JPWO2019077769A1 - air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The air conditioner is equipped with a filter, a cleaning mechanism that removes dust collected by the filter, and a control unit that controls the drive of the cleaning mechanism. The mode of driving the cleaning mechanism by the control unit is from the time when the cleaning mechanism was last driven. When the predetermined cumulative time is reached, the combined cleaning mode which starts driving the cleaning mechanism after the end of the air conditioning operation and the air conditioning operation when the operation time of the continuously performed air conditioning operation reaches the predetermined continuous operation time A predetermined time limit is set to limit the drive of the cleaning mechanism, including a forced cleaning mode that interrupts the operation and starts the drive of the cleaning mechanism, and the control unit sets the start time of the combined cleaning mode to the time limit. If it is included, the cleaning mechanism is not started, and the cleaning mechanism is started even if the start time of the forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit.

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

When the air conditioner operates, the indoor fan installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner rotates, sucks in the air in the air-conditioned space, and blows out the air conditioned by the heat exchanger to the air-conditioned space. It is set to. A filter is provided in the indoor unit, and dust of the sucked air adheres to the filter so as to maintain the cleanliness of the blown air. If the adhering dust is left unattended, the filter will be clogged, the ventilation resistance will increase, and the capacity of the air conditioner will decrease. On the other hand, the air conditioner of Patent Document 1 has a filter cleaning means for cleaning the filter of the indoor unit and a control means for controlling the filter cleaning means.

The air conditioner of Patent Document 1 has a control that integrates the operating time of the air conditioner and drives the filter cleaning means to clean the filter when the integrated operating time reaches a predetermined time. In this filter cleaning means, when the integrated operation time reaches a predetermined time, the operation of the filter cleaning is started after the operation of the air conditioner is stopped.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-19549

However, the filter cleaning means of the air conditioner of Patent Document 1 has no limitation on the time when the filter cleaning is started. Therefore, when the predetermined time is reached, the time when the operation of the air conditioner is stopped after that is such as midnight. Generally, the drive of the filter cleaning means is started even when the user is sleeping. Since the driving of the filter cleaning means is accompanied by the generation of sound, there is a problem that it causes discomfort to the user of the air conditioner.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when it becomes necessary to start driving the filter cleaning means, it is possible to suppress causing discomfort to the user of the air conditioner. The purpose is to provide an air conditioner that can be used.

The air conditioner according to the present invention is an air conditioner provided with a filter that collects dust in suction air, a cleaning mechanism that removes the dust collected by the filter, and a control unit that controls the drive of the cleaning mechanism. The mode of driving the cleaning mechanism by the control unit includes a combined cleaning mode in which driving of the cleaning mechanism is started after the end of the air conditioning operation when a predetermined cumulative time is reached from the time when the cleaning mechanism was last driven. When the operation time of the continuously performed air conditioning operation reaches a predetermined continuous operation time, the operation of the cleaning mechanism is restricted, including a forced cleaning mode in which the air conditioning operation is interrupted and the driving of the cleaning mechanism is started. When a predetermined time limit is set and the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit, the control unit does not start driving the cleaning mechanism and of the forced cleaning mode. Even when the start time is included in the time limit, the cleaning mechanism is started to be driven.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing causing discomfort to the user of the air conditioner even when it becomes necessary to start driving the filter cleaning means. It becomes.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows one configuration example of a cleaning mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the drive mode of a cleaning mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure which concerns on Embodiment 1 (general control in a time limit zone). It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure which concerns on Embodiment 2 (forced cleaning mode). It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure which concerns on Embodiment 3 (super forced cleaning mode). It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure which concerns on Embodiment 4 (interlocking with a display part).

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment includes an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 3, a refrigerant pipe 10 for connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 to form a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates, and an air conditioner 1. The remote controller 4 for performing the operation of the above is provided. As described above, the air conditioner 1 is a separate type air conditioner including the indoor unit 3 and the outdoor unit 2.

The outdoor unit 2 is a compressor 21 that compresses a refrigerant such as R32, a four-way switching valve 23 that is connected to the discharge pipe of the compressor 21 and switches the refrigerant path, an outdoor heat exchanger 24 that exchanges heat with the outside air, and a refrigerant. The expansion valve 25 for reducing the pressure, the accumulator 22 connected to the suction pipe of the compressor 21 to separate the air and liquid of the refrigerant, and the outdoor fan 26 for blowing the outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 are provided. By switching the four-way switching valve 23, the cooling operation and the heating operation are performed.

The outdoor unit 2 includes an outdoor control board 27, and the outdoor control board 27 is electrically connected to the compressor 21, the outdoor fan 26, the four-way switching valve 23, and the expansion valve 25, and is connected to the compressor 21, the outdoor fan, and the outdoor fan. 26, Drive control of the four-way switching valve 23 and the expansion valve 25 and detection of the drive state are performed. Various sensors such as the outside air temperature sensor 241 and the suction temperature sensor 211 and the discharge temperature sensor 212 are electrically connected to the outdoor control board 27, and the values detected and output by the various sensors are acquired. Further, the outdoor control board 27 is communicably connected to the indoor control board 36, which will be described later, and cooperates with the indoor control board 36 to control the entire air conditioner 1.

