WO2019220489A1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Air conditioner Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019220489A1
WO2019220489A1 PCT/JP2018/018514 JP2018018514W WO2019220489A1 WO 2019220489 A1 WO2019220489 A1 WO 2019220489A1 JP 2018018514 W JP2018018514 W JP 2018018514W WO 2019220489 A1 WO2019220489 A1 WO 2019220489A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fan
brush
indoor
cleaning
heat exchanger
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2018/018514
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
光 梅澤
智大 加藤
Original Assignee
日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社 filed Critical 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社
Priority to ES201890070A priority Critical patent/ES2731249A1/en
Priority to PCT/JP2018/018514 priority patent/WO2019220489A1/en
Priority to CN201880001789.9A priority patent/CN110520675B/en
Priority to JP2018536903A priority patent/JP6701353B2/en
Priority to TW107140525A priority patent/TWI686542B/en
Priority to FR1860549A priority patent/FR3081036B1/en
Publication of WO2019220489A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019220489A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/70—Suction grids; Strainers; Dust separation; Cleaning
    • F04D29/701—Suction grids; Strainers; Dust separation; Cleaning especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
    • F04D29/703—Suction grids; Strainers; Dust separation; Cleaning especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps specially for fans, e.g. fan guards
    • B08B1/12—
    • B08B1/20—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D17/00—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps
    • F04D17/02—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps having non-centrifugal stages, e.g. centripetal
    • F04D17/04—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps having non-centrifugal stages, e.g. centripetal of transverse-flow type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/001—Testing thereof; Determination or simulation of flow characteristics; Stall or surge detection, e.g. condition monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0018—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
    • F24F1/0018—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by fans
    • F24F1/0025—Cross-flow or tangential fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63—Electronic processing
    • F24F11/64—Electronic processing using pre-stored data
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
    • F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
    • F24F11/77—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/24—Means for preventing or suppressing noise
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/24—Means for preventing or suppressing noise
    • F24F2013/247—Active noise-suppression
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/22—Cleaning ducts or apparatus
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an air conditioner.
  • Patent Document 1 describes a device including a “fan cleaning device for removing dust from a fan”. Further, FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a fan cleaning device is installed in the vicinity of an air outlet of an indoor fan.
  • the fan cleaning unit is in contact with the fan before the fan starts rotating. For this reason, when the fan starts rotating, a load is applied to the fan cleaning unit, and the fan cleaning unit is likely to be deteriorated. Further, when the fan cleaning unit is deteriorated, the fan cleaning cannot be sufficiently performed. .
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can appropriately perform fan cleaning even when the fan cleaning unit is deteriorated.
  • an air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan, a fan cleaning unit that cleans the blower fan with a brush, and a control unit that causes the fan cleaning unit to contact the blower fan.
  • the control unit includes a brush angle changing unit that changes the angle of the brush that contacts the blower fan.
  • the fan can be properly cleaned even when the fan cleaning section is deteriorated.
  • Drawing 1 is an explanatory view showing refrigerant circuit Q of air harmony machine 100 concerning an embodiment.
  • the solid arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the refrigerant flow during the heating operation.
  • the broken line arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of the refrigerant during the cooling operation.
  • 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 heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 15, an indoor fan (blower 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 the outdoor fan motor 13a, and is installed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 12.
  • the expansion valve 14 is a valve that depressurizes the refrigerant condensed in the “condenser” (the outdoor heat exchanger 12 in the cooling operation and the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the heating operation). Note that the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion valve 14 is guided to an “evaporator” (the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the cooling operation, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 in the heating operation).
  • 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 16m (see FIG. 5), and is installed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 15.
  • the four-way valve 17 is a valve that switches the flow path of the refrigerant 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.
  • 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.
  • the refrigerant circuit Q that is sequentially connected in an annular manner through the refrigerant, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle.
  • 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.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor fan 16 are installed in the indoor unit Ui.
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional configuration of the indoor unit Ui included in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a state where the indoor fan 16 is not cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24.
  • 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).
  • 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 16m (see FIG. 5) as a drive source.
  • the indoor fan 16 is preferably coated with a hydrophilic coating agent.
  • 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.
  • 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 ⁇ b> 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 and right wind direction plate 22 is a plate-like member that adjusts the flow in the left and 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.
  • 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. A part of the fan cleaning unit 24 is made of nylon, for example.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which a part of the indoor unit included in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment is cut away.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24 includes a fan cleaning motor 24m (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 removes dust adhering to the fan blade 16a and is installed on the shaft portion 24a.
  • the fan cleaning motor 24m (see FIG. 5) is a stepping motor, for example, and has a function of rotating the shaft portion 24a by a predetermined angle.
  • the fan cleaning motor 24m (see FIG. 5) is driven and the indoor fan so that the brush 24b contacts the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 10A). 16 is reversely rotated.
  • the fan cleaning motor 24m is driven again, the brush 24b is rotated, and the brush 24b is separated from the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 2). .
  • the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 as shown in FIG. Specifically, except when the indoor fan 16 is being cleaned (including during normal air-conditioning operation), the brush 24b is spaced apart from the indoor fan 16 in a state of being directed in the horizontal direction (substantially horizontal). 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 the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment.
  • the direction of each arrow shown in FIG. 4 indicates the direction in which air flows.
  • the length of each arrow indicates the speed of air flow.
  • the indoor fan 16 rotates forward, and the air passing through the gaps between the fins f of the front indoor heat exchanger 15a is directed to the indoor fan 16.
  • air flows laterally (substantially horizontal) toward the indoor fan 16, as shown in FIG.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24 is disposed in the recess r with the brush 24b facing in the lateral direction.
  • the direction of the brush 24b is parallel to the direction of air flow.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24 hardly interferes with the air flow.
  • 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).
  • the fan cleaning part 24 is arrange
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating control functions of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment.
  • 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 control transmission / reception unit 27 exchanges predetermined information with the remote control 40 (air conditioning control terminal, see FIG. 7).
  • the indoor control circuit 31 includes electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and various interfaces. Then, the program stored in the ROM is read out and expanded in the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes.
  • a CPU Central Processing Unit
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • the indoor control circuit 31 includes a storage unit 31a and an indoor control unit 31b.
  • 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 24m, the indoor fan motor 16m, 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 indoor control unit 31b has a function of bringing the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16 in addition to the execution function of the motor and the like, and automatically changes the angle of the brush 24b in contact with the indoor fan 16 (for example, 11), the brush angle changing means 31b1 (brush angle adjustment mode) having the function of displaying the angle of the brush 24b on the remote controller 40 and changing the brush angle according to an instruction from the remote controller 40, and the indoor fan 16
  • the cleaning time changing means 31b2 cleaning time having a function of automatically changing the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 and a function of displaying the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 on the remote controller 40 and changing the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 according to an instruction from the remote controller 40 Adjustment mode).
  • the storage unit 31a In the storage unit 31a, the number of operations of the air conditioner 100 and / or the accumulated operation time is stored.
  • the indoor control unit 31b changes the angle of the brush 24b or the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 based on the number of operations or / and the accumulated operation time.
  • the outdoor unit Uo includes an outdoor control circuit 32 in addition to the configuration described above.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the indoor control circuit 31 and the outdoor control circuit 32 are collectively referred to as a “control unit 30”.
  • FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing a change angle of the brush 24b by the brush angle changing means 31b1, and is a case where the direction of the brush 24b is downward with respect to the brush reference line BL.
  • FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a change angle of the brush 24b by the brush angle changing means 31b1, and is a case where the orientation of the brush 24b is upward with respect to the brush reference line.
  • a brush reference line BL that connects the center 24c of the rotation shaft of the fan cleaning unit 24 and the center 16c of the rotation shaft of the indoor fan 16 is defined.
  • an angle formed by the brush reference line BL and the brush 24b with the center 24c as a vertex is ⁇ .
  • the brush 24b shows an angle close to the initial angle, and is downward (for example, + ⁇ degrees) with respect to the brush reference line BL.
  • the case where the brush 24b is deteriorated is assumed to be upward with respect to the brush reference line (for example, ⁇ degrees).
  • the brush angle changing means 31b1 starts from the state shown in FIG. 6A, and in accordance with the deterioration tendency of the brush 24b, the angle of the brush 24b is set every ⁇ in the direction of the brush 24b shown in FIG. It is good to change.
  • the brush angle changing means 31b1 starts from the state shown in FIG. 6B, and in the direction of the brush 24b shown in FIG. It is preferable to change the angle of 24b for each ⁇ .
  • the change of the angle of the brush 24b can be changed in any case before the indoor fan 16 rotates or during the rotation of the indoor fan 16.
  • FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance of the remote control 40 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment.
  • the remote controller 40 air conditioning control terminal
  • the remote controller 40 includes a display unit 41, a cooling button 42, a heating button 43, a stop button 44, an up / down key 45 (+ -key), a function button 46, a setting button 47, and the like.
  • the remote controller 40 is operated by a user, and transmits an infrared signal to the remote controller transmission / reception unit 27 (see FIG. 5) of the indoor unit Ui.
  • the contents of the signal are various commands such as an operation request, a change in set temperature, a timer, an operation mode change, and a stop request.
  • the air conditioner AC can perform at least indoor cooling, heating, dehumidification, and the like based on these signals. Moreover, you may provide other air conditioning functions, such as air purification. That is, the air conditioner AC can adjust indoor air in various ways.
  • the display unit 41 displays a current operating state.
  • a function for example, fan cleaning mode
  • the set content is changed with the up / down key 45.
  • the brush angle adjustment mode the angle of the brush 24b (see FIG. 8A) is changed.
  • the cleaning time adjustment mode the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 8B) is changed.
  • the display screens shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are automatically displayed as appropriate on the remote controller 40 so that the user or the service person of the air conditioner can adjust the brush angle or the cleaning time. It is good to do so.
  • FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the fan cleaning mode, in the case of brush angle adjustment.
  • FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the fan cleaning mode, in the case of cleaning time adjustment.
  • the remote controller 40 displays the angle of the brush 24b on the display unit 41, displays the brush angle adjustment mode in which the angle of the brush 24b can be adjusted, the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 on the display unit 41, and the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 There is a cleaning time adjustment mode and the like that can be adjusted.
  • the brush angle adjustment value n corresponds to +1, the brush angle ⁇ is ⁇ 0 ⁇ , and + is pressed twice (+2) ),
  • the brush angle adjustment value n corresponds to +2, the brush angle ⁇ is ⁇ 0 -2 ⁇ , and when-is pressed once ( ⁇ 1), the brush angle adjustment value n corresponds to ⁇ 1,
  • the brush angle ⁇ is ⁇ 0 + ⁇ , and when ⁇ is pressed twice ( ⁇ 2), the brush angle adjustment value n corresponds to ⁇ 2, and the brush angle ⁇ is ⁇ 0 + 2 ⁇ .
  • the predetermined angle ⁇ is stored in advance in the storage unit 31a (see FIG. 5) as 0.5 degrees, 1 degree, and the like.
  • the cleaning time can be adjusted every predetermined time (for example, ⁇ CT) by selecting with the up / down key 45. That is, the cleaning time CT is the initial cleaning time CT 0 , the cleaning time adjustment value m, and the cleaning time predetermined time ⁇ CT.
  • CT CT 0 + m ⁇ CT (2) Will be changed as
  • the cleaning time adjustment value m corresponds to +1
  • the cleaning time CT is CT 0 + ⁇ CT
  • the cleaning time adjustment value m corresponds to +2
  • the cleaning is performed.
  • the time CT is CT 0 + 2 ⁇ CT, ⁇ 1
  • the cleaning time adjustment value m corresponds to ⁇ 1
  • the cleaning time CT is CT 0 ⁇ CT, ⁇ 2, the cleaning time adjustment value m corresponds to ⁇ 2,
  • the cleaning time CT is CT 0 -2 ⁇ CT.
  • the predetermined time ⁇ CT is stored in advance in the storage unit 31a (see FIG. 5) as 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or the like.
  • the control unit 30 may make an announcement “start cleaning the indoor fan” via the audio unit of the remote controller 40.
  • the user can easily adjust the brush angle and the cleaning time during “fan cleaning”.
  • the brush angle adjustment and the cleaning time adjustment can be changed even when “fan cleaning” is not being performed. Details of the brush angle adjustment and the cleaning time adjustment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B will be described later (see FIG. 11).
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment (see FIG. 2 as appropriate).
  • the air conditioning operation is not performed at the time of “START” in FIG. 9 and that the tip of the brush 24b faces the front indoor heat exchanger 15a (the state shown in FIG. 2).
  • step S101 of FIG. 9 the control unit 30 cleans the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24.
  • the trigger for starting the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 includes, for example, a condition that the accumulated time of the air conditioning operation from the previous cleaning reaches a predetermined time, but is not limited to a specific one. A state during cleaning of the indoor fan 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 10A.
  • FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the indoor fan 16 is being cleaned in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment.
  • 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 rotates (reversely rotates) the indoor fan 16 in the opposite direction to that during normal air-conditioning operation.
  • the indoor fan 16 reaches the set rotation speed Rc, the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 is changed to a brush angle changing unit.
  • the indoor fan 16 is brought into contact with the change angle at 31b1 or the change angle instructed from the remote controller 40.
  • control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b about 180- ⁇ ° about the shaft portion 24a from the state where the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see FIG. 2) (see FIG. 6A).
  • the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 10A).
  • the brush 24 b comes into contact with the fan blade 16 a of the indoor fan 16.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the front indoor heat exchanger 15a) 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 is changed by the brush angle changing means 31b1 or the remote control.
  • the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 is brought into contact with the fan blade 16a at a change angle instructed by 40.
  • the brush 24b comes into contact with the vicinity of the front end of the fan blade 16a, and dust accumulated near the front end of the fan blade 16a is removed.
