JPH11132528A - Air-conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save energy and to prevent the occurrence of a heat shock by a method wherein a set temperature is properly set. SOLUTION: When during air-conditioning operation a remote switch is operated, a set temperature TS is read at steps 200 and 202. When during a cooling mode, a set temperature is lower than a given temperature or the set temperature is lower than temperature T2 and a temperature difference between an outdoor temperature T0 and the set temperature exceeds a given value at steps 204-212, an alarm to vary the set temperature is announced at a step 214. Further, when, during a heating mode, the set temperature exceeds temperature T3 and temperature difference between an outdoor temperature and the set temperature exceeds a given value at steps 216-220, an alarm is announced and variation of a set temperature is urged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner for performing cooling or heating so that a room has a set temperature.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An air conditioner (hereinafter, referred to as an "air conditioner") for indoor air conditioning operates an operation switch by setting operation conditions such as an operation mode, a wind direction, an air volume, etc. together with a set temperature by a remote control switch or the like. This starts the air-conditioning operation. At this time, the air conditioner sets the air-conditioning capacity such as the temperature and air volume of the air-conditioning air necessary for setting the room to the set temperature based on the set temperature and the indoor temperature, and also sets a compressor for obtaining the air-conditioned air at this temperature. Set the operating frequency of

After that, by driving the compressor based on the set operation frequency, the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner for keeping the room at the set temperature is started. In the air conditioner, the air conditioning capacity is adjusted according to the change in the room temperature to quickly bring the room into a desired air conditioning state and maintain the air conditioning state (set temperature).

If the difference between the set temperature and the outdoor temperature is large, a large air conditioning capacity is required to maintain the room at the set temperature, and the power consumption of the air conditioner also increases.

If the set temperature for cooling is set lower than necessary or the set temperature for heating is set higher than necessary, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature increases. The temperature difference may cause discomfort when the user goes out of the room from an air-conditioned room or enters the room being air-conditioned from the outside, or may cause poor physical condition called heat shock.

[0006] From the viewpoint of health and energy saving, when air conditioning is performed by an air conditioner, it is desirable to increase the set temperature during the cooling operation and to decrease the set temperature during the heating operation.

[0007] However, for example, when the cooling operation is started, the set temperature is set low so that a feeling of cooling is quickly obtained, and when the heating operation is started, the set temperature is set high. For this reason, in the air conditioner, the operation is started with a large air conditioning capacity, and the power consumption is increased in order to maintain the set temperature. In addition, since the room is maintained at the set temperature, the difference between the room temperature and the outdoor temperature increases, and when the room enters and exits the room being air-conditioned, poor physical condition such as heat shock occurs.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and proposes an air conditioner capable of saving energy and suppressing occurrence of poor physical condition due to indoor air conditioning. The purpose is to:

[0009]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Control the air conditioning capacity based on operating conditions including the set temperature,
An air conditioner that performs air conditioning so that an air-conditioned room has a set temperature, by comparing a predetermined temperature set in advance for each of a heating operation and a cooling operation with the set temperature. It is characterized by including a determining means for determining whether the set temperature is appropriate, and a notifying means for notifying the determination result of the determining means.

[0010] According to the present invention, the set temperature set as the operating condition is compared with a predetermined temperature set in advance, and whether the set temperature is within an appropriate range is judged by the judging means. For example, when the set temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature during the cooling operation, it is determined that the set temperature is inappropriate. The notifying unit notifies, when it is determined from the result of the judgment by the judging unit, that the set temperature is inappropriate, to urge the change of the set temperature.

Thus, if the set temperature is changed so that the set temperature is determined to be appropriate, energy can be saved. In other words, if the set temperature is set low during the cooling operation, a large air-conditioning capacity is required. However, by increasing the set temperature, the air-conditioning capacity can be reduced, thereby saving energy. During the heating operation, it is determined whether the set temperature is appropriate based on whether the set temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Since the interior of the room is air-conditioned to the set temperature, it is possible to determine the suitability of the air-conditioning state based on the set temperature. Since air conditioning is not performed at an inappropriate set temperature, energy can be saved from this point as well.

