JP2013053788A - Indoor unit of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an indoor unit of an air conditioner, which can control a blow-off manner of conditioned air according to a position and a blow-off direction of an electric fan provided in a room interior to form an air circulation in the room interior.SOLUTION: The indoor unit 100 of an air conditioner includes: a right-left wind direction plate 10 and an up-down wind direction plate 9 which are provided in a rear wall 91 of the room interior 90 and adjust a blow-off direction of the air conditioned by a heat exchanger 4; an imaging device for capturing an image of the room interior; and a control unit for controlling the right-left wind direction plate and the up-down wind direction plate based on the image captured by the imaging device. The control unit determines a position and a blow-off direction (black arrow) of the electric fan 200 provided in the room interior 90 based on the captured image, and decides a blow-off direction (outline arrow) of the conditioned air to form a circulation (ribbon-like arrow) in the room interior 90 by cooperating with an airflow that is formed by the electric fan 200.

Description

  The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and more particularly to an indoor unit of an air conditioner that promotes circulation (circulation) of indoor air.

  Conventionally, in order to increase the comfort of occupants in a room, various environmental conditions such as room temperature are detected by a plurality of sensors, and the sensible temperature of the occupants is set to a predetermined value based on the detection results of the sensors. In addition, an air conditioner indoor unit (indoor unit) that calculates the temperature environment distribution taking into account the difference between the temperature at the position of the occupant and the temperature at the sensor mounting position to control the temperature of the conditioned air, the amount of blown air, the wind direction, etc. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-18073 (page 2-3, FIG. 2)

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes detection means (room temperature sensor or the like) for detecting conditions relating to the indoor environment, and detection means (image recognition apparatus, body surface) for detecting the position and state of a person in the room. The temperature of the conditioned air, the amount of blown air, the direction of the wind, etc. are controlled based on the signals from these detection means and the temperature of the occupant (room temperature, etc.) based on the comfort evaluation criteria. It will be a comfortable value.

By the way, in order to respond to the recent demand to promote energy-saving operation, a fan is installed in the room in order to eliminate the uneven indoor temperature distribution due to cold pools (hot pools) generated in local areas in the room. It is recommended to make the indoor temperature distribution uniform by the airflow of the fan.
However, the resident (user) often does not know how to make the indoor temperature distribution uniform by setting the fan installation position and blowing direction, and the detection means (room temperature) Sensors, body surface temperature sensors, etc.) cannot detect indoor temperature irregularities (non-uniform indoor temperature distribution) caused by the indoor unit of the air conditioner, so the non-uniform indoor temperature distribution is not resolved. There was a problem.
For this reason, although the temperature is comfortable at the position of the occupant, a local cold air accumulation (hot air accumulation) occurs in a part of the room, and as a result, the energy-saving operation may not be performed.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and controls the flow of conditioned air in accordance with the position and blowing direction of a fan installed in a room, and circulates air in the room. Thus, an indoor unit of an air conditioner that can achieve a uniform indoor temperature distribution is obtained.

An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention includes a main body in which an inlet and an outlet are respectively formed, a blower that sucks indoor air from the inlet and forms an air passage leading to the outlet, and the wind A heat exchanger installed in a road, a left and right wind direction plate and an up and down wind direction plate that are installed in the air outlet and adjust the air blowing direction harmonized in the heat exchanger, an imaging device that images the room, A control device that controls the left and right wind direction plates and the up and down wind direction plates based on an image captured by the imaging device;
When it is determined that a fan is installed in the room based on the image, the control device determines a position of the fan and a direction in which the fan blows out indoor air, and determines the position of the fan and the determined position of the fan. Based on the direction in which the fan blows out room air, the harmonized air blowing direction is determined so that circulation is formed in the room in cooperation with the flow of room air formed by the fan. And

  The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention determines the position and blowing direction of the fan arranged in the room and cooperates with the air flow formed by the fan so that the circulation is formed in the room. Since the blowing direction of the generated air (hereinafter referred to as “conditioned air”) is determined, air circulation is formed in the room. That is, non-uniform indoor temperature distribution due to local cold air accumulation (hot air accumulation) or the like is eliminated, so that the indoor temperature distribution becomes more uniform and energy saving operation can be achieved.

The front view explaining the indoor unit of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the side view explaining the indoor unit shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows a part (periphery of a blower outlet) explaining the indoor unit shown in FIG. The perspective view for demonstrating the detection point of the electric fan explaining the indoor unit shown in FIG. The image pattern figure corresponding to the attitude | position of the horizontal direction of an electric fan. The image pattern figure corresponding to the attitude | position of the up-down direction of an electric fan. The top view which shows typically the mode of horizontal circulation. The top view which shows typically the mode of horizontal circulation. The side view which shows the mode of the circulation of an up-down direction typically. The front view which shows typically the mode of the circulation of the horizontal direction explaining the indoor unit of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The front view explaining the indoor unit of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

[Embodiment 1]
1 to 9 illustrate an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view, FIG. 2 is a sectional view in side view, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the detection procedure of the fan, FIG. 5 is an image pattern diagram corresponding to the horizontal orientation of the fan, and FIG. 6 is an upper and lower view of the fan. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are plan views schematically showing the state of circulation in the horizontal direction according to the position and blowing direction of the fan, and FIG. 9 shows the position and blowing direction of the fan. It is a side view which shows typically the mode of the corresponding up-down direction circulation. In addition, each figure is drawn typically and this invention is not limited to the form shown in figure.

