JP2022175209A - air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner that executes notification to urge ventilation of an air conditioning room appropriately.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 100 includes a display lamp 23 and a speaker 32 for executing notification to urge ventilation of an air conditioning room, and a control unit 30 for causing the display lamp 23 and the speaker 32 to execute the notification when a first predetermined condition is established. The control unit 30 does not cause the display lamp 23 and the speaker 32 to execute the notification when a second predetermined condition is established even when the first predetermined condition is established.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

In recent years, with the spread of infections such as the new coronavirus, it is particularly recommended to regularly ventilate the room. For such indoor ventilation, for example, a technique described in Patent Literature 1 is known. That is, Patent Literature 1 describes that the control unit executes at least one of predicting an abnormality related to the concentration of a predetermined gas in the room and controlling ventilation in the room.

Japanese Patent No. 6712509

For example, when a user opens a window for ventilation during cooling operation in summer, the air cooled by the air conditioner goes out through the window, while the high-temperature outside air enters the air-conditioned room through the window. In this way, opening the window to ventilate may impair the comfort of the user, so it is desirable not to give an unnecessary notification to encourage ventilation. However, Patent Literature 1 does not describe a technique for avoiding unnecessary notification to encourage ventilation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that appropriately issues a notification to prompt ventilation of an air-conditioned room.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes a notification unit that performs notification to prompt ventilation of an air-conditioned room, and a notification unit that performs the notification when a first predetermined condition is satisfied. and a control unit that causes the notification to be performed by the notification unit when a second predetermined condition is satisfied even when the first predetermined condition is satisfied. did.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that appropriately issues a notification to prompt ventilation of an air-conditioned room.

1 is a front view of an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a remote control of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram including a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the case of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment, with the side plate and the top plate removed; 1 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing executed by a control unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which ventilation is not performed during air conditioning operation in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which ventilation is performed during air conditioning operation in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment; 9 is a flowchart of processing executed by a control unit of an air conditioner according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment; 9 is a flowchart of processing executed by a control unit of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow chart of processing executed by a control unit of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing executed by a control unit of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a flow chart of processing executed by a control unit of an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to a seventh embodiment; FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing executed by a control unit of an air conditioner according to a seventh embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to an eighth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a flowchart of processing executed by a control unit of an air conditioner according to an eighth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a filter and a filter cleaning section provided in an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a modification;

<<First embodiment>>
<Configuration of air conditioner>
FIG. 1 is a front view of an indoor unit 20, an outdoor unit 40, and a remote controller 60 of an air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment.
The air conditioner 100 is a device that performs air conditioning such as cooling operation and heating operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit 20 installed indoors (air-conditioned room), an outdoor unit 40 installed outdoors, and a remote controller 60 operated by a user. .

The indoor unit 20 includes a remote control transmission/reception section 21, an imaging section 22 (human detection section), and a display lamp 23 (notification section).
The remote control transmitting/receiving unit 21 exchanges predetermined information with the remote control 60 by infrared communication or the like. Examples of the above information include start/stop commands, change of operation mode, change of set temperature, timer setting, and the like.

The imaging unit 22 is for imaging the air-conditioned room, and is provided in the indoor unit 20 .
The display lamp 23 is provided in the indoor unit 20 to perform a predetermined display regarding air conditioning operation and the like. Although omitted in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 40 are connected via a refrigerant pipe and also via a communication line.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram including the refrigerant circuit 50 of the air conditioner 100. As shown in FIG.
The solid line arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of the refrigerant during the heating operation.
On the other hand, dashed arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of the refrigerant during the cooling operation.
As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor fan 13, and an expansion valve . The air conditioner 100 also includes an indoor heat exchanger 15, an indoor fan 16, and a four-way valve 17 in addition to the above-described configuration.

The compressor 11 is a device that compresses refrigerant. That is, the compressor 11 is a device that compresses a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant and discharges it as a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant, and includes a compressor motor 11a that is a driving source. As such a compressor 11, a scroll compressor, a rotary compressor, or the like is used. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the suction side of the compressor 11 is provided with an accumulator 36 (see FIG. 4) for separating gas and liquid of the refrigerant.

The outdoor heat exchanger 12 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through its heat transfer tubes 12 b (see FIG. 4 ) and the outside air sent by the outdoor fan 13 .
The outdoor fan 13 is a fan that sends outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 . The outdoor fan 13 is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and has an outdoor fan motor 13a as a drive source.
The expansion valve 14 is a valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the "condenser" (one of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15). The refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 14 is guided to an "evaporator" (the other of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15).

The indoor heat exchanger 15 is a heat exchanger in which heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipes 15b (see FIG. 3) and the indoor air (the air in the air-conditioned room) sent by the indoor fan 16. is.
The indoor fan 16 is a fan that sends air into the air-conditioned room via the indoor heat exchanger 15 . The indoor fan 16 includes an indoor fan motor 16 c (see FIG. 5 ) as a drive source, and is provided near the indoor heat exchanger 15 .

The four-way valve 17 is a valve that switches the refrigerant flow path according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 100 . For example, during cooling operation (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 2), in the refrigerant circuit 50, the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 (evaporator) The refrigerant circulates through sequentially. On the other hand, during heating operation (see solid line arrows in FIG. 2), in the refrigerant circuit 50, the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (evaporator) The refrigerant circulates through sequentially.

In the example of FIG. 2 , the compressor 11 , the outdoor heat exchanger 12 , the outdoor fan 13 , the expansion valve 14 and the four-way valve 17 are installed in the outdoor unit 40 . On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 are installed in the indoor unit 20 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 20 taken along line III-III in FIG.
The indoor unit 20 shown in FIG. 3 includes a drain pan 18, a housing base 19, and filters 20a and 20b in addition to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 described above. Furthermore, the indoor unit 20 includes a front panel 24 , a left/right wind direction plate 25 and an up/down direction plate 26 .

The indoor heat exchanger 15 includes a plurality of fins 15a and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 15b passing through the fins 15a. In the example of FIG. 3, the indoor heat exchanger 15 has an inverted V shape when viewed in vertical cross section.
The indoor fan 16 is, for example, a cylindrical cross-flow fan, and includes an indoor fan motor 16c (see FIG. 5) as a drive source. As shown in FIG. 3 , the indoor fan 16 is provided near the indoor heat exchanger 15 .

The drain pan 18 receives condensed water from the indoor heat exchanger 15 and is arranged below the indoor heat exchanger 15 .
The housing base 19 is a housing in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 as well as the filters 20a and 20b are installed.

