JP2018084385A - Air conditioner control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device of an air conditioner capable of effectively defrosting without giving discomfort due to a decrease in room temperature as much as possible and suppressing a decrease in heating capacity. SOLUTION: This is a control device of an air conditioner (1) that can be remotely operated from a communication terminal (24) and executes at least a defrost operation in a normal defrost operation mode during a heating operation, and is an air conditioner (1). ) Has a special defrosting operation mode in which the defrosting capacity is higher than that of the normal defrosting operation mode and the temperature of the air-conditioned space drops significantly, and the operation of the air conditioner (1) is performed according to the instruction from the communication terminal (24). The special defrosting operation mode is selected when the operation is started, and the normal defrosting operation mode is selected when the operation of the air conditioner (1) is started by an instruction from other than the communication terminal (24). [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner that can be remotely operated using a communication terminal and performs a defrosting operation.

  In recent years, air conditioners that can be operated remotely such as start and stop of operation using a communication terminal such as a smartphone have been released. In addition, sensors that are equipped with human sensors and that determine the presence or absence of a person in an air-conditioned space are also on the market.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that includes a human sensor and starts a defrosting operation at a stage earlier than normal time (temperature higher than normal time) when determining the absence of a person in an air-conditioned space. Has been. The defrosting operation is an operation for melting frost (hereinafter referred to as frosting) attached to the outdoor heat exchanger during the heating operation.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an air conditioner that selectively performs reverse defrosting and bypass defrosting as a defrosting operation method. Reverse defrosting is a method of melting frost by operating in a cooling cycle. Although the defrosting capability is high because it is operated in the cooling cycle, the temperature of the air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as room temperature) is lowered. Bypass defrosting is a method of melting frost by flowing high-temperature refrigerant through both an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger using a bypass circuit. Although the defrosting capability is inferior to reverse defrosting, it is possible to suppress a decrease in room temperature.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an air conditioner that performs a heating operation before the defrosting operation so that the temperature of the air-conditioned space becomes higher than the set temperature in order to suppress a decrease in room temperature due to the defrosting operation. ing. Hereinafter, the control in which the heating operation is performed before the defrosting operation so that the temperature of the air-conditioned space becomes higher than the set temperature is referred to as pre-defrosting control.

Japanese Patent No. 5078681 JP 2010-85047 A JP 2016-17725 A

  However, the above-described conventional air conditioner has the following problems.

  The air conditioner that starts the defrosting operation earlier than the normal time at the time of the absence of the person by the human sensor according to Patent Document 1 reduces the room temperature to the person who has entered the air-conditioned space where the room temperature during the defrosting operation has decreased. There is a problem of giving discomfort due to. In other words, since the presence detection by the human sensor is based on a very narrow range such as an air-conditioned space, the presence of the air-conditioned space includes a person even if there is no person in the air-conditioned space. There are many things. For this reason, a person may enter the air-conditioned space whose room temperature has decreased during the defrosting operation and feel uncomfortable.

  The air conditioner that properly uses reverse defrosting and bypass defrosting in Patent Document 2 operates in a bypass system to prevent a decrease in room temperature even when there is no person in the air-conditioned space and a decrease in room temperature is not a problem. There is. If bypass defrosting is frequently performed, all of the frost formation cannot be melted, and the heating capacity may be reduced.

  The air conditioner that performs the pre-defrost control of Patent Document 3 may perform the pre-defrost control even when there is no person in the air-conditioned space and a decrease in room temperature does not become a problem. In that case, there is a possibility that the amount of frost formation will increase than usual due to unnecessary pre-defrost control, and it will take longer to melt all of the frost, or it will not be possible to melt all of the frost. Or the heating capacity may decrease.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can effectively defrost and suppress a decrease in heating capacity without giving as much discomfort due to a decrease in room temperature as much as possible. It is to provide a control device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an air conditioner control device according to an aspect of the present invention can be remotely operated from a communication terminal and performs at least a defrosting operation in a normal defrosting operation mode during a heating operation. The air conditioner has a special defrosting operation mode in which the defrosting capability is higher than that in the normal defrosting operation mode and the temperature decrease of the air-conditioned space is large, When the operation of the air conditioner is started by an instruction, the special defrosting operation mode is selected, and when the operation of the air conditioner is started by an instruction from other than the communication terminal, the normal The defrosting operation mode is selected.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a special defrosting operation mode having a higher defrosting capacity than the normal defrosting operation mode is performed, and there is no person in the air-conditioned space, and a person suddenly enters the air-conditioned space. Since it implements only when possibility of coming is low, there exists an effect that it can defrost effectively, without giving the discomfort by room temperature fall as much as possible, and can suppress the fall of heating capability.

