JP7148808B2 - air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

Air conditioning system with cleaning mode for cleaning indoor heat exchangers

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, regarding an indoor unit for indoor air conditioning, there is a technique of cleaning an indoor heat exchanger by attaching moisture to the surface of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-189360) describes an air conditioner that regulates the cleaning operation until the operating time of the refrigeration cycle reaches a predetermined operating time.

However, in the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 or the air conditioning system to which the technology is applied, the cleaning operation is regulated until the operation time of the refrigeration cycle reaches a predetermined operation time, so that the air blowing operation etc. There is a problem that the timing of cleaning is delayed when a large amount of dust accumulates.

In an air conditioning system that cleans an indoor heat exchanger, there is a problem of appropriately determining the timing of cleaning in consideration of dirt accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger other than the operation time of the refrigeration cycle.

The air conditioning system of the first aspect includes an air conditioning indoor unit and a control unit. An air conditioner indoor unit has an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan that generates an airflow that passes through the indoor heat exchanger. The control unit controls the air conditioning indoor unit to perform indoor air conditioning in the normal mode, and controls the air conditioning indoor unit to clean the indoor heat exchanger in the cleaning mode. The control unit counts the driving time of the indoor fan, and determines whether or not to perform control in the cleaning mode based on the integrated driving time obtained by integrating the driving time of the indoor fan.

The air conditioning system of the first aspect can clean the indoor heat exchanger, which becomes more dirty as the amount of air passing through it increases, at an appropriate timing determined based on the accumulated driving time of the indoor fan.

The air-conditioning system of the second aspect is the air-conditioning system of the first aspect, wherein the control unit obtains the integrated driving time by counting the first driving time and the second driving time, and the first driving time is This is the driving time of the indoor fan during operation of the air conditioning indoor unit that warms the air in the indoor heat exchanger in the normal mode, and the second driving time is the operation of the air conditioning indoor unit that does not perform heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger in the normal mode. It is the driving time of the indoor fan at the time.

The air conditioning system of the second aspect appropriately judges the timing of cleaning in consideration of the contamination of the indoor heat exchanger when the indoor fan is driven during operation of the air conditioning indoor unit that does not exchange heat with the indoor heat exchanger. be able to.

The air conditioning system of the third aspect is the air conditioning system of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the controller controls the indoor fan when the air conditioning indoor unit is operating in the normal mode to cause condensation in the indoor heat exchanger. At least a part of the drive time of is not included in the cumulative drive time.

In the air conditioning system of the third aspect, when the air conditioning indoor unit is operating in the normal mode to cause condensation in the indoor heat exchanger, dirt is less likely to accumulate. By preventing the driving time of the indoor fan in such a case from being included in the cumulative driving time, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cumulative driving time when dirt is difficult to accumulate.

The air-conditioning system of the fourth aspect is the air-conditioning system of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the control unit operates the air-conditioning indoor unit that causes condensation in the indoor heat exchanger in the normal mode and the air-conditioning system in the cleaning mode. Reset the accumulated driving time when the indoor unit is operated.

In the air conditioning system of the fourth aspect, even in the normal mode, by resetting the integrated driving time when the indoor heat exchanger is washed due to condensation, the air conditioning system can omit unnecessary washing operation.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment; FIG. Sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the air conditioning indoor unit of an air conditioning system. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a refrigerant circuit and an air flow path included in the air conditioning system of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the air conditioner outdoor unit and the humidifier in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system in FIG. 1; A figure for explaining operation of each apparatus in the 1st dehumidification operation, the 2nd dehumidification operation, and the 3rd dehumidification operation. A flow chart for explaining operation of an air-conditioning system. A timing chart for comparing humidification operation in normal mode and operation in cleaning mode. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the controller when automatically shifting to the cleaning mode; The conceptual diagram which shows an example of a structure of the air conditioning system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the air cleaner of FIG. 10; The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the air cleaner of FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system in FIG. 10; A timing chart for comparing the humidification operation in the normal mode and the cleaning mode operation in the modified example. 4 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of the air conditioning system;

<First embodiment>
(1) Overview of Configuration of Air Conditioning System 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , an air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an air conditioning indoor unit 2 . The air conditioning system 1 includes a control unit 8 that controls the air conditioning indoor unit 2, as shown in FIGS. The air conditioner indoor unit 2 is installed in the room RM (see FIG. 1) and performs air conditioning in the room RM (indoor). 1st Embodiment demonstrates the case where the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is attached to the wall WL of the room|room RM, and is installed. However, the type of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 is not limited to the type installed on the wall WL of the room RM. The air conditioner indoor unit 2 may be installed, for example, on the ceiling CE or the floor FL.

The air conditioning indoor unit 2 has an indoor heat exchanger 21 and an indoor fan 22, as shown in FIG. The air conditioning indoor unit 2 passes indoor air (air in the room RM) through the indoor heat exchanger 21 to perform heat exchange of the indoor air. The indoor fan 22 generates airflow passing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 . In other words, the indoor fan 22 supplies indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 21 . The indoor heat exchanger 21 has a plurality of heat transfer fins 21a and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 21b. Indoor air passes between the plurality of heat transfer fins 21a. During heat exchange, the air passes through the heat transfer fins 21a and the refrigerant flows through the heat transfer tubes 21b. The heat transfer tube 21b is folded multiple times and penetrates one heat transfer fin 21a multiple times.

The air conditioning system 1 includes a humidifier 6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 in addition to the air conditioning indoor unit 2 . The humidifier 6 supplies water to the inside of the room RM (inside the room) to perform humidification to raise the humidity in the room.

The air conditioning system 1 includes a control unit 8 that controls the air conditioning indoor unit 2 and the humidifier 6, as shown in FIGS. The air conditioning system 1 has a normal mode and a cleaning mode as operation modes. In the normal mode, the control unit 8 controls the air conditioner indoor unit 2 so as to perform indoor air conditioning. In the cleaning mode, the controller 8 controls the air conditioning indoor unit 2 to clean the indoor heat exchanger 21 . In the cleaning mode, the humidifier 6 is controlled for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

The controller 8 counts the driving time of the indoor fan 22 . The control unit 8 instructs to drive and stop the indoor fan 22 in controlling the air conditioning indoor unit 2 . Therefore, the controller 8 has a timer 81a. Therefore, the controller 8 can count the driving time of the indoor fan 22 by the timer 81a. However, the method by which the controller 8 counts the driving time of the indoor fan 22 is not limited to the method using the timer 81a.

The control unit 8 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 8 includes, for example, a control arithmetic device 81b and a storage device 81c. A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used for the control arithmetic unit 81b. The control arithmetic device 81b reads a program stored in the storage device 81c, and performs, for example, predetermined sequence processing and arithmetic processing according to this program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic device 81b can write the arithmetic result to the storage device 81c and read the information stored in the storage device 81c according to the program. The storage device 81c can be used as a database.

For example, the control unit 8 integrates the driving time of the indoor fan 22 using the control arithmetic device 81b, and writes the obtained integrated driving time in the storage device 81c. Based on the cumulative drive time stored in the storage device 81c, the control section 8 uses the control arithmetic device 81b to determine whether or not to perform control in the cleaning mode.

The air conditioning system 1 can clean the indoor heat exchanger 21 at appropriate timing by determining whether or not to perform control in the cleaning mode based on the cumulative driving time.

(2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Overall Configuration The air conditioning indoor unit 2 is included in the air conditioner 10 of the air conditioning system 1 . The air conditioner 10 has an air conditioner outdoor unit 4 and a remote controller 15 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in addition to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 . The air conditioner indoor unit 2 and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 are connected by refrigerant communication pipes 11 and 12 . The air conditioning indoor unit 2 , the air conditioning outdoor unit 4 , and the refrigerant communication pipes 11 and 12 form a refrigerant circuit 13 . The air conditioning indoor unit 2 and the air conditioning outdoor unit 4 are controlled by the control unit 8 . In the refrigerant circuit 13, for example, the vapor compression refrigeration cycle is repeated during cooling operation, heating operation, and dehumidification operation.

