JP2010043844A - Indoor unit of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of reducing a possibility for a user to feel discomfort. <P>SOLUTION: This ceiling-mounted type indoor unit 2 includes an indoor unit body 20 having a suction opening 20a on its lower face, a flat panel 24 taking a received state and a non-received state, and movable downward from the suction opening 20a in the non-received state, switches 80d, 80e receiving a command to lower and a command to stop the lowering, and a panel control section 31 controlling the motion of the panel so that the flat panel 24 is moved based on the command to lower and the command to stop the lowering. The panel control section 31 controls the motion of the flat panel 24 so that the lowering of the flat panel 24 is not stopped when the command to stop the lowering is received after receiving the command to lower, and when the flat panel 24 is not lowered by a distance larger than a prescribed distance A from the suction opening 20a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

  Conventionally, some indoor units of an air conditioner have a panel that can cover a suction port for taking in indoor air.

  For example, in an indoor unit of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-2423), a suction port and a blow-out port are provided on the lower surface of the indoor unit body. In this indoor unit, air conditioning operation is performed by generating conditioned air from the air taken into the interior of the indoor unit body from the suction port and blowing the conditioned air into the room from the air outlet. In this indoor unit, the panel is provided on the lower surface of the indoor unit main body, and can be suspended from the indoor unit main body by a wire. For this reason, the user can easily perform maintenance work such as cleaning of the filter provided on the panel by lowering the panel below the indoor unit main body.

  By the way, in the indoor unit of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner as described above, there are some cases where the air conditioning operation is not performed when the panel is not housed in the indoor unit body. For this reason, even when the panel is lowered to a level that cannot be recognized by the user, the panel is not housed in the indoor unit main body, so that the air conditioning operation is not performed, which may cause discomfort to the user. There is a risk of giving. Moreover, even if the panel is not housed in the indoor unit body, even if it is an indoor unit of an air conditioner where air conditioning operation is performed, the state of the suction port is different from the normal state, so the air suction sound increases. There is a fear. For this reason, there exists a possibility of giving a user discomfort.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the indoor unit of the air conditioner which can reduce a possibility of giving a user discomfort.

An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first invention is an indoor unit of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner, and includes an indoor unit body, a panel, a filter, an instruction receiving unit, a panel control unit, and operation control. Department . An indoor air suction port is provided on the lower surface of the indoor unit main body. The panel can take a stored state and a non-stored state. The storage state is a state where the panel is stored in the indoor unit main body. The non-storage state is a state where the panel is not stored in the indoor unit body. Further, the panel can be lowered downward from the suction port in the non-storage state. The filter is housed in the indoor unit main body. Further, the filter is arranged on the indoor unit main body side even if the panel descends downward from the suction port. The instruction receiving unit can receive a panel lowering instruction and a lowering stop instruction. The panel control unit controls the operation of the panel so that the panel operates based on the lowering instruction or the lowering stop instruction received by the instruction receiving unit. In addition, the panel control unit stops the lowering of the panel when the lowering instruction is received after the lowering instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit and the panel is not lowered more than a predetermined distance from the suction port. Forced descent control is performed to control the operation of the panel so as not to occur. The operation control unit performs operation control of the air conditioning operation. Further, the operation control unit performs the operation control when the panel is not stored, when the panel is lowered from the suction port and when the panel is not lowered from the suction port. Do.

  In the indoor unit for an air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, forced descent control may be performed even when a descent stop instruction is given by the user. For this reason, when the lowering instruction is given by the user, the panel descends a predetermined distance or more from the suction port. Therefore, in the case of an indoor unit in which the air conditioning operation is not started unless the panel is stored in the indoor unit body, the panel is lowered by a predetermined distance or more so that the user does not store the panel in the indoor unit body. It can make it easy to recognize something. In addition, in the case of an indoor unit in which air conditioning operation is started even if the panel is not housed in the indoor unit body, the suction port can be opened by lowering the panel by a predetermined distance or more, so air suction The possibility that the sound becomes loud can be reduced.

  This can reduce the possibility of discomfort to the user.

  In addition, when the panel is in a non-storing state, the operation control unit controls the operation of the air-conditioning operation when the panel is lowered from the suction port and when the panel is not lowered from the suction port. I do. For this reason, when the panel is in a non-storage state, the air-conditioning operation is performed regardless of whether the panel is lowered or not lowered from the suction port.

  An air conditioner indoor unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner indoor unit of the first aspect, wherein the panel control unit determines whether or not the panel is lowered from the suction port by a predetermined distance or more. Part. For this reason, in this indoor unit of an air conditioner, it can be determined whether forced descent control is performed based on the determination result of the determination unit.

  The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the third invention is the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the second invention, and has a wire for lifting the panel and a drive unit for feeding and winding the wire, An elevating part capable of raising or lowering the panel is further provided. The determination unit has a counter that increases or decreases the counter value in accordance with the feeding of the wire. Further, the determination unit determines whether or not the panel has been lowered from the suction port by a predetermined distance or more based on the counter value. For this reason, in this indoor unit of an air conditioner, it is possible to determine whether to perform forced lowering control according to the feeding of the wire.

  An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, and the panel control unit is a panel when forced down control is performed. After descending to a predetermined distance from the suction port, control is performed to stop the descent of the panel. For this reason, in this indoor unit of an air conditioner, the panel can be stopped in a state where an interval of a predetermined distance or more is maintained between the panel and the suction port.

An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an indoor unit of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner, and includes an indoor unit body, a panel, a filter, an instruction receiving unit, a panel control unit, and operation control. Department . An indoor air suction port is provided on the lower surface of the indoor unit main body. The panel can take a stored state and a non-stored state. The storage state is a state where the panel is stored in the indoor unit main body. The non-storage state is a state where the panel is not stored in the indoor unit body. Further, the panel can be lowered downward from the suction port in the non-storage state. The filter is housed in the indoor unit main body. Further, the filter is arranged on the indoor unit main body side even if the panel descends downward from the suction port. The instruction receiving unit can receive a panel lowering instruction and a lowering stop instruction. The panel control unit controls the operation of the panel so that the panel operates based on the lowering instruction or the lowering stop instruction received by the instruction receiving unit. The panel control unit is a case where the descent stop instruction is accepted after the descent instruction is accepted by the instruction accepting unit, and the elapsed time from the time when the descent instruction is accepted is less than the predetermined time, Forced descent control is performed to control the operation of the panel so that the descent of the panel does not stop. The operation control unit performs operation control of the air conditioning operation. Further, the operation control unit performs the operation control when the panel is in the non-contained state, when the panel is lowered from the suction port and when the panel is not lowered from the suction port.

