WO2019159386A1

WO2019159386A1 - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2019159386A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/015283
Authority: WO
Inventors: 智大加藤; 大舘　一夫; 弘祐大西; 恒台坂; 啓輔福原; 和真細川; カヨウサイ
Original assignee: 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社
Priority date: 2018-02-19
Filing date: 2018-04-11
Publication date: 2019-08-22
Also published as: ES2723373B2; MY183860A; CN110337569B; ES2723373A1; JP6387200B1; TW201934929A; CN110337569A; FR3078143A1; TWI659182B; FR3078143B1; JP2019143841A

Abstract

This air conditioner is provided with: a heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger (15)); a fan cleaning part (24) that cleans a blower fan (indoor fan (16)); and a control unit (30) that causes the fan cleaning part to selectively come into contact with both the heat exchanger and the blower fan. The control unit causes the heat exchanger to generate dew condensation water in a refrigeration cycle, before the fan cleaning part comes into contact with the heat exchanger or while the fan cleaning part is in contact with the heat exchanger.

Description

Air conditioner

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

As a fan cleaning unit that cleans a blower fan (indoor fan) of an air conditioner, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a “fan cleaning device for removing dust from a fan”. The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the blower fan is cleaned by bringing the fan cleaning unit into contact with the blower fan.

JP 2007-71210 A

In the conventional air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, dust adheres to the fan cleaning section every time the blower fan is cleaned, but the removal of the dust has been performed exclusively by the hands of the cleaner. Therefore, the conventional air conditioner has been desired to have a function of efficiently cleaning the fan cleaning unit.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that efficiently cleans a fan cleaning section.

In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes a refrigeration cycle having a heat exchanger, a blower fan, a fan cleaning unit that cleans the blower fan, and the fan cleaning unit as the blower fan. A controller that selectively contacts both of the heat exchangers, the controller before contacting the fan cleaning unit with the heat exchanger, or the fan cleaning unit to the heat exchanger. It is set as the structure which produces | generates dew condensation water with the said heat exchanger to the said refrigeration cycle when making it contact.

The air conditioner according to the present invention includes a refrigeration cycle having a heat exchanger, a blower fan, a fan cleaning unit for cleaning the blower fan, and the fan cleaning unit for both the blower fan and the heat exchanger. A control unit that selectively contacts the heat exchanger, and the control unit performs an operation of rotating the fan cleaning unit a plurality of times within a range including an angle at which the fan cleaning unit contacts the heat exchanger. To do.

According to the present invention, an air conditioner that efficiently cleans the fan cleaning section can be provided.

It is explanatory drawing of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the indoor unit with which the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided. It is the perspective view which notched some indoor units with which the air harmony machine concerning an embodiment of the invention is provided. In the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the air of the fan cleaning part vicinity during an air conditioning driving | operation. It is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning process of the indoor fan which the control part of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs. In an air harmony machine concerning an embodiment of the present invention, it is an explanatory view showing a state under cleaning of an indoor fan. In an air harmony machine concerning an embodiment of the present invention, it is an explanatory view showing an example of arrangement of a cleaning member at the time of operation. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning process of the cleaning member which the control part of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows another cleaning process of the cleaning member which the control part of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs. It is explanatory drawing (1) which shows an example of direction of the cleaning member in the case of performing an air-conditioning driving | operation. It is explanatory drawing (2) which shows another example of direction of the cleaning member in the case of air-conditioning driving | operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of direction of the cleaning member in the case where an air-conditioning driving | operation is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows direction of the cleaning member at the time of a cooling operation or when a dehumidification operation is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example in the case of changing the cleaning timing of a ventilation fan. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example in the case of changing the cleaning timing of the cleaning member. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning process of the fan cleaning part of the air conditioner which concerns on the 1st modification of this invention. It is a side view of the indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner which concerns on the 2nd modification of this invention. It is an inner surface figure of the indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner which concerns on the 2nd modification of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the indoor unit with which the air conditioner which concerns on the 3rd modification of this invention is provided. It is a typical perspective view of the indoor fan and fan cleaning part with which the air harmony machine concerning the 4th modification of the present invention is provided.

<Embodiment>
<Configuration of air conditioner>
Drawing 1 is an explanatory view of refrigerant circuit Q of air harmony machine 100 concerning an embodiment. In this embodiment, the case where the air conditioner 100 has a function of performing the freezing / thawing operation of the indoor heat exchanger 15 will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the air conditioner 100 does not have a function of executing the freezing / thawing operation of the indoor heat exchanger 15. The "freezing / thawing operation" is an operation that lowers the temperature of the heat exchanger, attaches frost (or ice) to the surface of the fins of the heat exchanger, and then increases the temperature of the heat exchanger. The frost is thawed and the dew condensed water (condensed water) is used to drop to remove the dust adhering to the heat exchanger.
In addition, the solid line arrow of FIG. 1 has shown the flow of the refrigerant | coolant at the time of heating operation.
Moreover, the broken line arrow of FIG. 1 has shown the flow of the refrigerant | coolant at the time of air_conditionaing | cooling operation.
As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor fan 13, and an expansion valve 14. The air conditioner 100 includes an indoor fan 16 and a four-way valve 17 in addition to the above-described configuration.

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

The outdoor fan 13 is a fan that sends outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 by driving of the outdoor fan motor 13 a, and is installed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 12.
The expansion valve 14 is a valve that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in the “condenser” (one of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15). The refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 14 is guided to an “evaporator” (the other of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15).

The indoor heat exchanger 15 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tube g (see FIG. 2) and the indoor air sent from the indoor fan 16 (air in the air-conditioning target space). It is a vessel.
The indoor fan 16 is a fan that sends room air into the indoor heat exchanger 15 by driving an indoor fan motor 16c (see FIG. 5), and is installed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 15. More specifically, the indoor fan 16 is installed on the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the air flow when the indoor fan 16 is rotating forward.

The four-way valve 17 is a valve that switches the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 100. For example, during the cooling operation (see the broken line arrow in FIG. 1), the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 (evaporator) are replaced with the four-way valve 17. In the refrigerant circuit Q that is sequentially connected in an annular manner through the refrigerant, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle.

On the other hand, during the heating operation (see the solid line arrow in FIG. 1), the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (condenser), the expansion valve 14, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 (evaporator) are replaced by the four-way valve 17. In the refrigerant circuit Q that is sequentially connected in an annular manner through the refrigerant, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle.

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

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the indoor unit Ui.
FIG. 2 illustrates a state where the indoor fan 16 is not cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24. In addition to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16, the indoor unit Ui includes a dew tray 18, a housing base 19, filters 20 a and 20 b, a front panel 21, left and right wind direction plates 22, and up and down wind directions. A plate 23 and a fan cleaning unit 24 are provided.

The indoor heat exchanger 15 has a plurality of fins f and a plurality of heat transfer tubes g penetrating the fins f. Moreover, if it demonstrates from another viewpoint, the indoor heat exchanger 15 has the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a and the back side indoor heat exchanger 15b. The front indoor heat exchanger 15 a is disposed on the front side of the indoor fan 16. On the other hand, the rear indoor heat exchanger 15 b is disposed on the rear side of the indoor fan 16. And the upper end part of the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a and the upper end part of the rear side indoor heat exchanger 15b are connected.

The dew receiving tray 18 receives the condensed water of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the front indoor heat exchanger 15a in the example shown in FIG. 2). A dew tray provided integrally with the housing base 19 is disposed below the rear indoor heat exchanger 15b.

The indoor fan 16 is, for example, a cylindrical cross flow fan, and is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 15. The indoor fan 16 includes a plurality of fan blades 16a, a partition plate 16b on which these fan blades 16a are installed, and an indoor fan motor 16c as a drive source.
(See FIG. 5).

The indoor fan 16 is preferably coated with a hydrophilic coating agent. As such a coating material, for example, a material obtained by adding a binder (silicon compound having a hydrolyzable group), butanol, tetrahydrofuran, and an antibacterial agent to isopropyl alcohol-dispersed silica sol which is a hydrophilic material may be used.

Thereby, since a hydrophilic film is formed on the surface of the indoor fan 16, the electrical resistance value on the surface of the indoor fan 16 is reduced, and dust is less likely to adhere to the indoor fan 16. In other words, static electricity associated with friction with air is less likely to be generated on the surface of the indoor fan 16 while the indoor fan 16 is being driven, so that the adhesion of dust to the indoor fan 16 can be suppressed. Thus, the coating agent described above also functions as an antistatic agent for the indoor fan 16.

