JP2003130419A - Air conditioner, and estimating device of mold growing rate - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner capable of estimating growing rate of mold with high accuracy. SOLUTION: This air conditioner comprises a humidity sensor 63 for detecting relative humidity, a remote controller 3, and an estimating part 51 of a mold growing rate. The remote controller 3 receives one or more pieces of information related to the growth of the mold. The information is the other one than temperature and time. The estimating part 51 of the mold growing rate estimates the mold growing rate based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 63, an elapsed time, and information inputted into the remote controller 3.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a mold growth degree estimating device, and more particularly, to an air conditioner that includes a humidity sensor and can cope with mold growth.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is known that the growth of mold can be suppressed by dehumidifying by an air conditioner or a dehumidifier having a dehumidifying function. In view of this, various types of dehumidifiers, bathroom dryers, air conditioners, and the like that have a function of stopping the growth of molds or reducing / killing molds by dehumidifying have been proposed.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-235214 discloses an apparatus for suppressing mold growth by giving a low-humidity shock to mold for a fixed time once a day.

[0004]

However, in the conventionally proposed air conditioners such as dehumidifiers, the user starts the dehumidifying operation by himself or herself at a time when hot and humid molds are likely to occur. As described above, a method of performing mold suppression / dehumidification control once in a predetermined cycle such as one day is adopted. Therefore, there is a possibility that the mold reduction process by the dehumidifying operation may not be performed even though the mold is growing, or that the dehumidifying operation may be performed to suppress the mold more than necessary.

Therefore, the mold growth rate is estimated from data such as relative humidity and temperature, and then the mold growth rate is estimated by integrating over time.
It is conceivable to use the method disclosed in No. 86 to determine the start timing of the operation for reducing mold in the air conditioner. By using such a method of estimating the degree of growth of mold, if the mold is not growing and there is no need to drive to reduce the mold, useless driving to reduce the mold is performed, or conversely, the mold propagates. The trouble of overlooking what you are doing can be suppressed to some extent.

However, if the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-113886 is simply applied to the air conditioner, the versatility of the air conditioner will not be taken into consideration, and mold growth will occur. The error in estimating the degree becomes large. That is, the air conditioner may be installed in various places, and there are various places where molds are expected to grow and objects to which the molds adhere, so that only the data such as humidity and elapsed time may cause molds to grow. Estimating the degree of growth of M. remains an inconvenience such as useless driving of mold reduction and oversight of mold reproduction. In particular, the method of estimating the degree of growth of molds based on the results of observing the growth of molds planted in agar under various temperature and humidity conditions, which is called a mold sensor, is a method for estimating the growth rate of molds at various places where air conditioners are installed. If it is applied to the estimation of the growth degree of, the error becomes too large, and it is not sufficient as a method for determining the start timing of the operation for reducing the mold by the air conditioner.

Also, in an air conditioner configured to estimate the degree of growth of mold and notify the user when the growth of mold exceeds a predetermined level, if the accuracy of the estimation is poor, the user performs it. The treatment may be delayed or wasted. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of estimating the degree of mold growth with high accuracy.

Further, like the air conditioner, a dedicated device for estimating the degree of growth of mold may be installed in various places, and it is only necessary to apply the conventional method for estimating the degree of growth of mold. It is difficult to secure sufficient estimation accuracy. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mold growth degree estimating device capable of estimating the mold growth degree with high accuracy.

[0009]

An air conditioner according to claim 1 includes a humidity sensor for detecting relative humidity, an input section, and
And a control unit. The air conditioner here controls the temperature, humidity, and cleanliness (cleanliness from the viewpoint of dust and odor), such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers, total heat exchangers, air cleaners, deodorizers, and bathroom dryers. It is a concept including various devices related to air conditioning. The input unit causes one or more pieces of information related to mold growth to be input. This information is information other than temperature and time. The control unit estimates the degree of mold growth based on the detected humidity detected by the humidity sensor, the elapsed time, and the information input to the input unit.

Here, in estimating the growth degree of mold, in addition to the relative humidity and elapsed time by the humidity sensor, information related to the growth of mold other than temperature and time is used. Therefore, even if it is an air conditioner that can be installed in various places and has various characteristics such as the place where molds are supposed to grow and the objects to which the molds adhere, there are information about the effects of that. It is possible to reflect it in the estimation of the degree of growth of mold by inputting into the input section as. For example, if you enter information such as the easiness of mold growth in the environmental conditions where the air conditioner is installed and the difference in the material of the part where the air conditioner is installed in the mold where the mold easily propagates, the air condition Information specific to the installation status of the device is added to the data that is the basis for estimating the degree of growth of mold, and the accuracy of estimating the degree of growth of mold is increased.