It is preferable that the timing for judging the suitability of the set temperature by the judging means is avoided at the start of the air-conditioning operation because it is desired that the interior of the room is quickly brought into a desired air-conditioning state. It is preferable that, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start, when the setting of the operating condition is changed, or after the room temperature once reaches the set temperature, or the like.

[0014] The invention according to claim 2 includes temperature detecting means for detecting an outdoor temperature, wherein the determining means compares the set temperature with the outdoor temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and compares the set temperature with the outdoor temperature. Appropriateness of the set temperature is determined based on whether a temperature difference between the temperatures exceeds a predetermined value.

According to the present invention, the set temperature is compared with the outdoor temperature, and when the temperature difference is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the change of the set temperature is prompted by the notifying means. That is, the temperature difference between the set temperature and the outdoor temperature becomes the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature by performing air-conditioning so that the room becomes the set temperature. This temperature difference results in a temperature change when the air conditioner exits the room from the air-conditioned room or when the air conditioner enters the air-conditioned room from the outside. If the temperature difference increases, the temperature difference may cause a heat shock or the like. .

[0016] For this reason, by suppressing the set temperature in accordance with the outdoor temperature, the temperature difference when the room is air-conditioned to the set temperature can be suppressed, and even when entering or exiting the air-conditioned room. In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor physical condition or the like due to the temperature difference.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that when the set temperature is changed by the temperature setting means for setting the set temperature, the judging means judges whether or not the changed set temperature is appropriate.

According to the present invention, when the set temperature is changed by the temperature setting means, the appropriateness of the changed set temperature is determined. Indoor air conditioning is performed such that the indoor temperature becomes the set temperature set at the start of air conditioning. As indoor air conditioning progresses, the set temperature is changed according to the indoor air conditioning state.

[0019] The judging means, when the room is air-conditioned,
When the set temperature is changed, it is determined whether the changed set temperature is within an appropriate temperature range. by this,
By maintaining the set temperature in an appropriate temperature range, it is possible to prevent the room from being too cold or too warm in advance.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the predetermined value differs between a heating operation and a cooling operation.

According to the present invention, the reference value for comparing the set temperature with the outside air temperature is set for each of the cooling operation and the heating operation.

For example, in an environment requiring a cooling operation (weather condition), the clothes are often lightly worn compared to an environment requiring a heating operation. For this reason, in an environment where a cooling operation is performed, the temperature difference between the air-conditioned room and the non-air-conditioned outdoor is
It can be felt directly to the body compared to the environment where heating operation is performed. Therefore, in the cooling operation, the predetermined value is made smaller than that in the heating operation, and by preventing the set temperature from largely deviating from the outdoor temperature, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor physical condition due to the temperature difference.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
FIGS. 1 to 5 show an air conditioner (hereinafter, referred to as “air conditioner 10”) applied to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10
It is composed of an indoor unit 12 and an outdoor unit 14, and is operated / stopped by operating a wireless remote control switch (hereinafter, referred to as "remote control switch 120"). The air conditioner 10 has a remote control switch 12
When an operation signal such as an operation mode and a set temperature is set at 0 and an operation signal is transmitted, the operation signal is transmitted to the indoor unit 1.
2, the operation based on the operation signal is performed. The air conditioner 10 is a wireless remote control switch 1
The operating condition is not limited to 20 and may be operated by a wired remote control switch, or the operating conditions may be set by operating an operation panel provided in the indoor unit.

FIG. 2 shows an indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner 10.
2 shows an outline of a refrigeration cycle configured between the outdoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 14. Between the indoor unit 12 and the outdoor unit 14, a thick refrigerant pipe 1 for circulating a refrigerant
6A and a thin refrigerant pipe 16B are provided in pairs,
One end of each is connected to a heat exchanger 18 provided in the indoor unit 12.

The other end of the refrigerant pipe 16A is connected to the outdoor unit 1
4 is connected to the valve 20A. This valve 20A
Is connected to the four-way valve 24 via the muffler 22A. Each of the four-way valves 24 has a compressor 26.
Accumulator 28 and muffler 22B connected to
Is connected. Further, the outdoor unit 14 is provided with a heat exchanger 30. One end of the heat exchanger 30 is connected to the four-way valve 24, and the other end is connected to the valve 20B via a capillary tube 32, a strainer 34, an electric expansion valve 36, and a modulator 38. The other end of the refrigerant pipe 16B is connected to the valve 20B, so that the indoor unit 12 and the outdoor unit 1 are connected.
A closed circulation path for the refrigerant forming a refrigeration cycle is formed between the four refrigerant circuits.

