JP2011012822A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multifunctional air conditioner allowing a user to easily recognize switching of an operation mode.SOLUTION: This air conditioner 1 has a plurality of functions of air cleaning-dehumidifying/humidifying. In a case when a humidifying operation is selected, the water stored in a water storage container 41 of a humidifying unit 40 is supplied into the air from a humidifying rotor 42, and in a case when a dehumidifying operation is selected, the moisture in the air is removed by a dehumidifying unit 30, and the removed water is stored in the water storage container 41 of the humidifying unit 40. In the humidifying operation, a control section stops the humidifying unit, terminates the humidifying operation, performs an air cleaning operation, and makes a display lamp 81 have a display mode of an air cleaning operation, when it determines that a water level P is lower than a water supply position P2 on the basis of the water level information supplied from a water level sensor disposed in the water storage container 41 in a state that the operation display lamp 81 has a display mode of the humidifying operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a plurality of functions of air cleaning, dehumidification and humidification.

  Multifunctional air conditioners that can perform air purification and humidity adjustment with a single device have been developed. An example of such an air conditioner is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  The air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 takes in external air from the front, removes dust and dust contained in the air taken in by the air cleaning unit, and removes moisture in the air with a desiccant-type dehumidifying unit. Remove or supply moisture to the air with a humidification unit. In this air conditioner, a dehumidifying unit is provided upstream of the flow of air taken in, and a humidifying unit is provided downstream, and the water removed by the dehumidifying unit and the water supplied by the humidifying unit are stored in the same water storage container. The size of the harmony machine has been reduced.

JP 2008-290067 A

  In the multi-function air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the water in the water storage container is depleted in the humidification operation, the operation is switched to the air cleaning operation, and the water storage container is full in the dehumidification operation. It is conceivable to switch to air cleaning operation. However, there is a problem that the user cannot recognize that the operation mode has been switched if no change appears in the air conditioner even when the operation mode is switched.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is a multi-function air conditioner that allows the user to easily recognize that the operation mode has been switched. The purpose is to provide a harmony machine.

  The air conditioner according to the first invention can be operated in at least two operation modes: an air cleaning mode for removing foreign matter in the air, a dehumidifying mode for removing moisture in the air, and a humidifying mode for supplying moisture to the air. A possible air conditioner, a water storage container for storing water, a detection means for detecting the amount of water stored in the water storage container, a display means for displaying the operation mode of the air conditioner, and a water storage amount detected by the detection means And a control means for controlling the display means in accordance with the switching of the operation mode.

  In this air conditioner, when the operation mode is switched according to the water storage state in the water storage container, the display means is controlled in accordance with the switching of the operation mode, so the user has switched the operation mode. Can be easily recognized.

  An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the air conditioner can be operated in an air cleaning mode for removing foreign matter in the air and a dehumidification mode for removing moisture in the air. The control means switches the operation mode to the air cleaning mode when the detection means detects that the water storage amount is equal to or more than the first water storage amount in the state of being operated in the dehumidification mode.

  In this air conditioner, the user can easily recognize that the dehumidifying operation has been switched to the air purifying operation in response to the water storage container becoming full.

  An air conditioner according to a third aspect of the invention is the air conditioner according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the air conditioner can be operated in an air cleaning mode for removing foreign substances in the air and a humidification mode for supplying moisture to the air. The control means switches the operation mode to the air cleaning mode when the detection means detects that the water storage amount is equal to or less than the second water storage amount which is smaller than the first water storage amount in the state of being operated in the humidification mode. Switch.

  In this air conditioner, the user can easily recognize that the humidification operation has been switched to the air cleaning operation in response to the water storage container being depleted.

  An air conditioner according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a casing for storing the water storage container, wherein the display means is a plurality arranged on the outer surface of the casing. The light emitting part.

  In this air conditioner, the user can visually recognize that the operation mode has been switched.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the first invention, when the operation mode is switched in accordance with the water storage state in the water storage container, the display means is controlled in accordance with the switching of the operation mode, so that the user has switched the operation mode. Can be easily recognized.

  In the second invention, the display mode of the display means is switched in accordance with the switching from the dehumidifying operation to the air cleaning operation in response to the water storage container becoming full. It can be easily recognized that the operation has been switched to the air cleaning operation.

  In the third aspect of the invention, the display mode of the display means is switched in accordance with the switching from the humidification operation to the air cleaning operation in response to the depletion of the water storage container. It can be easily recognized that the operation has been switched to the air cleaning operation.