(2-2) Detailed configuration (2-2-1) Air conditioning indoor unit 2
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the air conditioning indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, a casing 23, an air filter 24, a drain pan 26, and a horizontal flap 27. , a vertical flap (not shown) and a discharge unit 29 . The air conditioner indoor unit 2 also includes an indoor temperature sensor 31 , an indoor humidity sensor 32 , a duct temperature sensor 33 , a duct humidity sensor 34 , and an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 .

In the following description, directions may be described using the expressions "up", "down", "front", and "back" according to the directions indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

The casing 23 has a suction port 23a at its upper portion and an outlet port 23b at its lower portion. The air conditioning indoor unit 2 drives the indoor fan 22 to suck in indoor air from the suction port 23a, and blow out the air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 21 from the blowout port 23b.

The indoor fan 22 is arranged in a substantially central portion within the casing 23 in a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 (see FIG. 2). The indoor fan 22 is, for example, a cross-flow fan. The indoor heat exchanger 21 is arranged upstream of the indoor fan 22 in the air flow path from the suction port 23a to the blowout port 23b. The indoor heat exchanger 21 has a downwardly open shape so as to cover the upper part of the indoor fan 22 when viewed in the direction in which the heat transfer tubes 21b extend. Here, such a shape is called a substantially Λ shape. The indoor heat exchanger 21 has a first heat exchange section 21F far from the wall WL and a second heat exchange section 21R close to the wall WL.

Drain pans 26 are arranged under the front lower portion and the rear lower portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 having a substantially Λ shape. Condensation generated in the first heat exchange section 21</b>F of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is received by the drain pan 26 arranged in the lower front portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 . Condensation generated in the second heat exchange section 21R of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is received by the drain pan 26 arranged in the lower rear portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

A horizontal flap 27 and a vertical flap are arranged at the outlet 23b. The horizontal flap 27 vertically changes the direction of the air blown from the outlet 23b. Therefore, the horizontal flap 27 is configured so that the angle formed with the horizontal direction can be changed by a motor 27m. The vertical flap is configured to be able to change the direction of the air blown out from the outlet 23b to the left or right. The air conditioning system 1 drives, for example, a vertical flap with a motor (not shown) so as to change the angle formed with the front-rear direction.

An air filter 24 is arranged downstream of the suction port 23 a in the casing 23 and upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 21 . The air filter 24 is installed in the casing 23 so that substantially all of the indoor air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 passes through the air filter 24 . Therefore, dust larger than the mesh of the air filter 24 is removed by the air filter 24 and does not reach the indoor heat exchanger 21 . However, what passes through the air filter 24 , such as dust and oil mist finer than the mesh of the air filter 24 , reaches the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

The discharge unit 29 is an active species generator having a discharge section inside. The discharge section includes, for example, a needle-like electrode and a counter electrode, and applies a high voltage to generate a streamer discharge, which is a type of plasma discharge. Active species with high oxidative decomposition power are generated when discharge occurs. These active species include, for example, fast electrons, ions, hydroxyl radicals and excited oxygen molecules. The active species decompose harmful and odorous components in the air consisting of small organic molecules such as ammonia, aldehydes, and nitrogen oxides. The discharge unit 29 is arranged, for example, upstream of the air filter 24 or upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

An indoor control plate 81 constituting the control unit 8 is arranged in the air conditioning indoor unit 2 . As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor control plate 81 is connected to the motor 22m of the indoor fan 22, the motor 27m of the horizontal flap 27, and the electromagnetic valve 28. As shown in FIG. The controller 8 can control the number of revolutions of the motor 22m of the indoor fan 22, the rotation angle of the motor 27m of the horizontal flap, and the ON/OFF of the electromagnetic valve 28 by the indoor control plate 81. FIG. The indoor control board 81 has a timer 81a, a control arithmetic device 81b, and a storage device 81c. The indoor control plate 81 is connected to an outdoor control plate 82 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) arranged inside the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 . Here, a case where the indoor control board 81 has a timer 81a, a control arithmetic device 81b, and a storage device 81c will be described. may be provided at the location of For example, the timer 81a, the control arithmetic device 81b, and the storage device 81c may be provided on the outdoor control board 82. FIG.

In the control unit 8 , the indoor control panel 81 receives a signal from the remote controller 15 and receives an instruction input from the remote controller 15 . The remote controller 15 has a display screen 15a. The control unit 8 can display various information on the display screen 15 a of the remote controller 15 . The control unit 8 can notify that the cleaning operation cannot be performed, for example, using the display screen 15a.

3 and 5 show, of the sensors included in the air conditioning indoor unit 2, an indoor temperature sensor 31, an indoor humidity sensor 32, a duct temperature sensor 33, a duct humidity sensor 34, and an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor. 35 are shown. These sensors included in the air conditioner indoor unit 2 are connected to the indoor control board 81 . Therefore, the controller 8 can detect the temperature of the air in the room with the room temperature sensor 31 and the relative humidity of the air in the room with the room humidity sensor 32 . The control unit 8 can detect the temperature of the air blown from the humidifier 6 to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 by the duct temperature sensor 33, and detect the temperature of the air blown from the humidifier 6 to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 by the duct humidity sensor 34. Can detect relative humidity. In addition, the controller 8 can detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through a specific location of the indoor heat exchanger 21 using the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 . This specific location is, for example, the location of the heat transfer tube 21b to which the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 is attached.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the indoor heat exchanger 21 has an electromagnetic valve 28 . The refrigerant flowing from the outdoor expansion valve 45 to the other inlet/outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 flows from the first heat exchange section 21F through the solenoid valve 28 to the second heat exchange section 21R. Conversely, the refrigerant flowing from the fourth port P4 of the four-way valve 42 into one inlet/outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 flows from the second heat exchange section 21R through the solenoid valve 28 to the first heat exchange section 21F. The solenoid valve 28 is a valve that sets a differential pressure between the first heat exchange section 21F and the second heat exchange section 21R. Here, the case where the electromagnetic valve 28 is used will be described, but other control valves such as an electrically operated valve that can change the degree of valve opening may be used. The solenoid valve 28 is set so that the degree of opening is smaller in the ON state than in the OFF state. In other words, the solenoid valve 28 increases the differential pressure between the first heat exchange section 21F and the second heat exchange section 21R when in the ON state.

(2-2-2) Air conditioner outdoor unit 4
3 and 5, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 includes a compressor 41, a four-way valve 42, an accumulator 43, an outdoor heat exchanger 44, an outdoor expansion valve 45, an outdoor fan 46, and a casing 47. ing. Compressor 41 , four-way valve 42 , accumulator 43 , outdoor heat exchanger 44 , outdoor expansion valve 45 and outdoor fan 46 are housed in casing 47 . The casing 47 has a suction port 47a (see FIG. 3) for sucking outdoor air, and a blowout port 47b (see FIGS. 1 and 3) for blowing out air after heat exchange. The suction port 47 a is arranged on the rear side of the casing 47 . The air conditioner outdoor unit 4 functions as a heat source unit that supplies thermal energy to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 .

The compressor 41 sucks, compresses, and discharges gas refrigerant. The compressor 41 is, for example, a variable capacity compressor whose operating capacity can be changed by adjusting the operating frequency of the motor 41m with an inverter. As the operating frequency increases, the operating capacity of the compressor 41 increases. The four-way valve 42 has four ports. A first port P<b>1 of the four-way valve 42 is connected to a discharge port of the compressor 41 . A second port P<b>2 of the four-way valve 42 is connected to one inlet/outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 44 . A third port P3 of the four-way valve 42 is connected to the accumulator 43 . A fourth port P4 of the four-way valve 42 is connected to one inlet/outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

The accumulator 43 is connected between the third port P3 of the four-way valve 42 and the suction port of the compressor 41 . The outdoor heat exchanger 44 has the other inlet/outlet connected to one inlet/outlet of the outdoor expansion valve 45 . The outdoor heat exchanger 44 exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has flowed into the inside from one entrance or the other entrance and the outdoor air. The outdoor expansion valve 45 has the other inlet/outlet connected to the other inlet/outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

An outdoor control plate 82 constituting the control unit 8 is arranged in the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 . The outdoor control plate 82 is connected to the indoor control plate 81 . The outdoor control plate 82 is connected to the motor 41 m of the compressor 41 , the four-way valve 42 and the motor 46 m of the outdoor fan 46 . The control unit 8 can control the operating frequency of the motor 41 m of the compressor 41 , the opening degree of the four-way valve 42 , and the rotation speed of the motor 46 m of the outdoor fan 46 with the outdoor control plate 82 .

