JP6094561B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

  Conventionally, as an air conditioner, there is an air conditioner that controls the rotation speed of an indoor fan according to the operation rate of a compressor during cooling operation by a sleep timer (see, for example, JP-A-07-174395 (Patent Document 1)). ). In the above air conditioner, when the compressor operating rate is high during sleep, the air flow of the indoor fan is increased to alleviate sleepiness, and when the compressor operating rate is low, the air flow of the indoor fan is decreased to blow air. I try not to feel chilly.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-174395

  However, in the air conditioner having such a configuration, the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is a predetermined value when the air flow rate of the indoor fan is lowered because the operation rate of the compressor is low during the cooling operation by the good night timer. There is a problem that the room is too cold before the thermo-off state is satisfied and the comfort is impaired. Also, in the night heating operation, similarly to the night cooling operation, there is a problem that the room is heated too much by the time the thermo-off state is reached, and the comfort is impaired.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the air conditioner which can prevent indoor too cold at the time of night cooling operation.

  Moreover, the subject of this invention is providing the air conditioner which can prevent indoor warming too much at the time of night heating operation.

In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioner of the present invention is
A refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a decompression mechanism, and an indoor heat exchanger are connected in an annular shape;
An indoor fan for circulating indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger;
In the air volume automatic mode during cooling operation or heating operation, the blower air volume of the indoor fan corresponding to a plurality of zones divided based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is preset, An indoor fan control unit for controlling the indoor fan so as to blow out from the indoor fan with the blown air volume set in a zone corresponding to a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature,
In the air volume automatic mode during cooling operation or heating operation, when the indoor fan is controlled by the indoor fan control unit, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is the plurality of zones in the air volume automatic mode. A compressor control unit that stops the compressor and puts it in a thermo-off state when a state of being in the zone immediately before the zone to be put in a thermo-off state of is continued for a thermo-off determination time ,
The compressor controller is
The state in which the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is in the zone immediately before the zone to be in the thermo-off state even after the compressor is stopped and the thermo-off state in the air volume automatic mode. When the thermo-on determination time continues, the compressor is activated to enter a thermo-on state .

  Here, the zone that is in the thermo-off state is a zone that is immediately brought into the thermo-off state when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature enters the zone.

  According to the above configuration, in the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation or the heating operation, the blowout air volume of the indoor fan corresponding to the plurality of zones divided based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is previously set as the air volume pattern. The indoor fan control unit controls the indoor fan so that it blows out from the indoor fan with the blown air volume set in the zone corresponding to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature among the plurality of zones. When the indoor fan control unit controls the indoor fan in the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation or the heating operation, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is a thermo-off state among a plurality of zones in the air volume automatic mode. When the state of being in the zone immediately before the zone to be continued continues for the thermo-off determination time, the compressor is stopped by the compressor control unit to enter the thermo-off state.

  As a result, in the cooling operation, the room is too cold until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature satisfies a predetermined condition and the thermo-off state is reached, and the comfort is not impaired, and particularly the amount of blown air is suppressed. It is possible to prevent the room from getting too cold during the night cooling operation in the automatic air volume mode.

  Also, in the heating operation, the room temperature is not overheated until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature satisfies a predetermined condition and the thermo-off state is reached, and comfort is not impaired. It is possible to prevent the room from being overheated during the night heating operation in the automatic mode.

In addition , after the compressor is stopped and the thermo-off state is maintained in the air volume automatic mode, if the state of being in the same zone continues for the thermo-on determination time, the compressor is started by the compressor control unit to enter the thermo-on state. Even if the increase in the indoor temperature during operation (or the decrease in the indoor temperature during heating operation) is slow, it is possible to quickly return from the thermo-off state.

Moreover, the air conditioner of this invention is
A refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a decompression mechanism, and an indoor heat exchanger are connected in an annular shape;
An indoor fan for circulating indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger;
In the air volume automatic mode during cooling operation or heating operation, the blower air volume of the indoor fan corresponding to a plurality of zones divided based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is preset, An indoor fan control unit for controlling the indoor fan so as to blow out from the indoor fan with the blown air volume set in a zone corresponding to a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature,
In the air volume automatic mode during cooling operation or heating operation, when the indoor fan is controlled by the indoor fan control unit, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is the plurality of zones in the air volume automatic mode. A compressor control unit that stops the compressor and puts it in the thermo-off state when a state of being in the zone immediately before the zone in the thermo-off state of the
With
A thermal load estimation unit that estimates a thermal load in a cooling operation or a heating operation based on a change in indoor temperature during an air conditioning operation including a cooling operation and a heating operation;
The thermo-off decision time is characterized in that a determination time setting unit that sets, based on the heat load estimated by the heat load estimating portion.

