JP2022115251A - Heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent a risk of erroneous thermo-off due to retention of warm air in thermo-on.SOLUTION: An air conditioning device 1 has an automatic thermo-off function according to a set temperature. The air conditioning device 1 includes an indoor fan, a determination portion 84, and an operation control portion 85. The indoor fan blows out air to a space to be heated from a blowing-out opening. The determination portion 84 determines weather retention of warm air where the warm air blown out from the blowing-out opening retains, exists at the circumference or not. The operation control portion 85 performs a first process when it is determined that the retention of warm air exists. The first process is a process for suppressing thermo-off caused by the retention of warm air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Regarding the heating system.

As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 08-136038), in an air conditioner, there is a technique for eliminating warm air accumulation when the thermostat is turned off (when heating is temporarily stopped) and normally turning the thermostat on (resuming heating). be.

When performing a low-load operation for heating, the air conditioner reduces the blowing air volume in order to prevent cold air from being blown due to the temperature drop of the indoor heat exchanger. At this time, warm air is likely to accumulate, but since Patent Document 1 only deals with warm air accumulated when the thermostat is turned off, there is a problem that if warm air accumulates when the thermostat is on, the thermostat may be erroneously turned off.

The heating device of the first aspect has a function of automatically stopping according to the set temperature. The heating device includes a fan, a determination section, and an operation control section. The fan blows air from the air outlet to the space to be heated. The determination unit determines whether or not a warm air pool in which warm air blown out from the outlet is retained exists in the surrounding area. The operation control unit performs the first process when it is determined that there is a hot air pool. The first process is a process of suppressing stoppage due to warm air accumulation.

In the heating device according to the first aspect, the determination unit determines whether or not a warm air pool in which warm air blown out from the outlet is retained exists in the surroundings. The operation control unit performs the first process when the hot air pool exists. The first process is a process of suppressing stoppage due to warm air accumulation. As a result, the heating device can prevent heating from being erroneously stopped even when warm air is accumulated during heating.

A heating device according to the second aspect is the heating device according to the first aspect, further comprising a first temperature measuring section. The first temperature measurement unit measures a first temperature of the target space. The determination unit makes a determination based on the first temperature.

With such a configuration, the heating device of the second aspect can determine whether or not there is a hot air pool in the surroundings based on the first temperature.

A heating device according to a third aspect is the heating device according to either the first aspect or the second aspect, and the first process is a process of stirring air in the target space.

With such a configuration, the heating device of the third aspect can eliminate warm air accumulation and prevent erroneous stoppage of heating.

The heating device according to the fourth aspect is the heating device according to the third aspect, wherein the first process agitates the air in the target space by increasing the amount of air blown out from the outlet.

With such a configuration, the heating device of the fourth aspect can stir the air in the target space.

The heating device according to the fifth aspect is the heating device according to the third aspect, wherein the air outlet is provided with a wind direction adjusting member for adjusting the direction of the blown air. The first process agitates the air in the target space by adjusting the wind direction with the wind direction adjusting member.

With such a configuration, the heating device of the fifth aspect can stir the air in the target space.

The heating device according to the sixth aspect is the heating device according to the fifth aspect, in which the direction of the wind is adjusted so that the air blown out from the outlet is along the ceiling, walls, or floor of the target space.

With such a configuration, the heating device of the sixth aspect can agitate the air in the target space without blowing air directly on people in the target space (without giving a drafty feeling).

A heating device according to a seventh aspect is the heating device according to the fifth aspect, further comprising a person detection section for detecting a person in the target space. The wind direction is adjusted so that the air blown out from the air outlet does not directly hit the person detected by the person detection unit.

With such a configuration, the heating device of the seventh aspect can agitate the air in the target space without blowing air directly on people in the target space (without giving a drafty feeling).

The heating device of the eighth aspect is the heating device of the second aspect, and when stopped, the first temperature exceeds the set temperature, and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is less than a predetermined first threshold Executed when it grows. The first process is a process of changing the first threshold.