The housing base 19 shown in FIG. 2 is a housing in which devices such as the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 are installed.
The filter 20 a is for removing dust from the air toward the front air inlet h 1 and is installed on the front side of the indoor heat exchanger 15.
The filter 20b removes dust from the air toward the upper air suction port h2, and is installed on the upper side of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The front panel 21 is a panel installed so as to cover the filter 20a on the front side, and is rotatable to the front side with the lower end as an axis. The front panel 21 may be configured not to rotate.

The left / right airflow direction plate 22 is a plate-like member that adjusts the flow in the left / right direction of the air blown into the room as the indoor fan 16 rotates. The left and right wind direction plates 22 are disposed in the blowing air path h3 and are rotated in the left and right directions by a left and right wind direction plate motor 25 (see FIG. 5).
The vertical wind direction plate 23 is a plate-like member that adjusts the vertical flow of air blown into the room as the indoor fan 16 rotates. The vertical wind direction plate 23 is disposed in the vicinity of the air outlet h4, and is rotated in the vertical direction by the vertical wind direction plate motor 26 (see FIG. 5).

The air sucked through the air suction ports h1 and h2 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tube g of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the heat-exchanged air is guided to the blowout air path h3. The air flowing through the blowout air path h3 is guided in a predetermined direction by the left and right airflow direction plates 22 and the vertical airflow direction plate 23, and further blown out into the room through the air outlet h4.

Note that most of the dust traveling toward the air suction ports h1 and h2 along with the air flow is collected by the

filters

20a and 20b. However, fine dust may pass through the

filters

20 a and 20 b and adhere to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16. Therefore, it is desirable to periodically clean the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 15 is washed away with water after the indoor fan 16 is cleaned using the fan cleaning unit 24 described below.

The fan cleaning unit 24 shown in FIG. 2 cleans the indoor fan 16 and is disposed between the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16. More specifically, the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed in the recess r of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a that has a <shape when viewed in a longitudinal section. In the example shown in FIG. 2, an indoor heat exchanger 15 (a lower portion of the front indoor heat exchanger 15 a) is present below the fan cleaning unit 24, and a dew tray 18 is present.

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

The brush 24b is a cleaning member that removes dust adhering to the fan blade 16a, and is installed on the shaft portion 24a. In the present embodiment, the cleaning member is assumed to be configured by the brush 24b. However, the cleaning member is not limited to the brush 24b, and may be formed of other articles (for example, a sponge or the like). The fan cleaning motor 24c (see FIG. 5) is a stepping motor, for example, and has a function of rotating the shaft portion 24a by a predetermined angle. However, the fan cleaning motor 24c (see FIG. 5) may rotate the shaft portion 24a by 360 °.

The length of the brush 24b is longer than the longer one of the shortest distance from the center of the shaft portion 24a to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the shortest distance from the center of the shaft portion 24a to the indoor fan 16. . The brush 24b is configured to be able to selectively contact (contact) both the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 as the shaft portion 24a rotates.

When the indoor fan 16 is cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24, the fan cleaning motor 24c (see FIG. 5) is driven and the indoor fan so that the brush 24b contacts the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 7A). 16 is reversely rotated. When the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24 is completed, the fan cleaning motor 24c is driven again, the brush 24b is rotated, and the brush 24b is separated from the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 2). .

In the present embodiment, the indoor unit Ui (see FIG. 1) has a shaft portion when an operation in which condensed water (condensed water) adheres to the brush 24b, such as a freezing / thawing operation or a cooling operation, is performed. The brush 24b is rotated in the downward direction of 24a (the direction of arrow A1 shown in FIG. 2). That is, the indoor unit Ui (see FIG. 1) rotates the brush 24b in the downward direction of the shaft portion 24a (the direction of the arrow A1 shown in FIG. 2) after the condensed water is generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the refrigeration cycle. It has a configuration to let you. This is because the depth width of the dew tray 18 is relatively short, so that the condensed water (condensed water) adhering to the brush 24b is less likely to scatter when dripping. That is, if the brush 24b is rotated in the upward direction of the shaft portion 24a, the condensed water (condensed water) adhering to the brush 24b flows from the tip side of the brush 24b to the shaft portion 24a side and flows into the shaft portion 24a. It collects and drops from the shaft portion 24a as a relatively large droplet. In this case, the condensed water (condensed water) dripped easily becomes scattered. Therefore, the indoor unit Ui (see FIG. 1) has a shaft portion 24a when the operation is performed in which the condensed water (condensed water) adheres to the brush 24b in order to prevent the condensed water (condensed water) from scattering. The brush 24b is rotated in the downward direction (the direction of the arrow A1 shown in FIG. 2).

Such a configuration can also obtain the following advantages. That is, in this configuration, condensed water (condensed water) adhering to the brush 24b flows from the shaft 24a side to the tip side of the brush 24b and drops from the tip of the brush 24b. At this time, condensed water (condensed water) is dripped together with dust attached to the brush 24b. Therefore, the indoor unit Ui (see FIG. 1) can efficiently remove dust from the brush 24b.

In this embodiment, except when cleaning the indoor fan 16, as shown in FIG. 2, the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 so that the tip of the brush 24b contacts the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. More preferably, the tip of the brush 24b enters the gap in the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. Specifically, the indoor fan 16 is in a state where the brush 24b is oriented in the lateral direction (substantially horizontal) except when the indoor fan 16 is being cleaned (including during normal air conditioning operation).
It is away from. The reason why the fan cleaning unit 24 is arranged in this way will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow in the vicinity of the fan cleaning unit 24 during the air conditioning operation.
In addition, the direction of each arrow shown in FIG. 4 has shown the direction through which air flows. The length of each arrow indicates the speed of air flow.
During normal air conditioning operation, the indoor fan 16 rotates forward, and the air that has passed through the gaps between the fins f of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a is directed to the indoor fan 16. In particular, in the vicinity of the recess r of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, air flows laterally (substantially horizontal) toward the indoor fan 16, as shown in FIG.

As described above, the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed in the recess r with the brush 24b facing in the lateral direction. In other words, during normal air conditioning operation, the direction of the brush 24b is parallel to the direction of air flow. Thus, since the extending direction of the brush 24b and the direction in which air flows are substantially parallel, the fan cleaning unit 24 hardly interferes with the air flow.

Further, the fan cleaning unit 24 is arranged in the upstream area, not in the middle or downstream area (near the air outlet h4 shown in FIG. 2) of the air flow when the indoor fan 16 is rotating forward. The air flowing in the lateral direction along the brush 24b is accelerated by the fan blade 16a, and the accelerated air is directed to the air outlet h4 (see FIG. 2). Thus, since the fan cleaning part 24 is arrange | positioned in the upstream area where air flows at a comparatively low speed, the air volume fall resulting from the fan cleaning part 24 can be suppressed. Even when the indoor fan 16 is stopped, the fan cleaning unit 24 may be maintained in the same state as in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 100.
The indoor unit Ui illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a remote control transmission / reception unit 27 and an indoor control circuit 31 in addition to the above-described configuration.
The remote controller transmission / reception unit 27 exchanges predetermined information with the remote controller 40.
Although not shown, the indoor control circuit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM
(Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and electronic circuits such as various interfaces are included. Then, the program stored in the ROM is read out and expanded in the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes.

As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor control circuit 31 includes a storage unit 31a and an indoor control unit 31b.
In addition to a predetermined program, the storage unit 31a stores data received via the remote control transmission / reception unit 27, detection values of various sensors (not shown), and the like.
The indoor control unit 31b executes the fan cleaning motor 24c, the indoor fan motor 16c, the left / right airflow direction plate motor 25, the up / down airflow direction plate motor 26, and the like based on the data stored in the storage unit 31a.

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

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

<Cleaning indoor fans>
The indoor unit Ui has a function of cleaning the indoor fan 16 by using condensed water (condensate) generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15 by freezing / thawing operation or cooling operation as a cleaning function of the indoor fan 16. ing. The indoor unit Ui also has a function of cleaning the brush 24b by using condensed water (condensed water) generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15 by freezing / thawing operation or cooling operation as a cleaning function of the brush 24b. ing.

Hereinafter, the operation at the time of cleaning the indoor fan 16 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process of the indoor fan 16 executed by the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2 as appropriate).
In the flow of FIG. 6, at “START”, the air-conditioning operation is not performed, and the tip of the brush 24b faces the front indoor heat exchanger 15a (the state shown in FIG. 2). Will be described.

