JPH04344050A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an air conditioner capable of preventing the generation of troubles which wake up sleeping people in advance when using an input timer function. CONSTITUTION:A remote controller 11 is used to set a desired operation mode (cooling/heating) and time (hour) ts to start operation. When input timer mode is set, a timer 14 proceeds time count 't' directed at the setting time ts. At the same time, the difference DELTAT (=Ta-Ts) between detected temperature Ta of an indoor temperature sensor 12 and setting indoor temperature Ts is monitored and operation starts when the remaining time DELTAt (=ts-t) up to the setting time ts and differential temperature DELTAT have satisfied a certain condition. When starting the operation, the speed of an indoor fan 7 is restricted to a specified value and below. More specifically, the speed is restricted to middle speed 'M' and below.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner equipped with an on-timer function that starts operation at a preset time.

0002

[Prior Art] Air conditioners have a preset time (
Some devices are equipped with a so-called turn-on timer function, which starts operation at a specified time. By using this timer function, you can, for example, warm up the room when you wake up, allowing you to wake up comfortably even on cold winter mornings. There are various types of timer functions, such as those based only on the set time, and those based on a combination of the set time and room temperature change. Those based only on the set time are often used to set a time earlier than the wake-up time and start driving earlier.

[0003] In the case where the combination of the set time and indoor temperature change is used as a reference, the time count is advanced toward the set time, and at the same time, the difference between the indoor temperature and the set indoor temperature is monitored, and the remaining time until the set time and the temperature are measured. The system starts driving when certain conditions are met, so all you have to do is set the wake-up time.

0004

[Problem to be solved by the invention] By the way, the on-timer function is often used for waking up in the morning as shown in the example above, but if the operation is started before the wake-up time, the air blowing noise becomes harsh. This may force the sleeper to wake up.

[0005] This invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances.
The purpose is to provide an air conditioner that can prevent a sleeper from waking up when using the on-timer function.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems A means is provided for limiting the speed of the indoor fan to a predetermined value or less at the start of operation based on the on-timer function.

[0007]

[Operation] When the operation starts based on the on-timer function, the air blowing noise of the indoor fan becomes smaller.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 3 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 1 via a four-way valve 2, and indoor heat is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 via a pressure reducer, such as an expansion valve 4. Exchanger 5 is connected. The indoor heat exchanger 5 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 1 via the four-way valve 2.

That is, a heat pump type refrigeration cycle is constructed, and during cooling operation, the refrigerant flows in the direction of the solid line arrow shown in the figure to form a cooling cycle, and during heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the direction of the broken line arrow in the figure by switching operation of the four-way valve 2. The refrigerant flows to form a heating cycle. An outdoor fan 6 is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 3. This outdoor fan 6 circulates outside air through the outdoor heat exchanger 3. An indoor fan 7 is provided near the indoor heat exchanger 5. This indoor fan 7 sucks indoor air and blows it indoors through the indoor heat exchanger 5.

On the other hand, numeral 10 denotes a control section, which is composed of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits. In this control section 10,
The motor of the compressor 1 (compressor motor), the four-way valve 2, the motor of the outdoor fan 6 (fan motor), and the remote control type operating device (hereinafter abbreviated as remote control) 11
, an indoor temperature sensor 12, a speed adjustment circuit 13, and a timer 14 are connected. The remote control 11 has operation buttons for setting various operating conditions as well as operation buttons for operating an off timer function and an on timer function. The speed adjustment circuit 13 adjusts the speed of the motor (fan motor) of the indoor fan 7 in accordance with commands from the control unit 10. Then, the control unit 10 performs the following (1) to (
6). (1) Means for setting the operation of the compressor 1, the outdoor fan 6, and the indoor fan 7 and executing the cooling operation. (2) Means for setting the operation of the compressor 1, the outdoor fan 6, and the indoor fan 7, switching the four-way valve 2, and executing the heating operation.

(3) During operation, the difference ΔT (= Ta − Ts
), and means for controlling the operation and capacity (operating frequency) of the compressor 1 according to the temperature difference ΔT.

