WO2019077769A1

WO2019077769A1 - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2019077769A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/005758
Authority: WO
Inventors: 充邦吉田
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2017-10-18
Filing date: 2018-02-19
Publication date: 2019-04-25
Also published as: JP7037575B2; JPWO2019077769A1

Abstract

An air conditioner comprises a filter, a cleaning mechanism that removes dust accumulated in the filter, and a control unit that controls driving of the cleaning mechanism. Cleaning mechanism drive modes by the control unit include: a combination cleaning mode in which driving of the cleaning mechanism is started after air conditioning operations complete when the time from when the cleaning mechanism was previously driven has reached a prescribed cumulative time; and a forced cleaning mode that interrupts the air conditioning operation and starts driving the cleaning mechanism when the operation time for air conditioning operations being continuously performed has reached a prescribed continuous operation time. A prescribed restriction time zone is set to limit driving of the cleaning mechanism. The control unit does not start driving the cleaning mechanism when the combination cleaning mode start time is included in the restriction time zone and does start driving the cleaning mechanism even when the forced cleaning mode start time is included in the restriction time zone.

Description

air conditioner

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

In the air conditioning operation, an indoor fan provided in an indoor unit of the air conditioning rotates in air conditioning operation, sucks the air of the conditioned space, and blows out the air conditioned by the heat exchanger into the conditioned space. It is. The indoor unit is provided with a filter, and the filter is attached with dust of the sucked air so as to maintain the cleanliness of the blown air. If the attached dust is left as it is, the filter is clogged, air flow resistance increases, and the capacity of the air conditioner decreases. On the other hand, the air conditioner of Patent Document 1 includes filter cleaning means for cleaning the filter of the indoor unit and control means for controlling the filter cleaning means.

The air conditioner of Patent Document 1 has control for integrating the time during which the air conditioner is operating and driving the filter cleaning means to clean the filter when the integrated operation time reaches a predetermined time. The filter cleaning means is configured to start driving the filter cleaning after the operation of the air conditioner is stopped after that when the integrated operation time reaches the predetermined time.

JP, 2010-19549, A

However, since the filter cleaning means of the air conditioner of Patent Document 1 has no restriction on the time when the filter cleaning is started, when the predetermined time is reached, the time when the operation of the air conditioner is stopped after that is midnight, etc. In general, driving of the filter cleaning means is started even during the sleeping period of the user. Since the drive of the filter cleaning means is accompanied by the generation of sound, there is a problem that the user of the air conditioner may feel discomfort.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and prevents the user of the air conditioner from feeling discomfort even when it is necessary to start the drive of the filter cleaning means. Aims to provide an air conditioner that can

An air conditioner according to the present invention is an air conditioner comprising a filter for collecting dust of suctioned air, a cleaning mechanism for removing dust collected by the filter, and a control unit for controlling driving of the cleaning mechanism. The combined cleaning mode in which the drive of the cleaning mechanism by the control unit starts the drive of the cleaning mechanism after the end of the air conditioning operation when the predetermined cumulative time has reached since the cleaning mechanism was driven last time; When the operation time of the air conditioning operation performed continuously reaches a predetermined continuous operation time, the air conditioning operation is interrupted and a forced cleaning mode for starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism is included, and the driving of the cleaning mechanism is limited. When a predetermined time limit period is set, and the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit period, the control unit does not start driving of the cleaning mechanism and the forced cleaning mode is activated. Open Time, even when included in the restriction time slot, characterized in that to start driving of the cleaning mechanism.

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows one structural example of a cleaning mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the mode of the drive 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 process sequence which concerns on Embodiment 2 (forced cleaning mode). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which concerns on Embodiment 3 (super forced cleaning mode). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which concerns on Embodiment 4 (cooperation with a display part).

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings showing the embodiments. 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. An air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment includes an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 3, a refrigerant pipe 10 for connecting a refrigerant circuit by connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 and circulating a refrigerant, and an air conditioner 1. The remote control 4 for performing the driving operation of 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 includes a compressor 21 that compresses a refrigerant such as R32, a four-way switching valve 23 connected to the discharge pipe of the compressor 21 to switch the refrigerant path, an outdoor heat exchanger 24 that exchanges heat with the outside air, and a refrigerant It includes an expansion valve 25 for reducing pressure, an accumulator 22 connected to a suction pipe of the compressor 21 for performing gas-liquid separation of refrigerant, and an outdoor fan 26 for blowing outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 24. 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. 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. The compressor 21 and the outdoor fan 26, drive control of the four-way switching valve 23 and the expansion valve 25 and detection of the driving state. Various sensors such as an outside air temperature sensor 241, a suction temperature sensor 211, and a 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. The outdoor control board 27 is communicably connected to an indoor control board 36 described later, and cooperates with the indoor control board 36 to control the entire air conditioner 1.