6, the control unit 30 cleans the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24. In addition, as the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (a trigger for starting cleaning of the indoor fan 16), for example, there is a condition that the accumulated time of the air-conditioning operation from the previous cleaning of the indoor fan 16 reaches a predetermined time.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the indoor fan 16 is being cleaned.
In FIG. 7A, the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor fan 16, and the dew tray 18 are shown, and the other members are not shown.
The control unit 30 brings the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16 and rotates (reverses) the indoor fan 16 in the opposite direction to that during normal air conditioning operation.

That is, the control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b about 180 ° around the shaft portion 24a from the state where the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see FIG. 2), and the tip of the brush 24b is placed indoors. It faces the fan 16 (see FIG. 7A). As a result, the brush 24 b comes into contact with the fan blade 16 a of the indoor fan 16.

In the example of FIG. 7A, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line L, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the front indoor heat exchanger 15 a) is located below the contact position K when the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16. And a dew pan 18 are also present.

As described above, since the indoor fan 16 rotates in the reverse direction, the tip of the brush 24b bends as the fan blade 16a moves, and the brush 24b is pressed so as to stroke the back of the fan blade 16a. The dust collected near the tip of the fan blade 16a (the end in the radial direction) is removed by the brush 24b.

Especially, dust tends to accumulate near the tip of the fan blade 16a. This is because during the air-conditioning operation in which the indoor fan 16 is rotating forward (see FIG. 4), air hits the vicinity of the tip of the belly of the fan blade 16a, and dust adheres to the vicinity of the tip. The air hitting the vicinity of the tip of the fan blade 16a passes through the gap between the

adjacent fan blades

16a, 16a so as to follow the curved surface of the fan blade 16a.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the brush 24b is brought into contact with the fan blade 16a, and the indoor fan 16 is rotated in the reverse direction. As a result, the brush 24b comes into contact with the vicinity of the front end of the fan blade 16a, and dust accumulated near both the front and rear ends of the fan blade 16a is integrally removed. As a result, most of the dust accumulated in the indoor fan 16 can be removed.

Further, by rotating the indoor fan 16 in the reverse direction, a gentle air flow is generated inside the indoor unit Ui (see FIG. 2) in the direction opposite to the normal rotation (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 does not go to the air outlet h4 (see FIG. 2), and the gap between the front indoor heat exchanger 15a and the indoor fan 16 is interposed as shown in FIG. 7A. Then, it is guided to the dew tray 18.

More specifically, the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 by the brush 24b is lightly pressed against the front indoor heat exchanger 15a by wind pressure. Further, the dust j described above falls on the dew tray 18 along the inclined surface (edge of the fin f) of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a (see the arrow in FIG. 7A). Therefore, the dust j hardly adheres to the back surface of the up-and-down wind direction plate 23 (see FIG. 2) through a minute gap between the indoor fan 16 and the dew tray 18. This can prevent the dust j from being blown into the room during the next air conditioning operation.

Note that a part of the dust j removed from the indoor fan 16 may adhere to the front indoor heat exchanger 15a without falling to the dew tray 18. Thus, the dust j adhering to the front indoor heat exchanger 15a is washed away in the process of step S103 described later.

Further, during the cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 may drive the indoor fan 16 at a medium / high speed rotation speed or drive the indoor fan 16 at a low speed rotation speed. .
The range of the rotational speed in the middle / high speed range of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, 300 min−1 or more and less than 1700 min−1. By rotating the indoor fan 16 in the middle / high speed range in this manner, the dust j is easily directed toward the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. Therefore, as described above, the back surface of the vertical wind direction plate 23 (see FIG. 2). It becomes difficult for dust j to adhere to the surface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust j from being blown into the room during the next air conditioning operation.

The range of the rotational speed in the low speed region of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, 100 min−1 or more and less than 300 min−1. Thus, by rotating the indoor fan 16 in the low speed region, the indoor fan 16 can be cleaned with low noise.

After the process of step S101 of FIG. 6 is completed, in step S102, the control unit 30 moves the brush 24b that is a cleaning member. That is, the control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b about 180 ° around the shaft portion 24a from the state where the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 7A), and the tip of the brush 24b exchanges heat with the room. It faces the container 15 (see FIG. 7B). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the fan cleaning unit 24 from obstructing the air flow during the subsequent air conditioning operation. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15, the brush 24b is more preferably so that the tip of the brush 24b contacts the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. It is preferable that the front end of the air enters the gap in the front indoor heat exchanger 15a.

Next, in step S103, the control unit 30 sequentially performs freezing and thawing of the indoor heat exchanger 15. First, the control unit 30 causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 to function as an evaporator, causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 to frost and freeze moisture contained in the air taken into the indoor unit Ui. The process of freezing the indoor heat exchanger 15 is included in the matter of “attaching condensed water” to the indoor heat exchanger 15.

When the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen, the controller 30 preferably lowers the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 15. That is, the control unit 30 includes the indoor heat exchanger 15
When the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen (condensed water is attached), it flows into the indoor heat exchanger 15 so that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant is lower than that during normal air-conditioning operation. Adjust the refrigerant pressure.

For example, the control unit 30 reduces the air volume of the indoor unit Ui by reducing the opening degree of the expansion valve 14 (see FIG. 1) or reducing or stopping the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 at a low pressure. A refrigerant having a low evaporation temperature is caused to flow into the indoor heat exchanger 15. This makes it easier for frost and ice (symbol i shown in FIG. 7B) to grow in the indoor heat exchanger 15, so that the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed away with a large amount of water during the subsequent thawing.

Moreover, in the indoor heat exchanger 15, the area | region located under the fan cleaning part 24 is not a downstream area of the flow of the refrigerant | coolant which flows through the indoor heat exchanger 15 (that is, it is an upstream area or a midstream area). Is preferred. Thereby, since the low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows at least below (lower side) the fan cleaning unit 24, the thickness of frost and ice adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be increased. Therefore, the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed away with a large amount of water during the subsequent thawing.
In the indoor heat exchanger 15, an area located below the fan cleaning unit 24 is likely to be attached with dust scraped off from the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24. Therefore, by flowing a low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in a region located below the fan cleaning unit 24 in the indoor heat exchanger 15, it becomes easy for frost and ice to grow, and further to melt these frost and ice. Thus, the dust in the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed away appropriately.

In addition, when the indoor heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen (condensed water is attached), the control unit 30 may close the up-and-down air direction plate 23 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, it is preferable that the angle of the up-and-down wind direction plate 23 is upward from the horizontal. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the low-temperature air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 15 from leaking into the room, and to freeze the indoor heat exchanger 15 in a comfortable state for the user.

After freezing the indoor heat exchanger 15 in this way, the control unit 30 defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 (step S103 in FIG. 6). For example, the control unit 30 naturally defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 at room temperature by maintaining the stopped state of each device. In addition, you may make it melt the frost and ice adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 when the control part 30 performs heating operation or ventilation operation.

FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 is being thawed.
As the indoor heat exchanger 15 is thawed, frost and ice adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 are melted, and a large amount of water w flows to the dew tray 18 through the fins f. Thereby, the dust j adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 during the air conditioning operation can be washed away.

Further, along with the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 by the brush 24b, the dust j adhering to the front indoor heat exchanger 15a is also washed away and flows down to the dew tray 18 (see the arrow in FIG. 7B). The water w that has flown down to the dew tray 18 in this way is externally connected via a drain hose (not shown) together with dust j (see FIG. 7A) that has fallen directly to the dew tray 18 during cleaning of the indoor fan 16. To be discharged. As described above, there is almost no possibility that a large amount of water flows down from the indoor heat exchanger 15 during thawing and a drain hose (not shown) is clogged with dust j.

Although omitted in FIG. 6, after the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen and thawed (step S 103), the controller 30 performs the heating operation or the air blowing operation to dry the interior of the indoor unit Ui. You may let them. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the propagation of bacteria in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the like.

In such a configuration, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the dust j from being blown into the room because the fan 16 is cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24 (step S101 in FIG. 6). Further, since the fan cleaning unit 24 is arranged between the front indoor heat exchanger 15a and the indoor fan 16, the dust j scraped off from the indoor fan 16 by the brush 24b can be guided to the dew tray 18.
Further, during cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 rotates the indoor fan 16 in the reverse direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the dust j described above from going to the air outlet h4.

