TW201937066A - air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner (100) is provided with: an indoor heat exchanger (15); an indoor fan (16); and a fan cleaning part (24) that is disposed between the indoor heat exchanger (15) and the indoor fan (16) and that cleans the indoor fan (16). The fan cleaning part (24) comes into contact with the indoor fan (16) after the start of rotation of the indoor fan (16). The indoor fan (16) is structured so as to rotate about a shaft, and rotates in the same direction as the rotational direction of the indoor fan (16) so as to come into contact with the indoor fan (16).

Description

air conditioner

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

As a technique for cleaning an indoor fan (fan) of an air conditioner, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a "fan cleaning device for removing dust from a fan". Further, in the first drawing of Patent Document 1, a configuration in which a fan cleaning device is provided in the vicinity of an air outlet of an indoor fan is described.

[Previous Technical Literature]
[Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-71210

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the fan cleaning unit abuts against the fan before the rotation of the fan starts. Therefore, when the fan starts to rotate, a load is applied to the fan cleaning portion, and the fan cleaning portion is easily deteriorated. Further, as the number of revolutions of the fan increases, the noise increases, and there is a problem that the user feels uncomfortable.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that suppresses deterioration of a fan cleaning unit and improves quietness.

[Technical means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes: an indoor heat exchanger including a front indoor heat exchanger and a rear indoor heat exchanger; and a blower fan; and the front side indoor heat exchanger and the front side The fan cleaning unit of the air blowing fan is cleaned between the air blowing fans. When the fan cleaning unit cleans the air blowing fan, the air blowing fan rotates in a reverse direction during a normal air conditioning operation, and the fan cleaning unit is in the air blowing fan. The aforementioned reverse rotation after the start of the reverse rotation is in contact with the blower fan.

Further, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes: an indoor heat exchanger including a front indoor heat exchanger and a rear indoor heat exchanger; and a blower fan; and the front side indoor heat exchanger and the blower fan And cleaning the fan cleaning unit of the air blowing fan; and when the fan cleaning unit cleans the air blowing fan, the air blowing fan rotates in a reverse direction during a normal air conditioning operation, and the fan cleaning unit reverses the air blowing fan. The reverse rotation before the end of the rotation is separated from the blower fan.

[Effects of the Invention]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that suppresses deterioration of the fan cleaning portion and improves quietness.

"Implementation"
<Composition of air conditioner>
Fig. 1 is an explanatory view of a refrigerant circuit Q of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment.
The solid arrows in Fig. 1 show the flow of the refrigerant during the heating operation.
The dotted arrow in Fig. 1 shows the flow of the refrigerant during the cooling operation.
As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor fan 13, and an expansion valve 14. In addition to the above configuration, the air conditioner 100 includes an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 15, an indoor fan (air supply fan) 16, and a four-way valve 17.

The compressor 11 is a machine that compresses a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant by the driving of the compressor motor 11a and discharges it as a high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant.
The outdoor heat exchanger 12 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipe (not shown) and the outside air sent from the outdoor fan 13.

The outdoor fan 13 is a fan that sends outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 by the driving of the outdoor fan motor 13a, and is provided in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 12.
The expansion valve 14 is a valve that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in the "condenser" (the outdoor heat exchanger 12 during the cooling operation and the indoor heat exchanger 15 during the heating operation). The refrigerant decompressed in the expansion valve 14 is introduced into the "evaporator" (the indoor heat exchanger 15 during the cooling operation and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 during the heating operation).

The indoor heat exchanger 15 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipe g (refer to FIG. 2) and the indoor air (air in the air-conditioned space) that is sent from the indoor fan 16 .
The indoor fan 16 is a fan that sends indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 15 by the driving of the indoor fan motor 16c (refer to FIG. 5), and is provided in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The four-way valve 17 is a valve that switches the flow path of the refrigerant in response to the operation mode of the air conditioner 100. For example, during the cooling operation (refer to the dotted arrow in Fig. 1), the four-way valve 17 is interposed between the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 (evaporator). In the refrigerant circuit Q in which the rings are connected in a ring shape, the refrigerant is circulated in a refrigeration cycle.

On the other hand, during the heating operation (refer to the solid arrow in Fig. 1), the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (evaporator) are separated by four. In the refrigerant circuit Q in which the valve 17 is connected in a ring shape in sequence, the refrigerant is circulated by the refrigeration cycle.

In the example of Fig. 1, the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the outdoor fan 13, the expansion valve 14, and the four-way valve 17 are provided in the outdoor unit Uo. On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 are provided in the indoor unit Ui.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the indoor unit Ui.
In the second drawing, the state in which the indoor fan 16 has not been cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24 is shown. In addition to the indoor heat exchanger 15 or the indoor fan 16, the indoor unit Ui further includes a water receiving tray 18, a frame base 19, and filters 20a and 20b, a front panel 21, and a left and right wind direction plate 22, and The up-and-down wind direction plate 23 and the fan cleaning part 24 are provided.