3 and 5 show an outside air temperature sensor 51, a discharge pipe temperature sensor 52, and an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 53 among the sensors included in the air conditioner outdoor unit 4. FIG. These sensors included in the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 are connected to the outdoor control plate 82 . Therefore, the controller 8 can detect the temperature of the outdoor air with the outdoor air temperature sensor 51 . In addition, the control unit 8 can detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge pipe (refrigerant pipe connected to the discharge port of the compressor 41) by the discharge pipe temperature sensor 52, and the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger by the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 53. 44 can sense the temperature of the coolant flowing through a specific location. The control unit 8 monitors the state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 13 using the discharge pipe temperature sensor 52, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 53, the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the like when controlling the refrigeration cycle.

The refrigerant circuit 13 includes a compressor 41 , a four-way valve 42 , an accumulator 43 , an outdoor heat exchanger 44 , an outdoor expansion valve 45 and an indoor heat exchanger 21 . A refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 13 . Refrigerants include, for example, fluorocarbons such as R32 refrigerant and R410 refrigerant, and carbon dioxide.

In the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 41 and heated, and then the refrigerant releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 44 or the indoor heat exchanger 21 . Also, in the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is decompressed and expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 45 , and then the refrigerant absorbs heat in the indoor heat exchanger 21 or the outdoor heat exchanger 44 . In the accumulator 43, gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 41 is performed. The four-way valve 42 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 13 .

(2-2-3) Humidifier 6
The humidifier 6 of the first embodiment is integrated with the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 . The humidifier 6 takes in moisture from outdoor air. The humidifier 6 generates high-humidity air by applying the taken moisture to the outdoor air. The humidifier 6 sends this high-humidity air to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 . During humidification, the air conditioning system 1 mixes the high-humidity air sent from the humidifier 6 with the indoor air in the air conditioning indoor unit 2 . The air conditioner indoor unit 2 humidifies the room by blowing out air mixed with high-humidity air into the room RM. The humidifier 6 is controlled by the controller 8 .

The humidifier 6, as shown in FIG. there is The humidifier 6 also includes an air intake/exhaust hose 68 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the casing 69 of the humidifier 6 is attached to and integrated with the casing 47 of the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 . The humidifier 6 has a casing 69 with an adsorption air outlet 69a, an adsorption air intake 69b, and a humidification air intake 69c.

The adsorption rotor 61 is, for example, a disk-shaped ceramic rotor having a honeycomb structure. A ceramic rotor can be formed, for example, by firing an adsorbent. The adsorbent has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air it contacts. In addition, the adsorbent has the property of desorbing the adsorbed moisture when heated. Such adsorbents include, for example, zeolites, silica gels and alumina. The adsorption rotor 61 is driven by a motor 61m to rotate. The rotation speed of the adsorption rotor 61 can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the motor 61m.

The heater 62 is arranged between the humidifying air intake port 69 c and the switching damper 63 . The outdoor air taken in from the humidifying air intake 69 c passes through the heater 62 and then through the adsorption rotor 61 to reach the switching damper 63 . When the air heated by the heater 62 passes through the adsorption rotor 61 , moisture is desorbed from the adsorption rotor 61 and supplied from the adsorption rotor 61 to the heated air. The heater 62 can change its output, and the temperature of the air that has passed through the heater 62 can be changed according to the output. Within a specific temperature range, the adsorption rotor 61 tends to desorb more moisture as the temperature of the air passing through the adsorption rotor 61 increases.

The switching damper 63 has a first entrance 63a and a second entrance 63b. The switching damper 63 can switch between the first inlet/outlet 63a and the second inlet/outlet 63b as the air inlet for sucking air when the intake/exhaust fan 64 is driven. When the air inlet is the first inlet/outlet 63a, the outdoor air flows from the humidifying air inlet 69c in the direction of the arrow indicated by the solid line in FIG. , the first inlet/outlet 63a, the intake/exhaust fan 64, the second inlet/outlet 63b, the duct 66, the intake/exhaust hose 68, and the air conditioning indoor unit 2 in this order. If the air inlet is switched to the second inlet/outlet 63b, conversely, from the air conditioning indoor unit 2, the intake/exhaust hose 68, the duct 66, the second inlet/outlet 63b, the second inlet/outlet 63b, Air flows through the intake/exhaust fan 64, the first inlet/outlet 63a, the adsorption rotor 61, the heater 62, the adsorption rotor 61, and the humidification air intake 69c in this order. The switching of the switching damper 63 is performed by a motor 63m.

The intake/exhaust fan 64 is arranged between the first entrance 63 a and the second entrance 63 b of the switching damper 63 . The intake/exhaust fan 64 generates an air flow from the first inlet/outlet 63a to the second inlet/outlet 63b or from the second inlet/outlet 63b to the first inlet/outlet 63a. The intake/exhaust fan 64 is driven by a motor 64m.

The intake and exhaust hose 68 has one end connected to the duct 66 and the other end connected to the air conditioning indoor unit 2 . With such a configuration, the air intake/exhaust hose 68 and the room RM communicate with each other via the air conditioning indoor unit 2 .

The adsorption fan 65 is arranged in a passage leading from the adsorption air inlet 69b to the adsorption air outlet 69a. An adsorption rotor 61 is arranged in this passage so that the adsorption rotor 61 is hooked thereon. When the adsorption fan 65 generates an airflow from the adsorption air intake port 69b toward the adsorption air outlet 69a, the adsorption rotor 61 adsorbs moisture from the outdoor air passing through the adsorption rotor 61 . The suction fan 65 is driven by a motor 65m.

The motor 61 m of the adsorption rotor 61 , the motor 63 m of the switching damper 63 , the motor 64 m of the intake/exhaust fan 64 and the heater 62 are connected to the outdoor control plate 82 . The controller 8 can control the rotation speed of the adsorption rotor 61 , switching of the switching damper 63 , on/off of the intake/exhaust fan 64 and the adsorption fan 65 , and output of the heater 62 by the outdoor control plate 82 . 3 and 5 show an outside air humidity sensor 71 among the sensors included in the air conditioning indoor unit 2. FIG. The outside air humidity sensor 71 is connected to the outdoor control plate 82 . The controller 8 can detect the relative humidity of the outdoor air using the outdoor air humidity sensor 71 .

(2-3) Operation of the air conditioning system 1 (2-3-1) Normal mode operation The normal mode operation of the air conditioning system 1 includes, for example, cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, humidification operation, blowing operation, and ventilation. There is an operation and an air cleaning operation. Here, the normal mode operation is an operation other than the cleaning mode operation. Operation in the normal mode is not limited to the cooling operation and heating operation described above. Moreover, in the normal mode described above, a plurality of operations may be combined, such as a combination of the heating operation and the humidification operation.

(2-3-1-1) Cooling Operation Before starting the cooling operation, the remote controller 15 instructs the controller 8 to perform the cooling operation and to specify the target temperature. During cooling operation, the controller 8 switches the four-way valve 42 to the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. During cooling operation, the four-way valve 42 allows the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the second port P2 and the refrigerant between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. The four-way valve 42 during cooling operation allows the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 44 . The outdoor heat exchanger 44 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 46 . The refrigerant cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve 45 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 . In the indoor heat exchanger 21 , heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 22 . The refrigerant warmed by heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 21 is sucked into the compressor 41 via the four-way valve 42 and the accumulator 43 . The indoor air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown out from the air conditioning indoor unit 2 to the room RM, thereby cooling the room. In the air conditioner 10, in the cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant evaporator to warm the indoor air in the room RM, and the outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant radiator.

