JP4271022B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner that harmonizes air taken into an indoor unit and sends it out indoors, and more particularly to operation control during heating operation of the air conditioner.

  A conventional air conditioner is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-005378 and the like, and is capable of sending conditioned air in a direct downward direction or a rear downward direction during heating operation. FIG. 12 shows the behavior of the airflow in the room during the heating operation by this air conditioner. FIG. 13 shows the temperature distribution of the central section D (see FIG. 12) of the living room R when the set temperature of the air conditioner is 28 ° C.

  The indoor unit 1 attached to the indoor wall surface W1 has a blower outlet at the lower part, takes in indoor air, and sends conditioned air downward and downward toward the wall surface W1. For this reason, the conditioned air circulates along the wall surface W1 and the floor surface F as indicated by an arrow C due to the Coanda effect.

  Thereby, the warm air which reaches | attains the floor surface vicinity of a living space, ie, a user's foot, increases, and the temperature of the substantially central floor surface in the living room R can be made into about 33 to 35 degreeC. Therefore, comfort can be improved by reducing the discomfort that the feet are cold and the head is directly warmed.

  However, according to the conventional air conditioner, if a relatively large obstacle such as furniture or a television set is installed below the indoor unit 1, the blown airflow may not flow along the floor surface. is there. FIG. 14 shows the behavior of the airflow when the inside of the living room R where the obstacle K is installed below the indoor unit 1 is heated. FIG. 15 shows the temperature distribution of the central section D (see FIG. 14) at this time.

  The conditioned air sent downward and downward from the air outlet toward the wall surface W1 travels down the wall surface W1 due to the Coanda effect. And as shown by arrow B ', it collides with the furniture K, peels off from the wall surface W1, rolls up, and pours into the upper part of the living space of a living room. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, while only the upper part of the living room R was warmed, there existed a problem which a user's head hits directly and an unpleasant feeling is given to a user.

  Moreover, since warm air peels off and rolls up from the wall surface W1, conditioned air with high temperature cannot reach a floor surface. For this reason, the lower part of the living room R and the vicinity of the floor F cannot be heated, and the user's feet are not only continuously cooled and uncomfortable, but also the body temperature of the user is locally reduced to harm the health. There was also a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioner that can improve comfort even when furniture or the like is installed below an indoor unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an intake air temperature detection for detecting the temperature of intake air in an air conditioner that takes in air from an air inlet of an indoor unit attached to a wall surface of the room and harmonizes it and sends it out from the air outlet. A lower condition detecting means for detecting a lower condition of the indoor unit having means,
During the heating operation, the lower state detection means includes a time during which the intake air temperature rises by a predetermined temperature when the conditioned air is sent forward and downward, and a time during which the intake air temperature rises by the predetermined temperature when the conditioned air is sent rearward and downward. When the time difference is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and when the time difference is larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that there is no obstacle below the indoor unit. It is characterized by.
Further, the present invention is an air conditioner that takes in air from an air inlet of an indoor unit attached to an indoor wall surface and harmonizes and sends it out from an air outlet, and has an intake air temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of intake air. Provided with a lower situation detecting means for detecting the lower situation of the indoor unit,
During the heating operation, the lower state detection means sends the conditioned air forward and downward and sends the conditioned air downward and downward when the temperature rise of the intake air temperature within a certain period becomes smaller than the first predetermined temperature. When the temperature rise of the intake air temperature is larger than the second predetermined temperature, it is determined that there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and when the temperature rise of the intake air temperature within a predetermined time is smaller than the second predetermined temperature, It is characterized by determining that there are no obstacles below the indoor unit.
The present invention also includes a floor surface temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the floor surface in an air conditioner that takes in air from an air inlet of an indoor unit attached to the indoor wall surface and harmonizes it and sends it out from the air outlet. A lower situation detecting means for detecting the lower situation of the indoor unit,
During the heating operation, the lower state detection means sends the conditioned air forward and downward and sends the conditioned air downward and downward when the temperature rise of the floor surface within a predetermined period becomes lower than the first predetermined temperature. When the temperature drop on the floor is greater than the second predetermined temperature, it is determined that there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and when the temperature drop on the floor within a predetermined time is less than the second predetermined temperature, Judge that there are no obstacles below the indoor unit,
Based on the detection result of the downward state detection means, the air conditioner sets the blowing direction to the first direction forward or downward when there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and lowers the blowing direction when there is no obstacle. Alternatively, it is characterized in that the rearward direction is the second direction behind the first direction.

  According to this configuration, depending on whether or not an obstacle such as furniture is installed below the indoor unit attached to the wall surface, the blowing direction of the conditioned air, the air volume, the wind speed, the rotational speed of the blower, the frequency of the compressor, the heating Operating conditions such as capacity and set temperature are variable. In addition, when an ion generator is provided, operating conditions such as the amount of ions delivered can be varied.

  In the case where the conditioned air blowing direction is varied, when furniture or the like is installed below the indoor unit, the conditioned air is sent forward or downward in a first direction, for example, diagonally forward and downward, and the front and floor surfaces of the furniture. It circulates along and circulates in the room. When furniture or the like is not installed below the indoor unit, conditioned air is sent downward or rearward in the second direction behind the first direction, for example, obliquely rearward and downward, and distributed along the wall surface and floor surface. Then circulate in the room. When the front surface of furniture or the like is installed behind (on the wall side) from the air outlet provided in the indoor unit, for example, conditioned air is sent downward substantially vertically to circulate along the furniture and the floor surface. be able to.

Lower state of the indoor unit is lower catches and rising speed of the intake air temperature when the harmony air sent forward, the difference between the increase rate of the intake air temperature at the time of sending to the rear by the intake air temperature detecting means conditions May be judged.