1 to 3, an air conditioner indoor unit (hereinafter referred to as “indoor unit”) 100 opens and closes a main body 1 having a suction port 3 formed in an upper portion and a blower outlet 7 formed in a lower portion, and the front surface of the main body 1. The front panel 2 that covers freely, the blower 5 that sucks room air from the suction port 3 and forms the air passage 6 leading to the blower outlet 7, and the heat exchange installed on the upstream side of the blower 5 (near the suction port 3) And 4.
A receiving device 40 that receives a signal from a remote controller (not shown) and an imaging device 50 that captures an indoor situation are installed on the front surface of the main body 1 beside the air outlet 7.
The present invention does not limit the installation position of the receiving device 40 or the imaging device 50, and may be installed, for example, at the center of the front panel 2. Furthermore, a voice or video notification device (not shown) for notifying the operation status of the indoor unit is provided in the main body 1 or a remote controller (not shown).

Right and left wind direction plates 10a for adjusting the horizontal (left and right) blowing direction of indoor air harmonized in the heat exchanger 4 (hereinafter referred to as “conditioned air”) at a position near the air outlet 7 of the air path, 10b... 10n (collectively or respectively referred to as “left and right wind direction plates 10”) and the blowout port 7 which is the end of the air passage 6 are blown in the vertical direction (vertical direction) of conditioned air. An up / down wind direction plate 9 for adjusting the direction (the front up / down wind direction plate 9a and the rear up / down wind direction plate 9b are collectively referred to as "up / down wind direction plate 9") is provided.
The heat exchanger 4 includes a part 4a before heat exchange which is a part parallel to the front panel 2, a part 4b before heat exchange which is a part obliquely above the front of the blower 5, and a part obliquely above the rear face of the blower 5. And an upper portion 4c after heat exchange. A drain pan 8 is disposed below the pre-heat exchange portion 4a, and the upper surface 8a of the drain pan 8 forms a drain pan surface that actually receives the drain, and the lower surface 8b of the drain pan 8 forms the front side of the air passage 6. Yes.

(Left and right wind direction plate)
The left and right wind direction plates 10 are rotatably installed on the lower surface 8b of the drain pan 8. The left and right wind direction plates 10 have connecting rods 20a and 20b (these are collectively or referred to as "connecting rods 20"). It is connected. At this time, the left and right wind direction plates 10 and the connecting rods 20 form a link mechanism, and when the connecting rods 20 are translated by the driving means 30, the left and right wind direction plates 10 rotate.
The present invention does not limit the drive mechanism of the left and right wind direction plates 10, but the left and right wind direction plates 10 (10a to 10g) near one side surface of the main body and the left and right wind direction plates 10 (10h) near the other side surface of the main body. ˜10n) may be translated by separate driving means (this will be described in detail in the second embodiment).

(Up and down wind direction board)
The vertical wind direction plate 9 has a rotation center parallel to the horizontal direction (Y direction), and is rotatably installed on the main body 1. The rotation axis of the front vertical wind direction plate 9a and the rotation axis of the rear vertical wind direction plate 9b are respectively connected by a link mechanism or a gear mechanism and rotated by a common drive motor. The present invention does not limit the rotation mechanism of the up / down wind direction plate 9, and the front up / down wind direction plate 9a and the rear up / down wind direction plate 9b may be rotated by separate drive motors.

(Control device)
The indoor unit 100 is provided with a control device (not shown). The control device controls the temperature of the conditioned air, the amount of blowout, etc. according to the demands of the indoor environment and residents (users), and controls the direction of the conditioned air blowout in order to promote the circulation of the room air. Yes (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “circulation airflow control”).
That is, the position of the electric fan installed in the room and the blowing direction are determined by the image pattern matching process, and the postures of the left and right wind direction plates 10 and the upper and lower wind direction plates 9 are controlled based on the determination result. Hereinafter, the control procedure of the control device will be described in detail.

(Fan detection)
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the detection procedure of the electric fan. The indoor unit 100 is located at a position close to the ceiling surface 94 on one wall 91 (hereinafter referred to as “back wall”) of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped room 90. is set up. A fan 200 is installed on the floor 95 of the room 90.
In the present invention, “close to one” or “distant from one” means that it is relatively “close to one” or “close to the other” and means the absolute distance. Not what you want.
For the convenience of the following description, when the surface facing the back wall 91 is viewed from the front wall 92 and from the indoor unit 100 toward the front wall 92 (in the + X direction), the right side (−Y direction) is the right side. The wall 93R and the left surface (+ Y direction) are referred to as the left wall 93L. And since the indoor unit 100 is installed in the center of the back wall 91, the position of the indoor unit 100 is described as (0, Y1, Z1).
Further, in the imaging screen of the room 90 by the imaging device, the floor surface 95 is recognized as a set of four areas (regions) divided into a grid. That is, the floor surface 95 has a first area close to the right side wall 93R in the range close to the indoor unit 100 (indicated by Roman numerals in the figure) and a second area close to the right side wall 93R in the range far from the indoor unit 100 ( In the figure, indicated by Roman numerals), a third area (indicated by Roman numerals in the figure) close to the left side wall 93L in a range far from the indoor unit 100, and close to the left side wall 93L in a range close to the indoor unit 100 The fourth area (indicated by Roman numerals in the figure) is gathered.