In the air conditioner 10, the operation mode is switched between a cooling mode (dry mode) and a heating mode by switching the four-way valve 24. In FIG. 2, arrows indicate the flows of the respective refrigerants in the cooling mode (cooling operation) and the heating mode (heating operation).

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section of the indoor unit 12. The indoor unit 12 includes upper and lower mounting bases 40 (FIG.
The inside is covered by a casing 42 locked on the upper and lower sides of the drawing sheet. In this casing 42, a cross flow fan 44 is arranged at the center. Heat exchanger 1
8 is arranged from the front side to the top side of the cross flow fan 44, and includes the heat exchanger 18 and the casing 42.
A filter 48 is arranged between the front side and the suction port 46 formed on the upper side. An outlet 50 is formed at a lower portion of the casing 42.

Thus, in the indoor unit 12, the air in the room is sucked in from the suction port 46 by the rotation of the cross flow fan 44, passes through the filter 48 and the heat exchanger 18, and then blows out from the blowout port 50 toward the room. Is done. When the air passes through the heat exchanger 18 in the refrigeration cycle, the air is heated or cooled by performing heat exchange with the refrigerant, and is blown out from the outlet 50 as conditioned air, whereby indoor air conditioning is achieved. It is planned.

A left and right flap 52 and an upper and lower flap 54 are provided in the outlet 50.
The direction of the conditioned air blown out can be changed by the second and upper and lower flaps 54.

As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor unit 12
Is provided with a power supply board 56, a control board 58, and a power relay board 60. On a power supply board 56 to which electric power for operating the air conditioner 10 is supplied, a motor power supply 62, a control circuit power supply 64, a serial power supply 66, and a drive circuit 68 are provided. The control board 58 is provided with a serial circuit 70, a drive circuit 72, and a microcomputer 74.

The drive circuit 68 of the power supply board 56 is connected to a fan motor 76 (for example, a DC brushless motor) for driving the cross flow fan 44, and receives a control signal from a microcomputer 74 provided on the control board 58. In response, driving power is supplied from the motor power supply 62.
At this time, the microcomputer 74 controls the speed of the fan motor 76 by controlling the output voltage from the drive circuit 68 to change in the range of 12 V to 36 V in 256 steps.
Thus, the rotation speed of the cross flow fan 44, that is, the amount of conditioned air blown out from the outlet 50 is controlled.

The drive circuit 72 of the control board 58 is connected to an upper and lower flap motor 78 for operating the power relay board 60 and the upper and lower flaps 54. The power relay board 60 is provided with a power relay 80, a temperature fuse, and the like. The power relay 80 is operated by a signal from the microcomputer 74 to open and close a contact 80A for supplying power to the outdoor unit 14. Air conditioner 1
In the case of 0, the electric power is supplied to the outdoor unit 14 when the contact 80A is closed, and the operation is performed.

The upper and lower flap motors 78 are controlled according to a control signal from the microcomputer 74 to control the upper and lower flaps 5.
Operate 4. When the upper and lower flaps 54 are swung in the vertical direction, the outlet 50 of the indoor unit 12 is opened.
The direction in which air is blown out of the apparatus is changed in the vertical direction. The operation of the upper and lower flaps 54 can be fixed so that the blowing wind can be directed to an arbitrary position. However, in the automatic mode, the operation is changed at random.

In the air conditioner 10, the cross flow fan 4
By controlling the rotation of 4 and the operation of the upper and lower flaps 54, the conditioned air is blown from the outlet 50 of the indoor unit 12 at a desired airflow and a desired airflow, or at an airflow and a wind direction controlled to make the room comfortable. . The left and right flaps 52
Is operated manually, but may be provided with left and right flap motors for swinging the left and right flaps 52.