According to the above configuration , in the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation or the heating operation, the blowout air volume of the indoor fan corresponding to the plurality of zones divided based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is previously set as the air volume pattern. The indoor fan control unit controls the indoor fan so that it blows out from the indoor fan with the blown air volume set in the zone corresponding to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature among the plurality of zones. When the indoor fan control unit controls the indoor fan in the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation or the heating operation, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is a thermo-off state among a plurality of zones in the air volume automatic mode. When the state of being in the zone immediately before the zone to be continued continues for the thermo-off determination time, the compressor is stopped by the compressor control unit to enter the thermo-off state.
As a result, in the cooling operation, the room is too cold until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature satisfies a predetermined condition and the thermo-off state is reached, and the comfort is not impaired, and particularly the amount of blown air is suppressed. It is possible to prevent the room from getting too cold during the night cooling operation in the automatic air volume mode.
Also, in the heating operation, the room temperature is not overheated until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature satisfies a predetermined condition and the thermo-off state is reached, and comfort is not impaired. It is possible to prevent the room from being overheated during the night heating operation in the automatic mode.
Moreover, based on the change in the room temperature during the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation, the thermal load estimation unit estimates the thermal load in the cooling operation or the heating operation, and based on the thermal load in the cooling operation or the heating operation. The determination time setting unit sets the thermo-off determination time used for determination in the immediately preceding zone with respect to the zone that is in the thermo-off state in the second air volume automatic mode, so that the greater the thermal load, the longer the thermo-off determination time. By making the thermo-off determination time shorter as the thermal load is smaller, it is possible to accurately perform the zone determination as to whether or not to enter the thermo-off state.
Moreover, in the air conditioner of one embodiment,
A thermal load estimation unit that estimates a thermal load in a cooling operation or a heating operation based on a change in indoor temperature during an air conditioning operation including a cooling operation and a heating operation;
The thermo-off determination time is a determination time setting unit that is set based on the thermal load estimated by the thermal load estimation unit;
Equipped with.
According to the embodiment, based on the change in the room temperature during the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation, the thermal load estimation unit estimates the thermal load in the cooling operation or the heating operation, and in the cooling operation or the heating operation. Based on the thermal load, the determination time setting unit sets the thermo-off determination time used for the determination in the immediately preceding zone with respect to the zone that is in the thermo-off state in the second air volume automatic mode. By making the determination time longer and shortening the thermo-off determination time as the thermal load is smaller, the zone determination as to whether or not to enter the thermo-off state can be performed accurately.

Moreover, in the air conditioner of one embodiment,
A thermal load estimation unit that estimates a thermal load in a cooling operation or a heating operation based on a change in indoor temperature during an air conditioning operation including a cooling operation and a heating operation;
The thermo-on determination time includes a determination time setting unit that is set based on the thermal load estimated by the thermal load estimation unit.

  According to the embodiment, based on the change in the room temperature during the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation, the thermal load estimation unit estimates the thermal load in the cooling operation or the heating operation, and in the cooling operation or the heating operation. Based on the thermal load, the determination time setting unit sets the thermo-on determination time used to determine whether the zone is in the same condition even after the thermo-off state in the second air volume automatic mode, so the heat load is large The zone determination as to whether or not to enter the thermo-on state can be performed accurately by increasing the thermo-on determination time and shortening the thermo-on determination time as the thermal load is smaller.

Moreover, in the air conditioner of one embodiment,
The indoor fan control unit
A first air volume automatic mode using a first air volume pattern in which the blown air volume of the indoor fans corresponding to the plurality of zones is set in advance during cooling operation or heating operation;
A second air volume automatic mode that uses a second air volume pattern that is lower than the first air volume automatic mode and that has a preset air volume of the indoor fan that corresponds to the plurality of zones;
The compressor controller is
When the indoor fan control unit controls the indoor fan only in the second air volume automatic mode during cooling operation or heating operation, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is the same as in the second air volume automatic mode. When the state of being in the zone immediately before the zone to be set in the thermo-off state among the plurality of zones continues for the thermo-off determination time, the compressor is stopped to be in the thermo-off state.

According to the above embodiment, in the first air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation or the heating operation, the blowout air volume of the indoor fan corresponding to the plurality of zones divided based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is the first. The indoor fan control unit controls the indoor fan so that it blows out from the indoor fan with the blown air volume set in advance in the zone corresponding to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature among multiple zones. To do. On the other hand, only in the second air volume automatic mode, which is lower than the first air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation or the heating operation, the blowout air volumes of the indoor fans corresponding to the plurality of zones are set in advance as the second air volume pattern. The indoor fan control unit controls the indoor fan so that it blows out from the indoor fan with the blown air volume set in the zone corresponding to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature in the zone. For example, when the normal air-cooling operation (or heating operation) is set to the first air volume automatic mode and the air-cooling operation at bedtime (or heating operation) is set to the second air volume automatic mode that is lower than the first air volume automatic mode, In the air volume automatic mode, when the indoor fan control unit controls the indoor fan, the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is one for the zone in the thermo-off state among the plurality of zones in the second air volume automatic mode. When the state of being in the preceding zone continues for the thermo-off determination time, the compressor is stopped by the compressor control unit to enter the thermo-off state.

  As a result, in the cooling operation of the second air volume automatic mode with a low air volume, the room is too cold until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature satisfies a predetermined condition and the thermo-off state is reached, and comfort is impaired. This prevents the room from getting too cold. In addition, in the heating operation in the second air volume automatic mode with a low air volume, the indoor temperature may be excessively warmed until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature satisfies a predetermined condition and the thermo-off state is reached, and comfort may be impaired. In addition, overheating of the room can be prevented.

  As is clear from the above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an air conditioner that can prevent the room from being overcooled during the night cooling operation.