In the indoor unit for an air conditioner according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, forced descent control may be performed even when a descent stop instruction is given by the user. For this reason, when the lowering instruction is given by the user, the panel is lowered downward from the suction port for at least a predetermined time. Therefore, in the case of an indoor unit in which the air conditioning operation is not started unless the panel is stored in the indoor unit body, the panel is stored in the indoor unit body by taking the state where the panel is lowered from the suction port. It can be made easy to recognize that there is no state. In addition, in the case of an indoor unit in which air conditioning operation is started even if the panel is not housed in the indoor unit body, the suction port can be opened by taking the state where the panel is lowered from the outlet, It is possible to reduce the possibility that the air suction sound will increase.

  This can reduce the possibility of discomfort to the user.

  In addition, when the panel is in a non-storing state, the operation control unit controls the operation of the air-conditioning operation when the panel is lowered from the suction port and when the panel is not lowered from the suction port. I do. For this reason, when the panel is in a non-storage state, the air-conditioning operation is performed regardless of whether the panel is lowered or not lowered from the suction port.

  With the air conditioner indoor unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the risk of discomfort to the user can be reduced.

  In the indoor unit for an air conditioner according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not forced lowering control is performed based on the determination result of the determination unit.

  In the indoor unit for an air conditioner according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether to perform forced lowering control according to the feeding of the wire.

  In the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the panel can be stopped in a state where an interval of a predetermined distance or more is maintained between the panel and the suction port.

With the air conditioner indoor unit pertaining to the fifth aspect of the invention, the risk of discomfort to the user can be reduced.

The external appearance perspective view of the indoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention (a ceiling is abbreviate | omitted). Sectional drawing of the indoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of a lower unit. The perspective view of a lower unit. The perspective view of a lower unit. The external view of the remote controller used when a user performs the instruction | indication regarding an air conditioning driving | operation. The external view of the remote controller used when a user performs the instruction | indication regarding raising / lowering of a flat panel. The exploded view of a hinge connection mechanism. The exploded perspective view of a lower unit. The exploded view of a panel raising / lowering mechanism. The layout of the components inside a panel raising / lowering mechanism. The perspective view of a panel lock mechanism. The control block diagram of a control part. The figure which shows the flat panel which fell only the predetermined distance from the suction inlet. The flowchart which shows the descent | fall operation | movement of the flat panel by a panel control part. The control block diagram of the control part with which the indoor unit concerning a modification (A) is provided. The control block diagram of the control part with which the indoor unit concerning a modification (C) is provided.

  The indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. The indoor unit 2 is a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, and can perform an air conditioning operation including a heating operation and a cooling operation, a filter cleaning operation, and the like. The indoor unit 2 mainly includes an indoor unit body 20, a flat panel 24, storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b (see FIG. 3), a hinge coupling mechanism 6 (see FIG. 3), a panel lock mechanism 8 (see FIG. 3), a panel. A lifting mechanism 7 (see FIG. 3) and a control unit 30 (see FIG. 12) are provided.

<Indoor unit body>
2, the indoor fan 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 12 are accommodated in the indoor unit main body 20, and have a box-like shape with an open bottom surface.

  The indoor fan 13 is a cross flow fan configured in a long and thin cylindrical shape, and is accommodated in the indoor unit main body 20 such that the rotation shaft extends along the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit main body 20. The indoor fan 13 is driven to rotate by an indoor fan motor (not shown), thereby generating an air flow in a direction crossing the rotation axis. Furthermore, the indoor fan 13 sucks indoor air into the indoor unit main body 20 and blows out air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 12 into the room.

  The indoor heat exchanger 12 includes a heat transfer tube that is bent back and forth at both ends in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of fins that are inserted through the heat transfer tube, and performs heat exchange between the air that contacts the heat transfer tube. The indoor heat exchanger 12 is disposed in the indoor unit body 20 so as to extend obliquely upward as it moves away from the indoor fan 13 from a position below the indoor fan 13.

  The indoor unit body 20 has a decorative panel 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the decorative panel 21 is a substantially rectangular member that is larger than the top surface of the indoor unit body 20 in plan view. The decorative panel 21 is provided with a suction port 20a and a blowout port 20b. Moreover, the indoor unit main body 20 has a filter cleaning mechanism 10 for cleaning the filter 9, and constitutes a lower unit 52 together with the decorative panel 21, the flat panel 24, and a horizontal flap 51 described later. The filter cleaning mechanism 10 includes a brush 108 for removing dust from the filter 9 and a dust box 109 for storing dust scraped off from the filter 9 by the brush 108. When the user instructs to start the filter cleaning operation, the filter cleaning mechanism 10 performs an operation of scraping dust from the filter 9 by the brush 108 and collecting it in the dust box 109. The dust box 109 is detachably attached to the flat panel 24.

  Further, the interior of the indoor unit main body 20 stores storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b, a hinge connection mechanism 6, a panel lock mechanism 8, a panel lifting mechanism 7, and a control unit 30. These will be described later.

<Flat panel>
As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the flat panel 24 has a larger area than the suction port 20 a, and is a plate not provided with an opening that is long in the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit body 20. Shaped member. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the flat panel 24 is suspended by two wires 71 included in a panel lifting mechanism 7 described later.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flat panel 24 may take a state of being located in the vicinity of the suction port 20a and a state of being lowered below the suction port 20a as shown in FIG. Is possible. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, as a case where it is located in the vicinity of the suction port 20a, an operation standby state in which the flat panel 24 is housed in the indoor unit body 20 and the suction port 20a is closed, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor unit is not housed in the indoor unit body 20 and can be rotated with respect to the indoor unit body 20 around the end on the outlet 20b side. The cleaning operation state in which the suction port 20a is closed in the main body 20, and the descent standby state in which the suction port 20a is closed in the indoor unit main body 20 as in the operation standby state and the cleaning operation state. There is. The difference between the operation standby state, the clean operation state, and the descending standby state is that the flat panel 24 is supported by the hinge connecting mechanism 6 with respect to the indoor unit body 20 in the operation standby state. In the clean operation state, the flat panel 24 is locked to the indoor unit main body 20 by the panel lock mechanism 8. In the descending standby state, the flat panel 24 is not supported by the hinge connection mechanism 6, And it is the point which has taken the unlocked state which is not locked by the panel lock mechanism 8. FIG. Further, in the operation state, the flat panel 24 is in a state of being supported by the hinge coupling mechanism 6 and is in an unlocked state that is not locked by the panel lock mechanism 8. The suction port 20a can be opened and closed by raising and lowering the other end as a shaft.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the flat panel 24 is lowered below the suction port 20 a, the flat panel 24 is not stored in the indoor unit body 20 and is lowered below the suction port 20 a. There is a state.