The serial circuit 70 is connected to the microcomputer 74 and the serial power supply 66 of the power supply circuit 56, and further to the outdoor unit 14. The microcomputer 74 performs serial communication with the outdoor unit 14 via the serial circuit 70, and controls the operation of the outdoor unit 14.

The indoor unit 12 has a display board 82 having a receiving circuit for receiving an operation signal from a remote control switch 120 to be described later, a display LED for operation display, and the like.
And the display substrate 82 is connected to the microcomputer 74. As shown in FIG.
The display unit 82A is exposed on the surface of the casing 42, and an operation signal from the remote control switch 120 is received and input by the display unit 82A.

As shown in FIG. 4, the microcomputer 74 includes a room temperature sensor 84 for detecting the room temperature and the heat exchanger 1.
8, a heat exchange temperature sensor 86 for detecting the coil temperature is connected, and further, a service LED provided on the control board 58 and an operation changeover switch 88 are connected. Note that a temperature sensor is also provided in a remote control switch 120 described later, and the room temperature is usually a temperature measured by the remote control switch 120 and transmitted at a predetermined timing.

The operation changeover switch 88 is for switching between a normal operation and a test operation performed at the time of maintenance or the like.
The contact of the power switch 88A is opened so that the supply of the operating power to the air conditioner 10 can be cut off. Normal,
The operation changeover switch 88 is set to a normal operation. The service LED is turned on at the time of maintenance to notify a service person of a self-diagnosis result.

The indoor unit 12 is connected to the outdoor unit 14 via terminals 90A, 90B and 90C of the terminal board 90.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the outdoor unit 14 is provided with a terminal plate 92, and terminals 92A, 92B and 92C of the terminal plate 92 are respectively connected to terminals 90A of the terminal plate 90 of the indoor unit 12. , 90B,
90C. Thereby, the outdoor unit 1
Operation power is supplied to the indoor unit 12 from the indoor unit 12, and serial communication with the indoor unit 12 is possible.

The outdoor unit 14 includes a rectifying board 9
4. A control board 96 is provided. The control board 96 is provided with noise filters 100A, 100B, 100C, a serial circuit 102, a switching power supply 104, and the like, together with the microcomputer 98.

The rectifying board 94 is provided with a noise filter 100A.
Rectifies the power supplied through the
Switching power supply 1 after smoothing via 0B and 100C
04. The switching power supply 104 is connected to an inverter circuit 106 together with the microcomputer 98.
Power having a frequency corresponding to the control signal output from the microcomputer 98 is supplied from the inverter circuit 106 to the compressor motor 1.
08 to drive the compressor 26 to rotate.

The microcomputer 98 is connected to the inverter circuit 1
The frequency of the power output from 06 is off or 14Hz
The control is performed so as to be in the range described above (the upper limit is determined by the upper limit of the operating current).
08, that is, the rotation speed of the compressor 26 is changed,
Capacity of compressor 26 (cooling / heating capacity of air conditioner 10)
Is controlled.

The control board 96 includes a four-way valve 2
4 and a fan motor 110 for driving a fan (not shown) for cooling the heat exchanger 30 and a fan motor condenser 110A. Also, the outdoor unit 14
Are provided with an outside air temperature sensor 112 for detecting the outside air temperature, a coil temperature sensor 114 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant coil of the heat exchanger 30, and a compressor temperature sensor 116 for detecting the temperature of the compressor 26. 98.

The microcomputer 98 switches the four-way valve 24 according to the operation mode, and controls the control signal from the indoor unit 12, the outside air temperature sensor 112, and the coil temperature sensor 1.
On and off of the fan motor 110, the operating frequency of the compressor motor 108 (the capacity of the compressor 26) and the like are controlled based on the detection results of the compressor 14 and the compressor temperature sensor 116.

The microcomputer 98 sends the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 112 at a predetermined timing to the indoor unit 12 as the outdoor temperature.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of a remote control switch 120 used for remote control of the air conditioner 10. FIG.