(2-3-1-2) Heating Operation Before starting the heating operation, the remote controller 15, for example, instructs the controller 8 to perform the heating operation and also instructs the target temperature. During heating operation, the control unit 8 switches the four-way valve 42 to the state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. During heating operation, the four-way valve 42 allows the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 and the refrigerant between the second port P2 and the third port P3. The four-way valve 42 during heating operation allows the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 to flow to the indoor heat exchanger 21 . In the indoor heat exchanger 21 , heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 22 . The refrigerant cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 45 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 44 . The outdoor heat exchanger 44 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 46 . The refrigerant warmed by heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is sucked into the compressor 41 via the four-way valve 42 and the accumulator 43 . The indoor air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown out from the air conditioning indoor unit 2 to the room RM, thereby heating the room. In the air conditioner 10, in the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant radiator to warm the indoor air in the room RM, and the outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

(2-3-1-3) Dehumidification Operation Before the dehumidification operation is started, the remote controller 15, for example, instructs the controller 8 to perform the dehumidification operation. Here, a case where a plurality of modes can be selected in the dehumidifying operation will be described. Information indicating which of the first dehumidification mode, the second dehumidification mode, and the third dehumidification mode has been selected is transmitted from the remote controller 15 to the control unit 8 . In the first dehumidification mode, a first dehumidification operation is performed in which substantially the entire indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation zone. In the second dehumidifying mode, a second dehumidifying operation is performed in which part of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation area and the remaining part of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the superheating area. In the third dehumidifying mode, a third dehumidifying operation is performed in which the portion upstream of the electromagnetic valve 28 in the indoor heat exchanger 21 is the condensation area, and the downstream portion of the electromagnetic valve 28 is the evaporation area.

During the dehumidifying operation, the controller 8 switches the four-way valve 42 to the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. During the dehumidification operation, the four-way valve 42 allows the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the second port P2 and the refrigerant between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. Therefore, in the refrigerant circuit 13, the refrigerant flows in the same direction during the dehumidifying operation and during the cooling operation. A refrigerating cycle is also implemented in the refrigerant circuit 13 in the dehumidifying operation.

(First dehumidifying operation)
In the first dehumidifying operation, when the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 13 , the controller 8 turns off the solenoid valve 28 and adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor 41 and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 45 . In the first dehumidifying operation, substantially all of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation zone. As a result, the first dehumidifying operation increases the sensible heat capacity, which is the capacity for changing the indoor temperature.

Here, substantially all of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation area, not only when the entire indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation area, but only a portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 excluding a part is included as the evaporation zone. When only this portion (for example, a portion of 1/3 or less of the total volume of the indoor heat exchanger 21) does not become the evaporation area, for example, the portion near the refrigerant outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 due to the indoor environment becomes an overheating region.

(Second dehumidifying operation)
In the second dehumidifying operation, when the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 13 , the controller 8 turns off the solenoid valve 28 and adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor 41 and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 45 . In the second dehumidification operation, part of the first heat exchange section 21F is used as the evaporation area, while the remaining part of the first heat exchange section 21F and the second heat exchange section 21R are used as the superheat area. The control unit 8 controls the compressor 41 and the outdoor expansion valve 45 so that the evaporation area has a predetermined volume (for example, 2/3 of the total volume of the indoor heat exchanger 21) or less during the second dehumidification operation. The evaporation temperature in the second dehumidification operation is lower than the evaporation temperature in the first dehumidification operation. At this time, the degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 is normally smaller than the degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 during the first dehumidification operation. Since the second dehumidification operation has a lower sensible heat capacity than the first dehumidification operation, it is possible to dehumidify the room while suppressing a decrease in room temperature when the heat load in the room is neither high nor low.

(Third dehumidifying operation)
In the third dehumidifying operation, when the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 13 , the controller 8 turns on the solenoid valve 28 and adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor 41 and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 45 . In the third dehumidification operation, by turning on the solenoid valve 28, the valve opening degree becomes smaller than in the first dehumidification operation and the second dehumidification operation. In the third dehumidification operation, the first heat exchange section 21F is used as the condensation area, while the second heat exchange section 21R is used as the evaporation area. The control unit 8 operates so that the evaporation temperature in the third dehumidification operation is lower than the evaporation temperature in the second dehumidification operation. At this time, the degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 is fixed to be greater than the maximum degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 during the second dehumidification operation. Since the third dehumidifying operation has a lower sensible heat capacity than the second dehumidifying operation, when the heat load in the room is low, it is possible to dehumidify the room while suppressing a decrease in the room temperature.

(Example of operating conditions for dehumidifying operation)
FIG. 6 shows examples of operating conditions for the first dehumidifying operation, the second dehumidifying operation, and the third dehumidifying operation. The control unit 8 controls the outdoor fan 46 so that the control range of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the third dehumidification operation is wider than the control range of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the second dehumidification operation. . The upper limit value of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the third dehumidification operation is higher than the upper limit value of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the second dehumidification operation. As a result, the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant during the third dehumidification operation can be made lower than the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant during the second dehumidification operation. Therefore, when the room is dehumidified in the third dehumidification operation, the dehumidification efficiency can be increased. The upper limit of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the second dehumidification operation is set to 840 rpm, for example. The upper limit of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the third dehumidification operation is set to 970 rpm, for example.

Further, the lower limit value of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the third dehumidification operation is lower than the lower limit value of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the second dehumidification operation. As a result, during the third dehumidifying operation, it is possible to prevent the pressure of the refrigerant from excessively decreasing between the outdoor heat exchanger 44 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 . Therefore, when dehumidifying the room in the third dehumidifying operation, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the choke phenomenon. The lower limit of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the second dehumidification operation is set to 510 rpm, for example. The lower limit of the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 46 during the third dehumidification operation is set to 150 rpm, for example.

The degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 is adjusted by a pulse signal. The number of pulses (pls) of this pulse signal is proportional to the degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 . As the number of pulses increases, the degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 increases.

(2-3-1-4) Humidification Operation Before starting the humidification operation, the controller 8 is instructed to perform the humidification operation and the target humidity from the remote controller 15, for example. During the humidification operation, the controller 8 stops the compressor 41 and stops the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit 13 . However, in the humidification/heating operation, the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit 13 is also performed at the same time as the humidification operation.

Upon receiving the humidification operation instruction, the control unit 8 first controls the humidifier 6 to perform a first drying operation for drying the suction/exhaust hose 68 . In the first drying operation, the controller 8 stops the suction fan 65 and the suction rotor 61 . In the first drying operation, the controller 8 causes the heater 62 to heat the air, switches the switching damper 63 so as to generate an airflow from the first inlet/outlet 63a to the second inlet/outlet 63b, and drives the intake/exhaust fan 64 . The outdoor air taken in from the humidification air intake port 69c is heated by the heater 62 to raise the temperature, thereby lowering the relative humidity. Since the adsorption rotor 61 is stopped, no moisture is supplied to the air passing through the adsorption rotor 61 . The air thus dried passes through the air intake/exhaust hose 68 by the air intake/exhaust fan 64 , thereby drying the air intake/exhaust hose 68 . For example, the control unit 8 counts the operating time using the timer 81a, and ends the first drying operation when the operating time reaches a predetermined time.

After the first drying operation ends, the humidifying operation is started. When the first drying operation ends, the controller 8 drives the suction fan 65 and controls the suction rotor 61 to rotate. As the outdoor air passes through the adsorption rotor 61 by driving the adsorption fan 65 , the adsorption rotor 61 adsorbs moisture from the outdoor air. As the adsorption rotor 61 rotates, the location where the moisture is adsorbed moves to a location through which the air heated by the heater 62 passes. As a result, desorption of moisture occurs from the location where moisture has been adsorbed to the heated air. The air with high humidity in this manner is sent to the room RM through the air intake/exhaust hose 68 and the air conditioning indoor unit 2 by the air intake/exhaust fan 64 . The control unit 8 drives the indoor fan 22 of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 to blow high-humidity air into the room RM.

(2-3-1-5) Blowing operation Before starting the blowing operation, the remote controller 15, for example, instructs the controller 8 to operate the blowing operation. During the blowing operation, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 41 and stops the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit 13 . In the air blowing operation, there are cases where the target air volume is instructed from the remote controller 15 and where the air conditioning indoor unit 2 automatically selects the target air volume. The controller 8 controls the motor 22m of the indoor fan 22 so as to achieve the target air volume. For example, in the normal mode, the controller 8 is configured to increase the rotation speed in order from the LL tap, which has the lowest rotation speed, to the L tap, the M tap, and the H tap.

