JP2001263758A - Air-conditioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air-conditioning device to excellently cope with a problem on overshoot even during heating drive and even during cooling drive, eliminate an unnecessary waiting time during a stop of drive, quickly switch an indoor temperature to a set temperature, and be capable of saving energy. SOLUTION: The air-conditioning device includes a heat pump, a temperature setting means, a temperature detecting means, and a control means to perform cooling drive, a stop, and heating drive of a heat pump based on outputs from the temperature setting means, and the temperature detecting means. The control means is provided with (1) a fundamental switch mode wherein during switching from one of cooling and heating to the other, after switching from one to a stop, when a temperature to effect overshoot to a set temperature in a first given time detects a temperature exceeding a first given temperature range, a stop is automatically switched to the other; and (2) a continuous switch mode wherein when a temperature detected in the first given time does not exceeds the first given temperature range, when a temperature effects overshoot to a set temperature within a second given time detects a temperature exceeding the second given temperature range, a stop is automatically switched to the other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner including a heat pump, which automatically switches between a heating drive and a cooling drive under certain conditions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A heat pump is capable of heating and cooling by a single unit by pumping heat from a low temperature side to a high temperature side, and is used for air conditioning inside a building. The temperature range in which a person in a building feels comfortable is not so wide, so that air conditioners not only continue heating or cooling driving, but also often automatically switch between heating driving and cooling driving under certain conditions.

For example, in FIG. 6, a set temperature T set by a human using a temperature setting means 66 such as a temperature setting remote controller.
s and the indoor temperature Ti detected by the temperature detecting means 68 such as a temperature sensor, the indoor unit 6 having the indoor heat exchanger 62.
0 is input to the control unit 64. Then, when the difference Td = Ts−Ti between the set temperature and the indoor temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 64 controls the operation of the compressor 72 of the outdoor unit 70 having the indoor heat exchanger 74 to perform heating operation. Switching between cooling and driving. The value of the difference Td between the set temperature and the room temperature is different depending on the conventional example.

In the first conventional example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a set temperature Ts (for example, 23 ° C.) is ± 3 ° C.
Degree switching temperature range is provided, heating drive and its stop,
Irrespective of the cooling drive and its stop, the temperature detecting means 68
When the room temperature Ti detected in step (1) exceeds the set temperature Ts ± 3 degrees set by the temperature setting means 66, the heating drive and the cooling drive are automatically switched. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the room temperature detected during the heating operation exceeds 26 ° C., the air conditioner is immediately switched to the cooling operation, and when the room temperature detected during the cooling operation falls below 20 ° C., the heating operation is immediately performed. Switch to driving. In addition, as shown in FIG.
The room temperature detected after the heating drive was stopped at 1 was 26 ° C
When the room temperature exceeds 20 ° C. after the cooling drive is stopped at the temperature Ti2, the mode is switched to the heating drive.

On the other hand, in the second conventional example, as shown in FIG.
Two switching temperature ranges were provided, and switching between heating drive and cooling drive was associated with heating drive and its stop and cooling drive and its stop. That is, during the heating operation, the heating operation is performed until the room temperature reaches 25 ° C. (the switching to the cooling operation is prohibited during the heating operation), and the operation stops when the room temperature reaches 25 ° C. However, a switching prohibition time of 10 minutes after the stop is provided,
Only when the room temperature is still higher than 25 ° C. even after the elapse of 10 minutes, the stop is switched to the cooling drive. On the other hand, during the cooling operation, the cooling operation is performed until the room temperature reaches 21 ° C. (the switching to the heating operation is prohibited during the cooling operation), and the operation stops when the room temperature reaches 21 ° C. However, the stop is switched to the heating drive only when the room temperature is still lower than 21 ° C. even after the lapse of 10 minutes for providing the switching inhibition time of 10 minutes after the stop.

[0006]

However, both the first conventional example and the second conventional example have problems. First, in the first conventional example, since the switching temperature range of ± 3 degrees with respect to the set temperature is relatively large, air conditioning that is comfortable for humans is not performed (humans generally feel a temperature difference of 1 to 2 degrees). ). Moreover, even if the heating drive is switched to the stop at the temperature Ti1 during the heating drive, the room temperature tends to continue to rise and exceed 26 ° C., and if the cooling drive is stopped at the temperature Ti2 during the cooling drive, the room temperature continues to decrease. Tend to fall below 20 ° C. (the so-called “overshoot” phenomenon). This tendency is remarkable when the size of the room in the building is smaller than the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner.