Also, during normal air conditioning operation, the brush 24b is in a state of facing sideways (see FIG. 4), so that the air flow is hardly hindered by the influence of the brush 24b. Further, coupled with the fan cleaning unit 24 being arranged in the upstream region of the air flow, a decrease in the air volume caused by the fan cleaning unit 24 is suppressed during normal air conditioning operation, and the power consumption of the indoor fan 16 is reduced. The increase is also suppressed. The reason why the air volume reduction is suppressed when the fan cleaning unit 24 is on the upstream side is that the area of the air suction ports h1 and h2 is larger than the area of the air outlet h4, and the flow of wind is lower than that on the downstream side. This is because it becomes slower on the upstream side.

Incidentally, if a large amount of dust adheres to the indoor fan 16, the air blowing temperature may be lowered during the cooling operation so as to compensate for the performance deterioration of the indoor fan 16, and there is a possibility that dew dripping into the room may occur. . In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the indoor fan 16 is appropriately cleaned, a decrease in the air volume of the indoor fan 16 due to the adhesion of dust is suppressed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the dripping caused by the dust of the indoor fan 16.

Further, the controller 30 sequentially freezes and thaws the indoor heat exchanger 15 (step S103 in FIG. 6), so that the dust j adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 is washed away with water w, 18 flows down. Thus, according to this embodiment, while being able to make the indoor fan 16 into a clean state, the indoor heat exchanger 15 can also be made into a clean state. Therefore, comfortable air conditioning can be performed by the air conditioner 100. Further, it is possible to reduce the user's labor required for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 and the expense during maintenance.

<Cleaning process of cleaning member (brush)>
Hereinafter, the operation at the time of cleaning the brush 24b (cleaning member) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a cleaning process of the brush 24b (cleaning member) executed by the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2 as appropriate).
In the flow of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the air conditioning operation is not performed at “START”.

8, the control unit 30 performs contact control of the brush 24b (cleaning member) to the indoor heat exchanger 15. In addition, as a cleaning timing of the brush 24b (a trigger for starting the cleaning process of the brush 24b), for example, there is a condition that the accumulated time of the air conditioning operation from the previous cleaning process of the brush 24b reaches a predetermined time. However, this is only an example. For example, the control unit 30 may use the cooling operation or the freezing operation as the cleaning timing of the brush 24b, and may clean the fan cleaning unit 24 during the cooling operation or the freezing operation.

Next, in step S120, the control unit 30 starts the generation operation control of the condensed water. At this time, the control unit 30 performs a freezing / thawing operation, a cooling operation, and the like.
Next, in step S130, the control unit 30 repeatedly determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and waits until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes").

When it is determined in step S130 that the predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of “Yes”), in step S140, the control unit 30 ends the condensed water generation operation control.
Next, in step S150, the control unit 30 performs a closing control of the up / down air direction plate 23 or a setting control for setting the up / down air direction plate 23 to a horizontal or higher direction.

Thereafter, if the heating operation is performed in step S170, preferably, in step S160, the control unit 30 may perform rotation stop control of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan). In the process of step S160, it is considered that when the heating operation is performed in step S170 and the brush 24b (cleaning member) is dried, the heat-exchanged air is not blown into the room and the comfort in the room is maintained. It is a thing. Even if the process of step S160 is not performed (that is, even when the rotation of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) is not stopped), the air conditioner 100 performs the brush 24b (cleaning) in step S170. Member) can be dried. Therefore, the process of step S160 is not essential and can be deleted. Moreover, the process of this step S160 assumes the case where heating operation is performed by step S170. If the heating operation is not performed in step S170, the process in step S160 is deleted.

Next, in step S170, the control unit 30 starts drying operation control of the brush 24b (cleaning member). The air conditioner 100 can dry the brush 24b (cleaning member) by executing a heating operation using the indoor heat exchanger 15 as a condenser, a blowing operation, or the like. Here, the case where the control unit 30 performs the heating operation will be described.
Next, in step S180, the control unit 30 repeatedly determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and waits until the predetermined time has elapsed.

When it is determined in step S180 that the predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of “Yes”), in step S190, the control unit 30 ends the drying operation control of the brush 24b (cleaning member). In step S200, the control unit 30 controls the separation of the brush 24b (cleaning member) from the indoor heat exchanger 15. Thereby, a series of routine processing ends.

In steps S170 to S200, the temperature of the brush 24b may be raised to a temperature higher than the fungus killing temperature so that the fungi (fungi) can be killed sufficiently to maintain the state for a desired time. Here, the fungus killing temperature is described as being 50 ° C. or higher. This temperature is, for example, 50 ° C. (time: 5 minutes), the temperature for thermal killing of mold (cone of mold) in Table 4 “Heat resistance of mold” published on the following website of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. ). However, the fungal killing temperature is not necessarily limited to 50 ° C. or higher.
(home page)
http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chousa/sonota/003/houkoku/08111918/002.htm

The above-mentioned desired time may be 5 minutes when the temperature to be held is 50 ° C., for example. The desired time described above can be shorter than 5 minutes when the temperature to be held is higher than 50 ° C.

The indoor unit Ui can keep the brush 24b clean because it can kill the fungus (mold) when the temperature of the brush 24b is kept at the fungus killing temperature in steps S170 to S200.

8 can be changed as shown in the flow of FIG. 9, for example. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another cleaning process of the brush 24b (cleaning member) executed by the control unit 30.

9 is different from the flow in FIG. 8 in that steps S110a and S120a are performed instead of steps S110 and S120. The process in step S110a in FIG. 9 corresponds to the process in step S120 in FIG. 8, and the process in step S120a in FIG. 9 corresponds to the process in step S110 in FIG. That is, the flow of FIG. 9 is obtained by replacing the processes of step S110 and step S120 of FIG.

Specifically, in the flow of FIG. 9, in step S110a, the control unit 30 starts the generation operation control of the condensed water. At this time, the control unit 30 performs a freezing / thawing operation, a cooling operation, and the like. In the flow of FIG. 9, in step S 120 a, the control unit 30 performs contact control of the brush 24 b (cleaning member) to the indoor heat exchanger 15.

<Direction of cleaning member (brush)>
For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the fan cleaning unit 24 is preferably within a range of a desired allowable angle α in the vertical direction with respect to the horizontal direction when an air conditioning operation such as a heating operation or a cooling operation is performed. The orientation of the brush 24b may be maintained. Further, the fan cleaning unit 24 preferably maintains the orientation of the brush 24b as shown in FIG. 10A even during the process of step S110 of FIG. 8 or the process of step S120a of FIG. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the direction of the brush 24b (cleaning member) when the air-conditioning operation is performed. In this case, the indoor unit Ui can keep the direction of the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 in the direction shown in FIG. Good air conditioning efficiency can be obtained. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the shaft portion 24a of the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed at a position P0 on the side of the bent portion of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a. And the brush 24b of the fan cleaning part 24 is hold | maintained by the direction in the range of the allowable angle (alpha) to an up-down direction with respect to a horizontal direction.

Note that, in the indoor unit Ui, the wind flows toward the center O of the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 10B). Therefore, when the position is higher than the center O of the indoor fan 16 around the indoor fan 16, the upward direction is a direction with a low air resistance, whereas when the position is lower than the center O of the indoor fan 16, the downward direction is The direction of air resistance is small. Therefore, the fan cleaning unit 24 preferably has the orientation of the brush 24b in a direction parallel to the wind flow when an air conditioning operation such as a heating operation or a cooling operation is performed as shown in FIG. 10B, for example. May be held. Further, the fan cleaning unit 24 may preferably maintain the orientation of the brush 24b as shown in FIG. 10B even during the process of step S110 of FIG. 8 or the process of step S120a of FIG. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the direction of the brush 24b (cleaning member) in the case where the air-conditioning operation is performed or in the cleaning operation of the brush 24b (cleaning member). In this case, for example, when the position of the shaft portion 24a is higher than the center O of the indoor fan 16, the direction of the brush 24b is a direction in which the tip of the brush 24b faces upward in the horizontal direction. In this case, for example, if the position of the shaft portion 24a is a position P2 lower than the center O of the indoor fan 16, the direction of the brush 24b is a direction in which the tip of the brush 24b faces downward in the horizontal direction. Also in this case, the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the fin f in contact with the heat transfer tube g through which the refrigerant in the gas region or the two-phase region flows in the indoor heat exchanger 15. And also in this case, since the indoor unit Ui can keep the direction of the brush 24b in the direction shown in FIG. A relatively good air conditioning efficiency can be obtained.