With such a configuration, the heating device of the eighth aspect can suppress erroneous stopping of heating.

A heating device according to a ninth aspect is the heating device according to any one of the second aspect to the eighth aspect, and when stopped, the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is , is greater than a predetermined first threshold. When the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference is greater than the first threshold value, the determination unit determines that a hot air pool exists in the surroundings before the stop is executed. The operation control unit performs the first process before the stop is executed.

The heating device of the ninth aspect can suppress erroneous stopping of heating by performing the first process before stopping heating.

A heating device according to a tenth aspect is the heating device according to any one of the second aspect to the eighth aspect, further comprising a second temperature measuring section that measures a second temperature of the target space. The determining unit determines that a warm air pool exists in the surroundings when the first temperature exceeds the second temperature and the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is greater than a predetermined second threshold. .

The heating device of the tenth aspect can prevent the heating from being erroneously stopped even when warm air is accumulated during heating.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner; FIG. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. It is a sectional view of an indoor unit. It is a control block diagram of an air conditioner. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of air blown out from the outlet of the indoor unit; It is a flow chart which shows an example of processing of an air conditioner.

(1) Overall Configuration The air conditioner 1 (heating device) is a device that heats the target space SP using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment not only heats the target space SP (hereinafter sometimes referred to as heating operation), but also cools the target space SP (hereinafter sometimes referred to as cooling operation). It is a device that can However, the air conditioner 1 may be a dedicated heating device capable of only heating the target space SP.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1. As shown in FIG. The air conditioner 1 mainly includes an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 3, and refrigerant communication pipes 41 and 42, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 has only one indoor unit 3, but the air conditioner 1 may have a plurality of indoor units 3 connected in parallel. The refrigerant communication pipes 41 and 42 include a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 41 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 42 . The refrigerant communication pipes 41 and 42 are pipes that connect the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 . The refrigerant communication pipes 41 and 42 are pipes constructed at the installation site when the air conditioner 1 is installed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , the refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1 is configured by connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 via a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 41 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 42 . The refrigerant circuit 10 mainly includes a compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2, a flow direction switching mechanism 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 24, and an indoor heat exchanger 31 of the indoor unit 3.

(2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Indoor Unit As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 3 is installed in the target space SP. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 3 is a wall-mounted unit. However, the indoor unit 3 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a ceiling-embedded unit, a ceiling-suspended unit, a floor-standing unit, or the like.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 3. FIG. The indoor unit 3 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 31, an indoor fan 32, a flap 35, a casing 39, and an indoor controller 62, as shown in FIGS. In addition, the indoor unit 3 has various sensors. In addition, the indoor unit 3 connects the liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 41 with the liquid refrigerant pipe 33, and connects the gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger 31 with the gas refrigerant communication pipe 42. and a gas refrigerant pipe 34 .

(2-1-1) Casing As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the casing 39 has a suction port 39a at its upper portion and an outlet port 39b at its lower portion. The indoor unit 3 drives the indoor fan 32 to suck the air in the target space SP from the suction port 39a, and blows off the air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 31 from the blowout port 39b.

(2-1-2) Indoor Heat Exchanger The indoor heat exchanger 31 causes heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the air in the target space SP. The indoor heat exchanger 31 has a plurality of heat transfer fins 311 and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 312, as shown in FIG. The heat transfer tube 312 is folded multiple times and passes through one heat transfer fin 311 multiple times. The indoor unit 3 drives the indoor fan 32 to suck air in the target space SP from the suction port 39a. The sucked air in the target space SP passes between the heat transfer fins 311 . At this time, since the refrigerant is flowing through the heat transfer tubes 312, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes 312 and the air in the target space SP. The air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 31 is blown out from the outlet 39b.

The indoor heat exchanger 31 functions as a condenser (radiator) during heating operation.