The indoor heat exchanger 15 has a plurality of fans f and a plurality of heat transfer tubes g penetrating the fans f. In addition, the indoor heat exchanger 15 has the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a and the rear side indoor heat exchanger 15b from another point of view. The front indoor heat exchanger 15a is disposed on the front side of the indoor fan 16. On the other hand, the rear indoor heat exchanger 15b is disposed on the rear side of the indoor fan 16. Further, the upper end portion of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a is connected to the upper end portion of the rear indoor heat exchanger 15b.

The water receiving tray 18 receives the condensed water of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the front indoor heat exchanger 15a in the example shown in Fig. 2).

The indoor fan 16 is, for example, a cylindrical cross flow fan and is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 15 . The indoor fan 16 includes a plurality of blades 16a, a partition plate 16b provided with the blades 16a, and an indoor fan motor 16c as a drive source (refer to FIG. 5).

The indoor fan 16 is preferably coated with a hydrophilic coating agent. As the coating material, for example, a binder (a compound having a hydrolyzable group), butanol, tetrahydrofuran, and an antibacterial agent may be added to an isopropyl alcohol-dispersed cerium oxide gel as a hydrophilic material.

As a result, since the hydrophilic film is formed on the surface of the indoor fan 16, the electric resistance of the surface of the indoor fan 16 is small, and the dust does not easily adhere to the indoor fan 16. In other words, in the driving of the indoor fan 16, the static electricity accompanying the friction with the air is less likely to be generated on the surface of the indoor fan 16, so that the dust can be prevented from adhering to the indoor fan 16. Thus, the aforementioned coating agent also functions as an antistatic agent for the indoor fan 16.

The frame base 19 shown in Fig. 2 is a casing provided with a device such as the indoor heat exchanger 15 or the indoor fan 16.
The filter 20a is a person who removes dust from the air toward the air intake port h1 on the front side, and is provided on the front side of the indoor heat exchanger 15.
The filter 20b is provided to remove dust from the air of the air intake port h2 facing the upper side, and is provided on the upper side of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The front panel 21 is a panel provided so as to cover the filter 20a on the front side, and the lower end is a shaft and is rotatable toward the front side. The front panel 21 may also be configured to be non-rotating.

The left and right wind direction plates 22 are plate-shaped members that adjust the flow in the right and left direction of the air blown into the room in accordance with the rotation of the indoor fan 16. The left and right wind direction plates 22 are disposed in the blowing air passage h3, and are rotated in the left-right direction by the left and right wind direction plate motors 25 (refer to FIG. 5).
The up-and-down wind direction plate 23 is a plate-shaped member which adjusts the flow of the air blown out to the room in the up-down direction with the rotation of the indoor fan 16. The vertical wind direction plate 23 is disposed in the vicinity of the air blowing port h4, and is rotated in the vertical direction by the vertical wind direction plate motor 26 (refer to FIG. 5).

The air taken in through the air intake ports h1 and h2 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipe g of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the air after the heat exchange is introduced into the blowing air passage h3. The air flowing through the air passage h3 is guided by the left and right wind direction plates 22 and the vertical wind direction plate 23 in a predetermined direction, and then blown out into the room through the air blowing port h4.

Along with the flow of air, most of the dust toward the air intake ports h1, h2 is trapped by the filters 20a, 20b. However, fine dust may adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 15 or the indoor fan 16 through the filters 20a and 20b. Therefore, it is preferable to periodically clean the indoor heat exchanger 15 or the indoor fan 16. Therefore, in the present embodiment, after cleaning the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24 described below, the indoor heat exchanger 15 is washed with water.

The fan cleaning unit 24 shown in FIG. 2 is disposed between the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 to clean the indoor fan 16. More specifically, the fan cleaning portion 24 is disposed in the concave portion r of the U-shaped front side indoor heat exchanger 15a when viewed in the longitudinal cross section. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the lower portion of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a) is present below the fan cleaning unit 24, and the water receiving tray 18 is present. The fan cleaning unit 24 is made of, for example, nylon.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the indoor unit Ui cut away.
The fan cleaning unit 24 includes a fan cleaning motor 24c (see FIG. 5) in addition to the shaft portion 24a and the brush 24b shown in FIG. The shaft portion 24a is a rod-shaped member parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16, and the both ends are pivotally supported.

The brush 24b is for removing dust adhering to the blade 16a, and is provided on the shaft portion 24a. The fan cleaning motor 24c (refer to FIG. 5) is, for example, a stepping motor, and has a function of rotating the shaft portion 24a only by a predetermined angle.

When the indoor fan 16 is cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24, the fan cleaning motor 24c (see FIG. 5) is driven to bring the brush 24b into contact with the indoor fan 16 (refer to FIG. 7), and the indoor fan is simultaneously provided. 16 reverse rotation. When the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24 is completed, the fan cleaning motor 24c is driven again to rotate the brush 24b, and the brush 24b is separated from the indoor fan 16 (refer to FIG. 2).

