JP2009058143A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner capable of automatically cleaning one of an air filter and an indoor heat exchanger when an user requests, or automatically cleaning them roughly simultaneously to minimize the maintenance and to keep an indoor machine in a clean state. <P>SOLUTION: The indoor heat exchanger is automatically washed by drying the indoor heat exchanger by a heating operation according to a set time set by a cleaning/washing time setting means. Further a filter cleaning device is operated before the automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention has a filter cleaning function that automatically cleans an air filter provided in an air inlet of an indoor unit, and a function that automatically cleans a heat exchanger built in the indoor unit to suppress the growth of mold and bacteria. It is related with the air conditioner provided with.

  In the conventional indoor unit of an air conditioner, an air filter for preventing dust from entering the inside of the main body is provided on the front surface of the heat exchanger, and the air filter has a filter frame so that the attached dust can be removed. Removably attached to. The filter device having such a configuration not only requires frequent maintenance, but the air filter gradually clogs until the maintenance is performed, and as a result, the air volume passing through the heat exchanger is reduced. The air conditioning capacity is lowered and the power consumption is increased.

  For this reason, an air conditioner with an automatic cleaning function that periodically cleans dust adhering to the air filter with a brush has been proposed for the purpose of reducing maintenance work of the air filter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  Also, the dust on the filter is sucked by the suction fan from the dust suction part that can move freely on the filter, and the dust is stored in the dust storage part via the suction duct, so that the filter dust is automatically cleaned. An air conditioner with an automatic cleaning function has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, in order to suppress the growth of mold and bacteria in and around the heat exchanger inside the indoor unit, drying operation is combined with air blowing operation, cycle dehumidification, and heating operation according to the operation time after cooling operation or dehumidifying operation. Thus, an air conditioner has also been proposed in which drying time is shortened, energy is saved by improving efficiency, and comfort is improved (for example, see Patent Document 3).

JP-A-6-74521 JP 2002-340395 A JP 2001-41542 A

  However, in the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, there are problems such that the brush and the air filter are in sliding contact with each other, so that dust is entangled with the brush, or the brush is worn or deformed to deteriorate its function. In addition, after a certain amount of time has passed, the dust collected by scraping with a brush must be processed, and maintenance labor has not been greatly reduced.

  On the other hand, in the air conditioner described in Patent Document 2, the amount of dust adhering to the air filter varies depending on the usage time and environment of the air conditioner, and if the amount of dust is large or the dust is not removed for a long time, It may become difficult to adhere and suck, and dust may remain on the air filter.

  Therefore, the applicant of the present application improves user convenience and consumes wasteful power without deteriorating the cleaning performance of the air filter by reliably and efficiently removing dust adhering to the air filter. Various proposals have been made on air conditioners that do not have any.

  However, dust adheres not only to the air filter but also to the indoor heat exchanger. In the case of an indoor heat exchanger, there is a problem of mold and bacterial growth if it becomes hot and humid. However, conventional air conditioners including Patent Document 3 are not configured to arbitrarily perform automatic cleaning of the air filter and automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and performs either automatic cleaning of the air filter and automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger at a user's preferred time or both. It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that can maintain the indoor unit in a clean state by reducing the maintenance as much as possible by performing the operations substantially simultaneously.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion unit provided in the outdoor unit. An air conditioner in which a refrigeration cycle is configured by sequentially connecting a valve and an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and heating operation is performed according to a set time set by a cleaning / cleaning time setting unit. The indoor heat exchanger is automatically washed by performing and drying the indoor heat exchanger.

  The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that a combined operation of a dehumidifying operation or a blowing operation is performed before the heating operation.

  Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 3, the indoor heat exchanger is automatically cleaned during the cooling operation of the air conditioner or when the cooling or dehumidifying operation is performed before the air conditioner is stopped. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the indoor unit includes a filter cleaning device that removes dust contained in the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger, and before the indoor heat exchanger is automatically cleaned. The filter cleaning device is operated.

  The invention according to claim 5 performs the cooling operation in advance before the operation of the filter cleaning device when the heating operation is performed during the heating operation of the air conditioner or before the air conditioner is stopped. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, after the automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger is completed, the air conditioner is returned to the state before the start of the automatic cleaning.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a day-of-week detecting means for detecting a day of the week and a cleaning / washing time weekly programming means, and the cleaning / washing cleaning time is set by the cleaning / washing time setting means for each day of the week. It is possible to do it.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that a power-on detection means for detecting power-on of the air conditioner is provided, and the filter cleaning device is operated when the power is turned on.

  The invention according to claim 9 is provided with an air-conditioning operation determining means for determining whether or not the air-conditioning operation is being performed, and when the air-conditioning operation is being performed at the time set by the cleaning / cleaning time setting means. The filter cleaning device is not operated.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning operation end detection means for detecting the end of the air conditioning operation, and the filter cleaning device does not operate during the air conditioning operation at the time set by the cleaning / cleaning time setting means. In this case, the filter cleaning device is operated at the end of the operation.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a filter cleaning device non-operation counter that counts the number of times that the filter cleaning device has not been operated when the air conditioning operation is being performed at the time set by the cleaning / cleaning time setting means. The filter cleaning device is operated when the count value of the filter cleaning device non-operation counter reaches a predetermined value.

  The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that a filter cleaning switch is provided, and the filter cleaning device is operated when the filter cleaning switch is turned on.