The filters 20a and 20b collect dust from the air heading for the indoor heat exchanger 15 as the indoor fan 16 is driven. One filter 20 a is arranged in front of the indoor heat exchanger 15 , and the other filter 20 b is arranged above the indoor heat exchanger 15 .
The front panel 24 is a panel installed so as to cover the filter 20a on the front side, and is rotatable forward about its lower end portion. In addition, the structure which the front panel 24 does not rotate may be sufficient.

The left/right wind direction plate 25 is a plate-shaped member that adjusts the left/right direction of the air blown out from the indoor unit 20, and is rotated in the left/right direction by a left/right direction plate motor 25a (see FIG. 5). there is
The vertical wind direction plate 26 is a plate-shaped member that adjusts the vertical direction of the air blown out from the indoor unit 20, and is rotated vertically by a vertical wind direction plate motor 26a (see FIG. 5). there is

The air sucked through the air inlets 27 a and 27 b exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes 15 b of the indoor heat exchanger 15 , and the heat-exchanged air is guided to the blowout air passage 28 . The air flowing through the blowing air passage 28 is guided in a predetermined direction by the left/right airflow direction plate 25 and the up/down airflow direction plate 26, and is further blown into the room through the air blowing port 29. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the housing 41 of the outdoor unit 40 with the side plates and top plate removed.
4, illustration of the expansion valve 14 (see FIG. 2) and the four-way valve 17 (see FIG. 2) is omitted.
The housing 41 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the outdoor fan 13, as well as the accumulator 36 and the electric component box 43. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 having an L-shape in plan view is installed on the bottom plate 41 a of the housing 41 . The outdoor heat exchanger 12 includes a large number of fins 12a arranged at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 12b passing through these fins 12a. The refrigerant flows through the heat transfer tubes 12b while meandering in a predetermined manner.

The partition plate 42 shown in FIG. 4 is a metal plate that partitions the space in the housing 41 into a machine room R1 in which the compressor 11 and the accumulator 36 are installed, and a fan room R2 in which the outdoor fan 13 is installed. .
The electrical equipment box 43 is a box for housing a circuit board of an outdoor control circuit 35 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, and is provided above the partition plate 42 .

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 100. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor unit 20 includes a remote controller transmission/reception section 21 (see also FIG. 1), an imaging section 22 (see also FIG. 1), and the like. As described above, the imaging unit 22 is for imaging the air-conditioned room, and includes a predetermined imaging element (not shown). As such an imaging device, for example, a CCD sensor (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS sensor (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) is used. Alternatively, a thermopile or the like that generates a thermal image of the air-conditioned room may be used as the imaging unit 22 . Captured image information generated by the imaging unit 22 is output to the indoor control circuit 33 .

Furthermore, the indoor unit 20 includes the indoor fan motor 16c, the motor 25a for the left/right wind direction plate, the motor 26a for the up/down wind direction plate, and the display lamp 23 (informing unit: see also FIG. 1). , an indoor temperature sensor 31 , a speaker 32 (informing unit), and an indoor control circuit 33 .

The indoor temperature sensor 31 is a sensor that detects the indoor temperature (the temperature of the air-conditioned room), and is installed, for example, on the air intake side of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see FIG. 2). A detected value of the indoor temperature sensor 31 is output to the indoor control circuit 33 .
The display lamp 23 is designed to light up or flash in accordance with a command from the indoor control circuit 33 . The speaker 32 emits a predetermined sound (including voice) based on a command from the indoor control circuit 33 . The display lamp 23 and the speaker 32 function as a "notification unit" that notifies the ventilation of the air-conditioned room.

Although not shown, the indoor control circuit 33 includes electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and various interfaces. Then, the program stored in the ROM is read out and developed in the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes.

As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor control circuit 33 includes a storage section 33a and an indoor control section 33b. The storage unit 33a stores data received via the remote control transmission/reception unit 21, data input from the imaging unit 22, detection values of each sensor, and the like. The indoor control unit 33b controls the indoor fan motor 16c, the left/right air deflector motor 25a, the up/down air deflector motor 26a, the display lamp 23, the speaker 32, and the like based on the data in the storage unit 33a.

As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor controller 33b includes a human detector 331b (human detector) and a carbon dioxide concentration calculator 332b. The human detection unit 331b detects a person in the air-conditioned room (a person in the room) based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 22 . The “human detection unit” that detects people in the air-conditioned room includes the imaging unit 22 and the human detection unit 331b.
The carbon dioxide concentration calculator 332b calculates the carbon dioxide concentration in the air-conditioned room based on the detection result of the human detector 331b. Processing executed by the human detection unit 331b and the carbon dioxide concentration calculation unit 332b will be described later.

The outdoor unit 40 includes an outdoor temperature sensor 34 and an outdoor control circuit 35 in addition to the compressor motor 11a, the outdoor fan motor 13a, the expansion valve 14, and the four-way valve 17 described above.
The outdoor temperature sensor 34 is a sensor that detects the outdoor temperature (outside air temperature) and is installed at a predetermined location of the outdoor unit 40 . Although not shown in FIG. 5, the outdoor unit 40 also includes other sensors for detecting the discharge temperature of the compressor 11 (see FIG. 1). Detected values of these sensors are output to the outdoor control circuit 35 .

Although not shown, the outdoor control circuit 35 includes electronic circuits such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and various interfaces, and is connected to the indoor control circuit 33 via a communication line. As shown in FIG. 5, the outdoor control circuit 35 includes a storage section 35a and an outdoor control section 35b.

The storage unit 35a stores data received from the indoor control circuit 33 in addition to predetermined programs and detection values of the respective sensors. The outdoor control unit 35b controls the compressor motor 11a, the outdoor fan motor 13a, the expansion valve 14, the four-way valve 17, etc. based on the data in the storage unit 35a. Note that the indoor control circuit 33 and the outdoor control circuit 35 are collectively referred to as a control section 30 .

<Indoor ventilation>
For example, even if infectious pathogens such as novel coronaviruses and influenza viruses are present indoors (air-conditioned rooms), adequate ventilation in the room will prevent infection through humans. Also, by ventilating the room, there is an advantage that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air in the room decreases while the concentration of oxygen increases.

However, for example, when a user opens a window to ventilate during cooling operation, high-temperature outside air enters the room through the window, which may impair comfort for the user. Therefore, it is desirable not to unnecessarily issue a notification to urge the ventilation of the room (that is, to appropriately issue a notification). Therefore, in the first embodiment, as described below, when the outdoor temperature is outside the predetermined range, the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation.