However, in the first conventional example, even when the room temperature exceeds 26 ° C., the air conditioner is immediately switched to the cooling operation even during the heating operation or after the operation is stopped. When the detected room temperature falls below 20 ° C., the mode is immediately switched to the heating drive. As a result, in particular, when switching directly from the heating drive to the cooling drive and when switching from the cooling drive to the direct heating drive, the switching between the cooling drive and the heating drive is repeated until the room temperature reaches the set temperature. take time.

Further, when the room temperature is 26 ° C. and the heating operation is switched from the heating operation or the stop to the cooling operation, at the beginning of the cooling operation, the room temperature which has risen excessively above 26 ° C. by the heating operation is lowered. . On the other hand, when the room temperature is 20 ° C. and the mode is switched from the cooling drive or its stop to the heating drive,
In the early stage of the heating drive, the room temperature which has dropped too much below 20 ° C. is increased by the cooling drive. as a result,
It takes time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature, and there is much waste in energy.

On the other hand, in the second conventional example, the switching between the heating drive and the cooling drive is performed only after 10 minutes have passed since the stop of the heating drive and the stop of the cooling drive. It can be said that the problem of shooting was dealt with to some extent. However, on the other hand, the room temperature is 25
The room temperature is 21 ° C when the temperature exceeds ℃ and when the air conditioner is driven.
When it becomes below, the driving is always stopped for 10 minutes, and the switching to the cooling driving or the heating driving is not made until 10 minutes have elapsed after the stop. Therefore, in the case of a building in which overshoot does not pose a serious problem, it takes a longer time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature for the stop time (waiting time).

Further, in some buildings (for example, when the room of the building is narrow with respect to the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner), the switching temperature range of ± 2 degrees is too narrow in relation to the temperature at which the set temperature is overshot. There is. That is, due to the effect of the overshoot, even when 10 minutes have passed since the stop of the heating drive, the room temperature is higher than 25 ° C., so that the drive is switched from the stop to the cooling drive.
Even after a lapse of minutes, the room temperature may be switched from the stop to the heating drive because the room temperature is lower than 21 ° C. In this case, the switching between the heating drive, the stop and the cooling drive, or the cooling drive, the stop and the heating drive is repeated, and it takes much time for the room temperature to reach the set temperature, and there is much waste in energy.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can satisfactorily cope with the problem of overshoot during both heating driving and cooling driving. In addition, unnecessary waiting when heating driving is stopped and when cooling driving is stopped is unnecessary. It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which room temperature can be increased or decreased to a set temperature in a short time with no time, and wasteful energy is not consumed.

The inventor of the present application has addressed the problem of overshooting, and aims to raise or lower the room temperature to a set temperature in a short time without wasting energy, by switching between a heating drive and a cooling drive. Switching was considered to be desirable when these drives were stopped. In addition, the present invention has been completed by noting that the increase or decrease in the room temperature due to the overshoot appears remarkably immediately after the stop of the heating drive and immediately after the stop of the cooling drive, and gradually decreases over time.

[0013]

That is, an air conditioner according to the present invention comprises a heat pump, a temperature setting means, a temperature detection means, and a cooling drive of the heat pump based on outputs from the temperature setting means and the temperature detection means. Control means for stopping and heating driving, and the control means,
Upon automatic switching from one of the cooling drive and the heating drive to the other, after switching from one to the stop, the temperature at which the temperature overshoots the set temperature set by the temperature setting means within a first predetermined time is determined. A basic switching mode for automatically switching the stop to the other when the temperature is detected by the temperature detecting means, and a temperature detected by the temperature detecting means within the first predetermined time is set to the first predetermined time. If the temperature does not exceed the temperature range, at least the temperature at which the temperature overshoots the set temperature within the second predetermined time after the elapse of the first predetermined time exceeds the second predetermined temperature range narrower than the first predetermined temperature range. At least one continuous switching mode for automatically switching the stop to the other when the temperature is detected by the temperature detecting means.