The remote control switch 120 is connected to the casing 1
22, a display panel 124 using a rectangular liquid crystal panel is provided. As shown in FIG. 6 (A), the display panel 124 can display various operation conditions such as the wind direction and the air volume in addition to the operation mode, the set temperature, the room temperature (room temperature), and the time (time). Has become. As shown in FIG. 6B, during operation of the air conditioner 10, set operation conditions or operation states such as an operation mode, a set temperature or room temperature, a current time, a wind direction, an air volume, and the like are selected and displayed. It has become.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the start / stop button 1 is provided on the surface of the casing 122.
26, temperature setting buttons 128A, 128B, 1 hour timer (1H timer) button 130, and step heating button 1
Main setting buttons such as 32 are provided. Air conditioner 1
0 is operated / stopped by operating the operation / stop button 126. By operating the temperature setting buttons 128A and 128B, the set temperature displayed on the display panel 124 is changed. That is, the set temperature is increased by operating the temperature setting button 128A, and the temperature setting button 128B
The set temperature is lowered by the operation of. The temperature displayed on the display panel 124 is sent to the indoor unit 12 as the set temperature.

The one-hour timer button 130 sets the operating time of the air conditioner 10 to one hour, and a stop signal is sent from the remote control switch 120 to the indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 10 after one hour. . In addition, by operating the step heating button 132,
The indoor unit 12 directs the wind direction downward and increases the air volume to enhance the feeling of heating of the indoor floor.

The casing 12 of the remote control switch 120
2, a slide cover 134 is provided, and the operation of sliding the slide cover 134 exposes an operation panel 136 having various operation buttons.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the operation panel 136 has operation modes of automatic, heating, dry, cooling,
Operation switching button 13 for switching between air cleaning and drying in order
8, the amount of air blown from the outlet 50 of the indoor unit 12,
Air volume button 140, wind direction button 14 for changing the setting of wind direction
2 are provided, and display according to these operations is performed on the display panel 124 (for example, see FIG. 6B). The operation panel 136 includes a high power button 144,
A sleep button 146 and an energy saving button 148 for setting the upper limit (1/2 or amperage) of the operating current for energy saving are provided, so that various operating conditions of the air conditioner 10 can be set. I have. Further, the timer of the air conditioner 10 can be set by operating buttons on the operation panel 136.

The air conditioner 10 has a run / stop button 126
The air conditioning operation is started based on the operating conditions set by operating the various buttons of the remote control switch 120, and the air conditioning operation is stopped by operating the operation / stop button 126 again. The remote control switch 120 is provided with a temperature sensor (not shown) inside the casing 122. During operation of the air conditioner 10, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is transmitted to the remote control switch 120 at a certain time interval. It is transmitted to the indoor unit 12 at a timing such as when any of the provided buttons is operated.

The air conditioner 10 is provided with a self-diagnosis function of a set temperature as a health sign.
0 prevents the difference between the room temperature being air-conditioned and the outdoor temperature from becoming unnecessarily large. That is, it is possible to prevent the set temperature from being set to a temperature higher than the outside air temperature by a predetermined temperature or more during heating or from being set to a temperature lower than necessary than the outside air temperature during cooling.

As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor unit 12
Is provided with a buzzer 150 as a notifying means. The buzzer 150 sounds based on a signal from the microcomputer 74, and issues an alarm from the indoor unit 12.

As described above, the microcomputer 74 receives the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 112 from the microcomputer 98 of the outdoor unit 14 as an outdoor temperature. When the changed operating conditions and the like are input from the remote control switch 120, for example, when the operating conditions are changed by operating the remote controller 120, first, the set temperature and the setting corresponding to the heating operation and the cooling operation are respectively set. The set temperature is compared with a predetermined temperature, and the set temperature is compared with the outside air temperature. The microcomputer 74 determines whether the set temperature is appropriate based on the comparison result, and issues an alarm when the set temperature is determined to be inappropriate.

That is, when the remote control switch 120 is operated during the air-conditioning operation by the air conditioner 10, for example, the set temperature is set higher than necessary for the outside air temperature during heating, or the set temperature is set higher than the outside air temperature for cooling. The alarm is used to prevent the setting from being set too low.

The operation of the present embodiment will be described below.
In the air conditioner 10, operating conditions such as an operating mode, a set temperature, a wind direction, and an air volume are set by operating the remote control switch 120, and these operating conditions and the run / stop button 126 are set.
When an operation signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the remote control switch 120, the operation is started according to the operation signal. Thereby, air conditioning is performed such that the indoor temperature of the indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 10 is gradually approached to the set temperature, and further, when the indoor temperature substantially reaches the set temperature,
Air conditioning is performed so that the room temperature is maintained at the set temperature.

