WO2008072541A1

WO2008072541A1 - Air-conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2008072541A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/073567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Atsushi Matsubara
Original assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-12-12
Filing date: 2007-12-06
Publication date: 2008-06-19
Also published as: JP2008145078A; JP4162029B2

Abstract

An air-conditioner hardly impairing the indoor comfortableness because of the noise generated by dust and dirt removal operation. An air-conditioner (1) comprises a filter (21), a rotary brush (71), and a control part (80). The filter (21) collects the dust and dirt contained in the air. The rotary brush (71) cleans the filter (21). The control part (80) performs a normal operation and a filter cleaning operation for cleaning the filter (21). The control part (80) performs an operation for removing the dust and dirt adhering to the rotary brush (71) under a predetermined condition during the normal operation.

Description

Specification

Air conditioner

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner having a filter cleaning function.

Background art

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner is provided with a filter that removes dust contained in air sucked from the outside.

Also, if dust adheres to and accumulates on the filter, the ventilation resistance increases, so the filter must be cleaned from time to time.

For this reason, some of these air conditioners have a cleaning brush as shown in Patent Document 1.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-194562 (published July 27, 2006)

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0003] Currently, in such an air conditioner, development of an air conditioner having a function of automatically removing dust adhering to a cleaning brush is being studied. However, there is a problem that the sound generated when removing dust adhering to the cleaning brush becomes annoying to the user and impairs comfort.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of making it difficult for indoor comfort to be impaired by sound generated by the dust removing operation.

Means for solving the problem

[0004] An air conditioner according to a first invention includes a filter, a brush, and a control unit. The filter collects air dust. The brush cleans the filter. The control unit performs an air conditioning operation and a filter cleaning operation in which the filter is cleaned using a brush. In the air conditioning operation, the control unit performs a dust removal operation for removing dust attached to the brush under a predetermined condition.

Here, in air-conditioning operation, dust attached to the brush under certain conditions is removed Dust removal operation is performed.

Thereby, the sound generated by the dust removing operation can be mixed with the sound generated by the air conditioning operation.

As a result, the comfort in the room is hardly impaired by the dust removing operation.

During air-conditioning operation, the dust removal operation should not be neglected except when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0005] An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit stops the air conditioner operation and performs the filter cleaning operation.

For this reason, even when the air conditioning operation and the filter cleaning operation are performed separately, the sound generated by the dust removal operation can be mixed into the sound generated by the air conditioning operation.

[0006] An air conditioner according to a third invention is the air conditioner according to the first or second invention, and further includes a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism moves the filter up and down during the filter cleaning operation.

Therefore, dust attached to the filter can be removed by cleaning the filter with the brush while moving the filter in the vertical direction.

[0007] An air conditioner according to a fourth invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to third inventions, and further includes a fan. The fan generates an air flow. The predetermined condition includes a condition that the rotational speed of the fan is equal to or higher than the predetermined rotational speed.

For this reason, the dust removal operation is performed when the rotational speed of the fan is equal to or higher than the predetermined rotational speed.

[0008] An air conditioner according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, wherein the predetermined condition includes a time when the dust removing operation is performed. It includes the conditions for reaching the predetermined accumulated time! /, N! /, And! /.

Here, the dust removal operation is performed when the predetermined integration time has not been reached. For this reason, it is possible to perform the dust removal operation during the air conditioning operation until the predetermined integration time is reached. The predetermined integration time is reset every time a filter cleaning operation is performed, for example. The invention's effect

[0009] According to the air conditioner pertaining to the first aspect of the invention, the comfort in the room is hardly impaired by the dust removal operation.

According to the air conditioner pertaining to the second aspect of the invention, even when the air conditioning operation and the filter cleaning operation are performed separately, the sound generated by the dust removal operation can be mixed into the sound generated by the air conditioning operation. .

According to the air conditioner pertaining to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to remove dust adhering to the filter by cleaning the filter with a brush while moving the filter in the vertical direction. According to the air conditioner pertaining to the fourth invention, the dust removal operation can be performed when the rotational speed of the fan is equal to or higher than the predetermined rotational speed.

According to the air conditioner pertaining to the fifth aspect of the invention, the dust removal operation can be performed during the air conditioning operation until the predetermined integration time is reached.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external appearance of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the indoor unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the indoor unit shown in FIG. 1 in a side view.