The indoor unit 3 collects dust from the indoor heat exchanger 31 that exchanges heat with the indoor air, the indoor fan 34 that blows the indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 31, and the air that is blown to the indoor heat exchanger 31. The filter 37 and the wind direction plate 35 that determine the blowing direction of the air blown by the indoor fan 34 are provided. The indoor fan 34 is, for example, a cross-flow fan that is rotationally driven by a DC motor. The indoor fan 34 may be a propeller fan, a turbo fan, or a sirocco fan. The indoor heat exchanger 31 is a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger, and includes fins and heat transfer tubes provided through the fins. The wind direction plate 35 has a rectangular plate shape, and both ends thereof are provided so as to be rotatable by, for example, a rotating shaft connected to a stepping motor. The filter 37 is configured by providing a mesh on a rectangular frame made of resin in a grid pattern. The filter 37 is provided on the upstream side of the air blown by the indoor fan 34 with respect to the indoor heat exchanger 31.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of the cleaning mechanism 38. The indoor unit 3 is further provided with a cleaning mechanism 38. The cleaning mechanism 38 includes a rotary brush 381 that removes dust from the filter 37, a dust collection box 383 that collects dust removed by the rotary brush 381, and a filter moving portion 382 that relatively moves the rotary brush 381 and the filter 37. .. The rotary brush 381 has a rotating body that is rotationally driven by a motor, and the tip of a brush portion provided on the surface of the rotating body abuts on the filter 37 in the longitudinal direction. The dust collecting box 383 is a box body having an opening, and the opening is arranged toward the rotating brush 381. The filter moving unit 382 has a filter guide guide and a filter moving motor, and by driving the filter moving motor, the filter 37 whose both ends are fitted in the filter guide guide is reciprocated with respect to the rotary brush 381. It is configured in.

The cleaning mechanism 38 is electrically connected to a control unit 50, which will be described later, and drives a rotary brush 381 and a filter moving unit 382 based on a control signal from the control unit 50 to perform cleaning. As the rotating brush 381 rotates, the dust collected on the portion of the filter 37 with which the brush portion is in contact is scraped off and collected in the dust collection box 383. By the filter moving portion 382, the filter 37 reciprocates with respect to the rotating brush 381, and the substantially entire area of the filter 37 comes into contact with the brush portion, so that substantially all the dust collected by the filter 37 is scraped off and collected. Dust is collected in the dust box 383. The dust collection box 383 is detachably attached to the indoor unit 3 by removing the front panel of the indoor unit 3, and the dust collected by the dust collection box 383 can be easily disposed of.

The indoor unit 3 includes a display unit 39. The display unit 39 is provided with a light source such as an LED, and is capable of displaying characters, figures, or color patterns by, for example, a full-dot display on a liquid crystal display or a 7-segment display. The display unit 39 is provided in the vicinity of the outlet for blowing out the air blown by the indoor fan 34, and by displaying characters and the like, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is displayed to the operator of the air conditioner 1. , The room temperature detected by the suction air temperature sensor 32 is notified. The display unit 39 is electrically connected to the control unit 50, which will be described later, and turns on or blinks the light source based on the control signal output from the control unit 50 to display and hide (turn off) predetermined characters and the like. ), And the brightness of the light source can be adjusted.

The indoor unit 3 includes an indoor control board 36, and the indoor control board 36 is electrically connected to the indoor fan 34, the wind direction plate 35, the cleaning mechanism 38, and the display unit 39, and the indoor fan 34, the wind direction plate 35, It controls the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 and the display unit 39 and detects the drive state. The indoor control board 36 is electrically connected to various sensors such as the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 311 and the suction air temperature sensor 32 and the suction air humidity sensor 33, and the values detected and output by each sensor are output. get. The indoor control board 36 is electrically connected to a reception unit that receives the operation operation of the air conditioner 1 from the remote controller 4, and communicates with the outdoor control board 27 based on the information on the received operation operation to make the air conditioner. 1 is controlled.

The remote controller 4 is communicably connected to the indoor unit 3 via a reception unit, and includes an input unit, a display unit, and a board 41 in the remote controller. The remote controller 4 is not limited to a dedicated device for operating the air conditioner 1, and includes, for example, a general-purpose device such as a smart phone or a personal computer in which an application for operating the air conditioner 1 is installed.

The air conditioner 1 includes a control unit 50 that performs various controls for performing air conditioning operation, and a storage unit 51 that stores a program 51P and data necessary for performing the control. The control unit 50 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like, and various control processes and various control processes can be performed by reading and executing the program 51P and data stored in advance in the storage unit 51. Performs arithmetic processing, etc. The control unit 50 has a timekeeping function by cooperating with a built-in clock or the like or a clock unit (not shown) connected communicably. The CPU and the like are mounted on any of the outdoor control board 27, the indoor control board 36, and the control board inside the remote controller 4. Alternatively, the CPUs and the like mounted on the respective boards may be configured to communicate with each other and cooperate with each other to function as the control unit 50. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may be mounted on a control server communicably connected to the air conditioner 1 in an external network (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 50 is connected to various sensors such as the suction air temperature sensor 32 to acquire output results from the various sensors, and the compressor 21, the indoor fan 34, the cleaning mechanism 38, and the display unit 39. It is electrically connected to various actuators such as, etc., and controls the drive of various actuators and detects the drive state.

The storage unit 51 is composed of a non-volatile memory element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or a flash memory, and a volatile memory element such as a RAM, and is similarly like a CPU or the like. It is mounted on any of the outdoor control board 27, the indoor control board 36, and the control board inside the remote control 4.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the drive mode of the cleaning mechanism 38. When the control unit 50 controls the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38, a plurality of drive modes are set. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of drive modes include, for example, a combined cleaning mode, a forced cleaning mode, a super forced cleaning mode (second forced cleaning mode), and a cleaning mode each time.