(4) Use the remote control 11 to select the desired operation mode (
cooling/heating) and the time (time) when you want to start operation ts
is set and the ON timer mode is set,
At the same time as the timer 14 advances the time count t toward the set time ts, the difference ΔT (=Ta −
Ts), and the remaining time Δt until the set time ts is monitored.
(=ts - t) and a temperature difference ΔT that starts operation when a certain condition is satisfied. (5) Means for limiting the speed of the indoor fan 7 to a predetermined value or lower, for example, a medium speed "M" or lower at the start of operation using the on-timer function.

(6) When the time (time) ts at which the operation is desired to be stopped is set using the remote controller 11 and the off timer mode is set, the timer 14 is used to execute a time count t during operation, and the time count t is A cut-off timer function means that stops operation when the set time ts has been reached. Next, the operation of the above configuration will be explained with reference to FIG. 2. While driving, use the remote control 11 to set the time you want to stop driving (
Assume that time) ts is set and the off timer mode is set (step S1).

In this case, a time count t is executed (step S2), and while normal air volume control is executed for the indoor fan 7 (step S3), the time count t and the set time ts are compared (step S4). When the time count t reaches the set time ts, the compressor 1
, the operation of the fans 6 and 7 is stopped (step S5).

On the other hand, it is assumed that during the stop, the heating operation mode and the time (time) ts at which the operation is desired to be started are set using the remote controller 11, and the on-timer mode is set (step S6).

In this case, at the same time as the time count t is advanced toward the set time ts (step S7), the remaining time Δt (=ts - t) until the set time ts is determined (step S8). Then, it is determined whether the remaining time Δt is within the specified range (step S9). What is within the regulations?
This is the first permissible condition for starting operation, and for example, three conditions are prepared: "within 45 minutes,""within 30 minutes," and "within 15 minutes."

Furthermore, the detected temperature T of the indoor temperature sensor 12
The difference ΔT between a and the set indoor temperature Ts (=Ta − Ts
) is determined (step S10), and it is determined whether the temperature difference ΔT is greater than or equal to a specified value (step S11).

[0019] Above the specified value is the second permissible condition for starting operation; ``16 degrees or more'' is used when the first permissible condition ``within 45 minutes'' is satisfied, and the first permissible condition ``3
There are three options available: ``11 degrees or more'', which is used when the condition ``within 0 minutes'' is satisfied, and ``1 degree or more'', which is used when the first allowable condition ``within 15 minutes'' is satisfied.

[0020] In other words, when the time count t advances and the remaining time Δt becomes "within 45 minutes", it is determined whether the temperature difference ΔT is sufficiently large and "16 degrees or more", and if the condition is satisfied, Start operation (step S1
2). Even if the remaining time Δt is “within 45 minutes”, if the temperature difference ΔT is small and the condition of “16 degrees or more” is not satisfied, the device remains in a standby state.

When the remaining time Δt becomes "within 30 minutes" in the standby state, it is determined whether the temperature difference ΔT is a medium "11 degrees or more", and if the condition is satisfied, the operation is started (step S12). The remaining time Δt is “30
Even if the temperature difference ΔT is small and the temperature difference is within 11 deg.
If the above conditions are not satisfied, the device remains in a standby state.

Further, while remaining in the standby state, the remaining time Δt becomes “
Within 15 minutes, the temperature difference ΔT is minute (1deg)
If the condition is satisfied, operation is started (step S12). The remaining time Δt is “
Even if it is within 15 minutes, if the temperature difference ΔT is zero, it remains in a standby state. In addition, the conditions for the temperature difference ΔT,
16deg or higher” “11deg or higher” “1deg or higher”
or more'' is used as an absolute value so that it is valid for both cooling and heating. When the operation starts, a target speed Fo of the indoor fan 7 is set according to the temperature difference ΔT at that time (step S1
3).

That is, the control unit 10 stores the speed setting conditions shown in FIG. Set high speed "H" as Fo. If the temperature difference ΔT is in the range of "-2.0 to -2.4", a strong medium speed "M+" is set as the target speed Fo. If the temperature difference ΔT is in the range of "-0 to -0.4", a weak low speed "L-" is set as the target speed Fo. Note that during cooling, the temperature difference ΔT takes a positive (+) value. However, until the time count t reaches the set time ts (determination N in step S14), the target speed F
o and the medium speed "M" are compared (step S15).