(Image pattern)
FIG. 5 schematically shows an image pattern for image pattern matching processing. FIG. 5A shows a pattern of an image in which room air is blown in the horizontal direction toward the imaging device 50 (same as the camera unit), that is, toward the back wall 91. At this time, the image pattern of the electric fan 200 is configured by a circular flange 203 that surrounds the rotor blades, a rod-shaped support 202 that supports the flange 203, and a plate-like base 201 to which the support 202 is fixed. Has been.
FIG. 5B is a pattern of an image in which room air is blown in the horizontal direction toward the direction opposite to the imaging device 50, that is, toward the front wall 92. The image pattern includes a flange 203, a substantially circular motor 204 that drives the rotary blades of the electric fan 200 at the center of the flange 203, a support 202, and a base 201.

FIG. 5C shows a pattern of an image in which room air is blown in the horizontal direction from the left side wall 93L toward the right side wall 93R. It comprises a part 203, a substantially rectangular motor part 204 protruding from the flange part 203, a column part 202, and a base part 201.
FIG. 5D shows an image in which room air is blown out horizontally from the corners of the front wall 92 and the left side wall 93L toward the corners of the back wall 91 and the right side wall 93R (in the direction of the oblique indoor unit). The image pattern is composed of an elliptical flange 203, a support 202, and a base 201.
In FIG. 5E, room air is blown out horizontally from the corners of the rear wall 91 and the left side wall 93L toward the corners of the front wall 92 and the right side wall 93R (in a direction opposite to the diagonal indoor unit). The image pattern is composed of an elliptical flange 203, a motor part 204, a column 202, and a base 201 on one side of the flange 203 in the horizontal direction. Has been.

FIG. 6A shows a pattern of an image in which room air is blown obliquely upward toward the imaging device 50. The image pattern includes a wide elliptical flange 203 on the side, The column part 202 and the base part 201 are comprised.
FIG. 6B is a pattern of an image in which room air is blown obliquely downward toward the imaging device 50. The image pattern includes a wide elliptical flange 203 on the side, The column part 202 and the base part 201 are comprised. That is, when room air is blown out toward the imaging device 50, the image pattern is the same in both the diagonally upward direction and the diagonally downward direction.
FIG. 6C shows a pattern of an image in which room air is blown upward in a direction opposite to that of the image pickup apparatus (same as the camera unit). 203, the motor part 204, the support | pillar part 202, and the base 201 are comprised below the center part of the collar part 203. FIG.
FIG. 6D shows a pattern of an image in which room air is blown downward in the direction opposite to that of the imaging device 50. The image pattern includes a collar 203 and a collar. The motor part 204, the support part 202, and the base part 201 are formed above the central part 203.

(Image pattern matching process)
As described above, since the plurality of image patterns are registered (or registered in a separately provided storage unit and accessible to the storage unit), the control device captures images in the imaging device 50. When the electric fan 200 is installed and the electric fan 200 is installed, the position of the base 201 (X2, Y2, 0) and the position of the center of the flange part 203 are compared. (X2, Y2, Z2) and the blowing direction are determined.
Normally, the stored image pattern and the captured image rarely match and are different, so that by calculating the difference between each of the plurality of image patterns and analyzing the plurality of difference images, It is determined that the posture is intermediate between predetermined image patterns among the registered image patterns.
Further, when the image captured with a certain period changes, it is determined that the electric fan 200 is swinging the head, and the swing angle is determined by the difference image processing as described above.

Furthermore, when the room air is blown out toward the imaging device 50 as described above, the image pattern is the same whether it is diagonally upward or diagonally downward (see (a) and (b) of FIG. 6). When the height (Z2 value) of the electric fan 200 is a predetermined height (for example, 0.5 m) or less, the top blows, and when the height is within a predetermined height range (for example, 0.5 to 1.0 m), it is horizontal. If it is blown and a predetermined height (for example, 1.0 m) or more, it is set as a bottom blow.
It should be noted that an image other than the fan 200 is analyzed to determine whether it is obliquely upward or obliquely downward. For example, when an object swaying at a position close to the fan 200 on the floor surface 95 is visually recognized, it is blown downward. It is determined that

(Control of right and left wind direction plate: When the fan is at a far position)
FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the state of circulation in the horizontal direction formed corresponding to the relationship between the position of the fan 200 and the blowing direction of the indoor air and the blowing direction of the conditioned air blown out by the indoor unit 100. It is.