[0014]

According to the air conditioner of the present invention, in the basic switching mode of the control means, the temperature at which the temperature overshoots the set temperature within the first predetermined time during the stop of the heating drive or the stop of the cooling drive. Even if it is detected, the stop is not switched to the cooling drive or the heating drive unless it exceeds the first predetermined temperature range. Therefore, without consuming unnecessary energy,
The room temperature can be brought close to the set temperature in a short time.
In addition, when the temperature that overshoots the set temperature within the first predetermined time exceeds the first predetermined temperature range, the stop is quickly switched to the cooling drive or the heating drive. Therefore, the stop time of the heating drive or the cooling drive can be minimized, and the room temperature can be brought close to the set temperature in a short time.

On the other hand, in the continuous switching mode, even if a temperature that overshoots the set temperature within the second predetermined time is detected, unless the temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature range, the stop is performed by cooling operation or heating. Do not switch to driving. Therefore, the room temperature can be brought close to the set temperature in a short time without consuming unnecessary energy. Further, when the temperature at which the temperature overshoots the set temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature range within the second predetermined time, the stop is quickly switched to the cooling drive or the heating drive. Therefore, the stop time of the heating drive or the cooling drive can be minimized, and the room temperature can be brought close to the set temperature in a short time.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An air conditioner according to the present invention can take the following embodiments.

In FIG. 1, in the basic switching mode A,
When the room temperature rises due to the heating drive, after switching from the heating drive to the stop, the set temperature Ts is set within the first predetermined time.
Overshoot with respect to
When the temperature detecting means detects the temperature a1 exceeding the predetermined temperature range, the stop is switched to the cooling drive. On the other hand, when the room temperature decreases due to the cooling drive, the temperature is overshoot with respect to the set temperature Ts within the first predetermined time after switching from the cooling drive to the stop, and exceeds the first predetermined temperature range. When the temperature a2 is detected by the temperature detecting means, the stop is switched to the cooling drive.

In the continuous switching mode B, when the heating operation is stopped, and when the temperature b1 that exceeds the set temperature within the second predetermined time exceeds the second predetermined temperature range is detected, the stop is performed. Switch to. On the other hand, when the cooling drive is stopped, the stop is switched to the heating drive when the temperature b2 at which the overshoot with respect to the set temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature range within the second predetermined time is detected.

Here, the set temperature may be a specific temperature (for example, 23 ° C.) or a temperature within a certain range (for example, 2 ° C.).
3 ° C. ± 1 °).

The lengths of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time are as follows:
The determination can be made in consideration of the relationship between the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, the size of the room in the building, the first predetermined temperature range, the second predetermined temperature range, and the like. For example, the first predetermined time can be selected to be shorter than the second predetermined time. This is because the effect of the overshoot appears remarkably in a short time immediately after the stop of the heating drive or the cooling drive.

The first predetermined temperature range and the second predetermined temperature range can be determined in consideration of the relationship between the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, the size of the room in the building, the first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, and the like. . The first predetermined temperature range and the second predetermined temperature range can be set in association with a set temperature set by the temperature setting means. In this case, the first predetermined temperature range and the second predetermined temperature range are set to be higher than the set temperature (for example, higher than the set temperature + α degrees) when the heating drive is switched from the stop to the cooling drive, and the cooling drive is stopped. It is desirable to set the temperature lower than the set temperature (for example, the set temperature minus α degrees or less) when switching from the heating mode to the heating drive mode. Further, it is desirable that the first predetermined temperature range is wider than the second predetermined temperature range. This is because the effect of the overshoot appears remarkably immediately after the stop of the heating drive or the cooling drive.

In the first continuous switching mode, if the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means does not exceed the second predetermined temperature range within the second predetermined time when the heating drive or the cooling drive is stopped. Shifts to the second continuous switching mode. Then, in the second continuous switching mode, when the temperature detecting means detects a temperature at which the temperature overshoots the set temperature within the third predetermined time exceeds the third predetermined temperature range, the cooling operation is stopped or the stop is performed. Switch to heating drive.

The above continuous switching mode can be summarized as follows.
In the n-th and subsequent continuation switching modes, the (n + 1) -th
If the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means within the predetermined time does not exceed the (n + 1) th predetermined temperature range, the (n +
1) The temperature detecting means detects a temperature at which the temperature overshooting the set temperature within the (n + 2) th predetermined time after the lapse of the predetermined time exceeds the (n + 2) th predetermined temperature range which is narrower than the (n + 1) predetermined temperature range. Then, the stop is switched to the cooling drive or the heating drive. The first predetermined temperature range of the basic switching mode, the second predetermined temperature range of at least one continuous switching mode, and the (n-1) predetermined temperature ranges of the continuous switching mode gradually decrease the predetermined temperature. It can have a step-like shape or a continuous curve that gradually decreases.