  • most of the dust accumulated in the indoor fan 16 can be removed.
  • 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 to 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. 10A). 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.
  • 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 (300 rpm) or more and less than 1700 min ⁇ 1 (1700 rpm).
  • the range of the rotational speed in the low speed region of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, not less than 100 min ⁇ 1 (100 rpm) and less than 300 min ⁇ 1 (300 rpm). Thus, by rotating the indoor fan 16 in the low speed region, the indoor fan 16 can be cleaned with low noise.
  • step S102 the control unit 30 moves the fan cleaning unit 24 in step S102. That is, the control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b about 180- ⁇ ° around the shaft portion 24a (see FIG. 6A) from the state where the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 10A). The front end of 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see FIG. 10B). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the fan cleaning unit 24 from obstructing the air flow during the subsequent air conditioning operation.
  • step S103 the control unit 30 sequentially performs freezing and thawing of the indoor heat exchanger 15.
  • 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.
  • the control unit 30 When the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen, the control unit 30 preferably lowers the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 15. That is, the control unit 30 causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 to function as an evaporator, and when the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen (condensed water is attached), the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant is higher than during normal air conditioning operation. The temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 15 is adjusted so as to be low.
  • control unit 30 causes the refrigerant having a low pressure and a low evaporation temperature to flow into the indoor heat exchanger 15 by reducing the opening of the expansion valve 14 (see FIG. 1).
  • frost and ice symbol i shown in FIG. 10B
  • the indoor heat exchanger 15 can be washed away with a large amount of water during the subsequent thawing.
  • region located under the fan cleaning part 24 is not a downstream area of the flow of the refrigerant
  • 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.
  • the control unit 30 may close the up-and-down air direction plate 23 (see FIG. 2).
  • the angle of the up-and-down wind direction plate 23 is upward from the horizontal.
  • the control unit 30 defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 (step S103 in FIG. 9). 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 by the control part 30 performing ventilation operation. A state in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 is being thawed will be described with reference to FIG. 10B.
  • FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 is being thawed in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment.
  • 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.
  • the dust j adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 during the air conditioning operation can be washed away.
  • 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. 10B).
  • the water w that has flown down to the dew tray 18 in this way, together with dust j (see FIG. 10A) that has fallen directly onto the dew tray 18 during cleaning of the indoor fan 16, is externally supplied via a drain hose (not shown). To be discharged.
  • a drain hose not shown
  • step S ⁇ b> 103 after the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen and thawed (step S ⁇ b> 103), the control unit 30 performs a blowing operation so that the interior of the indoor unit Ui can be dried. Good. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the propagation of bacteria and fungi in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the like.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a fan cleaning process S200 executed by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a period during which the fan cleaning unit 24 during the fan cleaning according to the present embodiment is separated from or separated from the indoor fan 16.
  • step S201 the control unit 30 sets an initial value.
  • initial setting items cleaning elapsed time T, cleaning time CT, brush angle adjustment value n, cleaning time adjustment value m, operation integrated time DT, operation integrated time threshold DTc, rotation speed R, set rotation speed Rc, initial brush angle ⁇ 0 , there is a brush angle ⁇ .
  • step S202 it is determined whether or not the operation integration time DT of the air conditioner 100 has reached the operation integration time threshold value DTc.
  • the integration time DT is set to “0” (zero) (step S203), and the process proceeds to step S204.
  • step S202 No
  • the process proceeds to step S204.
  • step S203 the angle of the brush 24b is changed because the brush 24b is expected to be deteriorated, so that the contact between the brush 24b and the fan blade 16a is improved.
  • step S204 the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16m to start the rotation of the indoor fan 16, and accelerates the indoor fan 16.
  • step S210 the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m to bring the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16.
  • the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m so that the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are arranged in contact with each other after the indoor fan 16 is accelerated.
  • step S210 when the fan cleaning unit 24 is brought into contact with the indoor fan 16, the PM (permanent magnet) type and HB type stepping motors are detented when the fan cleaning motor 24m is not energized. Since it has torque, its position can be maintained. However, in order to reliably hold the position during fan cleaning, the control unit 30 drives the brush 24b to a predetermined angle and then holds the fan cleaning motor 24m (driving device) at a predetermined angle during cleaning of the blower fan. It is preferable to pass a holding current for this purpose.
  • the HB type motor has a structure in which a cylindrical magnet magnetized in the axial direction is sandwiched between two iron rotors (rotors).
  • control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16m so that the indoor fan 16 rotates in a state where the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16.
  • the durability of the fan cleaning unit 24 can be enhanced, and dust attached to the blades of the indoor fan 16 can be removed.
  • control unit 30 may decelerate the rotation speed of the brush 24b immediately before the brush 24b is applied to the indoor fan 16 (immediately before contact). Since the indoor fan 16 is rotating at the set rotational speed Rc, it is possible to weaken the impact when the brush 24b is brought into contact and reduce the wear of the brush 24b.
  • control unit 30 controls the left / right airflow direction plate motor 25 so that the left / right airflow direction plate 22 is closed while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are in contact with each other.
  • control unit 30 controls the vertical wind direction plate motor 26 so that the vertical wind direction plate 23 is closed while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are in contact with each other.
  • step S ⁇ b> 211 the control unit 30 determines whether there is a brush angle change request from the remote controller 40.
  • the control unit 30 proceeds to step S220.
  • step S215, No the control unit 30 returns to step S211.
  • step S220 the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m to separate the fan cleaning unit 24 from the indoor fan 16.
  • the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m so that the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are arranged at positions separated from each other before the indoor fan 16 is decelerated.
  • step S221 the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16m, decelerates the indoor fan 16, and ends the rotation of the indoor fan 16.
  • step S222 the control unit 30 stores the brush angle adjustment value n and the cleaning time adjustment value m, which are set values, in the storage unit 31a.
  • the control unit 30, during the period from time t 0 shown in FIG. 12 to time t 1 (during acceleration of the indoor fan 16), thereby separating the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16.
  • the period from the time t 1 to time t 2 is a cleaning time CT.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 can be separated from each other during acceleration when the indoor fan 16 starts rotating or during deceleration when the indoor fan 16 finishes rotating. It is possible to avoid a problem that a load is applied to the cleaning unit 24 and the fan cleaning unit 24 is likely to deteriorate. Further, it is possible to avoid the problem that the noise increases with the increase or decrease of the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 and the user is uncomfortable.
  • the brush angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 can be changed according to the deterioration of the brush 24b, so that fan cleaning is appropriately performed. it can.
  • the brush angle can be adjusted by the remote controller 40, and can be changed to an optimum brush angle by a user or a service person of the air conditioner.
  • the fan cleaning time can be adjusted by the remote controller 40, and can be changed to an optimum fan cleaning time by a user or a service person of the air conditioner.
  • the air conditioner 100 compared with a conventional air conditioner, the time for the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 to contact each other can be shortened, so that deterioration of the fan cleaning unit is suppressed, An air conditioner with improved quietness can be realized.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 rotate in the same direction while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 come into contact with each other. Durability can be increased.
  • the angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 is adjusted corresponding to the front end surface of the indoor fan 16 while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are in contact with each other. Silence can be improved.
  • the air conditioner 100 since the left and right wind direction plates 22 and the upper and lower wind direction plates 23 are closed while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are in contact with each other, the quietness of the air conditioner 100 is improved. In addition, the dust can be prevented from diffusing and the user can be prevented from accidentally putting his / her hand inside the indoor unit Ui.
  • the indoor fan 16 is cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24 (S101 in FIG. 9), it is possible to suppress the dust j from being blown into the room. 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.
  • 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. Increase is also suppressed
  • control unit 30 sequentially freezes and thaws the indoor heat exchanger 15 (S103 in FIG. 9), so that the dust j adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 is washed away with the water w, and the dew tray 18 Flow down.
  • 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.
  • the brush angle and the cleaning time changing means have been described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8A, 8B, and 11.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the control unit 30 may include a rotation speed changing unit that changes the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 from the initial setting when the fan cleaning unit 24 cleans the indoor fan 16.
  • the brush 24b is deteriorated, the fan can be effectively cleaned by increasing the rotational speed of the indoor fan 16.
  • the noise at the time of fan cleaning is large, the noise can be reduced by reducing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16.
  • the control unit 30 can change the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 based on the number of operations or / and the operation integration time.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an indoor fan 16 and a fan cleaning unit 24A provided in an air conditioner according to another modification.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24A is installed on a rod-shaped shaft part 24d parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16, a brush 24e installed on the shaft part 24d, and both ends of the shaft part 24d.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24A includes a moving mechanism that moves the fan cleaning unit 24A in the axial direction or the like.
  • the length of the fan cleaning section 24A in the direction parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16 is shorter than the axial length of the indoor fan 16 itself.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24A moves in the axial direction of the indoor fan 16 (left and right as viewed from the front of the indoor unit). 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 24A.
  • the manufacturing cost of an air conditioner can be reduced by making it the structure which moves 24 A of fan cleaning parts whose length is comparatively short compared with the structure shown in FIG.
  • a rod (not shown) extending in parallel with the shaft portion 24d is provided in the vicinity of the fan cleaning portion 24A (for example, above the shaft portion 24d), and a predetermined moving mechanism (not shown) is provided along the rod.
  • the fan cleaning unit 24A may be moved. Further, after the cleaning by the fan cleaning unit 24A, a moving mechanism (not shown) may appropriately rotate or translate the fan cleaning unit 24A so that the fan cleaning unit 24A is retracted from the indoor fan 16.
  • 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).
  • the initial state at the time of fan cleaning may be set, and the brush angle may be adjusted in the direction of FIG. 6A as the brush 24b deteriorates.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the configuration in which the fan cleaning unit 24 includes the brush 24b has been described.
  • 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.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be condensed, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 may be washed with the condensed water (condensed water).
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • the present invention is not limited thereto. 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.
  • the dew pan 18 may exist below (directly below) the fan cleaning unit 24.
  • the present invention is not limited to this. 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.
  • the wall-mounted air conditioner 100 has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other types of air conditioners.

Abstract

An air conditioner (100) equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (15), an indoor fan (16), a fan cleaning unit (24) which cleans the indoor fan (16) by using a brush (24b), and a control unit (30) for contacting the fan cleaning unit (24) to the indoor fan (16), wherein the control unit (30) has a brush angle changing means (31b1) for changing the angle of the brush which contacts the indoor fan (16).

Description

空気調和機Air conditioner
　本発明は、空気調和機に関する。 The present invention relates to an air conditioner.
　空気調和機の室内ファン（ファン）を清掃する技術として、例えば、特許文献１には、「ファンの塵埃を除去するためのファン清掃装置」を備えるものが記載されている。また、特許文献１の図１には、ファン清掃装置が室内ファンの吹出口付近に設置された構成について記載されている。 As a technique for cleaning an indoor fan (fan) of an air conditioner, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a device including a “fan cleaning device for removing dust from a fan”. Further, FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a fan cleaning device is installed in the vicinity of an air outlet of an indoor fan.
特許４０４６７５５号公報Japanese Patent No. 4046755
　特許文献１に記載の技術では、ファン清掃部が、ファンの回転開始前にファンに当接している。このため、ファンが回転を開始する際、ファン清掃部に負荷が掛かりファン清掃部が劣化し易くなる、また、ファン清掃部が劣化すると、ファン清掃が十分にできなくなる、などの問題があった。 In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the fan cleaning unit is in contact with the fan before the fan starts rotating. For this reason, when the fan starts rotating, a load is applied to the fan cleaning unit, and the fan cleaning unit is likely to be deteriorated. Further, when the fan cleaning unit is deteriorated, the fan cleaning cannot be sufficiently performed. .
　そこで、本発明は、ファン清掃部が劣化した場合にもファン清掃が適切にできる空気調和機を提供することを課題とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can appropriately perform fan cleaning even when the fan cleaning unit is deteriorated.
　前記課題を解決するために、本発明に係る空気調和機は、室内熱交換器と、送風ファンと、送風ファンをブラシで清掃するファン清掃部と、ファン清掃部を送風ファンに接触させる制御部と、を備え、制御部は、送風ファンに接触するブラシの角度を変更するブラシ角度変更手段を有することを特徴とする。本発明のその他の態様については、後記する実施形態において説明する。 In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioner according to the present invention includes an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan, a fan cleaning unit that cleans the blower fan with a brush, and a control unit that causes the fan cleaning unit to contact the blower fan. The control unit includes a brush angle changing unit that changes the angle of the brush that contacts the blower fan. Other aspects of the present invention will be described in the embodiments described later.
　本発明によれば、ファン清掃部が劣化した場合にもファン清掃が適切にできる。 According to the present invention, the fan can be properly cleaned even when the fan cleaning section is deteriorated.