In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the front end of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 except for the cleaning of the indoor fan 16. Specifically, the brush 24b is separated from the indoor fan 16 in a state of being laterally (substantially horizontal) in addition to the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 (including during normal air conditioning operation). The reason why the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed as described above will be described below using FIG.

Fig. 4 is an explanatory view showing the flow of air in the vicinity of the fan cleaning unit 24 during the air-conditioning operation. The direction of each arrow shown in Fig. 4 shows the flow direction of the air. In addition, the length of each arrow shows the flow velocity of the air.
During normal air conditioning operation, the indoor fan 16 rotates in the forward direction, and the air passing through the gap of the fan f of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a faces the indoor fan 16. In particular, in the vicinity of the concave portion r of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, as shown in Fig. 4, the air flows laterally (in a substantially horizontal direction) toward the indoor fan 16.

In the recess r, as described above, the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed with the brush 24b facing the lateral direction. In other words, in the normal air conditioning operation, the direction of the brush 24b is parallel to the flow direction of the air. In this manner, since the direction in which the brush 24b extends is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the air, the fan cleaning portion 24 hardly blocks the flow of air.

Further, the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed not in the upstream and downstream areas (near the air blowing port h4 shown in FIG. 2) in the flow of the air when the indoor fan 16 rotates in the forward direction. Further, the air flowing laterally along the brush 24b is accelerated by the blade 16a, and the accelerated air is directed toward the air outlet h4 (refer to Fig. 2). In this manner, since the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed in the upstream region where the air flows at a relatively low speed, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the air volume caused by the fan cleaning unit 24. Even when the indoor fan 16 is stopped, the fan cleaning unit 24 can be maintained in the same state as in the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 100.
The indoor unit Ui shown in Fig. 5 includes a remote control transmitting and receiving unit 27 and an indoor control circuit 31 in addition to the above configuration.
The remote control transmitting and receiving unit 27 communicates information with the remote controller 40.
The indoor control circuit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and various types, although not shown. It is composed of an electronic circuit such as an interface. Then, the program stored in the ROM is read and accessed in the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes.

As shown in Fig. 5, the indoor control circuit 31 includes a storage unit 31a and an indoor control unit 31b.
In addition to the predetermined program, the memory unit 31a also stores data received by the remotely transmitted and received unit 27 or detected values of various sensors (not shown).
The indoor control unit 31b performs control of the fan cleaning motor 24c, the indoor fan motor 16c, the right and left wind direction plate motor 25, the vertical wind direction plate motor 26, and the like based on the data stored in the storage unit 31a.

The outdoor unit Uo includes an outdoor control circuit 32 in addition to the above configuration. The outdoor control circuit 32 is not shown but includes an electronic circuit such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and various interfaces, and is connected to the indoor control circuit 31 via a communication line. As shown in Fig. 5, the outdoor control circuit 32 includes a storage unit 32a and an outdoor control unit 32b.

In addition to the predetermined program, the memory unit 32a also stores information received from the indoor control circuit 31 and the like. The outdoor control unit 32b controls the compressor motor 11a, the outdoor fan motor 13a, the expansion valve 14, and the like based on the data stored in the storage unit 32a. Hereinafter, the indoor control circuit 31 and the outdoor control circuit 32 will be collectively referred to as "control unit 30".

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by the control unit 30 (refer to Fig. 2 as appropriate).
At the time of "starting" in Fig. 6, the air conditioning operation is not performed, and the front end of the brush 24b is placed in the state of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a (the state shown in Fig. 2).

In step S101 of FIG. 6, the control unit 30 cleans the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24. The triggering condition for starting the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, a condition that the accumulated time of the air-conditioning operation at the time of the previous cleaning reaches a predetermined time, but is not limited to a specific condition.

Fig. 7A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the indoor fan 16 is cleaned.
In Fig. 7A, the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor fan 16, and the water receiving tray 18 are shown, and other members are omitted in the drawing.
The control unit 30 causes the indoor fan 16 to rotate in the opposite direction to the normal air-conditioning operation (reverse rotation), and when the indoor fan 16 reaches the set number of revolutions, the fan cleaning unit 24 is brought into contact with the indoor fan 16.

In other words, in the state in which the front end of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 (refer to Fig. 2), the brush 24b is rotated by about 180° around the shaft portion 24a, and the front end of the brush 24b faces the room. Fan 16 (refer to Figure 7A). Thereby, the brush 24b is brought into contact with the blade 16a of the indoor fan 16.

In the example of Fig. 7A, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a) is present below the contact position K in a state where the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16 as indicated by a one-dot chain line L. There is also a water tray 18 at the same time.

As described above, since the indoor fan 16 rotates in the reverse direction, the tip end of the brush 24b is deflected by the movement of the blade 16a, and the brush 24b is pressed so as to touch the back surface of the blade 16a. Then, the dust accumulated in the vicinity of the front end of the blade 16a (the end portion in the radial direction) is removed by the brush 24b.

