JP5112031B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a separate type air conditioner mainly composed of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

  The air conditioner basically has no information regarding the installation position or installation space (room, etc.) of the indoor unit. Therefore, it is not enough to adjust the set temperature and air volume in order to perform air conditioning suitable for the installation position and installation space of the indoor unit, and the user himself adjusts the angle of the louver provided at the outlet using a remote control or the like. It was necessary to change the wind direction to the optimum angle.

  Or, if it becomes a high-end type (high-end model) air conditioner, it is possible to input the installation position information of the indoor unit at the time of installation, but it is only a guideline, and the louver can be moved to the original optimum angle, It is not adjusted to the number of revolutions.

  In addition, even in the recognition of people in the room, it was possible to detect the heat source by using a pyroelectric sensor (infrared sensor), but it was possible to recognize the direction of the air conditioner. It is only possible to obtain information on the degree to which it is present, and it is impossible to accurately measure distance and number of people. Moreover, although a camera image can also be performed using image processing, since it is two-dimensional information, an accurate distance cannot be grasped. In addition, it is possible to detect distance data by installing two cameras, but the processing is complicated, and at present it is not possible to configure a system at a cost that can be installed in a home air conditioner. Can not.

  According to Patent Document 1, the direction and distance to a person are estimated by dividing the screen and determining whether or not a person enters the screen. When using a simple system, it is necessary to initialize depending on the installation position of the indoor unit (it is necessary to adjust the screen division according to the height of the installation location and the distance to the front, rear, left and right walls), which is not practical . Further, the embodiment of the same document proposes a camera equipped with two cameras, but does not mention the initialization method.

The air conditioner basically adjusts the output by feedback control while looking at the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature. However, when a person enters, for example, during cooling, the output is controlled after detecting that the person has entered and the room temperature has risen, which is a follow-up control. That is, the control is always started after the room temperature is disturbed, and the control predicting the temperature change is difficult.
JP 2006-220405 A (paragraph [0020], FIG. 13, FIG. 26)

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an optimum air volume is obtained by directly measuring a distance from an installation position of an indoor unit to an obstacle of an air flow such as a wall surface of a room or furniture placed in the room. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can be controlled in the wind direction.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit, a compressor provided in an outdoor unit capable of controlling the number of revolutions, and a change in refrigerant flow between cooling operation and heating operation. The switching means has a refrigeration cycle connected by a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant, and the indoor unit is provided with an indoor fan capable of changing the number of rotations, sucking room air and blowing out air-conditioned air from the outlet to the room In an air conditioner, a distance image that detects the distance to the measurement object by measuring the delay time when the pulsed light projected from the light source for each pixel is reflected by the measurement object on the front surface of the indoor unit body A sensor, and based on distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor, an installation position of the indoor unit and a rotation speed of the indoor fan suitable for the installation space are determined. Characterized in that it.

(2) Further, the air conditioner of the present invention is provided with a position confirmation button on the indoor unit main body or the remote control, and when the position confirmation button is pressed, the distance image sensor detects data relating to the shape of the room after a predetermined time, By storing the value as a fixed value, the installation position of the indoor unit and the rotation speed of the indoor fan suitable for the installation space are determined again and updated.

(3) Moreover, the air conditioner of this invention is provided with the left-right louver and the upper-lower louver which change the position of the air direction of the air which is provided in the said blower outlet and blows off from the said blower outlet by the drive mechanism to the left-right direction and an up-down direction. Rotating the indoor fan so as to identify the center position of the room based on the distance data to the opposing wall and the distance data to the left and right walls detected by the distance image sensor and to blow air toward the center of the room The number and the position of the left and right louvers are adjusted.

(4) In the air conditioner of the present invention, the rotation speed of the compressor is controlled by selecting one of the rotation speed groups assigned to a predetermined number of stages, and the distance image sensor Based on the distance data to the ceiling, the distance data to the floor, the distance data to the left and right walls, and the distance data to the opposite wall detected by the above, the size of the room is specified, and the compressors allocated to each stage The value of the number of revolutions is determined according to the size of the room.

  Further, the air conditioner of the present invention is arranged along the ceiling during cooling operation based on the distance data to the ceiling detected by the distance image sensor, the distance data to the opposite wall, and the distance data to the left and right walls. Then, the rotational speed of the indoor fan and the positions of the left and right and upper and lower louvers are adjusted so that cold air flows.

  Further, the air conditioner of the present invention follows the wall surface during heating operation based on the distance data to the floor surface detected by the distance image sensor, the distance data to the opposite wall, and the distance data to the left and right walls. The rotational speed of the indoor fan and the positions of the left and right and upper and lower louvers are adjusted so that the floor surface reaches the floor surface and is warmed optimally.

  In the air conditioner of the present invention, the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor is compared with the stored distance data of the fixed object, and a place deviated from the data is generated. An air conditioner that determines that a person is present there, directing cold air and hot air near the person so that the temperature environment of the person is improved, and the rotational speed of the indoor fan and the left and right -Adjusting the position of the upper and lower louvers.

(5) Moreover, the air conditioner of this invention compares the distance data to the measuring object for every pixel detected by the said distance image sensor with the distance data of the memorize | stored fixed object, and the place which shifted | deviated from the data If an air conditioner that determines that there is a person in the event of a problem occurs and the distance data does not change even after a certain period of time has passed, the furniture or other It is characterized in that it is judged that there is no such thing and the judgment as a person is stopped.