  Furthermore, the indoor unit 2 includes a horizontal flap 51, a receiving unit 92, and an operation state display unit 93.

  The horizontal flap 51 is for guiding the air blown from the outlet 20b, and is provided so that the outlet 20b can be opened and closed. The horizontal flap 51 is in a state in which the outlet 20b is closed when the air-conditioning operation is stopped and during maintenance such as the filter cleaning operation of the indoor unit. Further, when the indoor unit is performing an air conditioning operation, the horizontal flap 51 rotates around the end on the suction port 20a side and opens the blowout port 20b. Such a horizontal flap 51 is rotationally driven by a motor, a gear, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving unit 92 is provided on the decorative panel 21. The receiving unit 92 is provided so as to receive various operation start instructions and various settings transmitted from the remote controllers 80a and 80b. For example, the receiving unit 92 can receive an instruction to start an air-conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a set indoor temperature via the remote controller 80a. In addition, the receiving unit 92 can receive an instruction to raise or lower the flat panel 24 via the remote controller 80b.

  In addition, when the user presses the remote controllers 80a and 80b, an instruction signal related to the start or stop of the air-conditioning operation or an instruction signal related to various settings such as temperature setting can be transmitted to the receiving unit 92. A remote controller 80a (see FIG. 6A) and a remote controller 80b (see FIG. 6B) capable of transmitting an instruction signal related to the filter cleaning operation or an instruction signal related to the lifting and lowering operation of the flat panel 24 are included.

  The remote controller 80b shown in FIG. 6B includes an “up” switch 80c, a “down” switch 80d, and a “stop” switch 80e as switches related to the raising / lowering operation of the flat panel 24. For example, an instruction signal can be transmitted from the remote controller 80b to the receiving unit 92 so that the flat panel 24 is raised when the user presses the “rise” switch 80c. Further, when the user presses the “down” switch 80d, an instruction signal can be transmitted from the remote controller 80b to the receiving unit 92 so that the flat panel 24 is lowered. Furthermore, when the user presses the “stop” switch 80e, an instruction signal can be transmitted from the remote controller 80b to the receiving unit 92 so that the rising or lowering of the flat panel 24 is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the driving state display unit 93 is provided on the decorative panel 21 as with the receiving unit 92. The operation state display unit 93 has an LED, and lights or blinks the LED according to the operation status of the indoor unit.

  Next, the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b, the hinge connection mechanism 6, the panel lock mechanism 8, the panel lifting mechanism 7 and the control unit 30 stored in the indoor unit body 20 will be described in order.

<Storage limit switch>
Two storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b are provided in the vicinity of the suction port 20a of the decorative panel 21, as shown in FIGS. More specifically, the two storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the longer side of the suction port 20a that is far from the outlet 20b. ing.

  Each storage detection limit switch 90a, 90b detects that the flat panel 24 is located at a position near the suction port 20a of the decorative panel 21. Specifically, the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b output ON signals when the state of the flat panel 24 is an operation standby state, a clean operation state, and a lowering standby state. Further, when the state of the flat panel 24 is the operation state or the up-and-down state, the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b output an off signal. In this way, the ON signal and the OFF signal output by the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b are taken into the control unit 30.

<Hinge connection mechanism>
The hinge connecting mechanism 6 supports one end of the flat panel 24 so that the flat panel 24 can rotate when the flat panel 24 is in the operation standby state, the operation state, or the clean operation state. When taking the state, the support of one end of the rat panel is released.

  FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge coupling mechanism 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the hinge coupling mechanism 6 includes a rotating member 61, a sliding member 62, a first pin 63, a pinion gear 64, a hinge drive motor 65, a fixing member 66, a second pin 67, and a screw 68. Have. The rotating member 61 is a U-shaped solid object, and a rod-shaped support shaft 61a protrudes outward from the end surface. Further, a shaft hole 61 b is formed at one end of the rotating member 61.

  The sliding member 62 includes a rack 62 a that meshes with the pinion gear 64, and arms 62 b that sandwich both surfaces of the shaft hole 61 b of the rotating member 61. Further, the arm 62b is formed with a first sliding hole 62c, and a second sliding hole 62d is formed near the base of the rack 62a. The hinge drive motor 65 is a stepping motor and rotates the pinion gear 64. The hinge drive motor 65 has a through hole 65a through which the screw 68 passes.

  The fixing member 66 is formed with a sliding space 66 a that holds the sliding member 62 so as to be slidable, a gear space 66 b into which the pinion gear 64 is inserted, and a screw hole 66 c that is screwed into the screw 68. Furthermore, a first through hole 66d and a second through hole 66e are formed in the wall forming the sliding space 66a.

  The sliding member 62 is disposed in the sliding space 66 a of the fixing member 66, and is disposed so that the shaft hole 61 b of the rotating member 61 is sandwiched between the arms 62 b of the sliding member 62. The first pin 63 is inserted from one end of the first through hole 66 d of the fixing member 66, passes through the first sliding hole 62 c of the sliding member 62 and the shaft hole 61 b of the rotating member 61, and the other end of the first through hole 66 d. Get out.

  The second pin 67 is inserted from one end of the second through hole 66e, passes through the second sliding hole 62d of the sliding member 62, and exits to the other end of the second through hole 66e. As a result, the sliding member 62 can move horizontally in the sliding space 66 a along the first pin 63 and the second pin 67, and the rotating member 61 can rotate around the first pin 63. .