In this comparison, if the target speed Fo is "L" or "L-" which is lower than the medium speed "M", the speed F of the indoor fan 7 is controlled in accordance with the target speed Fo (step S17).

If the target speed Fo is "M+" or "H" which is higher than the medium speed "M", the target speed Fo is limited to the lower medium speed "M" and the indoor fan is operated according to the target speed Fo. 7 speed F is controlled (step S17).
. Thereafter, when the time count t reaches the set time ts (determination Y in step S14), the routine shifts to normal operation control without restrictions.

[0026] Therefore, by setting the wake-up time on the timer, the heating operation can be started before waking up to warm the room, allowing the user to wake up comfortably even on a cold winter morning.

In particular, even if the indoor fan 7 starts operating before getting up, the maximum speed of the indoor fan 7 is initially limited to the medium speed "M", so the blowing noise is small and does not disturb the ears of the sleeping person. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sleeper from waking up. Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 8 is attached to the indoor heat exchanger 5, and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 8 is connected to the control section 10. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment except that the control section 10 includes the following functional means. (1) Means for setting the operation of the compressor 1, the outdoor fan 6, and the indoor fan 7 and executing the cooling operation. (2) Means for setting the operation of the compressor 1, the outdoor fan 6, and the indoor fan 7, switching the four-way valve 2, and executing the heating operation.

(3) During operation, the difference ΔT (=Ta − Ts
), and means for controlling the operation and capacity (operating frequency) of the compressor 1 according to the temperature difference ΔT.

(4) Use the remote control 11 to select the desired operation mode (
cooling/heating) and the time (time) when you want to start operation ts
is set and the ON timer mode is set,
The timer function means advances the time count t1 toward the set time ts by the timer 14, and starts operation when the time count t1 reaches the set time ts.

(5) At the start of operation using the on-timer function, if the heating mode is set, the detected temperature Te of the heat exchanger temperature sensor 8
A cold air prevention means that sets the speed F of the indoor fan 7 to zero until (the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 5) reaches a set value Tes.

(6) When the operation is started by the on-timer function, the timer 14 executes a time count t2, and the speed of the indoor fan 7 is kept below a predetermined value, for example, at a low speed "L", until the time count t2 reaches the set time X. means of restriction.

(7) When the desired time (time) ts for stopping operation is set using the remote control 11 and the off timer mode is set, the timer 14 is used to execute a time count t1 during operation, and the time count is A cut-off timer function means that stops operation when t1 reaches a set time ts. Next, the operation will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Assume that during operation, a time (time) ts at which the operation is desired to be stopped is set using the remote controller 11, and the off timer mode is set (step U1).

In this case, the time count t1 is executed (step U2), and while the normal air volume control is executed for the indoor fan 7 (step U3), the time count t1 is executed (step U2).
1 and the set time ts (step U4). When the time count t1 reaches the set time ts, the operation of the compressor 1 and fans 6 and 7 is stopped (step U5).

On the other hand, it is assumed that during the stop, the heating operation mode and the time (time) ts at which the operation is desired to be started are set using the remote control 11, and the on-timer mode is set (step U6).

In this case, the time count t1 is advanced toward the set time ts (step U7), and the time count t1 is compared with the set time ts (step U8). When the time count t1 reaches the set time ts, operation is started (step U9).

Here, if the operation mode is cooling (determination Y in step U10), the time count t2 is executed as it is, and the speed of the indoor fan 7 is kept below a predetermined value, such as a low speed, until the time count t2 reaches the set time X. “L
” (steps U13, U14, U15).

If the operation mode is heating (step U10
(N), the speed F of the indoor fan 7 is set to zero until the detected temperature Te of the heat exchanger temperature sensor 8 reaches the set value Tes. This is an indoor heat exchanger 5 which acts as a condenser.
This is to prevent the problem of cold air being blown into the room by stopping the ventilation while the temperature is still low. and,
The detected temperature Te of the heat exchanger temperature sensor 8 is the set value Tes
When the time count t2 is reached, the time count t2 is executed in the same manner as above, and the speed of the indoor fan 7 is limited to a predetermined value or less, for example, a low speed "L" until the time count t2 reaches the set time X (steps U13, U14, U15). . When the time count t2 reaches the set time X (step U15)
If the determination is Y), the flow shifts to normal air volume control without restrictions (step U16).