(2-1-3) Indoor Fan As shown in FIG. 3, the indoor fan 32 (fan) sucks air from the suction port 39a and supplies it to the indoor heat exchanger 31, The heat-exchanged air is blown out from the outlet 39b into the target space SP. The indoor fan 32 supplies air to the indoor heat exchanger 31 as a condenser during the heating operation of the air conditioner 1 .

The indoor fan 32 of this embodiment is a cross-flow fan. However, the indoor fan 32 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a centrifugal fan such as a turbo fan or a sirocco fan.

The indoor fan 32 is driven by an indoor fan motor 32m, as shown in FIG. The rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 32m can be controlled by an inverter.

(2-1-4) Flap As shown in FIG. 3, the flap 35 (wind direction adjusting member) is installed at the outlet 39b. The flap 35 adjusts the direction of the air blown out from the outlet 39b. The flaps 35 include horizontal flaps 35a and vertical flaps 35b. The horizontal flap 35a vertically changes the direction of the air blown out from the outlet 39b. The horizontal flap 35a is driven by a horizontal flap motor 35am. The vertical flap 35b is configured to be able to change the direction of the air blown from the outlet 39b to the left or right. The vertical flap 35b is driven by a vertical flap motor 35bm.

(2-1-5) Sensors As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the indoor unit 3 includes an indoor temperature sensor 71, an infrared temperature sensor 72, and a human detection sensor 73 as main sensors. In addition, the indoor unit 3 has an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 as shown in FIG.

The indoor temperature sensor 71 (first temperature measurement unit) measures the first temperature of the target space SP. The first temperature is the temperature of air in the target space SP. The indoor temperature sensor 71 is, for example, a thermistor. In this embodiment, the indoor temperature sensor 71 is installed on the right side surface of the indoor unit 3, as shown in FIG.

The infrared temperature sensor 72 (second temperature measurement unit) measures the second temperature of the target space SP. The second temperature is the temperature of the floor and walls of the target space SP. The infrared temperature sensor 72 is, for example, an infrared camera. In this embodiment, the infrared temperature sensor 72 is installed in front of the indoor unit 3 as shown in FIG.

The human detection sensor 73 (human detection unit) detects a person in the target space SP. The human detection sensor 73 is, for example, a human detection camera. In this embodiment, the human detection sensor 73 is installed in front of the indoor unit 3, as shown in FIG.

The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 measures the third temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 . The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 is, for example, a thermistor. The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 74 is installed in the indoor heat exchanger 31, as shown in FIG.

(2-1-6) Indoor Control Section The indoor control section 62 controls the operation of each section that configures the indoor unit 3 .

The indoor controller 62 is electrically connected to various devices of the indoor unit 3 including the indoor fan motor 32m, the horizontal flap motor 35am, and the vertical flap motor 35bm. In addition, the indoor control unit 62 is communicably connected to various sensors provided in the indoor unit 3, including the indoor temperature sensor 71, the infrared temperature sensor 72, the human detection sensor 73, and the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 74. ing.

The indoor controller 62 has a control arithmetic device and a storage device. The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM and flash memory. The control arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing according to the program, thereby controlling the operation of each part that constitutes the indoor unit 3 . Further, the control arithmetic device can write the arithmetic result to the storage device and read the information stored in the storage device according to the program. Also, the indoor controller 62 has a timer.

The indoor controller 62 is configured to be able to receive various signals transmitted from a remote controller (not shown) for operating the air conditioner 1 . The various signals include, for example, signals for instructing start and stop of operation and signals for various settings. Signals related to various settings include, for example, signals related to set temperature and set humidity. Also, the indoor controller 62 exchanges various signals with the outdoor controller 61 of the outdoor unit 2 via a communication line. The indoor controller 62 and the outdoor controller 61 cooperate to function as the controller 60 . Functions of the controller 60 will be described later.

(2-2) Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit 2 is installed, for example, in the garden or veranda of the building where the air conditioner 1 is installed, although the installation location is not limited.

