct the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the intake port. blown 27 according to the first direction. Specifically, the change mechanism control unit 81 commands the flap drive motor (not shown) of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 to change the positions of the first upper flap 40, of the second flap. upper 50 and lower flap 60 to the air blowing positions according to the first direction.

In the next step S2, it is determined whether an initial change period has elapsed after the exhaust air to the outside has started to be blown in the first direction. The initial exchange period is preliminarily established. The initial change period should not be limited, and is set as an example to ten minutes. The flow advances to step S3 when it has been determined that the initial change period has elapsed after the exhaust air to the outside has started to flow in the first direction. Step S2 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the initial change period has elapsed after the exhaust air to the outside has started to flow in the first direction.

The control permission unit 82 is configured to allow the change mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is blown out according to the second direction in the case where a period of continuous operation after the air conditioning indoor unit 10 has started to send the exhaust air out according to the first direction for the first time after the cooling operation is started in circulation mode exceeds the initial change period. In step S3, the control permission unit 82 thus allows the change mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is drawn into the air flow direction. outside be blown according to the second direction.

The temperature inequality anticipator 85 is configured to anticipate the occurrence of the temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS in the case where a period in which the exhaust air to the outside is continuously blown according to the first address exceeds the initial change period. In step S3, the temperature inequality anticipator 85 thus anticipates the occurrence of the temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS.

Next, in step S4, the change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is blown out according to the second direction, since The control permission unit 82 allows the change mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 and temperature unevenness is detected or anticipated in the target air conditioning space. air RS. Specifically, the shift mechanism control unit 81 commands the flap drive motor (not shown) of the airflow direction change mechanism 30 to change the positions of the first upper flap 40, of the second upper flap. 50 and from the lower flap 60 of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 to the air blowing positions according to the second direction.

In the next step S5, it is determined whether a set period of blowing according to the second direction has elapsed after the exhaust air to the outside has started to be blown according to the second direction. The set period of blowing according to the second direction is preliminarily set for the attenuation of the temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS. The set blowing period according to the second direction should not be limited and is set as two minutes by way of example. The flow advances to step S6 when it is determined that the set period of blowing according to the second direction has elapsed after the exhaust air to the outside has started to be blown according to the second direction. Step S5 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the set period of blowing according to the second direction has elapsed after the exhaust air to the outside has started to be blown according to the second direction.

In step S6, the change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 to blow the exhaust air out according to the first direction. Specifically, the shift mechanism control unit 81 commands the flap drive motor (not shown) of the airflow direction change mechanism 30 to change the positions of the first upper flap 40, of the second upper flap. 50 and from the lower flap 60 to the air blowing positions according to the first direction. Although not shown, in step S6, the control permission unit 82 prohibits (cancels the control permission for) the change mechanism control unit 81 from controlling the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism. 30 to blow the exhaust air out in the second direction.

Next, in step S7, it is determined whether the target air conditioning space RS satisfies a predetermined condition continuously for a first predetermined period. The predetermined condition in this case is that a temperature detected by the space temperature sensor 71 is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature, and that a humidity detected by the space humidity sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined humidity. The predetermined temperature and the predetermined humidity preferably have values that should satisfy the comfort of the user of the air conditioner. Although without limitation, in step S7, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the space temperature sensor 71 is equal to or less than a temperature input set by use of the remote control and whether the humidity detected by the sensor humidity of space 72 is equal to or less than 70% continuously for at least 60 minutes, for example. The flow advances to step S8 when it is determined that the target air conditioning space RS satisfies the predetermined condition continuously for the first predetermined period. The determination of step S7 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the target air conditioning space RS satisfies the predetermined condition continuously for the first predetermined period.

The control permission unit 82 is configured to allow the change mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 in order to blow the exhaust air out according to the second direction when the temperature detected by the space temperature sensor 71 is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature and when the humidity detected by the space humidity sensor 72 is equal to or less than the predetermined humidity continuously for at least the first predetermined period during cooling operation in circulation mode. In step S8, the control permission unit 82 thus allows the change mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 in order to blow the exhaust air. outward in the second direction.

Next, in step S9, the temperature unevenness detector 84 detects the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS according to a result of the comparison between the near side temperature and the near side temperature. transmitted by the floor temperature sensor 70. As described above, the temperature on the near side indicates the temperature measurement value of the position below the indoor air conditioning unit 10 measured by the floor temperature sensor 70, and the temperature on the far side indicates the temperature measurement value of the position away from the wall WL in the air conditioning target space RS measured by the floor temperature sensor 70. Specifically, the temperature inequality detector 84 determines whether the temperature on the near side is greater than the temperature on the far side by at least the pred value. efinished. The temperature inequality detector 84 detects the temperature inequality in the air conditioning target space RS when the temperature on the near side is higher than the temperature on the far side by at least the predetermined value (for example, at a time or for a certain period) (step S10), and the flow then returns to step S4. The processing of step S4 has been described above and will not be described repeatedly. The flow advances to step S11 when the temperature in the front position is not higher than the temperature in the rear position by at least the predetermined value.