  Moreover, according to this invention, the air conditioner which can prevent indoor warming at the time of a night heating operation is realizable.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a refrigerant circuit of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining zone control in the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation and the night cooling operation of the air conditioner. FIG. 4 is a table showing air volume taps for each zone during the night cooling operation of the air conditioner. FIG. 5 is a table showing air volume taps for each zone during the normal cooling operation of the air conditioner. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining zone control in the air volume automatic mode during the heating operation and the night heating operation of the air conditioner. FIG. 7 is a table showing air volume taps for each zone during the night heating operation of the air conditioner. FIG. 8 is a table showing air volume taps for each zone during normal heating operation of the air conditioner. FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the air conditioner of this invention is demonstrated in detail by embodiment of illustration.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an indoor unit 2 of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a refrigerant circuit of the outdoor unit 1 connected to the indoor unit 2 via connection pipes L1 and L2. The air conditioner of this embodiment is a pair type air conditioner in which the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 1 are one-to-one.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner of the first embodiment includes a compressor 11, a four-way switching valve 12 having a discharge side of the compressor 11 connected to one end, and the other end of the four-way switching valve 12. An outdoor heat exchanger 13 having one end connected thereto, an electric expansion valve 14 as an example of a pressure reducing mechanism having one end connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and a closing valve 21 at the other end of the electric expansion valve 14. One end of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 15 via the connecting pipe L1, and the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 15 via the connecting pipe L2, the closing valve 22, and the four-way switching valve 12. Is provided with an accumulator 16 connected to the suction side of the compressor 11. The air conditioner also includes an outdoor fan 10 that supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and an indoor fan 20 that circulates indoor air via the indoor heat exchanger 15.

  The indoor heat exchanger 15 includes an auxiliary heat exchanger 15a having a communication pipe L1 connected to one end, and a main heat having the other end of the auxiliary heat exchanger 15a connected to one end and the communication pipe L2 connected to the other end. It has an exchanger 15b.

  The refrigerant circuit is configured by connecting the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the electric expansion valve 14, the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the accumulator 16 in an annular shape.

  The compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the electric expansion valve 14, the accumulator 16, and the outdoor fan 10 constitute the outdoor unit 1, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 20 are used indoors. Machine 2 is configured.

  The outdoor unit 1 includes an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T1 that detects the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor temperature sensor T2 that detects the outdoor temperature, and an evaporation temperature sensor T3 that detects the evaporation temperature of the electric expansion valve 14. It has.

  The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T4 that detects the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and an indoor temperature sensor T5 that detects the indoor temperature.

  The air conditioner is based on an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T1, an outdoor air temperature sensor T2, an evaporation temperature sensor T3, an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T4, a signal from an indoor temperature sensor T5 that detects the indoor temperature, and the like. And a control device 100 for controlling the compressor 11, the outdoor fan 10, the indoor fan 20, and the like.

  FIG. 2 shows a control block diagram of the air conditioner.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 includes an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T1, an outdoor air temperature sensor T2, an evaporation temperature sensor T3, an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T4, and signals from an indoor temperature sensor T5 that detects the indoor temperature. Is entered. Further, the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the electric expansion valve 14, the outdoor fan 10, the indoor fan 20, and the display unit 30 are connected to the control device 100. The display unit 30 is provided in the indoor unit 2 and is an LED or the like that displays at least an operation state.

  The control device 100 includes a microcomputer, an input / output circuit, and the like, and includes an indoor fan control unit 100a that controls the air volume of the indoor fan 20, and an air volume that switches between the first air flow pattern and the second air flow pattern of the indoor fan control unit 100a. The pattern switching unit 100b, the display control unit 100c for controlling the display unit 30, the wind direction control unit 100d for controlling the wind direction of the air blown from the indoor fan 20, and the compressor control unit 100e for controlling the operating frequency of the compressor 11. Have The control device 100 includes an outdoor control unit (not shown) on the outdoor unit 1 side and an indoor control unit (not shown) on the indoor unit 2 side.

  The control device 100 includes a compressor 11, four-way control based on signals from an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T1, an outdoor air temperature sensor T2, an evaporation temperature sensor T3, an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T4, an indoor temperature sensor T5, and the like. The switching valve 12, the electric expansion valve 14, the outdoor fan 10, the indoor fan 20, and the like are controlled.

<Cooling operation>
In the air conditioner having the above-described configuration, during the cooling operation, when the compressor 11 is started by switching the four-way switching valve 12 to the solid line switching position, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is switched to the four-way switching valve. It flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 through 12. The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is depressurized by the electric expansion valve 14 and then enters the indoor heat exchanger 15 (auxiliary heat exchanger 15a and main heat exchanger 15b). The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 returns to the suction side of the compressor 11 through the four-way switching valve 12 and the accumulator 16 (cooling cycle). Thus, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the electric expansion valve 14, the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the accumulator 16, and indoors through the indoor heat exchanger 15 that functions as an evaporator by the indoor fan 20. Air is circulated to cool the room.

<Dehumidifying operation>
During the dehumidifying operation, as in the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 12 is set to the solid line switching position, and the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the electric expansion valve 14, the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the accumulator 16 are sequentially arranged. Circulate the refrigerant (dehumidification cycle). Here, in the indoor heat exchanger 15, only a part of the auxiliary heat exchanger 15a is an evaporation region, the remaining region is a superheat region, and the main heat exchanger 15b is a superheat region.

  In this dehumidifying operation, the evaporation temperature (downstream of the electric expansion valve 14) detected by the evaporation temperature sensor T3 (shown in FIG. 1) of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor T5 of the indoor unit 2 Based on (the temperature of the intake air of the indoor unit 2), the controller 100 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 11 so that the range of the evaporation region in which the liquid refrigerant of the auxiliary heat exchanger 15a evaporates changes according to the load. The opening degree of the electric expansion valve 14 is controlled.