  In the fourth invention, when the operation mode is switched according to the water storage state of the water storage container, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit installed on the outer surface of the air conditioner is switched in accordance with the switching of the operation mode. The user can easily recognize visually that the operation mode has been switched.

1 is an external perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an external appearance perspective view at the time of taking out the humidification unit of the air conditioner concerning the embodiment of the present invention. (A) is the external view which looked at the display part front, (B), (C) and (D) are figures which show an example of the display form of the operation display lamp in each operation mode. It is a general-view figure of an operation panel. 1 is an external perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Part of the panel and the back of the main casing is omitted) (A) is an external appearance perspective view at the time of closing the flap of the air conditioner concerning the embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is an external perspective view at the time of opening a flap. It is an external appearance perspective view at the time of disassembling the air purification unit of the air conditioner concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view at the time of removing the panel of the air conditioner concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of a dehumidification unit. It is an external appearance perspective view of a humidification unit. It is an external view of the water storage container and water level sensor of a humidification unit. It is a block block diagram of a control part. It is a flowchart of the display switching process which a control part performs. It is a flowchart (modification) of the display switching process which a control part performs.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

  The air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an air cleaning unit 20, a dehumidifying unit 30, and a humidifying unit 40, and has an air cleaning function, a dehumidifying function, and a humidifying function. The air conditioner 1 mainly controls the air purifying unit 20 during the air cleaning operation to serve as an air purifier, mainly operates as the dehumidifying unit by controlling the dehumidifying unit 30 during the dehumidifying operation, and mainly during the humidifying operation. It controls the humidification unit 40 to work as a humidifier.

<Configuration of air conditioner>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner 1 includes a main body casing 50, a first blower 10, and a control unit 60 in addition to the air cleaning unit 20, the dehumidifying unit 30, and the humidifying unit 40. Yes. Moreover, in this embodiment, the caster 8 is provided in the lower surface (surface facing an indoor floor surface) of the main body casing 50 so that a user can move the air conditioner 1 easily.

<Main body casing>
The main body casing 50 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and houses the first blower 10, the air cleaning unit 20, the dehumidifying unit 30, the humidifying unit 40, the control unit 60, and the like. The main body casing 50 has a pull-out first door 55 and a rotary second door 56 on the right side when viewed from the front. The first door 55 is disposed at the lower part of the right side surface and covers the first opening 58 a provided in the main body casing 50 in a state where a water storage container 41 described later is housed in the main body casing 50. The second door 56 is disposed in the center on the back side of the right side surface, is installed in the vicinity of the second opening 58b provided in the main body casing 50, and is supported so that the second opening 58b can be opened and closed. Yes. A panel 54 is disposed on the front surface of the air cleaning unit 20. The panel 54 is made of a resin such as ABS resin. A suction port 51 extending in the height direction (Z direction) is provided at both ends and a lower end of the panel 54 in the width direction (X direction), and functions as a suction port when air is sucked into the air conditioner 1. .

  In FIG. 2, the water storage container 41, the humidification rotor 42, and the water wheel 43, which are constituent parts of the humidification unit 40, are drawn out from the humidification unit 40. Placed in position.

  A display unit 80 is provided above the center of the panel 54 in the width direction (X direction). As shown in FIG. 3A, the display unit 80 has an operation display lamp 81 therein. The operation display lamp 81 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and includes different display modes for each operation mode of the air conditioner 1 as shown in FIGS. 3 (B), (C), and (D). The display mode is changed according to the instruction of the control unit 60. The operation display lamp 81 displays in a display mode (for example, green) as shown in FIG. 3B in the air cleaning operation, and in a display mode (for example, yellow) as shown in FIG. 3C in the humidification operation. In the dehumidifying operation, the display mode (for example, blue) as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, an operation panel 70 is provided on the upper surface of the main body casing 50 to select each of the air cleaning operation, the dehumidifying operation, the humidifying operation, and the sterilizing operation. And is protected by a display cover 57. On the operation panel 70, an “operation on / off” button 71, a “operation switching” button 72, a “recommendation” button 73, a “course” selection button 74, an “air volume” selection button 75, and a “success” selection button 76 are displayed. , A “off timer” button 77 and an “auto louver” button 78 are provided. When each button is pressed, a control signal corresponding to the pressed button is arranged below the operation panel 70. Supplied to the unit 60. For example, the “operation on / off” button 71 is a button for turning on / off the power supply to the air conditioner 1. When the button is pressed in a state where the power plug is inserted into an outlet, the air conditioner 1 Starts operation and when pressed again, the air conditioner 1 stops operation. The “operation switching” button 72 is a button for selecting an operation mode, and any one of “air cleaning”, “humidification” and “dehumidification” is selected each time the operation mode is pressed. The “humidification” referred to here is a humidification operation while purifying the air. When the set humidity is reached, the humidification operation is stopped. Similarly, “dehumidification” is a dehumidifying operation while purifying the air. When the set humidity is reached, the dehumidifying operation is stopped.