<Processing of control section>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing executed by the controller of the air conditioner (see FIGS. 2 and 5 as needed).
At the time of "START" in FIG. 6, a predetermined air-conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed, or the air-conditioning operation may be stopped.
Also, at the time of "START" in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the air-conditioned room is not particularly ventilated through windows and doors. The presence or absence of ventilation through windows and doors can be determined, for example, based on the rate of change in the temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned room. It is also possible to recognize the state.

In step S<b>101 , the control unit 30 reads the imaging result of the imaging unit 22 . This imaging result (that is, captured image information) includes data regarding the brightness of each pixel of the imaging unit 22 .

In step S<b>102 , the control unit 30 detects a person in the air-conditioned room using the human detection unit 331 b based on the imaging result (captured image information) of the imaging unit 22 . For example, the control unit 30 extracts a person's head, chest, arms, legs, etc. based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 22, and detects the person based on the positional relationship of each extracted part. Since detection of a person based on captured image information is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S103, the control unit 30 calculates the carbon dioxide concentration α of the air-conditioned room. When calculating the carbon dioxide concentration α, the control unit 30 calculates the volume of the air-conditioned room and the amount of activity of each person in the room. To give a specific example, the control unit 30 first extracts the ridgeline between adjacent walls and the ridgeline between the wall and the floor in the air-conditioned room. Then, the control unit 30 calculates the floor area of the air-conditioned room based on the position of each ridge line and the number of pixels in the captured image, as well as the tilt angle of the imaging unit 22 and the standard installation height of the indoor unit 20 . Then, the control unit 30 calculates the volume of the air-conditioned room by multiplying the floor area by the standard ceiling height of the air-conditioned room. Note that the method for calculating the volume of the air-conditioned room is not limited to this.

The control unit 30 also calculates the amount of activity of each person in the room. Specifically, the control unit 30 calculates the moving distance (that is, moving speed) of the person in the room per unit time based on the movement trajectory of the person in the room. Then, the control unit 30 calculates the amount of activity of the person in the room based on the movement distance of the person in the room per unit time. In addition, "activity amount" is a metabolic rate per unit surface area of a person. As the amount of activity increases, the number of times of breathing per unit time and the amount of breathing for one breath of the person in the room also increase, so the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room tends to increase. Then, the control unit 30 calculates the carbon dioxide concentration α of the air-conditioned room based on the volume of the air-conditioned room and the amount of activity of each person in the room.

In step S104, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than a predetermined value α1 as a first predetermined condition. Note that the predetermined value α1 is a threshold value of the carbon dioxide concentration that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not to issue a notification (S107) to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room, and is set in advance. In step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is less than the predetermined value α1 (S104: No), the process of the control unit 30 returns to step S101. In this case, since the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is relatively low, even if a virus or the like is contained in the exhaled breath of a person in the room, the distribution density of the virus is relatively low. Therefore, there is no particular need for the person in the room to ventilate the air-conditioned room.

On the other hand, in step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105. That is, when the "first predetermined condition" described above is satisfied, the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105.
In step S105, the controller 30 reads the outdoor temperature To. The outdoor temperature To is detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 34 (see FIG. 5), as described above.
Next, in step S106, the controller 30 determines whether or not the outdoor temperature To is outside the predetermined range as a second predetermined condition. This predetermined range is a range of the outdoor temperature To that is used as a criterion for determining whether or not to issue a notification to encourage ventilation, and is set in advance.

If the outdoor temperature To is out of the predetermined range in step S106 (S106: Yes), the control unit 30 ends the series of processes (END) without notifying ventilation (S107). That is, even if the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or higher than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the control unit 30 performs ventilation of the air-conditioned room when the outdoor temperature To is outside the predetermined range (S106: Yes). Do not make any prompting notifications. In other words, even when the "first predetermined condition" is satisfied (S104: Yes), the control unit 30 turns on the display lamp when the "second predetermined condition" is satisfied (S106: Yes). 23 (notification unit) and speaker 32 (notification unit) are not notified.

For example, in a situation where the outdoor temperature To is higher than the upper limit value of the predetermined range, if the user opens the window, the air cooled by the air conditioning goes out through the window, while the high temperature outside air enters the air conditioning room. enter. Even if the control unit 30 issues a notification to encourage ventilation in such a situation, the user may feel uncomfortable with the notification itself and may not perform ventilation (that is, may not open the windows or doors of the air-conditioned room). high. The same applies to the case where the outdoor temperature To is lower than the lower limit of the predetermined range.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the outdoor temperature To is outside the predetermined range (S106: No), the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to prompt ventilation. This makes it possible to maintain comfort for the user and to suppress an increase in power consumption. In this way, the control unit 30 notifies the user when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (notification to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room), and/or even if the user is notified, there is a high possibility that the user will not perform ventilation. Regarding the notification in this case, when the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification by the display lamp 23 (notification section) or the speaker 32 (notification section) is not performed.

In the first embodiment, the condition that the outdoor temperature To is outside the predetermined range (S106: Yes) is used as the "second predetermined condition". As a result, it is possible to suppress the unnecessary notification of prompting ventilation, so that the user's comfort is improved.

Moreover, when the outdoor temperature To is within the predetermined range in step S106 (S106: No), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S107.
In step S<b>107 , the control unit 30 issues a notification to encourage ventilation. For example, the control unit 30 causes the display lamp 23 to light (or blink) in a predetermined manner, and outputs a voice from the speaker 32 recommending that the windows and doors be opened for ventilation. That is, the control unit 30 causes the display lamp 23 (informing unit) and the speaker 32 (informing unit) to perform a notification to prompt ventilation based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 22 . This allows the person in the room to know that it is better to ventilate the air-conditioned room.

Since the outdoor temperature To is within the predetermined range (S106: No), even if the user ventilates by opening the window or door, the user's comfort is unlikely to be impaired. After performing the process of step S107, the control unit 30 ends the series of processes (END).

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which ventilation is not performed during air conditioning operation.
In the example of FIG. 7A, there are three people M1, M2, and M3 in the air-conditioned room, and the predetermined air-conditioning operation is being performed with the window W1 closed. If such a state continues for a long time, the exhaled air of the people M1, M2, and M3 staying in the room stays in the air-conditioned room, so the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air-conditioned room R10 gradually increases. However, in the first embodiment, when the outdoor temperature To is outside the predetermined range (S106: Yes in FIG. 6), the control unit 30 dares not issue a notification to encourage ventilation.

FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of a state in which ventilation is performed during air-conditioning operation.
In the example of FIG. 7B, the person M1 in the room opens the window W1, and another person M2 in the room opens the door D1 to ventilate the room. As a result, the air in the air-conditioned room R10 is replaced, so that the concentration of carbon dioxide is lowered, and the occurrence of virus infection among the persons M1, M2, and M3 in the room can be suppressed.

<effect>
According to the first embodiment, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104 in FIG. 6: Yes) and the outdoor temperature To is within a predetermined range (S106: No), the control unit 30 issues a notification to prompt ventilation of the air conditioning room (S107). By opening the windows and doors to ventilate the room, the person in the room who notices such a notification can suppress the infection of the virus and reduce the carbon dioxide concentration.

Further, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or higher than the predetermined value α1 (S104 in FIG. 6: Yes) and the outdoor temperature To is outside the predetermined range (S106: Yes), the control unit 30 Do not make announcements to encourage ventilation. As a result, for example, when the outdoor temperature is extremely high in summer or when the outdoor temperature is extremely low in winter, it is possible to improve comfort for the user because the notification to encourage ventilation is not unnecessarily performed. . Thus, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the air conditioner 100 that appropriately issues a notification to prompt ventilation of the air-conditioned room.

<<Second embodiment>>
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that when the absolute value of the difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation. there is Note that other points (such as the configuration of the air conditioner 100: see FIGS. 2 and 5) are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing executed by the control unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 5 as appropriate).
At the time of "START" in FIG. 8, a predetermined air-conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed, or the air-conditioning operation may be stopped. Also, since steps S101 to S104 in FIG. 8 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), description thereof will be omitted.

In step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105a. That is, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105a.
In step S105a, the controller 30 reads the outdoor temperature To and the indoor temperature Ti. As described above, the outdoor temperature To is detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 34 (see FIG. 5). On the other hand, the room temperature Ti is detected by the room temperature sensor 31 (see FIG. 5).

Next, in step S106a, as a second predetermined condition, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the outdoor temperature To and the indoor temperature Ti (|To−Ti|) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. . Note that the predetermined value is a threshold value that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not to issue a notification to encourage ventilation, and is set in advance.
In step S106a, when the absolute value of the difference between the outdoor temperature To and the indoor temperature Ti (|To−Ti|) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S106a: Yes), the control unit 30 issues a notification to prompt ventilation (S107). A series of processes is terminated without executing (END). That is, when the above-described "second predetermined condition" is satisfied, the control unit 30 does not perform the notification (S107) that prompts ventilation.

For example, when the indoor temperature Ti is lower than the outdoor temperature To by a predetermined value or more during the air-cooling operation, if the user opens the window, comfort for the user is impaired. In addition, even if the control unit 30 issues a notification to encourage ventilation in such a situation, the user will only feel uncomfortable with the notification itself, and there is a high possibility that ventilation will not be performed (that is, the window or door will not be opened). . The same applies to the case where the indoor temperature Ti is higher than the outdoor temperature To during the heating operation by a predetermined value or more.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the absolute value of the difference between the outdoor temperature To and the indoor temperature Ti (|To−Ti|) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S106a: Yes), the control unit 30 performs ventilation. I am trying not to make a notification to urge. As a result, it is possible to suppress unnecessary notification for prompting ventilation, so that comfort for the user can be enhanced.

As described above, in the second embodiment, there is a possibility that the user will be notified when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (notice to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room) and/or the user will not perform ventilation even if the notification is given. As the "second predetermined condition" regarding the notification when it is high, the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the air-conditioned room (indoor temperature Ti) and the temperature of the outside air (outdoor temperature To) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S106a: Yes). , is used.

Further, in step S106a of FIG. 8, when the absolute value of the difference between the outdoor temperature To and the indoor temperature Ti (|To−Ti|) is less than the predetermined value (S106a: No), the processing of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S107. proceed to
In step S107, the control unit 30 terminates a series of processes after issuing a notification to encourage ventilation (END).

<effect>
According to the second embodiment, when the absolute value of the difference between the outdoor temperature To and the indoor temperature Ti is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S106a in FIG. 8: Yes), the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation. As a result, for example, in a situation in which the difference (absolute value) between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature is very large in summer or winter, the user's comfort is improved because the notification to encourage ventilation is not performed unnecessarily. can.

<<Third Embodiment>>
The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an indoor unit 20A (see FIG. 9) is provided with an illuminance sensor 37 (see FIG. 9). Further, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that when the illuminance of the air-conditioned room is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 30 (see FIG. 9) does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation. ing. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner 100A according to the third embodiment.
An air conditioner 100A shown in FIG. 9 includes an illuminance sensor 37 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 5). The illuminance sensor 37 is a sensor that detects the illuminance of the air-conditioned room, and is provided in the indoor unit 20A. A detection value of the illuminance sensor 37 is output to the indoor control circuit 33 .

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed by the controller of the air conditioner (see FIG. 9 as appropriate).
At the time of "START" in FIG. 10, a predetermined air-conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed, or the air-conditioning operation may be stopped. Also, since steps S101 to S104 in FIG. 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), description thereof will be omitted.

In step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105b. That is, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105b.
In step S105b, the controller 30 reads the illuminance E of the air-conditioned room. As described above, the illuminance E of the air-conditioned room is detected by the illuminance sensor 37 (see FIG. 8).
Next, in step S106b, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the illuminance E of the air-conditioned room is equal to or less than a predetermined value as a second predetermined condition. It should be noted that the predetermined value is a threshold that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not to issue a notification to encourage ventilation (S107), and is set in advance.

In step S106b, if the illuminance E of the air-conditioned room is equal to or less than the predetermined value (S106b: Yes), the control unit 30 ends the series of processes (END) without notifying ventilation (S107). That is, when the above-described "second predetermined condition" is satisfied, the control unit 30 does not perform the notification (S107) that prompts ventilation.
For example, when the lighting in the air-conditioned room is turned off at night, the illuminance E is less than or equal to a predetermined value because the air-conditioned room is dark. In such a case, there is a high possibility that no one is in the air-conditioned room, or that the user is asleep. If a notification prompting ventilation is given in such a state, the user may wake up and feel uncomfortable, and even if the user notices the notification, there is a high possibility that ventilation will not be performed. Therefore, in the third embodiment, when the illuminance E of the air-conditioned room is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (S106b: Yes), the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation.

As described above, in the third embodiment, there is a possibility that the user will be notified when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (notice to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room) and/or the user will not perform ventilation even if the notification is given. As the "second predetermined condition" regarding the notification when the illuminance is high, the condition that the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 37 is equal to or less than the predetermined value E (S106b: Yes) is used.