4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the winding mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a dust box and a rotating brush shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the indoor unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of determining whether or not a dust removal operation can be performed in the control unit provided in the electrical component unit shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

[0011] 1 Air conditioner

2 Indoor unit

13 Blower fan

21 Huinoleta

30 Winding mechanism (moving mechanism)

71 Rotating brush 80 Control unit

S step

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] An air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs.

The air conditioner 1 is configured by being divided into an indoor unit 2 installed indoors and an outdoor unit 3 installed outdoor, and can perform indoor cooling and heating.

The outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor air conditioning unit 5 and a humidity control unit 4 placed on the outdoor air conditioning unit 5. As will be described later, the humidity control unit 4 can supply outdoor air to the room and exhaust indoor air to the outside. Between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2, humidity control can be performed. An air supply / exhaust hose 6 is provided for use when supplying outdoor air or humidity control air from the unit 4 to the indoor unit 2 side or exhausting indoor air to the outside.

[0013] <Indoor unit 2>

The indoor unit 2 is a wall-mounted indoor unit that is attached to the wall surface of the room. As shown in FIG. 2, the main unit 10, the filter unit 20, the front grinole 50, the front panel 60, and the dust box 70 ,have. The indoor unit 2 sucks air and harmonizes the air, and then blows out the air into the room.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main unit 10 includes a bottom frame 11, an indoor heat exchanger 12, a blower 16 (see FIG. 6), an electrical component unit 14 (see FIG. 2), and the like.

An indoor heat exchanger 12, an air blower 16, an electrical component unit 14 and the like are attached to the bottom frame 11. In addition, a blowout port 15 is provided in the lower part of the front surface of the bottom frame 11, and a horizontal flap for guiding the air blown out from the blowout port 15 is provided. The horizontal flap is rotationally driven by a flap motor, and can change the air guide direction and open / close the outlet 15.

[0014] The indoor heat exchanger 12 is configured by a plurality of fins and a heat transfer tube through which a refrigerant flows, and performs heat exchange with air passing therethrough. For example, the blower 16 generates an air flow that is taken in from a room and adjusted in temperature by the indoor heat exchanger 12 and then blown out into the room. The blower 16 includes a blower fan 13 and an indoor fan motor. The blower fan 13 is a cross flow fan, and is rotationally driven by an indoor fan motor.

The blower 16 and the indoor heat exchanger 12 constitute a temperature adjusting unit 22 (see FIG. 6) that takes in indoor air and adjusts the temperature, and then blows it out into the room.

As shown in FIG. 3, the filter unit 20 includes a filter 21 and is attached to the bottom frame 11. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, grooves 21a extending in a substantially horizontal direction are formed at equal intervals in the vertical direction on both side ends of the filter 21. The groove 21a is formed so as to correspond to a protrusion 31a formed in a gear shape along the outer periphery of the pulley 31 described in detail later.

Two filters 21 are arranged in the left-right direction in front of and above the indoor heat exchanger 12 (that is, upstream of the air flow). The filter 21 removes dust from the air taken in from the room or outdoors. Thus, the filter 21 prevents the indoor heat exchanger 12 from being contaminated by dust floating in the air.

Further, the filter unit 20 includes a winding mechanism (moving mechanism) 30 that moves the filter 21 downward and a winding motor 26 (see FIG. 6) in order to perform cleaning to remove dust adhering to the filter 21. Yes. The filter 21 is disposed at a predetermined position P1 so as to cover almost the entire upstream side of the air flow in the indoor heat exchanger 12 when the filter 21 is not wound by the winding mechanism 30! (See Figure 2).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the take-up mechanism 30 is disposed immediately downstream of the air flow in the upper suction port 75 (detailed in the subsequent stage) and the front suction port 76 (detailed in the subsequent stage). It has a pulley 31 and a guide ability 42. The winding mechanism 30 moves the filter 21 in the vertical direction when cleaning the finer 21.

[0016] The guide member 42 is disposed at each of the left and right ends and the center of the filter unit 20 as shown in FIG. It is a product. The guide member 42 is provided with a filter when the filter 21 moves up and down. A groove 42a (see FIG. 3) for guiding the filter 21 is formed. Here, the shape of the groove 42a will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. 3 as follows.