The outdoor unit 2, as shown in FIG. , gas shutoff valve 28 , and outdoor control unit 61 . The outdoor unit 2 also has various sensors (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor unit 2 has a suction pipe 10a, a discharge pipe 10b, a first gas refrigerant pipe 10c, a liquid refrigerant pipe 10d, and a second gas refrigerant pipe 10e. The suction pipe 10 a connects the flow direction switching mechanism 22 and the suction end of the compressor 21 . The discharge pipe 10 b connects the discharge end of the compressor 21 and the flow direction switching mechanism 22 . The first gas refrigerant pipe 10 c connects the flow direction switching mechanism 22 and the gas side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 . The liquid refrigerant pipe 10 d connects the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 41 . A liquid shut-off valve 27 is provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 10d and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 41 . An expansion valve 24 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 10d. The second gas refrigerant pipe 10 e connects the flow direction switching mechanism 22 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 42 . A gas shutoff valve 28 is provided at the connecting portion of the second gas refrigerant pipe 10 e to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 42 . The liquid shutoff valve 27 and the gas shutoff valve 28 are manually opened and closed valves.

(2-2-1) Compressor As shown in FIG. 2, the compressor 21 is a device that compresses and discharges refrigerant using a compression mechanism 21a. Compressor 21 pressurizes low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to high pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The compressor 21 is, for example, a volumetric compressor such as a rotary type or a scroll type, although the type is not limited. A compression mechanism 21a of the compressor 21 is driven by a compressor motor 21m. The rotation speed of the compressor motor 21m can be controlled by an inverter.

(2-2-2) Flow Direction Switching Mechanism The flow direction switching mechanism 22 is a mechanism for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21, as shown in FIG. In other words, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 is a mechanism for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 . In this embodiment, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 is a four-way switching valve.

The air conditioner 1 switches between the heating operation of the air conditioner 1 and the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1 by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant with the flow direction switching mechanism 22 .

During heating operation, the flow direction switching mechanism 22 communicates the suction pipe 10a with the first gas refrigerant pipe 10c, and the discharge pipe 10b with the second gas refrigerant pipe, as indicated by the dashed line in the flow direction switching mechanism 22 in FIG. 10e. As a result of the flow direction switching mechanism 22 connecting the refrigerant pipes in this manner, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 during heating operation flows through the refrigerant circuit 10 through the indoor heat exchanger 31, the expansion valve 24, and the outdoor heat exchanger. 23 and return to the suction end of the compressor 21 . During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 31 functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator.

(2-2-3) Outdoor heat exchanger Although the structure of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is not limited, for example, a cross fin composed of a heat transfer tube (not shown) and a large number of fins (not shown) fin-and-tube heat exchanger. In the outdoor heat exchanger 23, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the heat source air.

The outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator during heating operation.

(2-2-4) Expansion Valve The expansion valve 24 is an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the degree of opening used for adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant.

The expansion valve 24 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 10d, as shown in FIG. The expansion valve 24 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 toward the indoor heat exchanger 31 or the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 31 toward the outdoor heat exchanger 23 .

(2-2-5) Accumulator The accumulator 25 is a container having a gas-liquid separation function to separate the inflowing refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 25 is provided in the intake pipe 10a, as shown in FIG. In other words, the accumulator 25 is arranged upstream of the compressor 21 in the refrigerant flow direction. The refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 25 is divided into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and the gas refrigerant collected in the upper space flows into the compressor 21 .

(2-2-6) Outdoor fan The outdoor fan 26 draws heat source air (air at the location where the outdoor unit 2 is installed) into the outdoor unit 2, supplies it to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 It is a fan that discharges air that has undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant to the outside of the outdoor unit 2 . The outdoor fan 26 supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 as an evaporator during the heating operation of the air conditioner 1 .

The outdoor fan 26 is, for example, an axial fan such as a propeller fan. However, the type of the outdoor fan 26 is not limited to the axial fan, and may be selected as appropriate. The outdoor fan 26 is driven by an outdoor fan motor 26m. The rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 26m can be controlled by an inverter.