In step S11, it is determined whether a period during which the exhaust air to the outside is blown according to the first direction continuously (a period after the air flow direction of the exhaust air to the outside has been most recently changed to the first address) exceeds a second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is preliminarily set. The second default period should not be limited and is set to 90 minutes by way of example. The flow advances to step S12 when it is determined that the exhaust air to the outside is blown in the first direction continuously for a period exceeding the second predetermined period. The flow returns to step S7 if it is determined that a period during which the exhaust air is continuously blown out in the first direction is less than the predetermined second period. Although not shown, in the event that the flow returns to step S7, the control permission unit 82 prohibits (cancels the control permission for) the shift mechanism control unit 81 from controlling the operation of the shift mechanism. changing the direction of the air flow 30 to blow the exhaust air out according to the second direction.

The temperature inequality anticipator 85 is configured to anticipate the occurrence of the temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS when a period during which the exhaust air to the outside is blown in the first direction continuously exceeds the second period. predetermined, unless step S3 is in progress. In step S12, the temperature inequality anticipator 85 thus anticipates the occurrence of the temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS. The flow then proceeds to step S4. The processing in step S4 has been described above and will not be described repeatedly.

The outward air flow direction change described with reference to Figure 5 is an example of the outlet air air flow direction change outward during cooling operation in circulation mode, and the present invention should not be limited to this example. For example, the change of the air flow direction of the exhaust air to the outside during cooling operation in circulation mode can alternatively be designed so that steps S2 to S6 are skipped and the flow advances to step S7 after of the execution of the processing of step S1 represented in Figure 5.

(4) Features

(4-1)

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes the housing 11, the indoor heat exchanger 13 by way of example of a heat exchanger, the indoor fan 14 by way of example of a fan, the the air flow direction 30 and the shift mechanism control unit 81. The housing 11 has the upper inlet port 25, the lower inlet port 26 and the blow port 27. The indoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with the air being drawn through the upper inlet port 25 and the lower inlet port 26 to extract heat from the air. The indoor fan 14 sends the air that has exchanged heat in the indoor heat exchanger 13 out of the blow port 27. The air flow direction change mechanism 30 changes the air flow direction of the exhaust air towards out through the blow port 27 at least between the first direction and the second direction. The first direction is a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction. The second direction is a vertical downward or substantially vertical downward direction. The change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out in the second direction when the occurrence of an air flow is detected or anticipated. temperature inequality in the air conditioning target space RS while the exhaust air to the outside is circulating according to the first direction.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 blows the air according to the second direction in a case where a temperature unevenness is detected or anticipated in the air conditioning target space RS when cooling (including dehumidification) is carried out. ) while blowing the air out in the first direction. This configuration manages to supply the air conditioning to an area located vertically below the air conditioning indoor unit 10, where it is unlikely that the exhaust air to the outside which is blown in the first direction will reach, in order to attenuate the unevenness. of temperature in the target air conditioning space RS and to provide a comfortable target air conditioning space RS.

(4-2)

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes the floor temperature sensor 70 and the temperature unevenness detector 84. The floor temperature sensor 70 is an example of a temperature unevenness detecting sensor configured to detect a temperature inequality. The temperature unevenness detector 84 detects a temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS according to a measurement result made by the floor temperature sensor 70. The shift mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 such that the exhaust air is blown out temporarily according to the second direction according to a detection result by the temperature unevenness detector 84 while the exhaust air outward is being blown in the first direction.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 can accurately detect the temperature unevenness according to the measurement result made by the floor temperature sensor 70 and attenuate the temperature unevenness by controlling the air flow direction of the exhaust air to the outside.

(4-3)

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment is of the wall-mount type. The floor temperature sensor 70 includes the first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature from the position below the indoor air conditioning unit 10. In other words, the floor temperature sensor 70 behaves like the first temperature sensor set to measure the temperature of the position located under the air conditioning indoor unit 10.

In this embodiment, the temperature unevenness is detected according to a measurement result made by the first temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the position located below the wall-mounted type air conditioning indoor unit 10 in order to facilitate accurate detection of temperature inequality without losing it.