The combined cleaning mode is a cleaning mode that is executed when a predetermined cumulative time is reached from the time when the cleaning mechanism 38 was driven last time, that is, the time when the cleaning mechanism 38 was last cleaned. When cleaning is performed in any of the cleaning modes, the control unit 50 stores the time (time) at which the cleaning is performed in the storage unit 51. When the cumulative time of, for example, 24 hours has elapsed from the time of the previous cleaning after the start of the air conditioning operation, the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 to perform cleaning after stopping the air conditioning operation. In the combined cleaning mode, cleaning is performed after the air conditioning operation is stopped, so that it is possible to avoid affecting the operation of the air conditioner 1 by the operator. The air-conditioning operation is stopped by pressing the stop button of the remote controller 4, setting the off timer, stopping by setting the schedule, or the like. The cumulative time is, for example, an elapsed time including a time during which the air conditioning operation is performed and a time during which the air conditioning operation is not performed. By setting the elapsed time, that is, the time obtained by subtracting the time (time) of the previous cleaning from the current time as the cumulative time, it is possible to control with simple determination conditions. Further, by including the time when the air conditioning operation is not performed, that is, the time when the indoor fan 34 is stopped, even if dust naturally accumulates on the filter 37 while the air conditioner 1 is stopped. , The filter 37 can be reliably cleaned. The cumulative time may be the cumulative operation time obtained by accumulating the time during the air conditioning operation. By setting the cumulative time as the integrated operation time, it is possible to reduce the frequency of cleaning performed in the combined cleaning mode. The predetermined cumulative time including the elapsed time and the integrated operation time can be, for example, 24 hours, and the value of the predetermined cumulative time is stored in the storage unit 51. The value of the cumulative time may be input and changed by the operation of the operator from the remote controller 4 or a smartphone on which the application is installed.

The forced cleaning mode is a cleaning mode that is executed when the operation time of the continuously performed air conditioning operation reaches a predetermined continuous operation time. The control unit 50 initializes the operation time, that is, sets it as 0 hour when the air conditioner 1 is started and the air conditioning operation is started. The control unit 50 integrates the time during which the air conditioning operation is continuously performed, and when the integrated operating time reaches a predetermined continuous operation time such as 23 hours, the control unit 50 interrupts the air conditioning operation and the cleaning mechanism 38. Drive, i.e. start cleaning. The air conditioning operation includes an operation in which the indoor fan 34 is driven, such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, and a blowing operation. Further, the air conditioning operation may include a defrost operation or a thermo-off state. In the thermo-off state, the temperature of the room in the air-conditioned space reaches the set temperature set by the remote controller 4 or the like as the target temperature or the temperature obtained by adding or subtracting the offset value to the set temperature when performing the air-conditioning operation. As a result, it goes without saying that the drive of the compressor 21 is stopped. After the cleaning is completed, the control unit 50 restarts the air conditioning operation in the operation mode of the air conditioning operation at the time of interruption. After the cleaning is completed, the control unit 50 initializes the above-mentioned operation time again when restarting the air-conditioning operation, and restarts the integration of the operation time toward the forced cleaning mode to be performed next time. When the operation time, which is the sum of the times during which the air conditioning operation is continuously performed, reaches a predetermined continuous operation time, cleaning can be started efficiently under simple determination conditions.

The predetermined continuous operation time can be, for example, 23 hours, and the value of the predetermined continuous operation time is stored in the storage unit 51 and can be input and changed by the operation of the operator in the same manner as the cumulative time. It may be done in any way. It is desirable that the predetermined continuous operation time of the forced cleaning mode is equal to or less than the predetermined cumulative time of the combined cleaning mode. By setting the predetermined continuous operation time to a predetermined cumulative time or less, the operation time of the continuously performed air conditioning operation reaches the predetermined continuous operation time, and after the forced cleaning mode is cleaned, this air conditioning is performed. When the operation is stopped, it is possible to avoid cleaning by the combined cleaning mode. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of stopping the combined cleaning mode by the operator.

The super forced cleaning mode (second forced cleaning mode) is a cleaning mode that is executed when the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started reaches a predetermined number of times from the time when the cleaning mechanism 38 was last driven, that is, the time when the air conditioner 1 was last cleaned. .. When cleaning is performed in any of the cleaning modes, the control unit 50 initializes the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started, that is, sets it as 0. Each time the air conditioner 1 is started or stopped, the control unit 50 increments the number of start-ups, that is, adds 1 to count the number of start-ups, and stores the number of start-ups in the storage unit 51. When the number of activations reaches a predetermined number of times, for example, 10 times from the time of the previous cleaning, the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 to perform cleaning after the air conditioning operation is stopped. The cleaning in the super forced accuracy mode is not limited to the case where the cleaning is performed after the air conditioning operation is stopped, and may be performed after the air conditioner 1 is started and before the air conditioning operation is started. Alternatively, cleaning in the super-forced accuracy mode may be performed at the timing when the thermo-off state is reached by starting the air conditioner 1 and starting the air conditioning operation.

When the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 not only in the super forced cleaning mode but also in another cleaning mode, that is, when cleaning is performed, the control unit 50 initializes the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started, and the super forced cleaning mode to be performed next time. Toward, count the number of startups. Efficient by using the control based on the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started in addition to the control of the cleaning mechanism 38 based on the cumulative time or the continuous operation time as in the combined cleaning mode or the forced cleaning mode described above. The dust of the filter 37 can be removed. Further, even if the combined cleaning mode is not performed due to the time limit described later, the dust of the filter 37 is surely removed by the super forced accuracy mode based on the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started. Can be done. The predetermined number of times can be, for example, 10 times, and the value of the predetermined number of times is stored in the storage unit 51 so that it can be input and changed by the operation of the operator in the same manner as the cumulative time. May be good.