Also, in step S106b of FIG. 10, when the illuminance E of the air-conditioned room is higher than the predetermined value (S106b: No), the processing of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S107.
In step S107, the control unit 30 terminates a series of processes after issuing a notification to encourage ventilation (END).

<effect>
According to the third embodiment, when the illuminance E of the air-conditioned room is equal to or less than the predetermined value (S106b in FIG. 10: Yes), the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the comfort of the sleeping user from being impaired, and also to prevent unnecessary notification of prompting ventilation in an empty air-conditioned room.

<<Fourth Embodiment>>
The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control unit 30 does not notify to encourage ventilation when the sleep mode is being executed. Note that other points (such as the configuration of the air conditioner 100: see FIGS. 2 and 5) are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing executed by the control unit of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 5 as appropriate).
At the time of "START" in FIG. 11, a predetermined air-conditioning operation such as cooling operation or heating operation may be performed, or the air-conditioning operation may be stopped. Also, since steps S101 to S104 in FIG. 11 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), description thereof will be omitted.

In step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the processing of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S106c. That is, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S106c.
In step S106c, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the sleep mode is being executed as a second predetermined condition. Here, the "sleep mode" means that the rotation speed of at least one of the compressor 11 (see FIG. 2) and the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 2) is made smaller than during normal air conditioning operation to suppress noise. This is the driving mode and is executed during the time when the user is asleep.

In step S106c, if the sleep mode is being executed (S106c: Yes), the control unit 30 ends the series of processes (END) without notifying ventilation (S107). That is, when the above-described "second predetermined condition" is satisfied, the control unit 30 does not perform the notification (S107) that prompts ventilation. If a notification prompting ventilation is given while the good night mode is running, it is possible that the sleeping user will wake up, and even if the user notices the notification, windows and doors will be opened later in the day for ventilation. This is because the possibility is low.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, there is a possibility that the user will be notified when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (announcement to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room) and/or the possibility that the user will not perform ventilation even if the notification is given. A condition that the sleep mode is being executed (S106c: Yes) is used as the "second predetermined condition" regarding the notification when the value is high.

Also, in step S106c of FIG. 11, if the sleep mode is not being executed (S106c: No), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S107. In this case, the possibility that the user is asleep is low, so the user is unlikely to feel uncomfortable even if the notification prompting ventilation is given.
In step S107, the control unit 30 terminates a series of processes after issuing a notification to encourage ventilation (END).

<effect>
According to the fourth embodiment, when the good night mode is being executed (S106c: Yes), the control unit 30 does not notify to encourage ventilation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user's comfort during sleep from being impaired.

<<Fifth Embodiment>>
The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation when there is no one in the air-conditioned room. Note that other points (such as the configuration of the air conditioner 100: see FIGS. 2 and 5) are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of processing executed by the control unit of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 5 as appropriate).
At the time of "START" in FIG. 12, a predetermined air-conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed, or the air-conditioning operation may be stopped. Further, steps S101 to S104 in FIG. 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), but in the process of step S102 (detecting a person in the air-conditioned room), it is detected that no one is in the air-conditioned room. Detection shall also be included.

In step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S106d. That is, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the process of the control section 30 proceeds to step S106d.
In step S106d, the control unit 30 determines whether or not there is a person in the air-conditioned room as a second predetermined condition. If there is no one in the air-conditioned room (S106d: Yes), the control unit 30 ends the series of processes (END) without notifying the ventilation (S107). That is, when the above-described "second predetermined condition" is satisfied, the control unit 30 does not perform the notification (S107) that prompts ventilation. This is because even if a notification is given to encourage ventilation, there is almost no possibility that ventilation will actually occur because there is no one in the air conditioning room.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the "human detection unit" (the imaging unit 22 and human detection unit 331b: see FIG. 5), the condition is that it is detected that there is no person in the air-conditioned room (S106d: Yes). It should be noted that the absence of a person in the air-conditioned room may be detected based on the detection result of another human detection unit (for example, an infrared sensor), not limited to the imaging unit 22 .

Moreover, in step S106d, when there is a person in the air-conditioned room (S106d: No), the processing of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S107.
In step S107, the control unit 30 terminates a series of processes after issuing a notification to encourage ventilation (END). This makes it possible to make people in the air-conditioned room aware that it is better to ventilate the room.

<effect>
According to the fifth embodiment, when there is no one in the air-conditioned room (S106d: Yes), the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary notification for prompting ventilation.

<<Sixth embodiment>>
The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an information acquisition unit 38 (see FIG. 13) that acquires weather information from a server 70 (see FIG. 13) is provided in the indoor unit 20B (see FIG. 13). is different. Further, the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that if the current weather is rain, snow, or strong wind, the control unit 30 does not notify to encourage ventilation. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner 100B according to the sixth embodiment.
An air conditioner 100B shown in FIG. 13 includes an information acquisition unit 38 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 5). The information acquisition unit 38 acquires weather information of a region including the installation location of the indoor unit 20B from the server 70 via a network (not shown). The weather information acquired by the information acquisition unit 38 is output to the indoor control circuit 33 .

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of processing executed by the controller of the air conditioner (see FIG. 13 as appropriate).
At the time of "START" in FIG. 14, a predetermined air-conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed, or the air-conditioning operation may be stopped. Also, since steps S101 to S104 in FIG. 14 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), description thereof will be omitted.

In step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105e. That is, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105e.
In step S105e, the control section 30 reads the weather information acquired by the information acquisition section . This weather information includes data on the current weather (or most recent weather) in the region including the installation location of the indoor unit 20B.

Next, in step S106e, the control unit 30 determines, as a second predetermined condition, whether the current weather in the region including the installation location of the indoor unit 20B is rain, snow, or strong wind. If the current weather is rain, snow, or strong wind (S106e: Yes), the control unit 30 ends the series of processes (END) without notifying ventilation (S107). That is, when the above-described "second predetermined condition" is satisfied, the control unit 30 does not perform the notification (S107) that prompts ventilation. This is because if the user opens the window to ventilate the room, there is a high possibility that rain, snow, or strong wind will blow into the air-conditioned room. Even if the control unit 30 issues a notification to prompt ventilation in such a situation, it is highly likely that the user will feel uncomfortable with the notification itself and will not perform ventilation.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, there is a possibility that the user will be notified when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (notification to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room), and/or the possibility that the user will not perform ventilation even if the notification is given. As the "second predetermined condition" regarding the notification when the temperature is high, the condition that the weather in the area based on the weather information (the area including the installation location of the indoor unit 20B) is rain, snow, or strong wind (S106e: Yes) is used.