However, in the fan cleaning unit 24, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, even if the position of the shaft part 24a is higher than the center O of the indoor fan 16, the tip of the brush 24b is lower than the horizontal direction. It is also possible to set the orientation of the brush 24b so that it faces the. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating still another example of the direction of the brush 24b (cleaning member) when the air-conditioning operation is performed. In this case, the condensed water (condensed water) adhering to the brush 24b flows from the shaft 24a side to the tip side of the brush 24b and drops from the tip of the brush 24b. At this time, condensed water (condensed water) is dripped together with dust attached to the brush 24b. Therefore, the indoor unit Ui can efficiently remove dust from the brush 24b.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 30 is preferably configured to generate a part of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (e.g. The fan cleaning unit 24 may be disposed obliquely downward so as to flow in the direction of the side portion) or the dew tray 18. Thereby, the air conditioner 100 can make the fan cleaning part 24 function as a water channel of condensed water.

Moreover, when the operation | movement which cools the indoor heat exchanger 15 like cooling operation, a dehumidification operation etc. is performed as shown in FIG. 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a is performed. The brush 24b may be separated from the brush. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the orientation of the brush 24b (cleaning member) when the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is performed. In this case, the indoor unit Ui can prevent the condensed water (condensed water) generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15 from dripping along the brush 24b. Thereby, the indoor unit Ui can wash | clean the indoor heat exchanger 15 efficiently with condensed water (condensed water).

However, even when the fan cleaning unit 24 is in the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the direction of the fan cleaning unit 24 is set to the horizontal direction or a predetermined angle α with respect to the horizontal direction. It may be within the range.
In addition, the fan cleaning unit 24 may be configured so that the direction of the fan cleaning unit 24 is parallel to the wind flow, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10B even during the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation. Good.

Also, the fan cleaning unit 24 may separate the brush 24b from the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 even during the heating operation. That is, the control unit 30 may be configured not to bring the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 during heating operation, cooling operation, or dehumidifying operation, for example, as shown in FIG.

<Cleaning timing of the blower fan (indoor fan)>
In the above-described embodiment, as the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (trigger for starting the cleaning of the indoor fan 16), the condition that the accumulated time of the air-conditioning operation from the previous cleaning of the indoor fan 16 reaches a predetermined time is given. . However, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 can be changed according to the operation. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example when the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) is changed.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, an operation when changing the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) will be described. Here, a description will be given assuming that the user of the air conditioner 100 instructs the air conditioner 100 to execute the air conditioning operation and stop the air conditioning operation at an arbitrary timing.

In step S610 of FIG. 13, the control unit 30 sets the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 based on the setting conditions stored in advance in the storage unit 31a (see FIG. 5). Here, the operation condition that the operation time (cumulative operation time) of the indoor fan 16 has reached a desired time will be described as the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16. Further, the description will be made assuming that the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 is changed when the operation time of the indoor fan 16 reaches a preset threshold value. Note that the control unit 30 may use the accumulated rotational speed of the indoor fan 16 or the integrated value of the rotational speed and operating time of the indoor fan 16 instead of the operation time of the indoor fan 16.

Next, in step S620, when the execution of the air conditioning operation is instructed by the user, the control unit 30 starts the air conditioning operation.
Next, in step S630, the control unit 30 measures the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan).
Next, in step S640, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the operating condition is the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan).

If it is determined in step S640 that the operating condition is the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) (in the case of “Yes”), the process proceeds to step S690. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S640 that the operating condition is not the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) (in the case of “No”), in step S650, the control unit 30 causes the indoor fan 16 to It is determined whether or not the operation time of the (fan) has reached a threshold value.

When it is determined in step S650 that the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) has not reached the threshold (in the case of “No”), in step S660, the control unit 30 determines that the operating condition is air conditioning operation. It is determined whether or not the end of the air conditioning operation is instructed by the user.

If it is determined in step S660 that the operating condition is not the end of the air conditioning operation (in the case of “No”), the process returns to step S630. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S660 that the operation condition is the end of the air conditioning operation (in the case of “Yes”), in step S670, the control unit 30 ends the air conditioning operation. Thereby, a series of routine processing ends.

When it is determined in step S650 that the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) has reached the threshold (in the case of “Yes”), in step S680, the control unit 30 stores the storage unit 31a (FIG. 5), the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) is changed based on the setting conditions stored in advance. Thereby, the control part 30 cleans the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) more frequently than the present frequency, or conversely cleans the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) less frequently than the present frequency. can do. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S690.

In step S690, the control unit 30 repeatedly determines whether or not the operating condition is the end of the air conditioning operation, that is, whether or not the user has instructed to stop the air conditioning operation. The process waits until it is determined that the process ends ("Yes").

When it is determined in step S690 that the operation condition is the end of the air conditioning operation (in the case of “Yes”), in step S700, the control unit 30 ends the air conditioning operation. In step S710, the control unit 30 cleans the indoor fan 16 (blower fan). Thereby, a series of routine processing ends.

<Cleaning timing of cleaning member (brush)>
In the above-described embodiment, as a cleaning timing of the brush 24b (trigger for starting the cleaning process of the brush 24b), for example, a condition that the accumulated time of the air conditioning operation from the previous cleaning process of the brush 24b reaches a predetermined time. It is done. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the cleaning timing of the brush 24b can be changed according to the operation. FIG.
These are the flowcharts which show the operation example in the case of changing the cleaning timing of the brush 24b (cleaning member).

Hereinafter, the operation when changing the cleaning timing of the brush 24b (cleaning member) will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a description will be given assuming that the user of the air conditioner 100 instructs the air conditioner 100 to execute the air conditioning operation and stop the air conditioning operation at an arbitrary timing.

In step S810 of FIG. 14, the control unit 30 sets the cleaning timing of the brush 24b based on the setting conditions stored in advance in the storage unit 31a (see FIG. 5). Here, it is assumed that the operating condition that the operation time (cumulative operation time) of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) has reached a desired time is set as the cleaning timing of the brush 24b. Further, the description will be made assuming that the cleaning timing of the brush 24b is changed when the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) reaches a preset threshold value. Note that the cleaning timing of the brush 24b is merely an example. For example, the control unit 30 may use the cooling operation or the freezing operation as the cleaning timing of the brush 24b, and may clean the fan cleaning unit 24 during the cooling operation or the freezing operation.

Next, in step S820, the control part 30 will start an air-conditioning driving | operation, if execution of the air-conditioning driving | operation is instruct | indicated from a user.
Next, in step S830, the control unit 30 measures the operating time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan).
Next, in step S840, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the operating condition is the cleaning timing of the brush 24b.

If it is determined in step S840 that the operating condition is the cleaning timing of the brush 24b (in the case of “Yes”), the process proceeds to step S890. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S840 that the operation condition is not the cleaning timing of the brush 24b (in the case of “No”), in step S850, the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan 16 (blower fan). It is determined whether or not the operation time has reached a threshold value.

When it is determined in step S850 that the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) has not reached the threshold (in the case of “No”), in step S860, the control unit 30 determines that the operation condition is air conditioning operation. It is determined whether or not the end of the air conditioning operation is instructed by the user.

When it is determined in step S860 that the operation condition is not the end of the air conditioning operation (in the case of “No”), the process returns to step S830. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S860 that the operating condition is the end of the air conditioning operation (in the case of “Yes”), in step S870, the control unit 30 ends the air conditioning operation. Thereby, a series of routine processing ends.

When it is determined in the above-described determination in step S850 that the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) has reached the threshold (in the case of “Yes”), in step S880, the control unit 30 stores the storage unit 31a (FIG. 5), the cleaning timing of the brush 24b is changed based on the setting conditions stored in advance. Thereby, the control part 30 can clean the brush 24b more frequently than the present frequency, and conversely can clean the brush 24b less frequently than the present frequency. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S890.
In step S890, the control unit 30 repeatedly determines whether or not the operating condition is the end of the air conditioning operation, that is, whether or not the user has instructed to stop the air conditioning operation. The process waits until it is determined that the process ends ("Yes").

When it is determined in step S890 that the operating condition is the end of the air conditioning operation (in the case of “Yes”), in step S900, the control unit 30 ends the air conditioning operation. In step S910, the control unit 30 cleans the brush 24b. Thereby, a series of routine processing ends.

<Frequency of cleaning with the fan cleaning unit in contact with the indoor heat exchanger>
In the present embodiment, the indoor unit Ui cleans the brush 24b (cleaning member) of the fan cleaning unit 24 using condensed water (condensed water) generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15 by freezing / thawing operation or cooling operation. To do. However, energy is required to generate condensed water. Therefore, it is preferable that the frequency of cleaning the fan cleaning unit 24 by contacting the indoor heat exchanger 15 is as small as possible. In consideration of this point, the amount of dust attached to the fan cleaning unit 24 is smaller than the amount of dust attached to the indoor fan 16 (blower fan). Therefore, the frequency of cleaning the fan cleaning unit 24 in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 is preferably less than the frequency of cleaning the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) by the fan cleaning unit 24. Thereby, the air conditioner 100 can reduce power consumption.