  According to the present invention, the indoor heat exchanger is automatically cleaned by performing heating operation and drying the indoor heat exchanger according to the set time, or the filter cleaning is performed before the automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger. Since the device is activated, the filter can be automatically cleaned and / or the indoor heat exchanger can be automatically cleaned at the user's preferred time, and maintenance is reduced as much as possible to keep the indoor unit clean. be able to.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the air conditioner according to the present invention, dust accumulates in the heat exchanger or filter provided in the indoor unit as the usage time elapses. Therefore, the automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger or the automatic filter is performed according to the timer setting time. I try to clean it.

First, automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner according to the present invention. The compressor 6, the four-way valve 8, the outdoor heat exchanger 10, the expansion valve 12, and the indoor unit 4 are provided in the outdoor unit 2. The indoor heat exchangers 14 thus connected are sequentially connected by refrigerant pipes to constitute a heat pump type refrigeration cycle.

  The indoor blower 16 blows indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 14, the outdoor blower 18 blows outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 10, the room temperature sensor 20 detects the room temperature, and the piping of the indoor heat exchanger 14 The temperature sensor 22 detects the piping temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 14, and the control device 24 controls the refrigeration cycle.

  Here, the automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger 14 can also be referred to as a drying operation, in which moisture is removed from the indoor heat exchanger 14 where condensation or the like has occurred due to the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation of the air conditioner, and the temperature is raised. In order to suppress the activity of mold, heating operation is performed, and is performed by switching the four-way valve 8 during the drying operation. That is, once the compressor 6 is stopped, the four-way valve 8 is switched to perform the heating operation, the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 14 is increased, and moisture adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 14 during the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is removed. Evaporate.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the control device 24 for suppressing generation of steam from the indoor unit 4 during the drying operation and shortening the drying time. In the block diagram of FIG. 2, the piping temperature setting means 28 sets the piping temperature Ta of the indoor heat exchanger 14 according to the output value Tin of the indoor temperature detection means 26 to which the output of the room temperature sensor 20 is input. Here, the piping temperature Ta is calculated from a functional expression Ta = Fa (Tin) that increases as the output value Tin increases, and Ta ≧ Tin.

  The drying operation frequency control means 32 compares the output value Ta of the pipe temperature setting means 28 with the output value Tt of the pipe temperature detection means 30 to which the output of the pipe temperature sensor 22 is input, and if Ta−ΔT> Tt. While the operation frequency of the compressor 6 is changed to a value higher than the current value, if Ta + ΔT <Tt, the operation frequency of the compressor 6 is changed to a value lower than the current value, and Ta + ΔT ≧ Tt ≧ Ta−ΔT (ΔT ≧ 0). In the case of), the current operating frequency is maintained.

  As described above, the pipe temperature setting means 28 and the drying operation frequency control means 32 during the heating and drying operation can perform optimum high-performance control in a region where steam does not occur, reduce the drying time, and save energy. The improvement of the nature and the improvement of the comfort are obtained.

  Next, the automatic filter cleaning device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 shows the indoor unit 4 in which a filter cleaning device 34 that removes dust contained in the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 14 is incorporated. The indoor unit 4 includes a main body 36 and a front opening of the main body 36. The front panel 38 has a movable front panel 38 that can be freely opened and closed. When the air conditioner is stopped, the front panel 38 is in close contact with the main body 36 and closes the front opening 36a, while the air conditioner is in operation. The front panel 38 moves in a direction away from the main body 36 to open the front opening 36a.

  As shown in FIG. 3, inside the main body 36, the indoor heat exchanger 14 and the indoor air taken in from the front opening 36a and the upper surface opening 36b are heat-exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger 14 to enter the room. The indoor blower 16 for blowing out, the upper and lower blades 44 for opening and closing the air outlet 42 for blowing the heat-exchanged air into the room and changing the air blowing direction up and down, and the left and right blades for changing the air blowing direction left and right (see FIG. The middle blade 46 that opens and closes on the air outlet 42 side of the front opening 36a is swingably attached to the main body 36 below the front opening 36a via the middle blade driving mechanism 48. It has been.

  Further, the upper portion of the front panel 38 is connected to the upper portion of the main body 36 via two arms 50 and 52 provided at both ends thereof, and drive control of a drive motor (not shown) connected to the arms 50 is performed. As a result, during operation of the air conditioner, the front panel 38 moves obliquely forward and upward from the position when the air conditioner is stopped (the closed position of the front opening 36a). The upper and lower blades 44 are connected to the lower part of the main body 36 via two arms 54 and 56 provided at both ends thereof.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the filter cleaning device 34 is slidable along the surface of the filter 62 and the filter 62 composed of the filter frame 58 and the filter mesh 60 holding the filter frame 58. And a suction nozzle 64. The filter frame 58, the filter net 60, and the like are bent, and the upper part is configured in the horizontal direction and the lower part is configured in the vertical direction.

  The suction nozzle 64 can be smoothly moved to the left and right with a very narrow gap from the filter net 60 by a pair of guide rails 66 installed at the upper and lower ends of the filter frame 58. The dust adhering to the filter net 60 Suction is performed from the suction nozzle 64. Further, one end of a suction duct 68 is connected to the suction nozzle 64, and the other end of the suction duct 68 is connected to a suction device 70. The suction device 70 is configured so that the suction amount can be varied by using a fan motor capable of adjusting the rotation speed, and the suction duct 68 is formed by a duct that can be bent so that the movement of the suction nozzle 64 may be prevented. ing. Further, an exhaust duct 72 is connected to the suction device 70 and is routed outside the room. Dust adhering to the filter net 60 and sucked by the suction nozzle 64 is discharged to the outside through the suction duct 68, the suction device 70, and the exhaust duct 72.