[0039] Therefore, by setting the timer to turn on several minutes before the time you wake up, you can start the heating operation before you wake up and keep the room warm, even on cold winter mornings. You can wake up feeling good.

In particular, even if the indoor fan 7 starts operating before waking up, the speed of the indoor fan 7 is initially limited to a low speed "L", so the blowing noise is small and does not disturb the ears of the sleeping person. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sleeper from waking up. Note that the set time X can be changed as appropriate based on the user's operation. A third embodiment of this invention will be described. Here, the functional means of the control unit 10 differs only in (6) from the second embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as in the second embodiment. That is,
In addition to having the same functional means as (1) to (5) and (7) of the second embodiment, the control section 10 has the following functional means (6).

(6) When starting operation by the on-timer function, set the speed of the indoor fan 7 to a predetermined value or lower, for example, low speed "L", and from there, use the timer 14 to execute time counts t2 and t3; time count t2
Means for increasing the speed F of the indoor fan 7 by a predetermined value F1 every time the time count t3 reaches a predetermined time A, and continuing this until the time count t3 reaches a predetermined time B. Next, the operation will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Assume that during operation, a time (time) ts at which the operation is desired to be stopped is set using the remote controller 11, and the off timer mode is set (step V1).

In this case, the time count t1 is executed (step V2), and while the normal air volume control is executed for the indoor fan 7 (step V3), the time count t1 is executed (step V2).
1 and the set time ts (step V4). When the time count t1 reaches the set time ts, the operation of the compressor 1 and fans 6 and 7 is stopped (step V5).

On the other hand, it is assumed that during the stop, the heating operation mode and the time (time) ts at which the operation is to be started are set using the remote control 11, and the on-timer mode is set (step V6).

In this case, the time count t1 is advanced toward the set time ts (step V7), and the time count t1 is compared with the set time ts (step V8). When the time count t1 reaches the set time ts, operation is started (step V9).

Here, if the operation mode is cooling (determination Y in step V10), the speed of the indoor fan 7 is set to a predetermined value or lower, for example, low speed "L" (step V10).
13). If the operation mode is heating (determination N in step V10), the speed F of the indoor fan 7 is set to zero until the temperature Te detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 8 reaches the set value Tes. This is to stop blowing air while the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 5, which functions as a condenser, is still low, and to prevent the problem of cold air being blown into the room. Then, when the detected temperature Te of the heat exchanger temperature sensor 8 reaches the set value Tes, the speed of the indoor fan 7 is set to a predetermined value or lower, for example, a low speed "L" (step V13).

Then, time counts t2 and t3 are executed (step V14), and each time the time count t2 reaches a predetermined time A, the speed F of the indoor fan 7 is increased by a predetermined value F1 (steps V15, V16, V17).
, and continues until the time count t3 reaches a certain time B (step V18). time count t3
When reaches a certain time B (determination Y in step V18),
Shift to normal air volume control without restrictions (step V19)
).

[0047] Therefore, by setting the timer to turn on several minutes before the time you wake up, you can start the heating operation before you wake up and keep the room warm, even on cold winter mornings. You can wake up feeling good.

In particular, even if the indoor fan 7 starts operating before getting up, the speed of the indoor fan 7 is initially limited to a low speed "L", so the blowing noise is small and does not bother the sleeping person. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sleeper from waking up.

[0049]

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, a means is provided for limiting the speed of the indoor fan to a predetermined value or less at the time of starting operation based on the on-timer function. It is possible to provide an air conditioner that can prevent problems that may wake you up.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle and a control circuit of a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a format of speed setting conditions in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing speed changes of the indoor fan in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing speed changes of the indoor fan in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Compressor, 2...Four-way valve, 3...Outdoor heat exchanger, 4...Expansion valve, 5...Indoor heat exchanger, 7...Indoor fan, 10...Control unit, 13...Speed adjustment circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] [Claim 1] An air conditioner equipped with an on-timer function that starts operation at a set time, comprising means for limiting the speed of an indoor fan to a predetermined value or less when starting operation based on the on-timer function. An air conditioner featuring: