JP3067411B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner,
In particular, the present invention relates to a device in which a set temperature of a room temperature is fixed to a predetermined value to obtain an energy saving effect.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an air conditioner for achieving this kind of energy-saving operation, a conventional air conditioner has been proposed, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 56-1199.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 38-38, air temperature is measured by a temperature sensor, and the room temperature is compared with a set temperature set by operating a variable resistor to control ON / OFF of a compressor. In the harmony machine, connect a fixed resistor that sets the set temperature at the time of saving operation to the variable resistor in parallel,
A switch for switching between the variable resistor and the fixed resistor is provided, and by setting the switch, the set temperature is selectively set for any of the resistors, thereby saving the air conditioner in the normal mode for proper temperature operation. There is known an energy saving mode for driving that can be easily switched by operating a switch.

[0003]

However, in the above conventional device, the set temperature in the energy saving mode is fixed to the reference temperature by the fixed resistor, so that the set temperature becomes constant regardless of the change in the outside air temperature. However, there is room for improvement in further improving the energy saving effect. That is,
For example, in the summer when cooling operation is required, in the early stage when the outside air temperature is low, it is more comfortable to set the set temperature to the cooling reference temperature (for example, 28 ° C., which is the government recommended value of Japan). However, if the outside air temperature rises as the day progresses, the body gets accustomed to the heat accordingly, so on a hot summer day even if the set temperature is somewhat higher than the reference temperature above, sufficient comfort Is obtained. On the other hand, the same applies to the winter season when the heating operation is performed. In the severe cold season, a sufficient heating effect can be obtained even if the set temperature is lower than the heating reference temperature (for example, 18 ° C.). This means that the set temperature can be changed from the reference temperature.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to change the set temperature from a reference temperature in accordance with the outside air temperature so that the air conditioner can further save energy. The goal is to make it possible.

[0005]

In order to achieve this object,
According to the first aspect of the present invention, an outside air temperature is detected, a deviation temperature is calculated from the outside air temperature by a predetermined temperature during cooling, and a predetermined temperature is increased during heating, and the deviation temperature is compared with a reference temperature to set a set temperature. I did it.

More specifically, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the actual room temperature is compared with its set temperature (To), and the compressor is turned on so that the room temperature becomes the set temperature (To).
An air conditioner that performs / OFF control is a prerequisite.

The outside air temperature detecting means (TH1) for detecting the outdoor outside air temperature (Ta) and the outside air temperature (Ta) detected by the outside air temperature detecting means (TH1) during the cooling operation of the air conditioner. Is also a predetermined value lower deviation temperature (Td)
On the other hand, during the heating operation, a deviation temperature calculating means (17) for calculating a deviation temperature (Td) higher than the outside air temperature (Ta) by a predetermined value, and a deviation temperature calculated by the deviation temperature calculating means (17). (Td) is compared with a predetermined cooling and heating reference temperature. If the deviation temperature (Td) is higher than the cooling reference temperature during the cooling operation, the set temperature (To) is set to the deviation temperature (Td), and the cooling temperature is lower than the cooling reference temperature. Sometimes, the set temperature (To) is set to the cooling reference temperature. On the other hand, when the deviation temperature (Td) is lower than the heating reference temperature during the heating operation, the set temperature (To) is set to the deviation temperature (Td). A set temperature changing means (18) for changing the set temperature (To) to the heating reference temperature is provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mode switching means (SW2) for switching the operation mode of the air conditioner between the normal mode and the energy saving mode, and the operation mode of the air conditioner is controlled by the mode switching means (SW2). Is switched to the energy saving mode, the set temperature changing means (18) is configured to operate.

[0009]