In the present invention, circulation refers to a state in which the flow of conditioned air blown from the indoor unit and the flow of indoor air sucked into the indoor unit through the room are substantially continuous. That is, the cross-sectional area of the flow of conditioned air that is blown out corresponds to the area of the outlet, and the cross-sectional area of the flow of indoor air that is sucked in corresponds to the area of the inlet, whereas the flow of the indoor air that flows through the room Since the cross-sectional area is large, the flow velocity of the air flow flowing through the room is slower and the cross-sectional area of the flow is wider than the flow velocity of the conditioned air that is blown out. In addition, the conditioned air that is blown out exchanges heat with indoor air (referred to as indoor air) or mixes with indoor air to become indoor air. A state in which the vectors are substantially continuous while gradually changing the size and direction is referred to as circulation.
At this time, the continuous air flow is not perfectly formed everywhere in the room, for example, the air flow as described above is not formed in a part of the room such as a corner, and the stagnation (accumulation, The flow vector may be randomly oriented). That is, most of the conditioned air blown out from the indoor unit is once stagnated in a range away from the indoor unit, for example, and the stagnant indoor air (which exchanges heat with the conditioned air and mixes it) has a slow flow rate. Thus, the air flow that gradually moves closer to the indoor unit and is eventually sucked into the indoor unit does not correspond to the circulation in the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates a case where the electric fan 200 is installed in the second area and it is determined that room air (indicated by a black arrow) is blown out toward the third area (hereinafter, “case A”). The conditioned air (indicated by a white arrow) is blown from the indoor unit 100 diagonally rightward (in the + X direction and in the −Y direction) (hereinafter referred to as “left / right mode A”). . Therefore, the conditioned air blown out from the indoor unit 100 travels diagonally through the first area, flows along the range of the second area of the right side wall 93R, and is bent in the range of the second area of the front wall 92R. , Flows into the third area.
At this time, since the flow of room air toward the third area is formed by the electric fan 200, the flow of conditioned air (to be exact, heat exchange with the room air or part of them are mixed with each other) And the flow of room air (exactly, heat exchange with conditioned air or some of them are mixed with each other), the flow becomes a large flow. Then, the air flow flows into the fourth area along the left side wall 93L and is sucked into the indoor unit 100.

That is, since smooth circulation (indicated by ribbon-shaped arrows) is formed in a substantially horizontal direction, no stagnation (reservoir) is formed in the air flow, so that local cold air accumulation (hot air accumulation) is eliminated, The temperature distribution of 90 can be made uniform. Therefore, even if the set temperature is not set too low (high), a comfortable indoor environment can be obtained, and energy-saving operation is possible.
Then, a notification device (not shown) (provided in the main body 1 or the remote controller) displays “in circulation operation” or notifies by voice.

  FIG. 7B shows a case where the electric fan 200 is installed in the second area and it is determined that room air is blown out toward the front wall 92 (hereinafter referred to as “case B”). At this time, since the indoor air blown out by the electric fan 200 does not contribute to the circulation, the control of the blowing direction of the conditioned air for promoting the circulation is not performed, and an alarm device (not shown) (provided on the main body 1 or the remote controller) is provided. For example, “Please direct the fan in the direction opposite to the wall” is displayed or notified by voice. Even at this time, the indoor unit 100 is controlled in accordance with the environmental conditions of the temperature and humidity of the room 90 and the demands of the resident (user).

  FIG. 7C shows a case where the electric fan 200 is installed in the second area and it is determined that room air is blown out toward the right side wall 93R (hereinafter referred to as “case C”). At this time, since the indoor air blown out by the electric fan 200 does not contribute to the circulation, the control of the blowing direction of the conditioned air for promoting the circulation is not performed, and an alarm device (not shown) (provided on the main body 1 or the remote controller) is provided. For example, “Please direct the fan in the direction opposite to the wall” is displayed or notified by voice.

  (D) of FIG. 7 is a case where the electric fan 200 is installed in the second area and it is determined that the room air is blown out toward the first area (hereinafter referred to as “case D”), The conditioned air is blown out from the indoor unit 100 diagonally to the right (+ X direction and + Y direction) (hereinafter referred to as “left-right mode D”). Therefore, the conditioned air blown out from the indoor unit 100 travels diagonally in the fourth area, flows along the range of the third area of the left side wall 93L, and is bent in the range of the third area of the front wall 92L. , Flows into the second area. Then, in the second area, a flow of room air toward the first area is formed by the electric fan 200, so the flow of conditioned air flowing into the second area (exactly, partly exchanging heat with the room air) Are mixed with each other) and are guided by the flow of room air (exactly heat exchange with conditioned air or partly mixed with each other) and along the right side wall 93R. The direction of flow is changed to the direction, flows into the first area along the right side wall 93R, and is sucked into the indoor unit 100.