The cleaning mode is a cleaning mode that is executed when the time is set in advance by a predetermined operation of the remote controller 4 by the operator or a schedule function. By driving the cleaning mechanism 38 by operating the remote controller 4 or setting the schedule function by the operator, cleaning can be performed according to the intention of the operator.

Each cleaning mode may be able to set the driving mode of the cleaning mechanism 38 such as the brush rotation speed, the filter moving speed, and the filter moving distance. By increasing the brush rotation speed, the amount of dust removed per unit time can be increased, but the generated sound becomes louder. By slowing the filter moving speed, it is possible to increase the amount of dust removed in the predetermined filter 37 region per unit time, but the time required for cleaning becomes long. Increasing the filter moving distance, that is, the number of round trips of the filter 37 can increase the amount of dust removed, but the time required for cleaning becomes longer.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning mode may have a faster brush rotation speed, a slower filter moving speed, and a longer filter moving distance than the other cleaning modes. Since the cleaning mode is a mode in which the cleaning mode is performed according to the intention of the operator, it is possible to give priority to surely removing the dust even if the cleaning time is long.

In the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode, the brush rotation speed, the filter movement speed, and the filter movement distance are the same, and the brush rotation speed is slower, the filter movement speed is faster, and the filter is moved than in other cleaning modes. The distance may be shortened. By adopting such a driving mode of the cleaning mechanism 38, it is possible to reduce the generated noise and shorten the time required for cleaning.

The driving mode of the cleaning mechanism 38 in the super-forced cleaning mode may be set to be located between the cleaning mode and the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode each time. When the super forced cleaning mode is started, it is assumed that there is a tendency for a large amount of dust to be collected by the filter 37, but the brush rotation speed is increased and the filter is moved as compared with the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode. By slowing down the speed and increasing the moving distance of the filter, dust can be reliably removed.

When the control unit 50 controls the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38, a time limit period for limiting the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 is set. The time limit can be set as a specific day of the week by, for example, a time zone from 1 am to 5 am, or a time zone from Monday to Friday in a week. The time limit zone is stored in the storage unit 51, and may be input and changed by the operation of the operator in the same manner as the cumulative time.

As shown in FIG. 4, each cleaning mode is set to have a limit depending on the time limit. The combined cleaning mode is set so that the cleaning mechanism 38 is not started when the cleaning start time in the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit. The time limit is often set according to the bedtime of the operator, but when the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit, the operator does not start driving the cleaning mechanism 38. It is possible to avoid disturbing a good night's sleep.

In the forced cleaning mode, when the start time of cleaning by the forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit, the air conditioning operation is continued until the time limit ends, and after the time limit ends, the air conditioning operation is interrupted and cleaning is performed. The drive of the mechanism 38 is started. The time limit is often set according to the bedtime of the operator, but after the time limit is over, the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven to avoid disturbing the operator's sleep. be able to. When the forced cleaning mode start time is included in the time limit, the air conditioning operation may be interrupted and the cleaning mechanism 38 may be started without waiting for the end of the time limit. Even if the state in which the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit continues and the cleaning in the combined cleaning mode is not performed continuously, the forced cleaning mode can be used for reliable cleaning.

The super-forced cleaning mode starts driving the cleaning mechanism 38 even when the start time of cleaning by the super-forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit. In daily air-conditioning operation, if the continuous operation time for starting the forced cleaning mode is not reached, the start and stop of the air conditioner 1 are repeated, and the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit. , The cleaning mechanism 38 is not driven by the forced cleaning mode and the combined cleaning mode. On the other hand, when the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started reaches a predetermined number of times, the filter 37 can be cleaned periodically by providing the super-forced cleaning mode for starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38.

The time limit is set by combining it with a predetermined time zone, day of the week, etc., but the time limit is not limited to this. The control unit 50 can set a time limit according to the brightness of the display unit 39. The control unit 50 turns on, blinks, and turns off the display unit 39. The control unit 50 changes the brightness of the display unit 39 when the display unit 39 is turned on. The brightness of the display unit 39 is set by a predetermined operation of the remote controller 4 by the operator. Alternatively, the brightness of the display unit 39 is changed in conjunction with the mode of the air conditioning operation. The mode of the air conditioning operation linked with the brightness of the display unit 39 is, for example, when the off timer is set, when the air conditioning operation is stopped by the schedule setting within a predetermined time such as 2 hours, the indoor fan 34 Low air volume operation that reduces the number of rotations of the air conditioner and reduces the air-conditioning noise, and good night operation in which the temperature and humidity and the blowing direction are set to give a good night's sleep to those who are sleeping.

When the brightness of the display unit 39 is lit below a predetermined value by the operation of the remote controller 4 by the operator or in conjunction with the predetermined air conditioning operation, the control unit 50 considers that it is included in the time limit and the combined cleaning mode. And cleaning in the forced cleaning mode may be restricted. The brightness of the display unit 39 is not more than a predetermined value, for example, it can be about half or less of the maximum brightness. Further, the brightness of the display unit 39 of the predetermined value or less may include a state in which the display unit 39 is turned off. By setting the time limit zone according to the brightness of the display unit 39, the control unit 50 can limit the cleaning in the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode in conjunction with the brightness of the display unit 39, for example. Further, the brightness of the display unit 39 is changed in conjunction with a predetermined operation by the operator's remote controller 4 or an mode of air-conditioning operation, so that the time limit can be simplified according to the intention of the operator. Can be set to.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the first embodiment (general control in the time limit). The flow of processing related to the drive control of the cleaning mechanism 38 by the control unit 50 will be described with reference to the following flowchart. The control unit 50 constantly executes the following processing when the air conditioner 1 is started and the air conditioning operation is started, or during the operation.