実施形態に係る空気調和機の冷媒回路を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態に係る空気調和機が備える室内機の側断面構成を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the side cross-section structure of the indoor unit with which the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment is provided. 実施形態に係る空気調和機が備える室内機の一部を切り欠いた斜視図である。It is the perspective view which notched some indoor units with which the air conditioner concerning an embodiment is provided. 実施形態に係る空気調和機において、空調運転中におけるファン清掃部付近の空気の流れを示す説明図である。In the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the air of the fan cleaning part vicinity during an air conditioning driving | operation. 実施形態に係る空気調和機の制御機能を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the control function of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment. ブラシ角度変更手段によるブラシの変更角度を示す説明図であり、ブラシの向きがブラシ基準線に対し下向きの場合である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the change angle of the brush by a brush angle change means, and is a case where the direction of a brush is downward with respect to a brush reference line. ブラシ角度変更手段によるブラシの変更角度を示す説明図であり、ブラシの向きがブラシ基準線に対し上向きの場合である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the change angle of the brush by a brush angle change means, and is a case where the direction of a brush is upwards with respect to a brush reference line. 実施形態に係る空気調和機のリモコンの外観を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of the remote control of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment. ファン清掃モードの表示例を示す説明図であり、ブラシ角度調整の場合である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of fan cleaning mode, and is a case of brush angle adjustment. ファン清掃モードの表示例を示す説明図であり、清掃時間調整の場合である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of fan cleaning mode, and is a case of cleaning time adjustment. 実施形態に係る空気調和機の制御部が実行する制御処理を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the control processing which the control part of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment performs. 実施形態に係る空気調和機において、室内ファンの清掃中の状態を示す説明図である。In the air conditioner concerning an embodiment, it is an explanatory view showing the state under cleaning of an indoor fan. 実施形態に係る空気調和機において、室内熱交換器の解凍中の状態を示す説明図である。In the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the state in the process of defrosting of an indoor heat exchanger. 実施形態に係る空気調和機の制御部が実行するファン清掃処理を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the fan cleaning process which the control part of the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment performs. 実施形態に係るファン清掃中のファン清掃部が室内ファンに当節又は離間する期間を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the period when the fan cleaning part during the fan cleaning which concerns on embodiment is this section or spaced apart from an indoor fan. 本発明の別の変形例に係る空気調和機が備える室内ファン及びファン清掃部を示す模式的な斜視図である。It is a typical perspective view which shows the indoor fan and fan cleaning part with which the air conditioner which concerns on another modification of this invention is provided.
　本発明を実施するための実施形態について、適宜図面を参照しながら詳細に説明する。
　図１は、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００の冷媒回路Ｑを示す説明図である。図１の実線矢印は、暖房運転時における冷媒の流れを示している。図１の破線矢印は、冷房運転時における冷媒の流れを示している。図１に示すように、空気調和機１００は、圧縮機１１と、室外熱交換器１２と、室外ファン１３と、膨張弁１４と、を備えている。また、空気調和機１００は、前記した構成の他に、室内熱交換器（熱交換器）１５と、室内ファン（送風ファン）１６と、四方弁１７と、を備えている。 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
Drawing 1 is an explanatory view showing refrigerant circuit Q of air harmony machine 100 concerning an embodiment. The solid arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the refrigerant flow during the heating operation. The broken line arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of the refrigerant during the cooling operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor fan 13, and an expansion valve 14. The air conditioner 100 includes an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 15, an indoor fan (blower fan) 16, and a four-way valve 17 in addition to the above-described configuration.
　圧縮機１１は、圧縮機モータ１１ａの駆動によって、低温低圧のガス冷媒を圧縮し、高温高圧のガス冷媒として吐出する機器である。室外熱交換器１２は、その伝熱管（図示せず）を通流する冷媒と、室外ファン１３から送り込まれる外気と、の間で熱交換が行われる熱交換器である。 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.
　室外ファン１３は、室外ファンモータ１３ａの駆動によって、室外熱交換器１２に外気を送り込むファンであり、室外熱交換器１２の付近に設置されている。膨張弁１４は、「凝縮器」（冷房運転の場合は室外熱交換器１２、暖房運転の場合は室内熱交換器１５）で凝縮した冷媒を減圧する弁である。なお、膨張弁１４において減圧された冷媒は、「蒸発器」（冷房運転の場合は室内熱交換器１５、暖房運転の場合は室外熱交換器１２）に導かれる。 The outdoor fan 13 is a fan that sends outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 by driving the outdoor fan motor 13a, and is installed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The expansion valve 14 is a valve that depressurizes the refrigerant condensed in the “condenser” (the outdoor heat exchanger 12 in the cooling operation and the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the heating operation). Note that the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion valve 14 is guided to an “evaporator” (the indoor heat exchanger 15 in the cooling operation, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12 in the heating operation).
　室内熱交換器１５は、その伝熱管ｇ（図２参照）を通流する冷媒と、室内ファン１６から送り込まれる室内空気（空調対象空間の空気）と、の間で熱交換が行われる熱交換器である。室内ファン１６は、室内ファンモータ１６ｍ（図５参照）の駆動によって、室内熱交換器１５に室内空気を送り込むファンであり、室内熱交換器１５の付近に設置されている。 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 16m (see FIG. 5), and is installed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 15.
　四方弁１７は、空気調和機１００の運転モードに応じて、冷媒の流路を切り替える弁である。例えば、冷房運転時（図１の破線矢印を参照）には、圧縮機１１、室外熱交換器１２（凝縮器）、膨張弁１４、及び室内熱交換器１５（蒸発器）が、四方弁１７を介して環状に順次接続されてなる冷媒回路Ｑにおいて、冷凍サイクルで冷媒が循環する。 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.
　一方、暖房運転時（図１の実線矢印を参照）には、圧縮機１１、室内熱交換器１５（凝縮器）、膨張弁１４、及び室外熱交換器１２（蒸発器）が、四方弁１７を介して環状に順次接続されてなる冷媒回路Ｑにおいて、冷凍サイクルで冷媒が循環する。 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.
　なお、図１に示す例では、圧縮機１１、室外熱交換器１２、室外ファン１３、膨張弁１４、及び四方弁１７が、室外機Ｕｏに設置されている。一方、室内熱交換器１５及び室内ファン１６は、室内機Ｕｉに設置されている。 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.
　図２は、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００が備える室内機Ｕｉの側断面構成を示す説明図である。室内機Ｕｉは、前記した室内熱交換器１５や室内ファン１６の他に、露受皿１８と、筐体ベース１９と、フィルタ２０ａ，２０ｂと、前面パネル２１と、左右風向板２２と、上下風向板２３と、ファン清掃部２４と、を備えている。なお、図２では、ファン清掃部２４による室内ファン１６の清掃が行われていない状態を図示している。 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional configuration of the indoor unit Ui included in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. 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. FIG. 2 illustrates a state where the indoor fan 16 is not cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24.
　室内熱交換器１５は、複数のフィンｆと、それらのフィンｆを貫通する複数の伝熱管ｇと、を有している。また、別の観点から説明すると、室内熱交換器１５は、前側室内熱交換器１５ａと、後側室内熱交換器１５ｂと、を有している。前側室内熱交換器１５ａは、室内ファン１６の前側に配置されている。一方、後側室内熱交換器１５ｂは、室内ファン１６の後側に配置されている。そして、前側室内熱交換器１５ａの上端部と、後側室内熱交換器１５ｂの上端部と、が接続されている。 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.
　露受皿１８は、室内熱交換器１５の凝縮水を受けるものであり、室内熱交換器１５（図２に示す例では、前側室内熱交換器１５ａ）の下方に配置されている。 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).
　室内ファン１６は、例えば、円筒状のクロスフローファンであり、室内熱交換器１５の付近に配置されている。室内ファン１６は、複数のファンブレード１６ａと、これらのファンブレード１６ａが設置される仕切板１６ｂと、駆動源である室内ファンモータ１６ｍ（図５参照）と、を備えている。 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 16m (see FIG. 5) as a drive source.
　なお、室内ファン１６は、親水性のコーティング剤でコーティングされていることが好ましい。このようなコーティング材として、例えば、親水性材料であるイソプロピルアルコール分散シリカゾルに、バインダー（加水分解性基を有するケイ素化合物）、ブタノール、テトラヒドロフラン、及び抗菌剤を添加したものを用いてもよい。 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.
　これによって、室内ファン１６の表面に親水性膜が形成されるため、室内ファン１６の表面の電気抵抗値が小さくなり、室内ファン１６に塵埃が付着しにくくなる。つまり、室内ファン１６の駆動中、空気との摩擦に伴う静電気が室内ファン１６の表面に生じにくくなるため、室内ファン１６への塵埃の付着を抑制できる。このように、前記したコーティング剤は、室内ファン１６の帯電防止剤としても機能する。 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.
　図２に示す筐体ベース１９は、室内熱交換器１５や室内ファン１６等の機器が設置される筐体である。フィルタ２０ａは、前側の空気吸込口ｈ１に向かう空気から塵埃を除去するものであり、室内熱交換器１５の前側に設置されている。フィルタ２０ｂは、上側の空気吸込口ｈ２に向かう空気から塵埃を除去するものであり、室内熱交換器１５の上側に設置されている。 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 <b> 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.
　前面パネル２１は、前側のフィルタ２０ａを覆うように設置されるパネルであり、下端を軸として前側に回動可能になっている。なお、前面パネル２１が回動しない構成であってもよい。 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.
　左右風向板２２は、室内ファン１６の回転に伴って室内に吹き出される空気の左右方向の流れを調整する板状部材である。左右風向板２２は、吹出風路ｈ３に配置され、左右風向板用モータ２５（図５参照）によって左右方向に回動するようになっている。上下風向板２３は、室内ファン１６の回転に伴って室内に吹き出される空気の上下方向の流れを調整する板状部材である。上下風向板２３は、空気吹出口ｈ４の付近に配置され、上下風向板用モータ２６（図５参照）によって上下方向に回動するようになっている。 The left and right wind direction plate 22 is a plate-like member that adjusts the flow in the left and 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).
　空気吸込口ｈ１，ｈ２を介して吸い込まれた空気は、室内熱交換器１５の伝熱管ｇを通流する冷媒と熱交換し、熱交換した空気が吹出風路ｈ３に導かれる。この吹出風路ｈ３を通流する空気は、左右風向板２２及び上下風向板２３によって所定方向に導かれ、さらに、空気吹出口ｈ４を介して室内に吹き出される。 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.
　なお、空気の流れに伴って空気吸込口ｈ１，ｈ２に向かう塵埃の多くは、フィルタ２０ａ，２０ｂで捕集される。しかしながら、細かい塵埃がフィルタ２０ａ，２０ｂを通り抜けて、室内熱交換器１５や室内ファン１６に付着することがある。したがって、室内熱交換器１５や室内ファン１６を定期的に清掃することが望ましい。そこで、本実施形態では、次に説明するファン清掃部２４を用いて室内ファン１６を清掃した後、室内熱交換器１５を水で洗い流すようにしている。 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.
　図２に示すファン清掃部２４は、室内ファン１６を清掃するものであり、室内熱交換器１５と室内ファン１６との間に配置されている。より詳しく説明すると、縦断面視で＜字状を呈する前側室内熱交換器１５ａの凹部ｒに、ファン清掃部２４が配置されている。図２に示す例では、ファン清掃部２４の下方に、室内熱交換器１５（前側室内熱交換器１５ａの下部）が存在するとともに、露受皿１８が存在している。ファン清掃部２４は、例えば、一部がナイロンで構成される。 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. A part of the fan cleaning unit 24 is made of nylon, for example.
　図３は、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００が備える室内機の一部を切り欠いた斜視図である。ファン清掃部２４は、図３に示す軸部２４ａ及びブラシ２４ｂの他に、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍ（図５参照）を備えている。軸部２４ａは、室内ファン１６の軸方向に平行な棒状の部材であり、その両端が軸支されている。 FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which a part of the indoor unit included in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment is cut away. The fan cleaning unit 24 includes a fan cleaning motor 24m (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.
　ブラシ２４ｂは、ファンブレード１６ａに付着した塵埃を除去するものであり、軸部２４ａに設置されている。ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍ（図５参照）は、例えば、ステッピングモータであり、軸部２４ａを所定角度だけ回転させる機能を有している。 The brush 24b removes dust adhering to the fan blade 16a and is installed on the shaft portion 24a. The fan cleaning motor 24m (see FIG. 5) is a stepping motor, for example, and has a function of rotating the shaft portion 24a by a predetermined angle.
　ファン清掃部２４によって室内ファン１６を清掃する際には、室内ファン１６にブラシ２４ｂが接触するように（図１０Ａ参照）、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍ（図５参照）が駆動されるとともに、室内ファン１６が逆回転される。そして、ファン清掃部２４による室内ファン１６の清掃が終了すると、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍが再び駆動されてブラシ２４ｂが回動し、室内ファン１６からブラシ２４ｂが離間した状態になる（図２参照）。 When the indoor fan 16 is cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24, the fan cleaning motor 24m (see FIG. 5) is driven and the indoor fan so that the brush 24b contacts the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 10A). 16 is reversely rotated. When the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24 is completed, the fan cleaning motor 24m is driven again, the brush 24b is rotated, and the brush 24b is separated from the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 2). .
　本実施形態では、室内ファン１６の清掃時以外では、図２に示すように、ブラシ２４ｂの先端が室内熱交換器１５に臨むようにしている。具体的には、室内ファン１６の清掃時以外（通常の空調運転中も含む）では、ブラシ２４ｂが横方向（略水平）に向いた状態で、室内ファン１６から離間している。このようにファン清掃部２４を配置する理由について、図４を用いて説明する。 In this embodiment, except when the indoor fan 16 is cleaned, the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 as shown in FIG. Specifically, except when the indoor fan 16 is being cleaned (including during normal air-conditioning operation), the brush 24b is spaced apart from the indoor fan 16 in a state of being directed in the horizontal direction (substantially horizontal). The reason why the fan cleaning unit 24 is arranged in this way will be described with reference to FIG.
　図４は、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００において、空調運転中におけるファン清掃部２４付近の空気の流れを示す説明図である。図４に示す各矢印の向きは、空気の流れる向きを示している。また、各矢印の長さは、空気の流れる速さを示している。 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 the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. The direction of each arrow shown in FIG. 4 indicates the direction in which air flows. The length of each arrow indicates the speed of air flow.
　通常の空調運転時、室内ファン１６は正回転し、前側室内熱交換器１５ａのフィンｆの隙間を通り抜けた空気が室内ファン１６に向かう。特に、前側室内熱交換器１５ａの凹部ｒの付近では、図４に示すように、室内ファン１６に向かって横方向（略水平の方向）に空気が流れる。 During normal air-conditioning operation, the indoor fan 16 rotates forward, and the air passing 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.