Also, in step S106e of FIG. 14, if the current weather does not correspond to rain, snow, or strong wind (S106e: No), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S107.
In step S107, the control unit 30 terminates a series of processes after issuing a notification to encourage ventilation (END).

<effect>
According to the sixth embodiment, when the current weather is rain, snow, or strong wind (S106e: Yes), the control unit 30 does not notify to encourage ventilation. This prevents rain, snow, and strong winds from blowing into the air-conditioned room through the open window, thereby preventing the comfort of the user from being impaired.

<<Seventh Embodiment>>
In the seventh embodiment, a terminal transmission/reception unit 39 (see FIG. 15) for exchanging data with a user's portable terminal 80 (see FIG. 15) is provided in the indoor unit 20C (see FIG. 15). is different from the first embodiment. Further, the seventh embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that when a remote control signal is received from the user's mobile terminal 80, the control unit 30 does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment.
An air conditioner 100C shown in FIG. 15 includes a terminal transmission/reception unit 39 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 5). The terminal transmission/reception unit 39 exchanges information in a predetermined manner with a user's mobile terminal 80 such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet. The information received by the terminal transmitter/receiver 39 is output to the indoor control circuit 33 .

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing executed by the controller of the air conditioner (see FIG. 15 as appropriate).
At the time of "START" in FIG. 16, a predetermined air-conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed, or the air-conditioning operation may be stopped. Also, since steps S101 to S104 in FIG. 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), description thereof will be omitted.

In step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S106f. That is, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the process of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S105a.
In step S106f, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a predetermined remote operation has been performed from the mobile terminal 80 as a second predetermined condition. As a specific example, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed after receiving a remote control signal for starting or stopping the air conditioning operation from the mobile terminal 80 .

If there is a predetermined remote operation from the mobile terminal 80 in step S106f (S106f: Yes), the control unit 30 ends the series of processes (END) without notifying ventilation (S107). That is, when the above-described "second predetermined condition" is satisfied, the control unit 30 does not perform the notification (S107) that prompts ventilation. In this case, the user may go outdoors with the mobile terminal 80, or the user with the mobile terminal 80 may be in the air-conditioned room.

For example, when a remote control signal to start the air-conditioning operation is issued from the outdoor portable terminal 80, there is a high possibility that the user will soon return home. Also, when a remote control signal to stop the air-conditioning operation is output from the outdoor portable terminal 80, it is highly likely that the user forgot to stop the air-conditioning operation when going out and realized after going out. At the time these remote operations are performed, there is usually no one in the air-conditioned room, so even if a notification prompting ventilation is given, it is unlikely that ventilation will actually take place.

Further, when a remote control signal to start air-conditioning operation is issued from the portable terminal 80 in the air-conditioning room, if the user is notified to encourage ventilation immediately after the start of air-conditioning operation, the user may feel uncomfortable with the notification itself. Likely to stay and not ventilate. In addition, when a remote control signal to stop the air conditioning operation is issued from the portable terminal 80 in the air conditioning room, there are many cases where there are no people in the air conditioning room after that. is unlikely to occur. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, when a remote control signal for starting or stopping the air-conditioning operation is received from the user's mobile terminal 80 (S106f: Yes), the control unit 30 does not notify the ventilation.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to issue a notification when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (notification to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room) and/or the possibility that the user will not perform ventilation even if the notification is given. As the "second predetermined condition" for the notification when the temperature is high, the condition is that a remote control signal for starting or stopping the air conditioning operation is received from the user's portable terminal 80 (S106f: Yes).

Also, in step S106f of FIG. 16, when there is no remote operation from the mobile terminal 80 (S106f: No), the processing of the control unit 30 proceeds to step S107.
In step S107, the control unit 30 terminates a series of processes after issuing a notification to encourage ventilation (END).

<effect>
According to the seventh embodiment, when a predetermined remote control signal is received from the user's portable terminal 80 (S106f in FIG. 16: Yes), the control unit 30 does not notify that ventilation is urged. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary notification to encourage ventilation.

<<Eighth Embodiment>>
The eighth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an indoor control unit 33Db (see FIG. 17) includes a time zone specifying unit 333b (see FIG. 17). Further, the eighth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control unit 30 does not notify the ventilation in the morning or at night in winter as well as in the daytime in summer. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the portions different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner 100D according to the eighth embodiment.
An indoor control unit 33Db of an air conditioner 100D shown in FIG. 17 includes a time zone specifying unit 333b in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 5). The time period identification unit 333b has a function of identifying the current date (year/month/day) and the time period. A predetermined communication function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be used as the time zone identification unit 333b. Information on the date and time zone specified by the time zone specifying section 333b is stored in the storage section 33a.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of processing executed by the controller of the air conditioner (see FIG. 17 as appropriate).
At the time of "START" in FIG. 18, a predetermined air-conditioning operation such as a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed, or the air-conditioning operation may be stopped. Also, since steps S101 to S104 in FIG. 18 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), description thereof will be omitted.

In step S104, when the carbon dioxide concentration α in the air-conditioned room is equal to or greater than the predetermined value α1 (S104: Yes), the process of the control unit 30D proceeds to step S105g. That is, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the processing of the control section 30D proceeds to step S105g.
In step S105g, the control section 30D identifies the current date and time period by the time period identification section 333b. It should be noted that specifying the time zone also includes determining whether or not the current time is included in the predetermined time zone.

Next, in step S1061, the control unit 30D determines, as a second predetermined condition, whether or not it is now summer daytime. It should be noted that which period (date) corresponds to "summer" and which time period corresponds to "daytime" is set in advance. In step S1061, if it is the daytime of summer (S1061: Yes), the control unit 30D ends the series of processes (END) without notifying ventilation (S107). That is, when the above-described "second predetermined condition" is satisfied, the control unit 30D does not perform the notification to prompt ventilation (S107). If a user opens a window for ventilation during the daytime in summer, high-temperature outside air enters the air-conditioned room through the window. Even if the control unit 30D issues a notification to encourage ventilation in such a situation, the user will only feel uncomfortable with the notification itself, and there is a high possibility that ventilation will not be performed.

On the other hand, in step S1061, if it is not the daytime of summer (S1061: No), the process of the control unit 30D proceeds to step S1062.
In step S1062, the control unit 30D determines whether it is now winter morning or night. It should be noted that which period (date) corresponds to "winter" and which time period corresponds to "morning" or "nighttime" is set in advance. In step S1062, if it is winter morning or night (S1062: Yes), the control unit 30D terminates the series of processes (END) without notifying ventilation (S107). This is because even if the control unit 30D issues a notification to encourage ventilation in the morning or at night in winter, the user will only feel uncomfortable with the notification itself, and there is a high possibility that ventilation will not be performed.