As described above, since the degree of growth of the mold is estimated with high accuracy here, it is possible to prevent delay or waste of measures against the mold based on the estimation. It should be noted that the temperature does not necessarily have to be used in estimating the degree of growth of mold, but if the degree of growth of mold is estimated by adding temperature data, a more accurate estimation can be made. Become.

An air conditioner according to a second aspect is the first aspect.
The air conditioner as described in 1 above, further comprising a notification unit or a mold reduction unit. The notification means notifies that the degree of mold growth exceeds a predetermined level. The mold reduction means reduces the grown mold. The term "killing a mold" includes not only killing a mold but also reducing the mold. The control unit also activates the notification unit or the mold reduction unit when the estimated growth rate of the mold exceeds a predetermined level.

Here, the estimated degree of mold growth is compared with a predetermined level, and if the level exceeds a predetermined level, the control unit activates the notification means or the mold reduction means. Therefore, even if the user or the like does not actively monitor the degree of growth of the mold, the user or the like knows that the degree of growth of the mold exceeds the predetermined level by the notification means, or the mold extinction means is activated. The mold that has grown up will be extinguished automatically.

An air conditioner according to a third aspect is the first aspect.
Alternatively, in the air conditioner described in Item 2, the information to be input to the input unit is material information regarding a material on which mold is attached and grows. The growth speed of molds is greatly influenced by humidity, but is also influenced by the material on which the molds grow. There are many materials with which mold can grow, such as veneer and cloth that are often used for walls in houses and buildings, and leather and silk that are used for clothing and furniture. Are different. Therefore, it is difficult to secure sufficient estimation accuracy if the degree of mold growth is estimated without considering such a factor of the difference in material.

Therefore, in the apparatus according to the third aspect, the material information on the material on which the mold is attached and grows is input to the input unit, and the material information is used for estimating the growth degree of the mold. Therefore, if the material for which mold growth is desired to be suppressed is narrowed down according to the place where the air conditioner is installed and the material information is input, the degree of growth of the mold can be estimated with high accuracy.

Regarding the method of inputting the material information, a method of allowing the user to select the material on the display may be adopted, or the number corresponding to each material may be given in the operation manual or the like. Alternatively, the air conditioner installer may adopt a method of adjusting the dip slide switch at the time of installation. An air conditioner according to claim 4 is the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information to be input to the input unit is a mold existing in a place where mold adheres and grows. Is nutrition information about the nutrients of.

The growth speed of molds is greatly affected by humidity, but is also affected by the nutrients existing in the place where molds grow. Therefore, when a large amount of mold nutrients are present in the room or building in which the air conditioner is installed, it is difficult to obtain sufficient estimation accuracy if the mold growth rate is estimated without nutrition information. Therefore, in the apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the nutrition information about the nutrients of the mold existing in the place where the mold adheres and grows is input to the input unit, and the nutrition information is used for estimating the growth degree of the mold. This allows the degree of mold growth to be estimated with high accuracy.

As for the method of inputting nutrition information, a method may be used in which the user specifically inputs a large amount of mold nutrients on the display by selecting from a few stages. A method may be adopted in which the number corresponding to the amount of nutrients is indicated in an operation manual and the like, and the installer of the air conditioner sets the dip slide switch at the time of installation.

An air conditioner according to a fifth aspect is the first aspect.
The air conditioner according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the information to be input to the input unit is installation environment information regarding a place or a building where the air conditioner is installed. The growth speed of fungi is greatly affected by humidity, but is also affected by the place where the air conditioner is installed or the building. The installation environment information directly or indirectly includes information on the easiness of mold growth or information on the degree of cleanliness related to mold growth. For example, in the kitchens of hotels and restaurants, the nutrients that promote the growth of molds are large, and there is a high possibility that the temperature will be partly hot and humid, so the molds often grow faster. In addition, there is a difference in mold growth speed between the case where an air conditioner is installed in a relatively clean area such as a hospital and the case where an air conditioner is installed in a relatively clean area such as a factory. Come out.

Therefore, in the apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the installation environment information about the place or the building where the air conditioner is installed is input to the input unit, and the installation environment information is used for estimating the growth degree of the mold. This allows the degree of mold growth to be estimated with high accuracy. Regarding the method of inputting the installation environment information, it is possible to use a method that allows the user to selectively enter the installation environment on the display. A method may be adopted in which the installer of the air conditioner sets the dip slide switch at the time of installation by indicating the number.

An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the second aspect.
In the air conditioner described in (4), the input unit further inputs information regarding height of a predetermined level. Here, the predetermined level can be adjusted by the input of the user or the like. That is, the user, etc., may have a person with allergies at the place where the air conditioner is installed, or the place where the air conditioner is installed are places where high cleanliness is required, such as hospitals and food factories. In addition, input information about the height of the predetermined level so that the predetermined level is set low, and set the air conditioner to a state in which the notification means and the mold extinction means operate in a state where the mold growth rate is relatively low. You can Also, when installing an air conditioner in a place where a high degree of cleanliness is not required, input is made so that the predetermined level is set to be relatively high, and notification is given more than necessary or wasteful mold reduction means. It is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the operation is performed and the energy consumption is increased.