In particular, dust is likely to accumulate in the vicinity of the front end of the blade 16a. In this case, in the air-conditioning operation in which the indoor fan 16 rotates in the forward direction (refer to FIG. 4), the air is blown against the vicinity of the front end of the blade belly of the blade 16a, and dust is attached to the vicinity of the front end. The air blown near the front end of the blade 16a is along the curved surface of the blade belly of the blade 16a and passes through the gap between the blades 16a, 16a.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the indoor fan 16 is rotated in the reverse direction, and when the indoor fan 16 reaches the set number of revolutions, the fan cleaning unit 24 is brought into contact with the blade 16a. Thereby, the brush 24b is brought into contact with the vicinity of the front end of the back surface of the blade 16a, and the dust accumulated in the vicinity of the front end of the back surface of the blade 16a is removed. As a result, most of the dust accumulated in the indoor fan 16 can be removed.

Further, by rotating the indoor fan 16 in the reverse direction, a slow air flow in the opposite direction to the forward rotation (refer to FIG. 4) is generated in the indoor unit Ui (refer to FIG. 2). Therefore, the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 does not face the air outlet h4 (refer to FIG. 2), but the gap between the front indoor heat exchanger 15a and the indoor fan 16 as shown in FIG. 7A. It is guided to the water tray 18.

More specifically, the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 by the brush 24b is gently pressed against the front indoor heat exchanger 15a by the wind pressure. Further, the dust j falls along the inclined surface of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a (the edge of the fan f) to the water receiving tray 18 (refer to the arrow of FIG. 7A). Therefore, the dust j is hardly adhered to the inner surface of the vertical wind direction plate 23 (refer to FIG. 2) via a small gap between the indoor fan 16 and the water receiving tray 18. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the dust j from being blown indoors in the next air-conditioning operation.

A part of the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 may also adhere to the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a without falling into the water receiving tray 18. The dust j attached to the front indoor heat exchanger 15a in this manner is cleaned in the process of step S103 described later.

Further, during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 can drive the indoor fan 16 by the number of revolutions in the medium-high speed region, and the indoor fan 16 can be driven by the number of revolutions in the low-speed region.
The range of the rotational speed of the high-speed area in the indoor fan 16 is, for example, 300 min ^-1 or more and less than 1700 min ^-1 . As described above, by rotating the indoor fan 16 in the medium-high speed region, the dust j is easily directed toward the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. Therefore, it is difficult to cause the dust j to adhere to the inner surface of the vertical wind direction plate 23 (refer to FIG. 2) as described above. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust j from being blown indoors in the next air conditioning operation.

Further, the range of the rotational speed of the low speed region of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, 100 min ^-1 or more and less than 300 min ^-1 . As described above, by rotating the indoor fan 16 in the low speed region, the indoor fan 16 can be cleaned with low noise.

After the process of step S101 of FIG. 6 is completed, the control unit 30 moves the fan cleaning unit 24 in step S102. That is, the control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b by about 180° around the shaft portion 24a from the state in which the front end of the brush 24b faces the indoor fan 16 (refer to Fig. 7A), and the front end of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat. Converter 15 (refer to Figure 7B). Thereby, in the subsequent air conditioning operation, the fan cleaning unit 24 can be prevented from becoming an obstacle to the air flow.

Next, in step S103, the control unit 30 sequentially freezes and thaws the indoor heat exchanger 15. First, the control unit 30 causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 to function as an evaporator, and causes the moisture contained in the air that has entered the indoor unit Ui to be frosted in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and frozen. The process of freezing the indoor heat exchanger 15 also includes the item "the condensed water is adhered to" the indoor heat exchanger 15.

When the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen, the control unit 30 preferably lowers the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 15. In other words, when the control unit 30 causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 to function as an evaporator and freezes the indoor heat exchanger 15 (attaching condensed water), the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant is lower than that during normal air conditioning operation. In this manner, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 15 is adjusted.

For example, the control unit 30 can reduce the degree of opening of the expansion valve 14 (refer to FIG. 1) and allow the refrigerant having a low evaporation temperature to flow into the indoor heat exchanger 15 at a low pressure. Thereby, since frost or ice (symbol i shown in FIG. 7B) is easily grown in the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be cleaned by a large amount of water in the subsequent thawing.

Further, in the indoor heat exchanger (15), the area below the fan cleaning unit (24) is preferably not a downstream area (i.e., an upstream area or a midstream area) in which the refrigerant flows through the indoor heat exchanger (15). Thereby, since the low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows at least below (lower side) the fan cleaning unit 24, the thickness of the frost or ice adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be increased. Therefore, the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be cleaned by a large amount of water in the subsequent thawing.
In the area of the indoor heat exchanger 15 that is located below the fan cleaning unit 24, dust that is scraped off from the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24 is likely to adhere. Therefore, by flowing a low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the region of the indoor heat exchanger 15 located below the fan cleaning portion 24, frost or ice is likely to grow, and it is possible to appropriately melt the frost or ice. The dust of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is cleaned.