  FIG. 5 is a view of the suction nozzle 64 as viewed obliquely from above. As shown in FIG. 5, the suction nozzle 64 is provided so as to surround the nozzle body 78 that forms a passage for the sucked air and the nozzle body 78. And a belt 80 having a predetermined width (for example, about 20 mm). A slit-like nozzle opening 78 a having a length (for example, about 320 mm) corresponding to the vertical length of the filter network 60 and a predetermined width (for example, about 3 mm) is formed on the surface of the nozzle body 78 on the filter network 60 side. Has been.

  On the other hand, the belt 80 is formed in a loop shape and is wound around the outer periphery of the nozzle body 78 so as to cover the nozzle opening 78a. The belt 80 is provided with a suction hole 80a having a length that is 1/4 (for example, about 80 mm) of the filter net 60 and a predetermined width (for example, about 2 mm). The position of the suction hole 80a is a nozzle opening. The belt 80 is attached so as to be directly above 78a. An instruction portion 82 (see FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) is provided on the side surface of the suction hole 80a in order to detect the position.

  The nozzle body 78 is provided with a suction hole sensor 84 (see FIG. 7) so as to come into contact with the instruction section 82, and always detects the position of the instruction section 82 to detect the position of the suction hole 80a. At the opposite ends of the belt 80, drive holes 86 are provided at regular intervals like a movie film, and a gear 90 attached to a stepping motor 88 fixed on the nozzle body 78 engages with the drive holes 86. The belt 80 is freely driven in any of the vertical directions.

  6 is a view showing the nozzle body 78 and the belt 80 separately in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the suction nozzle 64 (cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5).

  In the suction nozzle 64 having the above-described configuration, a rubber roller or the like can be used in place of the gear 90 as another configuration for driving the belt 80. In order to reduce the size of the apparatus, the belt 80 is formed in a loop shape. However, the belt can be wound up by providing a reel or the like.

  The suction nozzle 64 configured as described above performs suction cleaning of the entire surface of the filter mesh 60, and the specific operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8 to 10. FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing the positions of the suction holes 80a corresponding to the cleaning ranges A, B, C, and D of the filter net 60 shown in FIG. 4 (the view when the suction nozzle 64 is viewed from the back). As shown in FIG. 4, the actual suction nozzle 64 has a structure bent along the filter mesh 60. However, in FIG. 8, the suction nozzle 64 is illustrated as being straightened for easy viewing. .

  First, when the area A of the filter mesh 60 in FIG. 4 is suction-cleaned, the belt 80 is driven to fix the suction hole 80a to the position A as shown in FIG. 8A. As shown in FIG. 9, the suction nozzle 64 is driven from the right end to the left end of the filter mesh 60 while sucking in this state, whereby the horizontal range A of the filter mesh 60 can be sucked and cleaned.

  Next, in order to shift to suction cleaning in the range B of the filter mesh 60 in FIG. 4, the belt 80 is driven to fix the suction hole 80a to the position B shown in FIG. 8B. Similarly, by driving the suction nozzle 64 from the left end to the right end of the filter mesh 60 while sucking in this state, the horizontal range B of the filter mesh 60 in FIG. 4 can be sucked and cleaned. Similarly, the range of C and D of the filter net 60 in FIG. 4 can be suction-cleaned. Since the ranges C and D of the filter net 60 in FIG. 4 are provided in the horizontal direction, the amount of dust adhering is larger than the range A and B, and a larger amount of suction is required.

  9 and 10 are diagrams showing the order of this suction cleaning with arrows, but the range of A and B of the filter mesh 60 in FIG. 4 is suctioned by one horizontal row as shown in FIG. Cleaning is performed by moving the nozzle 64 horizontally only in one direction, and the range of C and D of the filter mesh 60 in FIG. 4 is horizontally moved in one row in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. (Reciprocating) to clean. By performing such a horizontal sweep suction operation, the entire surface of the filter mesh 60 can be cleaned substantially uniformly.

  As shown in FIG. 4, limit switches 74 and 76 are provided on both sides of the filter frame 58, and the suction nozzle 64 contacts the limit switch 74 and 76 so that the suction nozzle 64 is horizontal. Move back and forth in the direction.

  As described above, the position of the suction hole 80a is detected by the suction hole sensor 84, and when the position of the suction hole 80a is above the filter mesh 60, the suction nozzle 64 is driven back and forth to increase the number of suctions. Can be reduced as much as possible. That is, the entire surface of the filter mesh 60 can be cleaned substantially uniformly by changing the cleaning capability of the suction nozzle 64 according to the position of the suction hole 80a detected by the suction hole sensor 84 as the position detection means.

  Moreover, when the position of the suction hole 80a is above the filter mesh 60, the residual dust can be reduced as much as possible by increasing the output of the suction device 70 and increasing the suction amount. In this case, the suction nozzle 64 performs cleaning as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, when the position of the suction hole 80a is above the filter net 60, the residual dust can be reduced as much as possible by reducing the horizontal driving speed of the suction nozzle 64 and extending the suction time.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the nozzle body 78 is provided with a dust sensor 92 for detecting the amount of dust adhering to the surface of the filter net 60, and the portion where the amount of dust detected by the dust sensor 92 is large is a suction hole sensor. After aligning the suction hole 80a detected by 84 with the portion, increase the output of the suction device 70 locally to increase the suction amount or locally decrease the horizontal driving speed of the suction nozzle 64. Remaining dust can be reduced by lengthening the suction time. That is, the entire surface of the filter mesh 60 can be cleaned substantially uniformly by changing the cleaning ability of the suction nozzle 64 in accordance with the amount of dust attached detected by the dust sensor 92 as the dust detection means.