<Heating operation>
Further, when the four-way switching valve 12 is switched to the dotted line switching position and the compressor 11 is started during the heating operation, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 exchanges indoor heat via the four-way switching valve 12. Into the heat exchanger 15 (auxiliary heat exchanger 15a and main heat exchanger 15b). The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 15 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 13 after being depressurized by the electric expansion valve 14. The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 returns to the suction side of the compressor 11 through the four-way switching valve 12 and the accumulator 16 (heating cycle). Thus, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit constituted by the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 15, the electric expansion valve 14, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the accumulator 16, and passes through the indoor heat exchanger 15 functioning as a condenser. Then, indoor air is circulated by the indoor fan 20 to heat the room.

  The above air conditioner uses a remote controller (not shown) to select one of the operation modes such as cooling operation, dehumidifying operation, and heating operation to perform an operation start operation, or to perform an operation switching operation or an operation stop operation. Can be. In the remote controller, the set temperature of the indoor temperature can be set, or the amount of blown air from the indoor unit 2 can be changed by changing the rotational speed of the indoor fan 20.

<Air volume automatic mode during cooling operation and good night cooling operation>
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining zone control in the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation and the night cooling operation of the air conditioner.

  In FIG. 3, zones A to J corresponding to Δt are set as follows when Δt (= indoor temperature−target temperature) decreases and increases during cooling operation and good night cooling operation.

(When Δt falls)
Δt ≧ 2.5 ° C .: J
2.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 2.0 ° C .: I
2.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 1.5 ° C .: H
1.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 1.0 ° C .: G
1.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 0.5 ° C .: F
0.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 0 ° C .: E
0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −0.5 ° C .: D
−0.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ −1.0 ° C .: C
−1.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −1.5 ° C .: B
−1.5 ° C.> Δt: A
(When Δt rises)
Δt ≧ 3.0 ° C .: J
3.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 2.5 ° C .: I
2.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 2.0 ° C .: H
2.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 1.5 ° C .: G
1.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 1.0 ° C .: F
1.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 0.5 ° C .: E
0.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 0 ° C .: D
0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −0.5 ° C .: C
−0.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ −1.5 ° C .: B
−1.5 ° C.> Δt: A

FIG. 4 shows taps (indoor fan rotation speeds) for zones A to J during the night cooling operation of the air conditioner, and FIG. 5 shows zones A to Z during normal cooling operation of the air conditioner. The tap (indoor fan rotation speed) for each J is shown. Here, the air conditioner is provided with five taps of MH tap, M tap, ML tap, L tap, and S tap in descending order of air volume as follows.
Airflow of MH tap> Airflow of M tap> Airflow of ML tap> Airflow of L tap> Airflow of S tap

  As shown in FIG. 4, the amount of blown air decreases in the order of M tap, ML tap, L tap, and S tap when descending during the night cooling operation, while the S tap and L tap when rising during the night cooling operation. , ML taps, M taps increase the blown air volume in this order.

  Δt (= indoor temperature-target temperature) when descending during this night cooling operation is M tap in zones J, I, and H, ML tap in zones G and F, L tap in zones E and D, and in zones C and B S tap, and when Δt is in zone A, the thermo-off state is set (the thermo-off determination value is −1.5 ° C.).

  In addition, Δt (= indoor temperature-target temperature) at the time of rising during the night cooling operation is M tap in zones J and I, ML tap in zones H and G, L tap in zones F and E, S in zones D and C. It is a tap, and when Δt is in zones B and A, the thermo-off state is established.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the amount of blown air decreases in the order of MH tap, M tap, ML tap, L tap when descending during cooling operation, while L tap, ML tap when rising during cooling operation. , M taps, MH taps, the blown air volume increases in this order.

  At the time of this cooling operation, Δt (= room temperature−target temperature) is an MH tap in zones J and I, an M tap in zones H and G, an ML tap in zones F, E, D, and C, and an L tap in zone B. The tap is set, and when Δt is in zone A, the thermo-off state is established.

  In addition, Δt (= indoor temperature-target temperature) when rising during cooling operation is MH tap in zone J, M tap in zones I and H, ML tap in zones G, F, E, and D, and L tap in zone C. When Δt is in zones B and A, the thermo-off state is established.

  The pattern of the blown air volume shown on the taps for each zone when descending and rising shown in FIG. 5 is the first air volume pattern in the first air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation. Moreover, the pattern of the blowing air volume shown in the tap for each zone at the time of descent and ascending shown in FIG. 4 is the second air volume pattern in the second air volume automatic mode during the night cooling operation.

  According to the air conditioner having the above configuration, in the first air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation, the air volume pattern switching unit 100b of the control device 100 switches to the first air volume pattern shown in FIG. 5 of the indoor fan control unit 100a. The indoor fan control unit 100a controls the air volume of the indoor fan 20 with the first air volume pattern based on the indoor temperature and the target temperature. On the other hand, in the second air volume automatic mode during the night cooling operation, the air flow pattern switching unit 100b switches to the second air flow pattern shown in FIG. 4 of the indoor fan control unit 100a, and the indoor fan control unit 100a performs the indoor temperature and target The air volume of the indoor fan 20 is controlled by the second air volume pattern based on the temperature.

  As described above, the first air volume automatic mode is set in the cooling operation at the normal time, and the second air volume automatic mode in the second air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern is set in the sleep air cooling operation at bedtime. It is possible to reduce the fan blowing sound in the automatic air volume.