The control unit 50 initializes the operation time and starts the air conditioning operation (S101). The initialization of the operation time is, for example, 0 hours, and means the operation time immediately after the air conditioner 1 is started. The control unit 50 stores the initialized operation time in the storage unit 51. The air-conditioning operation is, for example, a heating operation, a cooling operation, or a blowing operation, and the indoor fan 34 is rotated along with the air-conditioning operation.

The control unit 50 reads out the time (time point) of the previous cleaning, that is, the time when the cleaning mechanism 38 was last driven from the storage unit 51 (S102). As will be described later, when the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven, that is, cleaned by any of the cleaning modes, the control unit 50 stores the time when the cleaning is completed in the storage unit 51.

The control unit 50 calculates the cumulative time, which is the elapsed time from the previous cleaning, by subtracting the current time from the previous cleaning time read from the storage unit 51 (S103). The cumulative time is not limited to the elapsed time, and the control unit 50 stores the operation time in the storage unit 51 based on the start time and end time of the air conditioning operation, and performs the air conditioning operation from the previous cleaning to the present. It may be derived based on the integrated time of the operating time.

The control unit 50 calculates the operating time from the time when the operating time is initialized to the present by subtracting the time when the operating time is initialized in S101 from the current time (S104). Therefore, the calculated operating time is the time obtained by integrating the time during which the air conditioning operation is continuously performed from the time when the operating time is initialized. This air-conditioning operation may include an operation or a state incidentally performed in performing a cooling operation or a heating operation such as a defrost operation or a thermo-off state.

The control unit 50 determines whether or not the operation time calculated in S105 has reached a predetermined continuous operation time (S105). The predetermined continuous operation time is, for example, 23 hours, which is stored in the storage unit 51. The control unit 50 reads out the value of the predetermined continuous operation time with reference to the storage unit 51.

When the predetermined continuous operation time is reached (S105: YES), that is, when the operation time from the time when the operation time is initialized to the present is equal to or longer than the predetermined continuous operation time, the control unit 50 determines the forced cleaning mode. The air conditioning operation is interrupted in order to perform cleaning (S106). When the air conditioning operation is interrupted, the control unit 50 stores the mode of the air conditioning operation at the time of interruption in the storage unit 51. The mode of air-conditioning operation includes, for example, an operation mode such as heating or cooling, a set temperature, a rotation speed (air blowing amount) of the indoor fan 34, and a flap angle.

The control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 in the forced cleaning mode and starts cleaning (S107). As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven based on the driving mode of the rotating brush 381 and the filter moving unit 382 in the forced cleaning mode. The control unit 50 stores the time at the start of cleaning or at the end of cleaning in the storage unit 51 as the cleaning time.

The control unit 50 initializes the operation time after the cleaning is completed (S108). The control unit 50 restarts the air conditioning operation (S109). When restarting the air conditioning operation, the control unit 50 reads out the mode of the air conditioning operation at the time of interruption in S106 from the storage unit 51, and restarts the air conditioning operation in the mode. After restarting the air conditioning operation, the control unit 50 performs a loop process in order to perform the process of S102 again. The mode of the air conditioning operation at the time of resumption is the same as that before the interruption of the air conditioning operation.

When the predetermined continuous operation time has not been reached (S105: NO), that is, when the operation time from the time when the operation time is initialized to the present is less than the predetermined continuous operation time, the control unit 50 performs the air conditioning operation. Is determined (S121). The air-conditioning operation is terminated by, for example, a remote controller 4 operation such as pressing the stop button of the operator, a cut timer, or a schedule function.

When the air conditioning operation is not completed (S121: NO), that is, when the air conditioning operation is continuing, the control unit 50 performs a loop process in order to perform the process of S102 again.

When the air conditioning operation is completed (S121: YES), the control unit 50 determines at the present time whether or not the predetermined cumulative time has been reached from the time of the previous cleaning (S122). The control unit 50 derives the cumulative time from the elapsed time obtained by subtracting the time at the time of the previous cleaning from the current time. Needless to say, in the subtraction between the relevant times, if the days are straddled, 24 hours are added according to the number of straddling days. The cumulative time is not limited to the elapsed time, and the control unit 50 stores the operation time in the storage unit 51 based on the start time and end time of the air conditioning operation, and the operation time of the air conditioning operation from the time of the previous cleaning to the present. The cumulative time may be derived from the cumulative time of. It is desirable that the predetermined cumulative time is set to be equal to or longer than the predetermined continuous operation time in S105.

When the predetermined cumulative time has not been reached (S122: NO), the control unit 50 stops the air conditioner 1 (S125) in order to end the air conditioning operation.

When the predetermined cumulative time has been reached (S122: YES), the control unit 50 determines whether or not the current time is within the time limit (S123). When the current time is within the time limit (S123: YES), the control unit 50 stops the air conditioner 1 (S125) in order to end the air conditioning operation without performing cleaning in the combined cleaning mode.

When the current time is not within the time limit (S123: NO), the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 in the combined cleaning mode to start cleaning (S124). As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven based on the driving mode of the rotating brush 381 and the filter moving unit 382 in the combined cleaning mode. The control unit 50 stores the time at the start of cleaning or at the end of cleaning in the storage unit 51 as the cleaning time. After the cleaning is completed, the control unit 50 stops the air conditioner 1 (S125) in order to end the air conditioning operation.

By combining the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode, the dust collected by the filter 37 can be efficiently removed. If the start time of the combined cleaning mode is within the time limit, the control does not start cleaning in the combined cleaning mode, so that the time limit is set according to the bedtime of the operator. , It is possible to suppress causing discomfort to the operator.