  Further, the difference between the intake air temperature when the conditioned air is sent forward and the intake air temperature when the conditioned air is sent backward can be captured by the intake air temperature detection means to determine the lower situation. The difference between the temperature of the floor surface when the conditioned air is sent forward and the temperature of the floor surface when the conditioned air is sent backward may be captured by a floor temperature detection means such as an infrared sensor to determine the lower situation. .

  The detection by the downward state detection means can be performed at the optimal operation condition by performing the detection at the start of the operation of the air conditioner. It is preferable to be able to detect the downward situation when the operation of the air conditioner reaches the set number of times or when the operation is performed after the set period has elapsed. Further, the operation may be performed after the power plug of the indoor unit is attached or detached, or may be performed at a time designated by the user using a remote controller or the like. Furthermore, the lower situation may be set by an input operation using a remote controller or the like.

  According to the present invention, the operating conditions of the air conditioner such as the direction of the conditioned air, the wind speed, the air volume, the rotational speed of the blower, the operating frequency of the compressor, the heating capacity, the set temperature, the amount of ion generation, etc. Therefore, the optimum heating operation can be performed depending on whether or not there is an obstacle such as furniture below the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Therefore, comfort can be improved by increasing warm air and ions reaching the floor surface of the living space, that is, the user's feet regardless of the presence or absence of obstacles.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the situation below the indoor unit is detected at the start of the operation of the air conditioner, it is always possible to grasp the situation below the indoor unit and move the warm air to the floor even if the position of the obstacle is moved. Can be reached. Further, when there is an obstacle, it is possible to prevent discomfort caused by changing the driving conditions quickly and continuously cooling the feet.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the operation of the air conditioner reaches the set number of times of operation, the air conditioner is operated after the set period of time, the power outlet is removed, or the user operates. In such a case, since the situation below the indoor unit of the air conditioner is detected, the optimum heating operation can be quickly performed without detecting the situation below during normal use.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the rear from the indoor unit refers to the direction toward the wall or corner where the indoor unit is installed, and the front refers to the direction opposite to the wall or corner where the indoor unit is installed. . Moreover, the upper surface of the indoor unit 1 refers to the surface on the ceiling side of the living room where the indoor unit 1 is installed, and the lower surface of the indoor unit 1 refers to the surface on the floor side of the living room where the indoor unit 1 is installed. Furthermore, the direction including the vertical upper component is referred to as the upper direction, and the direction including the vertical lower component is referred to as the lower direction.

  FIG. 1: has shown the schematic side sectional drawing which shows the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment. The main unit of the indoor unit 1 is held by a cabinet 2. The cabinet 2 is provided with a claw portion (not shown) on the rear surface, and is supported by engaging the claw portion with a mounting plate (not shown) attached to the side wall W1 of the living room R.

  A front panel 3 is detachably attached to the front side of the cabinet 2 so as to cover the main body. A suction port 4 is provided in the upper surface portion of the cabinet 2 and the front surface portion of the front panel 3. An air outlet 5 extending in the width direction of the indoor unit 1 is formed in the gap between the lower end portion of the front panel 3 and the lower end portion of the cabinet 2.

  On the lower surface of the cabinet 2, a lower state detection means 78 for detecting the lower state of the indoor unit 1 is installed. The downward state detection means 78 includes a reflective optical sensor that emits light and captures reflected light, and a reflective ultrasonic sensor that emits ultrasonic waves and captures reflected sound. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not an obstacle made of furniture such as a chiffon or a television is installed below the indoor unit 1.

  The downward state detection means 78 may have other configurations. For example, a bar-shaped member may be extended toward the floor, and the presence or absence of an obstacle may be detected based on the extended distance. Alternatively, an image below the indoor unit 1 may be taken with a CCD or the like, and the presence or absence of an obstacle may be detected by pattern recognition.

  Inside the indoor unit 1, a blower path 6 that communicates from the suction port 4 to the blower outlet 5 is formed, and a blower fan 7 that sends out air is disposed in the blower path 6. As the blower fan 7, for example, a cross flow fan or the like can be used.

  An air filter 8 that collects and removes dust contained in the air sucked from the suction port 4 is provided at a position facing the front panel 3. An indoor heat exchanger 9 is disposed between the blower fan 7 and the air filter 8. A space of a predetermined interval is provided between the front panel 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 9 so that air taken in from the suction port 4 contacts the indoor heat exchanger 9 over a wide area through the space. It has become.

  The indoor heat exchanger 9 is connected to a compressor (not shown), and the refrigeration cycle is operated by driving the compressor. By operating the refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 9 is cooled to a temperature lower than the ambient temperature during cooling. During heating, the indoor heat exchanger 9 is heated to a temperature higher than the ambient temperature. Between the indoor heat exchanger 9 and the air filter 8, a temperature sensor (intake air temperature detecting means) 61 such as a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the intake air is provided, and the air conditioner is driven on the side of the indoor unit 1. A control unit 60 (see FIG. 2) for controlling is provided.

  A drain pan 10 that collects condensation that has fallen from the indoor heat exchanger 9 during cooling or dehumidification is provided in the lower part before and after the indoor heat exchanger 9. The front drain pan 10 is attached to the front panel 3, and the rear drain pan 10 is formed integrally with the cabinet 2.

An ion generator 30 is installed in the front drain pan 10 with the discharge surface 30 a facing the air blowing path 6. Ions generated from the discharge surface 30a of the ion generator 30 are released into the blower path 6 and sent out from the outlet 5 into the room. The ion generator 30 has a discharge electrode, and generates positive ions mainly composed of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n (n is an integer) when the applied voltage is positive by corona discharge, and mainly when it is negative. Negative ions composed of O ₂ — (H ₂ O) _m (m is an integer) are generated.