<First blower>
FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the air conditioner 1 as viewed from the back side, with a part of the back surface of the main body casing 50, a part of the side surface, and the panel 54 omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, the first blower 10 is provided on the back side inside the main body casing 50. The first blower 10 is a sirocco fan that is a multi-blade fan, and is driven or stopped in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 60. When the first blower 10 is driven, air is sucked from the axial direction of the fan to bend the airflow 90 degrees, and the air is sent to the air outlet 52 provided on the back side of the upper surface of the main body casing 50. Therefore, the 1st air blower 10 forms the air flow path F1 as shown by the broken-line arrow of FIG. Here, a flap 53 that opens and closes in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 60 is provided on the back side of the upper surface of the main body casing 50 to open and close the air outlet 52. FIG. 6A is an external perspective view of the air conditioner 1 in a state where the flap 53 is closed. In addition, the above-described suction ports 51 are provided at both ends and a lower end of the panel 54 in the width direction (X direction). Then, when the 1st air blower 10 is driven, the flow of the air which passes the air conditioner 1 flows in from the three suction inlets 51, as shown to FIG. 6 (B), and the air purifying unit 20 and the dehumidification unit 30. Then, the humidifying unit 40 and the first blower 10 are passed through in this order, and the flap 53 flows out from the air outlet 52 with the air outlet 52 opened. In addition, on the upstream side of the first blower 10, the air flow path F1 flows from the front to the rear. Hereinafter, “front” means “upstream side of the air flow path F1 in the air flow direction”, and “rear” means “downstream side of the air flow path F1 in the air flow direction”. To do.

<Air purification unit>
As shown in FIG. 7, the air cleaning unit 20 includes a panel 54, a pre-filter 21, an ionization wire mounting frame 22, a photocatalytic filter 23, a photocatalytic filter mounting plate 24, a fan guard 25, and a discharge plate unit 26. And have. The prefilter 21, the ionization wire mounting frame 22, the photocatalytic filter 23, the photocatalytic filter mounting plate 24, and the fan guard 25 are detachably accommodated in the internal space S of the main body casing 50.

  As described above, the suction ports 51 are provided at both ends and the lower end of the panel 54 in the width direction (X direction). During the operation of the air conditioner 1, external air flows into the air conditioner 1 from the three suction ports 51, and the air flow path F1 described above is formed.

  The prefilter 21 is attached to the back surface of the panel 54 and removes relatively large dust and dust. The pre-filter 21 is composed of a net made of a thread-like resin net made of polypropylene (hereinafter referred to as PP) and a frame that holds the net. Visible light type photocatalyst and catechin are supported on the fibers constituting the net of the prefilter 21 so as to be exposed to the air side. The visible light type photocatalyst contains titanium oxide or the like whose photocatalytic action is activated by visible light, and removes bacteria and viruses such as fungi and bacteria contained in dust attached to the prefilter 21. Catechin is a kind of polyphenol and is a generic name for epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and the like. This catechin suppresses the growth of fungi such as fungi and bacteria contained in the dust adhering to the prefilter 21 and inactivates viruses.

  The ionization wire mounting frame 22 is disposed behind the prefilter 21. The ionization line mounting frame 22 has a predetermined unit on an XZ plane (a plane defined by the width direction and the height direction of the air conditioner 1, that is, a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction of the air flow path F1). A long grid-like frame is formed, and ionization lines are stretched along this frame. When the ionization line is energized, ions generated from the ionization line charge dust, pollen, and the like.

  The photocatalyst filter mounting frame 24 is disposed behind the ionization line mounting frame 22. The photocatalyst filter mounting frame 24 is a frame for sticking the photocatalyst filter 23 and is a frame that spreads in the XZ plane. The photocatalytic filter 23 is formed in a pleat shape, and is formed by bonding an electrostatic filter and a titanium apatite-carrying filter. The photocatalytic filter 23 has an electrostatic filter disposed on the front side and a titanium apatite-carrying filter disposed on the back side. The electrostatic filter adsorbs dust and the like that are charged by high-speed electrons when passing through the ionization wire mounting frame 24. The titanium apatite-carrying filter adsorbs dust or the like that has passed through the electrostatic filter. This titanium apatite-carrying filter is formed of PP fibers carrying titanium apatite, like the pre-filter 21. Titanium apatite is apatite in which some calcium atoms of calcium hydroxyapatite are replaced with titanium atoms by a technique such as ion exchange. This titanium apatite has the property of specifically adsorbing viruses, molds, bacteria, etc. contained in dust and the like. The titanium apatite has a photocatalytic function activated by active species supplied from ionization wires stretched around the ionization wire mounting frame 22 and inactivates or kills viruses, molds, bacteria, and the like.