Further, when the indoor heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen (attached to the condensed water), the control unit 30 preferably closes the vertical wind direction plate 23 (refer to FIG. 2) or The angle of the up-and-down wind direction plate 23 is made higher toward the horizontal. By this, it is possible to prevent the low-temperature air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 15 from leaking into the room, and it is possible to freeze the indoor heat exchanger 15 in a state of being comfortable for the user.

After the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen in this manner (step S103 in FIG. 6), the control unit 30 defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 (S103). For example, the control unit 30 naturally defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 at room temperature by maintaining the stopped state of each machine. The frost or ice adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be melted by causing the control unit 30 to perform the air blowing operation.

Fig. 7B is an explanatory view showing a state in the thawing of the indoor heat exchanger 15.
By thawing the indoor heat exchanger 15, the frost or ice adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 is melted, and is transmitted to the fan f, and a large amount of water w is dropped on the water receiving tray 18. Thereby, the dust j attached to the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be cleaned during the air-conditioning operation.

Further, with the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 by the brush 24b, the dust j adhering to the front indoor heat exchanger 15a is also washed and dripped on the water receiving tray 18 (refer to the arrow of FIG. 7B). The water w thus dripped on the water receiving tray 18 is discharged into the water receiving tray 18 directly under the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 (refer to FIG. 7A), and is discharged to the drain hose (not shown). external. As described above, there is almost no fear that a large amount of water is dripped from the indoor heat exchanger 15 during thawing, or that the dust j blocks a drain hose or the like (not shown).

Although it is omitted in FIG. 6, after the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen and thawed (S103), the inside of the indoor unit Ui can be dried by causing the control unit 30 to perform the air blowing operation. Thereby, the fungus can be inhibited from being propagated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 or the like.

<Operation of fan cleaning unit>
Next, the operation of the fan cleaning unit 24 will be described using Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by the control unit 30. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the positional relationship between the indoor fan (air supply fan) 16 and the fan cleaning unit 24 in the air conditioner 100.

In step S201, the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16c to start the rotation of the indoor fan 16, and accelerates the indoor fan 16.

In step S202, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the number of revolutions (rotational speed) of the indoor fan 16 has reached the set number of revolutions R _Th (for example, the set number of revolutions R _Th = 800 min ^-1 ). When the control unit 30 determines that the number of revolutions of the indoor fan 16 has reached the set number of revolutions R _Th (step S202 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S203. When the control unit 30 determines that the number of revolutions of the indoor fan 16 has not reached the set number of revolutions R _Th (step S202 → No), the process proceeds to step S201.

In step S203, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24c to bring the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16. In other words, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24c so that the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are placed in contact with each other after the acceleration of the indoor fan 16.
Moreover, the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16c so that the indoor fan 16 rotates while the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16. Thereby, the durability of the fan cleaning portion 24 can be improved, and the dust adhering to the blades of the indoor fan 16 can be removed.
Further, the control unit 30 controls the angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 such that the fan cleaning unit 24 touches the front end surface of the blade of the indoor fan 16 between the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 . The angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 is preferably in a horizontal direction from the fan cleaning unit 24 shown in FIG. 2, and is in a predetermined angle in the rotation direction (reverse rotation direction) of the indoor fan 16 during cleaning. Thereby, the quietness of the air conditioner 100 can be improved. Furthermore, the load applied to each motor can be reduced.
Further, the control unit 30 controls the right and left wind direction plate motor 25 so that the left and right wind direction plates 22 are closed between the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 . Similarly, the control unit 30 controls the vertical wind direction plate motor 26 so that the vertical wind direction plate 23 is closed between the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 . Thereby, the quietness of the air conditioner 100 can be improved, and at the same time, the diffusion of dust can be prevented and the user can be prevented from reaching the inside of the indoor unit Ui.

In step S204, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the rotation time of the indoor fan 16 has reached the set time T _Th (for example, the set time T _Th = 5 seconds). That is, the control unit 30 determines the time when the fan cleaning unit 24 comes into contact with the indoor fan 16. When the control unit 30 determines that the rotation time of the indoor fan 16 has reached the set time T _Th (step S204 → Yes), the process proceeds to step S205. When the control unit 30 determines that the rotation time of the indoor fan 16 has not reached the set time T _Th (step S204 → No), the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S205, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24c to drive the fan cleaning unit 24 away from the indoor fan 16. In other words, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24c so that the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are disposed at the separated position before the deceleration of the indoor fan 16.

In step S206, the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16c to decelerate the indoor fan 16 and end the rotation of the indoor fan 16.

According to the above process, the control unit 30 from the time shown in FIG. 90 to the first during a period of time t ₁ (acceleration indoor fan 16) of the cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 apart from the fan. Further, the control unit 30 causes the fan cleaning unit 24 to come into contact with the indoor fan 16 during the period from the time t ₁ to the time t ₂ shown in FIG. 9 (the indoor fan 16 is rotated by the set number of revolutions R _TH ). Further, the control unit 30 causes the fan cleaning unit 24 to be separated from the indoor fan 16 during the period from the time t ₂ to the time t ₃ shown in FIG. 9 (during the deceleration of the indoor fan 16).