H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n and O _2- (H ₂ O) _m aggregate on the surface of the microorganism and surround airborne microorganisms such as microorganisms in the air. Then, [.OH] (hydroxyl radical) and H ₂ O ₂ (hydrogen peroxide) which are active species are generated on the surface of the floating bacteria by collision, and the floating bacteria are destroyed and sterilized.

  Depending on the purpose of use, the ion generator 30 generates a mode in which more negative ions are generated than in positive ions, a mode in which more positive ions are generated than in negative ions, and both positive ions and negative ions have substantially the same amount. The mode to be generated at a rate can be switched.

  In the vicinity of the air outlet 5 in the air passage 6, lateral louvers 11a and 11b that face the outside and can change the vertical air outlet angle in a stepwise manner between a substantially front horizontal and a rear lower side are provided. The lateral louvers 11a and 11b can blow out conditioned air in a variable manner between the front substantially horizontal direction and the front lower part during cooling operation, and can blow out between the front lower part and the rear lower part during heating operation. it can. Further, a vertical louver 12 capable of changing the blowing angle in the left-right direction is provided on the back side of the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the control unit 60. The control unit 60 includes a CPU 71 that performs various arithmetic processes, and an input circuit 72 that receives an input signal and an output circuit 73 that outputs a calculation result of the CPU 71 are connected to the CPU 71. Further, a memory 74 is provided for storing a calculation program of the CPU 71 and temporarily storing calculation results.

  The input circuit 72 is supplied with a signal detected by the lower condition detection means 78 for detecting the lower condition of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The output circuit 73 is connected to an operating condition changing unit 79 that varies the operating conditions of the air conditioner. Note that the operating condition of the air conditioner can be changed by the operating condition changing unit 79 regardless of the detection result of the lower condition detecting means 78 by operating a remote controller (not shown).

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation during heating operation of the air conditioner having the above-described configuration. When the operation of the air conditioner is started, the compressor is driven at the standard operation frequency in step # 11. Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant from an outdoor unit (not shown) flows into the indoor heat exchanger 9, and a refrigerating cycle is drive | operated.

  In step # 12, the blower fan 7 is rotationally driven so that the wind speed becomes 7 m / sec, for example. Thus, air is sucked into the indoor unit 1 from the suction port 4, and dust contained in the air is removed by the air filter 8. The air taken into the indoor unit 1 exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger 9 and is heated. The conditioned air is regulated in the left-right direction and the up-down direction by the vertical louver 12a and the horizontal louvers 11a, 11b, and is sent out in a predetermined direction.

  In step # 13, the ion generator 30 is driven, and positive ions and negative ions are released from the electrodes at a standard generation amount. Thereby, positive ions and negative ions are contained in the conditioned air and are sent out from the outlet 5 into the room.

  In step # 14, the downward state detection means 78 detects the presence or absence of an obstacle such as a television or furniture below the indoor unit 1. If there is no obstacle below the indoor unit 1, the process proceeds to step # 16 based on the determination in step # 15. In step # 16, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed rearward, and in step # 17, the rotational speed of the blower fan 7 is set so that the blown wind speed is, for example, about 5 m / sec. Thereby, as shown to the arrow C (refer FIG. 1) from the blower outlet 5, conditioned air is sent out toward back downward, and it transfers to step # 30.

  Therefore, as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 12, the conditioned air sent into the room circulates along the wall surface W1 and the floor surface F by the Coanda effect and circulates in the room. As a result, the warm air reaching the floor surface of the living space, that is, the user's feet increases, and the temperature of the substantially central floor surface in the living room R is set to 33 ° C. to 35 ° C. as shown in FIG. Can do. Therefore, comfort can be improved by reducing the discomfort that the feet are cold and the warm air directly hits the head.

  In addition, when conditioned air is blown out backward from the blower outlet 5, the airflow is bent by the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b, and the pressure loss increases. Thereby, since the wind speed of conditioned air becomes low, the rotation speed of the blower fan 7 is increased to increase the wind speed to, for example, 5 m / sec. When the pressure loss at the time of blowing rearward and downward is small due to the shape of the blow path 6 or the like, the air may be blown at the maximum wind speed (for example, 7 m / sec).

  If there is an obstacle below the indoor unit 1, the process proceeds to step # 21 based on the determination in step # 15. In step # 21, as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed forward, and in step # 22, the rotational speed of the blower fan 7 is set so that the blown wind speed is, for example, about 7 m / sec of the maximum wind speed. The Thereby, as shown to the arrow B (refer FIG. 4) from the blower outlet 5, conditioned air is sent out toward the front lower direction.

  In step # 23, the operating frequency of the compressor is set 5% higher than the standard, and the heating capacity is increased. Thereby, the temperature fall of the approximate center part in the living room due to the shortening of the reach distance of the high-temperature warm air by the obstacle is suppressed. In step # 24, the amount of ions generated by the ion generator 30 is increased by 5% from the standard, and the process proceeds to step # 30. As a result, a decrease in the ion concentration in the substantially central portion of the room due to the shortening of the ion reach by the obstacle is suppressed, and a decrease in the ion concentration due to the collision and disappearance of the ions as the wind speed increases. It is suppressed.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the behavior of the conditioned air in the living room R at this time. The conditioned air sent from the air outlet 5 toward the front lower side as shown by the arrow B follows the front surface of the obstacle K installed below the indoor unit 1. At this time, the warm air receives strong buoyancy because of its low specific gravity, but falls along the front surface of the obstacle K without being rolled up by the Coanda effect. Then, as shown by an arrow B, the floor surface F, the side wall W2 facing the side wall W1, and the ceiling wall S are sequentially transmitted to the suction port 4.