  Moreover, since this photocatalyst filter 23 is formed in a pleat shape, it can be easily folded according to the crease. Therefore, a replacement filter 27 in which a plurality of folded photocatalyst filters 23 are collected is a replacement filter having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is formed above the internal space S of the air conditioner 1 and is long in the width direction (X direction). It can be stored in the storage box A. In addition, the discharge plate unit 26 that discharges high-speed electrons from the front of the pre-filter 21 by streamer discharge is attached to a space provided on the right side of the filter storage box A when the air conditioner 1 is viewed from the front.

  The fan guard 25 is for preventing a hand etc. from contacting the components of the dehumidifying unit 30. For example, when the user replaces the pleat filter 23, the user is prevented from being injured due to contact with the components of the dehumidifying unit 30. Further, the fan guard 25 is provided with a photocatalyst and a streamer deodorizing catalyst, and decomposes odor components such as ammonia molecules to which fast electrons emitted from the discharge plate unit 26 are attached.

<Dehumidification unit>
The dehumidifying unit 30 is disposed behind the air cleaning unit 20 and the air that has passed through the air cleaning unit 20 flows in. As shown in FIG. 8, the dehumidifying unit 30 is disposed at a substantially central portion when the air conditioner 1 is viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 9, the dehumidifying unit 30 includes a dehumidifying rotor 31, a heater 32, a second blower 33, and a heat exchanger 35.

  The dehumidification rotor 31 is a disk-shaped honeycomb structure, and is composed of a porous body. For this reason, the dehumidification rotor 31 has high hygroscopicity. Further, the dehumidifying rotor 31 is disposed so as to come into contact with the air flowing through the air flow path F1. For this reason, the air flowing through the air flow path F <b> 1 is deprived of moisture in the adsorption region 31 a of the dehumidifying rotor 31, and is dry air behind the dehumidifying rotor 31.

  The heater 32 is disposed to face a part on the back side of the dehumidifying rotor 31. The heater 32 has a substantially fan shape and is provided at a position covering about one-sixth of the back side of the dehumidifying rotor 31.

  The second blower 33 is disposed on the upper right side of the dehumidifying rotor 31 when the dehumidifying unit 30 is viewed from the front. The heater 32 and the second blower 33 are connected by a first blower pipe 34a so that air can be circulated. When the second blower 33 is operated, an air flow is formed in the common blower pipe 34, and the air flows in the first blower pipe 34a in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The air flowing in the vicinity of the heater 32 is heated by the heater 32 to become high-temperature air.

  The common air duct 34 includes a first air duct 34a, a second air duct 34b, a third air duct 34c, a fourth air duct 34d, and a fifth air duct 34e. The high-temperature air heated by the heater 32 flows from the back side to the front side of the dehumidifying rotor 31 facing the thickness direction (Y direction). Here, in the region where the high temperature air passes in the region of the dehumidification rotor 31, the dehumidification rotor 31 is heated by the high temperature air, so that the retained moisture is released by the flow of the high temperature air. For this reason, the air that has passed through the dehumidification rotor 31 from the back side toward the front side becomes high-temperature and high-humidity air by containing the moisture released from the dehumidification rotor 31 and proceeds to the second blower pipe 34b. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second blower pipe 34 b has a substantially fan shape when viewed from the front, and is disposed so as to cover a part of the dehumidifying rotor 31 from the front side. Moreover, the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b is provided in the position which pinches | interposes the same part of the dehumidification rotor 31 with the heater 32 mentioned above, and has covered about 1/6 of the total area of the front side of the dehumidification rotor 31. FIG.