<Main features of the air conditioner>
(1) As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 100 includes an indoor fan with a refrigeration cycle having an indoor heat exchanger 15 (heat exchanger), an indoor fan 16 (blower fan), and a brush 24b (cleaning member). The fan cleaning part 24 which cleans 16 and the control part 30 (refer FIG. 5) are provided. The brush 24b is configured to be able to selectively contact both the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 30 generates contact water (condensed water) generated by the contact heat control (see step S 110) that causes the brush 24 b to contact the indoor heat exchanger 15. Operation control (see step S120) can be performed. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the control unit 30 performs freezing before the fan cleaning unit 24 is brought into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 or when the fan cleaning unit 24 is brought into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15. In the cycle, condensed water is generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15.

The cleaning member may be a member such as a sponge instead of the brush 24b.
The condensed water (condensed water) generated in the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be water that is once frozen and thawed after adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 as frost (or ice).
Further, the order of the contact control (see step S110 in FIG. 8) and the generation operation control (see step S120 in FIG. 8) may be reversed as in steps S110a and S120a shown in FIG.

Since such an air conditioner 100 can clean the brush 24b using the condensed water (condensate) generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15, the brush 24b can be efficiently cleaned.

(2) As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the control unit 30 performs the drying operation after generating condensed water in the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the refrigeration cycle. The drying operation is performed by a heating operation using the indoor heat exchanger 15 as a condenser or a blowing operation (see step S170).

Since such an air conditioner 100 can dry the brush 24b efficiently, the brush 24b can be kept clean.

(3) As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, if the drying operation is performed after the condensed water is generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 15 is temporarily connected to the condenser in step S170. If the heating operation is performed, the control unit 30 preferably performs step S11 of FIG.
In step S120a of FIG. 9 or FIG. 9, contact control may be performed on the fan cleaning unit 24 to bring the brush 24b into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15.

Since such an air conditioner 100 can efficiently transfer the heat of the indoor heat exchanger 15 to the brush 24b when performing the heating operation in step S170, the brush 24b can be dried quickly. However, the air conditioner 100 can dry the brush 24b without bringing the brush 24b into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15.

(4) As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in the case where the drying operation is performed after the condensed water is generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the refrigeration cycle, the control unit 30 preferably moves the vertical wind direction plate 23. It may be closed or set to a horizontal or higher orientation (see step S150), the indoor fan 16 (air blower fan) is stopped (see step S160), or both.

Such an air conditioner 100 performs a drying operation in a state in which the air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 15 is strongly blown out from the air outlet h4 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the condensed water from leaking outside from the air outlet h4 (see FIG. 2), and can keep the indoor air clean.

(5) As shown in FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, or FIG. 11, the control unit 30 preferably uses the fan cleaning unit 24 as a gas region or a two-phase region in the indoor heat exchanger 15 when performing a drying operation. It is good to be in contact with the fin f that is in contact with the heat transfer tube g through which the refrigerant flows.

Such an air conditioner 100 can efficiently raise the temperature of the fan cleaning unit 24 by the heat transmitted from the fins f. In particular, the heat transfer tube g through which the refrigerant in the gas region or the two-phase region of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is likely to be hotter than the heat transfer tube g through which the refrigerant in the liquid region flows. Therefore, the temperature of the fan cleaning unit 24 can be further increased by bringing the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the fin f that is in contact with the heat transfer tube g through which the refrigerant in the gas region or the two-phase region flows.

(6) For example, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11, in the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, heating operation using the indoor heat exchanger 15 as a condenser in step S170 is performed. For example, the control unit 30 preferably directs the fan cleaning unit 24 toward the indoor heat exchanger 15 in order to easily increase the temperature of the fan cleaning unit 24.

Such an air conditioner 100 can increase the temperature of the fan cleaning unit 24 with heat transmitted from the fins f so that, for example, fungi (molds) can be sufficiently killed. Thereby, the air conditioner 100 can keep the fan cleaning part 24 clean.

(7) For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 30 may make the fan cleaning unit 24 not contact the indoor heat exchanger 15 during heating operation, cooling operation, or dehumidifying operation.

Such an air conditioner 100 can suppress the movement of dust from the indoor heat exchanger 15 to the fan cleaning unit 24 during the heating operation, the cooling operation, or the dehumidifying operation. The amount can be reduced. Further, the air conditioner 100 can prevent the condensed water (condensed water) generated by the indoor heat exchanger 15 from dripping along the brush 24b, so that the indoor heat can be efficiently generated with the condensed water (condensed water). The exchanger 15 can be cleaned.

(8) The fan cleaning unit 24 has a structure that rotates around the shaft 24a. As shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit 30 may set the direction of the fan cleaning unit 24 in the horizontal direction or within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction during the heating operation, the cooling operation, or the dehumidifying operation.

Such an air conditioner 100 can obtain a relatively good air-conditioning efficiency because it can prevent the flow of the wind flowing into the interior.

(9) Or, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 30 may set the direction of the fan cleaning unit 24 to be parallel to the wind flow during the heating operation, the cooling operation, or the dehumidifying operation. .

(10) In the air conditioner 100, a part of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (for example, the lower part) or the dew tray 18 is disposed below the fan cleaning unit 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 30 may preferably direct the fan cleaning unit 24 obliquely downward so that the tip of the fan cleaning unit 24 is positioned below. Thereby, the air conditioner 100 causes the condensed water to flow from the front end side of the fan cleaning unit 24 toward a part of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (for example, the lower part) or the dew receiving tray 18 when the condensed water is generated. The fan cleaning unit 24 can function as a water channel for condensed water.

Such an air conditioner 100 can cause the dust attached to the fan cleaning unit 24 to fall together with the dew condensation water by causing the fan cleaning unit 24 to function as a water channel for the dew condensation water. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can clean the fan cleaning unit 24 efficiently.

(11) The frequency of cleaning by bringing the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 is preferably less than the frequency of cleaning the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) by the fan cleaning unit 24.

Such an air conditioner 100 can suppress the generation frequency of condensed water (condensate) used for cleaning the fan cleaning unit 24. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can reduce power consumption.

(12) As shown in FIG. 8, if the heating operation is performed in step S170, preferably, in step S160, the control unit 30 performs operation control to stop the rotation of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan). Good.

Since the air conditioner 100 performs the heating operation in a state where the rotation of the indoor fan 16 is stopped in step S170, the air exchanged heat is not blown into the room and the indoor comfort is maintained. Can do.

(13) As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 30 may preferably change the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) according to the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan). .

Since such an air conditioner 100 can automatically change the cleaning timing of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan), the cleaning efficiency of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) can be improved.

(14) As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 30 may preferably change the cleaning timing of the brush 24 b (cleaning member) according to the operation time of the indoor fan 16 (blower fan).

Since such an air conditioner 100 can automatically change the cleaning timing of the brush 24b (cleaning member), it is possible to improve the cleaning efficiency of the brush 24b (cleaning member).
Further, in such an air conditioner 100, for example, the brush 24b is less likely to be stained than the indoor fan 16, and therefore the frequency of cleaning the brush 24b by contacting the indoor heat exchanger 15 causes the indoor fan 16 to be cleaned by the fan cleaning unit. The cleaning timing of the brush 24b can be set so as to be less than the frequency of cleaning at 24. Thereby, the air conditioner 100 can set the frequency which cleans the brush 24b in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15 to a suitable value.

(15) The control unit 30 performs contact control (see step S110 in FIG. 8) for bringing the brush 24b into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 15, thereby removing dust attached to the brush 24b from the brush 24b to the indoor heat exchanger. 15 can be moved.

Such an air conditioner 100 can move dust from the brush 24b to the indoor heat exchanger 15 by rubbing the dust adhering to the brush 24b onto the indoor heat exchanger 15. Therefore, the air can be efficiently removed from the brush 24b. Can be removed.
Moreover, since the air conditioner 100 can drip the dust which moved to the indoor heat exchanger 15 with the dew condensation water which flows along the indoor heat exchanger 15, it can improve cleaning efficiency.
In addition, since the indoor heat exchanger 15 is normally grounded, the air conditioner 100 obtains the effect of removing electricity from the brush 24b (that is, the effect of removing electricity from the brush 24b and making it difficult for dust to adhere to the brush 24b). be able to. As a result, the air conditioner 100 can make it difficult for dust to adhere to the brush 24b, and can easily keep the brush 24b clean.