The indoor unit 3 collects the dust of the air sent to the indoor heat exchanger 31, which exchanges heat with the indoor air, the indoor fan 34 for blowing the indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 31, and the indoor heat exchanger 31. And a wind direction plate 35 for determining the blow-off direction of the air blown by the indoor fan 34. The indoor fan 34 is, for example, a cross flow fan 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 penetrating 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 in a rectangular grid body made of resin. The filter 37 is provided upstream 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. As shown in FIG. The indoor unit 3 further includes a cleaning mechanism 38. The cleaning mechanism 38 includes a rotating brush 381 for removing dust on the filter 37, a dust collection box 383 for collecting dust removed by the rotating brush 381, and a filter moving unit 382 for relatively moving the rotating brush 381 and the filter 37. . The rotating brush 381 has a rotating body rotationally driven by a motor, and the tip of the brush portion provided on the surface of the rotating body is in contact with the filter 37 in the longitudinal direction. The dust collection box 383 is a box having an opening, and the opening is disposed toward the rotating brush 381. The filter moving unit 382 has a filter guide and a filter moving motor, and drives the filter moving motor to reciprocate the filter 37 fitted at both ends in the filter guide relative to the rotating brush 381. Is configured.

The cleaning mechanism 38 is electrically connected to a control unit 50 described later, and drives the rotating brush 381 and the 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 in contact with the brush portion is scraped off and collected in the dust collection box 383. The filter 37 reciprocates the filter 37 with respect to the rotating brush 381 by the filter moving unit 382 and substantially all the area of the filter 37 abuts on the brush portion, whereby substantially all dust collected by the filter 37 is scraped off and collected. The dust is collected in a 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 discarded.

The indoor unit 3 includes a display unit 39. The display unit 39 includes a light source such as an LED, and can display characters, figures, or a color pattern by, for example, full dot display by a liquid crystal display or 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 displays the characters and the like to the operating mode of the air conditioner 1 for the operator of the air conditioner 1. , Informing the indoor temperature etc. detected by the suction air temperature sensor 32. The display unit 39 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 described later, and lights or blinks the light source based on the control signal output from the control unit 50 to display predetermined characters and the like, and non-display (light off ) And the brightness of the light source can be adjusted.

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

The remote control 4 is communicably connected to the indoor unit 3 through the reception unit, and includes an input unit, a display unit, and a remote control inner substrate 41. The remote control 4 is not limited to a dedicated device for operating the air conditioner 1, and includes, for example, general-purpose devices such as a smart phone and a personal computer installed with an application for operating the air conditioner 1.

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 necessary for performing the control and data. The control unit 50 is constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or the like, and reads and executes the program 51P and data stored in advance in the storage unit 51 to execute various control processes and Perform arithmetic processing etc. The control unit 50 has a clocking 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 in the remote controller 4. Alternatively, CPUs or the like mounted on the respective substrates may be configured to function as the control unit 50 in communication with each other and in cooperation with each other. 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 obtain output results from the various sensors, and the compressor 21, the indoor fan 34, the cleaning mechanism 38 and the display unit 39. And other actuators, and performs drive control of the various actuators and detection of the drive state.

The storage unit 51 is composed of a nonvolatile 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 similar to a CPU etc. It is mounted on any of the outdoor control board 27, the indoor control board 36, and the control board in the remote controller 4.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of a drive mode of the cleaning mechanism 38. As shown in FIG. When the control unit 50 performs drive control 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 an occasional cleaning mode.