  The 3rd ventilation pipe 34c has connected between the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b and the heat exchanger 35 so that the distribution | circulation of the air of the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b and the heat exchanger 35 can be performed. For this reason, the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through the second blower pipe 34 b can be directed to the heat exchanger 35. The fourth air duct 34d communicates the heat exchanger 35 and the fifth air duct 34e so that air can flow between the heat exchanger 35 and the fifth air duct 34e. The fifth blower pipe 34e communicates the fourth blower pipe 34d and the second blower 33. The air that has passed through the fourth blower pipe 34 d is sucked into the second blower 33 through the fifth blower pipe 34 e and supplied again to the first blower pipe 34 a, and the dried air is supplied to the dehumidifying rotor 31.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the heat exchanger 35 communicates the third blower pipe 34 c and the fourth blower pipe 34 d and has a plurality of condensing pipes 36. Further, the condensing pipes 36 are arranged at a predetermined interval. For this reason, in the condensing pipe 36, an external air passage portion 35a through which the external air flow F1 passes is formed between the condensing pipes 36.

  With such a configuration, the high-temperature and high-humidity air that has flowed from the second blower pipe 34b through the third blower pipe 34c flows while contacting the inner wall surface of the condensation pipe 36 of the heat exchanger 35. For this reason, the external air passing through the heat exchanger 35 exchanges heat with the high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing inside the condensing tube 36, and takes heat from the air flowing inside the condensing tube 36 without being mixed with each other. . Therefore, the high-temperature and high-humidity air that has contacted the inner wall surface of the condensation tube 36 is cooled, and condensation occurs on the inner wall surface of the condensation tube 36. The condensed water flows downward through the heat exchanger 35, and flows into the water storage container 41 via the drain pan 41a through a drain port (not shown) provided through the lower surface of the heat exchanger 35 in the vertical direction. The air exchanged in the heat exchanger 35 is sucked into the second blower 33 through the fourth blower pipe 34d and the fifth blower pipe 34e and supplied again to the first blower pipe 34a. It is supplied to the dehumidifying rotor 31.

  Further, the dehumidifying rotor 31 is rotatable. For this reason, the adsorption region 31a of the dehumidifying rotor 31 can repeat the adsorption and desorption of moisture. Therefore, the air in the common blower pipe 34 is deprived of moisture from the dehumidification rotor 31 in the second blower pipe 34b, and the common blower pipe 34 is repeated while repeating a cycle in which the moisture removed from the dehumidification rotor 31 is discharged in the heat exchanger 35. Circulating inside.

<Humidification unit>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the humidification unit 40 includes a water storage container 41, a humidification rotor 42, and a water wheel 43. The water storage container 41 is a water source of moisture supplied to the humidification rotor 42 and is detachably stored in the main body casing 50. When the water in the water storage container 41 is insufficient and water is replenished, or when the water in the water storage container 41 becomes full and drains, the water storage container 41 is pulled out from the casing 50. Specifically, the water storage container 41 is taken out from the first opening 58 a of the main body casing 50 by pulling out the pull-out type first door 55 of the main body casing 50.

  The water wheel 43 is rotatably supported by the water storage container 41, rotates around the shaft, draws up water in the water storage container 41, and supplies water to the humidification rotor 42.

  The humidification rotor 42 is a nonwoven fabric, is formed in a disk shape, and is supported by the rotor shaft 42a. The humidification rotor 42 rotates around the rotor shaft 42a and absorbs water supplied from the water wheel 43 in a region overlapping with the water wheel 43 when viewed from the thickness direction (Y direction). And if the air which flows through the air flow path F1 passes the humidification rotor 42, a water | moisture content will be supplied from the humidification rotor 42 to the passed air, and air will be humidified.

<Water level sensor>
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a cross section of the water storage container 41 of the humidifying unit 40. The water storage container 41 has a water level sensor 90 for detecting the amount of water stored in the water storage container 41. As shown in FIG. 11, the water level sensor 90 is a float type water level sensor for detecting the water surface position in the water storage container 41, and is provided inside the water storage container 41. The water level sensor 90 includes a main body 90a, a stem 90b, a float 90c, and a limit switch (not shown). The main body 90 a is attached to a main body attachment portion provided on the upper part of the water storage container 40. The stem 90b is suspended from the lower surface of the main body 45a. The float 90c is attached so that the stem 45b can slide up and down. The limit switch generates a detection signal when the float 90c reaches a predetermined position.

  The float 90c has a donut shape with a hollow that fits into the columnar stem 90b, and has a specific gravity smaller than that of water. For this reason, the float 45c moves up and down along the stem 45b according to the water level in the water storage container 41. In addition, the float 45c includes a magnetic body therein, and is configured to operate the limit switch at the position of the limit switch built in the stem 45b.