  12 and 13 show a suction device 70 provided in the filter cleaning device 34 of the air conditioner, and this suction device 70 also functions as a ventilation unit for ventilation operation by having a configuration described later. . In the ventilation operation, by adjusting the rotation speed of the sirocco fan 94, the capacity can be adjusted by changing the ventilation air volume. For example, the capacity is improved (for example, about 20%) compared to the normal time. Can be ventilated. Further, the normal ventilation operation does not need to be performed through the opening 96, and may be performed through the nozzle opening 78a of the suction nozzle 64, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the suction device 70 has a built-in sirocco fan 94 and exerts a suction force by rotating the sirocco fan 94 at a high speed with a motor. A suction duct 68 is connected to the suction side of the suction device 70, and an exhaust duct 72 is connected to the exhaust side. Further, an opening 96 is formed on the suction side of the suction device 70, and an opening / closing plate 100 connected to a stepping motor 98 is swingably attached to one side of the opening 96. When the opening / closing plate 100 is driven by the stepping motor 98, the opening 96 opens and closes. A sealing material 102 is attached to the surface of the opening / closing plate 100 on the opening 96 side. When the opening 96 is closed by the opening / closing plate 100, the opening / closing plate 100 is in close contact with the periphery of the opening 96.

The operation and action of the filter cleaning device configured as described above will be described below.
Since the amount of air that can be sucked by the suction device 70 is determined by the total ventilation resistance of each path from suction to exhaust, the smaller the total ventilation resistance, the larger the suction air volume. From this point of view, reducing the ventilation resistance of the exhaust duct 72, that is, increasing the cross-sectional area of the ventilation duct 72 leads to an increase in suction force during suction cleaning and ventilation operation. However, if the cross-sectional area of the air duct 72 of the exhaust duct 72 is too large, dust accumulated inside the suction nozzle 64 and the suction duct 68 after suction cleaning may accumulate again in the exhaust duct 72. In addition, dust accumulation on the casing of the suction device 70 and adhesion of dust to the blade (blade) of the sirocco fan 94 also occur.

  Therefore, when the opening 96 and the opening / closing plate 100 are provided in the suction device 70 and the opening 96 is opened, almost all of the suction air is sucked from the opening 96. The area of the opening 96 can be considerably larger than the opening area of the nozzle opening 78a of the suction nozzle 64 (since the suction device 70 is larger than the suction nozzle 64), the wind speed of the air sucked from the suction hole 80a is slow. The ventilation resistance of the suction device 70 is very low. Further, since no air flows through the suction nozzle 64 and the suction duct 68, the suction hole ventilation resistance, the suction nozzle ventilation resistance, and the suction duct ventilation resistance are zero. Therefore, the total ventilation resistance is close to the ventilation resistance of the exhaust duct 72, and can be very low.

  As a result, even if the rotational speed of the sirocco fan 94 is the same as that during suction cleaning, the amount of air flowing through the suction device 70 and the exhaust duct 72 can be significantly increased. Since the air volume at this time is also an air volume that can be ventilated in a normal house, the indoor air can be discharged to the outside, that is, the ventilation operation can be performed with improved performance than normal. At this time, the amount of air flowing through the suction device 70 and the exhaust duct 72 can be remarkably increased, so that dust attached to the blades of the sirocco fan 94 can be blown away, and the sirocco fan 94 is not clogged with dust.

  When the opening / closing plate 100 is driven and the opening 96 is opened, the suction device 70 is used as a ventilation fan. When suction cleaning is performed, the opening 96 is closed and the suction fan 80 sucks dust from the suction holes 80a of the belt 80. A suction device 70 can be used. That is, the suction cleaning function and the ventilation function can be realized by the same suction device 70.

  By the way, it is considered that some dust adheres to the periphery of the opening 96 and does not close completely, causing suction leakage and lowering the suction cleaning performance. Therefore, the surface of the opening / closing plate 100 is deformed flexibly. In addition, the sealing material 102 with little permanent deformation is attached to prevent suction leakage.

  FIGS. 12 and 13 show the open state and the closed state of the opening 96, respectively. The white arrow in FIG. 12 represents the sucked wind, and the white arrow in FIG. .

  Next, refer to the flowchart of FIG. 14 for automatic cleaning of the filter 62 (hereinafter simply referred to as filter cleaning) and automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger 14 (hereinafter simply referred to as heat exchanger cleaning) by the filter cleaning device 34 described above. While explaining.

  First, in step S1, the user sets a time (start time) for performing filter cleaning or heat exchanger cleaning using a filter cleaning / heat exchanger cleaning time setting means (for example, a remote controller (remote control device)). In the next step S2, it is determined whether or not the set time has been reached. If the set time has been reached, it is determined in step S3 whether or not the air conditioner is in cooling or dehumidifying operation. Return to step S2. Note that the time measuring means for measuring time, the filter cleaning time setting means, the filter cleaning time determination means, etc. will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the cooling or dehumidifying operation is being performed, the filter is cleaned in step S4, and the heat exchanger is cleaned after the filter is cleaned. Here, the filter cleaning is preferably performed before the heat exchanger cleaning. The filter cleaning is preferably performed in a state where the filter 62 is dry. If the heat exchanger cleaning is performed before the filter cleaning, the indoor heat exchanger 14 may be cleaned. This is because steam adheres to the filter 62 when the adhering water evaporates, which may hinder the cleaning of the filter 62.

