JP6822389B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

There is known an air conditioner capable of performing a good night operation that reduces the blowing noise of an indoor fan when the user goes to bed. For example, the air conditioner of Patent Document 1 has a first air volume pattern based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature during normal operation and a second air volume pattern based on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature during good night operation. And have. In this air conditioner, the air volume of the indoor fan is reduced by setting the second air volume pattern to a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern.

JP-A-2016-90997

By the way, the air conditioner may be required to be quieter at bedtime of the user.
An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of further enhancing quietness.

An air conditioner that solves this problem is an air conditioner including a control unit that controls an indoor fan, and the control unit first determines the air volume of the indoor fan based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature. A first air volume automatic mode controlled by an air volume pattern, and a second air volume pattern in which the air volume of the indoor fan based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is controlled by a second air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern. It includes an automatic air volume mode and a third automatic air volume mode in which the air volume of the indoor fan based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is set to a predetermined value or less, and the first automatic air volume mode is executed during normal operation. Then, the third air volume automatic mode is executed for a certain period from the start of the good night operation, and the second air volume automatic mode is executed after the fixed period elapses from the start of the good night operation.

Here, "normal operation" is a concept that collectively refers to normal cooling operation and normal heating operation. Further, "good night operation" is a concept that collectively refers to good night cooling operation and good night heating operation.

According to this configuration, for a certain period from the start of good night operation, the operation is performed in the third automatic air volume mode in which the air volume of the indoor fan is set to a predetermined value or less, so that the air volume of the indoor fan is compared with the blowing noise of the indoor fan in the second automatic air volume mode. The fan noise is reduced. Therefore, the quietness of the air conditioner can be further improved.

In the air conditioner, the third air volume automatic mode preferably sets an upper limit value for the air volume based on the difference between the room temperature and the target temperature in the second air volume automatic mode.

According to this configuration, the software constituting the third air volume automatic mode may set an upper limit value with respect to the air volume of the indoor fan over a certain period of time in the software constituting the second air volume automatic mode. That is, since it can be configured by adding additional software to the software constituting the second air volume automatic mode, the cost of the air conditioner can be reduced.

In the air conditioner, the third air volume automatic mode may control the air volume of the indoor fan based on the indoor temperature and the target temperature with an air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the second air volume pattern. ..

According to this configuration, for a certain period from the start of the operation in the second air volume automatic mode, the operation is specialized in reducing the blowing noise of the indoor fan, so that the quietness of the air conditioner can be suitably improved.

In the air conditioner, it is preferable that the control unit increases the predetermined value in two or more steps when changing from the third air volume automatic mode to the second air volume automatic mode.
According to this configuration, for example, when the user goes to bed, the noise of the indoor fan is first reduced to prevent the user from falling asleep, and then the indoor temperature is brought closer to the target temperature to improve comfort. be able to.

The air conditioner of the present invention can further enhance quietness.

The circuit diagram which shows the refrigerant circuit of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the air conditioner. The figure for demonstrating the zone control of the air volume automatic mode at the time of a normal cooling operation and a good night cooling operation of the air conditioner. A table showing the first air volume pattern used in the first air volume automatic mode during normal cooling operation of the air conditioner. A table showing the second air volume pattern used in the second air volume automatic mode during the good night cooling operation of the air conditioner. The figure for demonstrating the zone control of the air volume automatic mode at the time of the normal heating operation and the good night heating operation of the air conditioner. A table showing the first air volume pattern used in the first air volume automatic mode during normal heating operation of the air conditioner. A table showing the second air volume pattern used in the second air volume automatic mode during the good night heating operation of the air conditioner. An explanatory table of air volume restrictions showing the contents of the third air volume automatic mode of the air conditioner. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the same embodiment, (a) is the time chart which shows the upper limit value of the tap which can appear after the good night operation start of the comparative example which does not have a 3rd air volume automatic mode, (b). ) Is a time chart showing the upper limit of taps that can appear after the start of good night operation of the present embodiment having the third automatic air volume mode. The table which shows the 3rd air volume pattern used in the 1st period in the 3rd air volume automatic mode at the time of a good night cooling operation of the air conditioner of 2nd Embodiment. The table which shows the 4th air volume pattern used in the 2nd period in the 3rd air volume automatic mode at the time of a good night cooling operation of the air conditioner. The table which shows the 3rd air volume pattern used in the 1st period in the 3rd air volume automatic mode at the time of a good night heating operation of the air conditioner. The table which shows the 4th air volume pattern used in the 2nd period in the 3rd air volume automatic mode at the time of a good night heating operation of the air conditioner.

(First Embodiment)
An embodiment of the air conditioner will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 is formed by connecting an outdoor unit 10 installed outdoors and a wall-mounted indoor unit 20 attached to an indoor wall surface or the like by a refrigerant pipe 30. A refrigerant circuit 40 is provided.

The outdoor unit 10 is an outdoor heat that detects the temperature of the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the expansion valve 14, the outdoor fan 15, and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 whose capacity is variable by changing the operating frequency. The exchanger temperature sensor 16, the outside air temperature sensor 17 for detecting the outside air temperature, the outdoor control device 18, and the like are provided.