  Here, the second air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern may be a second air volume pattern in which at least some of the taps in the zones A to J are lower in air volume than the first air volume pattern. .

  Note that the second air volume automatic mode is not limited to sleep air conditioning at bedtime, and may be performed in a situation where the user desires similar air conditioning. For example, the night air heating operation, dehumidifying air conditioning operation, and humidification described later may be performed. It is good also as 2nd air volume automatic mode in heating operation.

  Moreover, although the said 1st airflow pattern and the 2nd airflow pattern used the some tap set in step shape, the airflow pattern from which an airflow changes continuously based on predetermined conditions may be sufficient.

  Also, in the configuration of the air conditioner that enters the thermo-off state (the compressor 11 is stopped) when the room temperature decreases in the first and second air volume automatic modes that control the air volume based on the room temperature and the target temperature during the cooling operation, By setting the minimum air volume (S tap) of the second air volume pattern in the second air volume automatic mode during cooling operation to be smaller than the minimum air volume (L tap) of the first air volume pattern, the thermostat is turned off in the second air volume automatic mode. The thermo-on state with the minimum air volume (S tap) smaller than the minimum air volume (L tap) of the first air volume pattern can be maintained longer, and comfort is improved.

  By making it difficult for the thermostat to be turned off in the second air volume automatic mode of the night cooling operation, a change in the indoor temperature can be reduced and the change of the indoor fan 20 can be reduced during the period in which the ventilation of the indoor fan 20 is maintained at the minimum air volume (S tap). The blowing sound can be made constant.

  Further, in the second air volume automatic mode, the maximum air volume (M tap) of the second air volume pattern in the second air volume automatic mode during the night cooling operation is made smaller than the maximum air volume (MH tap) of the first air volume pattern. Even when the maximum air volume is required, the blowing sound of the indoor fan 20 can be reduced.

  In addition, when the first air volume automatic mode in the normal cooling operation is switched to the second air volume automatic mode in the night cooling operation from the state where the air is blown at the maximum air volume (MH tap), the maximum air volume (M Even if the air is blown with a tap, the air blowing sound of the indoor fan 20 is lowered and it is found that the second air volume automatic mode has been entered. You can

<Air volume automatic mode during heating operation and good night heating operation>
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining zone control in the air volume automatic mode during the heating operation and the night heating operation of the air conditioner. 6, at the time of rising and time lowering the indoor heat exchanger temperature t _E heating operation and night heating operation, each of the following as the zone I~VII each indoor heat exchanger temperature is set.
(When the indoor heat exchanger temperature t _E rises)
30 ° C.> t _E : I
35 ° C.> t _E ≧ 30 ° C .: II
40 ° C.> t _E ≧ 35 ° C .: III
45 ° C.> t _E ≧ 40 ° C .: IV
50 ° C.> t _E ≧ 45 ° C .: V
55 ° C.> t _E ≧ 50 ° C .: VI
t _E ≧ 55 ° C .: VII
(When the indoor heat exchanger temperature t _E drops)
25 ° C.> t _E : I
30 ° C.> t _E ≧ 25 ° C .: II
35 ° C.> t _E ≧ 30 ° C .: III
40 ° C.> t _E ≧ 35 ° C .: IV
45 ° C.> t _E ≧ 40 ° C .: V
50 ° C.> t _E ≧ 45 ° C .: VI
t _E ≧ 50 ° C .: VII

Zones A to L corresponding to Δt (= indoor temperature−target temperature) of the heating operation and the night heating operation are set as follows.
(When Δt rises)
Δt ≧ 2.0 ° C .: A
2.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 1.5 ° C .: B
1.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 1.0 ° C .: C
1.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 0.5 ° C .: D
0.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 0 ° C .: E
0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −0.5 ° C .: F
−0.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ −1.0 ° C .: G
−1.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −1.5 ° C .: H
−1.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ −2.0 ° C .: I
−2.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −2.5 ° C .: J
−2.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ −3.0 ° C .: K
−3.0 ° C.> Δt: L
(When Δt falls)
Δt ≧ 2.0 ° C .: A
2.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 1.0 ° C .: B
1.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ 0.5 ° C .: C
0.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ 0 ° C .: D
0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −0.5 ° C .: E
−0.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ −1.0 ° C .: F
−1.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −1.5 ° C .: G
−1.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ −2.0 ° C .: H
−2.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −2.5 ° C .: I
−2.5 ° C.> Δt ≧ −3.0 ° C .: J
−3.0 ° C.> Δt ≧ −3.5 ° C .: K
−3.5 ° C.> Δt: L

  FIG. 7 shows the air volume taps for each of the zones A to L during the night heating operation of the air conditioner, and FIG. 8 shows the air volume taps for each of the zones A to L during the normal heating operation of the air conditioner. ing. Here, in the air conditioner, MH taps are provided for each of the zones A to L and the zones I to VII of the indoor heat exchanger temperature in the zone control in the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation and the night cooling operation shown in FIG. One of an M tap, an ML tap, an L tap, and an S tap is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for example, in the indoor heat exchanger temperature zone IV, when Δt increases in the night heating operation, the amount of blown air decreases in the order of M tap, ML tap, L tap, and S tap, while night heating is performed. When Δt is lowered during operation, the amount of blown air increases in the order of S tap, L tap, ML tap, and M tap.