  Therefore, any one of the time for performing the filter cleaning and the time for performing the heat exchanger cleaning may be set by the filter cleaning / heat exchanger cleaning time setting means, and if the filter cleaning time is set, the setting is performed. Filter cleaning is performed at the time, and then heat exchanger cleaning is performed.If the heat exchanger cleaning time is set, the filter cleaning is performed before the set time, and then the heat exchanger cleaning is performed. Done.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the cooling or dehumidifying operation is not being performed, it is determined in step S5 whether or not the heating operation is being performed. If it is determined that the heating operation is being performed, only filter cleaning is performed in step S6. The heat exchanger cleaning is preferably performed in a state where moisture adheres to the indoor heat exchanger 14, because dust that cannot be removed by the filter 62 and adhered to the indoor heat exchanger 14 can be washed away with moisture.

  When the filter cleaning and heat exchanger cleaning in step S4 or the filter cleaning in step S6 is completed, the process proceeds to step S7, and the state before the set time is restored. That is, if the operation before the filter cleaning is the cooling or dehumidifying operation, the cooling or dehumidifying operation is continued, and if the operation before the filter cleaning is the heating operation, the heating operation is continued.

  Further, when it is determined in step S5 that the heating operation is not being performed, the air conditioner is determined to be in an operation mode in which the refrigeration cycle other than the stop or cooling / heating operation does not operate (for example, an air cleaning operation, a ventilation operation, etc.) The process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, it is determined whether the operation before the stop or before the current operation mode is the cooling or dehumidifying operation or the heating operation. If the operation before the stop or before the current operation mode is the cooling or dehumidifying operation, In S9, filter cleaning is performed, and heat exchanger cleaning is performed after filter cleaning. On the other hand, if the operation before the stop or before the current operation mode is the heating operation, only filter cleaning is performed in step S10.

  When the filter cleaning and the heat exchanger cleaning in step S9 or the filter cleaning in step S10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S11, and the state before the filter cleaning and the heat exchanger cleaning or the filter cleaning (operation other than stop or air conditioning operation) ).

  FIG. 15 is a timing chart when performing heat exchanger cleaning, and particularly shows a case where heat exchanger cleaning is performed during cooling or dehumidifying operation, and filter cleaning performed before heat exchanger cleaning is performed. Ignoring.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when heat exchanger cleaning is performed, at time t1, the compressor 6 and the outdoor blower 18 are stopped, and the cooling or dehumidifying operation is stopped. Further, the indoor blower 16 whose rotation speed has been determined according to the operation mode up to time t1 and the set air volume of the remote controller is set to the first speed (for example, about 900 rpm) and performs the first blow operation. At this time, the opening degree of the expansion valve 12 is controlled so as to reach a target discharge temperature determined in accordance with the compressor frequency during the cooling or dehumidifying operation (discharge temperature control), and the four-way valve 8 is OFF. The refrigeration cycle during cooling operation is maintained.

  The front panel 38 and the upper and lower blades 44 move from the open state to the cleaning position. First, the behavior of the front panel 38, the upper and lower blades 44, etc. will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the air conditioner is stopped, as shown in FIG. 16A, the front panel 38, the upper and lower blades 44, and the middle blade 46 are all closed.

  At the time of cooling, in order to make the blown air (cool air) reach above the human head (cooling ceiling airflow), the state shown in FIG. 16 (a) to the state shown in FIG. 16 (b) are passed through FIG. 16 (c). The state shown in is reached. First, the arms 50 and 52 are driven and controlled so that the front panel 38 is separated from the front opening 36a, and the arms 54 and 56 are driven and controlled so that the upper and lower blades 44 are separated from the outlet 42.

  In the state of FIG. 16C, the air blown out from the air outlet 42 is guided in the horizontal direction by the upper and lower blades 44. However, since the downstream end of the upper and lower blades 44 is curved upward, it is far from the room. Can send air up to. At this time, the upper part of the air outlet 42, that is, the lower part of the front panel 38 is closed by the middle blade 46, and a part of the air blown out from the air outlet 42 is not led to the front opening 36a.

  On the other hand, during heating, in order to make the blown air (warm air) reach the vicinity of the human foot (heating airflow), the state shown in FIG. 16 (a) to the state shown in FIG. 16 (b) are passed through FIG. The state shown in (d) is reached. In the state of FIG. 16D, the air blown out from the outlet 42 is guided obliquely downward by the upper and lower blades 44, but the downstream end of the upper and lower blades 44 is curved toward the main body, so Warm air that tends to accumulate upwards can be sent down the room.

  In addition, FIG.16 (e) is utilized at the time of air conditioning before stabilization, and blowing air is directed to a human body (air flow for human bodies).

  FIG. 17 shows the front panel 38 and the upper and lower blades 44 in the cleaning position. The front panel 38 is slightly separated from the front opening 36 a (for example, A = 20 mm), while the rear edge of the upper and lower blades 44. The part is in close contact with the lower edge of the air outlet 42, and its front edge is slightly separated from the upper edge of the air outlet 42 (for example, B = 10 mm).

  Therefore, at the time of washing the heat exchanger, the air blown from the indoor blower 16 toward the blowout port 42 is guided to the front opening 36a by the upper and lower blades 44 without being blown into the room, and is blown from the blowout port 42. The air thus circulated in the indoor unit 4 becomes a so-called “short circuit” state.

  Returning to the timing chart of FIG. 15, the heat exchanger cleaning will be further described. From the time t1 to the time t2 (for example, about 3 minutes), the air blowing operation is performed, and at the time t2, the compressor 6 reduces the frequency. The operation is resumed at an operation frequency of 1 (for example, about 16 Hz), and the outdoor fan 18 is also resumed at a low speed (for example, about 150 rpm) to perform a dehumidification (full-scale dehumidification) operation. During the dehumidifying operation, the expansion valve 12 is set to a maximum pulse (for example, about 480 pulses) and is fully opened, and the indoor blower 16 is operated at a second speed (for example, about 500 rpm) lower than the first speed.