The compressor 11 is, for example, a swing piston type compressor, and includes a compression mechanism, a motor, a crankshaft that transmits the driving force of the motor to the compression mechanism, and the like. An example of a motor is a three-phase brushless motor. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat between the outside air and the refrigerant, and for example, a fin and tube heat exchanger can be used. The expansion valve 14 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The outdoor fan 15 has a motor whose rotation speed can be changed as a drive source, and an impeller connected to the output shaft of the motor. An example of an impeller is a propeller fan. The outdoor fan 15 generates an air flow of outdoor air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 by rotating an impeller by a motor. The outdoor control device 18 is electrically connected to the motor of the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the expansion valve 14, the motor of the outdoor fan 15, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 16, and the outside air temperature sensor 17. More specifically, the outside air temperature DOA detected by the outdoor heat exchanger temperature outdoor heat exchanger is detected by the sensor 16 temperature t _EO and the outdoor air temperature sensor 17 is input to the outdoor control unit 18. The outdoor control device 18 outputs a control signal to the motor of the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the expansion valve 14, and the motor of the outdoor fan 15.

The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 23 that detects the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor temperature sensor 24 that detects the indoor temperature, and a display unit 25 (see FIG. 2). ), The indoor control device 26 and the like are provided.

The indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant, and for example, a fin and tube heat exchanger can be used. The indoor fan 22 has a motor whose rotation speed can be changed as a drive source, and an impeller connected to the output shaft of the motor. An example of an impeller is a cross current fan. In order to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tube of the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor air, the indoor fan 22 rotates the impeller by a motor to flow the indoor air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 21. generate. The display unit 25 includes at least a light emitting diode (LED) that displays the operating state of the air conditioner 1. The indoor control device 26 is electrically connected to the indoor fan 22, the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 23, the indoor temperature sensor 24, and the display unit 25. More specifically, the indoor heat exchanger temperature t _E detected by the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 23 and the indoor temperature DA detected by the indoor temperature sensor 24 are input to the indoor control device 26. The indoor control device 26 outputs a control signal to the motor and the display unit 25 of the indoor fan 22.

The refrigerant circuit 40 is formed by connecting the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and the expansion valve 14, the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the accumulator 11a in an annular shape by the refrigerant pipe 30. By switching the four-way switching valve 12, a steam compression refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant is reversibly circulated can be executed.

That is, when the four-way switching valve 12 is switched to the cooling mode connection state (state shown in the solid line in the figure), the refrigerant circuit 40 has the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the expansion valve 14, and the indoor. A cooling cycle is formed in which the refrigerant circulates in the order of the heat exchanger 21, the four-way switching valve 12, the accumulator 11a, and the compressor 11. As a result, in the air conditioner 1, a cooling operation is performed in which the outdoor heat exchanger 13 acts as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 21 acts as an evaporator. Further, when the four-way switching valve 12 is switched to the heating mode connection state (state shown by the broken line in the figure), the refrigerant circuit 40 includes the accumulator 11a, the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the expansion valve. A heating cycle is formed in which the refrigerant circulates in the order of 14, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the four-way switching valve 12, and the compressor 11. As a result, in the air conditioner 1, a heating operation is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger 21 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 acts as an evaporator.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 50 that controls the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor control device 18 and an indoor control device 26. Each of the outdoor control device 18 and the indoor control device 26 includes an arithmetic processing unit that executes a predetermined control program, and a storage unit that stores the control program and information used for various control processes. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The storage unit includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

A remote controller 51 is communicably connected to the control unit 50 (indoor control device 26). The indoor control device 26 is configured to enable wireless communication with the remote controller 51 by, for example, infrared rays. The remote controller 51 outputs signals of an operation instruction and an operation stop instruction of the air conditioner 1 to the indoor controller 26. Examples of the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 include a normal cooling operation, a normal heating operation, a good night cooling operation, a good night heating operation, and the like.

In addition, in this specification, the term "during good night operation" refers to a case where the good night cooling operation and the good night heating operation are generically referred to without distinction.
Further, in the present specification, "at the start of good night cooling operation" means operation for a certain period from the start of good night cooling operation, and "at the start of good night heating operation" means operation for a certain period from the start of good night heating operation. To say. Further, in the present specification, the term "at the start of good night operation" is used as a general term without distinguishing between the good night cooling operation for a certain period from the start of good night cooling operation and the good night heating operation for a certain period from the start of good night heating operation. To say.

The outdoor control device 18 and the indoor control device 26 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the indoor control device 26 inputs the operation instruction, the indoor temperature DA, and the indoor heat exchanger temperature t _E received from the remote controller 51 and outputs them to the outdoor control device 18. The outdoor control device 18 inputs the outside air temperature DOA and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature t _EO and outputs them to the indoor control device 26.

The control unit 50 automatically controls the amount of air blown out from the indoor fan 22 by the first automatic air volume mode, which is operated during the normal cooling operation and the normal heating operation, and after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation and the start of the good night heating operation. It has a second automatic air volume mode that operates after a certain period of time has elapsed, and a third automatic air volume mode that operates at the start of good night cooling operation and the start of good night heating operation.