  With such a configuration, when the hinge drive motor 65 rotates the pinion gear 64, the hinge coupling mechanism 6 transmits power to the rack 62 a that meshes with the pinion gear 64, and the sliding member 62 slides along the first pin 63. As the sliding member 62 moves, the rotating member 61 moves in the direction of the flat panel 24 or in the opposite direction. Here, for convenience of explanation, the rotation of the hinge drive motor 65 so as to move the rotating member 61 in the direction of coupling with the flat panel 24 is referred to as “normal rotation”. The rotation of the hinge drive motor 65 so as to move in the direction of releasing the connection is referred to as “reverse rotation”. A signal related to the rotation speed output from the hinge drive motor 65 is taken into the control unit 30.

  Further, a support hole 24c (see FIG. 8) that faces the support shaft 61a is provided in the end portion of the flat panel 24, the hinge drive motor 65 rotates forward, and the support shaft 61a is flat. When inserted into the support hole 24 c of the panel 24, the rotation member 61 and the flat panel 24 are connected, and the flat panel 24 can rotate around the first pin 63.

  On the other hand, when the hinge drive motor 65 reverses and the support shaft 61a comes out of the support hole 24c of the flat panel 24, the connection between the rotating member 61 and the flat panel 24 is released, and the flat panel 24 is connected to the first pin 63. Cannot be rotated around the center.

  The hinge connection mechanism 6 includes a connection detection limit switch 91. As shown in FIG. 7, the connection detection limit switch 91 is provided at one end of the sliding member 62. In the sliding space 66a, the rotation member 61 is at the position shown in FIGS. 5 is detected. Specifically, when the state of the flat panel 24 is the operation standby state and the operation state, the connection detection limit switch 91 outputs an ON signal. In addition, when the state of the flat panel 24 is a clean operation state, a stand-by state for descent, or a lift state, the connection detection limit switch 91 outputs an off signal. In this way, the on signal and the off signal output by the connection detection limit switch 91 are taken into the control unit 30.

<Panel lifting mechanism>
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the panel elevating mechanism 7. As shown in FIG. 9, the panel elevating mechanism 7 has a wire 71, a pulley 72, a bobbin 73, a take-up gear 74, a drive gear 75, an elevating motor 76, a switch 77, and a case 78. is doing.

  The pulley 72 includes a pulley portion 72 a and a cam portion 72 b that are integrally formed. The pulley portion 72 a supports the wire 71 and rotates as the wire 71 moves. The cam portion 72b includes a small-diameter curved surface, a large-diameter curved surface, and a plane connecting both the curved surfaces.

  The bobbin 73 winds up the wire 71. The winding gear 74 is connected coaxially with the bobbin 73 and rotates integrally. The drive gear 75 meshes with the take-up gear 74 and rotates the bobbin 73.

  The elevating motor 76 is a stepping motor and rotates the drive gear 75. The number of rotations of the lift motor 76 is controlled by the number of pulses supplied from the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is arranged at another position away from the panel lifting mechanism 7.

  The switch 77 is a micro switch having a lever 77a and is turned on when the lever 77a is pressed. The lever 77a is always in contact with the cam portion 72b of the pulley 72 and is pushed when facing the large-diameter curved surface of the cam portion 72b.

  The case 78 includes a support case 78a and a cover 78b. The support case 78 a is formed with a first shaft 79 a that supports the pulley 72, a second shaft 79 b that supports the bobbin 73 and the take-up gear 74, and a third shaft 79 c that supports the switch 77. The cover 78b covers the components in order to protect the components supported by the support case 78a.

  With such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, when the panel elevating mechanism 7 feeds the wire 71, the elevating motor 76 rotates the drive gear 75 in the CCW direction and the winding gear 74 is moved to the CW as shown in FIG. 10. Rotate in the direction. As a result, the bobbin 73 rotates in the direction of feeding the wire 71.

  On the other hand, when the panel lifting mechanism 7 winds the wire 71, the lifting motor 76 rotates the drive gear 75 in the CW direction and rotates the winding gear 74 in the CCW direction. As a result, the bobbin 73 rotates in the direction of winding the wire 71. The feeding amount and winding amount of the wire 71 are proportional to the rotation amount of the lifting motor 76, and the lifting mechanism control unit of the control unit 30 controls the number of pulses supplied to the lifting motor 76, whereby the wire 71. The amount of feeding and the amount of winding are controlled.

  Since the flat panel 24 is connected to the tip of the wire 71, tension is always generated in the wire 71, and when the wire 71 is drawn out or wound up, the pulley portion 72a is connected to the wire 71. It rotates by frictional force with 71. At this time, since the cam portion 72b also rotates, the switch 77 generates an ON signal when the lever 77a faces the large diameter curved surface of the cam portion 72b, and turns off when the lever 77a faces the small diameter curved surface of the cam portion 72b. Send a signal. While the pulley 72 is rotating, an on signal and an off signal are alternately generated, and these signals are all taken into the control unit 30.

  Further, when the wire 71 is loosened due to some factor and the tension is lost, for example, when the wire 71 is drawn out for maintenance and the flat panel 24 is lowered, before the flat panel 24 reaches the predetermined feeding amount, the flat panel When 24 stops on the table or the like, the frictional force between the wire 71 and the pulley portion 72a decreases, and the pulley 72 stops. For this reason, either the on signal or the off signal is continuously output from the switch 77. At this time, since the signal from the switch 77 is constant when the lifting motor 76 is rotating, the control unit 30 determines that the flat panel 24 has been stopped by some obstacle, and moves the lifting motor 76. Control to stop.

<Panel lock mechanism>
When the flat panel 24 closes the suction port 20a, the flat panel 24 is supported by the indoor unit body 20 by the hinge connecting mechanism 6 and the panel lifting mechanism 7. The panel lock mechanism 8 prevents the flat panel 24 from dropping even when the hinge connecting mechanism 6 malfunctions due to a shortage and the support of the flat panel 24 is released and the wire 71 of the panel lifting mechanism 7 is loosened. This is a mechanism for locking the flat panel 24 to the indoor unit body 20.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the panel lock mechanism 8 includes a movable body 81, a first holding part 82, a second holding part 83, a lock motor 84, and a spring 85. The movable body 81 has a quadrangular prism shape, and an inclined surface 811 is formed at one end thereof, and a long side surface 812 having the longest overall length is formed with a rack 81a that meshes with a predetermined gear. A hollow part 81b is formed below. The movable body 81 is held in a movable state by the first holding portion 82 with the long side surface 812 directed vertically upward.