Thereby, during the acceleration when the indoor fan 16 starts to rotate or during the deceleration when the indoor fan 16 finishes rotating, since the fan cleaning unit 24 can be separated from the indoor fan 16, the burden can be prevented from being applied to the fan cleaning unit 24 . However, it is easy to deteriorate the fan cleaning unit 24. In addition, it is also possible to avoid an increase in noise as the number of revolutions of the indoor fan 16 increases or decreases, causing an uncomfortable feeling to the user.

<effect>
According to the air conditioner 100 of the present embodiment, since the time during which the fan cleaning unit 24 comes into contact with the indoor fan 16 can be shortened compared with the conventional air conditioner, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the fan cleaning unit and realize the air conditioner with improved quietness. .

According to the air conditioner 100 of the present embodiment, since the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 rotate in the same direction between the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16, the durability of the fan cleaning unit 24 can be improved.

According to the air conditioner 100 of the present embodiment, since the angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 is adjusted in accordance with the front end surface of the indoor fan 16 between the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16, the quietness can be improved.

According to the air conditioner (100) of the present embodiment, since the left and right wind direction plates 22 and the vertical wind direction plate (23) are closed between the fan cleaning unit (24) and the indoor fan (16), the air conditioner (100) can be improved in quietness and dust can be prevented. The diffusion prevents the user from accidentally extending his hand into the interior of the indoor unit Ui.

According to the present embodiment, since the indoor fan 16 is cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24 (step S101 in Fig. 6), it is possible to suppress the dust j from being blown into the room. Further, since the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed between the front indoor heat exchanger 15a and the indoor fan 16, the dust j scraped off from the indoor fan 16 by the brush 24b can be guided to the water receiving tray 18.
Further, during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 causes the indoor fan 16 to rotate in the reverse direction. Thereby, the aforementioned dust j can be prevented from being directed toward the air blowing port h4.

Further, in the normal air-conditioning operation, since the brush 24b is in a state of being oriented in the lateral direction (refer to FIG. 4), the flow of air is hardly hindered by the influence of the brush 24b. In addition, the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed in the upstream side of the flow of the air, and the air volume reduction due to the fan cleaning unit 24 can be suppressed during the normal air-conditioning operation, and the increase in the power consumption of the indoor fan 16 can be suppressed. .

Incidentally, when a large amount of dust adheres to the indoor fan 16, the amount of air is reduced, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 is supercooled (overcooled), and dew condensation may occur during the cooling operation. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the indoor fan 16 is appropriately cleaned as described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the air volume of the indoor fan 16 due to adhesion of dust. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the dripping of dust caused by the indoor fan 16.

Further, the control unit 30 sequentially freezes and thaws the indoor heat exchanger 15 (step S103 in FIG. 6), thereby washing the dust j adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 with water w and dripping on the water receiving tray 18. . As described above, according to the present embodiment, the indoor fan 16 can be cleaned and the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be cleaned. Therefore, comfortable air conditioning can be performed by the air conditioner 100. Further, it is possible to reduce the effort or maintenance cost of the user required for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 15 or the indoor fan 16.

"Modification"
The air conditioner 100 of the present invention has been described above by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above description, and various modifications can be made.
Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an indoor unit UA1 of an air conditioner according to a modification.
In the modification shown in Fig. 10, the groove member M which is concave in the longitudinal cross-sectional view is provided below the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. Further, a rib 28 extending from the bottom surface of the groove member M toward the upper side is provided in the groove member M. The other points are the same as the embodiment.

In the groove member M shown in Fig. 10, the portion on the front side of the rib 28 functions as the water receiving tray 18A that receives the condensed water of the indoor heat exchanger 15. Further, in the groove member M, the portion on the rear side of the rib 28 functions as a dust collecting portion 29 that receives dust that has fallen from the indoor heat exchanger 15 or the indoor fan 16. This dust collecting portion 29 is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 15.

Further, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the lower portion of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a) is present below the fan cleaning portion 24, and the dust collecting portion 29 is also present. More specifically, although not shown in the drawing, the indoor heat exchanger 15 is present below the contact position in a state where the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16, and the dust collecting portion 29 is also present. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.
At the time of thawing of the indoor heat exchanger 15, water droplets fall on the water receiving tray 18A, and water also drops on the dust collecting portion 29. Therefore, there is no doubt that the discharge of the dust accumulated in the dust collecting portion 29 is hindered.

Further, in the example shown in Fig. 10, the upper end of the rib 28 is not in contact with the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the upper end of the rib 28 is in contact with the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a.

Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the indoor fan 16 and the fan cleaning unit 24A provided in the air conditioner of another modification.
In the modification shown in Fig. 11, the fan cleaning unit 24A includes a rod-shaped shaft portion 24d parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16, a brush 24e provided on the shaft portion 24d, and two shafts 24d provided on the shaft portion 24d. One of the ends is opposite to the support portions 24f, 24f. Others are not shown in the drawings, but the fan cleaning unit 24A also includes a moving mechanism that moves the fan cleaning unit 24A in the axial direction.