In the first air volume automatic mode, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 based on the temperature difference Δt (Δt = DA−DG) between the indoor temperature DA and the target temperature DG is controlled by the first air volume pattern. The first air volume pattern is formed in a pattern different between the normal cooling operation and the normal heating operation. Therefore, the first air volume automatic mode differs in this respect between the one operated during the normal cooling operation and the one operated during the normal heating operation.

Similarly, in the second air volume automatic mode, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 based on the temperature difference Δt between the indoor temperature DA and the target temperature DG is controlled by the second air volume pattern. The second air volume pattern is formed in a pattern different between the good night cooling operation and the good night heating operation. The second air volume pattern operated during the good night cooling operation is formed in a pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern operated during the normal cooling operation. Further, the second air volume pattern operated during the good night heating operation is formed in a pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern operated during the normal heating operation.

In the third automatic air volume mode, at the start of good night operation, the air volume of the indoor fan 22 based on the temperature difference Δt between the indoor temperature DA and the target temperature DG is set to a predetermined value or less. The predetermined value is smaller than the maximum air volume in the second air volume pattern.

(Automatic air volume mode during normal cooling operation and after a certain period of time has passed since the start of good night cooling operation)
Hereinafter, each automatic air volume mode will be described. First, the first automatic air volume mode during the normal cooling operation and the second automatic air volume mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation will be described.

FIG. 3 is for explaining the zone control of the first air volume automatic mode during the normal cooling operation, the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night cooling operation, and the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation. It is a figure of.

A to J shown in FIG. 3 indicate normal cooling operation (first air volume automatic mode), after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of good night cooling operation (second air volume automatic mode), and at the start of good night cooling operation (third air volume automatic mode). The temperature difference zones set as shown in Tables 1 and 2 are shown based on the temperature difference Δt (Δt = DA-DG) between the room temperature DA and the target temperature DG in). Table 1 shows the temperature difference Δt when the temperature difference Δt is decreasing, and Table 2 shows the temperature difference Δt when the temperature difference Δt is increasing.

Further, FIG. 4 shows the first air volume pattern used in the first air volume automatic mode during the normal cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, and taps each of the temperature difference zones A to J (rotation of the indoor fan 22). Number) is set. Setting the tap (rotational speed of the indoor fan 22) is synonymous with setting the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22.

FIG. 5 shows a second air volume pattern used in the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, and taps each of the temperature difference zones A to J (indoor). The number of rotations of the fan 22) is set.

Here, in the air conditioner 1, five taps in which the air volume of the indoor fan 22 is set in the following correlation, that is, five taps of MH tap, M tap, ML tap, L tap, and S tap. A tap is provided.

MH tap air volume ＞ M tap air volume ＞ ML tap air volume ＞ L tap air volume ＞ S tap air volume As shown in Fig. 4, the first air volume pattern during normal cooling operation is the temperature difference Δt. The amount of air blown out by the indoor fan 22 decreases in the order of MH tap, M tap, ML tap, and L tap. On the other hand, in the first air volume pattern during the normal cooling operation, when the temperature difference Δt rises, the air volume of the indoor fan 22 increases in the order of L tap, ML tap, M tap, and MH tap. More specifically, the first air volume pattern during normal cooling operation becomes an MH tap in the temperature difference zone J and an M tap in the temperature difference zones I and H when the temperature difference Δt drops, and the temperature difference zone G, In F, it becomes an ML tap, in the temperature difference zones E, D, C, B, and A, it becomes an L tap, and in the temperature difference zone A, the thermo-off state is prioritized. Further, the first air volume pattern during the normal cooling operation is MH tap in the temperature difference zone J, M tap in the temperature difference zone I, and ML tap in the temperature difference zones H and G when the temperature difference Δt rises. In the temperature difference zones F, E, D, C, B, and A, the tap is L, and in the temperature difference zone A, the thermo-off state is prioritized.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night cooling operation, the air volume of the indoor fan 22 is blown out in the order of M tap, ML tap, L tap, and S tap when the temperature difference Δt decreases. Is reduced. On the other hand, in the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation, the air volume of the indoor fan 22 increases in the order of S tap, L tap, ML tap, and M tap when the temperature difference Δt rises. More specifically, the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night cooling operation becomes M taps in the temperature difference zones J, I, and H when the temperature difference Δt decreases, and ML in the temperature difference zones G and F. It becomes a tap, becomes an L tap in the temperature difference zones E and D, becomes an S tap in the temperature difference zones C, B, and A, and the thermo-off state is prioritized in the temperature difference zone A. The second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night cooling operation is that when the temperature difference Δt rises, the temperature difference zones J and I become M taps, and the temperature difference zones H and G become ML taps. Zones F and E have L taps, temperature difference zones D, C, B, and A have S taps, and temperature difference zones A have priority in the thermo-off state. In this way, the air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night cooling operation is lower than the air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the first air volume pattern during the normal cooling operation. including.