It is to be noted that how the cooling drive is performed when the heating drive is switched from the stop to the cooling drive, and how the heating drive is performed when the stop of the cooling drive is switched to the heating drive. This depends on how the cooling drive and its stop condition or the heating drive and its stop condition are set. However, in the basic switching mode and at least one continuous switching mode, the stop is switched to the cooling drive or the heating drive when the detected room temperature is considerably high or substantially low. Therefore, in the basic switching mode and at least one continuous switching mode, when switching from the stop to the cooling drive or the cooling drive, the normal cooling drive or the heating drive is performed.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 shows an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. This air conditioner includes an indoor unit 10 disposed inside a building with a wall 50 therebetween, and an outdoor unit 30 disposed outside the building. The indoor unit 10 includes an indoor heat exchanger 14 and an expansion valve 16 arranged on the refrigerant pipe 12, and a fan 18 and a motor 20 that blow air to the indoor heat exchanger 14. The indoor unit 10 further includes a temperature detection sensor 22 for detecting the indoor temperature, a temperature setting remote control 24 for setting the indoor temperature desired by the occupant of the building, and an output from the temperature detection sensor 22 and the temperature setting remote control 24 as described below. Control device 2 for controlling the operation of compressor 32
6 is included.

On the other hand, the outdoor unit 30 includes a compressor 32, a four-way switching valve 34, an outdoor heat exchanger 36 and an expansion valve 37 disposed on the refrigerant pipe 12, and a fan 38 for blowing air from the outdoor heat exchanger 36. And a motor 40. <Heating Drive> In FIG. 2, during the heating drive, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 to the refrigerant circuit 12 in the direction of the solid line flows into the indoor heat exchanger 14. This refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger 14 to become a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant,
This generates heat to warm the indoor air. Next, the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced by the expansion valves 16 and 37, and the refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 36 as a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant. This refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 36 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and accordingly takes heat from the atmosphere. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the compressor 12 and is pressurized to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

Next, a description will be given of the heating drive and its stop and the switching from the stop to the cooling drive with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 showing the relationship between the room temperature and time.
The set temperature is set to a predetermined temperature (for example, 23 ° C.) by the temperature setting remote controller 24.

In step 1 in FIG. 3, for example, assume that the heating operation is started when the room temperature is 18 ° C. In this case, it is determined whether the room temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 22 in step 6 is lower than (set temperature-1), that is, 22 ° C. Since the room temperature is lower than 22 ° C., the operation proceeds to the heating temperature control operation in step 2, and in step 3, it is determined whether the room temperature is equal to or greater than (set temperature + 1), that is, 24 ° C. Since the detected room temperature is lower than 24 ° C., the process returns to the loop of steps 2 and 3, and the heating temperature control operation is continued until the room temperature becomes higher than 24 ° C. If the room temperature becomes higher than 24 ° C. in step 3, the process proceeds to steps 4 and 5 to stop heating temperature control.

That is, in steps 2 to 6, the room temperature during the heating operation is set to ± 23 ° C. with respect to the set temperature of 23 ° C.
The heating temperature control operation is performed so as to be in a range of 1 degree (22 ° C. to 24 ° C.). Thereby, the resident in the building can obtain a comfortable air conditioning feeling during heating. When the heating temperature control is stopped, the compressor 32 is stopped.

If the room temperature detected in step 6 is higher than 22 ° C. in the temperature control stop state, step 7
To determine whether the time is less than 2 minutes (first predetermined time) from the stop of temperature control. If less than 2 minutes have elapsed since the stop of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 11, where the room temperature is (set temperature + 6), that is, 29.
Determine if it is equal to or higher than ° C. Here, for example, if the detected room temperature is 26 ° C., the detected temperature is lower than 29 ° C., so the process proceeds from step 5 to step 6. However, since the detected temperature is higher than 22 ° C., the process proceeds to step 7; If less than 2 minutes, repeat this cycle. That is, even if the room temperature detected for less than 2 minutes after the temperature adjustment is stopped is a temperature (22 ° C. or more) at which an overshoot occurs with respect to the set temperature, the room temperature is between 22 ° C. and 29 ° C. ), The temperature control is stopped. This corresponds to l, a, and b in FIG.