A mold growth degree estimating device according to a seventh aspect comprises a humidity sensor for detecting relative humidity, an input section, and a control section. The input unit allows input of one or more information other than temperature and time related to mold growth. The control unit estimates the degree of mold growth based on the detected humidity detected by the humidity sensor, the elapsed time, and the information input to the input unit.

Here, when estimating the growth degree of mold, in addition to the relative humidity and elapsed time by the humidity sensor, information related to the growth of mold other than temperature and time is used. Therefore, even if there is a possibility that the mold growth estimation device is assumed to be installed in various places, and it is assumed that the mold grows and the objects to which the mold adheres are also various, the effect of it It is possible to reflect it in the estimation of the degree of growth of the mold by inputting as the information into the input unit. For example, the ease of mold growth in the environmental conditions where the device is installed,
If you enter information such as the difference in the material of the part where mold easily grows, information specific to the installation status of the device is added to the data that is the basis for estimating the mold growth rate, and the accuracy of the mold growth estimation Will increase.

As described above, since the degree of growth of the mold is estimated with high accuracy here, it is possible to prevent delay or waste of measures against the mold based on the estimation. It should be noted that the temperature does not necessarily have to be used in estimating the degree of growth of mold, but if the degree of growth of mold is estimated by adding temperature data, a more accurate estimation can be made. Become.

An apparatus for estimating the degree of growth of mold according to claim 8 is the apparatus for estimating the degree of growth of mold according to claim 7, further comprising an informing means. The notification means notifies that the degree of mold growth exceeds a predetermined level. Then, the control unit operates the notification means when the estimated growth rate of the mold exceeds a predetermined level. Here, the estimated degree of mold growth is compared with a predetermined level, and if it exceeds a predetermined level, the control unit activates the notification means. Therefore, even if the user or the like does not actively monitor the degree of growth of the mold, the user or the like can know from the notification means that the degree of growth of the mold exceeds the predetermined level.

A mold growth degree estimating device according to a ninth aspect is the mold growth degree estimating device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the input unit further inputs information regarding a predetermined level of height. Here, the predetermined level can be adjusted by the input of the user or the like. That is,
Users, etc., have a low prescribed level when there is an allergic person at the device installation site or when the device installation site is a place where high cleanliness is required such as a hospital or food factory. By inputting information regarding height of a predetermined level as set, the device can be brought into a state in which the notification means operates in a state in which the degree of mold growth is relatively low. Further, when the apparatus is installed in a place where a high degree of cleanliness is not required, it is possible to make an input so that the predetermined level is set to be relatively high so that unnecessary notification is not made.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION <Outline of Air Conditioner> FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Shown in. This air conditioner is an apparatus having a cooling and heating function and a dehumidifying function, and is composed of an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit 2. The air conditioner takes in the air of the space to be air-conditioned from the suction port, performs air conditioning such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and ventilation on the air, and blows the air-conditioned air into the space from the air outlet. . In the indoor unit 1, in addition to the indoor fan 17, the indoor fan motor 61, the indoor heat exchanger, etc., a temperature sensor 62 and a humidity sensor 63.
Are arranged. In addition, the compressor 7 is installed in the outdoor unit 2.
1, an outdoor fan motor 72, an outdoor fan, an outdoor heat exchanger, etc. are arranged.

<Outline of Configuration of Control Unit> Each drive unit of this air conditioner is controlled by the control unit 50 as shown in FIG. The controller 50 controls the temperature sensor 62 and the humidity sensor 6 according to the contents and operation set and input by the remote controller 3.
The operation of the indoor fan motor 61, the compressor 71, the outdoor fan motor 72, etc. is controlled with reference to the detection result from 3.

The temperature sensor 62 detects the temperature of the air in the space by measuring the temperature of the air taken into the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The humidity sensor 63 detects the relative humidity of the air in the space by measuring the relative humidity of the air taken into the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The remote controller 3 has a controller 5 via a wire or wirelessly.
It is possible to communicate with 0. The remote controller 3 includes a touch-panel liquid crystal display 30 that displays a plurality of input screens 31 to 36 that receive inputs from users (users of air conditioners, managers of air conditioners, installers of air conditioners, etc.). I have it. Input screen 3
Details of 1-36 will be described later.

<Structure related to mold reduction operation of control unit>
Further, this air conditioner is a device capable of performing a mold reduction operation in addition to the normal cooling operation, heating operation, and dehumidifying operation. Mold reduction operation is an operation that is provided to stop the growth of mold that propagates in the air-conditioned space and to reduce or kill mold.
Specifically, it is an operation for reducing the humidity of the air in the space. In connection with this mold reduction operation, the control unit 50 includes a mold growth degree estimation unit 51, a mold reduction operation unit 52, a timer 53 and the like.