When the remote controller 51 selects automatic air volume during normal cooling operation, the control unit 50 sets the first automatic air volume mode during normal cooling operation. That is, the control unit 50 executes the first air volume automatic mode during the normal cooling operation. The control unit 50 uses the first air volume automatic pattern shown in FIG. 4 to set the temperature difference between the room temperature DA and the target temperature DG to Δt (Δt = DA-DG) in the first air volume automatic mode during normal cooling operation. Based on this, the amount of air blown out from the indoor fan 22 is controlled. On the other hand, when the good night cooling operation is selected by the remote controller 51, the control unit 50 sets the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation. That is, the control unit 50 executes the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation. The control unit 50 uses the second air volume automatic pattern shown in FIG. 5 in the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation, and uses the temperature difference Δt (Δt =) between the room temperature DA and the target temperature DG. The air volume of the indoor fan 22 is controlled based on DA-DG).

(Automatic air volume mode during normal heating operation and after a certain period of time has passed since the start of good night heating operation)
Next, the air volume automatic mode during the normal heating operation and after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation will be described.

FIG. 6 is for explaining the zone control of the first air volume automatic mode during the normal heating operation, the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation, and the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night heating operation. It is a figure of.

I to VII shown in FIG. 6 are during the normal heating operation (first air volume automatic mode), after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation (second air volume automatic mode), and at the start of the good night heating operation (third air volume automatic mode). ) Shows the indoor heat exchanger temperature zones set as shown in Tables 3 and 4 based on the indoor heat exchanger temperature t _E. Table 3 shows the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger when the temperature t _E rises, and Table 4 shows the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger when the temperature t _E falls.

In addition, during normal heating operation, after a certain period of time has passed from the start of good night heating operation, and when the temperature difference Δt (Δt = DA-DG) between the room temperature DA and the target temperature DG at the start of good night heating operation decreases and increases. The temperature difference zones A to L according to the temperature difference Δt are set as shown in Tables 5 and 6 below.

FIG. 7 shows the first air volume pattern used in the first air volume automatic mode during the normal heating operation of the air conditioner 1, in each of the temperature difference zones A to L and in the indoor heat exchanger temperature zone I. A tap is set for each ~ VII. In the air conditioner 1, MH taps, M taps, and ML taps are used for each temperature difference zone A to L and for each indoor heat exchanger temperature zone I to VII in the zone control of the first air volume automatic mode during normal heating operation. , L tap, and LL tap are provided.

FIG. 8 shows the second air volume pattern used in the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation of the air conditioner 1, and shows the temperature difference zones A to L and the room heat. Taps are set for each of the exchanger temperature zones I to VII. In the air conditioner 1, M taps and MLs are used for each of the temperature difference zones A to L in the zone control of the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night heating operation, and for each of the indoor heat exchanger temperature zones I to VII. One of taps, L taps, S taps, and LL taps is provided.

The air volume of the indoor fan 22 related to each tap shown in the air volume automatic mode during the normal heating operation and after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation has the following correlation.
MH tap air volume ＞ M tap air volume ＞ ML tap air volume ＞ L tap air volume ＞ S tap air volume ＞ LL tap air volume As shown in Fig. 7, the first air volume during normal heating operation The first air volume pattern used in the automatic mode is, for example, in zone IV, which is the center of the indoor heat exchanger temperature zone, in the order of MH tap, M tap, ML tap, and L tap when the temperature difference Δt rises. The amount of air blown out by the fan 22 is reduced. On the other hand, when the temperature difference Δt decreases, the amount of air blown out by the indoor fan 22 increases in the order of L tap, ML tap, M tap, and MH tap. More specifically, the first air volume pattern during normal heating operation becomes an MH tap in the temperature difference zones L, K, J, and I when the temperature difference Δt rises and falls, and M in the temperature difference zones H and G. It becomes a tap, becomes an ML tap in the temperature difference zones F and E, becomes an L tap in the temperature difference zones D, C, B, and A, and the thermo-off state is prioritized in the temperature difference zone A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the second air volume pattern used in the second air volume automatic mode after a lapse of a certain period from the start of the good night heating operation is, for example, in zone IV, which is the center of the indoor heat exchanger temperature zone. When the temperature difference Δt rises, the amount of air blown out by the indoor fan 22 decreases in the order of M tap, ML tap, L tap, and S tap. On the other hand, when the temperature difference Δt decreases, the amount of air blown out by the indoor fan 22 increases in the order of S tap, L tap, ML tap, and M tap. More specifically, the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night heating operation becomes an M tap in the temperature difference zones L, K, J, I, H, and G when the temperature difference Δt rises and falls. , The temperature difference zones F and E are ML taps, the temperature difference zones D are L taps, the temperature difference zones C, B and A are S taps, and the thermo-off state is prioritized in the temperature difference zones A. In this way, the air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night heating operation is lower than the air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the first air volume pattern during the normal heating operation. including.