In step 6, the room temperature is 22 ° C.
If it is determined that the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the temperature control operation is started in step 2. If it is determined in step 11 that the room temperature is higher than 29 ° C., the process proceeds to step 16 to switch to the cooling drive and start the cooling drive operation (see steps 21 to 26 in FIG. 4). This is the basic switching mode, and corresponds to c in FIG.

If it is determined in step 7 that two minutes or more have elapsed after the stoppage of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 8, and it is determined whether the time is two to five minutes after the stop (second predetermined time). If the temperature is less than 2 minutes and less than 5 minutes after stopping temperature control, step 1
Proceeding to 2, it is determined whether the room temperature is equal to or higher than (set temperature + 4), that is, 27 ° C. Here, for example, if the detected room temperature is 24 ° C. (the detected room temperature gradually decreases because the temperature control operation is stopped), the detected temperature is lower than 27 ° C., so the process proceeds to step 6 above. , Higher than 22 ° C, so step 7
Proceed to. However, since 2 minutes or more have elapsed after the stoppage of the temperature control operation, the process proceeds to step 8, and if less than 5 minutes after the stoppage, this cycle is repeated. That is, 5 minutes or more from the stop of temperature control
For less than one minute, as long as the room temperature is between 22 ° C. and 27 ° C. (second predetermined temperature range), the temperature control is stopped. This corresponds to l, a, d in FIG.

In step 6, the room temperature is 22 ° C.
If it is determined that the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the temperature control operation is started in step 2. If it is determined in step 12 that the room temperature is higher than 27 ° C., the process proceeds to step 16 to switch to the cooling operation and start the cooling operation (see steps 21 to 26 in FIG. 4). This is the first
This is the continuous switching mode, and corresponds to e in FIG.

If it is determined in step 8 that 5 minutes or more have elapsed since the stop of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 9 and it is determined whether or not 5 minutes to less than 15 minutes (the third predetermined time) after the stop. If the time is 5 minutes or more and less than 15 minutes after the stop of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 13, where the room temperature is (set temperature + 3), that is, 26.
Determine if it is equal to or higher than ° C. Here, for example, if the detected room temperature is 23 ° C.,
Since the temperature is lower than 22 ° C., the process proceeds to step 6, but the temperature is higher than 22 ° C., and the process proceeds to step 7. However, after stopping the temperature control operation, 5
Since more than one minute has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 9 via steps 7 and 8, and if less than 15 minutes, this cycle is repeated. That is, the temperature control is stopped as long as the detected room temperature is between 22 ° C. and 26 ° C. (third predetermined temperature range) for a period of 5 minutes or more and less than 15 minutes after the temperature control is stopped. This corresponds to l, a, f in FIG.

In step 6, the room temperature is 22 ° C.
If it is determined that the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the temperature control operation is started in step 2. If it is determined in step 13 that the room temperature is higher than 26 ° C., the process proceeds to step 16 to switch to the cooling drive and start the cooling drive operation (see steps 21 to 26 in FIG. 4). This is the second
This is a continuous switching mode, and corresponds to l, a, and g in FIG.

If it is determined in step 9 that 15 minutes or more have elapsed since the stop of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 10, and
It is determined whether it is 15 minutes or more and less than 30 minutes after the stop (fourth predetermined time). If it is 15 minutes or more and less than 30 minutes after the stop of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 14, where the room temperature is set to (set temperature +
2) It is determined whether it is equal to or higher than 25 ° C. Here, for example, if the detected room temperature is 23 ° C., the detected temperature is lower than 25 ° C., and the process proceeds to step 6; however, since the detected temperature is higher than 22 ° C., the process further proceeds to step 7. However, since 15 minutes or more have elapsed after the stoppage of temperature control, the process proceeds to Step 10 via Steps 7, 8 and 9, and if less than 15 minutes have elapsed since the stoppage, this cycle is repeated.
That is, during the period from 15 minutes to less than 30 minutes from the stop, as long as the room temperature is between 22 ° C. and 25 ° C. (fourth predetermined temperature range), the warm operation is stopped. This is shown in FIG.
h.