As shown in FIG. 3, the groove 42a is formed along the peripheral edge of the guide member 42 in a side view, and the winding position P2 where the filter 21 is located downstream from the predetermined position P1 of the air flow. Move to. On the other hand, it is moved from the winding position P2 to the predetermined position P1.

The pulleys 31 are respectively disposed between the lower end portions of the guide members 42 and are supported by the guide members 42 so that the left and right ends can be rotated. The pulley 31 is formed with gear-like protrusions 31a on the outer peripheral portions at the left and right ends. Further, the pulley 31 is rotationally driven by the take-up motor 26, whereby the protrusion 31a engages with the groove 21a and moves the filter 21 in the vertical direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the rotating pulley 31 moves the filter 21 downward and moves along the outer periphery of the pulley 31 so that the back side of the guide member 42 (that is, the guide member 42). The filter 21 can be moved to the winding position P2 on the downstream side of the air flow. Conversely, the pulley 31 can also move the wound filter 21 from the winding position P2 to the upstream side of the air flow in the guide member 42 (that is, the predetermined position P1).

As shown in FIG. 2, the front grill 50 is attached to the filter unit 20 so as to cover the filter unit 20, and an upper suction port 75 is provided on the top surface of the front grill 50. In addition, a front panel 60 that covers the front of the front grille 50 is attached to the front grille 50. When the front panel 60 moves, the front suction V and the inlet 76 formed on the front of the front grille 50 are opened and closed. That power S.

Further, the front grill 50 is provided with an opening that exposes a display unit 77 (see FIG. 1) that displays the operation status of the indoor unit 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dust box 70 is attached to the lower side of the front panel 60 on the front side of the air outlet 15 and has a function of cleaning the filter 21. The dust box 70 interferes with the front panel 60 when the front panel 60 is closed. It is removable from the outside without having to do it. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the dust box 70 is provided with two rotating brushes 71 and two corresponding sweep-off members 72 along the longitudinal direction.

Here, the rotating brush 71 comes into pressure contact with the filter 21 that moves to the lower side of the filter unit 20. Further, when the filter 21 is cleaned, the rotary brush 71 is driven to rotate by a brush motor 78 (see FIG. 6). The rotating brush 71, brush motor 78, take-up mechanism 30, and take-up motor 26 clean the dust adhering to the filter 21 when the filter 21 is moved from the predetermined position P1 to the take-up position P2. This constitutes the filter cleaning section 7 9 (see Fig. 6). And the filter cleaning part 79 implements the filter cleaning driving | operation which makes the rotary brush 71 press-contact to the filter 21, as shown above.

The rotating brush 71 rotates in the positive direction. This positive direction is a direction rotating from the back side of the indoor unit 2 to the front side in the side view, that is, a rotation direction counterclockwise in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sweep-off member 72 is formed in a comb-like shape, and comes into contact with the hair tip portion when the rotating brush 71 rotates, and is attached to the rotating brush 71. Is swept down into the dust box 70 below.

The control unit 80 shown in FIG. 6 is provided in the electrical component unit 14 (see FIG. 2) of the indoor unit 2, and based on instructions from the remote controller 81 and information from various sensors (not shown). Perform normal operation (air conditioning operation) such as temperature adjustment operation, humidification operation, air supply ventilation operation, exhaust operation, and filter cleaning operation. Further, the control unit 80 can perform a dust removal operation, which will be described in detail later, during normal operation. In the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the normal operation does not include the filter cleaning operation, and the normal operation is stopped and the filter cleaning operation is performed.

[0020] <Description of execution determination flow of dust removal operation>

Here, the dust removal operation of the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Apart from the filter cleaning operation, the dust removal operation is performed by rotating the rotating brush 7 1 by the brush motor 78 and rotating the rotating brush 7 1 by the filter cleaning operation. This is an operation to sweep the dust adhering to 1 to the dust box 70. (It is determined whether or not the dust removal operation can be performed every time the filter cleaning operation is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.) Further, in the dust removal operation, the rotating brush 71 rotates in the forward direction.

In step S1, the control unit 80 determines whether or not normal operation is being performed. The dust removal operation is not performed except during normal operation.