The mold growth rate estimating unit 51 estimates the mold growth speed from the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62 and the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 63 using a calculation formula based on experimental data, and changes every moment. The growth rate of the mold is estimated based on the growth speed of the growth. The degree of growth of this mold is obtained in the form of the mycelium length of the mold. Further, the mold growth degree estimation unit 51 corrects the estimated value of the mold growth degree based on the input information (described later) related to the mold growth. This correction may be performed by incorporating the input information into the calculation formula at the stage of estimating the growth speed, or may be performed by multiplying the correction coefficient at the final stage of estimating the mycelial length of the mold.

The control unit 50 includes a mold growth degree estimating unit 51.
When the fungal hyphae of the fungus estimated and calculated by the above exceeds a predetermined level, the below-described confirmation is performed in principle, and then an operation command is issued to the fungus extinction operation unit 52. The mold reduction operation unit 52 performs an operation for reducing mold by reducing the humidity in the space under a predetermined condition using a dehumidifying function (mold reduction operation). The predetermined condition in the mold reduction operation is, for example, a condition such as how much the relative humidity is decreased, a condition as long as the operation is continued, and the like, and is determined by the strength adjustment unit 52a.

The strength adjustment unit 52a obtains the input information from the user or the like regarding the strength of the mold reduction operation from the remote controller 3 and determines the predetermined condition of the mold reduction operation based on the input information. The input regarding the strength of the mold reduction operation will be described later in detail. In addition, the strength adjustment unit 52a has data of a correlation between a predetermined condition of the mold reduction operation (humidity reduction operation) and a period in which the effect of mold reduction by the mold reduction operation continues (hereinafter referred to as correlation data. .) 52b. Then, the strength adjustment unit 52a uses this correlation data 52b when determining the predetermined condition of the mold reduction operation.
The correlation data 52b is based on the relationship between the predetermined condition of the mold reduction operation and the effect duration (the time required for the mold reduction operation again) found from various experimental results. For example, in the correlation data 52b, one week, one month, two months,
For each effect duration of 3 months, predetermined conditions such as the relative humidity level and operating time required to secure such effect duration are associated. In addition, relative to the operation time of the mold reduction operation such as 1 hour, 3 hours, 5 hours, 7 hours, and 9 hours, the relative humidity level required to reduce the mold to at least a certain level in such operation time. Predetermined conditions such as are associated.

The following items also exist in the predetermined conditions used by the mold reduction operation determined by the strength adjustment unit 52a.・ Amount of relative humidity change relative to relative humidity before mold reduction operation.・ Relative humidity change speed during mold reduction operation. -The number of times the relative humidity is raised or lowered when lowering the relative humidity by lowering the humidity multiple times in one mold reduction operation. -The cycle of raising and lowering the relative humidity when lowering the relative humidity by lowering the humidity multiple times in one mold reduction operation.

<Initial Settings for Mold Reduction Operation by Remote Control> In this air conditioner, various initial settings relating to the mold reduction operation can be performed.
In this initial setting, data that contributes to the estimation of the mold growth rate is input, user requests regarding mold reduction operation are input, and operation is performed when the mold growth rate exceeds a predetermined level and the mold reduction operation is performed. It is possible to input settings related to the operation confirmation of. Since the liquid crystal display 30 of the remote controller 3 is of a touch panel type, these inputs can be selectively performed on the input screens 31 to 36 appearing on the liquid crystal display 30. Less than,
The input content on each of the input screens 31 to 36 will be described.

[Input Regarding Material] In this air conditioner, as one of the pieces of information related to the growth of mold, material information about a material on which mold is attached and grows is input.
The input screen shown in FIG. 2 is a screen for inputting a material that molds are likely to propagate in the air-conditioned space of the air conditioner. In Figure 2, "Veneer",
Since "Cross", "Peel", and "Others" are available, any one of them can be selectively input.
When "Other" is selected, the remaining options (names of materials) are newly displayed.

For example, when the air conditioner is installed in the space where the veneer exists in the room, "Veneer" may be selected. Further, when the air conditioner is installed in the room surrounded by the wall using the cloth, “cloth” may be selected. Further, when there is furniture or clothes using leather in the room where the air conditioner is installed, “skin” may be selected.

Although not prepared as an option here, it has been clarified that the mold tends to be hard to grow if the content of formaldehyde in the material is large. It is also possible to prepare a selection branch in consideration of the above so that such information can be input. [Input Regarding Installation Location] In this air conditioner, as one of the information related to the growth of mold, the installation environment information regarding the place where the air conditioner is installed or the building is input.