In step 6, the room temperature is 22 ° C.
If it is determined that the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the temperature control operation is started in step 2. If it is determined in step 14 that the room temperature is higher than 25 ° C., the process proceeds to step 16 to switch to the cooling operation, and starts the cooling operation (see steps 21 to 26 in FIG. 4). This is the third
This is a continuous switching mode, which corresponds to i in FIG.

After the temperature adjustment is stopped in step 10
If it is determined that the time has elapsed (the fifth predetermined time), the process proceeds to step 15, where the room temperature is set to (set temperature + 1), that is, 2
Determine if it is equal to or higher than 4 ° C. Here, for example, if the detected room temperature is 22.5 ° C.,
Since this detected temperature is lower than 24 ° C., the process proceeds to step 6 described above, but is higher than 22 ° C., and further proceeds to step 7. However, since 30 minutes or more have elapsed after the stoppage of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 15 via steps 7, 8, 9, and 10.
That is, after 30 minutes from the stop of the temperature control, the indoor temperature is 22 ° C.
The temperature control is stopped as long as the temperature is in the range from to 24 ° C. (fifth predetermined temperature range). This corresponds to l and a in FIG.

In step 15, the room temperature is set to 24
When it is determined that the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature (° C.), the process proceeds to step 16 to switch to the cooling drive, and starts the cooling drive operation (see steps 21 to 26 in FIG. 4). This is the fourth continuation switching mode, which corresponds to j in FIG. <Cooling Drive> On the other hand, at the time of the cooling drive in FIG. 2, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 to the refrigerant circuit 12 in the direction of the dashed arrow flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 36. This refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 36 to become a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and accordingly radiates heat to the atmosphere. Next, the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced by the expansion valves 16 and 37, and the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 14. This refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 14 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, thereby absorbing heat from the room and cooling the air. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the compressor 12 and is pressurized to become a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

The cooling drive and its stop and the switching from the stop to the heating drive will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the explanatory diagram of FIG. The set temperature is set to a predetermined temperature (for example, 23 ° C.) by the temperature setting remote controller 24.

In step 21 of FIG.
It is assumed that the cooling operation is started at a temperature of ° C. Then step 2
At 6, it is determined whether the room temperature is equal to or higher than (set temperature + 1), that is, 24 ° C. Since the detected room temperature is higher than 24 ° C., the process proceeds to the cooling temperature control operation in step 22, and in step 23, it is determined whether the room temperature is lower than (set temperature−1), that is, 22 ° C. Since the detected room temperature is higher than 22 ° C., the process returns to the loop of Steps 22 and 23, and the cooling temperature control operation is continued until the room temperature becomes lower than 22 ° C. still,
If it is determined in step 23 that the detected room temperature has become lower than 22 ° C., the process proceeds to steps 4 and 5 to stop the cooling temperature control operation.

That is, in steps 22 to 26, the room temperature is in the range of ± 1 degree from the set temperature of 23 ° C. (24 ° C. to 22 ° C.) in the cooling operation.
Cooling temperature control operation is performed so that Thereby, the occupants in the building can obtain a comfortable air conditioning feeling during cooling.

If it is determined that the room temperature detected in step 26 is lower than 24 ° C. in the temperature control stop state, the process proceeds to step 27 and less than 2 minutes after the temperature control is stopped (first
(Predetermined time). If it is determined that the time is less than 2 minutes, the process proceeds to step 31 to determine whether or not the room temperature is lower than (set temperature−6), that is, 17 ° C. Here, for example, if the detected room temperature is 20 ° C., the detected temperature is higher than 17 ° C., and the process proceeds from step 25 to step 26. However, since the detected temperature is lower than 24 ° C., step 2
Proceed to 7 and if still less than 2 minutes after stopping the temperature control, repeat this cycle. That is, as long as the room temperature is between 24 ° C. and 17 ° C. (first predetermined temperature range) for less than 2 minutes after the stop of the temperature control, even if the temperature overshoots the set temperature of 24 ° C., In adjustment stop state. This corresponds to a, l, and m in FIG.