  After completion of the dehumidifying operation for a predetermined time (for example, about 55 minutes), at time t3, the second blowing operation is started, the compressor 6 and the outdoor blower 18 are stopped, and the indoor blower 16 is moved from the second speed to the first. The speed is changed. In addition, the pulse number of the expansion valve 12 is maintained continuously from the maximum pulse.

  At a time t4 after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, about 3 minutes) from the time t3, the four-way valve 8 is switched to enter the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 14 is dried, and moisture generated during the cooling or dehumidifying operation is dusted Remove with. During the heating operation, the compressor 6 is maintained at a second operation frequency (for example, about 30 Hz) higher than the first operation frequency, and the outdoor blower 18 is operated at the same speed as in the dehumidifying operation. The expansion valve 12 is set to a predetermined pulse (for example, about 400 pulses) less than the maximum pulse, and the indoor blower 16 is set to the second speed again.

  After completion of the heating operation for a predetermined time (for example, about 30 minutes), at time t5, the four-way valve 8 is turned off to return to the refrigeration cycle during the cooling operation, the compressor 6 and the outdoor blower 18 are stopped, and the indoor blower 16 Is changed from the second speed to the first speed, and the third blowing operation is performed. At this time, the number of pulses of the expansion valve 12 is reset to the maximum pulse from the predetermined pulse.

  After performing the third blowing operation for a predetermined time (for example, about 3 minutes), the state returns to the state before the heat exchanger cleaning (cooling or dehumidifying operation) (FIG. 15 shows the case of stopping). Note that the front panel 38 and the upper and lower blades 44 are held at the cleaning position shown in FIG. 17 from time t1 to time t6.

  Here, when the heat exchanger is washed, the dehumidification (full-scale dehumidification) operation or the combined operation of the air blowing operation is performed before the heating operation. Condensation water adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 14 during operation evaporates and flows out into the indoor space, and the humidity of the room may increase and cause discomfort to the user. This is because a part of the indoor heat exchanger 14 can be cleaned without collecting water and flowing out into the indoor space, so that it is possible to shift to heat exchanger cleaning without causing discomfort to the user. In addition, during the heat exchanger cleaning, a total of three air blowing operations are performed before and after the dehumidifying operation and the heating operation, but this fails to start if the pressure difference between the suction pressure and the discharge pressure of the compressor 6 is large. This is for the purpose of making the suction pressure and the discharge pressure uniform (start-up protection of the compressor 6).

If it is determined in step S5 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 that the heating operation is being performed, only the filter cleaning is performed in step S6, but the refrigeration cycle is temporarily switched to the cooling operation to wet the indoor heat exchanger 14. Thereafter, the filter may be cleaned, and the heat exchanger may be cleaned after the filter is cleaned. However, the operating frequency of the compressor 6 and the operating frequency of the outdoor blower 18 in the cooling operation at this time are set as follows, for example.
Compressor 6: 25Hz
Outdoor blower 18: 600rpm
Expansion valve 12: Cooling operation discharge temperature control Upper and lower blades 44: Cleaning position Front panel 38: Cleaning position Indoor fan 16: 500rpm

  Similarly, only the filter cleaning is performed in step S10. However, after the refrigeration cycle is temporarily switched to the cooling operation to wet the indoor heat exchanger 14, the filter cleaning is performed, and further, the heat exchanger cleaning is performed after the filter cleaning. You can also.

  Moreover, in the said structure, the time which performs filter cleaning can be memorize | stored for every day of the week, and filter cleaning and heat exchanger washing | cleaning can also be performed at the time set for every day of the week. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a control device for an air conditioner. A filter cleaning time setting means (for example, a remote controller) 104 sets a filter cleaning time for operating the filter cleaning device 34, and a filter cleaning time weekly programming means 106 is used for filter cleaning. The time setting is stored for each day of the week and output to the filter cleaning time determination means 108. The time measuring means 110 measures the time and outputs it to the filter cleaning time determination means 108, and the day of the week detection means 112 detects the day of the week and outputs it to the filter cleaning time determination means 108.

  Further, the filter cleaning time determination means 108 determines whether or not the time detected by the time measuring means 110 is the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34 from the output values of the filter cleaning time weekly programming means 106 and the day of the week detection means 112. . When the time detected by the time measuring means 110 is the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34, the time is output to the air conditioning operation determining means 114, and the time detected by the time measuring means 110 is not the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34. Is not output.

  When receiving the output from the filter cleaning time determining means 108, the air-conditioning operation determining means 114 determines whether or not the air-conditioning operation is being performed. If the air conditioning operation is not being performed, the filter cleaning signal is output to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118.

  Upon receiving a signal from the air conditioning operation determining means 114, the filter cleaning apparatus inoperative counter 116 adds 1 to the filter cleaning apparatus inactive count N, and if N = A, outputs it to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118. , N ≠ A, output to the air conditioning operation end detection means 120. Further, when receiving an output from the filter cleaning start signal output means 118, the filter cleaning device non-operation frequency N is initialized (N = 0).

  The air-conditioning operation end detection means 120 monitors the operating state when receiving a signal from the filter cleaning device non-operation counter 116 and outputs it to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118 when the air-conditioning operation end is detected.

  The power-on detection means 122 outputs to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118 when the power is turned on, and outputs to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118 when the filter cleaning switch 124 is turned on.