The combined cleaning mode is a cleaning mode that is executed when a predetermined cumulative time has been reached since the cleaning mechanism 38 was driven last time, that is, when the cleaning mechanism 38 was cleaned last time. When cleaning is performed in any of the cleaning modes, the control unit 50 stores the time (time) when the cleaning is performed in the storage unit 51. After starting the air conditioning operation, if an accumulated time of, for example, 24 hours has elapsed since the previous cleaning, the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 to perform cleaning after stopping the air conditioning operation. Since the combined cleaning mode performs cleaning after stopping the air conditioning operation, it is possible to avoid affecting the operation of the air conditioner 1 by the operator. The stopping of the air conditioning operation is performed by pressing the stop button of the remote control 4, setting of the turning-off timer, stopping by schedule setting, or the like. The accumulated time is, for example, an elapsed time including a time during which the air conditioning operation is performed and a time when the air conditioning operation is not performed. By setting the elapsed time, that is, the time obtained by subtracting the time (time) of previous cleaning from the current time, as the accumulated time, control can be performed with a simple determination condition. Further, by including the time when the air conditioning operation is not performed, that is, the time when the indoor fan 34 is stopped, dust may be naturally deposited on the filter 37 while the air conditioner 1 is stopped. The filter 37 can be cleaned reliably. The accumulated time may be an integrated operation time obtained by integrating the time during which the air conditioning operation is performed. By setting the accumulated time as the integrated operation time, the frequency of cleaning in the combined cleaning mode can be reduced. The predetermined cumulative time including the elapsed time and the integrated operation time may be, for example, 24 hours, and the value of the predetermined cumulative time is stored in the storage unit 51. The accumulated time value may be input and changed by the operation of the operator from the remote control 4 or a smart phone or the like 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. When the air conditioner 1 is activated and the air conditioning operation is started, the control unit 50 initializes the operation time, that is, sets it as 0 hour. The control unit 50 integrates time during continuous air conditioning operation, and suspends the air conditioning operation when the integrated operation time reaches a predetermined continuous operation time such as 23 hours, for example, and the cleaning mechanism 38 Drive, ie 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. Also, the air conditioning operation may include a defrost operation or a thermo-off state. In the thermo-off state, the temperature in the room, which is the space to be air-conditioned, reaches the set temperature set by the remote controller 4 or the like as the target temperature or a temperature obtained by adding or subtracting the set temperature to the set temperature. It is needless to say that the drive of the compressor 21 is stopped by this. After completing the cleaning, the control unit 50 resumes 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 re-initializes the above-mentioned operation time to resume the air conditioning operation, and resumes integration of the operation time for the forced cleaning mode to be performed next time. When the operation time obtained by integrating the time during which the air conditioning operation is continuously performed reaches a predetermined continuous operation time, cleaning can be efficiently performed under simple determination conditions by starting the cleaning.

The predetermined continuous operation time can be set, for example, to 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 as in the cumulative time. It may be done like that. 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 be equal to or less than the predetermined cumulative time, the operation time of the continuously performed air conditioning operation reaches the predetermined continuous operation time, and after the forced cleaning mode is cleaned, the air conditioning is performed. When the operation is stopped, it can be avoided that the cleaning in the combined cleaning mode is performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden 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 activations of the air conditioner 1 has reached a predetermined number of times from when the cleaning mechanism 38 was driven last time, that is, when cleaning last time. . When cleaning is performed in any of the cleaning modes, the control unit 50 initializes the number of activations of the air conditioner 1, that is, sets it as 0. Every time the air conditioner 1 is started or stopped, the control unit 50 increments the number of times of activation, that is, adds 1 to count the number of times of activation, and stores the number of times of activation in the storage unit 51. The control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 to perform cleaning after the air conditioning operation is stopped, when the number of times of activation has reached a predetermined number of times, for example, 10 times since cleaning was performed last time. The cleaning in the super forced accuracy mode is not limited to the case performed after the air conditioning operation is stopped, and may be performed before the air conditioning operation is started after the air conditioner 1 is started. Alternatively, the cleaning in the super forced accuracy mode may be performed according to the timing when the thermo-off state is obtained by activating the air conditioner 1 and starting the air conditioning operation.

If the control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 not only in the super forced cleaning mode but also in other cleaning modes, ie, performs cleaning, it initializes the number of activations of the air conditioner 1, and the super forced cleaning mode to be performed next time To count the number of activations. In addition to the control of the cleaning mechanism 38 based on time such as the accumulated time or continuous operation time as in the combined cleaning mode or the forced cleaning mode described above, the control based on the number of activations of the air conditioner 1 is used in combination. Dust on the filter 37 can be removed. In addition, even if the combined cleaning mode is not performed due to the time limit described later, dust in the filter 37 is reliably removed by the super forced accuracy mode based on the number of times the air conditioner 1 is activated. Can. The predetermined number of times can be, for example, ten times, and the value of the predetermined number of times is stored in the storage unit 51, and can be input and changed by the operation of the operator like the cumulative time. It is also good.