If it is determined in step 26 that the room temperature is higher than 24 ° C., the temperature control operation is started in step 22. If it is determined in step 31 that the detected room temperature is lower than 17 ° C., the process proceeds to step 36, where the driving is switched to the heating operation, and the heating operation is started (see steps 1 to 6 in FIG. 3). This is the basic switching mode, and corresponds to a, l, and n in FIG.

If it is determined in step 27 that two minutes or more have elapsed after the temperature adjustment was stopped, the process proceeds to step 28,
It is determined whether it is 2 minutes or more and less than 5 minutes after the stop (second predetermined time). When it is determined that the temperature is not shorter than 2 minutes and shorter than 5 minutes after the temperature adjustment is stopped, the process proceeds to step 32, where the room temperature is set to (set temperature−4).
That is, it is determined whether the temperature is lower than 19 ° C. Here, for example, if the detected room temperature is 22 ° C. (the detected room temperature gradually rises because the temperature control operation has been stopped), the detected temperature is higher than 19 ° C., so the process proceeds to step 26. Since the temperature is lower than 24 ° C., the process proceeds to step 27. However, since 2 minutes or more have elapsed after the stoppage of the temperature control operation, the process proceeds to step 28, and if less than 5 minutes after the stoppage, this cycle is repeated. In other words, during the period from 2 minutes to less than 5 minutes from the stop of the temperature control, the temperature control is stopped as long as the room temperature is between 24 ° C. and 19 ° C. (second predetermined temperature range). This corresponds to a, l, p in FIG.

When it is determined in step 26 that the room temperature is higher than 24 ° C., the temperature control operation is started in step 22. If it is determined in step 32 that the detected room temperature is lower than 19 ° C., the process proceeds to step 36 to switch to heating driving and start heating operation (see steps 1 to 6 in FIG. 3). This is the first
This is a continuous switching mode, and corresponds to q in FIG.

If it is determined in step 28 that 5 minutes or more have elapsed after the temperature adjustment has stopped, the process proceeds to step 29,
It is determined whether it is 5 minutes or more and less than 15 minutes after the stop (third predetermined time). If it is determined that the temperature is 5 minutes or more and less than 15 minutes after the temperature control is stopped, the process proceeds to step 33, where the room temperature is set to (set temperature−
3) It is determined whether the temperature is lower than 20 ° C. Here, if the detected room temperature is 23 ° C., for example, the temperature is higher than 20 ° C., the process proceeds to step 26, but the temperature is lower than 24 ° C., and the process further proceeds to step 27. However, since 5 minutes or more have elapsed since the temperature control operation was stopped, steps 27 and 28 are performed.
Then, the process proceeds to step 29, and if it is still less than 15 minutes, this cycle is repeated. In other words, during the period from 5 minutes to less than 15 minutes from the stop, as long as the room temperature is between 24 ° C. and 20 ° C. (third predetermined temperature range), the temperature control is stopped. This corresponds to a, l, and r in FIG.

When it is determined in step 26 that the room temperature is higher than 24 ° C., the temperature control operation is started in step 22. If it is determined in step 33 that the room temperature is lower than 20 ° C.
Then, the operation is switched to the heating drive to start the heating operation (see steps 1 to 6 in FIG. 3). This is the second continuous switching mode, which corresponds to s in FIG.

After stopping the temperature control in step 29,
If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 30, and it is determined whether the time is 15 minutes or more and less than 30 minutes after the stop (fourth predetermined time). If it is determined that the time is 15 minutes or more and less than 30 minutes after the stop of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 34, and it is determined whether the room temperature is lower than (set temperature-2), that is, 21 ° C. Here, for example, if the detected room temperature is 23 ° C., the detected temperature is higher than 21 ° C., and the process proceeds to step 26. However, since the detected temperature is lower than 24 ° C., step 2 is performed.
Go to 7. However, since 15 minutes or more have elapsed after the stop of the temperature control, the process proceeds to step 30 via steps 27, 28 and 29, and if less than 15 minutes have elapsed since the stop, this cycle is repeated. That is, during the period of 15 minutes or more and less than 30 minutes from the stop, as long as the room temperature is between 24 ° C. and 21 ° C. (fourth predetermined temperature range), the warm operation is stopped. This corresponds to a, l, and t in FIG.

When it is determined in step 26 that the room temperature is higher than 24 ° C., the temperature control operation is started in step 22. If it is determined in step 34 that the room temperature is lower than 21 ° C.
The process proceeds to step 6 to switch to heating drive, and starts heating operation (see steps 1 to 6 in FIG. 3). This is the third continuation switching mode, which corresponds to u in FIG.