That is, since smooth circulation is formed in a substantially horizontal direction, no stagnation (reservoir) is formed in the air flow, so that local cold accumulation (hot accumulation) is eliminated and the temperature distribution in the room 90 is made uniform. It becomes possible. Therefore, even if the set temperature is not set too low (high), a comfortable indoor environment can be obtained, and energy-saving operation is possible. Then, a notification device (not shown) (provided in the main body 1 or the remote controller) displays “in circulation operation” or notifies by voice.
Note that when the electric fan 200 is installed in the third area and the room air is blown out in the direction of the second area, the case A is the same as the case A, and when the room air is blown out toward the front wall 92 Same as B, the same as case C when the room air is blown in the direction of the left side wall 93L, and the same as case D when the room air is blown in the direction of the fourth area.

(Control of the right and left wind direction plate: When the fan is in a close position)
8A to 8D, the indoor unit 100 is installed at the center of the back wall 91, and the floor surface 95 is divided into four areas (first area to fourth area) in a square shape, and the electric fan 200. Is a case where it is determined that it is installed in an area close to the indoor unit 100 and close to the right side wall 93R.

(A) of FIG. 8 is a case where it is determined that the electric fan 200 is installed in the first area and the room air is blown out toward the fourth area. At this time, the conditioned air is blown off from the indoor unit 100 diagonally to the left (in the + X direction and the + Y direction). In the fourth area, the conditioned air is blown into the third area together with the indoor air blown from the electric fan 200. Ideally, a circulation that returns to the first area via the second area is formed. However, since the air flow when flowing into the second area from the third area becomes relatively low speed, the circulation as in the case where the fan 200 is at a far position (case A or case B) is not formed.
Therefore, in a not-shown notification device (provided in the main body 1 or the remote controller), for example, “Please move the fan to a position far from the indoor unit” is displayed or notified by voice.

(B) of FIG. 8 is a case where it is determined that the electric fan 200 is installed in the first area and the room air is blown out toward the second area. At this time, the conditioned air is blown off from the indoor unit 100 diagonally rightward (in the + X direction and −Y direction), and in the second area, together with the room air blown out from the electric fan 200, flows into the third area, Furthermore, it is ideal to form a circulation that returns to the first area via the fourth area. However, since the air flow when flowing into the third area from the second area becomes relatively low speed, the circulation as in the case where the fan 200 is at a far position (case A or case B) is not formed.
Therefore, in a not-shown notification device (provided in the main body 1 or the remote controller), for example, “Please move the fan to a position far from the indoor unit” is displayed or notified by voice.

FIGS. 8C and 8D show a case where the electric fan 200 is installed in the first area and it is determined that room air is blown out toward the right side wall 93R and the back wall 91, respectively.
At this time, since the indoor air blown out by the electric fan 200 does not contribute to the circulation, the control of the blowing direction of the conditioned air for promoting the circulation is not performed. For example, the message “Move the fan to a position far from the indoor unit and turn it in the direction opposite to the wall” is displayed or notified by voice. Even at this time, the indoor unit 100 is controlled in accordance with the environmental conditions of the temperature and humidity of the room 90 and the demands of the resident (user).
The case where the electric fan 200 is installed in the fourth area is the same as the case where it is installed in the first area.

(Control of vertical wind direction plate)
(A) of FIG. 9 is a case where the electric fan 200 is installed at a position (first area or second area) far from the indoor unit 100 and it is determined that the room air is blown obliquely upward (hereinafter, referred to as “the fan 200”). Referred to as “Case E”). At this time, conditioned air is blown obliquely downward from the indoor unit 100 (hereinafter referred to as “up / down mode E”).
Therefore, the conditioned air blown from the indoor unit 100 flows obliquely downward in a range close to the indoor unit 100, flows parallel to the floor surface 95 in a range far from the indoor unit 100, and eventually flows upward by the front wall 92. The direction of can be changed. At this time, in the range away from the indoor unit 100, a flow of indoor air blown upward by the electric fan 200 is formed, so that conditioned air (to be exact, heat exchange with the indoor air or some of them are mixed with each other) Are guided by the flow of the room air, and the direction of the flow is smoothly changed. Then, it flows along the ceiling surface 94.

  That is, since smooth circulation is formed substantially in the vertical direction, no stagnation (retention) is formed in the air flow, so that local cold accumulation (hot accumulation) is eliminated and the temperature distribution in the room 90 is made uniform. It becomes possible. Therefore, even if the set temperature is not set too low (high), a comfortable indoor environment can be obtained, and energy-saving operation is possible.

Since both the up-and-down wind direction plate 9 and the left-and-right wind direction plate 10 are controlled, for example, in the case A (see FIG. 7A) and the case E, the left-right mode Control combining A and up / down mode E is executed. That is, the conditioned air is blown obliquely downward from the indoor unit 100 in the diagonally right direction.
Then, the conditioned air (exactly, heat exchange with the room air or part of the air is mixed with each other) flows diagonally downward in the right direction in the first area, and in the second area by the electric fan 200. In the direction of the third area, it flows obliquely upward, and in the third area, it flows along the ceiling in the direction of the fourth area. Then, it descends along the back wall 91 and is sucked into the indoor unit 100.