　この凹部ｒには、前記したように、ブラシ２４ｂが横方向に向いた状態で、ファン清掃部２４が配置されている。言い換えると、通常の空調運転時、ブラシ２４ｂの向きは空気の流れの方向に平行になっている。このように、ブラシ２４ｂの延在方向と、空気の流れる方向と、が略平行であるため、ファン清掃部２４が空気の流れの妨げになることはほとんどない。 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.
　また、室内ファン１６が正回転している場合の空気の流れの中流域・下流域（図２に示す空気吹出口ｈ４の付近）ではなく、上流域にファン清掃部２４が配置されている。そして、ブラシ２４ｂに沿って横方向に通流する空気が、ファンブレード１６ａによって加速され、加速された空気が空気吹出口ｈ４（図２参照）に向かうようになっている。このように、空気が比較的低速で流れる上流域にファン清掃部２４が配置されているため、ファン清掃部２４に起因する風量低下を抑制できる。なお、室内ファン１６が停止しているときにも、図４と同様の状態でファン清掃部２４が維持されてもよい。 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.
　図５は、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００の制御機能を示すブロック図である。図５に示す室内機Ｕｉは、前記した構成の他に、リモコン送受信部２７と、室内制御回路３１と、を備えている。リモコン送受信部２７は、リモコン４０（空調制御端末、図７参照）との間で所定の情報をやり取りする。室内制御回路３１は、図示はしないが、ＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）、ＲＯＭ（Read Only Memory）、ＲＡＭ（Random Access Memory）、各種インタフェース等の電子回路を含んで構成されている。そして、ＲＯＭに記憶されたプログラムを読み出してＲＡＭに展開し、ＣＰＵが各種処理を実行するようになっている。 FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating control functions of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. 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 control transmission / reception unit 27 exchanges predetermined information with the remote control 40 (air conditioning control terminal, see FIG. 7). Although not shown, the indoor control circuit 31 includes electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and various interfaces. Then, the program stored in the ROM is read out and expanded in the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes.
　図５に示すように、室内制御回路３１は、記憶部３１ａと、室内制御部３１ｂと、を備えている。記憶部３１ａには、所定のプログラムの他、リモコン送受信部２７を介して受信したデータや、各種センサ（図示せず）の検出値等が記憶される。室内制御部３１ｂは、記憶部３１ａに記憶されたデータに基づいて、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍ、室内ファンモータ１６ｍ、左右風向板用モータ２５、上下風向板用モータ２６等を実行する。 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 24m, the indoor fan motor 16m, 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.
　室内制御部３１ｂは、前記モータ等の実行機能のほか、ファン清掃部２４を室内ファン１６に接触させる機能を有し、室内ファン１６に接触するブラシ２４ｂの角度を自動的に変更する（例えば、図１１、ステップＳ２０２参照）機能、ブラシ２４ｂの角度をリモコン４０に表示し、リモコン４０からの指示によりブラシ角度を変更する機能を有するブラシ角度変更手段３１ｂ１（ブラシ角度調整モード）と、室内ファン１６の清掃時間を自動的に変更する機能、室内ファン１６の清掃時間をリモコン４０に表示し、リモコン４０からの指示により室内ファン１６の清掃時間を変更する機能を有する清掃時間変更手段３１ｂ２（清掃時間調整モード）とを有している。 The indoor control unit 31b has a function of bringing the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16 in addition to the execution function of the motor and the like, and automatically changes the angle of the brush 24b in contact with the indoor fan 16 (for example, 11), the brush angle changing means 31b1 (brush angle adjustment mode) having the function of displaying the angle of the brush 24b on the remote controller 40 and changing the brush angle according to an instruction from the remote controller 40, and the indoor fan 16 The cleaning time changing means 31b2 (cleaning time) having a function of automatically changing the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 and a function of displaying the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 on the remote controller 40 and changing the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 according to an instruction from the remote controller 40 Adjustment mode).
　記憶部３１ａには、空気調和機１００の運転回数、又は／及び、運転積算時間が記憶されている。室内制御部３１ｂは、運転回数、又は／及び、運転積算時間に基づいて、ブラシ２４ｂの角度又は室内ファン１６の回転速度を変更する。 In the storage unit 31a, the number of operations of the air conditioner 100 and / or the accumulated operation time is stored. The indoor control unit 31b changes the angle of the brush 24b or the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 based on the number of operations or / and the accumulated operation time.
　室外機Ｕｏは、前記した構成の他に、室外制御回路３２を備えている。室外制御回路３２は、図示はしないが、ＣＰＵ、ＲＯＭ、ＲＡＭ、各種インタフェース等の電子回路を含んで構成され、通信線を介して室内制御回路３１に接続されている。図５に示すように、室外制御回路３２は、記憶部３２ａと、室外制御部３２ｂと、を備えている。 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.
　記憶部３２ａには、所定のプログラムの他、室内制御回路３１から受信したデータ等が記憶される。室外制御部３２ｂは、記憶部３２ａに記憶されたデータに基づいて、圧縮機モータ１１ａ、室外ファンモータ１３ａ、膨張弁１４等を制御する。以下では、室内制御回路３１及び室外制御回路３２を一括して「制御部３０」という。 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”.
　図６Ａは、ブラシ角度変更手段３１ｂ１によるブラシ２４ｂの変更角度を示す説明図であり、ブラシ２４ｂの向きがブラシ基準線ＢＬに対し下向きの場合である。図６Ｂは、ブラシ角度変更手段３１ｂ１によるブラシ２４ｂの変更角度を示す説明図であり、ブラシ２４ｂの向きがブラシ基準線に対し上向きの場合である。図６Ａ、図６Ｂには、ファン清掃部２４の回転軸の中心２４ｃと室内ファン１６の回転軸の中心１６ｃとを結ぶブラシ基準線ＢＬが規定される。ここでは、中心２４ｃを頂点としてブラシ基準線ＢＬとブラシ２４ｂとのなす角度をαとする。 FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing a change angle of the brush 24b by the brush angle changing means 31b1, and is a case where the direction of the brush 24b is downward with respect to the brush reference line BL. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a change angle of the brush 24b by the brush angle changing means 31b1, and is a case where the orientation of the brush 24b is upward with respect to the brush reference line. In FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, a brush reference line BL that connects the center 24c of the rotation shaft of the fan cleaning unit 24 and the center 16c of the rotation shaft of the indoor fan 16 is defined. Here, an angle formed by the brush reference line BL and the brush 24b with the center 24c as a vertex is α.
　図６Ａの場合は、ブラシ２４ｂが初期角度に近い角度を示しており、ブラシ基準線ＢＬに対し下向きの場合（例えば、＋α度）である。一方、図６Ｂの場合は、ブラシ２４ｂが劣化した場合を想定して、ブラシ基準線に対し上向けの場合（例えば、－α度）である。室内ファン１６が逆回転の場合、ブラシ角度変更手段３１ｂ１は、図６Ａに示す状態から始め、ブラシ２４ｂの劣化傾向に伴い、図６Ｂに示すブラシ２４ｂの方向に、ブラシ２４ｂの角度をΔαごとに変更してゆくとよい。一方、室内ファン１６が正回転でファン清掃する機種の場合、ブラシ角度変更手段３１ｂ１は、図６Ｂに示す状態から始め、ブラシ２４ｂの劣化傾向に伴い、図６Ａに示すブラシ２４ｂの方向に、ブラシ２４ｂの角度をΔαごとに変更してゆくとよい。ブラシ２４ｂの角度の変更は、室内ファン１６の回転する前、室内ファン１６の回転中のいずれの場合にも変更することができる。 In the case of FIG. 6A, the brush 24b shows an angle close to the initial angle, and is downward (for example, + α degrees) with respect to the brush reference line BL. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 6B, the case where the brush 24b is deteriorated is assumed to be upward with respect to the brush reference line (for example, −α degrees). When the indoor fan 16 rotates in the reverse direction, the brush angle changing means 31b1 starts from the state shown in FIG. 6A, and in accordance with the deterioration tendency of the brush 24b, the angle of the brush 24b is set every Δα in the direction of the brush 24b shown in FIG. It is good to change. On the other hand, when the indoor fan 16 is a model that cleans the fan by forward rotation, the brush angle changing means 31b1 starts from the state shown in FIG. 6B, and in the direction of the brush 24b shown in FIG. It is preferable to change the angle of 24b for each Δα. The change of the angle of the brush 24b can be changed in any case before the indoor fan 16 rotates or during the rotation of the indoor fan 16.
　図７は、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００のリモコン４０の外観を示す説明図である。リモコン４０（空調制御端末）は、図７に示すように、表示部４１、冷房ボタン４２、暖房ボタン４３、停止ボタン４４、上下キー４５（＋－キー）、機能ボタン４６、設定ボタン４７等を有している。リモコン４０は、ユーザによって操作され、室内機Ｕｉのリモコン送受信部２７（図５参照）に対して赤外線信号を送信する。当該信号の内容は、運転要求、設定温度の変更、タイマー、運転モードの変更、停止要求等の様々な指令である。空気調和機ＡＣは、これらの信号に基づいて、少なくとも室内の冷房、暖房、除湿等を行うことができる。また、空気清浄等、その他の空気調和の機能を備えていてもよい。すなわち、空気調和機ＡＣは、室内の空気を様々に調整することができる。表示部４１には、現在の運転状態を示す表示がされる。 FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance of the remote control 40 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the remote controller 40 (air conditioning control terminal) includes a display unit 41, a cooling button 42, a heating button 43, a stop button 44, an up / down key 45 (+ -key), a function button 46, a setting button 47, and the like. Have. The remote controller 40 is operated by a user, and transmits an infrared signal to the remote controller transmission / reception unit 27 (see FIG. 5) of the indoor unit Ui. The contents of the signal are various commands such as an operation request, a change in set temperature, a timer, an operation mode change, and a stop request. The air conditioner AC can perform at least indoor cooling, heating, dehumidification, and the like based on these signals. Moreover, you may provide other air conditioning functions, such as air purification. That is, the air conditioner AC can adjust indoor air in various ways. The display unit 41 displays a current operating state.
　各種機能は、機能ボタン４６を押下後、表示部４１に表示された機能（例えば、ファン清掃モード）を上下キー４５で選択して設定ボタン４７を押下する。そして、上下キー４５で、設定内容を変更する。具体的には、ブラシ角度調整モードの場合にはブラシ２４ｂの角度（図８Ａ参照）を変更する。清掃時間調整モードの場合には、室内ファン１６の清掃時間（図８Ｂ参照）の変更する。 For various functions, after the function button 46 is pressed, a function (for example, fan cleaning mode) displayed on the display unit 41 is selected with the up / down key 45 and the setting button 47 is pressed. Then, the set content is changed with the up / down key 45. Specifically, in the brush angle adjustment mode, the angle of the brush 24b (see FIG. 8A) is changed. In the cleaning time adjustment mode, the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 8B) is changed.
　なお、ファン清掃モードが起動中の場合には、リモコン４０に図８Ａ及び図８Ｂに示す表示画面が適宜自動的に表示され、ユーザや空気調和機のサービス員がブラシ角度又は清掃時間を調整できるようにするとよい。 When the fan cleaning mode is activated, the display screens shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are automatically displayed as appropriate on the remote controller 40 so that the user or the service person of the air conditioner can adjust the brush angle or the cleaning time. It is good to do so.
　図８Ａは、ファン清掃モードの表示例を示す説明図であり、ブラシ角度調整の場合である。図８Ｂは、ファン清掃モードの表示例を示す説明図であり、清掃時間調整の場合である。リモコン４０には、ブラシ２４ｂの角度を表示部４１に表示し、ブラシ２４ｂの角度を調整可能なブラシ角度調整モード、室内ファン１６の清掃時間を表示部４１に表示し、室内ファン１６の清掃時間を調整可能な清掃時間調整モード等を有する。 FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the fan cleaning mode, in the case of brush angle adjustment. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the fan cleaning mode, in the case of cleaning time adjustment. The remote controller 40 displays the angle of the brush 24b on the display unit 41, displays the brush angle adjustment mode in which the angle of the brush 24b can be adjusted, the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 on the display unit 41, and the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 There is a cleaning time adjustment mode and the like that can be adjusted.
　図８Ａに示すブラシ角度調整の場合、上下キー４５で選択することにより、ブラシ角度を所定角度（例えば、Δα）ごとに調整することができる。すなわち、ブラシ角度αは、初期ブラシ角度α０、ブラシ角度調整値ｎ、ブラシ変更の所定角度Δαとすると、
　　　　　α＝α０－ｎΔα　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　・・・（１）
として変更される。 In the case of the brush angle adjustment shown in FIG. 8A, the brush angle can be adjusted for each predetermined angle (for example, Δα) by selecting with the up / down key 45. That is, the brush angle α is defined as an initial brush angle α 0 , a brush angle adjustment value n, and a brush change predetermined angle Δα.
α = α 0 −nΔα (1)
Will be changed as
　例えば、リモコン４０の上下キー４５で＋を１回押下する（＋１）場合、ブラシ角度調整値ｎは＋１に対応し、ブラシ角度αはα０－Δαであり、＋を２回押下する（＋２）場合、ブラシ角度調整値ｎは＋２に対応し、ブラシ角度αはα０－２Δαであり、－を１回押下する（－１）の場合、ブラシ角度調整値ｎは－１に対応し、ブラシ角度αはα０＋Δαであり、－を２回押下する（－２）場合、ブラシ角度調整値ｎは－２に対応し、ブラシ角度αはα０＋２Δαである。所定角度Δαは、予め記憶部３１ａ（図５参照）に０．５度、１度などと記憶されている。 For example, when + is pressed once with the up / down key 45 of the remote controller 40 (+1), the brush angle adjustment value n corresponds to +1, the brush angle α is α 0 −Δα, and + is pressed twice (+2) ), The brush angle adjustment value n corresponds to +2, the brush angle α is α 0 -2Δα, and when-is pressed once (−1), the brush angle adjustment value n corresponds to −1, The brush angle α is α 0 + Δα, and when − is pressed twice (−2), the brush angle adjustment value n corresponds to −2, and the brush angle α is α 0 + 2Δα. The predetermined angle Δα is stored in advance in the storage unit 31a (see FIG. 5) as 0.5 degrees, 1 degree, and the like.