The input screen shown in FIG. 3 is a screen for inputting information regarding the installation location of the air conditioner. In FIG. 3, since “high cleanliness”, “medium cleanliness”, “low cleanliness”, and “input by industry” are prepared, any one of them can be selectively input. For example, when the installation location of the air conditioner is a hospital, since the cleanliness is usually kept high, “high cleanliness” is selected. If the level of cleanliness is neither high nor low, "cleanliness medium" may be selected.

When "Enter by type of industry" is selected, a new input screen appears in which specific types of types of industries are listed, and the types of types of industries are selectively selected. In this case, using the built-in data indicating the relationship between the type of business and the cleanliness, the strength adjustment unit 52a converts the input of the type of business into cleanliness information. [Input Regarding Amount of Nutrient Content] In this air conditioner, as one of the information related to the growth of mold, nutrition information regarding the nutrient content of mold existing in the place where the air conditioner is installed is input.

The input screen shown in FIG. 4 is a screen for inputting the amount of mold nutrients at the installation location of the air conditioner. In FIG. 4, since there are choices of "extremely large number", "relatively large number", "normal", and "small number", any one of them can be selectively inputted. For example, when installing an air conditioner in a kitchen, it is considered that "extremely many" or "relatively many" will be selected. In addition, when it is not considered that the nutrient content of the mold is high or low, "normal" may be selected.

[Input Regarding Driving Strength] The input screen shown in FIG. 5 is a screen for inputting the strength of mold reduction driving. Here, as a method of inputting the strength of the mold reduction operation, there are prepared a method of selecting a reference time for the effect duration and a method of selecting a time required for the operation. That is, the user or the like can perform selection input by any method.

Information on the effect duration or the required driving time, which is selectively input by the user or the like, is stored in the strength adjustment unit 52.
In a, the above-mentioned correlation data 52b is converted into a predetermined condition for mold reduction operation. [Input for Confirmation of Operation of Driving] The input screen shown in FIG. 6 shows whether the mold reduction operation is unconditionally switched to the mold reduction operation when the mold growth degree exceeds a predetermined level, or some confirmation is made before the mold reduction operation. This is a screen for inputting a user's request such as whether to shift to, or what kind of confirmation method is to be used for further confirmation. When the mold reduction drive is set to normal strength, the space during the mold reduction drive becomes excessively dry, and people in such a space feel uncomfortable. Therefore, in the air conditioner of the present embodiment, such confirmation can be initialized.

As shown in FIG. 6, "manually confirm from confirmation screen", "automatically confirm by external input",
The choices are "Enter the prohibition time" and "No particular restrictions and skip the confirmation process". When “Confirm manually from confirmation screen” is selected and input, the control unit 50 performs the mold reduction operation when the mold growth degree exceeds a predetermined level and the mold reduction operation needs to be performed. A screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 of the remote controller 3 to ask the user or the like whether or not the operation can be performed immediately. Here, the user or the like can choose to immediately carry out the mold reduction operation, or set a time and choose to carry out after a predetermined time.

When "Automatically confirm by external input" is selected and input, it is determined based on external data whether or not the mold reduction operation may be performed. For example, in the case where the air conditioner is equipped with a human detection sensor, the control unit 50 immediately performs the mold reduction operation when the human detection sensor outputs a signal indicating that there is no person in the room. It is judged that it may be carried out. When an air conditioner is installed in each guest room of a hotel, the room is vacant so that the air conditioner can see the vacancy management data of the hotel. If the condition (1) continues), the control unit 50 determines that the mold reduction operation may be performed.

When "Enter the operation prohibition time" is selected and input, a screen for newly inputting the operation prohibition time appears, and the input by the user or the like is accepted. For example, when an air conditioner is installed in an office and the user or the like sets the operation prohibition time from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, even if the mold growth degree exceeds a predetermined level during this time, the control unit 50 does not start mold reduction operation until 10 pm. Enter the prohibition time on a daily basis.
It is desirable to allow various inputs such as weekly or monthly.

When "No particular limitation is set and skip confirmation step" is selected and input, the control unit 50 immediately causes the mold extinction operation unit 52 as soon as the mold growth degree exceeds a predetermined level.
To send a driving command to start mold reduction operation. [Input for Setting Level of Mold Growth Degree for Starting Driving] The input screen shown in FIG. 7 is a screen for inputting a level (predetermined level) of mold growth for starting the mold reduction operation. Here, in addition to the option of "set to normal level", "start after growing more than normal level", "start operation while growth is low", and "start operation when growing a little"
There are three choices. When the levels of the mold growth degree corresponding to these input options are arranged in the descending order, "start after growing higher than normal level", "set to normal level", "start operation while growth is low", " If it grows up even a little, the operation will be started. "