With the above construction, in the first aspect of the present invention, the outside air temperature (Ta) is detected by the outside air temperature detecting means (TH1), and the outside air temperature (T) is detected by the deviation temperature calculating means (17).
The deviation temperature (Td) is calculated based on a). Then, the set temperature changing means (18) compares the calculated deviation temperature (Td) with the cooling and heating reference temperatures, and when the cooling temperature is higher, the deviation temperature (Td) is higher than the cooling reference temperature. The temperature (Td) is set to the set temperature (To). When the temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling reference temperature, the cooling reference temperature is set to the set temperature (To). On the other hand, during the heating operation, when the deviation temperature (Td) is lower than the heating reference temperature, the deviation temperature (Td)
d) is the set temperature (To), and when the temperature is equal to or higher than the heating reference temperature, the heating reference temperature is set to the set temperature (To). That is, during the cooling operation, the set temperature (To) does not fall below the cooling reference temperature, and the deviation lower than the outside air temperature (Ta) by a predetermined value as long as the deviation temperature (Td) is higher than the cooling reference temperature. On the other hand, during the heating operation, the set temperature (To) does not rise above the heating reference temperature, and as long as the deviation temperature (Td) is lower than the heating reference temperature, the temperature (Td) is lower than the outside temperature (Ta). Also becomes a predetermined value higher deviation temperature (Td). By changing the set temperature (To) according to the outside air temperature (Ta) in this way, the set temperature (To) can be changed.
Energy saving effect can be enhanced as compared with the case where the temperature is fixed to the cooling or heating reference temperature.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the mode switching means (S
When the operation mode of the air conditioner is switched to the energy saving mode by W2), the set temperature changing means (18)
Operates, and if it is felt that the comfortable feeling is insufficient at the set temperature (To), the normal mode may be selected and the user's preference can be satisfied.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows an overall configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. (1) is an outdoor unit installed outdoors, which includes a compressor (not shown). (5) is an indoor unit disposed indoors, and the outdoor unit (1) and the indoor unit (5) each include a signal refrigerant pipe and a gas refrigerant pipe (both not shown) for sending and receiving refrigerant. Communication line for exchange (1
4). A remote control device (10) is arranged in the room, and the remote control device (10) is connected to the indoor unit (5) via a communication line (15) so as to be able to send and receive signals.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor unit (1) is provided with an outdoor CPU (2) and a communication circuit (3) connected to the outdoor CPU (2). (3) is connected to the indoor unit (5) via the communication line (14). In addition, the outdoor unit (1) has an outdoor air temperature (Ta
) To detect the outside air temperature sensor (TH1)
) (Outside air temperature detecting means) is provided, and the output signal of this outside air temperature sensor (TH1) is supplied to A of the outdoor CPU (2).
/ D port (2a) is input to the outside air temperature (Ta
) Is converted into a voltage and taken into the outdoor CPU (2).

The indoor unit (5) includes an indoor CPU (6),
First and second communication circuits (7) and (8) connected to the indoor CPU (6) are provided, and the first communication circuit (7) is connected to the outdoor unit (1) and a communication line (14). At the second
A communication circuit (8) is connected to the remote control device (10) via a communication line (15). The indoor unit (5) is provided with a room temperature sensor (TH2) composed of a thermistor for detecting the indoor temperature.
The output signal of H2) is input to the A / D port (6a) of the indoor CPU (6), converts the room temperature into a voltage, and takes it into the indoor CPU (6).

Further, a remote control device (1
0) is provided with a remote control CPU (11) and a communication circuit (12) connected to the remote control CPU (11). The communication circuit (12) is connected to the indoor unit (5) and the communication line (15). ). The remote control device (10) is provided with a temperature setting switch (SW1) for setting the room temperature and an operation mode changeover switch (SW2) for switching the operation mode of the air conditioner. This operation mode switch (SW2)
Is a mode switching means, and when the switching operation is performed, the operation mode is selectively switched between the energy saving mode and the normal mode. The operation mode switch (SW2) is connected to the remote control device (10).
It is preferable that the operation mode is switched from the energy saving mode to the normal mode in such a manner that the operation mode is not easily operated or switched to the normal mode.

In the air conditioner constructed as described above, the actual room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor (TH2) and the set temperature (T) set by the temperature setting switch (SW1).
o), the compressor is ON / OFF controlled so that the room temperature becomes the set temperature (To).

The signal processing operation for determining the set temperature (To) is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. That is, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the air conditioner is in the energy saving mode by switching the operation mode switch (SW2). If this determination is NO in the normal mode, the set temperature (To) is set by the temperature setting switch (SW1) of the remote control device (10) in step S2, and then the process proceeds to step S13.