(2-3-1-6) Ventilation Operation Before starting the ventilation operation, the remote controller 15, for example, instructs the control unit 8 to perform the ventilation operation. During ventilation operation, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 41 and stops the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit 13 . Further, during the ventilation operation, the humidification operation is also stopped. In order to stop the humidification operation, the rotation of the adsorption fan 65 and the adsorption rotor 61 is stopped. In the ventilation operation, the controller 8 controls the motor 64m to drive the intake/exhaust fan 64 . In the ventilation operation, the controller 8 switches between the air supply state and the air exhaust state by controlling the switching damper 63 . In the air supply state, outdoor air is taken in from the humidifying air intake port 69c and blown out into the room RM through the intake/exhaust hose 68 and the air conditioning indoor unit 2. FIG. In the exhaust state, indoor air is exhausted from the room RM through the air conditioning indoor unit 2 and the air intake/exhaust hose 68 from the humidification air intake port 69c.

(2-3-1-7) Air Cleaning Operation The air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment uses the discharge unit 29 to perform an air cleaning operation. Here, the air cleaning operation is an operation for suppressing harmful components and/or odorous components in the air. The air cleaning operation is, for example, an operation in which harmful components and/or odor components are suppressed by the decomposition power of streamer discharge.

(2-3-2) Cleaning Mode Operation The cleaning mode operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the cleaning mode is started, the control unit 8 automatically determines whether to start the cleaning mode operation (in the case of manual start) or when the control unit 8 is instructed to start the cleaning mode operation. (in the case of automatic start). The air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment supports both manual start and automatic start. However, the air conditioning system 1 can also be configured for either manual initiation or automatic initiation.

When the controller 8 is instructed to enter the cleaning mode (Yes in step ST1), the operation in the cleaning mode is started. As a manual start, for example, the cleaning mode start button for instructing the cleaning mode of the remote controller 15 may be pressed. Even if there is no instruction for the cleaning mode (No in step ST1), if the controller 8 determines that the conditions for starting the cleaning mode operation are satisfied (Yes in step ST2), the cleaning mode operation is started. . Conditions for shifting to the cleaning mode in step ST2 will be described later.

When the cleaning mode operation is started, the controller 8 controls the motor 27m so that the horizontal flap 27 is opened and fixed at a predetermined angle (step ST3). The angle of the horizontal flap 27 is preferably such that even if there are people in the room RM, the air blown out from the air conditioning indoor unit 2 does not directly hit the people. Further, when the cleaning mode operation is started, the control section 8 controls the discharge unit 29 so as to start streamer discharge (step ST3). Regarding the processing of step ST3, if the horizontal flap 27 has already been opened, it is maintained. In addition, regarding the processing of step ST3, when the streamer discharge has already started, the state in which the streamer discharge is being performed is maintained. The streamer discharge ends with the end of the cleaning mode operation. When streamer discharge is performed in the cleaning operation, the air conditioning system 1 can clean the indoor heat exchanger 21 . However, the air conditioning system 1 can also be configured so that the discharge of the discharge unit 29 is stopped and the cleaning operation is performed.

When the cleaning mode operation is started, the controller 8 determines whether the absolute humidity of the air in the room RM has reached a predetermined humidity (step ST4). The controller 8 determines that the indoor absolute humidity reaches the predetermined value AH1 not only when the indoor absolute humidity is the predetermined value AH1 but also when it exceeds the predetermined value AH1.

For the determination in step ST4, the control unit 8 detects the indoor temperature with the indoor temperature sensor 31 and detects the indoor relative humidity with the indoor humidity sensor 32 . The controller 8 calculates the absolute humidity of the air in the room RM from the air temperature value MT detected by the room temperature sensor 31 and the air relative humidity value MRH detected by the room humidity sensor 32 . Here, a case where the indoor humidity sensor 32 is a relative humidity sensor that detects relative humidity is described. However, an absolute humidity sensor that detects absolute humidity may be used as the indoor humidity sensor provided in the air conditioning indoor unit 2, and the controller 8 may compare the value detected by the absolute humidity sensor with the predetermined value AH1.

If the indoor absolute humidity has not reached the predetermined value AH1 (No in step ST4), the controller 8 controls the humidifier 6 to supply moisture to the room RM.

In the case of this air conditioning system 1 , two methods are set for supplying moisture by the humidifier 6 . The controller 8 selects an appropriate operation from the following first humidification operation and second humidification operation.

The first humidification operation is an operation in which humidification is performed simultaneously with heating. In the first humidification operation, the control unit 8 controls the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 6 so that the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation for the room RM and the humidifier 6 performs the humidification operation for the room RM at the same time. .

The second humidification operation is an operation in which the heating operation in the first humidification operation is stopped and only the humidification operation is performed. In the first humidification operation, the controller 8 controls the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 6 so that the room RM is humidified by the humidification operation of the humidifier 6 . In the second humidification operation, no heating operation is performed, but air blowing operation by the air conditioner 10 is performed in order to send high-humidity air from the air conditioner indoor unit 2 to the room RM.

The controller 8 selects the first humidification operation or the second humidification operation based on the room temperature (step ST5). If the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 31 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T1 (Yes in step ST5), the controller 8 selects the second humidification operation. Conversely, if the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 31 is lower than the predetermined temperature T1 (No in step ST5), the control section 8 selects the first humidification operation.

The humidification operation by the humidifier 6 is performed in both the first humidification operation (step ST6) and the second humidification operation (step ST7). The humidification operation performed in the first humidification operation and the second humidification operation is the same as the humidification operation of the humidifier 6 performed in the normal mode humidification operation. However, in the humidification operations performed in the first humidification operation and the second humidification operation, the humidification capacity is set to be equal to or higher than the maximum value of the humidification capacity that appears in the humidification operation in the normal mode. In the wash mode, the comfort of the room RM is not emphasized, but rather the priority is given to quickly ending the operation of the wash mode. Therefore, in the cleaning mode, the first humidifying operation or the second humidifying operation is performed at the maximum humidifying capacity or higher that appears in the humidifying operation in the normal mode so that the indoor absolute humidity quickly reaches the predetermined value AH1. For example, when the humidifying capacity of the humidifying operation in the normal mode is set to L tap, M tap, and H tap in order from the lowest, the H tap is selected in the first humidifying operation and the second humidifying operation. .

In the first humidification operation, the controller 8 controls the air conditioner 10 together with the humidifier 6 so that the heating operation is performed simultaneously with the humidification operation. The control unit 8 controls the air conditioner 10 so as to achieve a preset target temperature for the cleaning mode. Since the heating operation performed by the air conditioner 10 in the cleaning mode is the same as the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the normal mode heating operation, the description thereof is omitted here.

In both the case of the first humidification operation (step ST6) and the case of the second humidification operation (step ST7), the control unit 8 determines whether or not a predetermined time tt1 has elapsed from the start of humidification (step ST8). If the predetermined time tt1 has not elapsed (No in step ST8), the process returns to step ST3 and continues the first humidification operation or the second humidification operation until the indoor absolute humidity reaches the predetermined value AH1.

If the predetermined time tt1 has passed (Yes in step ST8), an abnormality is reported (step ST11), a drying operation is performed at the end (step ST12), and the cleaning mode is terminated.

When the indoor absolute humidity reaches the predetermined value AH1 (Yes in step ST4), the cleaning operation is started (step ST9). In the cleaning operation, the humidifier 6 stops the humidifying operation. In the cleaning operation, the air conditioner 10 performs the same operation as in the dehumidifying operation. In the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, the controller 8 controls the air conditioner 10 to perform the same operation as the first dehumidifying operation.

From the start of the cleaning operation, the controller 8 starts counting with the timer 81a. When the timer 81a has elapsed the predetermined time tt2 (Yes in step ST10), the control section 8 ends the first dehumidifying operation and causes the end drying operation to be performed (step ST12).