It is a refrigerant circuit figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the remote control system containing the said air conditioner. It is a control block diagram which shows the principal part of the control system of the said air conditioner. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the 1st defrost determination range used for the normal defrost operation mode which the control apparatus of the said air conditioner uses. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the 2nd defrost determination range used for the special defrost operation mode which the control apparatus of the said air conditioner uses. It is a flowchart which shows switching of the defrost determination range in the said air conditioner. It is a flowchart which shows switching of the defrost determination range in the air conditioner which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows switching of the defrost determination range in the air conditioner which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows switching of the defrost determination range in the air conditioner which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a refrigerant circuit figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows switching of the defrost system in the air conditioner shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows another switching of a defrost system in the air conditioner shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows another switching of a defrost system in the air conditioner shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows another switching of a defrost system in the air conditioner shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the temperature change of the to-be-air-conditioned space with respect to time in the case where the pre-defrost control is performed and not performed in the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows switching in the air conditioner which performs pre-defrost control shown in FIG. 15 whether there is no pre-defrost control or selectively. It is a flowchart which shows another switching in the air conditioner which performs the control before defrost shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows another switching in the air conditioner which performs the control before defrost shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows another switching in the air conditioner which performs the control before defrost shown in FIG.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, it will be as follows if one embodiment of the present invention is described based on FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 is a separate single-type air conditioner in which one indoor unit 3 is connected to one outdoor unit 2.

  The compressor 4, the four-way valve 10, the outdoor heat exchanger 5, and the expansion valve 6 accommodated in the outdoor unit 2 are connected in series with refrigerant pipes in this order. The expansion valve 6 is further connected by piping to the indoor heat exchanger 7 accommodated in the indoor unit 3 via the two-way valve 8, and the indoor heat exchanger 7 further passes through the four-way valve 10 via the three-way valve 9. Then, the pipe is connected to the compressor 4 of the outdoor unit 2 again. Thereby, the refrigerant circuit is constituted.

  The compressor 4 is connected to the refrigerant circuit through a four-way valve 10 that is a switching valve. Thereby, the compressor 4 can send out the compressed refrigerant in either the outdoor heat exchanger 5 side or the indoor heat exchanger 7 side by switching the four-way valve 10. That is, the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 are used as a condenser or an evaporator by switching the four-way valve 10.

  Specifically, in FIG. 1, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the discharge pipe 11 of the compressor 4 passes through the heat exchanger side pipe 12 via the four-way valve 10 and flows in the direction indicated by the arrow Ac. It flows into an indoor heat exchanger 7 as an evaporator through an outdoor heat exchanger 5 as a condenser and an expansion valve 6. The refrigerant sent from the indoor heat exchanger 7 sequentially passes through the three-way valve side pipe 13, the four-way valve 10 and the suction side pipe 14 and returns to the compressor 4, whereby the cooling operation is executed.

  In FIG. 1, the refrigerant discharged from the discharge pipe 11 of the compressor 4 flows through the three-way valve side pipe 13 by switching the flow path of the four-way valve 10, and flows in the direction of the arrow Aw shown in the figure. It flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 5 as an evaporator through the heat exchanger 7 and the expansion valve 6. The refrigerant sent out from the outdoor heat exchanger 5 sequentially passes through the heat exchanger side pipe 12, the four-way valve 10 and the suction side pipe 14 and returns to the compressor 4, whereby the heating operation is executed.

  The indoor unit 3 accommodates an indoor fan 15 (for example, a crossflow fan or a propeller fan). By operating the indoor fan 15, the indoor air is taken into the indoor unit 3 and is heated by the indoor heat exchanger 7. Exchanged. Then, conditioned air (warm air during the heating operation and cold air during the cooling operation) is blown out from the outlet of the indoor unit 3. The outdoor unit 2 accommodates an outdoor fan 16 (for example, a propeller fan). By operating the outdoor fan 16, outdoor air is taken into the outdoor unit 2 and heat is exchanged by the outdoor heat exchanger 5. Is done.

  The air conditioner 1 performs a defrosting operation for removing frost formation on the outdoor heat exchanger 5 during the heating operation. As a defrosting operation, the air conditioner 1 has two defrosting operation modes, a normal defrosting operation mode and a special defrosting operation mode, which will be described later, in which the defrosting capability and the degree of room temperature decrease are different.