  FIG. 6 shows the temperature distribution (set temperature 28 ° C.) of the central section D of the room R indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. As apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, even when a relatively large obstacle K such as a television or a chiffon is installed below the indoor unit 1, the Coanda effect is obtained by keeping warm air along the front of the obstacle K. The conditioned air having a high temperature can be made to reach the floor surface. Thereby, the warm air which reaches | attains the floor surface vicinity of a living space, ie, a user's step, can increase, and the temperature of the substantially central floor surface in the living room R can be made into about 32 to 34 degreeC.

  Therefore, comfort can be improved by reducing discomfort that the feet are cold and the head is directly warmed. Moreover, the ion sent out indoors from the blower outlet 5 is carried by the conditioned air, and reaches the lower part of the room sufficiently. That is, comfort can be improved by increasing the number of ions that reach the vicinity of the floor of the living space, that is, the user's feet, regardless of the arrangement of the furniture and the like below the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

  Further, as indicated by the arrow B ′ in FIG. 14 described above, since warm air is not peeled off and rolled up by the obstacle, ions carried by the conditioned air can reach the floor surface. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the ion concentration in the living part.

  In addition, compared with the case where there is no obstacle K and conditioned air is sent behind, when there is an obstacle K, the temperature of the substantially central floor in the living room R decreases by 1 to 2 ° C. (FIG. 6, (See FIG. 13). For this reason, when there is an obstacle, the operating conditions may be varied so as to increase the set temperature by 1 to 2 ° C. Thereby, the temperature fall of a floor surface vicinity can be suppressed and the comfortable temperature of a user's step can be ensured.

  In FIG. 3, in step # 30, it is determined whether or not the stop of the heating operation is instructed by the operation of the remote controller or the like. When the stop of the heating operation is not instructed, the process proceeds to step # 31. In step # 31, it is determined whether or not the room temperature based on the intake air temperature detected by the temperature sensor 61 has increased by a predetermined temperature from the set temperature.

  If the room temperature has not risen by a predetermined temperature from the set temperature, the process returns to step # 30 and steps # 30 and # 31 are repeated. When the room temperature rises by a predetermined temperature from the set temperature, the process proceeds to step # 32. In step # 32, the output of the air conditioner is weakened.

  That is, when the operating frequency of the compressor is lowered and the conditioned air is blown backward, the blown air speed is lowered to about 3 m / sec, for example. Further, when the conditioned air is blown forward, the blown wind speed is reduced to, for example, about 5 m / sec. At this time, the conditioned air descends along the front surface of the wall surface W1 or the obstacle K due to the Coanda effect even if buoyancy is applied. For this reason, the comfort as described above can be maintained.

  In step # 33, it is determined whether or not the room temperature based on the intake air temperature detected by the temperature sensor 61 has dropped below the set temperature. If the room temperature falls below the set temperature, the process returns to step # 15 to increase the output of the air conditioner, and steps # 15 to # 33 are repeated.

  If the room temperature has not fallen below the set temperature, the process proceeds to step # 34. In step # 34, it is determined whether or not the stop of the heating operation is instructed by the operation of the remote controller or the like. When the stop of the heating operation is not instructed, the process returns to step # 33 and steps # 33 and # 34 are repeated. And when stop of heating operation is instruct | indicated, it complete | finishes by judgment of step # 30 or step # 34.

  Note that the optimum values of the wind direction, the wind speed (air volume), the heating capacity, and the like that are set in advance in the present embodiment inherently exist depending on the shape of the outlet 5. For this reason, it is determined at the design stage of the air conditioner, and the optimum value is stored in advance in the memory 74 of the control unit 60 when the air conditioner is shipped.

  Further, although the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed forward in step # 21, they may be directed vertically downward or slightly rearward. In step # 16, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed rearward. You may turn it slightly forward. That is, by sending the conditioned air so that the optimum blow direction is determined by the arrangement of the blow outlet 5 or the like, and there is no obstacle behind the indoor unit 1 when there is no obstacle. The conditioned air can be circulated along the obstacle or the wall surface.

  Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner of the second embodiment. Since the operations of steps # 11 to # 17 and steps # 30 to # 34 are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the operating conditions are varied according to the depth of an obstacle installed below the indoor unit 1.

  If there is an obstacle below the indoor unit 1, the process proceeds to step # 18 based on the determination in step # 15. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a central section D (see FIG. 5) in the living room. The distance between the front surface of the obstacle K and the wall surface W1 is b (m), the distance between the indoor unit 1 and the top surface of the obstacle K is L (m), and the distance between the outlet 5 of the indoor unit 1 and the wall surface W1 is Let A (m). Since the distance A is determined by the air conditioner, it is stored in the memory 74 (see FIG. 2) in advance.

  In step # 14, distances b and L are detected by the downward state detection means 78 in addition to the presence or absence of an obstacle. In step # 18, it is determined whether or not the distance b is greater than the distance A. That is, it is determined whether or not the front surface of the obstacle K is arranged behind the position of the outlet 5.

  When the distance b is smaller than the distance A, that is, when the front surface of the obstacle K is arranged behind the position of the air outlet 5, the process proceeds to step # 19. In step # 19, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed vertically downward, and in step # 17, the driving rotational speed of the blower fan 7 is set so that the blown air speed becomes, for example, about 5 m / sec.

  Thereby, conditioned air is sent out from the blower outlet 5 vertically downward, and it transfers to step # 30. Therefore, even when an obstacle with a narrow depth is installed below the indoor unit 1, conditioned air can be circulated along the front surface of the obstacle, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  If it is determined in step # 18 that the distance b is greater than or equal to the distance A, that is, if the front surface of the obstacle K is disposed ahead of the position of the outlet 5, the process proceeds to step # 21. In step # 21, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed forward. At this time, the direction θ of the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b is variable according to the obstacle K in the angle θ with respect to the vertical downward direction. The angle θ is expressed by Equation (1), and conditioned air is sent out toward the intersection of the top and front of the obstacle K.