The operation of the air conditioner 10 is stopped when the operation / stop button 126 of the remote control switch 120 is operated during the air conditioning operation and an operation signal for instructing stop is input from the remote control switch 120.

On the other hand, when the set temperature is changed by operating the remote control switch 120 during the air-conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10, the remote control switch 120 sends operating conditions including the changed set temperature to the indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 10. . When a new operating condition is input, the air conditioner 10 starts an air-conditioning operation based on the operating condition.

When the set temperature is changed during the air-conditioning operation, the air conditioner 10 starts air-conditioning so that the room temperature becomes the new set temperature.
At this time, it is determined whether the set temperature is within the appropriate range.If the set temperature is out of the appropriate temperature range set according to the operation mode, an alarm is issued to change the set temperature. Prompt.

In the flowchart of FIG.
2 shows an example of a self-diagnosis executed by the indoor unit 12 of FIG. This flowchart is based on the remote control switch 12
Operating the run / stop button 126 of the air conditioner 1
This is executed after the air conditioning operation of 0 is started.

The timing at which the execution of this flowchart is started may be, for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the air-conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 or after the room temperature has risen above a predetermined temperature, or after the room temperature has reached the set temperature. After that, various timings such as may be used, and may be performed simply when the set temperature set at the start of the operation is changed during the air-conditioning operation.

In the air conditioner 10, as an example of a condition for generating an alarm at the time of self-diagnosis, the set temperature T _S is lower than 20.0 ° C. (temperature T ₁ ) during the operation in the cooling mode, or Assume that the set temperature T _S is 25.0 ° C. or less (temperature T ₂ , T ₁ > T ₂ ) and the difference between the set temperature T _S and the outdoor temperature (outside air temperature) T _O is 5 ° C. or more. In the heating mode, the set temperature T _S is 2
It is assumed that the temperature is equal to or higher than 7.0 ° C. (temperature T ₃ ) and the temperature difference between the set temperature T _S and the outside air temperature T _O is equal to or higher than 10.0 ° C.

In this flowchart, it is determined in the first step 200 whether or not the remote control switch 120 has been operated. The remote control switch 120 is used for the air conditioner 1
During operation 0, the indoor temperature is detected at regular time intervals,
The detected room temperature is sent to the indoor unit 12. The remote control switch 120 also sends out the set operating conditions according to the set operating conditions when the temperature setting buttons 128A and 128B are operated to change the set temperature as well as when the setting of the wind direction and the air volume are changed. .

At step 200, a signal indicating that the operating condition has been changed or that the operating condition has been changed, which is transmitted from the remote control switch 120, is received (positive determination).
Then, the process proceeds to step 202.

In step 202, the operating mode of the cooling mode or the heating mode is read together with the set temperature Ts. Next, in step 204, it is confirmed whether the operation mode is the cooling operation or the heating operation, and when the operation mode is set to the cooling mode, the process proceeds to step 206.

In this step 206, it is determined whether or not the set temperature T _S is set lower than the temperature T ₁ during the operation in the cooling mode. Also, the set temperature T _S
When but not set lower than the temperature T ₁ (Step 2
In the affirmative determination at 06), the process proceeds to step 208 to check whether or not the set temperature T _S is set lower than the predetermined temperature T ₂ . If a negative determination is made in step 208, that is, if the set temperature T _S is set to be higher than the predetermined temperature T ₂ , this flowchart ends.

When the set temperature T _S is set lower than the temperature T ₂ (Yes at Step ₂₀₈ ), the routine proceeds to Step 210, where the temperature is detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 112 provided in the outdoor unit 14. The read temperature is read as the outdoor temperature T _O , and in the next step 212, the set temperature T _S and the outdoor temperature T _O are compared. Here, the set temperature T
_When the difference between _S and the outside air temperature T _O is within a predetermined value (for example, 5.0 ° C.), this flowchart ends.