(6) Moreover, the air conditioner of this invention compares the distance data to the measuring object for every pixel detected by the said distance image sensor with the distance data of the memorize | stored fixed object, and the place which shifted | deviated from the data When an air conditioner occurs, it is an air conditioner that determines that there is a person, recognizes the shape of the measurement object determined as a person, determines whether it is a child or an adult, and if it is determined to be an adult Adjust the rotation speed of the indoor fan and the position of the left and right and upper and lower louvers so that the wind is concentrated around the person and in the case of a child, the wind is directed to a slightly separated place without direct contact. Features.

  In addition, the air conditioner of the present invention is provided with a wind concentration button on the remote control, and when the wind concentration button is pressed, if it is determined that there is a person in the room, the wind is directly applied to the person. It is characterized by adjusting the position of left / right / up / down louvers.

  Further, the air conditioner of the present invention counts the number of persons when it is determined that there is a person in the room, and when the number of persons is one, the left and right and upper and lower louvers are arranged so that the wind is directly applied to the person. If the position is changed and the number of people is two, the positions of the left and right and upper and lower louvers are changed so that the air is blown between them. If the number is three or more, the air is blown toward the center of the room.

(7) In the air conditioner of the present invention, when it is determined that there is a person in the room, it is determined whether or not the number of persons has increased after a predetermined time, and the rotation speed of the compressor is adjusted. It is characterized by.

  In addition, the air conditioner of the present invention is provided with a notification button on the remote control, and when the notification button is pressed a predetermined number of times, if it is determined that there is a person in the room, the number is counted and displayed on the display unit of the remote control It is characterized by doing.

(8) Further, in the air conditioner of the present invention, when a guard button is provided on the indoor unit main body or the remote control and the guard button is pressed, there is a person in the room even if the air conditioner is stopped. If it is determined, a warning is issued, and if the warning is not canceled within a predetermined time, a suspicious person intrusion mail is transmitted to the mobile phone or PC address.

  Further, the air conditioner of the present invention lowers the set temperature for heating operation and lowers the set temperature if it is not determined that there is a person in the room even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the room temperature reached the set temperature. It is characterized by increasing the set temperature and performing energy saving operation.

(9) Further, the air conditioner of the present invention performs output (for example, current) detection and outputs when the measurement object is not determined to be a person even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the room temperature reached the set temperature. This is characterized in that energy saving operation is carried out while suppressing the amount of electricity by half.

  Further, the air conditioner of the present invention detects an obstacle such as illumination in front of the indoor unit or chest under the indoor unit based on the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor. In order to avoid obstacles, the mask is applied to the angles of the left and right louvers and the upper and lower louvers.

  According to the present invention, an air conditioner that can be controlled to an optimum air volume and direction by directly measuring a distance from an installation position of an indoor unit to a wall surface of a room or an obstacle of an air flow such as furniture placed in the room. Machine can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the air conditioner of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit in an embodiment of an air conditioner of the present invention. In the figure, a compressor 101 that discharges refrigerant, one end connected to the compressor discharge side, and one end connected to the other end of the four-way valve 102 and the other end of the four-way valve 102 as switching means for switching between the refrigerant circuit and the heating circuit. In the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 103, an outdoor fan 104 that performs heat exchange between the outdoor air and the outdoor heat exchanger is disposed near the outdoor heat exchanger 103. The rotation speed of the compressor 101 is controlled so as to select one from a rotation speed group assigned to a predetermined number of stages. The switching means for changing the refrigerant flow between the cooling operation and the heating operation may be a combination of a plurality of valves that function in the same way, instead of a four-way valve.

  An expansion valve 105 serving as a decompressor having one end connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 103 is disposed, and an indoor heat exchanger 106 connected to the other end of the expansion valve 105 is located in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 106. An indoor fan 109 that promotes heat exchange between the room air and the indoor heat exchanger 106 is disposed. Further, an accumulator 110 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 101 to store excess refrigerant, and a refrigerant circuit is formed from these. Components such as the compressor 101 and the outdoor heat exchanger 103 are accommodated in an outdoor unit disposed outside the room, and are disposed in a room including the indoor heat exchanger 106 through extension pipes 113 and 114 via on-off valves 111 and 112. The refrigerant is circulated to the indoor unit 1. As this refrigerant, a chlorofluorocarbon-containing refrigerant, a natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, water, or a mixture thereof is used. The indoor unit may be any type such as a wall-mounted type, a ceiling-mounted type, or a ceiling-embedded type. Examples of the decompressor include a capillary tube in addition to the expansion valve.