By setting the predetermined cumulative time of the combined cleaning mode to be equal to or longer than the predetermined continuous operation time of the forced cleaning mode, if the air conditioning operation is completed after the cleaning by the forced cleaning mode is completed, the cleaning by the combined cleaning mode is performed. Since it is not performed, it is possible to prevent excessive cleaning from being performed. Even in the time limit, when the predetermined continuous operation time of the forced cleaning mode is reached, the filter 37 is clogged and the ventilation resistance is increased by cleaning in the forced cleaning mode. It is possible to suppress the decrease in the ability of the air conditioner.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the second embodiment (forced cleaning mode). The control unit 50 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it determines whether or not the cleaning is within the time limit when starting the cleaning in the forced cleaning mode. Since the processes from S201 to S205 and the processes after S221 are the same processes as the processes from S101 to S105 and S121 and after in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

Similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the predetermined continuous operation time has been reached (S205), and when the predetermined continuous operation time is reached (S205), the current time is limited. It is determined whether or not it is within the time zone (S2051). The time limit zone is stored in the storage unit 51, and the control unit 50 reads out the time limit zone with reference to the storage unit 51.

When the current time is within the time limit (S2051: YES), the control unit 50 performs a loop process to execute S2051 again. That is, the control unit 50 may perform a process of maintaining the waiting state until the time limit period ends. Needless to say, the control unit 50 continues the air conditioning operation while maintaining the waiting state.

When the current time is not within the time limit (S2051: NO), the control unit 50 interrupts the air conditioner 1 (S206) and starts cleaning in order to start cleaning in the forced cleaning mode as in the first embodiment. The cleaning time is stored (S207), the operation time is initialized (S208), and the air conditioning operation is restarted (S209).

If the time to start the forced cleaning mode is within the time limit, the air-conditioning operation is continued, and after the time limit is over, cleaning is started to correspond to the operator's bedtime within the time limit. When the predetermined continuous operation is reached, the dust collected by the filter 37 can be surely removed while suppressing the operator from causing discomfort. ..

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the third embodiment (super forced cleaning mode). The control unit 50 of the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the cleaning mode is further cleaned by the super forced cleaning mode. Since the processes of S301 to S307, S308 to S309, and S322 to S324 are the same as the processes of S101 to S107, S108 to S109, and S122 to S124 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 50 counts the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started after the air conditioner 1 is started (S300). The control unit 50 stores the counted number of activations in the storage unit 51.

The control unit 50 initializes the number of start-ups after performing cleaning in the forced cleaning mode (S307) and cleaning in the combined cleaning mode (S324) (S3071, S3241).

The control unit 50 determines whether or not the air conditioning operation is completed (S321), and when the air conditioning operation is completed (S321: YES), determines whether or not the predetermined number of activations has been reached (S3211). ). When the number of activations has not been reached (S3211: NO), the control unit 50 performs the processing after S322 as in the first embodiment.

When the number of activations is reached (S3211: YES), the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 in the super-forced cleaning mode to start cleaning (S3212). As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven based on the driving mode of the rotating brush 381 and the filter moving unit 382 in the super forced cleaning mode. The control unit 50 stores the time at the start of cleaning or at the end of cleaning in the storage unit 51 as the cleaning time. The control unit 50 initializes the number of activations (S3213).

When the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started reaches a predetermined number of times, the filter 37 can be cleaned periodically by providing the super-forced cleaning mode for starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38. Therefore, the combined cleaning mode or the forced cleaning mode reliably removes the dust collected by the filter 37 even if the cleaning is not performed continuously, and prevents the filter 37 from being clogged. can do. Regardless of whether the start time of the super-forced cleaning mode is within the time limit, the filter 37 can be cleaned periodically by performing the cleaning in the super-forced cleaning mode. When cleaning is performed in either the combined cleaning mode or the forced cleaning mode, it is possible to prevent excessive cleaning by initializing, that is, resetting, the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started. It is possible to suppress the discomfort to the operator due to cleaning, that is, the sound accompanied by the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment (interlocking with the display unit). The control unit 50 of the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the time limit zone is linked with the brightness of the display unit 39 to control the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38. Since the processes S401 to S422 are the same as the processes S101 to S122 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 50 determines whether or not the brightness of the display unit 39 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S423). The brightness of the predetermined brightness or less is, for example, a brightness of half or less of the maximum brightness by the display unit 39, and may include a state in which the light is turned off.

When the brightness of the display unit 39 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S423: YES), the control unit 50 considers that the current time is within the time limit zone, and terminates the air conditioning operation without performing cleaning in the combined cleaning mode. The air conditioner 1 is stopped (S425).

When the brightness of the display unit 39 is larger than the predetermined value (S423: NO), the control unit 50 considers that the current time is not within the time limit, and cleans in the combined cleaning mode as in the first embodiment (drive of the cleaning mechanism 38). ), And the cleaning time is memorized (S424).

The brightness of the display unit 39 is set to change based on the operator's operation of the remote controller 4 or the mode of air conditioning operation. Therefore, when the brightness of the display unit 39 is equal to or less than the predetermined brightness according to the brightness of the display unit 39, the time limit can be set by a simple operation by assuming that the current time is within the time limit. Further, by visually recognizing the brightness of the display unit 39, the operator can easily recognize that the current time is within the time limit zone.