(B) of FIG. 9 is a case where the electric fan 200 is installed at a position far away from the indoor unit 100 (first area or second area) and it is determined that indoor air is blown obliquely downward (hereinafter, referred to as “the fan 200”). Referred to as “Case F”). At this time, conditioned air is blown from the indoor unit 100 in a substantially horizontal direction (hereinafter referred to as “up / down mode F”).
Therefore, the conditioned air blown out from the indoor unit 100 flows substantially parallel to the ceiling surface 94 in a range close to the indoor unit 100, and the flow direction is changed downward by the front wall 92 in a range away from the indoor unit 100. . At this time, in the range away from the indoor unit 100, a flow of indoor air blown downward by the electric fan 200 is formed, so that the conditioned air (to be exact, heat exchange with the indoor air or some of them are mixed with each other). Are guided by the flow of the room air, and the direction of the flow is smoothly changed. Then, it flows along the floor surface 95.

That is, since smooth circulation is formed substantially in the vertical direction, no stagnation (retention) is formed in the air flow, so that local cold accumulation (hot accumulation) is eliminated and the temperature distribution in the room 90 is made uniform. It becomes possible. Therefore, even if the set temperature is not set too low (high), a comfortable indoor environment can be obtained, and energy-saving operation is possible.
In addition, a control apparatus determines the blowing direction of conditioned air by the height (value of a Z direction) of the electric fan 200, when it determines with the electric fan 200 blowing the indoor air in the substantially horizontal direction. That is, when the electric fan 200 is lower than the predetermined height, the conditioned air blowing direction is determined to be substantially horizontal, and conversely, when the electric fan 200 is higher than the predetermined height, the conditioned air blowing direction is determined obliquely downward. To do.

Further, since both the up-and-down wind direction plate 9 and the left-and-right wind direction plate 10 are controlled, for example, in the case D (see FIG. 7D) and the case F, the left-right mode is selected. Control combining D and up / down mode F is executed. That is, the conditioned air is blown from the indoor unit 100 substantially horizontally in the diagonally left direction.
Then, the conditioned air (exactly, heat exchange with the room air or part of the air is mixed with each other) flows horizontally toward the left in the fourth area, and in the third area, the second area Change the direction of flow in the direction and diagonally downward. And in the 2nd area, it is induced by the flow of the room air which electric fan 200 forms, and flows in the direction of the 1st area diagonally below. In the first area, the flow flows along the floor surface 95, and eventually flows upward toward the indoor unit 100 by the back wall 91 and is sucked into the indoor unit 100.

(Energy saving effect by circulation air flow control)
Here, the energy saving effect by the circulation will be briefly described on the assumption of the following temperatures (values for convenience of explanation, not accurate values).
For example, when cooling operation is performed at a set temperature of 28 ° C., when the circulation airflow control is executed, conditioned air of 26 ° C. is blown out from the indoor unit 100, and air of 27 ° C. reaches the user. Air at 28 ° C. is returned to the temperature detecting means).
On the other hand, when the cooling operation is started at the set temperature of 28 ° C. without performing the circulation air flow control, the conditioned air of 26 ° C. is blown out from the indoor unit 100 immediately after the start, and even if the air of 27 ° C. reaches the user. The air at 30 ° C. returns to the indoor unit 100 due to air stagnation or the like. Then, it is determined that the indoor unit 100 is not cooled to the set temperature, and the cooling is strengthened by a bias with the set temperature (2 ° C. = 30 ° C.−28 ° C.). Air will be blown out. That is, excessive cooling operation is performed, and extra power is consumed. Moreover, since air of 25 degreeC reaches | attains a user, it will give discomfort.
Therefore, since the user resets the set temperature to a higher value, the user is forced to perform an extra operation, and the operation becomes complicated. Moreover, since it takes a certain amount of time to settle down in a comfortable cooling environment, extra power is consumed during that time.
The same applies to the heating operation, and by executing the circulation airflow control, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented and a comfortable heating environment can be quickly provided.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 10 illustrates an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a front view schematically showing a state of circulation in the horizontal direction. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same as that of Embodiment 1, or an equivalent part, and one part description is abbreviate | omitted.
In FIG. 10, an indoor unit (hereinafter referred to as “indoor unit”) 300 of an air conditioner includes a left and right wind direction plate 10 in the indoor unit 100 (see Embodiment 1), and left and right wind direction plates 10a to 10g near the right wall 93R. Separate drive means (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as “the right and left wind direction plates 10R”) and left and right wind direction plates 10h to 10n (hereinafter referred to as “the left and right wind direction plates 10L”) near the left side wall 93L of the main body. To enable parallel movement (see FIG. 3).

  The indoor unit 300 is installed in the center of the back wall 91, and the floor surface 95 is divided into six areas (regions) in a square shape. That is, in the range close to the indoor unit 300, a first area close to the right side wall 93R, a fourth area close to the left side wall 93L, and a sixth area (indicated by Roman numerals in the figure) are formed between them. ing. Further, in a range far from the indoor unit 300, a second area close to the right side wall 93R, a third area close to the left side wall 93L, and a fifth area (indicated by Roman numerals in the figure) are formed therebetween. ing.