  In FIG. 1, the operation of the refrigerant circuit will be described next. When performing cooling in the indoor unit, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas discharged from the compressor 101 in the figure is connected to one end of the compressor discharge side through a four-way valve 102 for switching between the refrigerant circuit and the heating circuit. The outdoor heat exchanger 103 exchanges heat with the outside air that the outdoor fan 104 flows, that is, condenses, releases the heat of the gas refrigerant to the outside air, and lowers the temperature. The refrigerant expands at the expansion valve 105 and lowers the pressure and becomes a lower temperature. The indoor heat exchanger 106 exchanges heat between the cooled refrigerant and the room air circulated by the indoor fan 109, thereby cooling the room air. Is called. At the time of heating, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 101 switches the four-way valve 102 and is first supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 106, so that the room air exchanges heat with hot refrigerant gas to perform heating.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a system configuration of an image data processing unit in the air conditioner. In the figure, 1 is an indoor unit, 2 is a distance image sensor arranged in the indoor unit 1, 4 is an image control microcomputer for processing an image acquired from the distance image sensor, and 5 is an indoor control microcomputer. Reference numeral 6 denotes a remote controller for performing remote control of the air conditioner by transmitting and receiving an infrared signal for switching the operation mode, the set temperature, the left / right wind direction, the up / down wind direction, and the like. The indoor control microcomputer 5 is connected to the mobile phone company 12 or the like via a communication line or wireless communication, creates a mail based on the image acquired from the distance image sensor 2, and transmits it to the mobile terminal using a communication protocol. be able to. The distance image sensor 2 is attached to the indoor unit 1. The image data acquired by the distance image sensor 2 is subjected to image data processing by the image control microcomputer 4 disposed inside the distance image sensor 2.

  The distance image sensor 2 is provided on the front surface of the indoor unit 1 and is disposed immediately above the air outlet 30 that blows out air to a room provided in the lower part of the indoor unit 1. This distance image sensor 2 is attached to the interior of the indoor unit near the drain pan under the indoor heat exchanger 106 and is directed indoors with a CDD camera module structure. The power source that drives and operates the distance image sensor 2 and the control microcomputer that processes the images acquired from the distance image sensor 2 uses the power source from the indoor unit 1, and thus no special device is required. The distance image sensor 2 may be close to the image control microcomputer, or may be a module in which a substrate is fixed and integrated on the back side of the lens.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an example of a distance image sensor. Distance image sensor 2, as shown in FIG. 3, fetches the image of the measuring object in the room by the CCD camera (CMOS sensor) 2 b, near-infrared pulse irradiated to the object of measurement from the LED2 a , using the difference in time to receive the reflected light CCD camera 2 b are, by calculating the distance from the speed of light and the time difference in the image control microcomputer 4 issues a distance data for one point pixel (TOF (time of flight) method). Therefore, when the indoor unit 1 is installed on the wall surface of the room, data relating to the indoor shape can be obtained by counting the distance data for each pixel. In addition, if the indoor image that is the background is stored in advance as a fixed object, when a person enters the room after that, the difference of the distance data can be calculated, and only the person emerges. Can be determined. The actual CCD camera used is 80,000 pixels.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 1 during cooling, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 1 during heating. In these drawings, 7 is a left and right louver that is provided at the outlet 30 so as to be rotatable, and can be separately blown into the left and right. The upper and lower louvers that can be blown up and down are shown. By appropriately adjusting the turning angle of the upper and lower louvers 8, at the time of cooling, as shown in FIG. 4 , air is blown out from the outlet 30 toward the front and upward in the horizontal direction to cool the room. when the, as shown in FIG. 5, so that to heat the room blowing warm air downward relative to the horizontal direction from the air outlet 30.

  The left and right louvers 7 are divided into two near the center of the air outlet 30 and are connected by separate link rods on the left and right sides. These link rods can be controlled independently by separate left and right pulse motors (not shown). This pulse motor may be in a position to move the link rod to the left and right, and is provided, for example, inside the wall surface of the upper part of the outlet. Each louver that is integrally driven by the link rod is pivotally fixed to the upper wall of the air outlet 30 and can move left and right with respect to the upper fixing point to change the flow of wind. The left and right independent louvers 7 are each composed of a plurality of louver pieces, and have plate-like portions in which the direction of wind flow is equal to or longer than the pitch between the louvers. This stabilizes the air flow direction and enables reliable air blowing to remote locations.

  The upper and lower louvers 8 are arranged on the indoor side of the air outlet 30 of the indoor unit 1 from the left and right louvers 7, that is, outside the air conditioner. The upper and lower louvers 8 are composed of two pieces and can be independently driven by two independent pulse motors. . Each louver is rotatably fixed to the left and right wall surfaces of the air outlet 30, and the airflow can be changed in the vertical direction by being driven to rotate by a pulse motor at a fixed portion of the air outlet end. The upper and lower independent louvers 8 are each composed of a plurality of louver pieces, and have plate-like portions in which the direction of wind flow is equal to or longer than the pitch between the louvers. This stabilizes the air flow direction and enables reliable air blowing to remote locations.

  6 is a plan view of the remote control with the open / close cover closed, and FIG. 7 is a plan view of the remote control with the open / close cover opened. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the remote controller 6 is provided with a liquid crystal display section 66 at the upper part and a hinge type cover 61 at the lower part so as to be freely opened and closed. As shown in FIG. 6, the cover 61 itself is provided with a wind concentration button 62 and a notification button 65. When the wind concentration button 62 is pressed, an area where people are concentrated in the room is searched, and the area is localized. The function of rapidly air-conditioning is working. Each time the notification button 65 is pressed, the contents displayed on the date character display portion (7-segment display portion) 66a of the liquid crystal screen 66 of the remote controller 6 are changed. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a position confirmation button 63 and a security button 64 are provided in a portion exposed when the cover 61 is opened. When the position confirmation button 64 is pressed, the user can arbitrarily start detection by the distance image sensor 2. When the security button 64 is pressed, the user can arbitrarily start detection by the distance image sensor 2.