When an input is made on the screen shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 converts the input information into a level (predetermined level) of the corresponding fungal hyphae, and the mold reduction operation unit 52. It is held as a material for determining whether or not to issue a driving command. <Details of Mold Extinction Operation> When the fungal hyphae length calculated by the mold growth degree estimating unit 51 exceeds the above predetermined level, a control command is issued from the control unit 50 to the mold extinction operating unit 52 after predetermined confirmation. Be done. Accordingly, the mold reduction operation unit 52 increases the temperature and uses the dehumidification function to reduce the humidity in the space under the predetermined condition determined by the strength adjustment unit 52a to reduce the mold reduction operation. To start. When the operation screen is set to perform some confirmation on the input screen shown in FIG. 6 in the initial setting, it is determined that the fungal hypha length exceeds a predetermined level, and a predetermined period is set when the mold reduction operation is performed. Confirmation work is carried out. Then, after the operation condition is satisfied, the mold reduction operation is executed.

In this mold reduction operation, molds are effectively reduced or killed. Therefore, depending on the content of the predetermined condition, the operation of decreasing the relative humidity in the space and maintaining it for a while is repeated a plurality of times. When the initial setting is made such that the intensity of the mold reduction operation is relatively large, the mold reduction operation is controlled so that the change amount with respect to the relative humidity before the operation and the change speed of the relative humidity increase. Also,
When the effect duration is selected and input by the user on the input screen shown in FIG. 5, the mold reduction operation is executed under the condition that the effect duration is secured, and the required time for the operation is selected and input. In this case, the mold reduction operation is executed so that a certain effect of mold reduction can be obtained within that time, and the mold reduction operation is completed within the time.

<Characteristics of the air conditioner of the present embodiment> (1) Here, when the growth degree of mold exceeds a predetermined level, the control unit 50 performs a predetermined confirmation and then the mold reduction operation unit 52. The control is performed to execute the mold reduction operation by. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a problem in which unnecessary driving is performed when the mold is not growing and it is not necessary to drive to reduce the mold, or conversely, the mold is overlooked.

(2) Here, the mold growth degree estimating unit 5
1 uses the input information related to the growth of the mold in addition to the temperature, the relative humidity, and the elapsed time when estimating the growth degree of the mold. Therefore, even if it is an air conditioner that can be installed in various places and has various characteristics such as the place where molds are supposed to grow and the objects to which the molds adhere, there are information about the effects of that. As an input by the user or the like in the initial setting, it is reflected in the estimation of the mold growth degree by the mold growth degree estimation unit 51.

Specifically, first, on the input screen shown in FIG. 2, the material that the mold is supposed to propagate is input. As a result, the difference in mold growth speed among the materials is reflected in the estimation of the mold growth rate, and the mold growth rate can be estimated with high accuracy. Further, in the input screen shown in FIG. 3, information regarding the installation location of the air conditioner is input. As a result, the cleanliness of the target space is reflected in the estimation of the degree of mold growth, and the estimation accuracy is improved.

Then, in the input screen shown in FIG.
The amount of mold nutrients at the installation location of the air conditioner is entered. As a result, the nutrient content of the mold in the target area is reflected in the estimation of the degree of growth of the mold, and the estimation accuracy is improved. (3) Here, in the initial setting, the input regarding the strength of the mold reduction operation is performed using the input screen shown in FIG. Therefore, users (such as air conditioner users, air conditioner managers, air conditioner installers, etc.) need to adjust the effect duration and The time required for mold reduction operation can be determined. In this way, it is possible to easily set the mold reduction operation that matches the convenience of the facility where the air conditioner is installed and the circumstances of the business form, so molds must meet the constraints of the installation location and the convenience of the user. Can be reduced.

(4) Here, the strength of the mold reduction operation can be set on the initial setting input screen shown in FIG. The strength of this mold-reducing operation is the strength of the effect of reducing the mold, and if the predetermined conditions of the mold-reducing operation, such as the operating time, the number of operations, and the strength of the operation, change, the mold will be reduced accordingly. The degree will also change. For example, it is the degree to which the mold is reduced until the mold spores are killed, the degree to which the mold is reduced to the mold mycelia only, and the degree to which the mold is reduced so that the growth of the mold mycelia is stopped. Therefore, if you want to take a long period (effect duration) from one mold reduction operation to the next mold reduction operation, set the initial settings to strongly reduce the mold. Good. Also, if the mold reduction operation is activated for a short time every day, there is no problem, but if the air conditioner is installed in a place where it is difficult to reduce the mold once for a long time, The initial setting may be performed so that the required time is shortened.

(5) Since the correlation data 52b is held here, the strength adjustment section 52a of the mold reduction operation section 52 is held.
When an input of a desired effect duration by a user or the like is received, the input can be converted into an appropriate predetermined condition (operating condition) to adjust the strength of mold reduction operation. That is, the user or the like only has to input the reference period on which the effect of extinction of mold is desired to be continued on the screen shown in FIG. Absent.