(4-4)

In the air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment, the floor temperature sensor 70 includes the second temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a position that is remote from the wall WL in which the indoor unit is installed. air conditioning unit 10, in the air conditioning target space RS. In other words, the floor temperature sensor 70 behaves as the second temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the position that is away from the wall WL in which the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is installed, in the RS air conditioning target space. The temperature unevenness detector 84 detects a temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS according to a result of the comparison between a measurement value (near side temperature) of the floor temperature sensor 70 that is behaves as the first temperature sensor and a measurement value (temperature on the far side) from the soil temperature sensor 70 that behaves as the second temperature sensor.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 detects a temperature unevenness according to the temperature measurement results of the position that is away from the wall WL in which the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is installed, in the air conditioning target space RS, and the temperature of the position below the air conditioning indoor unit 10, so as to facilitate accurate detection of temperature unevenness without losing it.

(4-5)

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes the temperature unevenness anticipator 85. The temperature unevenness anticipator 85 anticipates the occurrence of a temperature unevenness in the target air conditioning space RS in a case where the that the period in which the exhaust air to the outside is continuously blown in the first direction exceeds the first period. The change mechanism control unit 81 controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is blown out temporarily according to the second direction according to an anticipation result of the anticipator. temperature inequality 85 while the exhaust air to the outside is being blown in the first direction.

Specifically, the temperature inequality anticipator 85 anticipates the occurrence of a temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS when the exhaust air is blown out in the first direction continuously for the period exceeding the change period. immediately following the start of circulation cooling operation (see Figure 5). At times other than the above, the temperature inequality anticipator 85 anticipates the occurrence of a temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS when the exhaust air to the outside circulates in the first direction continuously for a period that exceeds the second predetermined period (see Figure 5).

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 can appropriately anticipate the occurrence of a temperature unevenness based on the characteristic that the temperature unevenness is likely to occur in a position immediately below the air conditioning indoor unit 10 when the air is blown in the first direction, in order to suppress the occurrence of the unevenness of temperature, as well as to attenuate the unevenness of temperature.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 includes the floor temperature sensor 70 which behaves as the temperature unevenness detection sensor. However, depending on a condition (where there is an obstacle, for example), a temperature inequality may be generated in a position where the soil temperature sensor 70 can barely detect it. In this embodiment, the occurrence of a temperature unevenness is anticipated when the exhaust air to the outside is blown in the first direction continuously for an extended period. This setting can thus attenuate the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS, even though there is difficulty for the sensor to detect the temperature unevenness.

(4-6)

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes the space temperature sensor 71, the space humidity sensor 72 and the control permission unit 82. The space temperature sensor 71 detects a target space temperature air conditioning system RS. The space humidity sensor 72 detects a humidity of the air conditioning target space RS. The control permit unit 82 enables the shift mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30. The control permit unit 82 enables the shift mechanism control unit change 81 control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is blown out according to the second direction in the case where the condition that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor of space 71 is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature and that the humidity detected by the humidity sensor of space 72 is equal to or less than the predetermined humidity is met for at least the first predetermined period.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 prioritizes blowing the air according to the first direction to facilitate the generation of a circulating air flow in the target air conditioning space RS until the temperature and humidity of the target air conditioning space RS satisfy the predetermined conditions. This configuration can thus further improve comfort by attenuating temperature inequalities after initially ensuring comfort throughout the RS air conditioning target space.

(4-7)

In the air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment, the control permission unit 82 enables the change mechanism control unit 81 to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the outlet air outward is blown according to the second direction in the case where the period of continuous operation after the indoor air conditioning unit 10 starts to blow the outlet air outward in the first direction for the first Once after the start of its operation, it exceeds the initial change-over period.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 allows the exhaust air to be blown out in the second direction immediately after the start of operation when temperature unevenness is particularly likely to occur, regardless of whether the temperature and humidity in the RS air conditioning target space meet the predetermined conditions. This configuration facilitates the attenuation of temperature inequalities immediately after the start of operation.

(4-8)

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes the fan control unit 83 as an exemplary air flow volume control unit configured to control the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14. The Airflow direction change mechanism 30 changes the airflow direction of the exhaust air out from the first direction to the second direction, or from the second direction to the first direction, continuously changing the airflow direction exhaust air to the outside. The fan control unit 83 decreases the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 compared to the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 at times when the exhaust air is blown out in the first direction. or according to the second direction, when the air flow direction change mechanism 30 is changing the air flow direction of the exhaust air out from the first direction to the second direction, or from the second direction to the first address.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 prevents the air flow from hitting a person directly in the air conditioning target space RS so as not to deteriorate the comfort.