As shown in Fig. 11, the length of the fan cleaning portion 24A in the direction parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16 is shorter than the length of the indoor fan 16 itself in the axial direction. Then, during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the fan cleaning unit 24A moves in the axial direction of the indoor fan 16 (the horizontal direction when viewed from the front of the indoor unit). That is, the indoor fan 16 is sequentially cleaned in the axial direction of the indoor fan 16 in a predetermined area corresponding to the length of the fan cleaning unit 24A. By configuring the fan cleaning unit 24A having a relatively short length to move, the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment.

A rod (not shown) extending in parallel with the shaft portion 24d may be provided in the vicinity of the fan cleaning portion 24A (for example, the upper side of the shaft portion 24d), and a predetermined moving mechanism (not shown) may be along the rod. The fan cleaning unit 24A moves. Further, after the cleaning by the fan cleaning unit 24A, the moving mechanism (not shown) can appropriately rotate or parallel the fan cleaning unit 24A to evacuate the fan cleaning unit 24A from the indoor fan 16.

In the embodiment, the control unit 30 causes the fan cleaning unit 24 to contact the indoor fan 16 and rotates the indoor fan 16 in the opposite direction to the normal air-conditioning operation (reverse rotation), but is not limited thereto. herein. In other words, the control unit 30 may cause the fan cleaning unit 24 to contact the indoor fan 16 and rotate the indoor fan 16 in the same direction as the normal air-conditioning operation (forward rotation).

As described above, by bringing the brush 24b into contact with the indoor fan 16 and rotating the indoor fan 16 in the forward direction, dust adhering to the vicinity of the tip end of the blade belly of the blade 16a can be effectively removed. Further, since the circuit component for rotating the indoor fan 16 in the reverse direction is not required, the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner 100 can be reduced. The rotation speed when the indoor fan 16 is rotated in the forward direction during cleaning can be any of the low speed zone, the medium speed zone, and the high speed zone, as in the embodiment.

In the embodiment, the configuration in which the brush 24b is rotated about the shaft portion 24a of the fan cleaning portion 24 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the indoor fan 16 is cleaned, the control unit 30 can move the shaft portion 24a to the indoor fan 16 and bring the brush 24b into contact with the indoor fan 16. Then, after the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 is completed, the control unit 30 retracts the shaft portion 24a to drive the brush 24b away from the indoor fan 16.

In the embodiment, the fan cleaning unit 24 is configured to include the brush 24b, but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, as long as it is a member that can clean the indoor fan 16, a sponge or the like can be used.

In the embodiment, the configuration in which the area below the fan cleaning unit 24 in the indoor heat exchanger 15 is not the downstream area in which the refrigerant flows is described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be configured such that the height is higher than the fan cleaning unit 24, and is not the downstream area (i.e., the upstream area or the middle area) in which the refrigerant flows through the indoor heat exchanger 15. More specifically, in the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, in a region on the downstream side of the flow of air during normal air-conditioning operation and in a region where the height is higher than the fan cleaning portion 24, it is preferable not to perform indoor heat exchange. The downstream zone of the flow of refrigerant flowing through the device 15. According to this configuration, in the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, the region on the downstream side of the flow of the air during the normal air-conditioning operation (the right side of the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a shown in Fig. 2) is In a region where the height is higher than the fan cleaning portion 24, a frost having a relatively large thickness adheres to the freezing of the indoor heat exchanger 15. Then, when the indoor heat exchanger 15 is defrosted, it is transmitted to the fan f and a large amount of water droplets are dropped. As a result, the dust adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 (including the dust removed from the indoor fan 16) can be washed to the water receiving tray 18.

In the embodiment, the control unit 30 causes the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 to contact the indoor fan 16 during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 may close the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 to the indoor fan 16. More specifically, the control unit 30 causes the brush 24b to be close to the indoor fan 16 to such an extent that it can be stored in the tip end of the blade 16a and grow to a position radially outward of the tip end. With this configuration, the dust accumulated in the indoor fan 16 can be appropriately removed.

In the respective embodiments, the process of cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 15 by freezing or the like of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be dew condensation and the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be washed by the dew condensation water (condensed water). For example, the control unit 30 calculates the dew point of the indoor air based on the temperature of the indoor air and the relative humidity. Then, the control unit 30 controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 14 or the like so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is equal to or lower than the dew point and higher than a predetermined freezing temperature.

The term "freezing temperature" as used herein means a temperature at which the moisture contained in the indoor air starts to freeze in the indoor heat exchanger 15 when the temperature of the indoor air is lowered. By dew condensation of the indoor heat exchanger 15 as described above, the dust of the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be cleaned by the dew condensation water (condensed water).

Further, the control unit 30 may perform the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation to dew condensation of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be cleaned by the dew condensation water (condensed water).