If it is determined in step S1 that the energy saving mode is YES, the process proceeds to step S3, where the outside air temperature (Ta) detected by the outside air temperature sensor (TH1) is set.
), It is determined in step S4 whether the air conditioner is in the cooling operation. If YES is determined during the cooling operation, the process proceeds to step S5, and the deviation temperature (Td) (= Ta) lower than the outside air temperature (Ta) by 5 ° C.
-5) is calculated, and in step S6, the deviation temperature (Td) is calculated.
Is higher than 28 ° C., which is the cooling reference temperature. When this determination is YES for Td> 28, the set temperature (To) is set to the above-mentioned deviation temperature (Td) in step S7, and when Td ≦ 28, NO
After the set temperature (To) is set to the cooling reference temperature (28 ° C.) in step S8, the process proceeds to step S13.

On the other hand, when the air conditioner is operated for heating,
If the determination in step S4 is NO, step S4
Proceeding to step 9, calculate a deviation temperature (Td) (= Ta + 5) 5 ° C. higher than the outside air temperature (Ta), and in step S10, determine whether the deviation temperature (Td) is lower than the heating reference temperature of 18 ° C. Determine whether This judgment is YE of Td <18.
In the case of S, the set temperature (T
o) is defined as the deviation temperature (Td), and then Td ≧ 18
In the case of NO, the set temperature (To) is set to the above-mentioned heating reference temperature (18 ° C.) in step S12, and then the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, step S2
, S7, S8, S11, S12
) Is executed.

In this embodiment, the steps S5 and S9 in the above flow show that during the cooling operation of the air conditioner,
The outside air temperature (T) detected by the outside air temperature sensor (TH1)
a) calculating a deviation temperature (Td) lower than the outside temperature (Ta) by a predetermined value (5 ° C.) during the heating operation, while calculating a deviation temperature (Td) lower than the predetermined value (5 ° C.) than the a). Means (17) are constituted.

In steps S6 to S8 and S10 to S12, the deviation temperature (Td) calculated by the deviation temperature calculating means (17) is compared with a predetermined cooling and heating reference temperature to set the temperature (To). Temperature change means (1)
8) is configured. When the deviation temperature (Td) is higher than the cooling reference temperature (28 ° C.) during the cooling operation, the set temperature (To) is set by the set temperature changing means (18).
) Is set to the deviation temperature (Td), and when the temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling reference temperature, the set temperature (To) is set to the cooling reference temperature. On the other hand, during the heating operation, the deviation temperature (Td) changes to the heating reference temperature (18 ° C.).
If it is lower than the set temperature (To), the deviation temperature (Td)
), And when the temperature is above the heating reference temperature, the set temperature (To
) Is changed to the heating reference temperature. The set temperature changing means (18) operates when the operation mode changeover switch (SW2) is operated to switch the operation mode of the air conditioner to the energy saving mode.

Therefore, in the above embodiment, when the operation mode changeover switch (SW2) is operated to switch the operation mode of the air conditioner to the energy saving mode, the set temperature (Ta) is set based on the outside air temperature (Ta). T
o) is set, and the compressor is controlled so that the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor (TH2) is equal to the set temperature (To).

Specifically, an outside air temperature (Ta) is detected by an outside air temperature sensor (TH1) in the outdoor unit (1), and a deviation temperature (Td) is calculated based on the outside air temperature (Ta).
This deviation temperature (Td) is equal to the outside air temperature (Ta) during the cooling operation.
) Lower than the outside air temperature (Ta) by 5 ° C. (= Ta) during the heating operation.
+5). The deviation temperature (Td) calculated in this way is compared with a cooling reference temperature (28 ° C.) or a heating reference temperature (18 ° C.).
Deviation temperature (Td) when d) is higher than the cooling reference temperature
Is the set temperature (To), and when the temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling reference temperature, the cooling reference temperature is set to the set temperature (To). on the other hand,
In the heating operation, when the deviation temperature (Td) is lower than the heating reference temperature, the deviation temperature (Td) is set to the set temperature (To), and when the deviation temperature (Td) is higher than the heating reference temperature, the heating reference temperature is set to the set temperature (To). Is done.