When the remote controller 51 selects automatic air volume for normal heating operation, the control unit 50 sets the first automatic air volume mode for normal heating operation. That is, the control unit 50 executes the first air volume automatic mode during the normal heating operation. The control unit 50 uses the first air volume automatic pattern shown in FIG. 7 in the first air volume automatic mode during the normal heating operation to obtain a temperature difference Δt (Δt = DA-DG) between the room temperature DA and the target temperature DG. controlling the airflow volume of the indoor fan 22 based on the indoor heat exchanger temperature t _E. On the other hand, when the good night heating operation is selected by the remote controller 51, the control unit 50 sets the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation. That is, the control unit 50 executes the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation. The control unit 50 uses the second air volume automatic pattern shown in FIG. 8 in the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation, and uses the temperature difference Δt (Δt =) between the room temperature DA and the target temperature DG. controlling the airflow volume of the indoor fan 22 based on the DA-DG) and the indoor heat exchanger temperature t _E.

(Third air volume automatic mode at the start of good night cooling operation and the start of good night heating operation)
Next, the third automatic air volume mode that is operated at the start of the good night cooling operation and the start of the good night heating operation will be described.

In the third automatic air volume mode, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 is set to a predetermined value based on the temperature difference Δt between the indoor temperature DA and the target temperature DG for a certain period from the start of the good night operation (good night cooling operation or good night heating operation). It is as follows. The third air volume automatic mode in the present embodiment operates based on the second air volume automatic mode, and is based on the temperature difference Δt (Δt = DA-DG) between the room temperature DA and the target temperature DG in the second air volume automatic mode. An upper limit value is set for the amount of air blown out from the indoor fan 22. As described above, the control unit 50 has a third air volume automatic mode in which the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 is set to a predetermined value or less for a certain period from the start of the good night operation.

The control unit 50 changes the third air volume automatic mode to the second air volume automatic mode after continuing the third air volume automatic mode for a certain period of time. Then, when changing from the third air volume automatic mode to the second air volume automatic mode, the control unit 50 increases the upper limit value (predetermined value) of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 in two or more stages. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B, the control unit 50 L-tap the upper limit of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 over the first period T1 from the start of good night operation t0 to the first reference time t1. Is set to, and the upper limit of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 is set to the ML tap over the second period T2 from the first reference time t1 to the second reference time t2. Then, after the lapse of the second period T2, that is, after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night operation according to the present embodiment, the control unit 50 reduces the amount of air blown out from the indoor fan 22 to the second during the good night cooling operation or the good night heating operation. It is shifting to the air volume automatic mode. In the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B, the air volume in the second air volume automatic mode is the air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the temperature difference zone J in the second air volume pattern (see FIG. 5) during the good night cooling operation. , And the temperature difference zone L in the second air volume pattern (see FIG. 8) during the good night heating operation, and the M tap which is the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the indoor heat exchanger temperature zone VII. That is, after the lapse of the second period T2, which is a certain period after the start of the good night operation, the third air volume automatic mode is switched to the second air volume automatic mode.

In this way, when the good night cooling operation or the good night heating operation is selected by the remote controller 51, the control unit 50 sets the third air volume automatic mode for a certain period after the start of the operation. In this case, since the control unit 50 sets the upper limit of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 to the L tap, for example, in the case of the temperature difference zone J in the good night cooling operation or the temperature difference zone L in the good night heating operation, the indoor fan 22 Set the air volume to the L tap, which is lower than the M tap.

The first period T1 and the second period T2, which are the breakdown of the fixed period, can be arbitrarily set. An example of the first period T1 is 30 minutes, and an example of the second period T2 is 30 minutes. Further, the first period T1 and the second period T2 may be different periods from each other. For example, the first period T1 may be 30 minutes and the second period T2 may be 15 minutes.

(Control of display)
The control unit 50 lowers the brightness of the display unit 25 during the good night cooling operation or the good night heating operation to be lower than the brightness of the display unit 25 during the normal cooling operation or the normal heating operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the light of the display unit 25 from hindering the user from going to bed. The control unit 50 is in the period during which the third air volume automatic mode is executed at the start of the good night cooling operation or the start of the good night heating operation (the period from the start of the good night cooling operation or the good night heating operation to the second reference time t2). ) May be lower than the brightness of the display unit 25 during the period in which the second air volume automatic mode is executed (after the second reference time t2). As a result, it is possible to prevent the light of the display unit 25 from hindering the user from falling asleep.

Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b).
High quietness of the air conditioner 1 is required until the user sleeps soundly at bedtime of the user. Therefore, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 10A, in the air conditioner of the comparative example, in the second air volume automatic mode, for example, the temperature difference zone J during the good night cooling operation or the temperature difference zone during the good night heating operation. In the case of L, the amount of air blown out by the indoor fan 22 increases by being set to the M tap. As a result, there is a problem that the blowing noise of the indoor fan 22 becomes loud.

Therefore, in order to ensure a high level of quietness, the air conditioner 1 may perform a quiet cooling operation and a quiet heating operation with enhanced quietness. The quiet cooling operation and the quiet heating operation are selected by the user operating the remote controller 51. During the quiet cooling operation and the quiet heating operation, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 10A, the control unit 50 sets the amount of air blown out from the indoor fan 22 at the start of the quiet cooling operation and the quiet heating operation. Set to tap. As a result, the blowing noise of the indoor fan 22 is reduced. However, although the high quietness of the air conditioner 1 can be realized, the room temperature DA continues to deviate from the target temperature DG even though the air conditioner 1 is operating. Therefore, the comfort of the user may be impaired for a long period of time.