In step S2, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the rotational speed of the blower fan 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed. Since the dust removal operation is performed only when the rotational speed of the blower fan 13 is equal to or higher than the predetermined rotational speed, the dust removal operation is not performed when the rotational speed of the blower fan 13 is low.

In step S3, the control unit 80 starts a dust removal operation.

In step S4, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the time when the dust removing operation has been performed has reached a predetermined integrated time! /.

Here, if the predetermined integration time has been reached, the control unit 80 proceeds to step S8 and ends the dust removal operation, and further returns the integration time to 0 in step S9 and ends the dust removal operation. . In addition, when the predetermined integration time has not been reached, the control unit 80 proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the control unit 80 determines again whether or not normal operation is being performed. In step S6, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the rotational speed of the blower fan 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed, as in step S2.

If control unit 80 determines that the condition is not satisfied in steps S 5 and S 6, it ends the dust removal operation in step S 7 and returns to step S 1 again.

As described above, in the air conditioner 1, the dust removal operation is performed only when the predetermined conditions shown in steps S1, S2, and S4 to S6 are satisfied, so that the comfort of the indoor space is improved by the sound generated by the dust removal operation. We are trying not to impair the sex. For this reason, for example, even if normal operation ends during the dust removal operation in step S7, the dust removal operation will be performed again if the next predetermined conditions shown in steps Sl, S2, and S4 to S6 are met next time. It will be done. Further, the dust removing operation has an effect of shortening the time for performing the filter cleaning operation by removing the dust that cannot be removed by the sweep-off member 72 during the filter cleaning operation.

[0023] <Features of air conditioner 1>

(1)

As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment includes a filter 21, a rotating brush 71, and a control unit 80 (see FIG. 6). The filter 21 collects air dust. The rotating brush 71 cleans the filter 21. The control unit 80 performs a normal operation and a filter cleaning operation for cleaning the filter 21. The control unit 80 performs a dust removing operation that adheres to the rotating brush 71 in a normal operation under a predetermined condition.

As described above, the dust removal operation for removing the dust is performed only when the predetermined condition is satisfied during the normal operation, so that the sound generated by the dust removal operation can be mixed into the sound generated by the normal operation. .

As a result, it is suppressed that the comfort of the indoor space is impaired by performing the dust removing operation.

(2)

The air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment includes a winding mechanism 30 as shown in FIG. The winding mechanism 30 moves the filter in the vertical direction during the filter cleaning operation. For this reason, the filter 21 is cleaned by the rotary brush 71 while moving the filter 21 in the vertical direction, and the dust adhering to the filter 21 can be efficiently removed.

(3)

As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment includes a blower fan 13 that generates an air flow. The control unit 80 performs the dust removal operation only when the rotational speed of the blower fan 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed.

[0025] In this way, the sound generated by the dust removal operation is generated by the normal operation by performing the dust removal operation only when the sound generated by the rotation of the blower fan 13 becomes larger than the predetermined rotation speed. It is possible to get lost in the sound.

(Four) In the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 80 performs the dust removal operation only when V does not reach the predetermined integration time.

As a result, the dust removal operation is not performed wastefully.

Even if normal operation ends during the dust removal operation in step S7, the dust removal operation will be performed again if the predetermined conditions shown in steps Sl, S2, and S4 to S6 are met next time. It will be.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(A)

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 80 has been described with an example in which the dust removal operation is performed only when the predetermined conditions shown in steps S1, S2, and S4 to S6 are satisfied. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, a case where an operation for cleaning the interior of the indoor unit 2 and a case where an operation for preventing the generation of vignetting in an indoor space where air conditioning is performed are further added as a condition that the dust removal operation is not performed. May be. Here, the operation of cleaning the interior of the indoor unit 2 is an operation of suppressing the generation of mold in the indoor unit 2 by lowering the humidity in the indoor unit 2 and drying it. In addition, the operation for preventing the occurrence of mold in the air-conditioned indoor space is an operation for reducing the humidity of the indoor space by continuously performing a dehumidifying operation on the indoor space for a predetermined time.

[0027] Further, for example, the case of performing a 24-hour ventilation operation may be further added as a condition that the dust removal operation is not performed! /.