　図８Ｂに示す清掃時間調整の場合、上下キー４５で選択することにより、清掃時間を所定時間（例えば、ΔＣＴ）ごとに調整することができる。すなわち、清掃時間ＣＴは、初期清掃時間ＣＴ０、清掃時間調整値ｍ、清掃時間の所定時間ΔＣＴとすると、
　　　　　ＣＴ＝ＣＴ０＋ｍΔＣＴ　　　　　　　　　　　　　・・・（２）
として変更される。 In the case of the cleaning time adjustment shown in FIG. 8B, the cleaning time can be adjusted every predetermined time (for example, ΔCT) by selecting with the up / down key 45. That is, the cleaning time CT is the initial cleaning time CT 0 , the cleaning time adjustment value m, and the cleaning time predetermined time ΔCT.
CT = CT 0 + mΔCT (2)
Will be changed as
　例えば、リモコン４０の上下キー４５で＋１の場合、清掃時間調整値ｍは＋１に対応し、清掃時間ＣＴはＣＴ０＋ΔＣＴであり、＋２の場合、清掃時間調整値ｍは＋２に対応し、清掃時間ＣＴはＣＴ０＋２ΔＣＴ、－１の場合、清掃時間調整値ｍは－１に対応し、清掃時間ＣＴはＣＴ０－ΔＣＴ、－２の場合、清掃時間調整値ｍは－２に対応し、清掃時間ＣＴはＣＴ０－２ΔＣＴである。所定時間ΔＣＴは、予め記憶部３１ａ（図５参照）に３秒、５秒などと記憶されている。 For example, when the up / down key 45 of the remote controller 40 is +1, the cleaning time adjustment value m corresponds to +1, the cleaning time CT is CT 0 + ΔCT, and when +2, the cleaning time adjustment value m corresponds to +2, and the cleaning is performed. When the time CT is CT 0 + 2ΔCT, −1, the cleaning time adjustment value m corresponds to −1, and when the cleaning time CT is CT 0 −ΔCT, −2, the cleaning time adjustment value m corresponds to −2, The cleaning time CT is CT 0 -2ΔCT. The predetermined time ΔCT is stored in advance in the storage unit 31a (see FIG. 5) as 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or the like.
　制御部３０は、「ファン清掃」を開始する際には、リモコン４０の音声部を介して「室内ファンの清掃を開始します。」のアナウンスをするとよい。これにより、ユーザは、「ファン清掃中」に、ブラシ角度調整、清掃時間調整を行うことがしやすくなる。なお、「ファン清掃」の設定モードを読み出すと、「ファン清掃」中でない場合にも、ブラシ角度調整、清掃時間調整の変更をすることができる。なお、図８Ａ、図８Ｂに示した、ブラシ角度調整、清掃時間調整の詳細については、後記する（図１１参照）。 When starting the “fan cleaning”, the control unit 30 may make an announcement “start cleaning the indoor fan” via the audio unit of the remote controller 40. Thus, the user can easily adjust the brush angle and the cleaning time during “fan cleaning”. When the “fan cleaning” setting mode is read, the brush angle adjustment and the cleaning time adjustment can be changed even when “fan cleaning” is not being performed. Details of the brush angle adjustment and the cleaning time adjustment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B will be described later (see FIG. 11).
　図９は、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００の制御部３０が実行する制御処理を示すフローチャートである（適宜、図２を参照）。ここでは、図９の「ＳＴＡＲＴ」時には空調運転が行われておらず、また、ブラシ２４ｂの先端が前側室内熱交換器１５ａに臨んだ状態（図２に示す状態）であるものとする。 FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment (see FIG. 2 as appropriate). Here, it is assumed that the air conditioning operation is not performed at the time of “START” in FIG. 9 and that the tip of the brush 24b faces the front indoor heat exchanger 15a (the state shown in FIG. 2).
　図９のステップＳ１０１において制御部３０は、ファン清掃部２４によって、室内ファン１６を清掃する。なお、室内ファン１６の清掃を開始するトリガとして、例えば、前回清掃時からの空調運転の積算時間が所定時間に達するという条件が挙げられるが特定のものに限定されない。室内ファン１６の清掃中の状態を図１０Ａを参照して説明する。 In step S101 of FIG. 9, the control unit 30 cleans the indoor fan 16 by the fan cleaning unit 24. The trigger for starting the cleaning of the indoor fan 16 includes, for example, a condition that the accumulated time of the air conditioning operation from the previous cleaning reaches a predetermined time, but is not limited to a specific one. A state during cleaning of the indoor fan 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 10A.
　図１０Ａは、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００において、室内ファン１６の清掃中の状態を示す説明図である。なお、図１０Ａでは、室内熱交換器１５、室内ファン１６、及び露受皿１８を図示し、他の部材については図示を省略している。 FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the indoor fan 16 is being cleaned in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 10A, the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor fan 16, and the dew tray 18 are shown, and the other members are not shown.
　制御部３０は、通常の空調運転時とは逆向きに室内ファン１６を回転(逆回転)させ、室内ファン１６が設定回転速度Ｒｃに達したら、ファン清掃部２４のブラシ２４ｂをブラシ角度変更手段３１ｂ１での変更角度又はリモコン４０から指示された変更角度で、室内ファン１６に接触させる。 The control unit 30 rotates (reversely rotates) the indoor fan 16 in the opposite direction to that during normal air-conditioning operation. When the indoor fan 16 reaches the set rotation speed Rc, the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 is changed to a brush angle changing unit. The indoor fan 16 is brought into contact with the change angle at 31b1 or the change angle instructed from the remote controller 40.
　つまり、制御部３０は、ブラシ２４ｂの先端が室内熱交換器１５に臨んだ状態（図２参照）から、軸部２４ａを中心にブラシ２４ｂを約１８０－α°回動させ（図６Ａ参照）、ブラシ２４ｂの先端が室内ファン１６に臨むようにする（図１０Ａ参照）。これによって、室内ファン１６のファンブレード１６ａにブラシ２４ｂが接触する。 That is, the control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b about 180-α ° about the shaft portion 24a from the state where the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see FIG. 2) (see FIG. 6A). The tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 10A). As a result, the brush 24 b comes into contact with the fan blade 16 a of the indoor fan 16.
　なお、図１０Ａの例では、一点鎖線Ｌで示すように、ファン清掃部２４が室内ファン１６に接触した状態での接触位置Ｋの下方に、室内熱交換器１５（前側室内熱交換器１５ａ）が存在するとともに、露受皿１８も存在している。 In the example of FIG. 10A, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line L, the indoor heat exchanger 15 (the front indoor heat exchanger 15a) 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.
　前記したように、室内ファン１６は逆回転しているため、ファンブレード１６ａの移動に伴ってブラシ２４ｂの先端がたわみ、ファンブレード１６ａの背面をなでるようにブラシ２４ｂが押し付けられる。そして、ファンブレード１６ａの先端付近（径方向の端部）に溜まった塵埃が、ブラシ２４ｂによって除去される。 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.
　特に、ファンブレード１６ａの先端付近には塵埃が溜まりやすい。なぜなら、室内ファン１６が正回転している空調運転中（図４参照）、ファンブレード１６ａの腹の先端付近に空気が当たり、この先端付近に塵埃が付着するからである。ファンブレード１６ａの先端付近に当たった空気は、ファンブレード１６ａの腹の曲面に沿うようにして、隣り合うファンブレード１６ａ，１６ａの間の隙間を通り抜ける。 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.
　本実施形態では、前記したように、室内ファン１６を逆回転させて、室内ファン１６が設定回転速度Ｒｃに達したら、ファン清掃部２４のブラシ２４ｂをブラシ角度変更手段３１ｂ１での変更角度又はリモコン４０から指示された変更角度で、ファンブレード１６ａにファン清掃部２４のブラシ２４ｂを接触させる。これによって、ファンブレード１６ａの背面の先端付近にブラシ２４ｂが接触し、ファンブレード１６ａの背面の先端付近に溜まった塵埃が除去される。その結果、室内ファン１６に溜まった塵埃の大部分を除去できる。 In the present embodiment, as described above, when the indoor fan 16 is rotated in the reverse direction and the indoor fan 16 reaches the set rotational speed Rc, the brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 is changed by the brush angle changing means 31b1 or the remote control. The brush 24b of the fan cleaning unit 24 is brought into contact with the fan blade 16a at a change angle instructed by 40. 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 the front end of the fan blade 16a is removed. As a result, most of the dust accumulated in the indoor fan 16 can be removed.
　また、室内ファン１６を逆回転させることによって、室内機Ｕｉ（図２参照）の内部で、正回転時（図４参照）とは逆向きの緩やかな空気の流れが生じる。したがって、室内ファン１６から除去された塵埃ｊが空気吹出口ｈ４（図２参照）には向かわず、図１０Ａに示すように、前側室内熱交換器１５ａと室内ファン１６との間の隙間を介して、露受皿１８に導かれる。 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. 10A. Then, it is guided to the dew tray 18.
　より詳しく説明すると、ブラシ２４ｂによって室内ファン１６から除去された塵埃ｊが、風圧で前側室内熱交換器１５ａに軽く押し付けられる。さらに、前記した塵埃ｊは、前側室内熱交換器１５ａの傾斜面（フィンｆの縁）に沿って、露受皿１８に落下する（図１０Ａの矢印を参照）。したがって、室内ファン１６と露受皿１８との間の微少な隙間を介して、上下風向板２３（図２参照）の裏面に塵埃ｊが付着することは、ほとんどない。これによって、次回の空調運転中に塵埃ｊが室内に吹き出されることを防止できる。 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 to 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. 10A). 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.
　なお、室内ファン１６から除去された塵埃ｊの一部が、露受皿１８に落下せずに、前側室内熱交換器１５ａに付着する可能性もある。このように前側室内熱交換器１５ａに付着した塵埃ｊは、後記するステップＳ１０３の処理で洗い流される。 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.
　また、室内ファン１６の清掃中、制御部３０は、室内ファン１６を中・高速域の回転速度で駆動してもよいし、また、室内ファン１６を低速域の回転速度で駆動してもよい。 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. .
　室内ファン１６の中・高速域の回転速度の範囲は、例えば３００ｍｉｎ－１（３００ｒｐｍ）以上かつ１７００ｍｉｎ－１（１７００ｒｐｍ）未満である。このように中・高速域で室内ファン１６を回転させることによって、前側室内熱交換器１５ａの方に塵埃ｊが向かいやすくなるため、前記したように、上下風向板２３（図２参照）の裏面に塵埃ｊが付着しにくくなる。したがって、次回の空調運転中に塵埃ｊが室内に吹き出されることを防止できる。 The range of the rotational speed in the middle / high speed range of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, 300 min −1 (300 rpm) or more and less than 1700 min −1 (1700 rpm). 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.
　また、室内ファン１６の低速域の回転速度の範囲は、例えば、１００ｍｉｎ－１（１００ｒｐｍ）以上かつ３００ｍｉｎ－１（３００ｒｐｍ）未満である。このように低速域で室内ファン１６を回転させることによって、室内ファン１６の清掃を低騒音で行うことができる。 The range of the rotational speed in the low speed region of the indoor fan 16 is, for example, not less than 100 min −1 (100 rpm) and less than 300 min −1 (300 rpm). Thus, by rotating the indoor fan 16 in the low speed region, the indoor fan 16 can be cleaned with low noise.
　図９のステップＳ１０１の処理が終わった後、ステップＳ１０２において制御部３０は、ファン清掃部２４を移動させる。すなわち、制御部３０は、ブラシ２４ｂの先端が室内ファン１６に臨んだ状態（図１０Ａ参照）から、軸部２４ａを中心にブラシ２４ｂを約１８０－α°回動させ（図６Ａ参照）、ブラシ２４ｂの先端が室内熱交換器１５に臨むようにする（図１０Ｂ参照）。これによって、その後の空調運転中、ファン清掃部２４が空気の流れの妨げになることを防止できる。 After the process of step S101 in FIG. 9 is completed, the control unit 30 moves the fan cleaning unit 24 in step S102. That is, the control unit 30 rotates the brush 24b about 180-α ° around the shaft portion 24a (see FIG. 6A) from the state where the tip of the brush 24b faces the indoor fan 16 (see FIG. 10A). The front end of 24b faces the indoor heat exchanger 15 (see FIG. 10B). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the fan cleaning unit 24 from obstructing the air flow during the subsequent air conditioning operation.
　次に、ステップＳ１０３において制御部３０は、室内熱交換器１５の凍結・解凍を順次に行う。まず、制御部３０は、室内熱交換器１５を蒸発器として機能させ、室内機Ｕｉに取り込まれた空気に含まれる水分を室内熱交換器１５に着霜させて凍結させる。なお、室内熱交換器１５を凍結させる処理は、室内熱交換器１５に「凝縮水を付着させる」という事項に含まれる。 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.
　室内熱交換器１５を凍結させているとき、制御部３０は、室内熱交換器１５に流入する冷媒の蒸発温度を低くすることが好ましい。すなわち、制御部３０は、室内熱交換器１５を蒸発器として機能させ、この室内熱交換器１５を凍結（凝縮水を付着）させているとき、通常の空調運転時よりも冷媒の蒸発温度が低くなるように、室内熱交換器１５に流入する冷媒の温度を調整する。 When the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen, the control unit 30 preferably lowers the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 15. That is, the control unit 30 causes the indoor heat exchanger 15 to function as an evaporator, and when the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen (condensed water is attached), the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant is higher than during normal air conditioning operation. The temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 15 is adjusted so as to be low.