In view of such a situation, in the present embodiment, the control unit 50 sets the third air volume automatic mode for a certain period from the start of the good night cooling operation and the good night heating operation. As shown in FIG. 10B, in the third automatic air volume mode, the upper limit of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 is lower than that of the second automatic air volume mode and higher than that of the quiet cooling operation and the quiet heating operation. It is set to L tap. Therefore, the high quietness of the air conditioner 1 can be realized. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B, since the third air volume automatic mode is changed to the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time, it is possible to improve the user's comfort after a certain period of time.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1-1) The control unit 50 executes the third air volume automatic mode for a certain period from the start of the good night cooling operation or the good night heating operation. According to this configuration, for example, when the first air volume automatic mode is executed during the normal cooling operation or the normal heating operation, and the second air volume automatic mode is executed during the good night cooling operation or the good night heating operation, the good night cooling operation Alternatively, for a certain period from the start of the good night heating operation, the indoor fan 22 is operated in the third automatic air volume mode in which the blown air volume is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Therefore, the blowing noise of the indoor fan 22 is reduced as compared with the blowing noise of the indoor fan 22 in the second automatic air volume mode. Therefore, the quietness of the air conditioner 1 can be further improved.

(1-2) In the third automatic air volume mode, an upper limit value is set for the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 based on the temperature difference Δt between the indoor temperature DA and the target temperature DG in the second air volume automatic mode. According to this configuration, the software constituting the third air volume automatic mode may set an upper limit value for the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 over a certain period of time in the software constituting the second air volume automatic mode. That is, since it can be configured by adding additional software to the software constituting the second air volume automatic mode, the cost of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced.

(1-3) The control unit 50 increases a predetermined value (upper limit value) in two steps when changing from the third air volume automatic mode to the second air volume automatic mode. According to this configuration, for example, when the user goes to bed, the room temperature DA is brought closer to the target temperature DG after first suppressing the hindrance of the user from falling asleep by reducing the blowing noise of the indoor fan 22 for comfort. Can be improved.

(1-4) When the room temperature DA decreases in the first air volume automatic mode and the second air volume automatic mode that control the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 based on the room temperature DA and the target temperature DG during the cooling operation, the thermo-off state (compression) In the configuration of the air conditioner 1 in which the machine 11 is stopped), the following effects can be obtained. That is, the minimum air volume (S tap) of the second air volume pattern in the second air volume automatic mode and the minimum air volume (S tap) of the third air volume pattern in the third air volume automatic mode during the good night cooling operation and the good night heating operation, respectively. By making it smaller than the minimum air volume (L tap) of the first air volume pattern, it is difficult for the thermo-off state to occur in the second air volume automatic mode and the third air volume automatic mode. As a result, the thermo-on state at 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, so that the comfort is improved.

(1-5) The room temperature is maintained during the period when the air flow of the indoor fan 22 is maintained at the minimum air volume (S tap) by making it difficult to turn off the thermostat in the second air volume automatic mode during the good night cooling operation and the good night heating operation. The change in DA can be reduced and the air blowing sound of the indoor fan 22 can be made constant.

(1-6) Maximum air volume (M tap) in the second air volume automatic mode during good night cooling operation and good night heating operation Maximum air volume (MH tap) in the first air volume automatic mode during normal cooling operation and normal heating operation By making the air volume lower than that, the air blowing noise of the indoor fan 22 can be reduced even when the maximum air volume is required in the second air volume automatic mode.

(1-7) The control unit 50 sets the upper limit of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the second period T2 of the third air volume automatic mode by only one step from the upper limit of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the first period T1. Increase. As a result, it is possible to suppress the user from being uncomfortable due to the sudden increase in the blowing noise of the indoor fan 22 during the second period T2.