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

In each cleaning mode, the drive mode of the cleaning mechanism 38 such as the brush rotational speed, the filter moving speed and the filter moving distance may be set. By increasing the brush rotational speed, it is possible to increase the amount of dust removed per unit time, but the generated sound is increased. By reducing the filter moving speed, it is possible to increase the amount of dust removed in a predetermined filter 37 area per unit time, but the time required for cleaning becomes longer. Although the removal amount of dust can be increased by increasing the filter movement distance, that is, the number of reciprocations of the filter 37, the time required for cleaning becomes longer.

As shown in FIG. 4, in each cleaning mode, the brush rotational speed may be faster, the filter moving speed may be slower, and the filter moving distance may be longer than other cleaning modes. The cleaning mode is a mode in which cleaning is performed according to the intention of the operator. Therefore, even if the time required for cleaning is long, priority can be given to reliably removing dust.

In the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode, the brush rotational speed, the filter moving speed, and the filter moving distance are set in the same manner, and the brush rotating speed is slower and the filter moving speed is faster than the 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 noise generated and to shorten the time required for the cleaning.

The drive mode of the cleaning mechanism 38 in the super forced cleaning mode may be set to be positioned between the cleaning mode and the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode. When the super forced cleaning mode is started, it is assumed that the dust collected in the filter 37 tends to be large, but the brush rotational speed is made faster than in the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode, and the filter movement is performed. By reducing the speed and increasing the filter movement distance, dust can be reliably removed.

When the control unit 50 performs drive control 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 time of a specific day of the week, for example, by setting it as a time zone from 1 am to 5 am and setting it as a time zone from Monday to Friday in one week. The time limit may be stored in the storage unit 51, and may be input and changed by the operation of the operator as in the cumulative time.

As shown in FIG. 4, in each cleaning mode, the presence or absence of a restriction by a time limit is set. The combined cleaning mode is set so as not to start the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 when the start time of cleaning in the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit period. The time limit is often set according to the operator's bedtime, but if the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit, the operator does not start driving the cleaning mechanism 38. You can avoid disturbing your sleep.

In the forced cleaning mode, when the start time of cleaning in the forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit period, the air conditioning operation is continued until the time limit period ends, and after the time limit period ends, the air conditioning operation is interrupted and cleaning is performed. The drive of the mechanism 38 is started. Although the time limit is often set according to the operator's bedtime, by driving the cleaning mechanism 38 after the time limit is over, it is possible to avoid disturbing the operator's sleep. be able to. When the forced cleaning mode start time is included in the time limit zone, the air conditioning operation may be interrupted and the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 may be started without waiting for the end of the time limit zone. Even in the case where the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the limited time zone and the case where the cleaning in the combined cleaning mode is not performed continues, the forced cleaning mode can be used to clean reliably.

The super forced cleaning mode starts driving the cleaning mechanism 38 even when the start time of the cleaning in the super forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit period. In daily air-conditioning operation, activation and stop of the air conditioner 1 are repeated without reaching the continuous operation time when the forced cleaning mode is started, and the start time of the combined cleaning mode is continuously included in the time limit period. The cleaning mechanism 38 is not driven in the forced cleaning mode and the combined cleaning mode. On the other hand, the filter 37 can be cleaned periodically by providing the super forced cleaning mode for starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 when the number of times of activation of the air conditioner 1 reaches a predetermined number.

The limited time zone is set by combining with a predetermined time zone or day of week, but is not limited to this. The control unit 50 can set the time limit period in accordance with the luminance 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 luminance of the display unit 39 when the display unit 39 is turned on. The luminance of the display unit 39 is set by a predetermined operation of the remote control 4 by the operator. Alternatively, the luminance of the display unit 39 is changed in conjunction with the mode of the air conditioning operation. The mode of air conditioning operation interlocked with the brightness of the display unit 39 is, for example, the indoor fan 34 when the air conditioning operation is stopped by the schedule setting within a predetermined time such as 2 hours when the off timer is set. The low air flow operation reduces the number of revolutions of the air flow to reduce the blowing noise, and the night sleep operation in which the temperature and humidity and the blowing direction are set in order to give a person a good night's sleep.