(2-2-7) Outdoor Control Section The outdoor control section 61 controls the operation of each section that configures the outdoor unit 2 .

The outdoor control unit 61 is electrically connected to various devices of the outdoor unit 2 including the compressor motor 21m, the flow direction switching mechanism 22, the expansion valve 24, and the outdoor fan motor 26m. In addition, the outdoor control unit 61 is communicably connected to various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 2 .

The outdoor controller 61 has a control arithmetic device and a storage device. The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM and flash memory. The control arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing according to the program, thereby controlling the operation of each part that constitutes the outdoor unit 2 . Further, the control arithmetic device can write the arithmetic result to the storage device and read the information stored in the storage device according to the program. In addition, the outdoor controller 61 has a timer.

The outdoor controller 61 exchanges various signals with the indoor controller 62 of the indoor unit 3 via a communication line. The outdoor controller 61 and the indoor controller 62 cooperate to function as the controller 60 . Functions of the controller 60 will be described later.

(2-3) Controller The controller 60 controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 by causing the outdoor controller 61 of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor controller 62 of the indoor unit 3 to cooperate. For example, the controller 60 controls the overall operation of the air conditioner 1 by causing the control arithmetic devices of the outdoor control unit 61 and the indoor control unit 62 to execute programs stored in respective storage devices.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 1. As shown in FIG. The controller 60 is communicably connected to an indoor temperature sensor 71, an infrared temperature sensor 72, a human detection sensor 73, and an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 74, as shown in FIG. The controller 60 receives measurement signals transmitted by these sensors 71-74. Controller 60 is electrically connected to indoor fan motor 32m, horizontal flap motor 35am, vertical flap motor 35bm, compressor motor 21m, flow direction switching mechanism 22, expansion valve 24, and outdoor fan motor 26m. The controller 60 operates the indoor fan motor 32m, the horizontal flap motor 35am, the vertical flap motor 35bm, and the compressor motor 21m based on control signals transmitted by the remote controller for operating the air conditioner 1 and measurement signals from sensors including the sensors 71 to 74. , flow direction switching mechanism 22, expansion valve 24, and outdoor fan motor 26m. The controller 60 controls the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit 10 by controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 .

The controller 60 controls various devices of the air conditioner 1 to cause the air conditioner 1 to perform heating operation. The controller 60 controls the flow direction switching mechanism 22 so that the flow direction switching mechanism 22 is in the state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. do. The controller 60 controls the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21m of the compressor 21 and the operation of the expansion valve 24 according to the air conditioning load, the set temperature, and the like.

During heating operation, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is sucked into the compressor 21 and compressed into a high-pressure gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 is sent from the outdoor unit 2 to the indoor unit 3 through the flow direction switching mechanism 22 , the gas shutoff valve 28 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 42 . The high pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor unit 3 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 31 . The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 32 in the indoor heat exchanger 31 that functions as a condenser, and is cooled and condensed into a high-pressure gas. It becomes a liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent from the indoor unit 3 to the outdoor unit 2 through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 41 . The refrigerant sent to the outdoor unit 2 is sent to the expansion valve 24 , decompressed by the expansion valve 24 , and sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 . The refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 26 in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 that functions as an evaporator, and is heated to evaporate to a low pressure. It becomes a gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 21 again through the flow direction switching mechanism 22 .

The controller 60 has, as main functions, a thermo-off function 81, a thermo-on function 82, and a cold wind prevention function 83, as shown in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller 60 includes a determination unit 84 and an operation control unit 85 as functional blocks.