  When the filter cleaning start signal output means 118 receives the outputs from the air conditioning operation determining means 114, the filter cleaning device inoperative counter 116, the power-on detection means 122, and the filter cleaning switch 124, the filter cleaning start signal is output to the filter cleaning device 34 and the filter cleaning device. The data is output to the device inactivity counter 116. The filter cleaning device 34 starts to operate in response to an output from the filter cleaning start signal output means 118.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the main routine of the control device, and its operation will be described below.

  In step S21, the power-on detection means 122 detects the power-on, and in step S22, the filter cleaning start signal output means 118 outputs the filter cleaning start signal to the filter cleaning device 34 and the filter cleaning device non-operation counter 116. .

  In step S23, the filter cleaning device non-operation count 116 of the filter cleaning device non-operation counter 116 is initialized (N = 0). In step S24, the time measuring means 110 detects the time. In step S25, the day of the week detection means 112 is detected. Detects the day of the week.

  In step S26, the filter cleaning start time set by the filter cleaning time setting unit 104 and the filter cleaning weekly programming unit 106 is read.

  In step S27, the filter cleaning time determination unit 108 determines whether or not the time detected by the time measuring unit 110 from the output values of the filter cleaning time weekly programming unit 106 and the day of the week detection unit 112 is the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34. To do.

  When the time detected by the time measuring means 110 is the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34, the time is output to the air conditioning operation determining means 114, and the process proceeds to step S28. If the time detected by the time measuring means 110 is not the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34, the process returns to step S24.

  In step S28, it is determined whether or not the air-conditioning operation determination means 114 is in the air-conditioning operation. If the air conditioning operation is not in progress, the signal is output to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118, and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S29, the filter cleaning device non-operation counter 116 adds 1 to the filter cleaning device non-operation number N, and in step S30, the filter cleaning device non-operation number N is a preset integer value A (A> 0). Determine whether. If N ≠ A, output to the air-conditioning operation end detection means 120, and the process proceeds to step S31. If N = A, output to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118, and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S31, when the end of the air conditioning operation is detected by the air conditioning operation end detection means 120, it is output to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118, and the process proceeds to step S32. If the air conditioning operation is in the continuous state, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the time measuring means 110 detects the time, and in step S34, the day of the week detection means 112 detects the day of the week.

  In step S35, the filter cleaning start time set by the filter cleaning time setting unit 104 and the filter cleaning weekly programming unit 106 is read. In step S36, the filter cleaning time determining unit 108 detects the filter cleaning time weekly programming unit 106 and the day of the week. It is determined whether or not the time detected by the time measuring means 110 from the output value of the means 112 is the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34.

  When the time detected by the time measuring means 110 is the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34, the time is output to the air conditioning operation determining means 114, and the process returns to step S28. If the time detected by the time measuring means 110 is not the time for operating the filter cleaning device 34, the process returns to step S31.

  In step S <b> 32, the filter cleaning start signal output means 118 outputs a filter cleaning start signal to the filter cleaning device 34 and the filter cleaning device non-operation counter 116.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the control device for the air conditioner of the present embodiment, and the operation thereof will be described below.

  When the filter switch is turned on in step S37, subroutine interruption processing is started and output to the filter cleaning start signal output means 118. In the next step S38, the filter cleaning start signal output means 118 outputs a filter cleaning start signal to the filter cleaning device 34 and the filter cleaning device non-operation counter 116, and in step S39, the filter cleaning device of the filter cleaning device non-operation counter 116. The number of non-operations N is initialized (N = 0).

  In the above embodiment, the clocking means 110, the filter cleaning time setting means 104 for setting the time for performing filter cleaning, and the filter cleaning start signal output means 118 for outputting a filter cleaning start signal to the filter cleaning device 34 are provided. By operating the filter cleaning device 34 at the time set by the cleaning time setting means 104, the filter cleaning is performed at a time set by the user in a state in which dust is easily removed every day, and dust is efficiently and reliably removed with a small capacity. It does not give the user a discomfort.

  In addition, the day of the week detection unit 112 and the filter cleaning time weekly programming unit 106 are provided so that the filter cleaning time can be set for each day of the week, so that the filter cleaning time can be set according to the use situation for each day of the week. Convenience is improved.

  Further, a power-on detection means 122 for detecting power-on of the air conditioner is provided, and the filter cleaning device 34 is operated when the power is turned on, so that the breaker is turned off when the air-conditioner is not used. Since the filter cleaning device 34 operates, dust can be reliably removed.

  In addition, an air-conditioning operation determination unit 114 that determines whether or not the air-conditioning operation is being performed is provided. When the air-conditioning operation is being performed at the time set by the filter cleaning time setting unit 104, the filter cleaning device 34 is not operated. Thus, the noise of the filter cleaning device is not generated during the air conditioning operation, and the user is not uncomfortable.

  Further, an air conditioning operation end detection means 120 for detecting the end of the air conditioning operation is provided, and if the filter cleaning device 34 does not operate during the air conditioning operation at the time set by the filter cleaning time setting means 104, a filter is displayed at the end of the operation. By operating the cleaning device 34, the filter cleaning device 34 operates at the end of the operation if the air-conditioning operation is being performed at the set time, and dust can be reliably removed without causing discomfort to the user. .

  In addition, a filter cleaning device non-operation counter 116 that counts the number of times that the filter cleaning device 34 did not operate during the air conditioning operation continuously at the time set by the filter cleaning time setting means 104 is provided. When the count value of 116 reaches a certain value, by operating the filter cleaning device 34, the filter can be cleaned even during the long-term air conditioning operation, and dust can be automatically removed.

  Further, when the filter cleaning switch 124 is provided and the filter cleaning switch 124 is turned on, the filter cleaning device 34 is operated to enable the filter cleaning regardless of the operating state of the air conditioner. Accordingly, dust can be automatically removed.