(4-9)

In the air conditioning indoor unit 10 according to the present embodiment, the fan control unit 83 decreases the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 at the times when the exhaust air is blown out according to the second direction compared to the air flow volume of the indoor fan 14 at the times when the exhaust air to the outside is blown in the first direction.

The air conditioning indoor unit 10 decreases the volume of air flow when the air is blown downward in order to facilitate preventing the air flow from hitting a person directly in the air conditioning target space. RS in order to reduce the deterioration of comfort.

(5) Examples of modifications

Next, modification examples of the present embodiment will be described. Any of the following modification examples can be appropriately combined unless there are contradictions between them.

(5-1) Modification example A

The temperature unevenness detector 84 according to the embodiment described above detects the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS according to a result of the comparison between the near side temperature and the far side temperature transmitted. from the soil temperature sensor 70. However, in the present invention, the detection method by the temperature unevenness detector 84 is not limited to this method.

The temperature inequality detector 84 can alternatively detect the temperature inequality in the air conditioning target space RS according to the change with time of the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (in other words, the temperature on the near side transmitted from the soil temperature sensor 70). More specifically, the temperature unevenness detector 84 can detect the temperature unevenness in the air conditioning target space RS when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor gradually increases (even though there has been no change in the temperature). temperature input set by using the remote control). This makes it possible to detect temperature inequalities by means of a relatively simple setup and the attenuation of temperature inequalities by controlling the air flow direction of the exhaust air to the outside.

(5-2) Example of modification B

Temperature inequalities may occur in the RS air conditioning target space due to solar radiation. For example, the air conditioning target space RS may have a temperature inequality when the floor surface is heated by sunlight entering through a wall window WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10. , or when the wall WL provided with the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is heated by sunlight. Therefore, the RS air conditioning target space is likely to have temperature inequalities, especially during the day.

In view of this, the change of the air flow direction of the exhaust air out from the first direction to the second direction during cooling operation in circulation mode can alternatively be carried out only during the day. . For example, the control permission unit 82 can always prohibit the change mechanism control unit 81 from controlling the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 to send the exhaust air out according to the second direction. overnight.

(5-3) Example of modification C

The above embodiment merely shows by way of example, and therefore should not limit, the configuration of the air flow direction change mechanism 30. The air flow direction change mechanism can alternatively be configured to change the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port 27 between the first direction and the second direction using two or less fins, or using three or more fins.

The housing 11 may alternatively be provided with two or more blow ports, so that the air conditioning indoor unit is configured to blow air through different blow ports depending on whether the air is blown in the first direction. or the case where the air is blown according to the second direction. In addition, the air flow direction change mechanism can alternatively adjust the air flow direction using the different flaps depending on whether the air is blown according to the first direction or the case where the air is blown. blown according to the second direction.

(5-4) Example of modification D

The change mechanism control unit 81 according to the above embodiment controls the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out according to the second direction in each case. in which a temperature inequality is detected in the target air conditioning space RS and in the case in which the occurrence of a temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS is anticipated, while the outlet air towards outside is being blown according to the first direction.

The present invention should not be limited to this configuration, and the air conditioning indoor unit may alternatively include no temperature unevenness anticipator 85, and the shift mechanism control unit 81 may control the operation of the shift mechanism. the air flow direction 30 so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out according to the second direction only in the event that a temperature unevenness is detected in the target air conditioning space RS while the exhaust air is it is being blown according to the first direction. The air conditioning indoor unit may alternatively further include no temperature unevenness detector 84, and the change mechanism control unit 81 may control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the Exhaust air to the outside is temporarily blown according to the second direction only in case the occurrence of a temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space RS is anticipated, while the exit air to the outside is being blown according to the first address.

In order to avoid the occurrence of the temperature unevenness more reliably, it is preferable to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism 30 so that the outlet air is blown out in the second direction in each one of the cases in which a temperature inequality is detected in the air conditioning target space RS and in the case in which the occurrence of a temperature inequality in the air conditioning target space RS is anticipated.

Industrial applicability

The present invention is useful due to its wide applicability to an indoor air conditioning unit.

List of reference signs

10 Indoor air conditioning unit

11 Housing

13 Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

14 Indoor fan (fan)

25 Top inlet port (inlet port)

26 Bottom inlet port (inlet port)

27 Blow port

30 Airflow direction change mechanism

70 Soil temperature sensor (temperature unevenness detection sensor, first temperature sensor, second temperature sensor)

71 Space temperature sensor

72 Space humidity sensor

81 Shift Mechanism Control Unit

82 Control permission unit

83 Fan control unit (air flow volume control unit)

84 Temperature inequality detector

85 Temperature Inequality Anticipator

RS Target air conditioning space

WL Wall

Citation list

Patent literature

[Patent Literature 1] Japan Patent Document No. JP 2013-076530 A.