  The air conditioner 1 can also be remotely operated using a communication terminal 24 such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal via the communication network 22 in addition to an operation using a remote control such as an IR remote controller. In many cases, a remote control such as an IR remote control is included in an indoor unit package when an air conditioner is purchased.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the remote operation system 20 including the air conditioner 1. As shown in FIG. 2, in the remote operation system 20, an air conditioner 1 installed in a user's house 23, a server 21, and a communication terminal 24 of a user of the air conditioner 1 are connected via a communication network 22. Yes. In FIG. 2, the remote operation system 20 including the server 21 is illustrated, but the server 21 is not essential, and the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 may be connected via the communication network 22.

  The air conditioner 1 is a network home appliance having a wireless communication function for connecting to the communication network 22 and communicating with the server 21. The wireless communication function may be built in the indoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 or may be provided in a communication adapter externally attached to the indoor unit 3.

  The user home 23 is provided with a wireless local area network (LAN) that forms part of the communication network 22. The wireless LAN relay station is connected to a communication network 22 including the Internet. The relay station is a communication device such as a WiFi (registered trademark) router or a WiFi (registered trademark) access point. Here, although the configuration including the Internet is illustrated as the communication network 22, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a CATV (CAble TeleVision) communication network, a satellite communication network, or the like may be used.

  The communication terminal 24 and the Internet in the communication network 22 are connected using 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), a home or public WiFi (registered trademark) access point, and the like. The

  A combination of the air conditioner 1 and the communication terminal 24 is registered in the server 21. The communication terminal 24 whose combination is registered in the server 21 can remotely operate the air conditioner 1 via the server 21. The communication terminal 24 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal included in an application for remote operation. In FIG. 2, a part related to a certain user home 23 in the remote operation system 20 is shown.

  The air conditioner 1 receives an instruction from the communication terminal 24 via the server 21. In addition, the air conditioner 1 periodically communicates with the server 21 to send operation information indicating the operation contents of the air conditioner 1, detection information detected by sensors 32 to 37 described later, and the like to the server 21. Send as appropriate.

  Further, as described above, the air conditioner 1 has two operation modes in which the defrosting capability and the degree of room temperature decrease are different as the defrosting operation performed (executed) during the heating operation. The normal defrosting operation mode is inferior to the special defrosting operation mode in defrosting capability, but is an operation mode that can suppress a decrease in room temperature (temperature of the air-conditioned space). It is a driving mode that does not feel or is difficult to feel. On the other hand, the special defrosting operation mode is an operation mode in which the defrosting capability is higher than that in the normal defrosting operation mode, but the decrease in the room temperature is large and the person in the air-conditioned space easily feels uncomfortable due to the decrease in the room temperature.

  The air conditioner 1 selects the special defrosting operation mode when the operation is started by a remote operation instruction from the communication terminal 24, and is normally excluded when the operation is started by an instruction from other than the communication terminal 24. Select frost operation mode. Hereinafter, an instruction made for remote operation from the communication terminal 24 is simply referred to as an instruction made from the communication terminal 24. The instruction for starting the heating operation from the communication terminal 24 includes an instruction for starting the automatic operation for automatically switching the operation content (heating operation, cooling operation, air blowing operation, etc.).

  FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing the main part of the control system of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 includes a control device (control device for an air conditioner) 31. The control device 31 receives detection signals from an indoor temperature sensor 32, an outdoor air temperature sensor 33, an indoor humidity sensor 34, an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 36, a human sensor 37, and the like. . The control device 31 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the server 21 via the communication device 38. The information received from the server 21 includes an instruction to start operation (heating operation, cooling operation, automatic operation, etc.) from the communication terminal 24. Although not shown, a transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with a remote control such as an IR remote control is provided.

  The room temperature sensor 32 detects the temperature of the room that is the air-conditioned space, and the outside air temperature sensor 33 detects the temperature of the outside air (hereinafter, the outside air temperature) X. The indoor humidity sensor 34 detects indoor humidity. The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 detects the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 7, and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 36 detects the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 5 (hereinafter referred to as outdoor heat exchanger temperature) Y. The human sensor 37 determines the presence or absence of a person in the room (air space).

  Among these, the indoor temperature sensor 32, the outside air temperature sensor 33, the indoor humidity sensor 34, and the human sensor 37 do not have to be mounted on the air conditioner 1, but a sensing device installed in the air-conditioned space, The structure which receives data from another electronic device installed in the to-be-conditioned space may be sufficient.

  The control device 31 controls (drives or stops) the compressor 4, the indoor fan 15, the outdoor fan 16, and the like based on information detected (determined) by these sensors 32 to 37, and performs a refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit. Control is performed to perform cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidifying operation, defrosting operation during heating operation, and the like.