  Next, the air conditioner configured as described above will be described with reference to a specific embodiment for control based on the image detected by the distance image sensor and the distance data.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the first embodiment. First, the construction contractor installs the indoor unit 1 on one wall surface of the room and turns on the power (step S101). Then, the distance image sensor 2 works (step S102) and measures the distance for each CCD element. Based on this, the image control microcomputer 4 measures the distance to the opposing wall, the distance to the ceiling, the distance to the floor, and the distance to the left and right walls, and estimates the size of the room and its own position (step S103). And the indoor control microcomputer 5 determines the rotation speed of the indoor fan 109 suitable for the installation position and installation space of the indoor unit 1 (step S104). The above movement shows the case where there is no originally stored data. As described below, the position confirmation button is pressed or the above series of operations is completed, and the position data is stored. After that, when a power failure occurs or when the operation is turned on again after the operation is stopped, the stored data is prioritized and the above operation is not performed.

  According to the first embodiment, it is possible to set the rotation speed optimum for the size of the room within the range of the rated rotation speed of the indoor fan 109.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the second embodiment. In this figure, the steps S201 to S203 are the same as the steps S101 to S103 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, and therefore redundant description is omitted.

  Here, the position confirmation button 63 of the remote controller 6 is pressed (step S204), the distance for each pixel after a certain time (here, 10 seconds) is measured, and the distance data is a fixed object (not a person). ), And newly register the distances to the respective floors, ceilings, and walls previously performed (step S205). In addition, after a certain period of time (after 10 seconds), if the shape is recognized immediately after pressing the button, the user may be judged as a fixed object. To get out of range. At that time, a sound such as “Gee” for 10 seconds and “Cash” for storing the position can be generated, so that the user can work more safely. Further, the time difference is not limited to 10 seconds, and can be arbitrarily set between 1 second and 1 minute. And the indoor control microcomputer 5 determines the rotation speed of the indoor fan 109 suitable for the installation position and installation space of the indoor unit 1 (step S206).

  According to the second embodiment, within the range of the rated rotational speed of the indoor fan 109, the optimal rotational speed for the size of the room can be determined and updated at an arbitrary timing. This embodiment is particularly useful when the layout of the furniture in the room is changed by changing the room.

<Third Embodiment>
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the third embodiment. In this figure, the steps S301 to S305 are the same as the steps S201 to S205 (FIG. 9) of the second embodiment, and therefore redundant description is omitted.

  Here, the indoor control microcomputer 5 calculates the position where the indoor unit 1 is installed based on the distance data to the opposing wall and the left and right walls, specifies the center of the room (step S306), and the indoor fan The rotational speed of 109 and the positions of the left and right louvers 7 are adjusted, and cool air is blown toward the center of the room (step S307).

  According to the third embodiment, the room can be efficiently cooled or heated by performing air conditioning toward the center of the room.

<Fourth Embodiment>
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the fourth embodiment. In this figure, the steps S401 to S405 are the same as the steps S201 to S205 (FIG. 9) of the second embodiment, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  Here, the indoor control microcomputer 5 calculates the position where the indoor unit 1 is installed based on the distance data to the opposing wall and the left and right walls, and specifies the center of the room (step S406). The rotational speed of the indoor fan 109 and the position of the left and right louvers 7 are adjusted, and cool air is blown toward the center of the room (step S407).

  At this time, the indoor control microcomputer 5 estimates the size of the room based on the distance data (step S406) and calculates the load on the room. Then, the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is adjusted (step S407). Specifically, control is performed using an FD value (see Table 1). There are about 10 FD values, and the FD value decreases as the room temperature reaches the set temperature. If the maximum is FD = 10, the minimum is FD = 1, the stop is FD = 0, and the rated capacity speed is set to FD = 6.

  First, the rated capacity rotation speed is determined according to the size of the room. The number of revolutions is derived from a calculation formula stored in advance so that the rated capacity value can be obtained. For example, when it is determined that the room is larger than the display capacity, the value of FD = 6 is increased from the rotation speed at which the initial rated capacity is obtained. Then, the difference between the maximum number of rotations (FD = 10) that can be reliably maintained and the increased number of rotations is divided into four, and a new rotation number table from FD = 6 to FD = 10 is newly created, and at the same time, FD = 1. The rotational speed difference of FD = 6 is calculated, and a new rotational speed table from FD = 1 to FD = 6 is recreated (see Table 1).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the room is small, the rotational speed of FD = 6 is set to match the ability value. Then, a difference from the minimum number of rotations (FD = 1) that can maintain reliability is calculated, and a new rotation number table from FD = 1 to FD = 6 is created, and at the same time, the maximum number of rotations (FD = 10). ) And FD = 6, a new rotational speed table of FD = 6 to FD = 10 is created, and the rotational speed table of the compressor 100 is adjusted. However, if the room is too large or too small, if the room is too large, the difference between FD = 1 and FD = 6 will be too wide and the control at that time will be too coarse, If it is extremely small, there is a limit because the control at FD = 10 and FD = 6 becomes rough because the difference in rotational speed is too large. The limit seems to be reasonable between the rotational speed of FD = 7 in the initial rotational speed table and the rotational speed of FD = 5, and adjustment of the rotational speed of FD = 6 is performed further. Absent.

  According to the fourth embodiment, since the size of the room is known, it is possible to finely air-condition the room by changing the rotation speed of the compressor so as to match the load of the room.

<Fifth Embodiment>
A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, when the cooling operation of the air conditioner is started (step S501), detection by the distance image sensor 2 is started (step S502). Specifically, the distance from the indoor unit 1 to the ceiling of the room, the opposing wall, and the left and right walls is measured by the image control microcomputer 4, and the distance data is stored (step S503). Then, the distance data is specified (S504), and the rotational speed of the indoor fan 109 and the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 are adjusted (step S505).

  Specifically, at the start of the cooling operation, the rotational speed of the maximum air volume of the indoor fan 109 is determined from the distance to the facing wall. Then, the position of the indoor unit 1 is calculated from the distance to the opposing wall and the left and right walls, the center of the room is calculated, the left and right louvers 7 are adjusted, and the cool air is directed toward the center of the room. After blowing for about 10 minutes or when the set temperature is reached, the distance from the ceiling is calculated, the angle of the upper and lower louvers 8 is adjusted, and the operation is performed with the upper and lower louvers 8 facing upward. If there is an electric lamp hung from the ceiling at this time, the angle is determined in consideration of the fact that the wind does not hit directly and does not reach the opposing wall. In addition, when the distance from the ceiling is about 80 cm or more away from the indoor unit 1 (when installed in a hall, etc.), it is difficult to obtain the Coanda effect even if it is blown up toward the ceiling. Make a decision not to turn. When the set temperature is reached, adjustments are made so as to maintain the room temperature by reducing the number of rotations of the indoor fan 109. At this time, the room can be efficiently cooled by air conditioning toward the center of the room.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the distance to the ceiling can be known, the angle in the vertical direction can be more accurately adjusted, and the air volume can be adjusted. When the room temperature reaches around the set temperature during cooling operation, It is possible to create a state where the shower of a person falls.

<Sixth Embodiment>
A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, when the heating operation of the air conditioner is started (step S601), detection by the distance image sensor 2 is started (step S602). Specifically, the distance from the indoor unit 1 to the floor of the room, the opposing wall, and the left and right walls is measured by the image control microcomputer 4, and the distance data is stored (step S603). Then, these distance data are specified (S604), and the number of rotations of the indoor fan 109 and the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 are adjusted so as to reach the floor surface along the wall surface during heating operation and optimally warm the floor surface. Is adjusted (step S605).

  Specifically, when the heating operation is started, the rotation speed of the maximum air volume of the indoor fan 109 is determined from the distance to the facing wall. Then, the position of the indoor unit 1 is calculated from the distance to the opposing wall and the left and right walls, the center of the room is calculated, the left and right louvers 7 are adjusted, and warm air is directed toward the center of the room. Is blown for about 10 minutes, or when the set temperature is reached, the distance from the floor is calculated, the angle of the upper and lower louvers 8 is adjusted, and the operation is performed with the upper and lower louvers 8 facing downward. At this time, if there is furniture underneath, the angle is determined taking into consideration that the wind does not hit the furniture and flow to the floor. When the set temperature is reached, adjustments are made so as to maintain the room temperature by reducing the number of rotations of the indoor fan 109. At this time, the room can be efficiently warmed by air conditioning toward the center of the room.

  According to the sixth embodiment, the distance to the floor can be known, the angle in the vertical direction can be more accurately set, and the air volume can be adjusted, and the hot air can be blown out to stick to the floor during heating operation. it can.

<Seventh Embodiment>
A seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the seventh embodiment. In this figure, the steps S701 to S707 are the same as the steps S401 to S407 (FIG. 11) of the fourth embodiment, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  Here, the indoor control microcomputer 5 compares the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor 2 with the stored distance data of the fixed object, and a location deviated from the data is generated. Then, it is determined that there is a person there (step S708). The rotational speed of the indoor fan 109 and the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 are adjusted so as to improve the temperature environment of the person by directing cool air and warm air near the person (step S709).

  According to the seventh embodiment, since control such as spot air conditioning can be performed, air conditioning can be performed so that the environment in which people are present becomes more comfortable.

<Eighth Embodiment>
The eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the eighth embodiment. In this figure, the steps S801 to S809 are the same as the steps S701 to S709 (FIG. 14) of the seventh embodiment, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  Here, the indoor control microcomputer 5 determines that the object to be measured, once determined to be a person, is a non-moving object such as furniture when the distance data does not change even after reaching a certain time, and determines the person as a person. Cancel (step S810).

  According to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to change the recognition as a non-moving object even if the distance image sensor reacts and recognizes a person when carrying furniture or the like to the room. It becomes. Therefore, it becomes possible to distinguish a person and a still life and to perform more accurate air conditioning.

<Ninth Embodiment>
A ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the ninth embodiment. In this figure, the steps S901 to S908 are the same as the steps S701 to S708 (FIG. 14) of the seventh embodiment, and the duplicated explanation is omitted.