  The electric fan 200 is installed in the fifth area, and the room air is blown out in the direction of the sixth area (hereinafter referred to as “case G”). At this time, the conditioned air guided to the right and left wind direction plates 10R is blown out from the indoor unit 300 in the direction of the oblique right wall 93R, and the conditioned air guided to the left and right wind direction plates 10L is directed to the oblique left wall 93L. (Hereinafter referred to as “left-right mode G”). That is, the left / right mode D is formed in the first area, the second area, the fifth area, and the sixth area, and the left / right mode D is formed in the fourth area, the third area, the fifth area, and the sixth area. Can be considered.

In addition, when the electric fan 200 is installed in the sixth area, the blown-out indoor air does not contribute to the circulation regardless of the blowing direction of the indoor air. Direction control is not performed, and a notification device (not shown) (provided in the main body 1 or the remote controller) displays, for example, “Please turn the fan in the direction opposite to the wall” or notify by voice. Even at this time, the indoor unit 100 is controlled in accordance with the environmental conditions of the temperature and humidity of the room 90 and the demands of the resident (user).
Further, when the electric fan 200 is installed in the first area, the second area, the third area, or the fourth area, the same control as in the first embodiment is performed and the above control is executed.

Since the up-and-down wind direction plate 9 and the left-and-right wind direction plate 10 are both controlled, for example, in the case G and the case E (see FIG. 9A), the left-right mode is selected. Control combining G and up / down mode E is executed. That is, the conditioned air is blown obliquely downward from the indoor unit 100 in the diagonally right direction.
Therefore, a part of the conditioned air blown out from the indoor unit 100 travels diagonally downward in the first area in the direction of the oblique right wall 93R, and proceeds downward while flowing along the range of the second area of the right wall 93R. At the same time, the direction is bent in the range of the second area of the front wall 92 and flows into the fifth area.

In addition, a part of the conditioned air blown out from the indoor unit 100 proceeds downward in the fourth area in the direction of the diagonal left wall 93L and flows downward along the range of the third area of the left wall 93L. At the same time, the direction is bent in the range of the third area of the front wall 92 and flows into the fifth area.
And in the 5th area, since the flow of the indoor air which goes diagonally upward toward the 6th area is formed by the electric fan 200, the flow of the conditioned air which flowed into the 5th area (to be exact, heat exchange with room air, etc. Partly mixed with each other) is guided by the flow of room air (exactly heat exchange with conditioned air or partly mixed with each other) and flows into the sixth area. In the sixth area, the air flows along the ceiling surface 94 and is sucked into the indoor unit 100.

As described above, in the indoor unit 300, as in the indoor unit 100, smooth circulation is formed in a substantially horizontal direction. Therefore, no stagnation (reservoir) is formed in the air flow. It is possible to make the temperature distribution in the room 90 uniform. Therefore, even if the set temperature is not set too low (high), a comfortable indoor environment can be obtained, and energy-saving operation is possible. In particular, when the room 90 is large, it is possible to execute fine control, and energy saving operation is further promoted.
In addition, this invention is not limited to what divides | segments a room into six areas, You may divide | segment more finely.

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same as that of Embodiment 1, or an equivalent part, and one part description is abbreviate | omitted.
In FIG. 11, an indoor unit (hereinafter referred to as “indoor unit”) 400 of an air conditioner is a unit in which a sensor unit is installed in an indoor unit 100 (see Embodiment 1).
That is, a front panel opening 2a is formed at a substantially center in the left-right direction of the front panel 2, and a sensor unit (not shown) is installed at a position corresponding to the front panel opening 2a of the main body 1. Therefore, the sensor main body 60 that constitutes a part of the sensor unit is visually recognized through the front panel opening 2a, and is centered on a substantially vertical rotation axis by a sensor motor (not shown) connected to the sensor main body 60. It rotates in a substantially horizontal direction (left and right direction).
Further, on the left and right sides of the front panel opening 2a of the front panel 2, a front panel inclined surface 2b inclined toward the front panel opening 2a is formed. Therefore, when the front panel 2 covers the front surface of the main body 1, the sensor main body 60 is located in the front panel opening 2a and can sense a wide range in the left-right direction. The sensor main body 60 is, for example, an infrared sensor, and detects the temperature distribution of indoor wall surfaces and floors, the body surface temperature of a human being in the room, and the like.

(Use of sensor detection information)
Since the sensor body 60 can detect the body surface temperature of the user (human), when the user is in the room, the position or the movement path (movement range) can be specified.
Therefore, when there is no user in the room, it automatically shifts to the circulation air flow control to equalize the room temperature, while when there is a user in the room, the circulation air flow control is automatically stopped. Can do. In other words, when a user is in a room and circulation airflow control is performed and the user is positioned in the circulating airflow, not only is the circulation not sufficiently realized, but also the airflow directly hits the user. This can be avoided because it can give a pleasant feeling. On the other hand, when there is no user in the room, even when the circulation airflow control is executed, the user is naturally not uncomfortable.
If the user wants to execute the circulation airflow control when there is a user in the room, it can be set on the setting screen of the remote controller or the like.