(2-3-1) Thermo-Off Function and Thermo-On Function The thermo-off function 81 is a function to automatically stop the heating operation temporarily according to the set temperature during the heating operation. Specifically, when the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold, the controller 60 temporarily turns off the compressor 21. (the function of the indoor heat exchanger 31 as a condenser is temporarily stopped). The first threshold is, for example, 2°C. In other words, the thermo-off function 81 temporarily stops the compressor 21 and temporarily suspends the heating operation for energy saving or the like when the temperature of the air in the target space SP becomes sufficiently high beyond the set temperature. It is a function to stop automatically. In the present embodiment, the execution of the thermo-off function 81 by the controller 60 may be expressed as "to turn off the thermostat." Further, the state in which the compressor 21 is temporarily stopped after the thermo-off function 81 is executed may be expressed as "during thermo-off" or "state of thermo-off".

The thermo-on function 82 is a function for automatically restarting the heating operation according to the set temperature when the thermostat is off. Specifically, the controller 60 restarts the compressor 21 when the first temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is greater than a predetermined third threshold. (the function of the indoor heat exchanger 31 as a condenser is restored). The third threshold is, for example, the same value as the first threshold. In other words, the thermo-on function 82 restarts the compressor 21 when the temperature of the air in the target space SP becomes sufficiently low below the set temperature after the thermo-off function 81 is executed. It is a function to resume driving. In this embodiment, the execution of the thermo-on function 82 by the controller 60 may be expressed as "to turn the thermo-on" or the like. In addition, the state in which the heating operation is being performed, including the state after the thermo-on function 82 is performed, may be expressed as "at the time of thermo-on" or "state of thermo-on".

(2-3-2) Cold Air Prevention Function The cold air prevention function 83 is to blow cold air from the outlet 39b when the temperature (third temperature) of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 drops below a predetermined value. In order to prevent this, the number of revolutions of the indoor fan motor 32m is lowered to lower the air volume blown out from the outlet 39b. The air volume is adjusted, for example, to a settable minimum air volume. When the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 31 falls below a predetermined value, for example, the compressor 21 is temporarily stopped by the thermo-off function 81, or the air conditioner 1 is in low-load heating operation. This is the case where (operation with a small number of revolutions of the compressor motor 21m) is being performed.

(2-3-3) Determining Unit The determining unit 84 determines whether or not there is a warm air pool in which the warm air blown out from the outlet 39b remains around the indoor unit 3 or not. A hot air pool occurs, for example, when the amount of air blown out from the outlet 39b of the indoor unit 3 decreases. Therefore, warm air buildup occurs when the cold air prevention function 83 operates during low-load heating operation. When warm air builds up, the temperature of the air around the indoor unit 3 (first temperature) becomes higher than the temperature of the air in the target space SP other than around the indoor unit 3 . Therefore, the thermo-off function 81 may be erroneously executed even though the temperature of the air in the target space SP other than the surroundings of the indoor unit 3 is low.

The determination unit 84 makes a determination based on the first temperature. In this embodiment, when the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is greater than the first threshold, the determination unit 84 determines that a hot air pool exists in the surroundings. judge. In this embodiment, when the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is greater than the first threshold, the thermo-off function 81 is executed. , determination is made before the thermo-off function 81 is executed.

(2-3-4) Operation Control Unit The operation control unit 85 performs the first process when the determination unit 84 determines that there is a hot air pool. The first process is a process of suppressing execution of the thermo-off function 81 caused by warm air accumulation. In this embodiment, the operation control unit 85 performs the first process after the determination by the determination unit 84 and before the thermo-off function 81 is executed.

The first process is a process of stirring the air in the target space SP. The operation control unit 85 agitates the air in the target space SP for 2 to 3 minutes, for example.

The operation control unit 85 may agitate the air in the target space SP by increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 32m and increasing the amount of air blown out from the outlet 39b. Increasing the air volume is particularly effective when the target space SP is large.

Further, the operation control unit 85 may stir the air in the target space SP by adjusting the wind direction with the flap 35 . If there is a wall or the like around the air conditioner 1, it is particularly effective to adjust the wind direction.

The wind direction may be adjusted so that the air blown from the air outlet 39b follows the ceiling, walls, or floor of the target space SP. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of air blown out from the outlet 39b of the indoor unit 3. As shown in FIG. The operation control unit 85 directs the horizontal flap 35a upward, for example, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. The wind direction can be adjusted so as to follow the order (so as to circulate within the target space SP).