  Here, the indoor control microcomputer 5 recognizes the shape of the measurement object determined to be a person, determines whether it is a child or an adult (step S909). In the case of a child, the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 and the rotational speed of the indoor fan 109 are adjusted so as to direct the wind to a slightly separated place without direct contact (steps S910 and S911).

  Then, the indoor control microcomputer 5 determines that the object to be measured, once determined to be a person, does not change even if the distance data does not change even after reaching a certain time, and determines that the object is not moving, such as furniture, and cancels the determination as a person. (Steps S912 and S913).

  According to the ninth embodiment, an adult and a child can be distinguished, and in the case of a child whose body temperature is more easily lost, the ambient temperature of the child is reduced by blowing air over a wider range than the adult. Because it changes, it becomes easier for children to respond to environmental changes.

<Tenth Embodiment>
A tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the tenth embodiment. In this figure, the steps S1001 to S1008 are the same as the steps S701 to S708 (FIG. 14) of the seventh embodiment, and the duplicate description is omitted.

  Here, when the wind concentration button 62 of the remote controller 6 is pressed (step S1010), the indoor control microcomputer 5 positions the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 so that the wind is directly applied to the measurement object determined to be a person. Is adjusted (step S1011).

  When the wind concentration button 62 is not pressed, the shape of the measurement object determined as a person is recognized, and it is determined whether the object is a child or an adult (S1012). In the case of a child, the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 and the rotational speed of the indoor fan 109 are adjusted so as to direct the wind to a slightly separated place without direct contact (steps S1013 and S1014). .

  Then, the indoor control microcomputer 5 determines that the object to be measured, once determined to be a person, does not change even if the distance data does not change even after reaching a certain time, and determines that the object is not moving, such as furniture, and cancels the determination as a person. (Steps S1015 and S1016).

  According to the tenth embodiment, even if a person moves in the room, it is possible to follow the person and concentrate the air directly toward the person.

<Eleventh embodiment>
The eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the eleventh embodiment. In this figure, the steps S1101 to S1108 are the same as the steps S701 to S707 (FIG. 14) of the seventh embodiment, and a duplicate description is omitted.

Here, the indoor control microcomputer 5 compares the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor 2 with the stored distance data of the fixed object, and a location deviated from the data is generated. Then, it is determined that there are people there, and it is determined how many people are (number of people) (step S1108). When the number of persons is one and the wind concentration button 62 of the remote controller is pressed (step S1110), the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 are changed so that the wind is directly applied to the person (step S1111). If the number of people is 2 or more in step S1108, it is further determined whether it is 2 or more (step S1117). If there are 2 people, the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 are changed so as to blow between them. (Step S1118) If there are three or more people, the process returns to Step S1107 to blow air toward the center of the room. It should be noted that even if the wind concentration button 62 is pressed at this time, it cannot be dealt with, so that it does not respond or a buzzer sounds to inform the user that it is rejected. Or, on the LCD screen 66 of the remote controller 6 is provided wind intensive lamp (not shown), when the after blinking 5 seconds, turned off.

  When the wind concentration button 62 is not pressed, the shape of the measurement object determined to be a person is recognized to determine whether the object is a child or an adult (S1112). In the case of a child, the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 and the rotational speed of the indoor fan 109 are adjusted so as to direct the wind to a slightly separated place without direct contact (steps S1113 and S1114). .

  Then, the indoor control microcomputer 5 determines that the object to be measured, once determined to be a person, does not change even if the distance data does not change even after reaching a certain time, and determines that the object is not moving, such as furniture, and cancels the determination as a person. (Steps S1115 and S1116).

  According to the eleventh embodiment, when the number of people in the room is two, the air can be efficiently air-conditioned so as to wrap up two people by blowing air between them.

<Twelfth Embodiment>
A twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the twelfth embodiment. In this figure, the steps S1101 to S1108 are the same as the steps S701 to S707 (FIG. 14) of the seventh embodiment, and a duplicate description is omitted.

Here, the indoor control microcomputer 5, the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor 2, where the offset and the data is generated by comparing the distance data of a fixed object stored In this case, it is determined that there is a person, and it is determined whether or not the number of persons has increased after a predetermined time (step S1208). When the number of people increases, the rotational speed of the compressor 101 is decreased (step S1209), and when the number of people decreases, the rotational speed of the compressor 101 is increased (step S1210). In the heating operation, the control of the compression speed in steps S1209 and S1210 is reversed. When the number of persons increases, the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is increased, and when the number of persons decreases, the rotation of the compressor 101 increases. Decrease the number.

  Specifically, in the cooling operation, when a person enters the room, the FD value is increased by one level in the case of two persons and in two stages in the case of four persons before the room temperature changes. That is, the FD value is increased by 0.5 level per person. In heating operation, if 3 or more people enter the room, the FD value is lowered by one. If 6 or more people enter, lower the FD value by two levels. In addition, since the value of raising / lowering of FD value changes with the capability of an air conditioner, it is an example. By doing so, it is possible to minimize the disturbance of the room temperature. If the room temperature is still disturbed due to the heat load condition, it can be dealt with immediately by controlling it with normal feedback control.