(Modification example 1)
In the first embodiment, the air conditioner 1 is provided with one indoor unit 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor multi-type air conditioner 1 including a plurality of indoor units 3. In the indoor multi-type air conditioner 1, the refrigerant pipes 10 (communication pipes) connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 are branched in parallel to the number of the indoor units 3. Each of the plurality of indoor units 3 is individually provided with an indoor heat exchanger 31 and an indoor fan 34. Expansion valves 25 corresponding to each of the plurality of indoor units 3 are individually provided in each of the connecting pipes branched in parallel. The remote controller 4 corresponding to each of the plurality of indoor units 3 or the centralized remote controller 4 is configured so that the air conditioning operation can be started and stopped individually for each of the plurality of indoor units 3.

Each of the plurality of indoor units 3 of the indoor multi-type air conditioner 1 includes a filter 37 and a cleaning mechanism 38 arranged on the windward side of each indoor heat exchanger 31. The control unit 50 is configured to individually drive and control the cleaning mechanism 38 for each of the plurality of indoor units 3.

When cleaning in the combined cleaning mode, the control unit 50 stores the previous cleaning time and the cumulative time for each of the plurality of indoor units 3 in the storage unit 51, and controls the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 for each of the plurality of indoor units 3. Do.

When cleaning in the forced cleaning mode, the control unit 50 initializes the operating time for each of the plurality of indoor units 3, integrates the operating time for continuous air-conditioning operation, and performs cleaning for each of the plurality of indoor units 3. Drive control of the cleaning mechanism 38 is performed.

When cleaning in the super-forced cleaning mode, the control unit 50 counts and initializes the number of activations for each of the plurality of indoor units 3. The number of activations for each indoor unit 3 means that the specific indoor unit 3 is off (stopped), that is, the expansion valve 25 is fully closed even when the outdoor unit 2 is activated, that is, the compressor 21 is being driven. If it is, it is the number of activations derived by counting that the specific indoor unit 3 is stopped. Therefore, the number of times of starting (starting of air conditioning operation) and stopping (ending of air conditioning operation) of each of the plurality of indoor units 3 is counted as the number of times of starting, not the number of times of starting of the air conditioner 1 as a whole. The indoor multi-type air conditioner 1 is configured so that the super-forced cleaning mode is individually controlled for each machine 3.

The time limit stored in the storage unit 51 is individually set for each of the plurality of indoor units 3. By individually setting the time limit zone for each of the plurality of indoor units 3, it is possible to set the cleaning limit by the cleaning mode according to each operator in the living room in which each indoor unit 3 is placed. The time limit may be set as a common time zone for the plurality of indoor units 3. By setting a common time limit zone for the plurality of indoor units 3, it is possible to set the time limit zone for the plurality of indoor units 3 at the same time by a simple operation.

Each of the plurality of indoor units 3 of the indoor multi-type air conditioner 1 is individually driven by the cleaning mechanism 38 according to each cleaning mode and restricted by the time limit, so that the living room in which each indoor unit 3 is placed is placed. It is possible to efficiently control the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 according to each operator in the room.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment, a separate type air conditioner including the indoor unit 3 and the outdoor unit 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit used by being mounted in the window frame are integrated. It may be a window-mounted air conditioner, or a window-type air conditioner in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit used by being embedded in a wall are integrated.

(Modification 3)
In the first embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 38 (filter cleaning device) of the type in which the filter 37 moves has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the filter does not move and a blade made of a brush or rubber is placed on the filter. It may be a type of filter cleaning device that cleans the filter by moving the filter. In this case, the dust removed by the brush or the blade may be sucked by the blower for the cleaning machine and discharged to the outside, or may be sucked into the dust box. Alternatively, it may be a filter cleaning device of a type in which a dust box equipped with a brush moves.

The air conditioner 1 according to the present invention includes a filter 37 that collects dust in suction air, a cleaning mechanism 38 that removes the dust collected by the filter 37, and a control unit 50 that controls the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38. In the air conditioner 1 provided with the above, the mode of driving the cleaning mechanism 38 by the control unit 50 is such that when a predetermined cumulative time is reached from the time when the cleaning mechanism 38 was driven last time, the cleaning mechanism is completed after the air conditioning operation is completed. A combined cleaning mode that starts driving the 38, and a forced cleaning mode that interrupts the air conditioning operation and starts driving the cleaning mechanism 38 when the operating time of the continuously performed air conditioning operation reaches a predetermined continuous operation time. When a predetermined time limit zone for limiting the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 is set, and the control unit 50 includes the start time of the combined cleaning mode in the time limit zone, the control unit 50 said. The cleaning mechanism 38 is not started, and the cleaning mechanism 38 is started even when the start time of the forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit.

According to the present invention, the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 in the combined cleaning mode is started after the end of the air conditioning operation when the predetermined cumulative time is reached, and when the start time is included in the predetermined time limit. , The driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 is not started. Therefore, even if the cut timer and the operation schedule are set and the time when the air conditioning operation ends is the time limit for the user to sleep, the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven by the combined cleaning mode immediately after the stop. Is not started, so that it is possible to suppress causing discomfort to the user. Further, when the operation time of the continuous air conditioning operation reaches a predetermined continuous operation time, the cleaning mechanism 38 is started to be driven in the forced cleaning mode, so that the filter 37 is clogged and the air conditioner 1 is clogged. It is possible to prevent a decrease in capacity.

In the air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, the cumulative time of the combined cleaning mode may be equal to or longer than the continuous operation time of the forced cleaning mode.

According to the present invention, when the cumulative time is set to be equal to or longer than the continuous operation time and the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven by the forced cleaning mode, that is, the air conditioner 1 is stopped after cleaning is performed, the combined cleaning mode is used. It is possible to prevent the cleaning mechanism 38 from being driven. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning mechanism 38 from being excessively started to be driven by the combined cleaning mode.