On the other hand, if the set temperature T _S has been set lower than the temperature T ₁ (YES at step 206),
The process proceeds to step 214 in consideration of energy saving, and the buzzer 15
Sounds 0 and issues an alarm. Also, the set temperature T _S is lower than the temperature T ₂ , and the set temperature T _S and the outdoor temperature T _O
If the temperature difference is equal to or higher than 5.0 degrees C. (Yes in step 212), the process proceeds to step 214.

In step 214, the buzzer 150 is sounded to generate an alarm from the indoor unit 12 to urge the change of the set temperature. The alarm may, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the time t ₂ (e.g. 80m
s) Buzzer 1 at intervals of time t ₁ (for example, 150 ms)
Turn 50 on. Thus, the user is notified that the set temperature T _S is set to an inappropriate temperature, without causing any discomfort to a person in the room to be air-conditioned.

This alarm stops when the set temperature is changed by operating the remote control switch 120, for example. Alternatively, the operation may be stopped after a predetermined time (several seconds to several tens of seconds) which is set in advance so that the alarm can be sufficiently recognized, or by operating an arbitrary button provided on the remote control switch 120. good.

As described above, when the set temperature T _S is set lower than the temperature T ₁ , an alarm is issued and the set temperature T _S is set.
By prompting the user to change _S , energy is saved during the cooling operation, and the room is prevented from being too cold.

In the air conditioner 10, even when the set temperature T _S is higher than the temperature T ₁ , the set temperature T _S and the outdoor temperature T
_When the temperature difference of _O is larger than a predetermined value, an alarm is issued to urge the change of the set temperature T _S. Set temperature T _S is temperature T
Even if it is higher than ₁ , if the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature becomes large, a heat shock may occur due to the temperature difference when entering and exiting the air-conditioned room. For this reason, even when the set temperature T _S is high, when the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature T _O and the set temperature T _S is large, the set temperature T _S is set so as to narrow this temperature difference.
Prompt for change. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of poor physical condition due to the temperature difference between when the vehicle enters and exits the air-conditioned room.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 204 that the air conditioner 10 is set to the heating mode, the process proceeds to step 216 to check whether the set temperature T _S is set higher than the temperature T ₃ . Step 21
In step 8, the outdoor temperature T ₀ detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 112 of the outdoor unit 14 is read, and
20 compares the outdoor temperature T _O with the set temperature T _S.

Here, the set temperature T _S is higher than the temperature T ₃ (Yes in step 216), and the temperature difference between the set temperature T _S and the outdoor temperature T _O is a predetermined value (in the present embodiment, as an example, 10. If the temperature is greater than 0 ° C. (Yes at step 220), the routine proceeds to step 214, where an alarm is issued to urge the change of the set temperature T _S.

That is, in consideration of the energy saving of the air conditioner 10 during the heating operation, the set temperature T _S is preferably low. Also, considering when entering and exiting an air-conditioned room from a non-air-conditioned room, it is preferable that the temperature difference between the outside and the room is small. I will.

For this reason, in the air conditioner 10, when the set temperature T _S is higher than the predetermined temperature T ₃ during the heating operation and the temperature difference between the set temperature T _S and the outdoor temperature T _O is equal to or more than the predetermined value. , An alarm prompting a change in the set temperature T _S is issued. Thereby, while saving energy at the time of the heating operation of the air conditioner 10, it is ensured that the poor physical condition is caused by the temperature difference when the vehicle enters and exits the air-conditioned room from the outside in the non-air-conditioned state without impairing the feeling of heating. Can be suppressed.

As described above, since the air conditioner 10 has the self-diagnosis function of the set temperature T _S , it is possible to save energy and also to control the physical condition such as heat shock due to a temperature difference when the vehicle enters and exits the air-conditioned room from the outside in the non-air-conditioned state. Defects can be prevented.

The predetermined value for judging the suitability of the set temperature with respect to the outdoor temperature is set small during the cooling operation and set large during the heating operation in consideration of the temperature difference actually felt by the body. In other words, in an environment that requires cooling operation, it is often lightly worn compared to an environment that requires heating operation,
Temperature difference easily affects physical condition. In addition, when the temperature between the set temperature and the outside air temperature is suppressed, the feeling of air conditioning is reduced.