  The air conditioner according to the present invention is a state in which the indoor unit is clean by reducing maintenance as much as possible by performing one or both of the automatic cleaning of the air filter and the automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger at a user's preferred time. Therefore, it is useful not only as a home air conditioner but also as a commercial air conditioner.

Schematic which shows the refrigerating cycle of the air conditioner which concerns on this invention The block diagram of the control apparatus provided in the air conditioner of FIG. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the indoor unit which comprises the air conditioner of FIG. The perspective view of the filter cleaning apparatus provided in the indoor unit of FIG. The perspective view of the suction nozzle provided in the filter cleaning apparatus of FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the suction nozzle of FIG. Sectional view along line VII-VII in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the position of the suction hole according to the cleaning range of a filter net | network, (a) is the position of the suction hole when cleaning the range A, (b) is the suction hole when cleaning the range B. (C) is a schematic view showing the position of the suction hole when cleaning the range C, and (d) is a schematic diagram showing the position of the suction hole when cleaning the range D, respectively. Schematic diagram showing the suction cleaning sequence of the filter cleaning device Another schematic diagram showing the suction cleaning sequence of the filter cleaning device Sectional drawing along line VII-VII in FIG. 5 which shows the modification of a suction nozzle The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the suction device which has an opening part in an open state The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the suction device which has an opening part in a closed state Flow chart showing the flow of filter cleaning and heat exchanger cleaning Timing chart for heat exchanger cleaning Vertical section of indoor unit showing the behavior of front panel, upper and lower blades, etc. Cross section of indoor unit showing front panel and upper and lower blades in cleaning position Block diagram of the control device for the air conditioner of FIG. The flowchart which shows the main routine of the control apparatus of FIG. The flowchart which shows the subroutine of the control apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

2 outdoor units, 4 indoor units, 6 compressors, 8 four-way valves, 10 outdoor heat exchangers,
12 expansion valve, 14 indoor heat exchanger, 16 indoor blower, 18 outdoor blower,
20 room temperature sensor, 22 piping temperature sensor, 24 control device,
26 indoor temperature detection means, 28 piping temperature setting means, 30 piping temperature detection means,
32 Drying operation frequency control means, 34 Filter cleaning device, 36 Indoor unit body,
36a Front opening, 36b Upper surface opening, 38 Front panel, 42 Air outlet,
44 upper and lower blades, 46 middle blades, 48 middle blade drive mechanism, 50, 52 arms,
54,56 arm, 58 filter frame, 60 filter network, 62 filter,
64 suction nozzles, 66 guide rails, 68 suction ducts, 70 suction devices,
72 exhaust duct, 74,76 limit switch, 78 nozzle body,
78a nozzle opening, 80 belt, 80a suction hole, 82 indicator,
84 suction hole sensor, 86 drive hole, 88 stepping motor, 90 gear,
92 dust sensor, 94 sirocco fan, 96 opening,
98 Stepping motor, 100 Opening and closing plate, 102 Sealing material,
104 Filter cleaning time setting means,
106 Weekly programming means for filter cleaning time,
108 filter cleaning time judging means, 110 timing means, 112 day of week detecting means,
114 air-conditioning operation determining means, 116 filter cleaning device non-operation counter,
118 filter cleaning start signal output means, 120 air-conditioning operation end detection means,
122 power-on detection means, 124 filter cleaning switch.

Claims (12)

A refrigeration cycle comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and sequentially connecting a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit provided in the outdoor unit An air conditioner comprising:
An air conditioner wherein the indoor heat exchanger is automatically washed by performing a heating operation and drying the indoor heat exchanger according to a set time set by a cleaning / cleaning time setting means . The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a combined operation of a dehumidifying operation or an air blowing operation is performed before the heating operation. 3. The indoor heat exchanger is automatically cleaned during cooling operation of the air conditioner or when cooling or dehumidifying operation is performed before the air conditioner is stopped. Air conditioner as described in. The indoor unit has a filter cleaning device for removing dust contained in air passing through the indoor heat exchanger, and the filter cleaning device is operated before automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The air according to claim 4, wherein the cooling operation is performed in advance before the operation of the filter cleaning device during the heating operation of the air conditioner or when the heating operation is performed before the air conditioner is stopped. Harmony machine. The air conditioner according to claim 3 or 5, wherein when the automatic cleaning of the indoor heat exchanger is completed, the air conditioner is returned to a state before the start of the automatic cleaning. The day / week detection means for detecting the day of the week and the cleaning / washing time weekly programming means are provided, and the cleaning / washing time can be set by the cleaning / washing time setting means for each day of the week. The air conditioner according to any one of 1 to 6. 8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a power-on detection unit configured to detect power-on of the air conditioner and operating the filter cleaning device when the power is turned on. An air-conditioning operation determining means for determining whether or not the air-conditioning operation is being performed is provided, and the filter cleaning device is not operated when the air-conditioning operation is being performed at the time set by the cleaning / cleaning time setting means. The air conditioner according to claim 4. Air-conditioning operation end detection means for detecting the end of the air-conditioning operation is provided, and when the filter cleaning device does not operate during the air-conditioning operation at the time set by the cleaning / cleaning time setting means, the filter cleaning is performed at the end of the operation. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the air conditioner is operated. When the air conditioning operation is being performed at the time set by the cleaning / cleaning time setting means, a filter cleaning device non-operation counter that counts the number of times the filter cleaning device has not operated is provided, and the filter cleaning device non-operation counter The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the filter cleaning device is operated when a count value reaches a predetermined value. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein a filter cleaning switch is provided, and the filter cleaning device is operated when the filter cleaning switch is turned on.

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