　例えば、制御部３０は、膨張弁１４（図１参照）の開度を小さくすることによって、低圧で蒸発温度が低い冷媒を室内熱交換器１５に流入させる。これによって、室内熱交換器１５で霜や氷（図１０Ｂに示す符号ｉ）が成長しやすくなるため、その後の解凍中、室内熱交換器１５を多量の水で洗い流すことができる。 For example, the control unit 30 causes the refrigerant having a low pressure and a low evaporation temperature to flow into the indoor heat exchanger 15 by reducing the opening of the expansion valve 14 (see FIG. 1). As a result, frost and ice (symbol i shown in FIG. 10B) easily 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.
　また、室内熱交換器１５において、ファン清掃部２４の下方に位置する領域は、室内熱交換器１５を通流する冷媒の流れの下流域ではない（つまり、上流域又は中流域である）ことが好ましい。これによって、少なくともファン清掃部２４の下方（下側）には、低温の気液二相冷媒が流れるため、室内熱交換器１５に付着する霜や氷の厚さを厚くすることができる。したがって、その後の解凍中、室内熱交換器１５を多量の水で洗い流すことができる。 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.
　なお、室内熱交換器１５においてファン清掃部２４の下方に位置する領域は、ファン清掃部２４によって室内ファン１６から掻き落とされた塵埃が付着しやすい。そこで、室内熱交換器１５においてファン清掃部２４の下方に位置する領域に低温の気液二相冷媒を流すことで、霜や氷が成長しやすくなり、さらに、これらの霜や氷を溶かすことで室内熱交換器１５の塵埃を適切に洗い流すことができる。 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.
　また、室内熱交換器１５を蒸発器として機能させ、この室内熱交換器１５を凍結（凝縮水を付着）させているとき、制御部３０は、上下風向板２３（図２参照）を閉じるか、又は、上下風向板２３の角度を水平よりも上向きにすることが好ましい。これによって、室内熱交換器１５で冷やされた低温の空気が室内に漏れ出ることを抑制し、ユーザにとって快適な状態で室内熱交換器１５の凍結等を行うことができる。 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.
　このようにして室内熱交換器１５を凍結させた後、制御部３０は、室内熱交換器１５を解凍する（図９のステップＳ１０３）。例えば、制御部３０は、各機器の停止状態を維持することで、室内熱交換器１５を室温で自然解凍させる。なお、制御部３０が送風運転を行うことによって、室内熱交換器１５に付着した霜や氷を溶かすようにしてもよい。室内熱交換器１５の解凍中の状態を、図１０Ｂを参照して説明する。 After freezing the indoor heat exchanger 15 in this way, the control unit 30 defrosts the indoor heat exchanger 15 (step S103 in FIG. 9). 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 by the control part 30 performing ventilation operation. A state in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 is being thawed will be described with reference to FIG. 10B.
　図１０Ｂは、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００において、室内熱交換器１５の解凍中の状態を示す説明図である。室内熱交換器１５が解凍されることで、室内熱交換器１５に付着した霜や氷が溶け、フィンｆを伝って露受皿１８に多量の水ｗが流れ落ちる。これによって、空調運転中に室内熱交換器１５に付着した塵埃ｊを洗い流すことができる。 FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 is being thawed in the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. 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.
　また、ブラシ２４ｂによる室内ファン１６の清掃に伴って、前側室内熱交換器１５ａに付着した塵埃ｊも一緒に洗い流され、露受皿１８に流れ落ちる（図１０Ｂの矢印を参照）。このようにして露受皿１８に流れ落ちた水ｗは、室内ファン１６の清掃中に露受皿１８に直接的に落下した塵埃ｊ（図１０Ａ参照）とともに、ドレンホース（図示せず）を介して外部に排出される。前記したように、解凍中に室内熱交換器１５から多量の水が流れ落ちる、ドレンホース等（図示せず）が塵埃ｊで詰まるおそれはほとんどない。 Also, as the indoor fan 16 is cleaned 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. 10B). The water w that has flown down to the dew tray 18 in this way, together with dust j (see FIG. 10A) that has fallen directly onto the dew tray 18 during cleaning of the indoor fan 16, is externally supplied via a drain hose (not shown). 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.
　なお、図９では省略しているが、室内熱交換器１５の凍結・解凍（ステップＳ１０３）を行った後、制御部３０が送風運転を行うことで、室内機Ｕｉの内部を乾燥させてもよい。これによって、室内熱交換器１５等に菌やカビが繁殖することを抑制できる。 Although omitted in FIG. 9, after the indoor heat exchanger 15 is frozen and thawed (step S <b> 103), the control unit 30 performs a blowing operation so that the interior of the indoor unit Ui can be dried. Good. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the propagation of bacteria and fungi in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the like.
　＜ファン清掃部の動作＞
　次に、図１１及び図１２を用いて、ファン清掃部２４の動作について説明する。
　図１１は、実施形態に係る空気調和機１００の制御部３０が実行するファン清掃処理Ｓ２００を示すフローチャートである。図１２は、実施形態に係るファン清掃中のファン清掃部２４が室内ファン１６に当節又は離間する期間を示す説明図である。 <Operation of fan cleaning unit>
Next, the operation of the fan cleaning unit 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a fan cleaning process S200 executed by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a period during which the fan cleaning unit 24 during the fan cleaning according to the present embodiment is separated from or separated from the indoor fan 16.
　ステップＳ２０１において、制御部３０は、初期値を設定する。初期設定項目として、清掃経過時間Ｔ、清掃時間ＣＴ、ブラシ角度調整値ｎ、清掃時間調整値ｍ、運転積算時間ＤＴ、運転積算時間閾値ＤＴｃ、回転速度Ｒ、設定回転速度Ｒｃ、初期ブラシ角度α０、ブラシ角度αがある。 In step S201, the control unit 30 sets an initial value. As initial setting items, cleaning elapsed time T, cleaning time CT, brush angle adjustment value n, cleaning time adjustment value m, operation integrated time DT, operation integrated time threshold DTc, rotation speed R, set rotation speed Rc, initial brush angle α 0 , there is a brush angle α.
　ステップＳ２０２において、空気調和機１００の運転積算時間ＤＴが運転積算時間閾値ＤＴｃに到達しているか否かを判定する。運転積算時間ＤＴが運転積算時間閾値ＤＴｃに到達している場合（ステップＳ２０２，Ｙｅｓ）、ブラシ角度調整値ｎに＋１を加算し、ブラシ角度αを算出し（α＝α０－ｎΔα）、運転積算時間ＤＴを「０」（零）に設定し（ステップＳ２０３）、ステップＳ２０４に進む。他方、運転積算時間ＤＴが運転積算時間閾値ＤＴｃに到達していない場合（ステップＳ２０２，Ｎｏ）、ステップＳ２０４に進む。 In step S202, it is determined whether or not the operation integration time DT of the air conditioner 100 has reached the operation integration time threshold value DTc. When the operation accumulated time DT has reached the operation accumulated time threshold value DTc (step S202, Yes), +1 is added to the brush angle adjustment value n, and the brush angle α is calculated (α = α 0 −nΔα). The integration time DT is set to “0” (zero) (step S203), and the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, when the operation integration time DT has not reached the operation integration time threshold value DTc (step S202, No), the process proceeds to step S204.
　ステップＳ２０３において、ブラシ２４ｂの角度を変更するのは、ブラシ２４ｂが劣化したと予想されるため、ブラシ２４ｂとファンブレード１６ａとの接触をよくするためである。 In step S203, the angle of the brush 24b is changed because the brush 24b is expected to be deteriorated, so that the contact between the brush 24b and the fan blade 16a is improved.
　ステップＳ２０４において、制御部３０は、室内ファンモータ１６ｍを制御して室内ファン１６の回転を開始させ、室内ファン１６を加速させる。 In step S204, the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16m to start the rotation of the indoor fan 16, and accelerates the indoor fan 16.
　ステップＳ２０５において、制御部３０は、室内ファン１６の回転速度が清掃時の設定回転速度Ｒｃ（例えば、設定回転速度Ｒｃ＝８００ｍｉｎ－１）に到達しているか否かを判定する。制御部３０は、室内ファン１６の回転速度が設定回転速度Ｒｃに到達していると判定する場合（ステップＳ２０５，Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ２１０へ進む。制御部３０は、室内ファン１６の回転速度が設定回転速度Ｒｃに到達していないと判定する場合（ステップＳ２０５，Ｎｏ）、ステップＳ２０５に戻る。 In step S205, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the rotational speed of the indoor fan 16 has reached a set rotational speed Rc for cleaning (for example, a set rotational speed Rc = 800 min −1 ). If the control unit 30 determines that the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 has reached the set rotation speed Rc (step S205, Yes), the process proceeds to step S210. When determining that the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 has not reached the set rotation speed Rc (No at Step S205), the control unit 30 returns to Step S205.
　ステップＳ２１０において、制御部３０は、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍを制御し、ファン清掃部２４を室内ファン１６に当接させる。すなわち、制御部３０は、室内ファン１６の加速後において、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とが接する位置に配置されるように、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍを制御する。 In step S210, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m to bring the fan cleaning unit 24 into contact with the indoor fan 16. In other words, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m so that the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are arranged in contact with each other after the indoor fan 16 is accelerated.
　また、ステップＳ２１０で、ファン清掃部２４を室内ファン１６に当接した際、ＰＭ（permanent magnet）型およびＨＢ型のステッピングモータであると、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍに通電していない状態において、ディテントトルクを有するため、その位置を保持できる。しかし、ファン清掃時に確実にその位置を保持するため、制御部３０は、ブラシ２４ｂを所定角度まで駆動させた後に、送風ファンの清掃中にファン清掃用モータ２４ｍ（駆動装置）に所定角度で保持するための保持電流を流すとよい。なお、ＨＢ型モータとは、軸方向に着磁した円筒形磁石を、２枚の鉄製ロータ（回転子）でサンドウィッチ型に挟んだ構造である。 In step S210, when the fan cleaning unit 24 is brought into contact with the indoor fan 16, the PM (permanent magnet) type and HB type stepping motors are detented when the fan cleaning motor 24m is not energized. Since it has torque, its position can be maintained. However, in order to reliably hold the position during fan cleaning, the control unit 30 drives the brush 24b to a predetermined angle and then holds the fan cleaning motor 24m (driving device) at a predetermined angle during cleaning of the blower fan. It is preferable to pass a holding current for this purpose. The HB type motor has a structure in which a cylindrical magnet magnetized in the axial direction is sandwiched between two iron rotors (rotors).
　すなわち、制御部３０は、ファン清掃部２４を室内ファン１６に当接させた状態で、室内ファン１６が回転するように、室内ファンモータ１６ｍを制御する。これにより、ファン清掃部２４の耐久性を高めることができると共に、室内ファン１６の羽根に付着する塵埃を除去することが可能になる。 That is, the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16m so that the indoor fan 16 rotates in a state where the fan cleaning unit 24 is in contact with the indoor fan 16. As a result, the durability of the fan cleaning unit 24 can be enhanced, and dust attached to the blades of the indoor fan 16 can be removed.
　また、制御部３０は、ブラシ２４ｂを室内ファン１６にあてる直前（当接する直前）にブラシ２４ｂの回動速度を減速させるとよい。室内ファン１６は、設定回転速度Ｒｃで回転しているので、ブラシ２４ｂを当接した際の衝撃を弱めるとともに、ブラシ２４ｂの消耗を少なくすることができる。 Also, the control unit 30 may decelerate the rotation speed of the brush 24b immediately before the brush 24b is applied to the indoor fan 16 (immediately before contact). Since the indoor fan 16 is rotating at the set rotational speed Rc, it is possible to weaken the impact when the brush 24b is brought into contact and reduce the wear of the brush 24b.
　また、制御部３０は、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とが当接する間、左右風向板２２が閉じるように、左右風向板用モータ２５を制御する。同様に、制御部３０は、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とが当接する間、上下風向板２３が閉じるように、上下風向板用モータ２６を制御する。これにより、空気調和機１００の静音性を向上させることができると共に、塵埃の拡散を防止し、ユーザが室内機Ｕｉの内部に手を入れることを防止することができる。 Further, the control unit 30 controls the left / right airflow direction plate motor 25 so that the left / right airflow direction plate 22 is closed while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are in contact with each other. Similarly, the control unit 30 controls the vertical wind direction plate motor 26 so that the vertical wind direction plate 23 is closed while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are in contact with each other. Thereby, while being able to improve the silence of the air conditioner 100, the spreading | diffusion of dust can be prevented and it can prevent that a user puts a hand in the interior of the indoor unit Ui.
　ステップＳ２１１において、制御部３０は、リモコン４０からのブラシ角度変更要求があるか否かを判定する。ブラシ角度変更要求がある場合（ステップＳ２１１，Ｙｅｓ）、ブラシ角度αを算出し（α＝α０－ｎΔα）、ブラシ角度αを変更し（ステップＳ２１２）、ステップＳ２１３に進む。ブラシ角度変更要求がない場合（ステップＳ２１１，Ｎｏ）、ステップＳ２１３に進む。 In step S <b> 211, the control unit 30 determines whether there is a brush angle change request from the remote controller 40. When there is a brush angle change request (step S211, Yes), the brush angle α is calculated (α = α 0 −nΔα), the brush angle α is changed (step S212), and the process proceeds to step S213. If there is no brush angle change request (step S211, No), the process proceeds to step S213.