(6) Here, on the input screen shown in FIG. 7, an input is made regarding the level of the mold growth degree at which the mold reduction operation is started, and a predetermined level (mold hyphae length of the mold is obtained in accordance with the intention of the user or the like. The maximum allowable value of) is determined. Therefore, users, etc. may find that people with allergies are in the place where the air conditioner is installed, or that the place where the air conditioner is installed is a place where high cleanliness is required, such as a hospital or food factory. In addition, by inputting such that the predetermined level is set to be low, the mold reduction operation can be performed in a state where the mold growth degree is relatively low. Also, when installing an air conditioner in a place where a high degree of cleanliness is not required, input should be made so that the prescribed level is set to be relatively high, and mold reduction operation is performed more than necessary and energy consumption is reduced. It is possible to suppress the increase.

<Modification> (A) In the above embodiment, the mold reduction operation is carried out to reduce mold by reducing the humidity in the target space, but instead of this or in addition to this, ozone It is also possible to extinguish mold by using UV rays or ultraviolet rays. The ozone generator, the ultraviolet irradiation device, and the like may be incorporated in the air conditioner, or may be provided separately from the air conditioner and connected to the control unit 50.

Since lamps for irradiating ultraviolet rays are expensive and have a relatively short lifespan, when the mold is extinguished by using ultraviolet rays, the estimation in the mold growth degree estimating section 51 is performed by various input information. The merit of improving the accuracy and starting the mold reduction operation according to the estimation becomes very large. In other words, the phenomenon of unnecessary irradiation of ultraviolet rays even if the mold is not growing is reduced, and the life of the ultraviolet irradiation device is extended and the cost is suppressed.

Also, when the ultraviolet irradiator is used to reduce mold, it is possible to allow the user or the like to input the intensity in the initial setting and to reflect it in a predetermined condition of operation for reducing mold. it can. (B) In the above-described embodiment, various inputs are made using the input screens as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. However, it is possible to set several kinds of stages for each item, and the indoor unit 1
After allowing the installer to make adjustments using the DIP slide switch provided on the back of the product, etc., hand over the materials (table, etc.) that serve as a guide for setting to the installer, and the installer will ask the user's intentions and be appropriate. It may be configured to adjust the DIP switch.

(C) In the above embodiment, the strength adjustment unit 52a of the mold reduction operation unit 52 is provided with the correlation data 52b,
By utilizing this, the contents input by the user or the like on the input screen shown in FIG. 5 are converted into appropriate predetermined conditions (operating conditions). However, after setting the strength of mold reduction operation in several stages and allowing the installer to adjust it with the DIP switch provided on the back surface of the indoor unit 1 etc. It is also possible to give a table showing the relationship between the time and the required operation time, and allow the installer to adjust the dip switch appropriately when the air conditioner is installed by listening to the intention of the user or the like.

(D) Regarding the input regarding the material in which mold reproduction is expected in the initial setting, instead of the input screen as shown in FIG. 2, the ease of mold reproduction is divided into several levels and each level is divided into several levels. As a specific example, it may be possible to adopt an input screen having a specific name (cloth, leather, etc.).

(E) In the above-described embodiment, the mold extinction operation is performed when the fungal hyphae length estimated by the mold growth degree estimating unit 51 exceeds a predetermined level. It is also conceivable to use a light emitting diode (not shown) or the like provided in the indoor unit 1 to simply notify the user or the like.

(F) In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal display 30 of the remote controller 3 is used for input. For input, a special input device is connected to the electrical unit of the air conditioner for installation or shipment. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is input in advance at times such as. (G) In the above-described embodiment, the technique of utilizing the input information of the user or the like to estimate the growth degree of the mold is applied to the air conditioner, but the dedicated device specialized for estimating the growth degree of the mold is used. The above technique can also be applied to the (mold growth estimation device). That is, the mold growth degree estimating unit 51, the humidity sensor 63, and the input screen 3
Even if a mold growth degree estimation device having a configuration corresponding to 1 to 33 is made and connected to a notification means capable of displaying an alarm or issuing an alarm, a high estimation accuracy of the mold growth degree is secured. Will be able to. With this mold growth degree estimation device, even if the place where the mold grows or the object to which the mold adheres changes depending on the place where it is installed, the user etc. can input the effect of this as information in the initial setting. Is reflected in the estimation of mold growth.

[0064]

In the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, when estimating the growth degree of mold, in addition to the relative humidity and elapsed time by the humidity sensor, information relating to the growth of mold other than temperature and time is provided. Even if the air conditioner is characterized by the fact that it can be installed in various places and there are various places where mold grows and objects to which mold adheres, It is possible to reflect it in the estimation of the growth degree of mold by inputting it as information in the input section. As a result, the degree of growth of the mold can be estimated with high accuracy, and it is possible to prevent delay or waste of measures against the mold based on the estimation.