  The first holding portion 82 is a rectangular parallelepiped box-shaped member whose upper surface and one side surface are open, and a guide groove 82a is formed on the side surface, and the movable body 81 is horizontally aligned along the guide groove 82a. Moving. Both ends of the guide groove 82a are sandwiched between walls 821 and 822, and a through-hole 82b through which the movable body 81 passes is formed in one wall 821. A wall 823 is adjacent to the walls 821 and 822 sandwiching both ends of the guide groove 82a, and a plate-like protrusion 82c that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the guide groove 82a is formed on the wall 823. When the movable body 81 is held by the first holding portion 82, the inclined surface 811 is always located outside the first holding portion 82, and the rack 81 a is always located inside the first holding portion 82. The plate-like protrusion 82 c of the first holding part 82 passes through the hollow part 81 b of the movable body 81.

  The wall 823 fixes the lock motor 84 and rotatably supports a pinion gear 84 a connected to the rotation shaft of the lock motor 84. The pinion gear 84a meshes with the rack 81a of the movable body 81 to constitute a rack / pinion mechanism. A spring 85 is accommodated in the hollow portion 81 b of the movable body 81. The spring 85 is a compression coil spring and is sandwiched between the end of the hollow portion 81b and the plate-like protrusion 82c.

  The second holding part 83 is a solid object in which a guide hole 83a through which the movable body 81 passes is formed, and is installed on the flat panel 24 side. A smooth curved surface 831 is formed on the upper surface of the second holding portion 83.

  With such a configuration, when the movable body 81 is held by the first holding portion 82 and the second holding portion 83 and the lock motor 84 rotates the pinion gear 84a in the CCW direction, the pinion gear 84a The rotational motion is converted into a linear motion by the rack 81 a and slides toward the wall 822. When the movable body 81 moves a predetermined distance, the movable body 81 moves away from the guide hole 83 a of the second holding portion 83. Since the second holding portion 83 that does not hold the movable body 81 is allowed to move in the vertical direction, the lowering of the flat panel 24 is not hindered.

  Due to the movement of the movable body 81, the distance between the side surface of the hollow portion 81b and the plate-like protrusion 82c is shortened, so that the spring 85 is compressed and stores a repulsive force. While the electric power is supplied, the lock motor 84 rotates against the increasing repulsive force of the spring 85. However, when the electric power is not supplied, the lock motor 84 rotates reversely due to the repulsive force of the spring 85, and the movable body 81 returns to its original state. Return to position.

  When the flat panel 24 is not lowered and the second holding part 83 is not moving, the movable body 81 enters the guide hole 83 a of the second holding part 83. On the other hand, when the flat panel 24 is lowered and the second holding part 83 is moving, the movable body 81 stands by on a track on which the second holding part 83 returns. Then, when the flat panel 24 rises and closes the suction port 20a, the second holding portion 83 applies the curved surface 831 to the inclined surface 811 of the movable body 81 and pushes the movable body 81 back.

  The movable body 81 pushed by the second holding portion 83 moves horizontally and compresses the spring 85. When the second holding portion 83 is completely restored, the movable body 81 passes through the guide hole 83a of the second holding portion 83. As a result, the movable body 81 prevents the flat panel 24 from being lowered.

<Control unit>
The control unit 30 includes a microcomputer including a CPU and a memory. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit 30 includes a reception unit 92, an indoor fan 13, an indoor heat exchanger 12, storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b, and an operation state display unit 93. Are connected to the panel lock mechanism 8, the panel elevating mechanism 7, the hinge coupling mechanism 6, and the like, and control various connected devices.

  Further, the control unit 30 determines the state of the flat panel 24 based on the signals output from the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b and the signal output from the connection detection limit switch 91. For example, when the ON signal is output from the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b and the ON signal is output from the connection detection limit switch 91, the control unit 30 determines that the flat panel 24 is in the operation standby state. . In addition, when an off signal is output from the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b and an on signal is output from the connection detection limit switch 91, the control unit 30 determines that the flat panel 24 is in an operating state. When the ON signal is output from the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b and the OFF signal is output from the connection detection limit switch 91, the control unit 30 determines that the flat panel 24 is in a clean operation state. Further, when the ON signal is output from the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b and the OFF signal is output from the connection detection limit switch 91, the control unit 30 determines that the flat panel 24 is in the lowering standby state. . Further, when the off signal is output from the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b and the off signal is output from the connection detection limit switch 91, the control unit 30 determines that the flat panel 24 is in the up / down state.

  The control unit 30 includes an operation control unit 38. The operation control unit 38 controls various devices such that an air conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a heating operation is performed based on the start instruction of the air conditioning operation received by the reception unit 92 via the remote controller 80a. In the present embodiment, when the flat panel 24 is not housed in the indoor unit body 20, that is, when the state of the flat panel is the operation state or the lift state, the operation control unit 38 controls various devices. Thus, air conditioning operation is performed. Further, the case where the air conditioning operation is performed while the flat panel 24 is in the up-and-down state is a case where the flat panel 24 is lowered or raised and stopped without being stored in the indoor unit body 20. That is.

  The control unit 30 includes a panel control unit 31 that controls the operation of the flat panel 24. The panel control unit 31 includes a lift mechanism control unit 32 that controls the operation of the panel lift mechanism 7, a lock mechanism control unit 33 that controls the operation of the panel lock mechanism 8, and a connection mechanism control that controls the operation of the hinge connection mechanism 6. And the state of the flat panel 24 is switched by controlling various mechanisms.

  In addition, the control unit 30 includes a determination unit 35. The determination unit 35 calculates the feed amount of the wire 71 based on the rotation speed output from the lifting motor 76. Further, the determination unit 35 determines the support state of the support shaft 61 a of the hinge coupling mechanism 6 based on the signal related to the rotational speed output from the hinge drive motor 65. The support state of the support shaft 61a includes a first state and a second state. The first state is a state where the support shaft 61a is inserted into the support hole 24c. The second state is a state where the support shaft 61a is not inserted into the support hole 24c.

  Moreover, the determination part 35 determines whether the 1st condition and the 2nd condition are satisfy | filled. The first condition is a condition that the feeding amount of the wire 71 is a predetermined amount or more. The second condition is a condition that the support state of the support shaft 61a is the second state.