In the air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, when the start time of the forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit, the control unit 50 continues the air conditioning operation during the time limit and the time limit. The air conditioning operation may be interrupted and the cleaning mechanism 38 may be started to be driven after the operation is completed.

According to the present invention, by starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 in the forced cleaning mode after the predetermined time limit has expired, it is possible to avoid starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 during the time limit. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the clogging of the filter 37 while suppressing the user from being uncomfortable.

In the air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, when the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 in the forced cleaning mode, the air conditioning operation is interrupted and the cleaning mechanism 38 is started to be driven, and the cleaning mechanism 38 is started. After the end of the drive, the air-conditioning operation may be restarted in the operation mode of the air-conditioning operation at the time of interruption.

According to the present invention, since the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven in the forced cleaning mode, even if the air conditioning operation is interrupted, the air conditioning at the time of interruption is completed after the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 is completed, that is, the cleaning of the filter 37 is completed. Since the air conditioning operation is restarted in the operation mode of the operation, the operation of the air conditioner 1 by the operator can be simplified.

In the air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, the mode of driving the cleaning mechanism 38 by the control unit 50 is such that when the number of times of starting the own machine reaches a predetermined number of times from the time when the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven last time, the cleaning mechanism The control unit 50 includes a second forced cleaning mode for starting the driving of the 38, and the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 even when the start time of the second forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit. May be started.

In the daily operation of the air conditioner 1, if the start and stop are repeated and the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit without reaching the continuous operation time when the forced cleaning mode is started, The cleaning mechanism 38 is not driven. On the other hand, according to the present invention, when the number of times the air conditioner 1 is started reaches a predetermined number of times, the filter 37 is periodically cleaned by providing a super forced cleaning mode for starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38. be able to. In the super-forced cleaning mode, the cleaning mechanism 38 is started to be driven even when the start time of the cleaning mechanism 38 is included in the time limit, so that the filter 37 can be reliably cleaned. it can.

The air conditioner 1 according to the present invention includes a display unit 39 provided in the indoor unit 3 and capable of changing the brightness, and the time limit may be set according to the brightness of the display unit 39. ..

According to the present invention, when the brightness of the display unit provided in the indoor unit 3 is changed by the operator, the time limit is set according to the brightness of the display unit, so that the time limit is limited by a simple operation. The time zone can be set, and the operator can easily recognize that the current time zone is included in the time limit based on the brightness of the display unit.

In the air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, the time zone in which the display unit 39 is displayed or turned off at a predetermined brightness or less may be set as the time limit zone.

According to the present invention, the time zone in which the display unit 39 is displayed or turned off at a predetermined brightness or less is set as the time limit, so that the operator lowers the brightness of the display unit 39 in preparation for going to bed. The time limit can be set according to the intention of the operator.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, not the above-mentioned meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

1 Air conditioner 10 Coolant piping 2 Outdoor unit 21 Compressor 211 Intake temperature sensor 212 Discharge temperature sensor 22 Accumulator 23 Four-way switching valve 24 Outdoor heat exchanger 241 Outdoor air temperature sensor 25 Expansion valve 26 Outdoor fan 27 Outdoor control board 3 Indoor unit 31 Indoor heat exchanger 311 Indoor heat exchanger Temperature sensor 32 Suction air temperature sensor 33 Suction air humidity sensor 34 Indoor fan 35 Wind direction plate 36 Indoor control board 37 Filter 38 Cleaning mechanism 381 Rotating brush 382 Filter moving part 383 Dust collection box 39 Display 4 Remote control 41 Board inside remote control 50 Control unit 51 Storage unit 51P Program

Claims (7)

A filter that collects dust from the suction air,
A cleaning mechanism that removes the dust collected by the filter,
In an air conditioner provided with a control unit that controls the drive of the cleaning mechanism,
The mode of driving the cleaning mechanism by the control unit is continuous with the combined cleaning mode in which the driving of the cleaning mechanism is started after the end of the air conditioning operation when a predetermined cumulative time is reached from the time when the cleaning mechanism was last driven. This includes a forced cleaning mode in which the air-conditioning operation is interrupted and the cleaning mechanism is started to be driven when the operation time of the air-conditioning operation is reached a predetermined continuous operation time.
A predetermined time limit period for limiting the drive of the cleaning mechanism is set.
When the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit, the control unit does not start driving the cleaning mechanism, and the start time of the forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit. An air conditioner characterized in that the cleaning mechanism is started to be driven even in the case of a case. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the cumulative time of the combined cleaning mode is equal to or longer than the continuous operation time of the forced cleaning mode. The control unit
When the start time of the forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit, the air conditioning operation is continued during the time limit, the air conditioning operation is interrupted after the time limit ends, and the cleaning mechanism is driven. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air conditioner is started. The control unit
When driving the cleaning mechanism in the forced cleaning mode, the air conditioning operation is interrupted, the driving of the cleaning mechanism is started, and after the driving of the cleaning mechanism is completed, air conditioning is performed in the operation mode of the air conditioning operation at the time of interruption. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation is restarted. The mode of driving the cleaning mechanism by the control unit includes a second forced cleaning mode in which the driving of the cleaning mechanism is started when the number of times of starting the own machine reaches a predetermined number of times since the time when the cleaning mechanism was last driven. ,
The first to fourth aspects of the control unit, wherein the control unit starts driving the cleaning mechanism even when the start time of the second forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit. The air conditioner described in any one. Equipped with a display unit that is installed in the indoor unit and can change the brightness
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the time limit is set according to the brightness of the display unit. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein a time zone in which the display unit is displayed or turned off at a predetermined brightness or less is set as the time limit zone.

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