The end-time drying operation in the cleaning mode is the same operation as the first drying operation in the humidifying operation in the normal mode. The controller 8 stops the suction fan 65 and the suction rotor 61 of the humidifier 6 in order to dry the suction/exhaust hose 68 . Further, the control unit 8 causes the heater 62 of the humidifier 6 to heat the air, switches the switching damper 63 and drives the intake/exhaust fan 64 so as to generate an airflow from the first inlet/outlet 63a to the second inlet/outlet 63b.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8, assuming that the operations start simultaneously at time t10, the operation in the cleaning mode and the humidification operation in the normal mode are compared. In the cleaning mode operation, since there is no operation for drying the suction/exhaust hose 68 before the humidification operation, the humidification operation can be started immediately (time t10). In the cleaning mode, the humidifying operation can be finished at time t11 when the first drying operation in the normal mode continues, and the cleaning operation can be started. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode ends at time t12 when the first drying operation of the humidifying operation in the normal mode ends. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the drying operation at the end of the cleaning mode can be completed at time t13 when the humidifying operation in the normal mode ends.

(2-3-3) Conditions for Switching to Cleaning Mode In the air conditioning system 1, the controller 8 automatically determines whether or not to switch to the cleaning mode in step ST2. The processing of the control unit 8 for determining the cleaning mode transition condition will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 8 determines the operation mode (step ST21). If the operation mode is the cleaning mode (Yes in step ST21), the integrated driving time is reset (step ST29).

If the operation mode is other than the cleaning mode (No in step ST21), the controller 8 determines the type of operation (step ST22). The air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment has a normal mode as an operating mode other than the cleaning mode. However, the air conditioning system 1 may be configured to have operation modes other than the normal mode and the cleaning mode. The air conditioning system 1 can select a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidifying operation, a humidifying operation, an air blowing operation, a ventilation operation, and an air cleaning operation as operations in the normal mode. In addition, the air conditioning system 1 may have operations other than the cooling operation, the heating operation, the dehumidifying operation, the humidifying operation, the air blowing operation, the ventilation operation, and the air cleaning operation as the operation in the normal mode. may be configured not to include one or more operations of

When the air conditioning system 1 is performing heating operation, humidification operation, air blowing operation, ventilation operation, or air cleaning operation (Yes in step ST22), the control unit 8 counts the driving time of the indoor fan 22 (step ST23 ). Performing a heating operation, humidifying operation, blowing operation, ventilation operation, or air cleaning operation means, in other words, performing an operation other than the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation. The driving time of the indoor fan 22 is counted by the control arithmetic unit 81b using the timer 81a of the indoor control board 81, for example. The control arithmetic device 81b stores the counted driving time in the storage device 81c. The driving time of the indoor fan 22 is counted until the current operation ends (Yes in step ST25). For example, even during the heating operation, when the temperature of the room RM reaches the target temperature and the compressor 41 and the indoor fan 22 are stopped, the driving time of the indoor fan 22 is not counted.

The driving time of the indoor fan 22 is counted during the first driving time and the second driving time. The first drive time is the drive time of the indoor fan 22 during operation of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 that warms the air with the indoor heat exchanger 21 in the normal mode. In other words, the first driving time is the driving time of the indoor fan 22 during the heating operation (including the heating and humidifying operation) of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 . The second drive time is the drive time of the indoor fan 22 during operation of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 in which the indoor heat exchanger 21 does not exchange heat in the normal mode. In other words, the second drive time is the drive time of the indoor fan 22 during the humidification operation (excluding the heating/humidification operation), the air blowing operation, the ventilation operation, and the air cleaning operation.

When the air conditioning system 1 is performing the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation (No in step ST22), the control unit 8 further checks whether the operation time of the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time tt3. A determination is made (step ST24). The operating time of the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is counted by the controller 81b using the timer 81a of the indoor control panel 81, for example. The control arithmetic device 81b stores the counted operating time in the storage device 81c. If the operating time of the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time tt3 (Yes in step ST24), the controller 8 resets the accumulated driving time of the indoor fan 22 (step ST29). In other words, the controller 8 resets the cumulative driving time when the air conditioning indoor unit 2 that causes condensation in the indoor heat exchanger 21 is operated in the normal mode.

If the operation time of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation is less than the predetermined time tt3 (No in step ST24), the control unit 8 does not count the driving time of the indoor fan 22, and determines whether the current operation has ended. The process proceeds to step ST25 for determining whether. In other words, the control unit 8 performs control so that the driving time of the indoor fan 22 when the air conditioning indoor unit 2 is operating in the normal mode causing dew condensation in the indoor heat exchanger 21 is not included in the integrated driving time.

When the current operation ends (Yes in step ST25), the control unit 8 calculates the accumulated driving time of the indoor fan 22 (step ST26). The control unit 8 calculates the integrated driving time by integrating the driving times stored in the storage device 81c. Here, the driving times of the indoor fan 22 in the heating operation, the humidifying operation, the blowing operation, the ventilation operation, and the air cleaning operation are totaled to calculate the integrated driving time. However, the method of calculating the integrated drive time is not limited to the method of simply totaling the drive times of each operation. For example, the control unit 8 can be configured to calculate the integrated driving time by weighting each driving type.

The control unit 8 determines whether or not the integrated driving time is equal to or longer than the predetermined driving time CT1 (step ST27). If the integrated drive time is equal to or longer than the predetermined drive time CT1 (Yes in step ST27), the controller 8 shifts to the cleaning mode (step ST27). The determination in step ST27 in FIG. 9 is an example of the determination in step ST2 in FIG. Here, if the integrated driving time is equal to or longer than the predetermined driving time CT1, it is determined that the conditions for shifting to the cleaning mode are satisfied. However, the condition for shifting to the cleaning mode may not be limited to the cumulative driving time being equal to or longer than the predetermined driving time CT1. As a condition for shifting to the cleaning mode, for example, a condition that the operation in the normal mode is stopped may be added.

If the integrated driving time is less than the predetermined driving time CT1 (No in step ST27), the control unit 8 returns to the beginning (step ST21) and repeats the steps for integrating the integrated driving time.

After shifting to the cleaning mode (step ST28), reset the integrated drive time (step ST29). Repeat the steps for driving time integration. In the cleaning mode operation, steps ST21, ST29, and ST30 are repeated, so even if the indoor fan 22 is driven, the cumulative driving time is not counted.

<Second embodiment>
(3) Overall Configuration In the first embodiment, the case where the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 6 are integrated was described, but the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 6 may be separate bodies. In the air conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an air conditioner 10 and an air cleaner 100 having a humidifying function are separate bodies. An air cleaner 100 having a humidifying function corresponds to the humidifier 6 of the first embodiment. The air purifier 100 is installed in the room RM and is configured so as not to perform ventilation operation.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the air conditioner indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 10 and the air cleaner 100 are connected via a wireless LAN router 210 . A wireless LAN adapter 85 is connected to the indoor control board 81 of the air conditioner indoor unit 2 . Here, the case where the wireless LAN adapter 85 is externally attached to the air conditioner indoor unit 2 is shown. However, the wireless LAN adapter 85 may be built in the air conditioner indoor unit 2 . The air cleaner control board 83 of the air cleaner 100 incorporates the function of a wireless LAN adapter.

When the cleaning mode is operated, the air purifier 100 is instructed to operate from the indoor control panel 81 via the wireless LAN router 210 and the wireless LAN adapter 85 . An air conditioning system 1 including an air conditioner 10 and an air cleaner 100 includes a controller 8 . The control unit 8 has an indoor control board 81 , an outdoor control board 82 and an air purifier control board 83 . Since the control of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 by the indoor control plate 81 and the control of the air conditioning outdoor unit 4 by the outdoor control plate 82 have been described in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the air conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment can instruct the air conditioner 10 and the air cleaner 100 using the smart phone 230 . For example, instructions output from smartphone 230 are sent to air conditioner 10 and air cleaner 100 via wireless LAN router 210 or via Internet 240 , broadband router 220 and wireless LAN router 210 .

(4) Configuration of air cleaner 100 Air cleaner 100 includes casing 110, pre-filter 121, dust collection filter 122, deodorizing filter 123, blower fan 130, A humidification filter unit 140, a water tray 150, and a water tank 160 are provided. Casing 110 includes a body portion 111 and a front panel 112 .