  Furthermore, when the receiving unit 92 receives a descent stop instruction of the flat panel 24 from the user when the flat panel 24 is lowered, the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is a predetermined distance (for example, 10 mm). ; See FIG. 13) It is determined whether or not it is A or more. For example, when determining that the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance A. When the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance A, the panel control unit 31 sets the lifting mechanism control unit 32 so that the lowering of the flat panel 24 stops. Control.

  If the determination unit 35 determines that either the first condition or the second condition, or the first condition or the second condition is not satisfied, the flat panel 24 and the suction port It is determined that the distance from 20a is less than the predetermined distance A. When the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is less than the predetermined distance A, the panel control unit 31 decreases the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a to the predetermined distance A. Thus, the lifting mechanism control unit 32 is controlled (corresponding to forced lowering control).

  In the present embodiment, when the determination unit 35 determines that the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, it is determined that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance A. ing. Instead, when the determination unit satisfies at least one of the first condition and the second condition, the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance A. May be determined.

  Further, the control unit 30 includes a display control unit 37. The display control unit 37 controls the operation state display unit 93. For example, when the air-conditioning operation is performed in a state where the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b output an off signal, the display control unit 37 lights the operation state display unit 93 in green. When the filter cleaning operation is being performed with the storage detection limit switches 90a and 90b outputting the ON signal, the display control unit 37 lights the operation state display unit 93 in orange.

  Next, the opening / closing operation, the raising operation, and the lowering operation of the flat panel 24 by the control unit 30 will be described in order.

<Opening and closing operation of flat panel>
The hinge coupling mechanism 6 is controlled by the coupling mechanism control unit 34 so that the hinge coupling mechanism 6 and the flat panel 24 are coupled, and the panel lock mechanism 8 is unlocked by the lock mechanism control unit 33. In a state where the lock mechanism 8 is controlled, the panel elevating mechanism 7 is controlled by the elevating mechanism control unit 32 so that the wire 71 is drawn out. As a result, the flat panel 24 descends due to its own weight, but the end of the flat panel 24 is connected to the hinge connecting mechanism 6, so that the flat panel 24 opens the suction port 20a with the end as an axis. Rotate in the direction.

  On the other hand, when the panel lifting mechanism 7 winds the wire 71, the flat panel 24 rises, but the end of the flat panel 24 is connected to the hinge connecting mechanism 6, so the flat panel 24 sucks around the end as an axis. It rotates in the direction to close the mouth 20a. Note that when the flat panel 24 completely closes the suction port, the panel lock mechanism 8 locks the flat panel 24.

<Flat operation of flat panel>
The panel control unit 31 controls the lifting mechanism control unit 32 so that the flat panel 24 is raised, and the lifting motor 76 rotates the drive gear 75 in the CW direction and the wire winding that rotates the winding gear 74 in the CCW direction. Take the action. And the connection mechanism control part 34 is controlled by the panel control part 31 so that the edge part of the flat panel 24 may be connected with the hinge connection mechanism 6. FIG. Further, when the flat panel 24 completely closes the suction port 20a, the panel lock mechanism 8 locks the flat panel 24.

<Flat panel lowering action>
Next, the lowering operation of the flat panel 24 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, a case where the state of the flat panel 24 is the descending standby state will be described.

  When the receiving unit 92 receives a lowering instruction of the flat panel 24 from the user via the remote controller 80b, the panel control unit 31 controls the lifting mechanism control unit 32, whereby the wire 71 of the panel lifting mechanism 7 is fed out ( Step S1). As a result, the flat panel 24 is lowered by its own weight. Thereafter, when the receiving unit 92 receives an instruction to stop the lowering of the flat panel 24 from the user via the remote controller 80b, the determining unit 35 determines whether or not the flat panel 24 is lowered by a predetermined distance A or more ( Step S2 and Step S3).

  When the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance A, the panel control unit 31 causes the lifting mechanism control unit 32 to stop feeding the wire 71. Is controlled (step S4). Thereby, the descent of the flat panel 24 is stopped.

  When the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is less than the predetermined distance A, the panel control unit 31 causes the lifting mechanism control unit 32 so that the wire 71 is further drawn. To control. When the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a has reached the predetermined distance A, the panel control unit 31 causes the lifting mechanism control unit to stop feeding the wire 71. 32 is controlled.

  Further, when the flat panel 24 is in the operation standby state and the user gives a lowering instruction, the panel control unit 31 is in a state where the hinge connecting mechanism 6 releases the connection with the end of the flat panel 24, That is, the coupling mechanism control unit 34 is controlled so that the support state of the support shaft 61a is in the second state, and the lock mechanism control unit 33 is controlled so that the lock of the panel lock mechanism 8 is released. As a result, the support shaft 61a comes out of the support hole 24c, and a lowering standby state in which the lock of the panel lock mechanism 8 is released is set. The subsequent lowering operation of the flat panel 24 is the same as the above-described step 2 to step S4.

<Features>
(1)
Conventionally, some indoor units of an air conditioner have a panel that can cover a suction port for taking in indoor air. For example, an indoor unit of an air conditioner disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-2423 is a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, and a suction port and a blowout port are provided on the lower surface of the indoor unit body. In this indoor unit, air conditioning operation is performed by generating conditioned air from the air taken into the interior of the indoor unit body from the suction port and blowing the conditioned air into the room from the air outlet. In this indoor unit, the panel is provided on the lower surface of the indoor unit main body, and can be suspended from the indoor unit main body by a wire. For this reason, the user can easily perform maintenance work such as cleaning of the filter provided on the panel by lowering the panel below the indoor unit main body.

  By the way, in the indoor unit of a ceiling-mounted air conditioner as described above, there are some cases where the air conditioning operation is not performed when the panel is not housed in the indoor unit body. For this reason, even when the panel is lowered to a level that cannot be recognized by the user, the panel is not housed in the indoor unit main body, so that the air conditioning operation is not performed, which may cause discomfort to the user. There is a risk of giving. Moreover, even if the panel is not housed in the indoor unit body, even if it is an indoor unit of an air conditioner where air conditioning operation is performed, the state of the suction port is different from the normal state, so the air suction sound increases. There is a fear. For this reason, there exists a possibility of giving a user discomfort.

  So, in the said embodiment, when it determines with the distance of the flat panel 24 and the suction inlet 20a being less than the predetermined distance A in the determination part 35, the panel control part 31 is the distance of the flat panel 24 and the suction inlet 20a. The elevating mechanism control unit 32 is controlled so as to descend to a predetermined distance A. For this reason, when the lowering instruction of the flat panel 24 is given by the user, the flat panel 24 is lowered until at least the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a reaches the predetermined distance A. Therefore, the suction port 20a can be opened even when a descent stop instruction is given after the user has issued a descent instruction of the flat panel 24.