(16) When the control unit 30 performs the operation control that the condensed water adheres to the brush 24b and then rotates the brush 24b, the control unit 30 moves the brush 24b in the downward direction of the shaft portion 24a with respect to the fan cleaning unit 24. Rotate.

In such an air conditioner 100, the condensed water adhering to the brush 24b flows from the tip end side of the brush 24b to the shaft portion 24a side and accumulates in the shaft portion 24a, and drops as a relatively large diameter droplet from the shaft portion 24a. Can be suppressed. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 can suppress the dew condensation water from scattering.

As mentioned above, according to the air conditioner 100 which concerns on this embodiment, the fan cleaning part 24 can be wash | cleaned efficiently.

≪Modification≫
The air conditioner 100 according to the present invention has been described in the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications can be made.

<First Modification>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning process of the fan cleaning unit 24 of the air conditioner according to the first modification.

In the first modification, the cleaning process of the fan cleaning unit 24 shown in FIG. 15 is performed at an arbitrary timing. For example, in the air conditioner according to the first modification, when the processing of the flow shown in FIG. 8 (or FIG. 9) is performed at a desired timing, the ratio is once every several times. Instead of the flow process shown in FIG. 15, the flow process shown in FIG. 15 may be performed. Alternatively, the processing of the flow shown in FIG. 15 may be performed without performing the processing of the flow shown in FIG. 8 (or FIG. 9).

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the cleaning timing of the fan cleaning unit 24 has come (step S1010). If it is determined in step S1010 that it is not the cleaning timing (in the case of “No”), the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cleaning timing has come (in the case of “Yes”), the process proceeds to step S1020. In this case, the control unit 30 rotates the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) in the direction opposite to the direction rotating during the air conditioning operation (step S1020). And the control part 30 performs the operation | movement which rotates the fan cleaning part 24 in multiple times in the range including the angle which the fan cleaning part 24 contacts the indoor exchanger 15 (step S1030). Thereby, the process ends.

In such an air conditioner according to the first modification, the dust attached to the fan cleaning unit 24 is rubbed against the indoor exchanger 15 and dropped by bringing the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor exchanger 15 a plurality of times. Can do. Further, in the air conditioner 100 according to the first modification, since the indoor heat exchanger 15 is grounded, the charge removal effect of the brush 24b (that is, the brush 24b is discharged to make it difficult for dust to adhere to the brush 24b. Effect). As a result, the air conditioner 100 according to the first modification can make it difficult for dust to adhere to the brush 24b, and can easily keep the brush 24b clean. Moreover, since the air conditioner 100 which concerns on a 1st modification does not produce | generate dew condensation water compared with the case where the process of the flow shown in FIG. 8 (or FIG. 9) is performed, it can reduce power consumption.

In the first modification, when the fan cleaning unit 24 is rotated, the indoor fan 16 (blower fan) is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction rotated during the air conditioning operation (see step S1020). Thereby, the air conditioner according to the first modified example can suppress dust from rising inside the indoor unit Ui and blowing out the dust from the air outlet h4 into the room.

<Second Modification>
FIG. 16A is a side view of the indoor heat exchanger 15 of the air conditioner according to the second modification. FIG. 16B is an inner view of the indoor heat exchanger 15 of the air conditioner according to the second modification.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the air conditioner according to the second modification is provided with slits sl in the fins f of the indoor heat exchanger 15. As shown in FIG. 16A, the slit sl is preferably provided at a location where the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 abuts when the fan cleaning unit 24 rotates. In the example shown in FIG. 16B, the slits sl are formed by alternately folding the inner surface portions of the fins f with a width of several millimeters on one surface side and the other surface side of the fins f.

The space | interval (fin pitch) of the fins f of the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be wider than the thickness of the hair of the brush 24b of the fan cleaning part 24. Even in such a case, the air conditioner according to the second modification can efficiently bring the brush 24b into contact with the fins f of the indoor heat exchanger 15. Thereby, the air conditioner which concerns on a 2nd modification can wash | clean the fan cleaning part 24 efficiently.

<Third Modification>
FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of an indoor unit UAi of an air conditioner according to a third modification.
In the third modified example shown in FIG. 17, a groove member M having a concave shape in a longitudinal sectional view is installed below the front side indoor heat exchanger 15a. A rib 28 extending upward from the bottom surface of the groove member M is provided in the groove member M. Other points are the same as in the embodiment.

In the groove member M shown in FIG. 17, the front portion of the rib 28 functions as a dew receiving portion 18 A that receives the condensed water of the indoor heat exchanger 15. In the groove member M, the rear portion of the rib 28 functions as a dust receiving portion 29 that receives dust dropped from the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16. The dust receiver 29 is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 15.

Further, below the fan cleaning unit 24, there is an indoor heat exchanger 15 (a lower part of the front indoor heat exchanger 15 a), and a dust receiving unit 29. More specifically, although illustration is omitted, the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dust receiving part 29 are present below the contact position when the fan cleaning part 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16. ing. Even if it is such a structure, the effect similar to above-described embodiment is show | played.
When the indoor heat exchanger 15 is thawed, water flows down to the dew receiving unit 18A and water also flows down to the dust receiving unit 29. Therefore, there is no possibility that the dust collected in the dust receiving portion 29 will be hindered.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the upper end of the rib 28 is not in contact with the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the upper end of the rib 28 may be in contact with the front indoor heat exchanger 15a.

<Fourth Modification>
FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the indoor fan 16 and the fan cleaning unit 124A provided in the air conditioner according to the fourth modification.
In the fourth modification shown in FIG. 18, the fan cleaning section 124A is provided with a rod-shaped shaft section 124d parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16, a brush 124e installed on the shaft section 124d, and both ends of the shaft section 124d. And a pair of

support portions

124f and 124f to be installed. In addition, although not shown, the fan cleaning unit 124A includes a moving mechanism that moves the fan cleaning unit 124A in the axial direction or the like.

18, the length of the fan cleaning section 124A in the direction parallel to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the indoor fan 16 is shorter than the axial length of the indoor fan 16 itself. The axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the indoor fan 16 is the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the indoor unit Ui. During the cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the fan cleaning unit 124 A moves in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the indoor fan 16. That is, in the axial direction of the indoor fan 16, the indoor fan 16 is sequentially cleaned for each predetermined area corresponding to the length of the fan cleaning unit 124A. Thus, the manufacturing cost of an air conditioner can be reduced by making it the structure which moves 124 A of fan cleaning parts whose length is comparatively short compared with 1st Embodiment.

A rod (not shown) extending in parallel with the shaft portion 124d is provided in the vicinity of the fan cleaning portion 124A (for example, above the shaft portion 124d), and a predetermined moving mechanism (not shown) is provided along the rod. The fan cleaning unit 124A may be moved. Further, after the cleaning by the fan cleaning unit 124A, a moving mechanism (not shown) may appropriately rotate or translate the fan cleaning unit 124A so that the fan cleaning unit 124A is retracted from the indoor fan 16.

In the embodiment, when the indoor fan 16 is cleaned, the control unit 30 causes the fan cleaning unit 24 to contact the indoor fan 16 to rotate (reversely rotate) the indoor fan 16 in a direction opposite to that during normal air conditioning operation. Although the process has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the control unit 30 may bring the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16 and rotate the indoor fan 16 in the same direction as during normal air-conditioning operation (forward rotation).

As described above, the brush 24b is brought into contact with the indoor fan 16 and the indoor fan 16 is rotated in the forward direction, so that dust adhering to the vicinity of the tip of the fan blade 16a is effectively removed. Moreover, since the circuit element for reversely rotating the indoor fan 16 becomes unnecessary, the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner 100 can be reduced. Note that the rotational speed when the indoor fan 16 is normally rotated during cleaning may be any of a low speed region, a medium speed region, and a high speed region, as in the embodiment.

In the embodiment, the configuration in which the brush 24b rotates around the shaft portion 24a of the fan cleaning unit 24 has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, when cleaning the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 may move the shaft portion 24 a toward the indoor fan 16 and bring the brush 24 b into contact with the indoor fan 16. Then, after the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 is completed, the control unit 30 may retract the shaft portion 24 a and separate the brush 24 b from the indoor fan 16.

In the embodiment, the configuration in which the fan cleaning unit 24 includes the brush 24b has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. That is, a sponge or the like may be used as long as the indoor fan 16 can be cleaned.