In addition, in the embodiment (refer to FIG. 2), the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the water receiving tray 18 are provided below the fan cleaning unit 24, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other words, at least one of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the water receiving tray 18 may be formed below the fan cleaning unit 24. For example, in the configuration in which the lower portion of the indoor heat exchanger 15 having a U-shape when viewed in the longitudinal cross section extends in the straight direction, the water receiving tray 18 may be present below (directly below) the fan cleaning portion 24.

In the modification shown in FIG. 10, the configuration in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dust collecting portion 29 are present below the fan cleaning unit 24 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other words, at least one of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dust collecting portion 29 may be formed below the fan cleaning unit 24.

In addition, in the embodiment, the configuration of one indoor unit Ui (refer to FIG. 1) and the outdoor unit Uo (refer to the same drawing) is separately provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a plurality of indoor units connected in parallel may be provided, and a plurality of outdoor units connected in parallel may be provided.
Further, in the embodiment, the wall-mounted air conditioner 100 will be described, but it may be applied to other types of air conditioners.

In addition, each embodiment is described in detail to explain the present invention more easily, but it is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Further, addition, deletion, and replacement of other configurations may be made for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.
In addition, the foregoing mechanism or configuration is shown as being required for the description, but does not necessarily show all the mechanisms or configurations in terms of products.

100‧‧‧Air conditioner

11‧‧‧Compressor

12‧‧‧Outdoor heat exchanger

13‧‧‧Outdoor fan

14‧‧‧Expansion valve

15‧‧‧ indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

15a‧‧‧ Front side indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

15b‧‧‧Backside indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

16‧‧‧Indoor fan (air supply fan)

17‧‧‧ four-way valve

18‧‧‧Water tray

22‧‧‧about wind direction board

23‧‧‧Up and down wind direction board

24‧‧‧Fan cleaning department

24a‧‧‧Axis

24b‧‧‧ brush

29‧‧‧Dust collection department

30‧‧‧Control Department

K‧‧‧Contact location

Q‧‧‧Refrigerant circuit

R‧‧‧ recess

Fig. 1 is an explanatory view showing a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an indoor unit provided in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the indoor unit provided in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an explanatory view showing the flow of air in the vicinity of the fan cleaning unit in the air-conditioning operation in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by the control unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the indoor fan is cleaned in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is an explanatory view showing a state in which the indoor heat exchanger is defrosted in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by the control unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a view for explaining a period in which the fan cleaning unit in the fan cleaning is in contact with or away from the indoor fan in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an indoor unit provided in an air conditioner according to a modification of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an indoor fan and a fan cleaning unit provided in an air conditioner according to another modification of the present invention.

Claims (9)

An air conditioner characterized by: An indoor heat exchanger having a front side indoor heat exchanger and a rear side indoor heat exchanger, and Air supply fan, and a fan cleaning unit disposed between the front side indoor heat exchanger and the air blowing fan and cleaning the air blowing fan; When the fan cleaning unit cleans the air blowing fan, the air blowing fan rotates in a reverse direction during a normal air conditioning operation, and the fan cleaning unit contacts the reverse rotation after the reverse rotation of the air blowing fan starts. In the aforementioned air supply fan. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the fan cleaning unit contacts the air blowing fan after the number of revolutions of the air blowing fan reaches a predetermined number of revolutions. The contact time between the fan cleaning unit and the blower fan is longer than the time from the start of the rotation of the blower fan to the predetermined number of revolutions. An air conditioner characterized by: An indoor heat exchanger having a front side indoor heat exchanger and a rear side indoor heat exchanger, and Air supply fan, and a fan cleaning unit disposed between the front side indoor heat exchanger and the air blowing fan and cleaning the air blowing fan; When the fan cleaning unit cleans the air blowing fan, the air blowing fan rotates in a reverse direction during a normal air conditioning operation, and the fan cleaning unit performs the reverse rotation before the reverse rotation of the air blowing fan ends. The aforementioned blower fan leaves. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the fan cleaning unit is separated from the blower fan when the number of revolutions of the blower fan is a predetermined number of revolutions. The contact time between the fan cleaning unit and the blower fan is longer than the time when the blower fan is decelerated from the predetermined number of revolutions to the end of the rotation. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the fan cleaning portion is configured to rotate around a shaft portion. The blades of the air blowing fan have a convex shape with respect to a rotation direction of the air blowing fan during cleaning. When the fan cleaning unit is in contact with the blower fan, the fan cleaning unit is inclined toward the rotation direction of the blower fan in the horizontal direction with respect to the horizontal direction. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the fan cleaning portion is configured to rotate around a shaft portion. The blades of the air blowing fan have a convex shape with respect to a rotation direction of the air blowing fan during cleaning. When the fan cleaning unit is in contact with the blower fan, the fan cleaning unit is inclined toward the rotation direction of the blower fan in the horizontal direction with respect to the horizontal direction. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a part of the fan cleaning portion is nylon. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fan cleaning unit is in a state in which the vertical wind direction plate is closed when the fan cleaning unit is in contact with the air blowing fan. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the fan cleaning unit is in a state in which the up-and-down wind direction plate is closed when the fan cleaning unit comes into contact with the air blowing fan.