　ステップＳ２１３において、制御部３０は、リモコン４０からの清掃時間変更要求があるか否かを判定する。清掃時間変更要求がある場合（ステップＳ２１３，Ｙｅｓ）、清掃時間ＣＴを算出し（ＣＴ＝ＣＴ０＋ｍΔＣＴ）、清掃時間ＣＴを変更し（ステップＳ２１４）、ステップＳ２１５に進む。清掃時間変更要求がない場合（ステップＳ２１３，Ｎｏ）、ステップＳ２１５に進む。 In step S <b> 213, the control unit 30 determines whether there is a cleaning time change request from the remote controller 40. If there is a cleaning time change request (step S213, Yes), the cleaning time CT is calculated (CT = CT 0 + mΔCT), the cleaning time CT is changed (step S214), and the process proceeds to step S215. When there is no request for changing the cleaning time (step S213, No), the process proceeds to step S215.
　ステップＳ２１５において、制御部３０は、室内ファン１６の清掃経過時間Ｔが清掃時間ＣＴ（例えば、清掃時間ＣＴ＝５秒）に到達しているか否かを判定する。すなわち、制御部３０は、ファン清掃部２４が室内ファン１６に接触する時間を判定する。制御部３０は、室内ファン１６の清掃時間が清掃時間ＣＴに到達していると判定する場合（ステップＳ２１５，Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ２２０に進む。制御部３０は、室内ファン１６の清掃経過時間Ｔが清掃時間ＣＴに到達していないと判定する場合（ステップＳ２１５，Ｎｏ）、ステップＳ２１１に戻る。 In step S215, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the cleaning elapsed time T of the indoor fan 16 has reached the cleaning time CT (for example, the cleaning time CT = 5 seconds). That is, the control unit 30 determines the time during which the fan cleaning unit 24 contacts the indoor fan 16. When determining that the cleaning time of the indoor fan 16 has reached the cleaning time CT (step S215, Yes), the control unit 30 proceeds to step S220. When determining that the cleaning elapsed time T of the indoor fan 16 has not reached the cleaning time CT (step S215, No), the control unit 30 returns to step S211.
　ステップＳ２２０において、制御部３０は、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍを制御し、ファン清掃部２４を室内ファン１６から離間させる。すなわち、制御部３０は、室内ファン１６の減速前において、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とが離れた位置に配置されるように、ファン清掃用モータ２４ｍを制御する。 In step S220, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m to separate the fan cleaning unit 24 from the indoor fan 16. In other words, the control unit 30 controls the fan cleaning motor 24m so that the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are arranged at positions separated from each other before the indoor fan 16 is decelerated.
　ステップＳ２２１において、制御部３０は、室内ファンモータ１６ｍを制御して、室内ファン１６を減速させ、室内ファン１６の回転を終了させる。 In step S221, the control unit 30 controls the indoor fan motor 16m, decelerates the indoor fan 16, and ends the rotation of the indoor fan 16.
　ステップＳ２２２において、制御部３０は、設定値であるブラシ角度調整値ｎ、清掃時間調整値ｍを、記憶部３１ａに記憶する。 In step S222, the control unit 30 stores the brush angle adjustment value n and the cleaning time adjustment value m, which are set values, in the storage unit 31a.
　前記の処理によれば、制御部３０は、図１２に示す時刻ｔ０から時刻ｔ１までの期間（室内ファン１６の加速中）において、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とを離間させる。また、制御部３０は、図１２に示す時刻ｔ１から時刻ｔ２までの期間（室内ファン１６が設定回転速度Ｒｃで回転中）において、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とを当接させる。また、制御部３０は、図１２に示す時刻ｔ２から時刻ｔ３までの期間（室内ファン１６の減速中）において、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とを離間させる。時刻ｔ１から時刻ｔ２までの期間は、清掃時間ＣＴである。 According to the above processing, the control unit 30, during the period from time t 0 shown in FIG. 12 to time t 1 (during acceleration of the indoor fan 16), thereby separating the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16. The control unit 30, during the period from time t 1 shown in FIG. 12 to time t 2 (rotating in the indoor fan 16 is set rotational speed Rc), it is brought into contact with a fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16. The control unit 30, during the period from time t 2 shown in FIG. 12 to time t 3 (during deceleration of the indoor fan 16), thereby separating the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16. The period from the time t 1 to time t 2 is a cleaning time CT.
　これにより、室内ファン１６が回転を開始する際の加速中、或いは、室内ファン１６が回転を終了する際の減速中において、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とを離間させることができるため、ファン清掃部２４に負荷が掛かり、ファン清掃部２４が劣化し易くなるという問題を回避できる。また、室内ファン１６の回転速度の増加或いは減少に伴って、騒音が増大し、ユーザに不快感を与えてしまうという問題を回避できる。 Accordingly, the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 can be separated from each other during acceleration when the indoor fan 16 starts rotating or during deceleration when the indoor fan 16 finishes rotating. It is possible to avoid a problem that a load is applied to the cleaning unit 24 and the fan cleaning unit 24 is likely to deteriorate. Further, it is possible to avoid the problem that the noise increases with the increase or decrease of the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 and the user is uncomfortable.
＜効果＞
　本実施形態に係る空気調和機１００によれば、従来の空気調和機と比較して、ファン清掃部２４のブラシ角度をブラシ２４ｂの劣化に合わせて変更することができるため、ファン清掃が適切にできる。 <Effect>
According to the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment, compared with the conventional air conditioner, the brush angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 can be changed according to the deterioration of the brush 24b, so that fan cleaning is appropriately performed. it can.
　また、ブラシ角度は、リモコン４０により調整可能であり、ユーザや空気調和機のサービス員によって、最適なブラシ角度に変更することができる。また、ファン清掃時間も同様に、リモコン４０により調整可能であり、ユーザや空気調和機のサービス員によって、最適なファン清掃時間に変更することができる。 Further, the brush angle can be adjusted by the remote controller 40, and can be changed to an optimum brush angle by a user or a service person of the air conditioner. Similarly, the fan cleaning time can be adjusted by the remote controller 40, and can be changed to an optimum fan cleaning time by a user or a service person of the air conditioner.
　本実施形態に係る空気調和機１００によれば、従来の空気調和機と比較して、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とが当接する時間を短縮できるため、ファン清掃部の劣化を抑制し、静音性を高めた空気調和機を実現できる。 According to the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment, compared with a conventional air conditioner, the time for the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 to contact each other can be shortened, so that deterioration of the fan cleaning unit is suppressed, An air conditioner with improved quietness can be realized.
　本実施形態に係る空気調和機１００によれば、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とが当接する間、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とは、同じ方向に回転するため、ファン清掃部２４の耐久性を高めることができる。 According to the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment, the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 rotate in the same direction while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 come into contact with each other. Durability can be increased.
　本実施形態に係る空気調和機１００によれば、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とが当接する間、ファン清掃部２４の角度は、室内ファン１６の先端面に対応して調整されるため、静音性を向上させることができる。 According to the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment, the angle of the fan cleaning unit 24 is adjusted corresponding to the front end surface of the indoor fan 16 while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are in contact with each other. Silence can be improved.
　本実施形態に係る空気調和機１００によれば、ファン清掃部２４と室内ファン１６とが当接する間、左右風向板２２及び上下風向板２３は閉じられるため、空気調和機１００の静音性を向上させることができると共に、塵埃の拡散を防止し、ユーザが誤って室内機Ｕｉの内部に手を入れてしまうことを防止することができる。 According to the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment, since the left and right wind direction plates 22 and the upper and lower wind direction plates 23 are closed while the fan cleaning unit 24 and the indoor fan 16 are in contact with each other, the quietness of the air conditioner 100 is improved. In addition, the dust can be prevented from diffusing and the user can be prevented from accidentally putting his / her hand inside the indoor unit Ui.
　本実施形態によれば、ファン清掃部２４によって室内ファン１６が清掃されるため（図９のＳ１０１）、室内に塵埃ｊが吹き出されることを抑制できる。また、前側室内熱交換器１５ａと室内ファン１６との間にファン清掃部２４が配置されるため、室内ファン１６からブラシ２４ｂで掻き落とされた塵埃ｊを露受皿１８に導くことができる。また、室内ファン１６の清掃中、制御部３０は、室内ファン１６を逆回転させる。これによって、前記した塵埃ｊが空気吹出口ｈ４に向かうことを防止できる。 According to the present embodiment, since the indoor fan 16 is cleaned by the fan cleaning unit 24 (S101 in FIG. 9), it is possible to suppress the dust j from being blown into the room. 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.
　また、通常の空調運転中、ブラシ２４ｂが横方向に向いた状態であるため（図４参照）、ブラシ２４ｂの影響で空気の流れが妨げられることがほとんどない。さらに、空気の流れの上流域にファン清掃部２４が配置されていることと相まって、通常の空調運転中、ファン清掃部２４に起因する風量低下が抑制され、また、室内ファン１６の消費電力の増加も抑制される 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. Increase is also suppressed
　ちなみに、室内ファン１６に多量の塵埃が付着すると風量低下が生じ，室内熱交換器１５が過冷却(冷えすぎ)状態になり、冷房運転中に露垂れが生じる可能性がある。これに対して本実施形態では、前記したように、室内ファン１６が適切に清掃されるため、塵埃の付着に伴う室内ファン１６の風量低下が抑制される。したがって、本実施形態によれば、室内ファン１６の塵埃に起因する露垂れを防止できる。 Incidentally, if a large amount of dust adheres to the indoor fan 16, the air volume is reduced, the indoor heat exchanger 15 becomes overcooled (too cold), and there is a possibility that dripping will occur during the cooling operation. 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.
　また、制御部３０が室内熱交換器１５の凍結・解凍を順次に行うことで（図９のＳ１０３）、室内熱交換器１５に付着していた塵埃ｊが水ｗで洗い流され、露受皿１８に流れ落ちる。このように本実施形態によれば、室内ファン１６を清潔な状態にすることができるとともに、室内熱交換器１５も清潔な状態にすることができる。したがって、空気調和機１００によって、快適な空調を行うことができる。また、室内熱交換器１５や室内ファン１６の清掃に要するユーザの手間やメンテナンス時の出費を低減できる。 Further, the control unit 30 sequentially freezes and thaws the indoor heat exchanger 15 (S103 in FIG. 9), so that the dust j adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 15 is washed away with the water w, and the dew tray 18 Flow 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.
≪変形例≫
　以上、本発明に係る空気調和機１００について実施形態で説明したが、本発明はこれらの記載に限定されるものではなく、種々の変更を行うことができる。 ≪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.
　本実施形態では、図５、図８Ａ、図８Ｂ、図１１において、ブラシ角度、清掃時間の変更手段に説明したが、これに限定されない。例えば、制御部３０は、ファン清掃部２４で室内ファン１６を清掃する際に、室内ファン１６の回転速度を初期設定時から変更する回転速度変更手段を有していてもよい。ブラシ２４ｂの劣化があるときに、室内ファン１６の回転速度を上げることにより、効果的にファン清掃を行うことができる。また、ファン清掃時の騒音が大きい場合に、室内ファン１６の回転速度を下げることにより、騒音の低減を図ることができる。制御部３０は、運転回数、又は／及び、前記運転積算時間に基づいて、室内ファン１６の回転速度を変更することができる。 In the present embodiment, the brush angle and the cleaning time changing means have been described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8A, 8B, and 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 30 may include a rotation speed changing unit that changes the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 from the initial setting when the fan cleaning unit 24 cleans the indoor fan 16. When the brush 24b is deteriorated, the fan can be effectively cleaned by increasing the rotational speed of the indoor fan 16. Moreover, when the noise at the time of fan cleaning is large, the noise can be reduced by reducing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16. The control unit 30 can change the rotation speed of the indoor fan 16 based on the number of operations or / and the operation integration time.
　図１３は、別の変形例に係る空気調和機が備える室内ファン１６及びファン清掃部２４Ａを示す模式的な斜視図である。図１３に示す変形例では、ファン清掃部２４Ａが、室内ファン１６の軸方向に平行な棒状の軸部２４ｄと、この軸部２４ｄに設置されるブラシ２４ｅと、軸部２４ｄの両端に設置される一対の支持部２４ｆ，２４ｆと、を備えている。その他、ファン清掃部２４Ａは、図示はしないが、ファン清掃部２４Ａを軸方向等に移動させる移動機構も備えている。 FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an indoor fan 16 and a fan cleaning unit 24A provided in an air conditioner according to another modification. In the modification shown in FIG. 13, the fan cleaning unit 24A is installed on a rod-shaped shaft part 24d parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16, a brush 24e installed on the shaft part 24d, and both ends of the shaft part 24d. A pair of support portions 24f, 24f. In addition, although not shown, the fan cleaning unit 24A includes a moving mechanism that moves the fan cleaning unit 24A in the axial direction or the like.
　図１３に示すように、室内ファン１６の軸方向と平行な方向におけるファン清掃部２４Ａの長さは、室内ファン１６自体の軸方向の長さよりも短い。そして、室内ファン１６の清掃中、ファン清掃部２４Ａが、室内ファン１６の軸方向（室内機の正面から見て左右方向）に移動するようになっている。つまり、室内ファン１６の軸方向において、ファン清掃部２４Ａの長さに相当する所定領域ごとに、室内ファン１６が順次に清掃されるようになっている。このように、その長さが比較的短いファン清掃部２４Ａを移動させる構成にすることで、図３に示す構成に比べて、空気調和機の製造コストを削減できる。 As shown in FIG. 13, the length of the fan cleaning section 24A in the direction parallel to the axial direction of the indoor fan 16 is shorter than the axial length of the indoor fan 16 itself. During the cleaning of the indoor fan 16, the fan cleaning unit 24A moves in the axial direction of the indoor fan 16 (left and right as viewed from the front of the indoor unit). 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 24A. Thus, the manufacturing cost of an air conditioner can be reduced by making it the structure which moves 24 A of fan cleaning parts whose length is comparatively short compared with the structure shown in FIG.