  Limit switches are installed at two locations. One limit switch is located at a position where water needs to be discharged from the water storage container 41 when the dehumidifying operation is performed, that is, if water is stored in the water storage container 41 any more, there is a possibility that the water will overflow from the water storage container 41. It is arranged at a full water position P1, which is a certain position. The other limit switch is a position where water needs to be replenished into the water storage container 41 when the humidifying operation is performed, that is, a water supply position P2 where a water turbine described later cannot pump water from the water storage container 41. Is arranged. The water supply position P <b> 2 here is a position where the lowest position of the water wheel 42 does not sink into the water stored in the water storage container 41.

  In this manner, the limit switch is operated by the float 90c in which the water in the water storage container 41 has risen or lowered to a predetermined height along the stem 90b.

  One limit switch outputs an ON signal when the water surface position of the water W stored in the water storage container 41, that is, the position of the float 45c is below the full water position P1. In addition, this limit switch outputs an OFF signal when the water surface position of the water W stored in the water storage container 41, that is, the position of the float 90c is equal to the full water position P1 or above the full water position P1. Output.

  Further, the other limit switch outputs an OFF signal when the water surface position of the water W stored in the water storage container 41, that is, the position of the float 90c is below the water supply position P2. Further, this limit switch is turned ON when the water surface position of the water W stored in the water storage container 41, that is, the position of the float 90c is equal to or higher than the water supply position P2. Is output. The ON signal and the OFF signal output from the limit switch are supplied to the control unit 60.

<Control unit>
The control part 60 is comprised from recording media, such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and controls the air conditioner 1 whole according to the program currently recorded on the recording medium. The control unit 60 is arranged below the operation panel 70, and based on a control signal input from the operation panel 70, the air purification unit 20, the air purification operation, the humidification operation, or the dehumidification operation is performed. The dehumidification unit 30, the humidification unit 40, and the 1st air blower 10 are controlled. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 60 includes a first blower control unit 61, a unit control unit 62, a display control unit 63, a water level determination unit 64, and a timer 65.

  When the “operation on / off” button 71 is pressed and the “operation switching” button 72 is pressed to select “air cleaning”, “humidification” or “dehumidification”, the first blower control unit 61 The first blower 10 is controlled so as to rotate at a predetermined air volume based on a control signal input by pressing. In the present embodiment, the first blower controller 61 starts the first blower 10 so as to rotate at a predetermined air volume until the “operation on / off” button 71 is pressed again after starting the control of the first blower 10. The blower 10 is controlled.

  The unit control unit 62 is input when the “air clean” is selected when the “operation on / off” button 71 is pressed and the “switch operation” button 72 is pressed and “air clean” is selected. Based on the control signal, the air cleaning unit 20 is controlled to clean the air taken into the air conditioner 1 by the first blower 10.

  Further, the unit control unit 62 is input when “dehumidification” is selected when the “operation on / off” button 71 is pressed and the “operation switching” button 72 is pressed and “dehumidification” is selected. Based on the control signal, the dehumidification rotor 31, the heater 32, and the second blower 33 of the dehumidification unit 30 are controlled in order to dehumidify the air taken into the air conditioner 1 by the first blower 10.

  Further, the unit control unit 62 is input by selecting “humidification” when the “operation on / off” button 71 is pressed and the “operation switching” button 72 is pressed to select “humidification”. The humidification unit 40 is controlled to humidify the air taken into the air conditioner 1 by the first blower 10 based on the control signal.

  When the “operation on / off” button 71 is pressed and the “operation switching” button 72 is pressed to select the operation mode, the display control unit 63 displays the display unit 80 in a display mode corresponding to the selected operation mode. The operation display lamp 81 is displayed. The display control unit 63 also causes the operation display lamp 81 to display in the display mode according to the operation mode before and after switching when the control unit 60 switches the operation mode according to the amount of water stored in the water storage container 41.

  The water level discriminating unit 64 is controlled when “humidification” is selected when the “operation on / off” button 71 is pressed and the “operation switching” button 72 is pressed and “humidification” is selected. Based on the signal, water level information indicating the amount of water stored in the water storage container 41 periodically supplied at predetermined intervals is obtained from a water level sensor 90 installed in the water storage container 41, and the water level P of the water storage container 41 is humidified. It is determined whether or not the water level is higher than the water supply position P2, which is the minimum water level required to continue the operation. When it is determined that P> P2, the water level determination unit 65 determines whether the water level P is equal to or higher than the water supply position P2 every time the water level information is continuously supplied from the water level sensor 90. On the other hand, when it is determined that P ≦ P2, the water level determination unit 65 notifies the control unit 60 accordingly.