When the brightness of the display unit 39 is turned on at a predetermined value or less by the operation of the remote control 4 by the operator or in conjunction with a predetermined air conditioning operation, the control unit 50 is included in the limited time zone, the combined cleaning mode And the cleaning in the forced cleaning mode may be limited. The luminance of the display unit 39 can be, for example, luminance equal to or less than about half of the maximum luminance as the predetermined value or less. In addition, the state where the luminance of the display unit 39 is equal to or less than a predetermined value may include a state in which the display unit 39 is turned off. The control unit 50 can limit the cleaning of the combined cleaning mode and the forced cleaning mode, for example, in conjunction with the luminance of the display unit 39 by setting the time limit period according to the luminance of the display unit 39. In addition, the brightness of the display unit 39 is simplified according to the intention of the operator by changing the brightness in conjunction with the predetermined operation of the remote control 4 by the operator or the mode of the air conditioning operation. It can be set to

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the first embodiment (general control in a time limit zone). A flow of processing relating to drive control of the cleaning mechanism 38 by the control unit 50 will be described using a flowchart as follows. When the air conditioner 1 is started and the air conditioning operation is started, or during operation, the control unit 50 constantly executes the following processing.

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 hour, 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 in accordance with the air conditioning operation.

The control unit 50 reads from the storage unit 51 the time (time point) of cleaning last time, that is, the time when the cleaning mechanism 38 was driven last time (S102). As described later, when the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven or cleaned in 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 subtracts the current time from the time of the previous cleaning read from the storage unit 51 to calculate an accumulated time that is an elapsed time from the previous cleaning (S103). The accumulated 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 the end time of the air conditioning operation, and It may be derived based on the integration time of the operation time.

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

The control unit 50 determines whether the operating time calculated in S105 has reached a predetermined continuous operating time (S105). The predetermined continuous operation time is, for example, 23 hours, and is stored in the storage unit 51. The control unit 50 refers to the storage unit 51 and reads out the value of the predetermined continuous operation time.

If the predetermined continuous operation time has been reached (S105: YES), that is, if the operation time from the time when the operation time is initialized to the present is equal to or more than the predetermined continuous operation time, the control unit 50 In order to execute the cleaning, the air conditioning operation is interrupted (S106). The control unit 50 stores the mode of the air conditioning operation at the time of interruption in the storage unit 51 when the air conditioning operation is interrupted. The mode of the air conditioning operation includes, for example, an operation mode such as heating or cooling, a set temperature, the number of rotations (air flow rate) of the indoor fan 34, and the angle of the flap.

The control unit 50 drives the cleaning mechanism 38 in the forced cleaning mode to start 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 causes the storage unit 51 to store, as the cleaning time, the time at that point in time with the start of the cleaning or at the end of the cleaning.

After completing the cleaning, the control unit 50 initializes the operation time (S108). The control unit 50 resumes the air conditioning operation (S109). When restarting the air conditioning operation, the control unit 50 reads 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 to perform the process of S102 again. Note that the aspect 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 It is determined whether or not (S121). The air conditioning operation is ended, for example, by the operation of the remote control 4 such as the depression of the stop button by the operator, the off timer, or the schedule function.

If the air conditioning operation has not ended (S121: NO), that is, if the air conditioning operation continues, the control unit 50 performs loop processing to perform the process of S102 again.

When the air conditioning operation is ended (S121: YES), the control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined cumulative time has been reached from the time of the previous cleaning at the present time (S122). The control unit 50 derives an accumulated time from an elapsed time obtained by subtracting the time of the previous cleaning from the current time. In addition, in the subtraction between the said time, when straddling the day, it is needless to say that 24 hours are added according to the number of days straddling. The accumulated 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 the end time of the air conditioning operation, and the operation time of the air conditioning operation from the previous cleaning time to the present time The accumulated time may be derived from the accumulated time of Preferably, the predetermined cumulative time is set to be equal to or longer than the predetermined continuous operation time in S105.

If 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.

If the predetermined cumulative time has been reached (S122: YES), the control unit 50 determines whether the current time is within the time limit (S123). If the current time is within the time limit (S123: YES), the control unit 50 stops the air conditioner 1 (S125) so as to end the air conditioning operation without performing the cleaning in the combined cleaning mode.