  As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the suction sound will increase even if the air-conditioning operation is performed. Further, an increase in high pressure during heating operation can be avoided. Therefore, the possibility of giving the user unpleasant feeling can be reduced.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, since the flat panel 24 is a plate-shaped member in which opening is not formed, compared with the panel in which opening is formed, the high voltage | pressure rise at the time of heating operation can be avoided more. ing.

  Furthermore, since the flat panel 24 descends at least a predetermined distance A from the suction port 20a and stops, it can be made easier for the user to recognize that the flat panel 24 is not housed in the indoor unit body 20. Therefore, for example, even if an instruction to start operation is given from the user while the flat panel 24 is lowered and stopped, the user can easily recognize that the flat panel 24 does not rotate.

  Thereby, although the air-conditioning operation is started, the possibility that the user may feel uncomfortable due to the flat panel 24 not rotating can be reduced.

(2)
In the above embodiment, when the receiving unit 92 receives a descent stop instruction of the flat panel 24 from the user when the flat panel 24 is lowered, the determination unit 35 sets the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a to the predetermined distance A. It is determined whether or not this is the case. Further, the determination unit 35 supports the support shaft 61a determined from a signal relating to the amount of wire 71 calculated from the rotation speed output from the lifting motor 76 and the rotation speed output from the hinge drive motor 65. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is a predetermined distance A or more. For this reason, it is possible to determine whether or not the flat panel 24 is lowered from the suction port 20a by a predetermined distance A or more with a simple configuration.

  Further, the determination unit 35 determines the support state of the support shaft 61a in order to determine whether or not the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance A. For this reason, even if the determination unit 35 calculates the amount of feeding of the wire 71 incorrectly for some reason, the flat panel 24 is lowered when the support state of the support shaft 61a is the first state. It can be determined that there is not. For this reason, it can be determined more accurately whether or not the flat panel 24 is normally lowered. Accordingly, it is more accurately determined whether or not the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a are lowered by the predetermined distance A or more as compared with the case where the determination is based on only the rotation speed output from the lifting motor 76. Can do.

(3)
In the above embodiment, when the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is less than the predetermined distance A, the panel control unit 31 controls the lifting mechanism so that the wire 71 is further drawn out. The unit 32 is controlled. When the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a has reached the predetermined distance A, the panel control unit 31 causes the lifting mechanism control unit to stop feeding the wire 71. 32 is controlled. For this reason, the descent of the flat panel 24 can be stopped with an interval of at least a predetermined distance A between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a.

  Thereby, even if the air conditioning operation is performed in a state where the flat panel 24 is stopped with a predetermined distance A between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a, the suction port 20a is opened. Therefore, the risk of the suction sound becoming large can be reduced.

(4)
In the said embodiment, when the flat panel 24 is not accommodated in the indoor unit main body 20, ie, when the state of a flat panel is a driving | running state or a raising / lowering state, the operation control part 38 controls various apparatuses. Air conditioning operation is performed. For this reason, even if the flat panel 24 is in the lowered state, the air conditioning operation can be performed.

(5)
In the above embodiment, when the user gives a lowering instruction when the state of the flat panel 24 is the operation standby state, the panel control unit 31 causes the hinge connection mechanism 6 to release the connection with the end of the flat panel 24. The coupling mechanism control unit 34 is controlled so as to be in the state. For this reason, when the lowering instruction is given from the user, the support shaft 61a can be completely removed from the support hole 24c.

<Modification>
(A)
In the above embodiment, the determination unit 35 calculates the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a based on the number of rotations output from the lifting motor 76, and the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a according to the calculated value. Is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined distance A.

  In addition, the distance between the flat panel and the suction port may be determined based on the descending state of the flat panel.

  Below, the control part 130 provided with the determination part 135 which can determine whether the flat panel is falling normally is demonstrated. Since the configuration other than the configuration of the determination unit 135 is the same as that of the above embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 15, the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment are used except for the control unit, the determination unit, the lifting motor, and the switch.

  The control unit 130 includes a determination unit 135 as shown in FIG. The determination unit 135 calculates the distance between the flat panel and the suction port based on the rotation speed output from the lifting motor 176.

  Further, the determination unit 135 includes a counter 135a that counts the number of times the on / off signal is output from the switch 177. The counter 135a counts the number of ON / OFF signal outputs as one when the ON signal and the OFF signal are alternately output from the ON signal or OFF signal output from the switch 177. The determination unit 135 determines that the flat panel 24 is normally lowered when the number of ON / OFF signal outputs counted by the counter 135a is counted a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. Further, when the output number of the on / off signal counted by the counter 135a is not counted more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, it is determined that the descent of the flat panel is stopped by some obstacle.

  In addition, when the flat panel is being lowered and the user gives a descent stop instruction, the determination unit 135 calculates the distance between the calculated flat panel and the suction port, and the determined flat panel lowering state. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the distance between the flat panel and the suction port is a predetermined distance A or more.

  By adopting such a configuration, the flat panel has a predetermined distance A from the suction port as compared with the case where the distance between the flat panel and the suction port is determined based only on the number of revolutions output from the lifting motor 176. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the descent of the flat panel is stopped even though it has not been lowered.

(B)
In the said embodiment, when the flat panel 24 is not accommodated in the indoor unit main body 20, ie, when the state of a flat panel is a driving | running state or a raising / lowering state, air-conditioning driving | operation is performed.

  Instead, in an air conditioner indoor unit in which the air conditioning operation is started from the state in which the flat panel is housed in the indoor unit body, the air conditioning operation is performed by the user when the flat panel is stopped in the lowered state. When the operation start instruction is issued, first, the operation of storing the flat panel in the indoor unit main body may be performed. That is, the panel control unit may control each mechanism so that the flat panel is once set in the operation standby state and then in the operation state. Or you may provide an alerting | reporting part so that it may alert | report that the flat panel is not accommodated in the indoor unit main body.