  Each time the notification button 65 of the remote controller 6 is pressed, the indoor unit 1 recognizes the contents displayed on the date character display portion 66a of the liquid crystal screen 66 of the remote controller 6 by sequentially changing the information as shown in FIG. If the number of persons can be confirmed, this makes it possible for the user to confirm whether or not the distance image sensor 2 is working, and it is possible to realize user friendliness because it is not necessary to make an unnecessary service call. If the number of people is displayed and nothing is done, the screen returns to the initial screen after about 10 seconds.

  According to the twelfth embodiment, the moving object to be measured is determined to be a person, the number of persons is counted, and the number of persons is increased / decreased so that the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is adjusted in advance. Can be kept to a minimum.

<13th Embodiment>
A thirteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the thirteenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, when the security button 65 of the remote controller 6 is pressed (step S1301), the security mode is entered even if the air conditioner is stopped from 1 minute after the button is pressed, and the distance image sensor 2 Detection is started (step S1302). Since infrared rays are used, the public will not know even if the security mode is activated. In addition, you may provide a security button in the indoor unit 1 main body.

  Specifically, the distance from the indoor unit 1 to the opposite walls and the left and right walls of the room is measured by the image control microcomputer 4, and the distance data is stored (step S1303). The indoor control microcomputer 5 compares the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor 2 with the stored distance data of the fixed object, and the location where the data is shifted from the data is detected. If it occurs, it is determined that there is an intruder (step S1304), a warning sound or warning guidance is played for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, a warning is issued (step S1305), and the security button 65 of the remote control 6 is pressed again to guard. If the mode is not canceled within a certain time (step S1306), an email indicating that a suspicious person intrusion email has been detected is transmitted to the mobile phone or PC address (step S1307). If the security mode is canceled in step S1306, the security mode is terminated. Regarding the connection with the Internet, it is possible to connect to the Internet by connecting an external device as a repeater without connecting directly to the indoor unit.

  According to the thirteenth embodiment, it is possible to add a security function for watching an intruder to the air conditioner.

<Fourteenth embodiment>
A fourteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the fourteenth embodiment. In this figure, the steps S1401 to S1408 are the same as the steps S701 to S707 (FIG. 14) of the seventh embodiment, so that the duplicated explanation is omitted.

  Here, if the room control microcomputer 5 does not determine that there is a person in the room even after one hour has passed since the room temperature reached the set temperature (step S1408), the set temperature is automatically lowered to save energy. Is performed (step S1409). At this time, for example, during cooling operation, the room temperature is raised by 2 ° C. If a person is detected, the set temperature is restored again, and it is determined whether the number of persons has increased after a predetermined time (step S1410). When the number of people increases, the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is decreased (step S1411). When the number of people decreases, the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is increased (step S1412). In the case of heating operation, the control of the set temperature in step S1406 is reversed, and the control is performed to lower the set temperature. The control of the compression speed in steps S1411 and S1412 is also reversed, and the number of people increases. When the number of rotations of the compressor 101 is increased and the number of people decreases, the number of rotations of the compressor 101 is decreased.

  According to the fourteenth embodiment, when it is determined that there is no person in the room, it is possible to perform the energy saving operation by lowering the set temperature.

<Fifteenth embodiment>
A fifteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the fifteenth embodiment. In this figure, the steps S1501 to S1507 are the same as the steps S701 to S707 (FIG. 14) of the seventh embodiment, so that the duplicated explanation is omitted.

  Here, if the room control microcomputer 5 does not determine that there is a person in the room even after one hour has passed since the room temperature reached the set temperature (step S1408), for example, current detection is performed to reduce the current amount by half. The rotational speed of the compressor 101 is reduced so as to perform the energy saving operation while suppressing to a certain degree (step S1509). If a person is detected, the set temperature is restored again, and it is determined whether the number of persons has increased after a predetermined time (step S1410). When the number of people increases, the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is decreased (step S1411). When the number of people decreases, the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is increased (step S1412). In the case of heating operation, the control of the set temperature in step S1406 is reversed, and the control is performed to lower the set temperature. The control of the compression speed in steps S1411 and S1412 is also reversed, and the number of people increases. When the number of rotations of the compressor 101 is increased and the number of people decreases, the number of rotations of the compressor 101 is decreased.

  According to the fifteenth embodiment, when it is determined that there is no person in the room, it is possible to perform an energy saving operation by suppressing the amount of current, that is, power consumption.

<Sixteenth Embodiment>
A sixteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the sixteenth embodiment. In this figure, the steps S1601 to S1607 are the same as the steps S701 to S706 (FIG. 14) of the seventh embodiment, and the duplicate description is omitted.

  Here, when the indoor control microcomputer 5 detects an obstacle in front of the indoor unit 1 or an obstacle such as a chiffon below the air conditioner based on the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor 2. (Step S1607) A mask (stopping at that angle and not driving) is applied to the angles of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 so as to avoid obstacles (Step S1608).

  If no obstacle is detected in step S1607, the rotational speed of the indoor fan 109 and the positions of the left and right louvers 7 and the upper and lower louvers 8 are adjusted so that the air is blown toward the center of the room, and the size of the room is specified. Then, the value of the rotation speed of the compressor 101 allocated to each stage is changed according to the size of the room (step S1609).