If 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 causes the storage unit 51 to store, as the cleaning time, the time at that point in time with the start of the cleaning or at the end of the cleaning. 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, dust collected by the filter 37 can be efficiently removed. When the start time of the combined cleaning mode is within the time limit, the control within the time limit is set according to the operator's bedtime by performing control not to start cleaning in the combined cleaning mode. It is possible to suppress the generation of discomfort to the operator.

When the air conditioning operation is finished after cleaning in the forced cleaning mode is performed by setting the predetermined cumulative time of the combined cleaning mode to be equal to or longer than the predetermined continuous operation time in the forced cleaning mode, the cleaning in the combined cleaning mode is performed. Since it does not occur, excessive cleaning can be suppressed. Even in the time limit period, when the predetermined continuous operation time in the forced cleaning mode is reached, the cleaning in the forced cleaning mode is performed, the clogging of the filter 37 progresses, and the ventilation resistance increases, and the air conditioner 1 It is possible to suppress the reduction of the ability of

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

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

If the current time is within the time limit (S2051: YES), the control unit 50 performs loop processing to execute S2051 again. That is, the control unit 50 may perform processing to maintain the waiting state until the time limit period ends. It is needless to say that the control unit 50 continues the air conditioning operation while maintaining the waiting state.

If the current time is not within the time limit (S2051: NO), the control unit 50 interrupts the air conditioner 1 to start cleaning in the forced cleaning mode as in the first embodiment (S206), and starts cleaning 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 cleaning is started after the time limit is over, so that the time limit within the time limit corresponds to the operator's bedtime When it has been set, it is possible to reliably remove the dust collected by the filter 37 when reaching a predetermined continuous operation while suppressing the occurrence of discomfort to the operator. .

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the 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 in the super forced cleaning mode is further performed as the cleaning mode. 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, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

After the air conditioner 1 is activated, the control unit 50 counts the number of activations of the air conditioner 1 (S300). The control unit 50 stores the counted number of activations in the storage unit 51.

After cleaning in the forced cleaning mode (S307) and after cleaning in the combined cleaning mode (S324), the control unit 50 initializes the number of activations (S3071, S3241).

The control unit 50 determines whether the air conditioning operation has ended (S321), and when the air conditioning operation has ended (S321: YES), determines whether a predetermined number of activations has been reached (S3211) ). If the number of times of activation has not been reached (S3211: NO), the control unit 50 performs the processing of S322 and later, as in the first embodiment.

If the number of times of activation has been 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 causes the storage unit 51 to store, as the cleaning time, the time at that point in time with the start of the cleaning or at the end of the cleaning. The control unit 50 initializes the number of times of activation (S3213).

When the number of times of activation of the air conditioner 1 reaches a predetermined number, the filter 37 can be cleaned periodically by providing the super forced cleaning mode for starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38. Therefore, even if the state where the cleaning is not performed continues by the combined cleaning mode or the forced cleaning mode, the dust collected on the filter 37 is reliably removed, and the clogging of the filter 37 is prevented from progressing. can do. Regardless of whether or not 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 any cleaning mode including the combined cleaning mode or the forced cleaning mode, the number of activations of the air conditioner 1 is initialized, that is, reset is performed to prevent excessive cleaning from being performed. It is possible to prevent the operator from feeling uncomfortable due to the cleaning, that is, the sound accompanied by the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment (cooperation with the display unit). The control unit 50 of the fourth embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that drive control of the cleaning mechanism 38 is performed with the limited time zone linked to the luminance by the display unit 39. The processes of S401 to S422 are the same as the processes of S101 to S122 of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The control unit 50 determines whether the luminance of the display unit 39 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (S423). The predetermined brightness or less is, for example, a brightness equal to or less than half of the maximum brightness of the display unit 39, and may include a light-off state.

If the brightness of the display unit 39 is less than or equal to the predetermined value (S 423: YES), the control unit 50 considers that the present time is within the time limit period and ends the air conditioning operation without performing cleaning in the combined cleaning mode. The air conditioner 1 is stopped (S425).

When the luminance of the display unit 39 is larger than the predetermined value (S 423: NO), the control unit 50 considers that the present time is not within the time limit period, and performs cleaning in the combined cleaning mode as in the first embodiment ) And the cleaning time is stored (S424).

The luminance of the display unit 39 is changed based on the mode of the remote control 4 operation of the operator or the air conditioning operation. Therefore, in correspondence with the luminance of the display unit 39, when the luminance of the display unit 39 is less than a predetermined value, the time limit can be set by a simple operation by considering that the current time is within the time limit. In addition, when the operator visually recognizes the luminance of the display unit 39, the operator can easily recognize that the current time is within the time limit period.