FIG. 12 shows the appearance of the air cleaner 100. As shown in FIG. Air cleaner 100 has suction port 113 at the boundary between front panel 112 and main body 111 . The suction port 113 is provided at the lower portion and both sides of the front panel 112 . The outlet 114 is provided on the upper portion of the body portion 111 . When the blower fan 130 is driven, the indoor air sucked from the suction port 113 passes through the pre-filter 121, the dust collection filter 122, the deodorizing filter 123 and the humidification filter unit 140, and is blown out from the blowout port 114. .

The pre-filter 121 mainly removes large dust particles from the air passing through it. The dust collection filter 122 mainly removes fine dust from the passing air. The deodorizing filter 123 contains activated carbon, for example. The deodorizing filter 123 mainly removes odor components from the passing air.

The humidification filter unit 140 has a humidification rotor 141 including a humidification filter 142 . Humidification rotor 141 is rotated by motor 143 shown in FIG. The humidifying filter 142 is supplied with water stored in the water tray 150 by rotating together with the humidifying rotor 141 . The humidifying filter 142 supplied with water supplies moisture to the passing air. When the motor 143 stops and the rotation of the humidification rotor 141 stops, the humidification filter unit 140 stops humidification. The water tray 150 replenishes the water supplied to the humidification filter 142 by receiving water supply from the water tank 160 . A user supplies water to the water tank 160 .

The controller 8 can control the motor 143 via the air cleaner control board 83 . Therefore, the controller 8 can cause the air purifier 100 to perform the humidifying operation by turning on the motor 143 and stop the humidifying operation by turning off the motor 143 .

The air cleaner 100 includes an indoor temperature sensor 171, an indoor humidity sensor 172, and a water supply sensor 173, as shown in FIG. The indoor temperature sensor 171 , the indoor humidity sensor 172 and the water supply sensor 173 are connected to the air cleaner control board 83 . Therefore, the controller 8 can detect the temperature and relative humidity of the indoor air by the indoor temperature sensor 171 and the indoor humidity sensor 172 via the air purifier control plate 83 . The controller 8 of the first embodiment uses an indoor temperature sensor 31 and an indoor humidity sensor 32 for control. The controller 8 of the second embodiment may use the indoor temperature sensor 31 and the indoor humidity sensor 32 or the indoor temperature sensor 31 and the indoor humidity sensor 32 for control. The control unit 8 of the second embodiment may use both sensors at the same time, for example, using the average value of the indoor temperature sensors 31 and 171 as the temperature of the indoor air. The control unit 8 of the second embodiment may use both sensors at the same time, such as using the average value of the indoor humidity sensors 32 and 172 as the relative humidity of the indoor air.

(5) Cleaning mode of the air conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment The cleaning mode operation of the air conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment is the cleaning mode operation of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, except for differences described below. can be configured in the same way as The air conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment can operate in the cleaning mode using the air purifier 100 as a humidifier. In this air conditioning system 1, the air purifier 100 sucks indoor air from the suction port 113, adds moisture to the indoor air, and blows it out from the outlet 114 into the room RM. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment uses the air conditioner 10 and the air cleaner 100 to perform the first humidification operation. In the first humidification operation, the control unit 8 causes the air conditioner 10 to perform the heating operation of the room RM, and simultaneously causes the air cleaner 100 to humidify the room RM. In the second humidification operation of the air conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment, the controller 8 stops the operation of the air conditioner 10 and causes the air cleaner 100 to perform humidification.

Since the air-conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment places the air cleaner 100 inside the room RM, there is no need to provide the intake/exhaust hose 68 passing through the wall WL. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 of the second embodiment can omit the step of drying the intake and exhaust hose 68 in the cleaning mode operation.

(6) Modifications (6-1) Modifications 1A and 2A
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the air conditioning system 1 in which the indoor heat exchanger 21 does not have an auxiliary heat exchange section is described as an example. However, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, a heat exchanger having an auxiliary heat exchange section can be used as the indoor heat exchanger 21 . For example, the auxiliary heat exchange part is attached to the front side of a position above the middle of the first heat exchange part 21F in the vertical direction.

When an auxiliary heat exchange section is provided in the indoor heat exchanger 21, in the second dehumidification operation, the control section 8 turns off the solenoid valve 28 to adjust the operating frequency of the compressor 41 and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 45. do. The control section 8 makes the auxiliary heat exchange section the evaporation zone by the adjustment as described above. At this time, the first heat exchange section 21F and the second heat exchange section 21R are set to the superheating regions.

(6-2) Modifications 1B and 2B
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, a case where the refrigerant circuit 13 performs the same refrigeration cycle as the first dehumidifying operation in the normal mode as the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode is described. However, as the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode, the cleaning operation that causes dew condensation on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is not limited to the execution of the same refrigeration cycle as the first dehumidification operation.

The cleaning operation may be, for example, an operation in which the first dehumidifying operation is performed at the start of the cleaning operation and then changed to the second dehumidifying operation or the third dehumidifying operation halfway through. In such a case, the control section 8 controls substantially all of the first heat exchange section 21F and the second heat exchange section 21R to be in the evaporation zone at the start of the cleaning operation, and in the middle of the cleaning operation, the second heat exchange section 21F The control is such that the exchange section 21R is changed to the superheating area or the condensing area.

(6-3) Modifications 1C and 2C
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the drying operation at the end of the cleaning mode (step ST12) may include drying the indoor heat exchanger 21 by the heating operation of the air conditioner 10. FIG.

(6-4) Modifications 1D and 2D
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the absolute humidity does not reach the predetermined value AH1 even after the predetermined time tt1 has elapsed, the controller 8 causes the humidifier 6 and the air cleaner 100 to end humidification. At the same time, it notifies that the cleaning operation cannot be performed (step ST11). However, the air conditioning system may be configured to perform processing different from the first and second embodiments when the absolute humidity does not reach the predetermined value AH1.

For the processing after step ST10, for example, the control of the control unit 8 of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be changed as follows. When a predetermined time tt1 has passed since the start of humidification by the first humidification operation (step ST6) or the second humidification operation (step ST7), the controller 8 starts the cleaning operation (step ST9). The control of the controller 8 after starting the cleaning operation is performed in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments.

(6-5) Modification 1E
In the above first embodiment, the case of selectively executing the first humidifying operation or the second humidifying operation as the humidifying operation in the cleaning mode has been described. However, the humidification operation in the humidification mode is not limited to the first humidification operation or the second humidification operation. For example, the air conditioning system 1 may be configured such that the following third humidification operation can be selected as the humidification operation in the cleaning mode.

The third humidification operation is an operation of supplying moisture to the room RM by supplying outdoor air to the room RM. When the amount of moisture contained in the outdoor air is large, the absolute humidity of the room RM may reach the predetermined value AH1 by supplying the outdoor air to the room RM. The control unit 8 determines whether the absolute humidity of the room RM can reach the predetermined value AH1 by supplying outdoor air to the room RM before step ST5 shown in FIG. . The controller 8 detects the temperature and relative humidity of the outdoor air with the outdoor air temperature sensor 51 and the outdoor air humidity sensor 71 . For example, when the temperature of the outdoor air is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T2 and the relative humidity of the outdoor air is equal to or higher than the predetermined humidity RH1, the controller 8 can cause the absolute humidity of the room RM to reach the predetermined value AH1. I judge. When it is determined that the predetermined value AH1 has been reached, the control unit 8 drives the intake/exhaust fan 64 to perform an air supply operation in which outdoor air is supplied to the room RM through the intake/exhaust hose 68 .

(6-6) Modifications 1F and 2F
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the time during which the indoor fan 22 is driven during operation in the normal mode is counted as the driving time. However, the method of counting the driving time is not limited to such a method. For example, as a simple method of counting the driving time, the driving time in the normal mode may be counted. For example, if the operating time of a certain heating operation is tt4, and the driving time of the indoor fan 22 in the heating operation is tt5 (where tt5<tt4), the operating time of the heating operation tt4 is the driving time of the indoor fan 22 may be used as

(6-7) Modifications 1G and 2G
In the modifications 1F and 2F above, as a simple counting method for the indoor fan 22, the case where the operating time of the operation in the normal mode is used as the drive time has been described. In addition, for example, when the air conditioning indoor unit 2 has a cleaning mechanism for the air filter 24 , the number of cleaning times of the cleaning mechanism for the air filter 24 may be regarded as the driving time of the indoor fan 22 . For example, one cleaning of the cleaning mechanism is regarded as 10 hours of driving time of the indoor fan 22 . For example, in step ST23, the control unit 8 counts the number of cleaning times of the cleaning mechanism, and in step ST26, calculates the cumulative number of cleaning times of the cleaning mechanism. In step ST27, the control unit 8 determines that the cleaning mode is to be switched to when the cleaning mechanism performs cleaning a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times). Also, in step ST29, the control section 8 resets the number of times of cleaning of the cleaning mechanism.