  1: main body, 2: front panel, 2a: front panel opening, 2b: front panel inclined surface, 3: suction port, 4: heat exchanger, 4a: part before heat exchange, 4b: upper part before heat exchange, 4c : Upper part after heat exchange, 5: Blower, 6: Air passage, 7: Air outlet, 8: Drain pan, 8a: Upper surface, 8b: Lower surface, 9: Up and down wind direction plate, 9a: Front up and down wind direction plate, 9b: Rear up and down Wind direction plate, 10: left and right wind direction plate, 10L: left left and right wind direction plate, 10R: right and left wind direction plate, 20: connecting rod, 30: drive means, 40: receiving device, 50: imaging device, 60: sensor body, 90: Indoor: 91: Back wall, 92: Front wall, 93L: Left side wall, 93R: Right side wall, 94: Ceiling surface, 95: Floor surface, 100: Indoor unit of air conditioner (Embodiment 1), 200: Fan , 201: base, 202: support, 203: collar, 204: motor, 3 0: indoor unit (Embodiment 2), 400: indoor unit (Embodiment 3).

Claims (11)

A main body formed with an air inlet and an air outlet, a blower that forms an air path leading to the air outlet by sucking room air from the air inlet, a heat exchanger installed in the air path, and the air outlet Left and right wind direction plates and upper and lower wind direction plates that are installed at the outlet and adjust the air blowing direction harmonized in the heat exchanger, an imaging device that images a room, and the left and right wind directions based on an image captured by the imaging device A control device for controlling the plate and the up and down wind direction plate,
When it is determined that a fan is installed in the room based on the image, the control device determines a position of the fan and a direction in which the fan blows out indoor air, and determines the position of the fan and the determined position of the fan. Based on the direction in which the fan blows out room air, the harmonized air blowing direction is determined so that circulation is formed in the room in cooperation with the flow of room air formed by the fan. Air conditioner indoor unit.   When the control device determines that the fan is installed in an area near the one side wall in the room and away from the main body, and the fan blows out room air toward the other side wall in the room 2. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a direction in which the conditioned air is blown is determined to be a direction of one side wall of the room apart from the main body.   When the control device determines that the electric fan is installed in an area away from the main body and near one side wall of the room, and the electric fan blows out indoor air toward the main body, the harmony The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air blowing direction determined is determined to be away from the main body and toward the other side wall of the room.   The control device is separated from the main body, and the electric fan is installed in an intermediate area between one side wall and the other side wall of the room, and the electric fan blows out indoor air toward the main body. 2. The air according to claim 1, wherein if determined, the conditioned air blowing direction is determined to be a direction of one side wall in the room and a direction of the other side wall in the room. The indoor unit of the harmony machine.   When it is determined that the electric fan is blowing out indoor air obliquely downward, the control device determines the blown-out direction of the harmonized air in a substantially horizontal direction, and the electric fan is inclined upward in the room. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when it is determined that air is blown out, the conditioned air blowing direction is determined obliquely downward. The controller is installed in an area away from the main body and near one side wall of the room, and the fan is obliquely below, extending from the direction of the other side wall of the room to the direction of the main body. If it is determined that the room air is blown out while shaking the head, the conditioned air blowing direction is determined to be substantially horizontal,
The electric fan is installed in an area away from the main body and close to one side wall in the room, and the electric fan is obliquely upward and swinging its head from the direction of the other side wall in the room to the direction of the main body. 2. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that indoor air is being blown out, the blown-out direction of the conditioned air is determined obliquely downward. The control device is separated from the main body, and the electric fan is installed in an intermediate area between one side wall and the other side wall of the room, and the fan is obliquely below, from the direction of the one side wall of the room If it is determined that the room air is blown out while swinging the head over the other side wall of the room, the conditioned air blowing direction is determined to be substantially horizontal,
The electric fan is installed in an intermediate area between the one side wall and the other side wall away from the main body, and the electric fan is obliquely upward, and the other side wall in the room from the direction of the one side wall in the room 2. The room of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the room air is blown out while swinging a head over the direction of the air, the air blowing direction of the conditioned air is determined obliquely downward. Machine.   When the control device determines that the electric fan is lower than a predetermined height and blows out room air in a substantially horizontal direction, the control device determines the conditioned air blowing direction in a substantially horizontal direction. When it is determined that the electric fan is higher than a predetermined height and the indoor air is blown out in a substantially horizontal direction, the harmonized air blowing direction is determined obliquely downward. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Having a voice or video notification means,
When the control device determines that the fan is installed in an area near the one side wall in the room and away from the main body, and the fan blows out room air toward the one side wall in the room The fan is installed in an area away from the main body, and the fan is installed in an area closer to the main body when it is determined that the fan blows out indoor air in a direction opposite to the main body. If it is determined that
The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the notification means is notified that no circulation is formed in the room.   The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the imaging device is installed in the main body.   The control device detects the position of the electric fan based on an image captured by the imaging device by an image pattern matching process, and changes whether the electric fan swings or swings over time. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the difference image is detected by a difference image processing technique.

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