  If the room control microcomputer 5 cannot recognize a person even after a certain time has elapsed since reaching the set temperature (step S1610), the current control is performed to reduce the current amount to about half and to save energy. The rotation speed of the compressor is reduced so as to perform (step S1611). If a person is detected, the set temperature is restored again, and it is determined whether or not the number of persons has increased after a predetermined time (step S1612). When the number of people increases, the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is decreased (step S1613), and when the number of people decreases, the rotation speed of the compressor 101 is increased (step S1614). In the case of heating operation, the control of the set temperature in step S1606 is reversed, and the control is performed to lower the set temperature. The control of the compression speed in steps S1411, S1412 is also reversed, and the number of people increases. When the number of rotations of the compressor 101 is increased and the number of people decreases, the number of rotations of the compressor 101 is decreased.

  According to the sixteenth embodiment, it is possible to automatically prevent the airflow from being disturbed by the disturbance of the wind flow by the obstacle.

  The present invention can be used for an air conditioner.

These are the refrigerant circuit diagrams in the Example of the air conditioner of this invention. These are an example of the system configuration | structure of the image data process part in an air conditioner. These are typical explanatory drawings of an example of a distance image sensor. These are sectional drawings of the indoor unit at the time of cooling. These are sectional drawings of the indoor unit at the time of heating. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state where an opening / closing cover of the remote control is closed. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the remote controller with the opening / closing cover opened. These are flowcharts showing 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are the flowcharts showing 2nd Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing the 4th Embodiment of this invention. These are the flowcharts showing 5th Embodiment of this invention. These are the flowcharts showing the 6th Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing 7th Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing 8th Embodiment of this invention. These are the flowcharts showing 9th Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing 10th Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing the 11th Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing the 12th Embodiment of this invention. These are figures which show the transition of the information displayed whenever the notification button of a remote control is pressed. These are the flowcharts showing 13th Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing 14th Embodiment of this invention. These are flowcharts showing 15th Embodiment of this invention. These are the flowcharts showing 16th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Indoor unit 2 Distance image sensor 4 Image processing microcomputer 5 Indoor control microcomputer 6 Remote control 62 Wind concentration button 63 Position confirmation button 64 Security button 65 Notification button 66 LCD screen 7 Left and right louvers 8 Vertical louvers 101 Compressor 109 Indoor fan

Claims (6)

An indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, a compressor provided in the outdoor unit that can control the rotation speed, and a switching means that changes the flow of the refrigerant between the cooling operation and the heating operation are provided by a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant. having a refrigeration cycle which is connected, provided the number of rotation mutable indoor fan on the indoor unit, the air conditioner blows are harmonized Nde write breathe room air the air from the air outlet to the room,
A louver provided at the air outlet to change the air direction of the air blown from the air outlet;
Distance image sensor that detects the distance to the object of measurement by measuring the delay time of when the provided on the front surface of the indoor unit body, a pulse light projected from the light source has been reflected by the measurement object for each pixel When,
And determining the installation position of the indoor unit and the rotation speed of the indoor fan or the position of the louver suitable for the installation space based on the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor And
When the distance data to the measurement object determined to be a person based on the distance data detected by the distance image sensor does not change even after a certain period of time, the measurement object determined to be a person is determined to be a person. An air conditioner characterized by stopping the operation. An indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, a compressor provided in the outdoor unit that can control the rotation speed, and a switching means that changes the flow of the refrigerant between the cooling operation and the heating operation are provided by a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant. In the air conditioner having a connected refrigeration cycle, providing an indoor fan capable of changing the number of rotations in the indoor unit, and sucking air in the room and blowing out conditioned air from the outlet to the room,
A louver provided at the air outlet to change the air direction of the air blown from the air outlet;
A distance image sensor that is provided on the front surface of the main body of the indoor unit and detects a distance to the measurement object by measuring a delay time when the pulsed light projected from the light source is reflected by the measurement object for each pixel. When,
And determining the installation position of the indoor unit and the rotation speed of the indoor fan or the position of the louver suitable for the installation space based on the distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor And
Determining whether the measurement object is a person based on the distance data detected by the distance image sensor, and determining whether the measurement object is a person or not by determining the shape of the measurement object determined as a person,
An air conditioner characterized by concentrating the wind around the person when judged as an adult and not directing the wind when judged as a child . The distance data to the measurement object for each pixel detected by the distance image sensor is compared with the stored distance data of the fixed object, and when a place deviated from the data occurs, it is determined that there is a person there. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that: The center position of the room is specified based on the distance data to the opposing wall and the distance data to the left and right walls detected by the distance image sensor, and the number of rotations of the indoor fan so as to blow toward the center of the room and The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the position of the louver is adjusted . The control of the rotational speed of the compressor is to select one from a rotational speed group assigned to a predetermined number of stages,
Based on the distance data to the ceiling, the distance data to the floor, the distance data to the left and right walls, and the distance data to the opposite wall detected by the distance image sensor, the size of the room is specified and assigned to each stage. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a value of a rotation speed of the compressor is determined according to a size of the room .   The louver is composed of a left and right louver that changes the air direction of the air blown from the air outlet in the left and right direction and an upper and lower louver that changes in the up and down direction,
When the distance data to the ceiling of the room during cooling operation is less than a predetermined value, air is sent upward from the outlet through the upper and lower louvers,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the distance data to the ceiling is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, air is not sent upward from the air outlet.

Images