As described above, in the eighth embodiment, it is possible to issue a notification when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (notification to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room) and/or the possibility that the user will not perform ventilation even if the notification is given. As the "second predetermined condition" regarding the notification when it is high, it is determined whether or not this second predetermined condition is satisfied during the daytime in summer (S1061: Yes), or in the morning or in winter. The condition is that it is nighttime (S1062: Yes).

Further, in step S1062 of FIG. 18, if it is neither winter morning nor winter night (S1062: No), the process of the control unit 30D proceeds to step S107.
In step S107, the control unit 30D terminates a series of processes after issuing a notification to encourage ventilation (END).

<effect>
According to the eighth embodiment, in addition to when it is daytime in summer (S1061: Yes), and when it is morning or nighttime in winter (S1062: Yes), the control unit 30D notifies that ventilation is encouraged. Not performed. In this way, by preventing the notification for urging ventilation from occurring in the morning and at night in winter as well as during the daytime in summer, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable with the notification itself for urging ventilation.

<<Modification>>
As described above, the air conditioner 100 and the like according to the present invention have been described in each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the first embodiment, a notification when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (a notification to encourage ventilation of the air-conditioned room), and/or a case where there is a high possibility that the user will not perform ventilation despite the notification. Although the case where the condition that the temperature of the outside air is outside the predetermined range is used as the "second predetermined condition" regarding the notification of , the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the condition that the temperature of the air-conditioned room (room temperature) is outside the predetermined range may be used as the "second predetermined condition". Further, as the "second predetermined condition", a condition that the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the air-conditioned room (indoor temperature) and the set temperature during air-conditioning operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value may be used. Even if such a condition is used, it is possible to reduce unnecessary notification to encourage ventilation.

Moreover, the temperature of the air-conditioned room, the temperature of the outside air, the set temperature, and the like may be appropriately combined as the above-mentioned "second predetermined condition". That is, the "second predetermined condition" is that the temperature of the air-conditioned room is out of the predetermined range, the temperature of the outside air is out of the predetermined range, and the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the air-conditioned room and the temperature of the outside air is and that the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the air-conditioned room and the set temperature during air-conditioning operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

Further, a condition that a predetermined period of time has not elapsed from the start of air-conditioning operation may be used as the above-described "second predetermined condition" (a condition for determining whether or not to perform notification to encourage ventilation). As a result, it is possible to prevent the notification prompting ventilation immediately after the start of the air-conditioning operation, and furthermore, it is possible to prevent the user who has heard the notification of ventilation from feeling annoyed.
Further, as the above-mentioned "second predetermined condition", a condition that a predetermined time has not passed since the air conditioning operation was stopped may be used. This is because there is a high possibility that people will leave the air-conditioned room after the air-conditioning operation is stopped.
In addition, a condition that a predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the operation mode was changed during air conditioning operation may be used as the above-described "second predetermined condition". This is because the user may feel uncomfortable if a notification prompting ventilation is given immediately after the operation mode is changed.

Further, in the eighth embodiment, the case where the time zone specifying unit 333b (see FIG. 17) specifies the current date and time zone has been described. can be In this case, for example, it is assumed that which months are "summer" and "winter" are set in advance. Then, in addition to when it is daytime in summer, and when it is morning or nighttime in winter, the control unit 30D does not issue a notification to encourage ventilation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable with the notification to encourage ventilation. On the other hand, the control unit 30D may increase the frequency of notification prompting ventilation in the daytime in winter as well as in the morning and nighttime in summer. As a result, ventilation can be promoted during the cool time zone in summer (morning or night) as well as during the warm time zone in winter (daytime).
In addition, at least one of the current date, season, time zone, outdoor air temperature, indoor temperature, and indoor humidity is set as a "second predetermined condition", and based on this "second predetermined condition" , the control unit 30D may not notify the user to encourage ventilation.

Further, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the last notification (notification to encourage ventilation), the control unit 30 performs notification to prompt ventilation even if the carbon dioxide concentration in the air-conditioned room reaches a predetermined value. may be omitted. As a result, it is possible to suppress frequent notification to encourage ventilation.

In addition, a first setting that notifies to prompt ventilation when the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air-conditioned room reaches a predetermined value, and a second setting that does not notify to prompt ventilation even when the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air-conditioned room reaches a predetermined value. 2 may be switched by operating the remote controller 60 (see FIG. 15) or the portable terminal 80 (see FIG. 15). Thereby, the degree of freedom of setting by the user can be increased.

Further, the frequency of notification to prompt ventilation of the air-conditioned room may be changed by operating the remote controller 60 (see FIG. 15) or the mobile terminal 80 (see FIG. 15). For example, three levels of high, medium, and low are set in advance as options for the frequency of notification to encourage ventilation, and one of the three levels is selected by the user operating the remote control 60 or the mobile terminal 80. good too. As a result, the frequency of notification can be appropriately set according to the user's request that the notification for prompting ventilation should be made in detail.
Note that when a setting with a high frequency of notification to encourage ventilation is selected, the control unit 30 sets the threshold value of the carbon dioxide concentration (predetermined value α1 in S104 in FIG. 6) as a criterion for determining whether or not to perform the notification. is set to a relatively small value. On the other hand, when a setting with a low frequency of notification to encourage ventilation is selected, the control unit 30 sets the threshold value of the carbon dioxide concentration α to a relatively large value.