Also, the direction of the wind may be adjusted so that the air blown from the air outlet 39 b does not directly hit the person detected by the person detection sensor 73 .

(3) Processing An example of processing of the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The air conditioner 1 starts heating operation as shown in step S1.

After completing step S1, the air conditioner 1, as shown in step S2, the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature reaches a predetermined first threshold value (positive value ). When the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is greater than a predetermined first threshold value, the air conditioner 1 proceeds to step S3. Otherwise, the air conditioner 1 continues the heating operation.

When proceeding from step S2 to step S3, the air conditioner 1 determines that a warm air pool exists around the indoor unit 3 as shown in step S3.

After completing step S3, the air conditioner 1 executes a first process as shown in step S4.

After completing step S4, the air conditioner 1 again causes the first temperature to exceed the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature to exceed the predetermined first threshold as shown in step S5. Determine whether or not When the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is greater than a predetermined first threshold value, the air conditioner 1 proceeds to step S6. Otherwise, the air conditioner 1 continues the heating operation.

When proceeding from step S5 to step S6, the air conditioner 1 executes the thermo-off function 81 to temporarily stop the compressor 21 as shown in step S6.

After completing step S6, the air conditioner 1 has the first temperature lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature reaches a predetermined third threshold value (positive value) as shown in step S7. ). When the first temperature is lower than the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is greater than the predetermined third threshold, the air conditioner 1 proceeds to step S8. Otherwise, the air conditioner 1 continues the thermo-off state.

When proceeding from step S7 to step S8, the air conditioner 1 executes the thermo-on function 82 and restarts the compressor 21 as shown in step S8.

(4) Features (4-1)
Conventionally, in an air conditioner, there is a technique for eliminating the accumulation of warm air when the thermostat is turned off and turning the thermostat on normally.

When performing a low-load operation for heating, the air conditioner reduces the blowing air volume in order to prevent cold air from being blown due to the temperature drop of the indoor heat exchanger. At this time, hot air is likely to accumulate, but the conventional technology only targets warm air when the thermostat is turned off.

In the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the determination unit 84 determines whether or not there is a warm air pool in which the warm air blown out from the outlet 39 b is present around the indoor unit 3 . The operation control unit 85 performs the first process when there is a hot air pool. The first process is a process of suppressing execution of the thermo-off function 81 caused by warm air accumulation.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can prevent the thermostat from being erroneously turned off even when warm air is accumulated when the thermostat is on.

(4-2)
The air conditioner 1 of this embodiment further includes an indoor temperature sensor 71 . The indoor temperature sensor 71 measures the first temperature of the target space SP. The determination unit 84 makes a determination based on the first temperature.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can determine whether a hot air pool exists around the indoor unit 3 based on the first temperature.

(4-3)
In the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment, the first process is a process of stirring the air in the target space SP.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can eliminate hot air buildup and prevent the thermostat from being erroneously turned off.

(4-4)
In the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the first process agitates the air in the target space SP by increasing the amount of air blown out from the outlet 39b of the indoor unit 3 .

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can stir the air in the target space SP.

(4-5)
In the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment, a flap 35 for adjusting the wind direction of the blown air is installed at the outlet 39b of the indoor unit 3 . The first process stirs the air in the target space SP by adjusting the wind direction with the flap 35 .

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can stir the air in the target space SP.

(4-6)
In the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment, the wind direction is adjusted so that the air blown out from the outlet 39b of the indoor unit 3 follows the ceiling, wall, or floor of the target space SP.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can agitate the air in the target space SP without blowing air directly to the person in the target space SP (without giving a feeling of draft).

(4-7)
The air conditioner 1 of this embodiment further includes a human detection sensor 73 that detects a person in the target space SP. The wind direction is adjusted so that the air blown out from the air outlet 39 b of the indoor unit 3 does not directly hit the person detected by the person detection sensor 73 .