Claims (10)

1. An indoor air conditioning unit (10) comprising: a housing (11) having an inlet port (25, 26) and a blow port (27), wherein the air conditioning indoor unit (10) is of the wall mount type and is configured to be mounted on a wall (WL); a heat exchanger (13) configured to exchange heat with the air that is drawn through the inlet port (25, 26) to extract heat from the air, during a cooling operation; a fan (14) configured to send the air that has exchanged heat in the heat exchanger out of the blow port; an air flow direction change mechanism (30) configured to change the air flow direction of the exhaust air out through the blow port at least between a first direction which is a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction and a second direction that is a vertical downward or substantially vertical downward direction; Y a change mechanism control unit (81) configured to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism (30) to change the air flow direction of the exhaust air out, characterized in that the unit The shift mechanism control is configured to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism (30) so that, during cooling operation, the exhaust air is temporarily blown out according to the second direction, to generate an air flow along the wall (WL) on which the air conditioning indoor unit (10) is mounted, when a temperature unevenness is detected or anticipated in a target air conditioning space ( RS) while the exhaust air to the outside is being blown in the first direction. The indoor air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: a temperature unevenness detection sensor (70) configured to detect a temperature unevenness; Y a temperature inequality detector (84) configured to detect a temperature inequality in the air conditioning target space according to a measurement result by the temperature inequality detection sensor, wherein The change mechanism control unit is configured to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism (30) so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out according to the second direction according to a result of detection by the temperature unevenness detector (84) while the exhaust air is blown out in the first direction. The air conditioning indoor unit (10) according to claim 2, wherein The temperature unevenness detection sensor includes a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of a position located below the air conditioning indoor unit (10). The air conditioning indoor unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein The temperature unevenness detection sensor further includes a second temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of a position of the target air conditioning space, the position being away from a wall (WL) in which the indoor unit is installed air conditioning, and The temperature inequality detector (84) is configured to detect a temperature inequality in the air conditioning target space according to a result of the comparison between a measurement value of the first temperature sensor and a measurement value of the second temperature sensor. The air conditioning indoor unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein The temperature inequality detector (84) is configured to detect a temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space according to the change with time of the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor. The air conditioning indoor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a temperature inequality anticipator (85) configured to anticipate the occurrence of a temperature inequality in the target air conditioning space in a case where a period in which the exhaust air is blown out continuously according to the first direction exceeds a first period, in which The change mechanism control unit is configured to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism (30) so that the exhaust air is temporarily blown out according to the second direction according to a result of anticipation of the temperature inequality anticipator (85) while the exhaust air to the outside is blown according to the first direction. The indoor air conditioning unit (10) according to any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a space temperature sensor (71) configured to detect a target air conditioning space temperature; a space humidity sensor (72) configured to detect a humidity of the air conditioning target space; Y a control permission unit (82) configured to allow the change mechanism control unit to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism (30), wherein the control permission unit (82) is configured to allow the change mechanism control unit to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism (30) so that the exhaust air is blown out according to the second direction in a case where a condition that the temperature detected by the space temperature sensor (71) is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature and that the humidity detected by the space humidity sensor (72 ) is equal to or less than a predetermined humidity continues to be met for a second period or more. The air conditioning indoor unit (10) according to claim 7, wherein The control permission unit (82) is configured to further allow the change mechanism control unit to control the operation of the air flow direction change mechanism (30) so that the exhaust air to the outside is blowing according to the second direction in a case where a period of continuous operation after the indoor air conditioning unit (10) starts to blow the exhaust air out according to the first direction for the first time after starting its operation exceeds a third period. The air conditioning indoor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an airflow volume control unit (83) configured to control an airflow volume of the fan, wherein The air flow direction change mechanism (30) is configured to change the air flow direction of the exhaust air out from the first direction to the second direction, or from the second direction to the first direction, changing continuously the air flow direction of the exhaust air outward, and The air flow volume control unit (83) is configured to decrease the air flow volume of the fan (14), compared to an air flow volume of the fan (14) at times when The exhaust air out is blown according to the first direction or the second direction, when the air flow direction change mechanism (30) is changing the air flow direction of the exhaust air out from the first direction to the second address, or from the second address to the first address. The air conditioning indoor unit (10) according to claim 9, wherein the air flow volume control unit is configured to decrease the air flow volume of the fan (14) at times when the exhaust air is blown out in the second direction compared to the volume of air flow of the fan (14) at the moments when the exhaust air to the outside is blown according to the first direction.