  In addition, when the flat panel is in the operation standby state and the user gives a lowering instruction, and the hinge connection mechanism is in the process of releasing the connection with the end of the flat panel, the user is in an air conditioner. When there is a driving start instruction for driving, the panel control unit may control the coupling mechanism control unit so that the hinge coupling mechanism is connected to the end of the flat panel. Thereby, an air conditioning operation can be performed in a state where the hinge connection mechanism and the flat panel are connected.

(C)
In the above embodiment, when the determination unit 35 receives a descent stop instruction of the flat panel 24 from the user at the receiving unit 92 when the flat panel 24 is lowered, the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is the predetermined distance A. It is determined whether or not this is the case. When the determination unit 35 determines that the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is less than the predetermined distance A, the panel control unit 31 sets the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a to the predetermined distance A. The elevating mechanism control unit 32 is controlled so as to descend. That is, when the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a is less than the predetermined distance A, the flat panel 24 continues to descend until the distance between the flat panel 24 and the suction port 20a reaches the predetermined distance A.

  Alternatively, when a flat panel descent stop instruction is received when the flat panel is descent, if the elapsed time from the time when the descent instruction is given by the user is less than a predetermined time, the flat panel descent It may be continued.

  For example, a case will be described in which the determination unit 235 includes a timer 235a for measuring the elapsed time from the time when the flat panel 24 descend instruction is received from the user, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, the components other than the determination unit 235 are the same as those in the above embodiment, and therefore, the constituent members other than the determination unit 235 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment.

  When the receiving unit receives a descent stop instruction of the flat panel 24 from the user when the flat panel 24 is lowered, the determination unit 235 determines whether the elapsed time measured by the timer 235a is a predetermined time (for example, the flat panel 24 It is determined whether or not the time is less than the time required for leaving a predetermined distance.

  Further, the panel control unit 31 stops the descent of the flat panel 24 when the determination unit 235 determines that it is not less than the predetermined time, that is, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the lowering instruction was given. The elevating mechanism control unit 32 is controlled as described above. In addition, when the determination unit 235 determines that the predetermined time is less than the predetermined time, that is, when the predetermined time has not elapsed since the lowering instruction was given, the panel control unit 31 causes the flat panel 24 to move down. The lifting mechanism control unit 32 is controlled so as to continue (corresponding to forced lowering control). When the flat panel 24 continues to descend, the panel control unit 31 determines that the elapsed time is not less than the predetermined time by the determination unit 235, that is, the predetermined time after the lowering instruction is given. When elapses, the elevating mechanism controller 32 is controlled so that the descent of the flat panel 24 stops.

  As described above, when the lowering instruction for the flat panel 24 is received from the user, the lowering of the flat panel 24 is continued until at least a predetermined time elapses. When it is continued, it is moved below the suction port 20a by a distance that descends. Therefore, even when a descent stop instruction is given immediately after the user has instructed the descent of the flat panel 24, the suction port 20a can be opened.

  As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the suction sound will increase even if the air-conditioning operation is performed. Further, an increase in high pressure during heating operation can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of giving the user an unpleasant feeling.

  Furthermore, since the flat panel 24 is moved below the suction port 20a by a distance that is lowered when the flat panel 24 continues to descend for a predetermined time, the flat panel 24 is not accommodated in the indoor unit body 20. It can be made easy for the user to recognize. Therefore, for example, even if an instruction to start operation is given from the user while the flat panel 24 is lowered and stopped, the user can easily recognize that the flat panel 24 does not rotate.

  Thereby, although the air-conditioning operation is started, the possibility that the user may feel uncomfortable due to the flat panel 24 not rotating can be reduced.

  Since the present invention can reduce the possibility of giving the user unpleasant feeling, the application of the air conditioner to an indoor unit is effective.

2 Indoor unit 7 Panel lifting mechanism (lifting part)
20 Indoor unit body 20a Suction port 24 Flat panel (panel)
31 Panel Control Unit 35 Judgment Unit 38 Operation Control Unit 71 Wire 76 Lifting Motor (Drive Unit)
80d “down” switch 80e “stop” switch 135a counter

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-2423

Claims (6)

A ceiling-mounted air conditioner indoor unit,
An indoor unit body (20) provided with a room air inlet (20a) on the lower surface;
It is possible to adopt a storage state that is stored in the indoor unit body and a non-storage state that is not stored in the indoor unit body. In the non-storage state, the suction port A panel (24) that can be lowered downward from,
An instruction receiving unit (80d, 80e) capable of receiving a lowering instruction and a lowering stop instruction of the panel;
A panel control unit (31) for controlling the operation of the panel so that the panel operates based on the lowering instruction or the lowering stop instruction received by the instruction receiving unit;
With
The panel control unit is a case where the lowering stop instruction is received after the lowering instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit, and when the panel is not lowered more than a predetermined distance from the suction port, Performing forced lowering control to control the operation of the panel so that the lowering of the panel does not stop,
Air conditioner indoor unit (2). The panel control unit includes a determination unit (35) for determining whether or not the panel is lowered from the suction port by a predetermined distance or more.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner of Claim 1. A wire (71) for lifting the panel, and a drive unit (76) for feeding and winding the wire, and further comprising an elevating unit (7) capable of raising or lowering the panel,
The determination unit includes a counter (135a) that increases or decreases a counter value in accordance with the feeding of the wire, and performs the determination based on the counter value.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2. When the panel controller performs the forced lowering control, the panel controller performs control to stop the lowering of the panel after the panel is lowered from the suction port to the predetermined distance.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An operation control unit (38) for performing operation control of the air-conditioning operation;
The operation control unit performs the operation control when the panel is in the non-storage state.
The indoor unit of the air conditioner in any one of Claim 1 to 4. A ceiling-mounted air conditioner indoor unit,
An indoor unit body (20) provided with a room air inlet (20a) on the lower surface;
It is possible to adopt a storage state that is stored in the indoor unit body and a non-storage state that is not stored in the indoor unit body. In the non-storage state, the suction port A panel (24) that can be lowered downward from,
An instruction receiving unit (80d, 80e) capable of receiving a lowering instruction and a lowering stop instruction of the panel;
A panel control unit (31) for controlling the operation of the panel so that the panel operates based on the lowering instruction or the lowering stop instruction received by the instruction receiving unit;
With
The panel control unit is a case where the lowering stop instruction is received after the lowering instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit, and the elapsed time from the time when the lowering instruction is received is less than a predetermined time. Forcibly descending control for controlling the operation of the panel so that the panel does not stop descending,
Air conditioner indoor unit (2).

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