θ = tan ⁻¹ ((b−A) / L) (1)
Therefore, according to the height and depth of the obstacle K, the conditioned air does not collide with the top surface of the obstacle K, and descends without smoothly rolling up the front surface of the obstacle K by the Coanda effect. And it returns to the suction inlet 4 through the floor F, the side wall W2 facing the side wall W1, and the ceiling wall S in order. Thereby, the warm air and ion which reach the floor surface vicinity of a living space, ie, a user's step, can be increased further, and comfort can be improved more.

  Similarly to the above, the drive rotational speed of the blower fan 7 is set so that the blown air speed becomes about 7 m / sec in step # 22. In step # 23, the operating frequency of the compressor is set 5% higher than the standard, and the heating capacity is increased. In step # 24, the amount of ions generated by the ion generator 30 is increased by 5% from the standard, and the process proceeds to step # 30.

  As in the first embodiment, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed backward in step # 16, but may be directed vertically downward or slightly forward. Further, although the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed vertically downward at step # 19, they may be slightly forward or slightly rearward. In other words, the conditioned air can be circulated along the obstacle or the wall surface by sending the conditioned air so that the case where there is no obstacle is behind the indoor unit 1 rather than the case where there is no obstacle. it can.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. The present embodiment performs the same operation as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 described above. In step # 14, the lower state detecting means is configured by the control using the temperature sensor 61 to detect the lower state of the indoor unit 1. It is supposed to be. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of detecting the downward situation. The steps other than step # 14 and the portion shown in FIG. 9 are the same as in the first embodiment.

  When the process proceeds to step # 14 in FIG. 3, the downward situation detection process in FIG. 9 is called. In step # 51, as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed forward and downward, for example, θ = 40 ° (see FIG. 8) and conditioned air is sent forward and downward at a wind speed of 5 m / sec.

  In step # 52, a timer (not shown) provided in the control unit 60 is started, and the temperature sensor 61 measures the initial temperature T0 ° C. of the intake air from the suction port 4. In step # 53, the process waits until the intake air temperature rises by a predetermined temperature ΔT ° C. When the intake air temperature rises by the predetermined temperature ΔT ° C., the time t1 required to move to step # 54 and increase by the predetermined temperature ΔT ° C. is measured.

  In step # 55, the heating operation is stopped, and in step # 56, the process waits until the intake air temperature returns to the initial temperature T0 ° C. When the intake air temperature returns to the initial temperature T0 ° C., the process proceeds to step # 57. In step # 57, the heating operation is started again, and as shown in FIG. 1 described above, the conditioned air is sent rearward and downward at a wind speed of 5 m / sec, for example, with the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b facing downward and downward.

  In step # 58, the timer is restarted, and in step # 59, the process waits until the intake air temperature rises by a predetermined temperature ΔT ° C. When the intake air temperature rises by the predetermined temperature ΔT ° C., the time t2 required to move to step # 60 and rise by the predetermined temperature ΔT ° C. is measured. The predetermined temperature ΔT ° C. is set to 2 ° C., for example, and an appropriate value is determined in advance in the design stage according to the shape of the outlet 5 and the angles of the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b directed forward and rearward.

  In step # 61, the time t1 is compared with the time t2, and it is determined whether or not the time t2 is larger than the product of the time t1 and the coefficient α. The coefficient α is set to 0.5, for example, but an appropriate value is determined in advance in the design stage according to the shape of the outlet 5 and the angles of the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b directed forward and rearward.

  When the time t2 is larger than the product of the time t1 and the coefficient α, the temperature rising speed at the time of rear blowing is slow, and the conditioned air is sequentially transmitted through the wall surface W1, the floor surface F, the wall surface W2, and the ceiling wall S by the Coanda effect. It is judged that the whole room is circulating widely. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step # 62, and if there is no obstacle, it is stored in the memory 74 (see FIG. 2) and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the time t2 is equal to or less than the product of the time t1 and the coefficient α, the rate of temperature increase during rear blowing is fast. For this reason, it is determined that the so-called short circuit in which the conditioned air is peeled off from the wall surface W1 by the obstacle and rolled up and taken into the indoor unit 1 from the suction port 4 without reaching the entire room is determined. Therefore, the process proceeds to step # 63, and if there is an obstacle, it is stored in the memory 74 (see FIG. 2) and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In addition, it is also possible to omit steps # 51 to # 56 by measuring in advance the time t1 corresponding to the temperature rising rate at the time of forward blowing in the manufacturing stage and storing it in the memory 74. Thereby, the detection time of the condition under the indoor unit 1 can be shortened.

  According to the present embodiment, since the temperature detecting means such as a thermistor originally provided in the air conditioner is used as means for detecting the situation below the indoor unit, the situation detecting means 78 (see FIG. 1) is separately provided. The situation below the indoor unit 1 can be detected with a simple configuration without increasing the number of parts.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment performs the same operation as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 described above, and in the same way as the third embodiment, in step # 14, the downward state detection means is configured by the control using the temperature sensor 61, and the indoor unit The situation below 1 is detected. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of detecting the downward situation, and can be used instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 of the third embodiment. The steps other than step # 14 and the portion shown in FIG. 10 are the same as in the first embodiment.

  When the process proceeds to step # 14 in FIG. 3, the downward situation detection process in FIG. 10 is called. In step # 71, as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed forward and downward, for example, θ = 40 ° (see FIG. 8) and conditioned air is sent forward and downward at a wind speed of 5 m / sec. In step # 72, a timer (not shown) provided in the control unit 60 is started, and the temperature Tb of the intake air from the suction port 4 is detected by the temperature sensor 61.