  When Δt rises and falls during this good night heating operation, Δt (= room temperature-target temperature) is M taps in zones L, K, J, I, H, G, ML taps in zones F, E, and zone D The L tap and the zones C, B, and A are S taps, and when Δt is higher than the zone A, the thermo-off state is established.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, in the indoor heat exchanger temperature zone IV, when Δt is increased in the heating operation, the amount of blown air decreases in the order of M tap, ML tap, L tap, and S tap, while heating When Δt is lowered during operation, the amount of blown air increases in the order of S tap, L tap, ML tap, and M tap.

  When Δt rises and falls during this heating operation, Δt (= indoor temperature−target temperature) is MH tap in zones L, K, J, and I, M tap in zones H and G, ML tap in zone FE, zone D , C, B, A are L taps, and when Δt is higher than zone A, the thermo-off state is established.

  In the night heating operation and the heating operation, at least a part of the taps in the zones A to L of Δt increases as the zones V, VI, and VII increase with respect to the zone IV of the indoor heat exchanger temperature. The lower the zones III, II, and I with respect to the zone IV of the indoor heat exchanger temperature, the lower at least some of the taps in the zones A to L of Δt.

  The pattern of the blown air volume shown in FIG. 8 is the first air volume pattern in the first air volume automatic mode during the heating operation. Moreover, the pattern of the blowing air volume shown in FIG. 7 is the second air volume pattern in the second air volume automatic mode during the night heating operation.

  In the air conditioner, in the first air volume automatic mode during the heating operation, the air volume pattern switching unit 100b of the control device 100 switches to the first air volume pattern shown in FIG. 100a controls the air volume of the indoor fan 20 with the first air volume pattern based on the indoor temperature and the target temperature. On the other hand, in the second air volume automatic mode during the night heating operation, the air flow pattern switching unit 100b switches to the second air flow pattern shown in FIG. 7 of the indoor fan control unit 100a, and the indoor fan control unit 100a performs the indoor temperature and target The air volume of the indoor fan 20 is controlled by the second air volume pattern based on the temperature.

  As described above, the first air volume automatic mode is set in the heating operation at the normal time, and the second air volume automatic mode of the second air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern is set in the sleep heating operation at the time of sleeping. It is possible to reduce the fan blowing sound in the automatic air volume.

  Here, the second air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern means that at least a part of the taps in the zones A to L is the second air volume pattern having an air volume lower than that of the first air volume pattern. Good.

  Moreover, although the said 1st airflow pattern and the 2nd airflow pattern used the some tap set in step shape, the airflow pattern from which an airflow changes continuously based on predetermined conditions may be sufficient.

  In the configuration of the air conditioner that enters the thermo-off state (the compressor 11 is stopped) when the room temperature increases in the first and second air volume automatic modes in which the air volume is controlled based on the room temperature and the target temperature during the heating operation, In heat exchanger temperature zones IV, III, and II, the minimum air volume (S tap) of the second air volume pattern in the second air volume automatic mode during night heating operation is smaller than the minimum air volume (L tap) of the first air volume pattern. By doing so, it is difficult to enter the thermo-off state in the second air volume automatic mode, and the thermo-on state with the minimum air volume (S tap) smaller than the minimum air volume (L tap) of the first air volume pattern can be maintained for a longer time. And comfort is improved.

  By making it difficult for the thermostat to be turned off in the second air volume automatic mode of the above-described good night heating operation, a change in the indoor temperature can be reduced and the change of the indoor fan 20 can be reduced during the period when the ventilation of the indoor fan 20 is maintained with the minimum air volume (S tap) The blowing sound can be made constant.

  Further, in the indoor heat exchanger temperature zones IV, III, and II, the maximum air volume (M tap) of the second air volume pattern in the second air volume automatic mode during the night heating operation is set to the maximum air volume (MH tap) of the first air volume pattern. When the maximum air volume is required in the second air volume automatic mode, the blowing sound of the indoor fan 20 can be reduced.

  In addition, when the first air volume automatic mode of the normal heating operation is switched to the second air volume automatic mode of the night heating operation from the state where the air is blown at the maximum air volume (MH tap), the maximum air volume (M Even if the air is blown with a tap, the air blowing sound of the indoor fan 20 is lowered and it is understood that the second air volume automatic mode has been entered. Therefore, it can be seen from the air blowing sound that the night air heating operation has been switched, and the user does not feel uncomfortable. You can

  Further, when the indoor fan control unit 100a controls the air volume of the indoor fan 20 with the second air volume pattern, the display control unit 100c controls the brightness of the display unit 30 and the air volume of the indoor fan 20 with the first air volume pattern. The brightness of the display unit 30 can be prevented from disturbing the user's sleep when the second air volume automatic mode of the night cooling operation or the night heating operation is performed.

  According to the air conditioner, in the first air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation, the room corresponding to a plurality of zones A to J (shown in FIG. 3) divided based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature. The blowing air volume (shown in FIG. 5) of the fan 20 is preset as a first air volume pattern, and is the blowing air volume set in a zone corresponding to the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature among the plurality of zones A to J. The indoor fan control unit 100a controls the indoor fan 20 to blow out from the indoor fan 20. On the other hand, in the second air volume automatic mode, which is lower than the first air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 20 corresponding to a plurality of zones A to J (shown in FIG. 3) is the second air volume pattern ( As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor fan control is performed so that the air is blown out from the indoor fan 20 at a blowing air amount set in a zone corresponding to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature among the plurality of zones A to J. The indoor fan 20 is controlled by the unit 100a.

  When the normal air-cooling operation is set to the first air volume automatic mode and the bedtime air-cooling operation is set to the second air volume automatic mode lower than the first air volume automatic mode, the indoor fan control unit 100a performs the second air volume automatic mode. When the indoor fan 20 is controlled, the temperature difference Δt between the room temperature and the target temperature is in the zone B immediately before the zone A in which the thermo-off state is set in the plurality of zones A to J in the second air volume automatic mode. When this state continues for the thermo-off determination time T1 (10 minutes in this embodiment), the compressor 11 is stopped by the compressor control unit 100e to enter the thermo-off state.

  As a result, in the night cooling operation, the room is not cooled excessively until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature satisfies a predetermined condition and the thermo-off state is reached, and the comfort is not impaired. Can be prevented from getting too cold.

  In addition, after the compressor 11 is stopped in the second air volume automatic mode during the night cooling operation and the thermo-off state is forcibly set, a state in which Δt is in the zone B under the same condition is a thermo-on determination time T2 (this implementation). In this mode, the compressor 11 is started by the compressor control unit 100e to be in the thermo-on state, so that it is possible to quickly return from the thermo-off state even if the indoor temperature rises gradually. When the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature shifts to zone C within the thermo-on determination time T2, the thermo-on state is immediately set.

  Further, in the first air volume automatic mode during the heating operation, it corresponds to a plurality of zones A to L (shown in FIG. 8) divided based on the temperature difference Δt between the room temperature and the target temperature and the indoor heat exchanger temperature. The blowout air volume (shown in FIG. 8) of the indoor fan 20 is preset as a first airflow pattern, and the blowout air is set in a zone corresponding to the temperature difference Δt between the room temperature and the target temperature among the plurality of zones A to L. The indoor fan control unit 100a controls the indoor fan 20 so as to blow out from the indoor fan 20 with the air volume. On the other hand, in the second air volume automatic mode, which is lower than the first air volume automatic mode during heating operation, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 20 corresponding to a plurality of zones A to L (shown in FIG. 7) is the second air volume pattern ( As shown in FIG. 7, the indoor fan is blown out from the indoor fan 20 with a blowing air amount set in a zone corresponding to the temperature difference Δt between the indoor temperature and the target temperature among the plurality of zones A to L. The indoor fan 20 is controlled by the controller 100a.

  When the first air volume automatic mode is set in the normal heating operation and the second air volume automatic mode having a lower air volume than the first air volume automatic mode is set in the night heating operation at bedtime, the indoor fan control unit 100a performs the second air volume automatic mode. When the indoor fan 20 is controlled, the temperature difference Δt between the room temperature and the target temperature is within the zone A that is one before the zone that is in the thermo-off state among the zones A to L in the second air volume automatic mode. When the thermo-off determination time T1 (in this embodiment, 10 minutes) continues, the compressor control unit 100e stops the compressor 11 and puts it in the thermo-off state.

  As a result, in the night heating operation, the room temperature is not overheated until the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature satisfies a predetermined condition and the thermo-off state is reached, and the comfort is not impaired. Can prevent overheating.

  In addition, even after the compressor 11 is stopped and forced into the thermo-off state in the second air volume automatic mode during the night heating operation, the temperature difference Δt between the room temperature and the target temperature is within the same zone A. If this state continues for the thermo-on determination time T2 (10 minutes in this embodiment), the compressor 11 is started by the compressor control unit 100e to enter the thermo-on state. Can be restored. When the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature shifts to zone B within the thermo-on determination time T2, the thermo-on state is immediately set.

  In the first embodiment, the thermo-off determination time T1 and the thermo-on determination time T2 are each 10 minutes. However, the thermo-off determination time T1 and the thermo-on determination time T2 may be set as appropriate according to the configuration of the refrigerant circuit, etc. Different values may be set for the determination time T1 and the thermo-on determination time T2.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 shows a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner of the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the air conditioner of the first embodiment except for the thermal load estimation unit 100f and the determination time setting unit 100g of the control device 100. Are given the same reference numbers.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 100 includes a microcomputer, an input / output circuit, and the like, and includes an indoor fan control unit 100 a that controls the air flow of the indoor fan 20, a first air flow pattern and a second air flow pattern of the indoor fan control unit 100 a. The flow rate pattern switching unit 100b that switches the flow rate pattern, the display control unit 100c that controls the display unit 30, the wind direction control unit 100d that controls the wind direction of the air blown from the indoor fan 20, and the operating frequency of the compressor 11 are controlled. It has the compressor control part 100e, the thermal load estimation part 100f which estimates the thermal load in air_conditionaing | cooling operation or heating operation, and the determination time setting part 100g which sets the thermo-off determination time T1 and the thermo-on determination time T2.

  In the air conditioner configured as described above, the thermal load estimation unit 100f estimates the thermal load in the cooling operation and the heating operation based on the change in the room temperature during the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation. Here, the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation includes a night cooling operation, a night heating operation, a dehumidifying cooling operation, and a humidifying heating operation, in addition to the cooling operation and the heating operation.

  Based on the thermal load in the cooling operation or the heating operation estimated by the thermal load estimation unit 100f, the determination time setting unit 100g applies to the zone in the thermo-off state in the second air volume automatic mode of the night cooling operation or the night heating operation. The thermo-off determination time T1 used for determination in the immediately preceding zone is set. Thus, the zone determination as to whether or not to enter the thermo-off state can be performed accurately by increasing the thermo-off determination time T1 as the thermal load increases and by decreasing the thermo-off determination time T1 as the thermal load decreases.