(Modification 1)
Although the air conditioner 1 is configured to include one indoor unit 3 in the first embodiment, 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, refrigerant pipes 10 (connection pipes) for connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 are branched in parallel by the number of the indoor units 3. Each of the plurality of indoor units 3 individually includes an indoor heat exchanger 31 and an indoor fan 34. The expansion valves 25 corresponding to each of the plurality of indoor units 3 are individually provided in each of the connection pipes branched in parallel. The remote control 4 or the centralized remote control 4 corresponding to each of the plurality of indoor units 3 is configured to be able to individually start and stop the air conditioning operation of 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 the filter 37 and the cleaning mechanism 38 disposed on the windward side of the individual indoor heat exchangers 31. The control unit 50 is configured to individually control driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 for each of the plurality of indoor units 3.

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

When performing cleaning in the forced cleaning mode, the control unit 50 initializes the operation time for each of the plurality of indoor units 3, integrates the operation time for which the air conditioning operation has been continuously performed, and for each of the plurality of indoor units 3. The drive control of the cleaning mechanism 38 is performed.

In cleaning in the super forced cleaning mode, the control unit 50 counts and initializes the number of times of activation for each of the plurality of indoor units 3. The number of times of activation for each indoor unit 3 means that the specific indoor unit 3 is off (stopped), ie, the expansion valve 25 is fully closed, even if the outdoor unit 2 is activated, ie, the compressor 21 is in operation When it is determined, the specific indoor unit 3 is the number of times of activation derived by counting as being stopped. Accordingly, the plurality of indoors are counted not by the number of activations of the air conditioner 1 as a whole but by the number of activations related to activation (start of air conditioning operation) and stop (end of air conditioning operation) for each of the plurality of indoor units 3 The indoor multi-type air conditioner 1 is configured to control the super forced cleaning mode individually for each of the machines 3.

The time limit zone stored in the storage unit 51 is set individually for each of the plurality of indoor units 3. By setting the time limit zone individually for each of the plurality of indoor units 3, it is possible to set the restriction of cleaning in the cleaning mode according to each operator who is in the living room where 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 for the plurality of indoor units 3, setting of the time limit for the plurality of indoor units 3 can be simultaneously performed by a simple operation.

A living room in which each indoor unit 3 is placed by individually performing drive control of the cleaning mechanism 38 in each cleaning mode and limitation by a time limit period for each of the plurality of indoor units 3 of the indoor multi-type air conditioner 1 Drive control of the cleaning mechanism 38 can be performed efficiently in accordance with each of the operators present.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment, the explanation has been made using the separate type air conditioner consisting of the indoor unit 3 and the outdoor unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit attached and used in a window frame are integrated. The window-mounted air conditioner may be a window-mounted air conditioner in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are integrated with each other.

(Modification 3)
In the first embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 38 (filter cleaning device) of the type in which the filter 37 moves is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a blade made of a brush or rubber on the filter without moving the filter The filter cleaning device may be of a type that cleans the filter by moving the 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 provided with a brush moves.

The air conditioner 1 according to the present invention includes a filter 37 for collecting dust of suctioned air, a cleaning mechanism 38 for removing dust collected by the filter 37, and a control unit 50 for controlling driving of the cleaning mechanism 38. In the air conditioner 1 equipped with a mode of driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 by the control unit 50, the cleaning mechanism after completion of the air conditioning operation when the predetermined cumulative time has been reached since the cleaning mechanism 38 was last driven. The combined cleaning mode to start the driving of 38 and the forced cleaning mode to stop the air conditioning operation and start the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 when the operation time of the air conditioning operation performed continuously reaches a predetermined continuous operation time And a predetermined time limit for limiting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 is set, and the control unit 50 determines that the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the time limit, Serial without starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38, the start time of the forced cleaning mode, even when included in the restriction time slot, characterized in that to start driving of the cleaning mechanism 38.

According to the present invention, the drive 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 the start time is included in the predetermined time limit period. The driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 is not started. Therefore, even if the off timer and the operation schedule are set and the time when the air conditioning operation ends is in the time limit period during which the user goes to bed, the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven by the combined cleaning mode immediately after stopping. Since it does not start, it can suppress making a user produce discomfort. In addition, when the operation time of the air conditioning operation performed continuously reaches the predetermined continuous operation time, the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 in the forced cleaning mode is started, so that clogging of the filter 37 occurs in the air conditioner 1. Ability degradation can be prevented.