　なお、軸部２４ｄと平行に延びる棒（図示せず）をファン清掃部２４Ａの付近（例えば、軸部２４ｄの上側）に設け、所定の移動機構（図示せず）が、この棒に沿ってファン清掃部２４Ａを移動させるようにしてもよい。また、ファン清掃部２４Ａによる清掃後、移動機構（図示せず）がファン清掃部２４Ａを適宜に回動又は平行移動させ、ファン清掃部２４Ａを室内ファン１６から退避させるようにしてもよい。 A rod (not shown) extending in parallel with the shaft portion 24d is provided in the vicinity of the fan cleaning portion 24A (for example, above the shaft portion 24d), and a predetermined moving mechanism (not shown) is provided along the rod. The fan cleaning unit 24A may be moved. Further, after the cleaning by the fan cleaning unit 24A, a moving mechanism (not shown) may appropriately rotate or translate the fan cleaning unit 24A so that the fan cleaning unit 24A is retracted from the indoor fan 16.
　また、実施形態では、制御部３０が、ファン清掃部２４を室内ファン１６に接触させ、通常の空調運転時とは逆向きに室内ファン１６を回転（逆回転）させる処理について説明したが、これに限らない。すなわち、制御部３０が、ファン清掃部２４を室内ファン１６に接触させ、通常の空調運転時と同一の向きに室内ファン１６を回転（正回転）させるようにしてもよい。この場合、前述したように、図６Ｂに示すように、ファン清掃時の初期状態とし、ブラシ２４ｂが劣化するにつれて、図６Ａの方向にブラシ角度を調整するとよい。 Moreover, although the control part 30 contacted the fan cleaning part 24 with the indoor fan 16, and demonstrated the process which rotates the indoor fan 16 in the reverse direction at the time of normal air-conditioning driving | operation in this embodiment, Not limited to. 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). In this case, as described above, as shown in FIG. 6B, the initial state at the time of fan cleaning may be set, and the brush angle may be adjusted in the direction of FIG. 6A as the brush 24b deteriorates.
　このように室内ファン１６にブラシ２４ｂを接触させて、室内ファン１６を正回転させることで、ファンブレード１６ａの腹の先端付近に付着した塵埃が効果的に除去される。また、室内ファン１６を逆回転させるための回路素子が不要になるため、空気調和機１００の製造コストを削減できる。なお、清掃中に室内ファン１６を正回転させる際の回転速度は、実施形態と同様に、低速域・中速域・高速域のうちのいずれであってもよい。 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.
　また、実施形態では、ファン清掃部２４の軸部２４ａを中心にブラシ２４ｂが回動する構成について説明したが、これに限らない。例えば、室内ファン１６を清掃する際には、制御部３０が、軸部２４ａを室内ファン１６の方に移動させ、ブラシ２４ｂを室内ファン１６に接触させるようにしてもよい。そして、室内ファン１６の清掃終了後は、制御部３０が、軸部２４ａを退避させ、ブラシ２４ｂを室内ファン１６から離間させるようにしてもよい。 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.
　また、実施形態では、ファン清掃部２４がブラシ２４ｂを備える構成について説明したが、これに限らない。すなわち、室内ファン１６を清掃可能な部材であれば、スポンジ等を用いてもよい。 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.
　また、実施形態では、室内熱交換器１５において、ファン清掃部２４の下方に位置する領域が、冷媒の流れの下流域ではない構成について説明したが、これに限らない。例えば、室内熱交換器１５において、その高さがファン清掃部２４よりも高い領域が、室内熱交換器１５を通流する冷媒の流れの下流域ではない（つまり、上流域又は中流域である）という構成であってもよい。より詳しく説明すると、前側室内熱交換器１５ａにおいて、通常の空調運転時に空気の流れの下流側に位置する領域であって、その高さがファン清掃部２４よりも高い領域は、室内熱交換器１５を通流する冷媒の流れの下流域ではないことが好ましい。このような構成によれば、前側室内熱交換器１５ａにおいて通常の空調運転時に空気の流れの下流側に位置する領域（図２に示す前側室内熱交換器１５ａの紙面右部）であって、その高さがファン清掃部２４よりも高い領域には、室内熱交換器１５の凍結に伴って、厚さが厚い霜が付着する。そして、その後に室内熱交換器１５を解凍させると、フィンｆを伝って多量の水が流れ落ちる。その結果、室内熱交換器１５に付着した塵埃（室内ファン１６から除去された塵埃を含む）を露受皿１８に洗い落とすことができる。 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.
　また、実施形態では、室内ファン１６の清掃中、制御部３０が、ファン清掃部２４のブラシ２４ｂを室内ファン１６に接触させる構成について説明したが、これに限らない。すなわち、室内ファン１６の清掃中、制御部３０が、ファン清掃部２４のブラシ２４ｂを室内ファン１６に近接させるようにしてもよい。より詳しく説明すると、ファンブレード１６ａの先端に溜まって、この先端よりも径方向外側まで成長した塵埃を除去できる程度まで、制御部３０が室内ファン１６にブラシ２４ｂを近接させる。このような構成でも、室内ファン１６に溜まった塵埃を適切に除去できる。 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.
　また、各実施形態では、室内熱交換器１５の凍結等によって、室内熱交換器１５を洗浄する処理について説明したが、これに限らない。例えば、室内熱交換器１５を結露させ、その結露水（凝縮水）で室内熱交換器１５を洗浄するようにしてもよい。例えば、制御部３０は、室内空気の温度及び相対湿に基づいて、室内空気の露点を算出する。そして、制御部３０は、室内熱交換器１５の温度が、前記した露点以下であり、かつ、所定の凍結温度よりも高くなるように、膨張弁１４の開度等を制御する。 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.
　前記した「凍結温度」とは、室内空気の温度を低下させたとき、室内空気に含まれる水分が、室内熱交換器１５で凍結し始める温度である。このように室内熱交換器１５を結露させることによって、その結露水（凝縮水）で室内熱交換器１５の塵埃を洗い落とすことができる。 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).
　また、制御部３０が、冷房運転や除湿運転を行うことによって、室内熱交換器１５を結露させ、その結露水（凝縮水）で室内熱交換器１５を洗浄するようにしてもよい。 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).
　また、実施形態（図２参照）では、ファン清掃部２４の下方に室内熱交換器１５及び露受皿１８が存在する構成について説明したが、これに限らない。すなわち、ファン清掃部２４の下方に、室内熱交換器１５及び露受皿１８のうち少なくとも一方が存在している構成であってもよい。例えば、縦断面視で＜字状を呈する室内熱交換器１５の下部が鉛直方向に延びている構成において、ファン清掃部２４の下方（真下）に露受皿１８が存在していてもよい。 In the embodiment (see FIG. 2), the configuration in which the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the dew tray 18 exist below the fan cleaning unit 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 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.
　また、実施形態では、室内機Ｕｉ（図１参照）及び室外機Ｕｏ（同図参照）が一台ずつ設けられる構成について説明したが、これに限らない。すなわち、並列接続された複数台の室内機を設けてもよいし、また、並列接続された複数台の室外機を設けてもよい。また、実施形態では、壁掛型の空気調和機１００について説明したが、他の種類の空気調和機にも適用することが可能である。 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 to this. 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.
　また、各実施形態は本発明を分かりやすく説明するために詳細に記載したものであり、必ずしも説明した全ての構成を備えるものに限定されない。また、各実施形態の構成の一部について、他の構成の追加・削除・置換をすることが可能である。また、前記した機構や構成は説明上必要と考えられるものを示しており、製品上必ずしも全ての機構や構成を示しているとは限らない。 Each embodiment is described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to one having all the configurations described. 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.
　１００　空気調和機
　１１　　圧縮機
　１２　　室外熱交換器
　１３　　室外ファン
　１４　　膨張弁
　１５　　室内熱交換器（熱交換器）
　１５ａ　前側室内熱交換器（熱交換器）
　１５ｂ　後側室内熱交換器（熱交換器）
　１６　　室内ファン（送風ファン）
　１６ｍ　　室内ファンモータ
　１７　　四方弁
　１８　　露受皿
　２２　　左右風向板
　２３　　上下風向板
　２４　　ファン清掃部
　２４ａ　軸部
　２４ｂ　ブラシ
　２４ｍ　ファン清掃用モータ（駆動装置）
　２９　　塵埃受け部
　３０　　制御部
　３１　　室内制御部
　３１ｂ１　　ブラシ角度変更手段（ブラシ角度調整モード）
　３１ｂ２　　清掃時間変更手段（清掃時間調整モード）
　４０　　リモコン（空調制御端末）
　４１　　表示部
　４５　　上下キー
　４６　　機能ボタン
　４７　　設定ボタン
　ＢＬ　　ブラシ基準線
　Ｋ　　接触位置
　ｍ　　清掃時間調整値
　ｎ　　ブラシ角度調整値
　Ｑ　　　冷媒回路
　ｒ　　　凹部
　Ｕｉ　　室内機
　Ｕｏ　　室外機
　α　　　ブラシ角度 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 (heat exchanger)
15b Rear indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
16 Indoor fan (fan)
16 m Indoor fan motor 17 Four-way valve 18 Dew tray 22 Left and right wind direction plate 23 Vertical wind direction plate 24 Fan cleaning part 24a Shaft part 24b Brush 24m Fan cleaning motor (drive device)
29 Dust receiving part 30 Control part 31 Indoor control part 31b1 Brush angle change means (brush angle adjustment mode)
31b2 Cleaning time changing means (cleaning time adjustment mode)
40 Remote control (air conditioning control terminal)
41 Display unit 45 Up / down key 46 Function button 47 Setting button BL Brush reference line K Contact position m Cleaning time adjustment value n Brush angle adjustment value Q Refrigerant circuit r Recess Ui Indoor unit Uo Outdoor unit α Brush angle

Claims (7)

  1. 　室内熱交換器と、
    　送風ファンと、
    　前記送風ファンをブラシで清掃するファン清掃部と、
    　前記ファン清掃部を前記送風ファンに接触させる制御部と、を備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記送風ファンに接触する前記ブラシの角度を変更するブラシ角度変更手段を有する空気調和機。     An indoor heat exchanger,
    A blower fan,
    A fan cleaning section for cleaning the blower fan with a brush;
    A control unit for bringing the fan cleaning unit into contact with the blower fan,
    The said control part is an air conditioner which has a brush angle change means which changes the angle of the said brush which contacts the said ventilation fan.
  2. 　前記ブラシの角度を空調制御端末に表示し、前記ブラシの角度を調整可能なブラシ角度調整モードを備える
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の空気調和機。     The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a brush angle adjustment mode in which the angle of the brush is displayed on an air conditioning control terminal and the angle of the brush can be adjusted.
  3. 　前記ファン清掃部は、前記ブラシの角度を変更する駆動装置を備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記駆動装置によって前記ブラシを所定角度まで駆動させた後に、前記送風ファンの清掃中に前記駆動装置に前記所定角度で保持するための保持電流を流す
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の空気調和機。     The fan cleaning unit includes a drive device that changes an angle of the brush,
    The control unit, after driving the brush to a predetermined angle by the driving device, supplies a holding current for holding the driving device at the predetermined angle during cleaning of the blower fan. The air conditioner according to 1.
  4. 　前記制御部は、前記ブラシを前記送風ファンにあてる直前に前記ブラシの回動速度を減速させる
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の空気調和機。     The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit decelerates a rotation speed of the brush immediately before the brush is applied to the blower fan.
  5. 　室内熱交換器と、
    　送風ファンと、
    　前記送風ファンをブラシで清掃するファン清掃部と、
    　前記ファン清掃部を前記送風ファンに接触させる制御部と、を備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記ファン清掃部で前記送風ファンを清掃する際に、前記送風ファンの回転速度を初期設定時から変更する回転速度変更手段を有する空気調和機。     An indoor heat exchanger,
    A blower fan,
    A fan cleaning section for cleaning the blower fan with a brush;
    A control unit for bringing the fan cleaning unit into contact with the blower fan,
    The said control part is an air conditioner which has a rotational speed change means which changes the rotational speed of the said ventilation fan from the time of initial setting, when cleaning the said ventilation fan by the said fan cleaning part.
  6. 　前記送風ファンの清掃時間を空調制御端末に表示し、前記送風ファンの清掃時間を調整可能な清掃時間調整モードを備える
    　ことを特徴とする請求項５に記載の空気調和機。     The air conditioner according to claim 5, further comprising a cleaning time adjustment mode in which a cleaning time of the blower fan is displayed on an air conditioning control terminal and the cleaning time of the blower fan can be adjusted.
  7. 　運転回数、又は／及び、運転積算時間を記憶する記憶部を備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記運転回数、又は／及び、前記運転積算時間に基づいて、前記ブラシの角度又は前記送風ファンの回転速度を変更する
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項６に記載の空気調和機。     A storage unit is provided for storing the number of operations or / and the accumulated operation time,
    The said control part changes the angle of the said brush or the rotational speed of the said ventilation fan based on the said frequency | count of operation or / and the said operation integration time. The Claim 1 or Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Air conditioner.
PCT/JP2018/018514 2018-05-14 2018-05-14 Air conditioner WO2019220489A1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

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ES201890070A ES2731249A1 (en) 2018-05-14 2018-05-14 AIR CONDITIONER
PCT/JP2018/018514 WO2019220489A1 (en) 2018-05-14 2018-05-14 Air conditioner
CN201880001789.9A CN110520675B (en) 2018-05-14 2018-05-14 Air conditioner
JP2018536903A JP6701353B2 (en) 2018-05-14 2018-05-14 Air conditioner
TW107140525A TWI686542B (en) 2018-05-14 2018-11-15 air conditioner
FR1860549A FR3081036B1 (en) 2018-05-14 2018-11-15 AIR CONDITIONER

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ES2731249A1 (en) 2019-11-14
CN110520675B (en) 2020-09-01
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JPWO2019220489A1 (en) 2020-05-28
TWI686542B (en) 2020-03-01

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