  On the other hand, when “dehumidification” is selected, the water level determination unit 64 determines a predetermined interval from the water level sensor 90 installed in the water storage container 41 based on a control signal input when “dehumidification” is selected. The water level information indicating the amount of water stored in the water storage container 41 that is periodically supplied is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the water level P of the water storage container 41 is lower than the full water position P1 that is a water level at which the dehumidifying operation can be continued. Determine. When it is determined that P ≦ P1, the water level determination unit 64 determines whether or not the water level P is equal to or lower than the full water position P1 every time the water level information is continuously supplied from the water level sensor 90. On the other hand, when it is determined that P> P2, the water level determination unit 64 notifies the control unit 60 accordingly.

  The timer 65 is a software timer that is executed based on a program recorded on the recording medium. When the control unit 60 receives the above notification from the water level determination unit 64, the timer 65 is configured to indicate the time according to an instruction from the control unit 60. Start measurement. When the measurement time t passes the rotation duration time to (for example, to = 1 minute), the humidification rotor 42 is dried by the air flow formed by the first blower 10, and the control unit 60 is notified that to has elapsed. To do.

<Control of control unit in humidification operation>
Next, a display switching process executed by the control unit 60 when the “operation on / off” button 71 is pressed, the “operation switching” button 72 is pressed, and “humidification” is selected is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the “operation switching” button 72 is pressed and a control signal is input by selecting “humidification”, the control unit 60 drives the humidification unit 40 to start the humidification operation (step S101). The display lamp 81 is displayed in a display mode in the humidifying operation as shown in FIG. 3C (for example, yellow is lit) (step S102).

  Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the current water level P is lower than the water supply position P2 based on the water level information supplied from the water level sensor 90 (step S103). When it is determined that the water level P is lower than the water supply position P2 (step S103; Yes), the control unit 60 advances the process to step S109, stops the humidification unit 40 and ends the humidification operation (step S109). After the display lamp 81 displays (for example, lights up green) in the display mode in the air cleaning operation as shown in FIG. 3B (step S110), the display switching process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it determines with the water level P being higher than the water supply position P2 (step S103; No), the control part 60 continues a humidification driving | operation (step S104).

  Based on the water level information supplied again from the water level sensor 90, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the current water level P is lower than the water supply position P2 (step S105). When it determines with the water level P being higher than the water supply position P2 (step S105; No), the control part 60 continues a humidification driving | operation (step S104).

  On the other hand, when it determines with the water level P being lower than the water supply position P2 (step S105; Yes), the control part 60 stops rotation of the water wheel 42 of a humidification unit, and stops the water supply to the humidification rotor 43 (step). S106) With only the rotation of the humidifying rotor 43 in the humidifying unit 40 being continued, the timer 65 is activated to start measuring time (step S107).

  The controller 60 determines whether or not the time t from the start of the state in which only the rotation of the humidification rotor 43 is continued has passed the rotation continuation time to (step S108). When it is determined that the rotation duration time to has not elapsed (step S108; No), the control unit 60 determines again whether the rotation duration time to has elapsed (step S108).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the rotation duration time to has elapsed (step S108; Yes), the control unit 60 stops the humidification unit 40 to end the humidification operation (step S109), and the operation display lamp 81 displays FIG. The display is performed in the display mode in the air cleaning operation as shown in B) (for example, green is lit) (step S110), and the display switching process is terminated.

[Features of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment]
The air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment has the following characteristics.

  In the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the amount of water stored in the water storage container 41 in the air conditioner is detected by the water level sensor 90 in the humidifying operation, and the necessity of water supply to the water storage container 41 is determined based on the detection result. When the water supply is necessary, the operation mode is switched to the air cleaning operation, and the operation mode lamp 81 is switched from the display mode in the humidifying operation to the display mode in the air cleaning operation, so that the user switches the operation mode. This can be visually recognized from the outside.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, when the amount of water stored in the water storage container 41 is detected while the humidifying operation is performed, and the amount of stored water is difficult to continue the humidifying operation, the humidifying operation is switched to the air cleaning operation, and By switching the display mode of the operation display lamp 81, the user can easily recognize that the operation mode has been switched from the humidifying operation to the air cleaning operation.

  In addition, even when performing a dehumidifying operation, the user has switched from the dehumidifying operation to the air cleaning operation by displaying to the outside that the operation mode has been switched from the dehumidifying operation to the air cleaning operation. Can be easily recognized.

  In this example, the configuration and function of the air conditioner are the same as those in the above embodiment. Hereinafter, the display switching process in this example will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the “operation switching” button 72 is pressed and a control signal is input by selecting “dehumidification”, the control unit 60 drives the dehumidification unit 30 to start the dehumidification operation (step S201). The display lamp 81 is displayed in a display mode in the dehumidifying operation as shown in FIG. 3D (for example, turns on blue) (step 202).

  Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the current water level P is higher than the full water position P1 based on the water level information supplied from the water level sensor 90 (step S203). When it is determined that the water level P is higher than the full water position P1 (step S203; Yes), the control unit 60 advances the process to step S206, stops the dehumidifying unit 30 and ends the dehumidifying operation (step S206). The display lamp 81 is displayed in a display mode in the air cleaning operation as shown in FIG. 3B (for example, green is lit) (step S207), and the display switching process is ended.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the water level P is lower than the full water position P1 (step S203; No), the control unit 60 continues the dehumidifying operation (step S204).

  Based on the water level information supplied again from the water level sensor 90, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the current water level P is higher than the full water position P1 (step S205). When it is determined that the water level P is lower than the full water position P1 (step S205; No), the control unit 60 continues the dehumidifying operation (step S204), and based on the water level information supplied from the water level sensor 90 again. It is determined whether or not the current water level P is higher than the full water position P1 (step S205).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the water level P is higher than the full water position P1 (step S205; Yes), the control unit 60 stops the dehumidifying unit 30 and ends the dehumidifying operation (step S206). Display is performed in the display mode in the air cleaning operation as shown in FIG. 3B (for example, green is lit) (step S207), and the display switching process is terminated.

[Features of the air conditioner 1 according to a modification of the embodiment]
The air conditioner 1 according to the modification of the embodiment has the following characteristics.

  In the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the amount of water stored in the water storage container 41 in the air conditioner is detected by the water level sensor 90 in the dehumidifying operation, and the necessity of water supply to the water storage container 41 is determined based on the detection result. When it is determined that drainage is necessary, the operation mode is switched to the air cleaning operation, and the user switches the operation mode by switching the display of the operation display lamp 81 from the display mode in the dehumidifying operation to the display mode in the air cleaning operation. This can be visually recognized from the outside.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described based on drawing, it should be thought that a specific structure is not limited to these embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the monochromatic light is turned on as the display mode of the operation display lamp 81 indicating the operation mode has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other modes may be used as long as the operation mode can be grasped. The display mode may be used. For example, the operation mode may be displayed by blinking monochromatic light. Further, for example, instead of monochromatic light, the operation mode may be displayed by alternately lighting two colors of light. Further, a plurality of LEDs may be used as the operation display lamp 81, and the operation mode may be displayed by simultaneously lighting a plurality of colors of light.

  If this invention is utilized, it is a multifunctional air conditioner, Comprising: The air conditioner which a user can recognize easily that the operation mode switched can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner 10 1st air blower 20 Air purifying unit 30 Dehumidification unit 40 Humidification unit 41 Water storage container 50 Main body casing 51 Inlet port 52 Outlet 53 Flap 60 Control part 61 1st air blower control part 62 Unit control part 63 Display control part 64 Water level discriminating unit 65 Timer 80 Display unit 81 Operation indicator lamp 90 Water level sensor

Claims (4)

An air conditioner (1) capable of operating in at least two operation modes: an air cleaning mode for removing foreign substances in the air, a dehumidifying mode for removing moisture in the air, and a humidifying mode for supplying moisture to the air. ,
A water storage container (41) for storing water;
Detection means (90) for detecting the amount of water stored in the water storage container;
Display means (81) for displaying the operation mode of the air conditioner;
Control means (60) for switching the operation mode based on the amount of stored water detected by the detection means (90), and controlling the display means (81) in accordance with the switching of the operation mode,
An air conditioner (1) comprising: An air conditioner (1) capable of operating in an air cleaning mode for removing foreign substances in the air and a dehumidifying mode for removing moisture in the air,
The control means (60) switches the operation mode to the air cleaning mode when the water storage amount is detected to be equal to or greater than the first water storage amount by the detection means (90) in the state of being operated in the dehumidifying mode.
The air conditioner (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the above. An air conditioner (1) capable of operating in an air cleaning mode for removing foreign substances in the air and a humidifying mode for supplying moisture to the air,
The control means (60) operates in the operation mode when the water storage amount is detected by the detection means (90) to be less than the second water storage amount less than the first water storage amount in the state of being operated in the humidification mode. Switch to clean air mode,
The air conditioner (1) according to claim 2, wherein the air conditioner (1) is provided. A casing (50) for storing the water storage container (41);
The display means (81) is a plurality of light emitting portions arranged on the outer surface (54) of the casing (50).
The air conditioner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

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