In the air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, the accumulated 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, by setting the cumulative time to be equal to or longer than the continuous operation time, when the air conditioning machine 1 is stopped after the cleaning mechanism 38 is driven in the forced cleaning mode, that is, cleaning is performed, the combined cleaning mode is performed. It can be avoided that the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 is started. Therefore, it can be suppressed that driving of the cleaning mechanism 38 in the combined cleaning mode is started excessively.

In the air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, when the start time of the forced cleaning mode is included in the restricted time zone, the control unit 50 continues the air conditioning operation during the restricted time zone, and the restricted time zone After completion of the process, the air conditioning operation may be interrupted and the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 may be started.

According to the present invention, by starting the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 in the forced cleaning mode after the predetermined time limit period ends, it is avoided that the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 is started during the time limit period. Thus, clogging of the filter 37 can be eliminated while suppressing the user from feeling 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, it interrupts the air conditioning operation and starts driving the cleaning mechanism 38, and the cleaning mechanism 38 is started. After the end of the driving, the air conditioning operation may be resumed 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 termination of the driving of the cleaning mechanism 38, that is, the air conditioning at the time of interruption after cleaning of the filter 37 is completed. Since the air conditioning operation is resumed in the operation mode of 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 the drive of the cleaning mechanism 38 by the control unit 50 is the cleaning mechanism when the number of activations of the machine reaches a predetermined number since the cleaning mechanism 38 was driven last time. 38 including the second forced cleaning mode for starting the driving of 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 period. May be started.

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

The air conditioner 1 according to the present invention may include the display unit 39 provided in the indoor unit 3 and capable of changing the luminance, and the time limit may be set according to the luminance of the display 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 period is set according to the brightness of the display unit, so the operation is limited by a simple operation. A time zone can be set, and based on the brightness of the display unit, the operator can easily recognize that the current time is included in the time limit zone.

In the air conditioner 1 according to the present invention, a time zone in which the display unit 39 displays or turns off at a predetermined luminance or less may be set as the time limit period.

According to the present invention, by setting the time zone in which the display unit 39 displays or turns off at a predetermined brightness or less as the time limit period, the operator is prepared for going to bed and the brightness of the display unit 39 is lowered. The time limit can be set appropriately in accordance with the intention of the operator.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the meaning described above but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 air conditioner 10 refrigerant piping 2 outdoor unit 21 compressor 211 suction temperature sensor 212 discharge temperature sensor 22 accumulator 23 four-way switching valve 24 outdoor heat exchanger 241 outdoor 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 part 4 remote control 41 substrate in remote control 50 control unit 51 storage unit 51P program

Claims

A filter that collects dust from the suction air,
A cleaning mechanism for removing dust collected by the filter;
An air conditioner comprising: a control unit that controls driving of the cleaning mechanism;
The drive mode of the cleaning mechanism by the control unit is a combined cleaning mode in which the drive of the cleaning mechanism is started after the air conditioning operation is ended when the predetermined cumulative time has reached since the cleaning mechanism was driven last time; And a forced cleaning mode for interrupting the air conditioning operation and starting the driving of the cleaning mechanism when the operation time of the air conditioning operation carried out has reached a predetermined continuous operation time,
A predetermined time limit for limiting the drive of the cleaning mechanism is set,
When the start time of the combined cleaning mode is included in the limited time zone, the control unit does not start driving the cleaning mechanism, and the start time of the forced cleaning mode is included in the limited time zone. Even if this is the case, the drive of the cleaning mechanism is started.
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
If the start time of the forced cleaning mode is included in the time limit period, the air conditioning operation is continued during the time limit period, and after the time limit period ends, the air conditioning operation is interrupted to drive the cleaning mechanism. 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 and the driving of the cleaning mechanism is started, and after completion of the driving of the cleaning mechanism, the 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, which restarts operation.
The drive mode of the cleaning mechanism by the control unit includes a second forced cleaning mode in which the drive of the cleaning mechanism is started when the number of activations of the machine reaches a predetermined number of times since the cleaning mechanism was driven last time. ,
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 period. An air conditioner as described in any one.
The display unit is provided 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 period 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 displays or turns off at a predetermined luminance or lower is set as the limited time zone.