That is, during the cooling operation, FIG.
As shown in (a), when the outside air temperature (Ta) is 33 ° C. or lower, the set temperature (To) becomes the cooling reference temperature (28).
.Degree. C.), but when the outside air temperature (Ta) rises above 33.degree. C., the deviation temperature (Td), that is, the set temperature (To) increases in accordance with the rise in the outside air temperature (Ta).
On the other hand, during the heating operation, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the outside air temperature (Ta) is 13 ° C. or higher, the set temperature (To) is maintained at the heating reference temperature (18 ° C.). When the outside air temperature (Ta) becomes lower than 13 ° C., the deviation temperature (Td), that is, the set temperature (To) also decreases in accordance with the decrease in the outside air temperature (Ta). Therefore, as compared with the case where the set temperature (To) is fixed to the cooling or heating reference temperature, the set temperature (To) is different from the outside air temperature (Ta).
The energy saving effect can be increased by an amount that is changed according to.

At this time, the set temperature (To) is a deviation temperature (Td) which is different from the outside air temperature (Ta) by a fixed temperature. Comfort can be sufficiently ensured.

Thus, the operation mode changeover switch (SW2
), The set temperature (To) slides according to the outside air temperature (Ta) only when the operation mode of the air conditioner is switched to the energy saving mode, but the set temperature (To) linked to this outside air temperature (Ta). If the user feels that the feeling of comfort is insufficient, the normal mode may be selected as the operation mode of the air conditioner by switching the operation mode switch (SW2) in the reverse direction. In the normal mode, the set temperature (To) is set by a temperature setting switch (SW1) of the remote control device (10).

In the above embodiment, the difference between the outside air temperature (Ta) and the deviation temperature (Td) is 5 ° C., but may be changed to another temperature. Also, the cooling and heating reference temperatures were set to 28 ° C and 18 ° C,
However, it can be changed to another value.

[0028]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a deviation temperature is calculated with respect to the outside air temperature by a predetermined temperature during cooling and higher by a predetermined temperature during heating, and this deviation temperature is compared with the cooling or heating reference temperature. In comparison, when the deviation temperature is higher than the cooling reference temperature during cooling, and when the deviation temperature is lower than the heating reference temperature during heating, the set temperature is set to the deviation temperature, and when the deviation temperature is lower than the cooling reference temperature during cooling. ,
And when the deviation temperature during heating is higher than the heating reference temperature,
By setting the set temperature to the cooling or heating reference temperature, by changing the set temperature according to the outside air temperature,
It is possible to further improve the energy saving effect.

According to the invention of claim 2, when the operation mode of the air conditioner is switched to the energy saving mode by the mode switching means, the set temperature changing means is operated, so that the operation mode can be selected as necessary. , Can meet user's preference.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a signal processing operation for determining a set temperature in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing characteristics of a set temperature that changes according to the outside air temperature.

[Explanation of Signs] (1) Outdoor unit (TH1) Outdoor temperature sensor (outside air temperature detecting means) (5) Indoor unit (10) Remote control device (SW2) Operation mode changeover switch (mode switching means) (17) Deviation temperature Calculation means (18) Set temperature change means (Ta) Outside air temperature (To) Set temperature

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An air conditioner in which an actual room temperature is compared with its set temperature (To) to control ON / OFF of a compressor so that the room temperature becomes the set temperature (To). An outside air temperature detecting means (TH1) for detecting an outside air temperature (Ta); and, during a cooling operation, a deviation temperature (Td) lower by a predetermined value than the outside air temperature (Ta) detected by the outside air temperature detecting means (TH1). On the other hand, during the heating operation, a deviation temperature calculating means (17) for calculating a deviation temperature (Td) higher than the outside air temperature (Ta) by a predetermined value, and a deviation temperature (Td) calculated by the deviation temperature calculating means (17). ) Is compared with a predetermined cooling and heating reference temperature. When the deviation temperature (Td) is higher than the cooling reference temperature during the cooling operation, the set temperature (To) is set to the deviation temperature (Td).
When the temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling reference temperature, the set temperature (To) is set to the cooling reference temperature. On the other hand, when the deviation temperature (Td) is lower than the heating reference temperature during the heating operation, the set temperature (To) is set to the deviation temperature (Td). An air conditioner comprising a set temperature changing means (18) for changing the set temperature (To) to the heating reference temperature when the temperature is equal to or higher than the reference temperature. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising mode switching means (SW2) for switching an operation mode of the air conditioner between a normal mode and an energy saving mode, wherein the mode switching means (SW2) controls the air conditioner. An air conditioner characterized in that the set temperature changing means (18) is operated when the operation mode of the device is switched to the energy saving mode.