Moreover, although each embodiment demonstrated the case where the display lamp 23 and the speaker 32 were used as a "notification part" which alert|reports the ventilation of an air-conditioning room, it does not restrict to this. For example, at least one of the display lamp 23, the speaker 32, the remote control 60 (see FIG. 15), and the user's mobile terminal 80 (see FIG. 15) may be used as the "notification unit". Further, by operating the remote controller 60 or the mobile terminal 80 by the user, it may be possible to select one of a plurality of types of "notification units" that actually performs notification to encourage ventilation. Thereby, the degree of freedom of setting by the user can be increased.
Further, even while the indoor unit 20 is performing the clean operation, the control unit 30 may appropriately issue a notification to encourage ventilation as described below.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of filters 20a and 20b and a filter cleaning section 45 provided in an indoor unit 20E of an air conditioner according to a modification.
In the example of FIG. 19, the indoor unit 20E includes a movable filter cleaning section 45 that cleans the filters 20a and 20b. The filter cleaning section 45 includes a frame 45a, a filter cleaning brush 45b, and a filter cleaning motor (not shown).
The frame 45a has an inverted L shape and is arranged outside the filters 20a and 20b. The filter cleaning brush 45b is a brush for scraping dust adhering to the filters 20a and 20b, and is installed inside the frame 45a. A filter cleaning motor (not shown) moves the frame 45a in the horizontal direction, and dust on the outside of the filters 20a and 20b is scraped off by the filter cleaning brush 45b.
With such a configuration, the control unit 30 (see FIG. 5) detects that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air-conditioned room has reached a predetermined value even during execution of the clean operation by the filter cleaning unit 45, and furthermore, the first embodiment and the like are controlled. If the "second predetermined condition" described in 1. above is not satisfied, a notification to encourage ventilation may be made. As a result, it is possible to appropriately notify the user of the need to ventilate even during the clean operation.
Further, for example, the condition that the clean operation is being performed by the filter cleaning section 45 may be set as the “second predetermined condition”. In such a configuration, even when the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air-conditioned room reaches a predetermined value, the control unit 30 may not issue a notification to encourage ventilation when clean operation is being performed.

Further, in each embodiment, the case where the carbon dioxide concentration of the air-conditioned room is used as an index (first predetermined condition) of whether or not the control unit 30 performs notification to prompt ventilation has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, based on the image pickup result of the image pickup unit 22, the control unit 30 quantifies the degree of crowding, and the above-mentioned degree of crowding may be used as an index when issuing a notification to encourage ventilation. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of virus infection among people in a crowded state. In addition, an infrared sensor is installed as a person detection part that detects the presence or absence of people in the room, and based on the detection results of the infrared sensor, the time that unspecified people are in the room is measured, and when notifying to encourage ventilation As an index, the time spent in the room as described above may be used. Alternatively, the presence or absence of the air conditioning operation may be used as an index (first predetermined condition) of whether or not the control unit 30 issues a notification to encourage ventilation. For example, since there are many people in the air-conditioned room during the air-conditioning operation, the control unit 30 may increase the carbon dioxide concentration (calculated value) in the air-conditioned room. In this case, there is no particular problem even if the “human detection unit” such as the imaging unit 22 is not provided.

In addition, a notification when there is a high possibility that the user will feel uncomfortable (a notification that encourages ventilation of the air-conditioned room), and / or a "Second The "predetermined condition of 2" described in each embodiment is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

Moreover, it is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably. For example, combining the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the outdoor temperature is outside the predetermined range (first embodiment), and the absolute value of the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature is a predetermined value or more In some cases (second embodiment), the control unit 30 may not issue a notification to encourage ventilation.
Further, for example, by combining the fifth embodiment and the seventh embodiment, when the air conditioning room is in an unoccupied state (fifth embodiment), the remote control signal for starting or stopping the air conditioning operation can be sent by the user. When the information is received from the terminal 80 (seventh embodiment), the control unit 30 may not issue the notification to encourage ventilation. Various other combinations are also possible.

Moreover, although each embodiment demonstrated the structure provided with one indoor unit 20 (refer FIG. 1) and one outdoor unit 40 (refer FIG. 1), it does not restrict to this. That is, a plurality of indoor units connected in parallel may be provided, or a plurality of outdoor units connected in parallel may be provided.
Also, the air conditioner 100 and the like described in each embodiment can be applied to various types of air conditioners as well as wall-mounted air conditioners.

Moreover, each embodiment is described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Moreover, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.
Further, the mechanisms and configurations described above show those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily show all the mechanisms and configurations on the product.

100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D Air conditioner 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E Indoor unit 40 Outdoor unit 50 Refrigerant circuit 60 Remote controller 11 Compressor 12 Outdoor heat exchanger 13 Outdoor fan 14 Expansion valve 15 Indoor heat Exchanger 16 Indoor fan 17 Four-way valve 22 Imaging unit (human detection unit)
23 indicator lamp (notification unit)
32 speaker (notification unit)
331b human detection unit (human detection unit)
332b carbon dioxide concentration calculation unit 333b time zone identification unit 30, 30D control unit 37 illuminance sensor 38 information acquisition unit 39 terminal transmission/reception unit 60 remote control 80 mobile terminal M1, M2, M3 People in the room (person)
R10 air conditioning room

In order to solve the above-described problems, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes a notification unit that performs notification to prompt ventilation of an air-conditioned room, and a notification unit that performs the notification when a first predetermined condition is satisfied. and a control unit that causes the notification to be performed by the notification unit when a second predetermined condition is satisfied even when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, and the The control unit causes the notification unit to perform the notification when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the air conditioning operation is stopped and the second predetermined condition is not satisfied . In addition, about others, it demonstrates in embodiment.

Claims (10)

a notification unit that performs notification to prompt ventilation of the air conditioning room;
a control unit that causes the notification unit to perform the notification when a first predetermined condition is satisfied;
The control unit prevents the notification by the notification unit when a second predetermined condition is satisfied even when the first predetermined condition is satisfied. The second predetermined condition is
that the temperature of the air-conditioned room is outside a predetermined range;
that the temperature of the outside air is outside a predetermined range;
The absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the air-conditioned room and the temperature of the outside air is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
as well as,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the absolute values of the difference between the temperature of the air-conditioned room and the set temperature during air-conditioning operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. An illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of the air-conditioned room,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined condition is that the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value. a compressor that compresses a refrigerant;
and an indoor fan for sending air into the air-conditioned room,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined condition is that a sleep mode is being executed in which the rotational speed of at least one of the compressor and the indoor fan is lower than during normal air conditioning operation. Air conditioner. A human detection unit that detects a person in the air-conditioned room,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined condition is that no person is detected in the air-conditioned room based on the human detector. The second predetermined condition is
A predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of air-conditioning operation;
A predetermined time has not elapsed since the air conditioning operation was stopped;
or
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined time has not elapsed since the operation mode was changed during air conditioning operation. Equipped with an information acquisition unit that acquires local weather information including the installation location of the indoor unit,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined condition is rain, snow, or strong wind in the area based on the weather information. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined condition is reception of a remote control signal for starting or stopping air conditioning operation from a user's portable terminal. Equipped with a time zone specifying unit that specifies the date and time zone, or specifies the season and time zone,
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined condition is determined whether or not the second predetermined condition is satisfied in the daytime in summer, or in the morning or at night in winter. Air conditioner as described. Equipped with an indicator lamp installed in the indoor unit,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit causes the display lamp to light or blink in a predetermined manner as the notification.

Images