(6-8) Modification 1H
In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the humidifier 6 is integrated with the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 is described. However, the humidifier 6 placed outdoors may not be integrated with the air conditioner outdoor unit 4, and may be separate. When the humidifier 6 and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 are separate from each other, for example, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 may be placed outdoors on the ground and the humidifier 6 may be attached to the outer wall.

(6-9) Modification 1I
In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the intake/exhaust hose 68 indirectly communicates with the space inside the room RM via the air conditioning indoor unit 2 is shown. However, the intake and exhaust hose 68 may be installed so as to directly communicate with the space inside the room RM without passing through the air conditioning indoor unit 2 .

(6-10) Modification 1J
In the above-described first embodiment, a case is shown in which the operation for drying is not performed before the humidification operation in the cleaning mode operation. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the air conditioning system 1 may be configured to perform a second drying operation shorter than the first drying operation before the humidifying operation of the cleaning mode of operation. The time required for the first drying operation is shorter than the time required for the second drying operation ((time t12−time t10)>(time t21−t10)). For this reason, in the cleaning mode, the control unit 8 controls the humidifier so as to dry the suction/exhaust hose 68 before starting to send the air moistened by the second drying operation, which is shorter in operation time than the first drying operation. 6.

(6-11) Modifications 1K and 2K
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the case where the humidifying operation in the cleaning mode is performed by the humidifier 6 or the air cleaner 100 is described. However, for example, an air conditioning system including both the humidifier 6 and the air cleaner 100 may be configured, and such a humidification system uses a plurality of humidifiers (the humidifier 6 and the air cleaner 100). , the humidifying operation in the cleaning mode may be performed.

(6-12) Modifications 1L and 2L
In the above-described first and second embodiments, when it is determined in step ST4 that the absolute humidity is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH, the cleaning operation (step ST9) is started without performing the humidification operation. did. However, as shown in FIG. 15, it may be determined whether the room temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T1 after the absolute humidity is determined to be equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH. When it is determined that the absolute humidity is equal to or higher than the predetermined value AH (Yes in step ST4), the controller 8 then determines whether the indoor temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T1 (step ST13). In other words, the controller 8 selects whether or not to perform the first humidification operation based on the indoor temperature. If the temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 31 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T1 (Yes in step ST13), the controller 8 starts the cleaning operation (step ST9). Conversely, if the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 31 is less than the predetermined temperature T1 (No in step ST13), the control section 8 selects the first humidification operation. If the indoor temperature is too low, a large amount of condensed water cannot be generated, but by adding the determination in step ST13, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the indoor temperature is too low and a large amount of condensed water cannot be generated. can.

(7) Features (7-1)
In the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the control unit 8 counts the driving time of the indoor fan 22, and based on the integrated driving time obtained by integrating the driving time of the indoor fan 22, It is determined whether or not to perform control in the cleaning mode. As the amount of air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 increases, more dirt accumulates in the indoor heat exchanger 21 . In other words, the amount of dirt accumulated in the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the driving time of the indoor fan 22 have a strong positive correlation. If the indoor heat exchanger 21 is repeatedly washed even though it is not very dirty, energy is wasted. Conversely, if the interval between cleanings is too long, the indoor heat exchanger 21 will be too dirty. This air-conditioning system 1 can wash at an appropriate timing by determining whether or not to perform control in the washing mode based on the accumulated driving time of the indoor fan 22 .

(7-2)
The controller 8 of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment counts the first driving time and the second driving time for the driving time of the indoor fan 22 to obtain the integrated driving time. The first drive time is the drive time of the indoor fan 22 during operation of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 that warms the air with the indoor heat exchanger 21 . In the operation in which the first drive time is counted, the refrigerant circuit 13 performs the refrigeration cycle. However, the second drive time is the drive time of the indoor fan 22 during operation of the air conditioning indoor unit 2 in which the indoor heat exchanger 21 does not exchange heat in the normal mode. Dirt accumulates in the indoor heat exchanger 21 during the second driving time as well. Therefore, by determining whether or not to perform the cleaning mode control in consideration of the second driving time as well, the cleaning mode can be performed at a more appropriate timing than in the case where the determination is made by considering only the first driving time. can move to

(7-3)
The control unit 8 of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment determines the driving time of the indoor fan 22 when the air conditioning indoor unit 2 is operating to cause condensation in the indoor heat exchanger 21 in the normal mode. At least part of it is not included in the cumulative driving time. In other words, in the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation, if the operation time is less than the predetermined time, the driving time of the indoor fan 22 during the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation is not included in the integrated driving time (step in FIG. 9 Processing in the case of No in ST22 and No in step ST24). When the air conditioning indoor unit 2 is operating in the normal mode to cause dew condensation in the indoor heat exchanger 21 , the condensed water will wash off the dirt, so the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less likely to accumulate dirt. By not including the driving time of the indoor fan 22 when dirt is hard to accumulate in the cumulative driving time, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cumulative driving time when dirt is hard to accumulate. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 can transition to the cleaning mode at a more appropriate timing.

(7-4)
In the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the air conditioning indoor unit 2 is operated not only in the cleaning mode, but also in the normal mode when the indoor heat exchanger 21 causes condensation. In this case (Yes in step ST24 of FIG. 9), the integrated drive time is reset (step ST29). The air conditioning system 1 resets the integrated driving time even in the normal mode when the indoor heat exchanger 21 is washed due to dew condensation, so that unnecessary washing operation can be omitted.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. .

1 air conditioning system 2 air conditioning indoor unit 6 humidifier 8 control unit 21 indoor heat exchanger 22 indoor fan 100 air cleaner (example of humidifier)

JP 2018-189360 A

Claims (3)

an air conditioning indoor unit (2) having an indoor heat exchanger (21) and an indoor fan (22) for generating an airflow passing through the indoor heat exchanger;
a control unit (8) that controls the air conditioning indoor unit to perform indoor air conditioning in a normal mode and controls the air conditioning indoor unit to clean the indoor heat exchanger in a cleaning mode;
The control unit counts the driving time of the indoor fan, and determines whether the condition for starting the operation of the cleaning mode is satisfied based on the integrated driving time obtained by integrating the driving time of the indoor fan. ,
The control unit does not include at least part of the driving time of the indoor fan when the air conditioning indoor unit is operating to cause condensation in the indoor heat exchanger in the normal mode, in the integrated driving time. Air conditioning system (1). an air conditioning indoor unit (2) having an indoor heat exchanger (21) and an indoor fan (22) for generating an airflow passing through the indoor heat exchanger;
a control unit (8) that controls the air conditioning indoor unit to perform indoor air conditioning in a normal mode and controls the air conditioning indoor unit to clean the indoor heat exchanger in a cleaning mode;
The control unit counts the driving time of the indoor fan, and determines whether the condition for starting the operation of the cleaning mode is satisfied based on the integrated driving time obtained by integrating the driving time of the indoor fan. ,
The control unit resets the integrated drive time when the air conditioning indoor unit is operated in the normal mode to cause condensation in the indoor heat exchanger and when the air conditioning indoor unit is operated in the cleaning mode. Air conditioning system (1). The control unit obtains the integrated driving time by counting the first driving time and the second driving time,
The first driving time is the driving time of the indoor fan during operation of the air conditioning indoor unit that warms the air with the indoor heat exchanger in the normal mode,
The second driving time is the driving time of the indoor fan during operation of the air conditioning indoor unit in which the indoor heat exchanger does not perform heat exchange in the normal mode.
Air conditioning system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2 .

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