For this reason, by setting a reference temperature and a temperature difference according to the air-conditioning state, it is possible to perform air-conditioning with energy saving and health priority without impairing the air-conditioning feeling.

As the reference temperatures such as the temperatures T ₁ , T ₂ and T ₃ , arbitrarily set values can be used as long as energy saving and the like are taken into consideration. In addition, as the predetermined value when comparing the set temperature T _S and the outdoor temperature T _O during the heating operation and the cooling operation respectively, a value arbitrarily set can be used as long as the climate and the environment are considered. .

In this embodiment, the remote controller switch 120 is operated after the operation of the air conditioner 10 to determine whether or not the set temperature T _S is appropriate. after the air conditioner 10 starts the operation, when the room temperature reaches approximately the set temperature T _S, may be the set temperature T _S is determined whether it is appropriate. That is, when it is determined that the room temperature has reached the set temperature T _S , step 202 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
Perform the migration.

Thus, when air conditioning is performed by the air conditioner 10, the air conditioning is first performed so that the room temperature becomes the set temperature T _S arbitrarily set, so that the feeling of air conditioning is not spoiled. Further, after the room temperature reaches the set temperature T _S , regardless of the operation of the remote control switch 120, it is determined whether or not the set temperature T _S is appropriate. It is possible to prevent waste of consumption and continuation of a state where the difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature is large.

Further, in the present embodiment, the outdoor temperature is detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 112 provided in the outdoor unit 14, but the present invention can be applied to an air conditioner without an outdoor temperature sensor. In this case, the set temperature T
By comparing _S with predetermined temperatures T ₁ and T ₃ and issuing an alarm based on the comparison result, the set temperature T _S is set unnecessarily low in the cooling mode or the set temperature T _{S in the} heating mode. Can be suppressed from being set higher than necessary, and an energy saving effect can be obtained.

The air conditioner 1 applied to the present embodiment
0 does not limit the configuration of the air conditioner to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention can be applied to an air conditioner of any configuration that performs cooling or cooling / heating using a refrigeration cycle.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention, whether the set temperature is appropriate or not is determined.
By prompting the change of the set temperature by the notification means, energy saving can be achieved, and the temperature difference between the air-conditioned room and the non-air-conditioned outdoor can be suppressed. Thereby, an excellent effect that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of poor physical condition such as heat shock due to a large temperature difference can be obtained. Further, by changing the criterion between the heating operation and the cooling operation, it is possible to prevent the comfort of the room to be air-conditioned from being impaired.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner applied to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner applied to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing an indoor unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of the indoor unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of the outdoor unit.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views each showing a remote controller, where FIG. 6A shows a state where a slide cover is opened, and FIG. 6B shows a state where the slide cover is closed and operation of an air conditioner. An example of the display of the display window inside is shown.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a self-diagnosis of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of a buzzer that issues an alarm.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 air conditioner (air conditioner) 12 indoor unit 14 outdoor unit 18 heat exchanger 26 compressor 58 control board 74 microcomputer (judgment means, notification means) 120 remote control switch (temperature setting means) 124 display panel 128A, 128B temperature setting button (temperature) Setting means) 112 outside air temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 150 buzzer (notifying means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Hiroshi Hirose 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Takashi Fudo 2-5-2 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka No. 5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] An air conditioner that controls air conditioning capacity based on operating conditions including a set temperature to perform air conditioning so that a room to be air-conditioned reaches a set temperature, wherein the air conditioner performs heating operation and cooling operation, respectively. Determining means for determining whether or not the set temperature is appropriate by comparing the set temperature with a predetermined temperature set in advance, and a notifying means for notifying a result of the determination by the determining means. Air conditioner. 2. A temperature detecting device for detecting an outdoor temperature, wherein the determining device compares the set temperature with the outdoor temperature detected by the temperature detecting device, and determines a temperature difference between the set temperature and the outdoor temperature. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein whether the set temperature is appropriate is determined based on whether or not the value exceeds a value. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said determination means determines whether the changed set temperature is appropriate when the set temperature is changed by the temperature setting means for setting the set temperature. The air conditioner according to item 1. 4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined value differs between a heating operation and a cooling operation.