(Second Embodiment)
The air conditioner 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. The air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment is different from the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment in the control contents of the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation and the start of the good night heating operation. In the following description, the same components as the components of the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the third automatic air volume mode at the start of the good night cooling operation according to the present embodiment will be described.
The control unit 50 sets the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 by using the third air volume pattern and the fourth air volume pattern as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 in the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation. In the third air volume automatic mode, the control unit 50 controls the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 by using the third air volume pattern shown in FIG. 11 in the first period T1 from the start of the good night cooling operation to the first reference time t1. Then, in the second period T2 from the first reference time t1 to the second reference time t2, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 is controlled by using the fourth air volume pattern shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the third air volume pattern of the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation, when the temperature difference Δt decreases in the first period T1, the indoor fan 22 blows out in the order of L tap and S tap. The air volume is reduced. On the other hand, in the third air volume pattern at the start of the good night cooling operation, when the temperature difference Δt rises in the first period T1, the air volume of the indoor fan 22 increases in the order of S tap and L tap. More specifically, the third air volume pattern at the start of the good night cooling operation becomes an L tap in the temperature difference zones J, I, H, G, F, E, and D when the temperature difference Δt drops in the first period T1. In the temperature difference zones C, B, and A, the tap is set to S, and in the temperature difference zone A, the thermo-off state is prioritized. Further, the third air volume pattern at the start of the good night cooling operation becomes an L tap in the temperature difference zones J, I, H, G, F, and E when the temperature difference Δt rises in the first period T1, and the temperature difference zone. In D, C, B, and A, the tap is S, and in the temperature difference zone A, the thermo-off state is prioritized. As described above, the third air volume pattern at the start of the good night cooling operation is the indoor fan 22 shown in the second air volume pattern (see FIG. 5) used in the second automatic air volume mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation. Includes a pattern in which the air volume is lower than the air volume.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the fourth air volume pattern in the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation is that of the ML tap, the L tap, and the S tap when the temperature difference Δt drops in the second period T2. The amount of air blown out by the indoor fan 22 decreases in order. On the other hand, in the fourth air volume pattern in the third air volume automatic mode, when the temperature difference Δt rises in the second period T2, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 increases in the order of S tap, L tap, and ML tap. More specifically, the fourth air volume pattern at the start of the good night cooling operation becomes an ML tap in the temperature difference zones J, I, H, G, and F when the temperature difference Δt drops in the second period T2, and becomes a temperature difference zone. E and D have L taps, temperature difference zones C, B and A have S taps, and temperature difference zones A have priority in the thermo-off state. Further, the fourth air volume pattern at the start of the good night cooling operation becomes an ML tap in the temperature difference zones J, I, H, and G when the temperature difference Δt rises in the second period T2, and becomes an ML tap in the temperature difference zones F and E. It becomes an L tap, becomes an S tap in the temperature difference zones D, C, B, and A, and the thermo-off state is prioritized in the temperature difference zone A. As described above, the fourth air volume pattern at the start of the good night cooling operation includes a pattern in which the air volume is higher than the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 shown in the third air volume pattern (see FIG. 11) at the start of the good night cooling operation. On the other hand, the fourth air volume pattern at the start of the good night cooling operation includes a pattern in which the air volume is lower than the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 shown in the second air volume pattern (see FIG. 5) after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night cooling operation. ..

Next, the third automatic air volume mode at the start of the good night heating operation according to the present embodiment will be described.
The control unit 50 sets the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 by using the third air volume pattern and the fourth air volume pattern as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 in the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night heating operation. In the third air volume automatic mode, the control unit 50 controls the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 by using the third air volume pattern shown in FIG. 13 in the first period T1 from the start of the good night heating operation to the first reference time t1. Then, in the second period T2 from the first reference time t1 to the second reference time t2, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 is controlled by using the fourth air volume pattern shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, the third air volume pattern of the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night heating operation is, for example, in the zone IV, which is the center of the indoor heat exchanger temperature zone, the temperature difference Δt in the first period T1. At the time of ascending, the amount of air blown out by the indoor fan 22 decreases in the order of L tap and S tap. On the other hand, in the third air volume pattern of the third air volume automatic mode during the good night heating operation, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 increases in the order of S tap and L tap when the temperature difference Δt decreases in the first period T1. In detail, the third air volume pattern at the start of the good night heating operation is the temperature difference zones L, K, J, I, H, G, F, E when the temperature difference Δt rises and falls in the first period T1. , D becomes an L tap, temperature difference zones C, B, and A become S taps, and in the temperature difference zone A, the thermo-off state is prioritized. As described above, the third air volume pattern at the start of the good night heating operation is the indoor fan 22 shown in the second air volume pattern (see FIG. 8) used in the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation. Includes a pattern in which the air volume is lower than the air volume.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the fourth air volume pattern of the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night heating operation is, for example, the temperature in the second period T2 in the zone IV, which is the center of the indoor heat exchanger temperature zone. When the difference Δt rises, the amount of air blown out by the indoor fan 22 decreases in the order of the ML tap, the L tap, and the S tap. On the other hand, the fourth air volume pattern in the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night heating operation is the indoor fan 22 in the order of S tap, L tap, and ML tap when the temperature difference Δt drops in the second period T2 in the zone IV. The amount of air blown out increases. In detail, the fourth air volume pattern at the start of the good night heating operation is the temperature difference zones L, K, J, I, H, G, F, E when the temperature difference Δt rises and falls in the second period T2. In, it becomes an ML tap, in the temperature difference zone D, it becomes an L tap, in the temperature difference zones C, B, and A, it becomes an S tap, and in the temperature difference zone A, the thermo-off state is prioritized. As described above, the fourth air volume pattern at the start of the good night heating operation includes a pattern in which the air volume is higher than the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 (see FIG. 13) shown in the third air volume pattern at the start of the good night heating operation. On the other hand, the fourth air volume pattern at the start of the good night heating operation includes a pattern in which the air volume is lower than the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 (see FIG. 8) shown in the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation. ..

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as (1-1) and (1-5) to (1-7) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(2-1) In the third automatic air volume mode, the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 based on the indoor temperature DA and the target temperature DG is controlled by the third air volume pattern and the fourth air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the second air volume pattern. To do. According to this configuration, the operation is specialized for reducing the blowing noise of the indoor fan 22 for a certain period from the start of the good night operation, so that the quietness of the air conditioner 1 can be suitably improved.

(Modification example)
The description of each of the above embodiments is an example of possible embodiments of an air conditioner according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the embodiments. An air conditioner according to the present invention may take a form in which, for example, the following modifications and at least two modifications that do not contradict each other are combined in addition to the above embodiments.

-In each embodiment, the second air volume automatic mode is not limited to the good night cooling operation and the good night heating operation, and may be the second air volume automatic mode during other operations such as the good night dehumidifying cooling operation and the good night humidifying heating operation. In this case, the third air volume automatic mode may be executed for a certain period from the start of other operations such as the good night dehumidifying / cooling operation and the good night humidifying / heating operation.

-In the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night cooling operation of each embodiment, the second air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern is among the taps in the plurality of temperature difference zones A to J. At least a part of the air volume may be lower than that of the first air volume pattern. Further, in the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night heating operation, the second air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern has at least a part of the taps in the plurality of temperature difference zones A to L. The air volume may be lower than that of the first air volume pattern.

In the third automatic air volume mode at the start of the good night cooling operation and the start of the good night heating operation of each embodiment, the control unit 50 blows out the indoor fan 22 when changing from the third air volume automatic mode to the second air volume automatic mode. The upper limit value (predetermined value) of the air volume may be increased in one step. In this case, in the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation of the second embodiment, any of the air volume patterns of the third air volume pattern of FIG. 11 and the fourth air volume pattern of FIG. 12 is omitted. In the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night heating operation of the second embodiment, any one of the third air volume pattern of FIG. 13 and the fourth air volume pattern of FIG. 14 is omitted. Further, in this case, the period for executing the third air volume automatic mode may be only the first period T1 or the first period T1 and the second period T2.

In the third automatic air volume mode at the start of the good night cooling operation and the start of the good night heating operation of each embodiment, the control unit 50 blows out the indoor fan 22 when changing from the third air volume automatic mode to the second air volume automatic mode. The upper limit value (predetermined value) of the air volume may be increased in three or more steps. In the second embodiment, the control unit 50 may have three or more air volume patterns in the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night operation.

The upper limit of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the first period T1 of the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation and the start of the good night heating operation of the first embodiment is after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night cooling operation and It can be arbitrarily changed within a range of air volume lower than the maximum air volume (M tap) of the second air volume automatic mode after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night heating operation. For example, the upper limit of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 in the first period T1 of the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation and the start of the good night heating operation may be an ML tap. In this case, the upper limit value (predetermined value of the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22) is increased in one step when switching from the third air volume automatic mode to the second air volume automatic mode.

-The first air volume pattern, the second air volume pattern, the third air volume pattern, and the fourth air volume pattern of each embodiment use a plurality of taps set in a staircase pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the conditions are predetermined. Based on this, the air volume pattern may be such that the blown air volume of the indoor fan 22 continuously changes.

-In the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night cooling operation of the second embodiment, there are a plurality of third air volume patterns and fourth air volume patterns having a lower air volume than the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation. It is sufficient that at least a part of the taps in the temperature difference zones A to J is lower than the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night cooling operation. Further, in the third air volume automatic mode at the start of the good night heating operation, the third air volume pattern and the fourth air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has passed from the start of the good night heating operation have a plurality of temperature difference zones A. It is sufficient that at least a part of the taps in ~ L has a lower air volume than the second air volume pattern after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the good night heating operation.

-In each embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 may have an auxiliary heat exchanger and a main heat exchanger connected to each other by a refrigerant pipe 30. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is configured such that, for example, when performing a dehumidifying operation, only a part of the auxiliary heat exchanger becomes an evaporation region, the remaining region becomes a superheat region, and the main heat exchanger becomes a superheat region. ..

1 Air conditioner 22 Indoor fan 50 Control unit DA Room temperature DG Target temperature Δt Temperature difference between room temperature and target temperature

Claims (2)

An air conditioner (1) provided with a control unit (50) for controlling an indoor fan (22).
The control unit (50) has a first air volume automatic mode in which the air volume of the indoor fan (22) is controlled by the first air volume pattern based on the temperature difference (Δt) between the indoor temperature (DA) and the target temperature (DG). The air volume of the indoor fan (22) based on the temperature difference (Δt) between the indoor temperature (DA) and the target temperature (DG) is controlled by a second air volume pattern having a lower air volume than the first air volume pattern. Two automatic air volume modes and a third automatic air volume mode in which the air volume of the indoor fan (22) based on the temperature difference (Δt) between the indoor temperature (DA) and the target temperature (DG) is set to a predetermined value or less. Prepare,
The third air volume automatic mode is an upper limit value smaller than the maximum air volume in the second air volume pattern with respect to the air volume based on the difference between the room temperature (DA) and the target temperature (DG) in the second air volume automatic mode. Is set,
The first air volume automatic mode is executed during normal operation, the third air volume automatic mode is executed within a certain period from the start of good night operation, and the second air volume automatic mode is executed after the fixed period elapses from the start of good night operation. Harmonizer. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (50) increases the predetermined value in two or more stages when changing from the third air volume automatic mode to the second air volume automatic mode.