  In step # 73, the value of the current intake air temperature Tb is substituted into a variable Ta for storing the previous intake air measured temperature. In step # 74, the process waits until a predetermined time t3 elapses. When the predetermined time t3 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 75 where the temperature sensor 61 detects the temperature Tb of the intake air from the suction port 4.

  In step # 76, it is determined whether or not the current intake air temperature Tb detected by the temperature sensor 61 has increased by a predetermined temperature β ° C. from the intake air temperature (Ta) detected only by the predetermined time t3. That is, it is determined that the room temperature is stable when the temperature rise within a certain period is smaller than the predetermined temperature β ° C. The predetermined time t3 and the predetermined temperature β ° C. are set to, for example, 30 seconds and 0.25 ° C., respectively, but appropriate values are determined in advance in the design stage according to the shape of the outlet 5 and the angles of the lateral louvers 11a and 11b. It has been.

  When the current intake air temperature Tb is higher than the predetermined temperature β ° C. compared to the intake air temperature (Ta) before the time t3, the process returns to step # 73 and the current intake air temperature Tb is substituted for the variable Ta. Step # 73 to step # 76 are repeatedly executed. If the current intake air temperature Tb rises below the predetermined temperature β ° C. compared to the intake air temperature (Ta) just before time t3, it is determined that the room temperature has stabilized and the process proceeds to step # 77.

  In step # 77, as shown in FIG. 1 described above, the conditioned air is sent downward and downward with the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b facing downward and downward, for example, at a wind speed of 5 m / sec. In step # 78, the timer is restarted, and in step # 79, it waits until a predetermined time t4 elapses. When the predetermined time t4 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 80, where the temperature sensor 61 detects the temperature Tc of the intake air from the suction port 4.

  In step # 81, it is determined whether or not the intake air temperature Tc detected by the temperature sensor 61 at the time of rearward downward blowing has increased by a predetermined temperature γ ° C. from the final intake air temperature Tb at the time of forward downward downward blowing. That is, it is determined that there is an obstacle below the outlet 5 when the temperature rise in a certain period is increased due to rearward blowing while the room temperature is stable. The predetermined time t4 and the predetermined temperature γ ° C. are set to, for example, 3 minutes and 2 ° C., respectively, but appropriate values are determined at the design stage according to the shape of the outlet 5 and the angle of the lateral louvers 11a and 11b directed rearward. It is predetermined.

  When the intake air temperature Tc when a predetermined time t4 has elapsed from the start of the rear lower blow is a temperature rise below the predetermined temperature γ ° C. compared to the final intake temperature Tb at the front lower blow, the intake air temperature rapidly increases. Absent. For this reason, it is determined that the conditioned air is circulated through the entire room through the wall surface W1, the floor surface F, the wall surface W2, and the ceiling wall S in order by the Coanda effect. Therefore, the process proceeds to step # 82, and if there is no obstacle, it is stored in the memory 74 (see FIG. 2) and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the intake air temperature Tc when a predetermined time t4 has elapsed from the start of the rear lower blowing is higher than the predetermined temperature γ ° C. compared to the final intake temperature Tb at the time of the front lower blowing, the intake air temperature rapidly increases. It is rising. For this reason, it is determined that the so-called short circuit in which the conditioned air is peeled off from the wall surface W1 by the obstacle and rolled up and taken into the indoor unit 1 from the suction port 4 without reaching the entire room is determined. Therefore, the process proceeds to step # 83, and if there is an obstacle, it is stored in the memory 74 (see FIG. 2) and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Note that the final intake air temperature Tb at the time of forward downward blowing, that is, the intake air temperature Tb at the time of transition from step # 76 to step # 77 is close to the set temperature, in step # 71, the wind direction, air volume, heating capacity, etc. It is more desirable to set the operating conditions. If it does in this way, when grasping | ascertaining the condition of the downward direction of the indoor unit 1, the temperature in a living room will become high temperature compared with preset temperature, and a living room temperature does not raise easily and may give a user discomfort. Disappear. Therefore, the situation below the indoor unit 1 can be grasped without impairing comfort. Further, in steps # 71 to # 76, the operating conditions such as the wind direction, the air volume, and the heating capacity are adjusted step by step so that the final intake air temperature Tb at the time of forward downward blowing is controlled to be close to the set temperature. Good.

  According to the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the temperature detecting means such as the thermistor originally provided in the air conditioner is used as the means for detecting the lower condition of the indoor unit. 78 (see FIG. 1) is not required separately, and the situation below the indoor unit 1 can be detected with a simple configuration without increasing the number of parts.

  Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. The present embodiment performs the same operation as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 described above, and in step # 14, the lower condition detecting means is configured by detecting the floor surface temperature so as to detect the lower condition of the indoor unit 1. It has become. For example, an infrared sensor or the like can be used as the floor surface temperature detecting means for detecting the floor surface temperature. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of detecting the downward situation. The steps other than step # 14 and the portion shown in FIG. 11 are the same as in the first embodiment.

  When the process proceeds to step # 14 in FIG. 3, the downward situation detection process in FIG. 11 is called. In step # 101, as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b are directed forward and downward, for example, θ = 40 ° (see FIG. 8), and conditioned air is sent forward and downward at a wind speed of 5 m / sec. In step # 102, a timer (not shown) provided in the control unit 60 is started, and the temperature Te ° C. of the central portion of the living room floor surface F is detected by the floor surface temperature detecting means.

  In step # 103, the value of the current floor surface temperature Te is substituted into a variable Td for storing the previous floor surface measured temperature. In step # 104, the process waits until a predetermined time t5 elapses. When the predetermined time t5 elapses, the process proceeds to step # 105, and the temperature Te of the central portion of the room floor surface F is detected by the floor surface temperature detection means.

  In step # 106, it is determined whether or not the current floor temperature Te detected by the floor surface temperature detecting means has increased by a predetermined temperature δ ° C. from the floor surface temperature Td detected only by the predetermined time t5. The That is, it is determined that the room temperature is stable when the temperature rise of the floor surface within a certain period is smaller than the predetermined temperature δ ° C. The predetermined time t5 and the predetermined temperature δ ° C. are set to, for example, 30 seconds and 0.5 ° C., respectively, but appropriate values are predetermined in the design stage according to the shape of the outlet 5 and the angles of the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b. It has been.

  When the current floor surface temperature Te is higher than the predetermined floor temperature δ ° C. compared to the floor surface temperature (Td) before time t5, the process returns to step # 103 and the current floor surface temperature Te is changed to the variable Td. Substitution is performed, and step # 103 to step # 106 are repeatedly executed. If the current floor surface temperature Te is a temperature rise of a predetermined temperature δ ° C. or less compared to the floor surface temperature (Td) just before time t5, it is determined that the room temperature has stabilized and the process proceeds to step # 107.

  In step # 107, as shown in FIG. 1 described above, the conditioned air is sent downward and downward with the horizontal louvers 11a and 11b facing downward and downward, for example, at a wind speed of 5 m / sec. In step # 108, the timer is restarted, and in step # 109, the process waits until a predetermined time t6 elapses. When the predetermined time t6 elapses, the process proceeds to step # 110, and the temperature Tf at the center of the room floor surface F is detected by the floor surface temperature detection means.

  In step # 111, it is determined whether or not the floor surface temperature Tf at the time of rearward downward blowing detected by the floor surface temperature detecting means is lower than the final floor surface temperature Te at the time of forward downward blowing by a predetermined temperature ε ° C. The That is, when the temperature drop within a certain period of time increases due to rearward blowing while the room temperature is stable, it is determined that warm air does not reach the floor and there is an obstacle below the outlet 5. The predetermined time t6 and the predetermined temperature ε ° C. are set to, for example, 3 minutes and 2 ° C., respectively, but appropriate values are determined at the design stage according to the shape of the outlet 5 and the angle of the lateral louvers 11a and 11b directed rearward. It is predetermined.

  When the floor surface temperature Tf when the predetermined time t6 has elapsed from the start of the rear downward blowing is lower than the final floor surface temperature Te at the time of the forward downward blowing, the floor surface temperature rapidly increases. There is no serious descent. For this reason, it is determined that the conditioned air is circulated through the entire room through the wall surface W1, the floor surface F, the wall surface W2, and the ceiling wall S in order by the Coanda effect. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step # 112, and if there is no obstacle, it is stored in the memory 74 (see FIG. 2) and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the floor surface temperature Tf when a predetermined time t6 has elapsed from the start of the rear downward blowing is lower than the predetermined temperature ε ° C. compared to the final floor surface temperature Te at the time of the forward downward blowing, the floor surface temperature Is descending rapidly. For this reason, it is determined that the so-called short circuit in which the conditioned air is peeled off from the wall surface W1 by the obstacle and rolled up and taken into the indoor unit 1 from the inlet 4 without reaching the floor surface is large. Therefore, the process proceeds to step # 113, and if there is an obstacle, it is stored in the memory 74 (see FIG. 2) and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Note that the final floor surface temperature Te at the time of forward downward blowing, that is, the floor surface temperature Te when moving from step # 106 to step # 107 is close to the comfortable floor surface temperature, the wind direction at step # 101, It is more desirable to set operating conditions such as air volume and heating capacity. If it does in this way, when grasping | ascertaining the condition of the downward direction of the indoor unit 1, a floor surface temperature becomes too high temperature, a floor surface temperature does not raise easily, and it does not give a user discomfort. Therefore, the situation below the indoor unit 1 can be grasped without impairing comfort. Further, in steps # 101 to # 106, the operating conditions such as the wind direction, the air volume, and the heating capacity are adjusted step by step so that the final floor surface temperature Te at the time of forward downward blowing is close to a comfortable floor surface temperature. You may control.

  According to this embodiment, since the floor surface temperature detection means such as an infrared sensor is used as a means for detecting the situation below the indoor unit, the situation below the indoor unit 1 can be accurately detected with a simple configuration. it can.

  In 1st-5th embodiment, according to the condition under the indoor unit, the sending direction of conditioned air, the wind speed of conditioned air to be sent out, the rotational speed of the blower fan, the operating frequency of the compressor, the heating capacity, the set temperature Although the operating conditions such as the amount of generated ions are varied, any one or a plurality of operating conditions may be varied. In addition, other operating conditions may be varied depending on the situation below the indoor unit. For example, the temperature and timing for switching wind speeds such as weak wind and strong wind can be varied.

  In addition, as shown in the first to fifth embodiments, when the state below the indoor unit 1 is detected every time the operation of the air conditioner is started, the position always below the indoor unit 1 even if the position of the obstacle K is moved. By grasping the situation, warm air can reach the floor. At this time, the lower situation may be detected during operation of the air conditioner.

  However, when there is an obstacle such as furniture under the indoor unit 1, the roll-up (see B 'in FIG. 14) occurs until the presence or absence of the obstacle is detected. I can't warm up. As a result, the user's feet are continuously cooled, which not only causes discomfort to the user, but also locally lowers the user's body temperature and may be harmful to health. Therefore, it is desirable to detect the lower situation as early as possible, and more desirably immediately after the start of operation.

  It is not always necessary to detect the situation below the indoor unit 1 every time the air conditioner is operated. For example, a power plug may be attached and detached (normally the CPU 71 is reset at this time), and the situation below the indoor unit 1 may be detected during the first operation thereafter. In this way, when the indoor unit 1 is installed for the first time, or when the arrangement of the indoor unit 1 is changed by moving or the like, the situation below the indoor unit 1 is detected. In the subsequent operation, the optimum heating operation can be quickly performed without detecting the lower situation.