  Further, based on the thermal load in the cooling operation and the heating operation estimated by the thermal load estimation unit 100f, the determination time setting unit 100g is in the same condition zone even after the thermo-off state in the second air volume automatic mode. The thermo-on determination time T2 used for the determination is set. Thus, the zone determination as to whether or not the thermo-on state is established can be accurately performed by increasing the thermo-on determination time T2 as the heat load increases and decreasing the thermo-on determination time T2 as the heat load decreases.

  Here, the thermal load estimation unit 100f may estimate a thermal load based on a change in room temperature during a cooling operation or a heating operation performed in advance, or may learn heat by learning a plurality of estimation results. The load may be determined.

  In the first and second embodiments, the air conditioner that performs the cooling operation, the dehumidifying operation, and the heating operation has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to at least an air conditioner that performs the cooling operation. Moreover, you may apply this invention to the air conditioner provided with the humidification function.

  Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Outdoor unit 2 ... Indoor unit 10 ... Outdoor fan 11 ... Compressor 12 ... Four-way switching valve 13 ... Outdoor heat exchanger 14 ... Electric expansion valve 15 ... Indoor heat exchanger 15a ... Auxiliary heat exchanger 15b ... Main heat exchange 16 ... Accumulator 20 ... Indoor fan 21 ... Shut-off valve 22 ... Shut-off valve L1, L2 ... Communication piping T1 ... Outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T2 ... Outside air temperature sensor T3 ... Evaporation temperature sensor T4 ... Indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor T5 ... Indoor temperature sensor 100 ... Control device 100a ... Indoor fan control unit 100b ... Air volume pattern switching unit 100c ... Display control unit 100d ... Airflow direction control unit 100e ... Compressor control unit 100f ... Thermal load estimation unit 100g ... Determination time setting unit

Claims (5)

A refrigerant circuit in which a compressor (11), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), a decompression mechanism (14), and an indoor heat exchanger (15) are connected in an annular shape;
An indoor fan (20) for circulating indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger (15);
In the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation or the heating operation, the blown air volume of the indoor fan (20) corresponding to a plurality of zones divided based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is set in advance, The indoor fan (20) for controlling the indoor fan (20) to blow out from the indoor fan (20) with the blown air volume set in the zone corresponding to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature in A control unit (100a);
When the indoor fan control unit (100a) controls the indoor fan (20) in the air volume automatic mode during cooling operation or heating operation, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is the air volume automatic mode. Compressor control for stopping the compressor (11) and setting the thermo-off state when the thermo-off determination time continues for one zone before the zone in the thermo-off state of the plurality of zones in FIG. Part (100e)
With
The compressor control unit (100e)
Even after the compressor (11) is stopped and the thermostat is turned off in the air volume automatic mode, the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is in the zone immediately before the zone where the thermostat is turned off. If this state continues for the thermo-on determination time, the compressor (11) is activated to enter the thermo-on state. A refrigerant circuit in which a compressor (11), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), a decompression mechanism (14), and an indoor heat exchanger (15) are connected in an annular shape;
An indoor fan (20) for circulating indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger (15);
In the air volume automatic mode during the cooling operation or the heating operation, the blown air volume of the indoor fan (20) corresponding to a plurality of zones divided based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is set in advance, The indoor fan (20) for controlling the indoor fan (20) to blow out from the indoor fan (20) with the blown air volume set in the zone corresponding to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature in A control unit (100a);
When the indoor fan control unit (100a) controls the indoor fan (20) in the air volume automatic mode during cooling operation or heating operation, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is the air volume automatic mode. Compressor control for stopping the compressor (11) and setting the thermo-off state when the thermo-off determination time continues for one zone before the zone in the thermo-off state of the plurality of zones in FIG. Part (100e)
With
A thermal load estimation unit (100f) for estimating a thermal load in the cooling operation or the heating operation based on a change in the room temperature during the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation;
The air conditioner comprising: a determination time setting unit (100g) configured to set the thermo-off determination time based on the heat load estimated by the heat load estimation unit (100f). In the air conditioner according to claim 1
A thermal load estimation unit (100f) for estimating a thermal load in the cooling operation or the heating operation based on a change in the room temperature during the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation;
The thermo-off determination time is set based on a determination time setting unit (100g) that is set based on the heat load estimated by the heat load estimation unit (100f).
An air conditioner characterized by comprising: In the air conditioner according to claim 1 ,
A thermal load estimation unit (100f) for estimating a thermal load in the cooling operation or the heating operation based on a change in the room temperature during the air conditioning operation including the cooling operation and the heating operation;
The air conditioner characterized by comprising a determination time setting unit (100g) for setting the thermo-on determination time based on the thermal load estimated by the thermal load estimation unit (100f). In the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The indoor fan control unit (100a)
A first air volume automatic mode using a first air volume pattern in which the blown air volume of the indoor fan (20) corresponding to the plurality of zones is set in advance during cooling operation or heating operation;
A second air volume automatic mode using a second air volume pattern in which the air volume of the indoor fan (20) corresponding to the plurality of zones is set in advance, which is lower than the first air volume automatic mode. And
The compressor control unit (100e)
Only in the second air volume automatic mode during cooling operation or heating operation, when the indoor fan control unit (100a) controls the indoor fan (20), the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is When the state that there in one hand before the zone for the zone that the thermostat-off status of the plurality of zones in the second automatic air flow rate mode continues the thermo-off determination time, and the compressor (11) is stopped An air conditioner characterized by being in a thermo-off state.

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