In the embodiment, the configuration in which the region located below the fan cleaning unit 24 in the indoor heat exchanger 15 is not the downstream region of the refrigerant flow has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the indoor heat exchanger 15, the region whose height is higher than that of the fan cleaning unit 24 is not the downstream region of the flow of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 15 (that is, the upstream region or the middle region). ) May be used. More specifically, in the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, a region located downstream of the air flow during normal air-conditioning operation and having a height higher than that of the fan cleaning unit 24 is the indoor heat exchanger. It is preferable that it is not the downstream area of the flow of the refrigerant | coolant which flows through 15. According to such a configuration, in the front indoor heat exchanger 15a, the region located on the downstream side of the air flow during normal air conditioning operation (the right side of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a shown in FIG. 2), As the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen, thick frost adheres to a region whose height is higher than that of the fan cleaning unit 24. And if the indoor heat exchanger 15 is defrosted after that, a lot of water will flow down along the fin f. As a result, dust adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 (including dust removed from the indoor fan 16) can be washed off to the dew tray 18.

Further, in the embodiment, the configuration in which the control unit 30 contacts the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 with the indoor fan 16 during cleaning of the indoor fan 16 is not limited thereto. That is, during cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the control unit 30 may bring the brush 24 b of the fan cleaning unit 24 close to the indoor fan 16. More specifically, the control unit 30 brings the brush 24b close to the indoor fan 16 to such an extent that dust accumulated at the tip of the fan blade 16a and growing to the outside in the radial direction from the tip can be removed. Even with such a configuration, dust accumulated in the indoor fan 16 can be appropriately removed.

Moreover, in each embodiment, although the process which wash | cleans the indoor heat exchanger 15 by freezing etc. of the indoor heat exchanger 15 was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be condensed, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be washed with the condensed water (condensed water). For example, the control unit 30 calculates the dew point of the room air based on the temperature of the room air and the relative humidity. And the control part 30 controls the opening degree etc. of the expansion valve 14 so that the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is below the above-mentioned dew point, and becomes higher than predetermined freezing temperature.

The above “freezing temperature” is a temperature at which moisture contained in the indoor air starts to freeze in the indoor heat exchanger 15 when the temperature of the indoor air is lowered. By condensing the indoor heat exchanger 15 in this way, the dust in the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed away with the condensed water (condensed water).

Further, the control unit 30 may condense the indoor heat exchanger 15 by performing a cooling operation or a dehumidifying operation and wash the indoor heat exchanger 15 with the condensed water (condensed water).

Moreover, although embodiment (refer FIG. 2) demonstrated the structure in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dew tray 18 exist below the fan cleaning part 24, it is not restricted to this. That is, a configuration in which at least one of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dew receiving tray 18 exists below the fan cleaning unit 24 may be employed. For example, in a configuration in which the lower portion of the indoor heat exchanger 15 that is <-shaped in a longitudinal sectional view extends in the vertical direction, the dew pan 18 may exist below (directly below) the fan cleaning unit 24.

In the third modification shown in FIG. 17, the configuration in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dust receiving part 29 are present below the fan cleaning part 24 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a configuration in which at least one of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dust receiving part 29 exists below the fan cleaning part 24 may be employed.

In the embodiment, the configuration in which the indoor unit Ui (see FIG. 1) and the outdoor unit Uo (see the same figure) are provided one by one has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a plurality of indoor units connected in parallel may be provided, or a plurality of outdoor units connected in parallel may be provided.
In the embodiment, the wall-mounted air conditioner 100 has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other types of air conditioners.

In the embodiment, the case where the air conditioner 100 has a function of executing the freezing / thawing operation of the indoor heat exchanger 15 has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the air conditioner 100 does not have a function of executing the freezing / thawing operation of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

Each embodiment is described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to the one having all the described configurations. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.
In addition, the above-described mechanisms and configurations are those that are considered necessary for the description, and do not necessarily indicate all the mechanisms and configurations on the product.
Moreover, this invention is applicable not only to the indoor unit Ui but the outdoor unit Uo.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Air conditioner 11 Compressor 12 Outdoor heat exchanger 13 Outdoor fan 14 Expansion valve 15 Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
15a Front side indoor heat exchanger 15b Rear side indoor heat exchanger 16 Indoor fan (fan)
17 Four-way valve 18 Dew tray 22 Left and right wind direction plate 23 Vertical wind direction plate (wind direction plate)
24, 124A

Fan cleaning part

24a,

124d Shaft part

24b, 124e Brush (cleaning member)
124f Supporting portion 28 Rib 29 Dust receiving portion 30 Control portion K Contact position Q Refrigerant circuit r Recessed portion

Claims

A refrigeration cycle having a heat exchanger;
A blower fan,
A fan cleaning section for cleaning the blower fan;
A controller for selectively bringing the fan cleaning unit into contact with both the blower fan and the heat exchanger;
The control unit generates condensed water in the refrigeration cycle by the heat exchanger before the fan cleaning unit is brought into contact with the heat exchanger or when the fan cleaning unit is brought into contact with the heat exchanger. An air conditioner characterized in that
In the air conditioner according to claim 1,
The control unit performs a drying operation after generating condensed water in the heat exchanger in the refrigeration cycle,
The air conditioner is characterized in that the drying operation is performed by an operation using the heat exchanger as a condenser or an air blowing operation.
In the air conditioner according to claim 2,
The controller is configured to bring the fan cleaning unit into contact with the heat exchanger when performing the drying operation by an operation using the heat exchanger as a condenser.
In the air conditioner according to claim 2,
When performing the drying operation by the operation using the heat exchanger as the condenser, the control unit closes the wind direction plate or sets it to a horizontal or higher direction, stops the blower fan, or both. An air conditioner characterized by that.
In the air conditioner according to claim 3,
The heat exchanger has heat transfer tubes and fins;
When the controller performs the drying operation, the fan cleaning unit is brought into contact with the fin that is in contact with the heat transfer tube in which a refrigerant in a gas region or a two-phase region flows in the heat exchanger. Air conditioner to do.
In the air conditioner according to claim 2,
The control unit directs the fan cleaning unit toward the heat exchanger when the drying operation is performed by an operation using the heat exchanger as a condenser.
In the air conditioner according to claim 1,
The said control part makes the said fan cleaning part the state which does not contact the said heat exchanger at the time of heating operation, air_conditionaing | cooling operation, or dehumidification operation, The air conditioner characterized by the above-mentioned.
The air conditioner according to claim 7,
The fan cleaning part is a structure that rotates around a shaft part,
An air conditioner characterized in that, during heating operation, cooling operation, or dehumidifying operation, the direction of the fan cleaning unit is set to a horizontal direction or within a predetermined angle range with respect to the horizontal direction.
The air conditioner according to claim 7,
The fan cleaning part is a structure that rotates around a shaft part,
An air conditioner characterized in that, during a heating operation, a cooling operation, or a dehumidifying operation, the direction of the fan cleaning unit is parallel to the wind flow.
In the air conditioner according to claim 1,
A part of the heat exchanger or a dew tray is disposed below the fan cleaning unit,
The said control part turns the said fan cleaning part diagonally downward so that the front-end | tip of the said fan cleaning part may be located below at the time of the production | generation of the said dew condensation water, The air conditioner characterized by the above-mentioned.
In the air conditioner according to claim 1,
The air conditioner characterized in that the frequency of cleaning the fan cleaning unit in contact with the heat exchanger is less than the frequency of cleaning the blower fan by the fan cleaning unit.
A refrigeration cycle having a heat exchanger;
A blower fan,
A fan cleaning section for cleaning the blower fan;
A controller for selectively bringing the fan cleaning unit into contact with both the blower fan and the heat exchanger;
The said control part performs the operation | movement which rotates the said fan cleaning part in multiple times in the range including the angle which the said fan cleaning part contacts the said heat exchanger, The air conditioner characterized by the above-mentioned.
The air conditioner according to claim 12,
An air conditioner that rotates the blower fan in a direction opposite to a direction that rotates during an air conditioning operation when the fan cleaning unit is rotated.
The air conditioner according to claim 12,
The fin pitch of the heat exchanger is wider than the thickness of the brush hair of the fan cleaning unit,
An air conditioner, wherein the fin of the heat exchanger is provided with a slit.
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 12,
The fan cleaning part is a structure that rotates a cleaning member around a shaft part,
The said control part makes the said refrigerating cycle produce | generate dew condensation water with the said heat exchanger, Then, the said cleaning member is rotated in the downward direction of the said axial part, The air conditioner characterized by the above-mentioned.
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 12,
The fan cleaning unit has a cleaning member that is shorter than the length of the blower fan in the longitudinal direction and is movable in the longitudinal direction of the blower fan.