  Moreover, when the air conditioner is operated after the preset use period has elapsed, or when the operation of the air conditioner reaches a preset number of times of operation, detection of the situation below the indoor unit 1 may be performed. As a result, it is possible to omit detection of the downward situation during normal operation.

  When the situation below the indoor unit is not detected every time the air conditioner is operated, it is more desirable to detect the situation below by operating a remote controller or the like. For example, a “furniture installation status detection” button is provided on the remote controller so that the status below the indoor unit 1 is detected when the button is pressed. Thereby, heating operation can be performed under the optimal operating condition when furniture or the like below the indoor unit is installed or removed by redesigning the room.

  The remote controller may be further provided with a “correction button” or the like for operating conditions so that the situation below the indoor unit 1 can be input. Thereby, the wind direction of the airflow sent out according to the state of the surface of the wall surface W1 or the variation of a shape can be varied, for example.

  Further, a changeover switch for switching between several predetermined operating conditions may be provided in the remote controller, the input circuit 72 or the output circuit 73 (see FIG. 2). In this way, for example, when the indoor unit 1 is installed, the user or the installation worker can set the operating condition according to the situation below the indoor unit 1 with the changeover switch. Thereby, irrespective of the detection result of the downward condition detection means 78, heating operation can be performed on optimal driving | running conditions.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can do.

These are the schematic side sectional drawings which show the state which blows off back and downward of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are block diagrams which show the structure of the control part of the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts which show the control operation of the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are schematic side sectional drawings which show the state which blows off to the front lower direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are perspective views which show the behavior of the airflow sent out from the indoor unit of the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are figures which show the temperature distribution in a living room at the time of operation | movement of the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts which show the control operation of the air conditioner of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. These are sectional drawings explaining the blowing direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts which show operation | movement of the downward condition detection process of the air conditioner of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts which show the operation | movement of the downward condition detection process of the air conditioner of 4th Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts which show operation | movement of the downward condition detection process of the air conditioner of 5th Embodiment of this invention. These are perspective views which show the behavior of the airflow sent from the indoor unit of the conventional air conditioner. These are figures which show the temperature distribution in the living room at the time of operation | movement of the conventional air conditioner. These are perspective views which show the behavior of the airflow sent out from the indoor unit of the conventional air conditioner into the room with an obstruction. These are figures which show the temperature distribution in the room with an obstruction by the operation | movement of the conventional air conditioner.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Indoor unit 2 Cabinet 3 Front panel 4 Suction port 5 Outlet 6 Blower path 7 Blower fan 8 Air filter 9 Indoor heat exchanger 10 Drain pan 11a, 11b Horizontal louver 12 Vertical louver 61 Temperature sensor 78 Lower state detection means

Claims (8)

An air conditioner that takes in air from an air inlet of an indoor unit attached to the wall surface of the room and harmonizes it and sends it out from the air outlet, and has an intake air temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the intake air, and is provided below the indoor unit. It has a downward situation detection means to detect the situation,
During the heating operation, the lower state detection means includes a time during which the intake air temperature rises by a predetermined temperature when the conditioned air is sent forward and downward, and a time during which the intake air temperature rises by the predetermined temperature when the conditioned air is sent rearward and downward. When the time difference is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and when the time difference is larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that there is no obstacle below the indoor unit. Air conditioner characterized by. An air conditioner that takes in air from an air inlet of an indoor unit attached to the wall surface of the room and harmonizes it and sends it out from the air outlet, and has an intake air temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the intake air, and is provided below the indoor unit. It has a downward situation detection means to detect the situation,
During the heating operation, the lower state detection means sends the conditioned air forward and downward and sends the conditioned air downward and downward when the temperature rise of the intake air temperature within a certain period becomes smaller than the first predetermined temperature. When the temperature rise of the intake air temperature is larger than the second predetermined temperature, it is determined that there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and when the temperature rise of the intake air temperature within a predetermined time is smaller than the second predetermined temperature, An air conditioner characterized by determining that there are no obstacles below the indoor unit. An air conditioner that takes in air from a suction port of an indoor unit attached to the wall surface of the room and harmonizes it and sends it out from the outlet, and has floor surface temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the floor surface. Provided with a downward situation detection means for detecting the downward situation,
During the heating operation, the lower state detection means sends the conditioned air forward and downward and sends the conditioned air downward and downward when the temperature rise of the floor surface within a predetermined period becomes lower than the first predetermined temperature. When the temperature drop on the floor is greater than the second predetermined temperature, it is determined that there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and when the temperature drop on the floor within a predetermined time is less than the second predetermined temperature, Judge that there are no obstacles below the indoor unit,
Based on the detection result of the downward state detection means, the air conditioner sets the blowing direction to the first direction forward or downward when there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and lowers the blowing direction when there is no obstacle. Alternatively, the air conditioner is characterized in that the rearward direction is the second direction behind the first direction.   When there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, the blowing direction is set to the first direction forward or below, and when there is no obstacle, the blowing direction is set to the lower or rear side and the second direction behind the first direction. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air conditioner is configured as described above.   The blowout direction is set to the first front direction when there is an obstacle below the indoor unit, and the blowout direction is set to the second rear direction when there is no obstacle. Air conditioner.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lower condition detecting means detects a condition below the indoor unit when the operation of the air conditioner is started. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein a condition below the indoor unit is detected when the operation of the air conditioner reaches a set number of times or when the operation is performed after the set period has elapsed. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein after the power plug of the indoor unit is attached and detached, a state below the indoor unit is detected when the air conditioner is operated for the first time.

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