Further, for example, as a condition for not performing the dust removal operation, the filter 21 is set at the predetermined position P1! / ,!

In these cases, the same effect as the air conditioner 1 according to the above embodiment can be obtained.

(B)

In the above embodiment, the control unit 80 performs the normal operation and the filter cleaning operation separately. An example was given and explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, if there is little risk of dust adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 12, etc., the filter cleaning operation can be performed during normal operation.

[0028] In this case as well, the same effects as those of the air conditioner 1 according to the above embodiment can be obtained.

(C)

In the above embodiment, the example in which the filter 21 is moved in the vertical direction by the winding mechanism 30 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, instead of moving the filter 21 in the vertical direction, a mechanism for moving the rotary brush 71 in the vertical direction may be provided.

Also in this case, the same effect as the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment can be obtained.

(D)

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, in step S2, the control unit 80 is an example in which the dust removal operation is performed when the rotational speed of the blower fan 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed. And explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0029] For example, in steps S2 and S6, instead of making a determination based on the rotational speed of the blower fan 13, a determination may be made based on the loudness generated by the operation of the indoor unit 2.

(E)

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 80 has been described with an example in which the dust removal operation is performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied during normal operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, when the filter 21 is moved from the predetermined position P1 to the winding position P2 during the filter cleaning operation, or when the filter 21 is moved from the winding position P2 to the predetermined position P1, the rotation driving time of the rotary brush 71 is extended. Then, the dust removal operation may be performed.

[0030] Further, for example, when the dust removing operation is performed, the rotating brush 71 is not brought into contact with the filter 21. The dust removal operation may be performed after retreating to a proper position.

In the present invention, the dust removing operation is performed as shown in the above embodiment. On the contrary

For example, if the sound generated in the indoor unit 2 does not matter, it may be possible to extend the filter cleaning operation time and remove dust from the rotating brush 71. However, in this case, the filter cleaning operation As a result, the sound generated by the filter cleaning operation will be generated for a longer time and the comfort of the indoor space may be impaired.

[0031] (F)

In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 1 has been described mainly by taking an example in which the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, an air conditioner having functions included in the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 alone may be used. The air conditioner includes an air purifier.

(G)

In the above embodiment, the example in which the rotating brush 71 rotates in the positive direction has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, when rotating the rotating brush 71 in the direction opposite to the forward direction can efficiently remove dust adhering to the filter 21, the rotating brush 71 is moved in the direction opposite to the forward direction. It may be rotated.

Also in this case, the same effect as that of the air conditioner 1 according to the above embodiment can be obtained.

(H)

In the above embodiment, the dust removal operation has been described with an example in which whether or not the dust removal operation is performed is determined according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 every time the filter cleaning operation is performed. But book The invention is not limited to this.

For example, instead of performing the dust removal operation every time the filter cleaning operation is performed, the filter may be cleaned every time the filter cleaning operation is performed a predetermined number of times. .

(I)

[0033] For example, it is also possible to further add a condition that the dust removal operation is not performed in a time zone (such as a midnight time zone) set by the user as a predetermined condition.

Even in this case, the same effect as the air conditioner 1 according to the above embodiment can be obtained. Industrial applicability

[0034] The air conditioner of the present invention can be widely applied to an air conditioner having a filter cleaning function because it has a soothing effect when comfort is hardly impaired by the sound generated by the dust removal operation. It is.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A filter (21) that collects air dust,

A brush (71) for cleaning the filter;

A control unit (80) for performing air conditioning operation, filter cleaning operation for cleaning the filter using the brush, and

With

The control unit performs a dust removal operation for removing dust attached to the brush under a predetermined condition in the air conditioning operation.

Air conditioner (1).

[2] The control unit stops the air conditioning operation and performs the filter cleaning operation.

The air conditioner (1) according to claim 1.

[3] A moving mechanism (30 for moving the filter in the vertical direction during the filter cleaning operation)

)

The air conditioner (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

[4] It further comprises a fan (13) for generating an air flow,

The predetermined condition includes a condition that the rotational speed of the fan is equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed.

The air conditioner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[5] The predetermined condition includes a condition that the time during which the dust removing operation has been performed reaches a predetermined accumulated time! /, N! /, And! /,

The air conditioner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.