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can agitate the air in the target space SP without blowing air directly to the person in the target space SP (without giving a feeling of draft).

(4-8)
In this embodiment, the thermo-off function 81 is executed when the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold. If the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference is greater than the first threshold, the determination unit 84 determines that a warm air pool exists around the indoor unit 3 before the thermo-off function 81 is executed. judge. The operation control unit 85 performs first processing before the thermo-off function 81 is executed.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can suppress the erroneous execution of the thermo-off function 81 by performing the first process before the thermo-off function 81 is executed.

(5) Modification (5-1) Modification 1A
In this embodiment, the first process is a process of stirring the air in the target space SP. However, the first process may be a process of changing the first threshold. Specifically, the first process increases the first threshold.

As a result, the thermo-off function 81 is less likely to be executed, and the air conditioner 1 can prevent the thermo-off function 81 from being erroneously executed.

(5-2) Modification 1B
In the present embodiment, when the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference is greater than the first threshold, the determination unit 84 determines whether warm air is accumulated in the indoor unit 3 before the thermo-off function 81 is executed. was determined to exist around

However, when the first temperature exceeds the second temperature and the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a predetermined second threshold value, the determination unit 84 determines that the warm air is accumulated in the indoor unit 3. may be determined to exist around

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can prevent the erroneous execution of the thermo-off function 81 even when warm air is accumulated during thermo-on.

(5-3)
Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. .

1 Air conditioner (heating device)
32 indoor fan (fan)
35 flap (wind direction adjustment member)
35a horizontal flap (wind direction adjusting member)
35b vertical flap (wind direction adjusting member)
71 indoor temperature sensor (first temperature measurement unit)
73 human detection sensor (human detection unit)
72 infrared temperature sensor (second temperature measurement unit)
84 Determination unit 85 Operation control unit 93b Air outlet SP Target space

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-136038

Claims (10)

A heating device (1) having a function of automatically stopping according to a set temperature,
a fan (32) for blowing air from the outlet (39b) to the target space (SP) to be heated;
a judgment unit (84) for judging whether or not a warm air pool in which warm air blown out from the air outlet is retained exists in the surroundings;
an operation control unit (85) that performs a first process of suppressing the stoppage due to the warm air pool when it is determined that the warm air pool exists;
comprising
Heating device (1). a first temperature measuring unit (71) for measuring a first temperature of the target space;
further comprising
The determination unit makes a determination based on the first temperature.
A heating device (1) according to claim 1. The first process is a process of stirring the air in the target space,
A heating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2. The first process stirs the air in the target space by increasing the volume of air blown out from the outlet.
Heating device (1) according to claim 3. A wind direction adjusting member (35) for adjusting the wind direction of the blown air is installed at the outlet,
The first process agitates the air in the target space by adjusting the wind direction with the wind direction adjusting member.
Heating device (1) according to claim 3. The wind direction is adjusted so that the air blown out from the air outlet is along the ceiling, wall, or floor of the target space.
Heating device (1) according to claim 5. a human detection unit (73) for detecting a person in the target space;
further comprising
The direction of the wind is adjusted so that the air blown out from the outlet does not directly hit the person detected by the person detection unit.
Heating device (1) according to claim 5. The stop is executed when the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is greater than a predetermined first threshold,
The first process is a process of changing the first threshold,
A heating device (1) according to claim 2. The stop is executed when the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference between the set temperature and the first temperature is greater than a predetermined first threshold,
When the first temperature exceeds the set temperature and the temperature difference exceeds the first threshold, the determination unit determines that the warm air pool exists in the surrounding area before the stop is executed. judge,
The operation control unit performs the first process before the stop is executed.
A heating device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8. a second temperature measuring unit (72) for measuring a second temperature of the target space;
further comprising
The determination unit determines that the warm air pool is generated when the first temperature exceeds the second temperature and a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a predetermined second threshold. determined to exist in the surroundings,
A heating device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

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