In the air conditioner according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the estimated growth rate of mold exceeds a predetermined level, the control unit activates the notification unit or the mold reduction unit. Even if the mold growth rate is not monitored, the user etc. will know that the mold growth level exceeds the predetermined level by the notification means, and the mold reduction method will activate and the mold grown automatically will be displayed. Will be reduced to.

In the air conditioner according to the third aspect of the present invention, the material information on the material on which mold grows is input to the input section, and the material information is used for estimating the growth degree of the mold. By narrowing down the material that you want to prevent mold growth from depending on the place where is installed and entering the material information, the degree of mold growth can be estimated with high accuracy.

In the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect, the nutrition information about the nutrients of the mold existing in the place where the mold adheres and grows is input to the input section, and the nutrition information is used to estimate the growth degree of the mold. Therefore, the degree of mold growth can be estimated with high accuracy. In the air conditioner according to claim 5, since the installation environment information about the place or the building where the air conditioner is installed is input to the input unit, and the installation environment information is used for estimating the growth degree of the mold, The degree of growth can be estimated with high accuracy.

In the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect, the predetermined level can be adjusted by the input of the user or the like. Therefore, if there is a person with allergies at the installation location of the air conditioner, or if the installation location of the air conditioner is a place where high cleanliness is required such as a hospital or food factory, Enter information about the high and low of a predetermined level so that the level is set low,
The air conditioner can be brought into a state in which the notification unit and the mold reduction unit operate while the degree of growth of mold is relatively low.

In the mold growth degree estimating device according to the seventh aspect, in estimating the mold growth level, in addition to the relative humidity and elapsed time by the humidity sensor, information related to mold growth other than temperature and time is used. Even if it is a mold growth degree estimation device that is assumed to be installed in various places and that molds grow on various places and objects to which molds adhere, By inputting the influence as information in the input unit, it is possible to reflect it on the estimation of the degree of growth of mold. As a result, the degree of growth of the mold can be estimated with high accuracy, and it is possible to prevent delay or waste of measures against the mold based on the estimation.

In the mold growth degree estimating device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the estimated mold growth level exceeds a predetermined level, the control unit activates the notification means, so that the user or the like positively detects the mold growth level. Even when the degree of growth is not monitored, the user or the like knows that the degree of mold growth exceeds a predetermined level by the notification means. In the mold growth degree estimating device according to the ninth aspect, the predetermined level can be adjusted by the input of the user or the like. Therefore, if there is an allergic person at the installation location of the device, or if the installation location of the device is a place where a high degree of cleanliness is required, such as a hospital or food factory, the specified level is set low. As described above, by inputting information regarding the height of a predetermined level, it is possible to bring the device into a state in which the notification means is activated in a state where the degree of mold growth is relatively low. Further, when the apparatus is installed in a place where a high degree of cleanliness is not required, it is possible to make an input so that the predetermined level is set to be relatively high so that unnecessary notification is not made.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one of input screens in initial setting.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one of input screens in initial setting.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one of input screens in initial setting.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one of input screens in initial setting.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one of input screens in initial setting.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one of input screens in initial setting.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 remote control 30 LCD display 50 control unit 51 Mold growth estimation section 52 Mold Extinction Driving Department 63 Humidity sensor

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Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A humidity sensor (63) for detecting relative humidity.
An input unit (30) for inputting one or more information other than temperature and time related to mold growth, detected humidity detected by the humidity sensor (63), elapsed time, and the input unit (30). Control unit (50, 5) that estimates the degree of growth of mold based on the information input to
1) and the air conditioner provided with. 2. The control unit (50) further comprises an informing means for informing that the degree of growth of mold has exceeded a predetermined level, or a mold extinction means (52) for extinguishing the grown mold. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when the estimated growth rate of the mold exceeds a predetermined level, the notification unit or the mold reduction unit (52) is activated. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the information input to the input unit (30) is material information regarding a material on which mold is attached and grows. 4. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information input to the input unit (30) is nutrition information on the nutrients of mold existing in a place where mold adheres and grows. Air conditioner. 5. The air according to claim 1, wherein the information input to the input unit (30) is installation environment information regarding a place or a building where the air conditioner is installed. Harmony device. 6. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the input unit (30) further inputs information regarding the height of the predetermined level. 7. A humidity sensor for detecting relative humidity, an input unit for inputting one or more information other than temperature and time related to mold growth, detected humidity detected by the humidity sensor, elapsed time, And a control unit that estimates the degree of growth of mold based on the information input to the input unit. 8. A notification means for notifying that the degree of growth of the mold has exceeded a predetermined level, wherein the control unit notifies the user when the estimated degree of growth of the mold exceeds a predetermined level. The mold growth degree estimating device according to claim 7, which activates the means. 9. The mold growth degree estimating device according to claim 8, wherein the input unit further inputs information regarding the height of the predetermined level.