After the temperature adjustment is stopped in step 30,
If it is determined that the time has elapsed (the fifth predetermined time), the process proceeds to step 35, and the room temperature is set to (set temperature-1), that is, 2
Determine if it is below 2 ° C. Here, for example, if the room temperature is 23.5 ° C., the detected temperature is higher than 22 ° C., and the process proceeds to step 6; However, since more than 15 minutes have passed since the temperature control was stopped, steps 27, 28, 29 and 3
The process proceeds to step 35 via 0. In other words, 30
After the elapse of the minute, the temperature control is stopped as long as the room temperature is between 24 ° C. and 22 ° C. (fifth predetermined temperature range). This corresponds to a and l in FIG. This consequently overlaps with the temperature ranges j and a in the heating operation.

In step 35, the room temperature is set to 22.
If it is determined that the temperature is lower than the temperature (° C.), the process proceeds to step 36 to switch to the heating drive and start the heating operation (see steps 1 to 6 in FIG. 3). This is the fourth continuous switching mode, which corresponds to v in FIG.

According to the above-described embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 5, the first, second, and third predetermined time periods are used.
And the third predetermined temperature is larger than the temperature switching range (3 degrees or 2 degrees) in the first and second conventional examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, and the fourth and fifth predetermined times in the fourth and fifth predetermined times. The temperature range is selected to be smaller than the above-mentioned temperature switching range, and is reduced stepwise as a whole. Therefore, even immediately after the stop of the heating drive or the cooling drive, which is greatly affected by the overshoot,
The drive stop state is not immediately switched to the cooling drive or the heating drive. Therefore, the heating drive and the cooling drive are not frequently repeated as in the related art, and there is little waste in energy. On the other hand, after a lapse of time from the stop where the influence of the overshoot is small, the stop of the heating drive and the cooling drive or the stop of the cooling drive and the heating drive are switched over in a narrow temperature range, and the residents in the building feel comfortable air conditioning. Can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view conceptually illustrating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control during heating operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control at the time of cooling driving in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between room temperature and time during heating driving and cooling driving in the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a conventional air conditioner.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing switching between heating driving and cooling driving in the first conventional example.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing switching between heating driving and cooling driving in a second conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12: Refrigerant circuit 14: Indoor heat exchanger 16, 37: Expansion valve 22: Temperature setting means 24: Temperature detection means 26: Control means 32: Compressor 36: Outdoor heat exchanger

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner including a heat pump, a temperature setting means, a temperature detection means, and a control means for cooling, stopping, and heating the heat pump based on outputs from the temperature setting means and the temperature detection means. The apparatus, wherein the control means switches the cooling drive and the heating drive from one to the other, and switches from one to the stop, and then sets the temperature set by the temperature setting means within a first predetermined time. A basic switching mode for automatically switching the stop to the other when the temperature detecting means detects a temperature exceeding an overshoot temperature with respect to the temperature;
If the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means within the predetermined time does not exceed the first predetermined temperature range, at least
When the temperature detecting means detects a temperature at which an overshoot with respect to the set temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature range narrower than the first predetermined temperature range within a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time has elapsed. An air conditioner having at least one continuous switching mode for automatically switching the stop to the other. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein in the second to n-th continuous switching modes, the temperature detected by the temperature detecting device within the (n + 1) th predetermined time is the (n +
1) If the temperature does not exceed the predetermined temperature range, the (n + 1) th
The temperature detecting means detects a temperature at which the temperature overshooting the set temperature within the (n + 2) th predetermined time after the predetermined time has passed exceeds the (n + 2) th predetermined temperature range which is narrower than the (n + 1) predetermined temperature range. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the stop is switched to the other when the stop is performed. 3. The first predetermined temperature range of the basic switching mode, the second predetermined temperature range of at least one of the continuous switching modes, and the (n-
The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the 1) predetermined temperature ranges form a step shape in which the predetermined temperature gradually decreases. 4. The first predetermined temperature range of the basic switching mode, the second predetermined temperature range of at least one of the continuous switching modes, and the (n−
The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the 1) predetermined temperature ranges form a continuous curve in which the predetermined temperature gradually decreases.