  The control device 31 selects the special defrosting operation mode as the defrosting operation during the heating operation when an instruction to start the operation (heating operation or automatic operation) is made from the communication terminal 24 (hereinafter, remote operation). To do. During remote operation, there are no people in the air-conditioned space, and it is considered unlikely that people will suddenly enter the air-conditioned space. Select a mode. On the other hand, when the communication terminal 24 does not use the remote controller other than the communication terminal 24 (hereinafter referred to as normal operation), the normal defrosting operation mode in which the room temperature is lowered is selected as the defrosting operation.

  In addition, when the presence of a person in the air-conditioned space is detected while the special defrosting operation mode is selected, the control device 31 switches the operation mode from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode.

  In the present embodiment, the defrosting determination range that defines the range for performing the defrosting operation used for the defrosting operation differs between the special defrosting operation mode and the normal defrosting operation mode. The defrost determination range is set by the relationship between the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y and the outdoor air temperature X. In the second defrosting determination range used in the special defrosting operation mode, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y with respect to the outdoor air temperature X is set higher than the first defrosting determination range used in the normal defrosting operation mode. In addition, the defrost operation implemented in this Embodiment is reverse defrost.

  4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams showing two defrost determination ranges used by the control device 31. FIG. FIG. 4 shows the first defrost determination range, and FIG. 5 shows the second defrost determination range. 4 and 5, the horizontal axis represents the outdoor air temperature X, and the vertical axis represents the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y. The defrost determination range is set by the relationship between the outside air temperature X and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y. In the figure, the intersection of the horizontal axis of the outside air temperature X and the vertical axis of the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y is 0 ° C., and the vertical axis of the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y is a positive temperature above the intersection and a negative temperature below. Indicates. On the horizontal axis of the outside air temperature X, the right side from the intersection (0 ° C.) indicates the plus temperature, and the left side indicates the minus temperature.

  In FIG. 4, a hatched region A is a region where the defrosting operation is performed, and a region B where no hatching is performed is a region where the defrosting operation is not performed. A straight line L1 at the boundary line between the region A and the region B is a linear expression Y = a · X−b (a and b are positive constants) calculated from the outside air temperature X and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y. The control device 31 performs defrosting using the outside air temperature X and the outside heat exchanger temperature Y detected by the outside temperature sensor 33 and the outside heat exchanger temperature sensor 36 and the first defrosting determination range during normal operation. Operate (normal defrosting operation mode).

  On the other hand, in FIG. 5, the area | region C which attached | subjected the dot is an area | region which performs a defrost operation, and the area | region D which is not attached | subjected is an area | region which does not perform a defrost operation. A straight line L2 at the boundary line between the region C and the region D is a linear expression Y = a · X−c (a and c are positive constants) calculated from the outside air temperature X and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y. The control device 31 performs defrosting using the outside air temperature X and the outside heat exchanger temperature Y detected by the outside air temperature sensor 33 and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 36 and the second defrosting determination range during remote operation. Operate (special defrosting operation mode).

  Specifically, during the heating operation, the point (x, y) represented by the outdoor air temperature X and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y using either the first or second defrosting determination range selected. Belongs to region A or region B or region C or region D. As a result of the determination, when the point (x, y) belongs to the region A or the region C, the defrosting operation is started.

  In FIG. 5, the straight line L1 of the boundary line of the 1st defrost determination range of FIG. 4 is shown with the broken line. As can be seen by comparing the straight line L2 indicated by the solid line with the straight line L1 indicated by the broken line, the straight line L2 of the second defrost determination range is the region B side where the defrost operation is not performed. (See FIG. 4). In other words, in the linear expression Y = a · X−b (a and b are positive constants) that is the straight line L1 and in the linear expression Y = a · X−c (a and c are positive constants) that are the straight line L2. , C <b (b and c are positive constants).

  Thereby, the area | region C of a 2nd defrost determination range becomes larger than the area | region A which performs the defrost operation of a 1st defrost determination range. As a result, during remote operation using the second defrost determination range, it is easier to determine that the defrost start condition is satisfied at a stage where the detected outside air temperature X and outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y are higher. The defrosting operation can be started earlier than during the normal operation using the first defrosting determination range. By starting the defrosting operation early at a high temperature stage, the defrosting operation can be started at a low frost amount stage. Since the frequency | count of implementation of a defrost operation increases, a defrost with high capability (effective defrost) can be performed.

  The first defrost determination range is set so that the person who is in the air-conditioned space feels uncomfortable due to a temporary decrease in room temperature, although the defrosting capability is inferior. On the other hand, the second defrost determination range is set so that the frost formation of the outdoor heat exchanger 5 can be surely melted without worrying about a situation in which a person in the air-conditioned space feels uncomfortable due to a temporary decrease in room temperature. Has been.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing switching of the defrost determination range in the air conditioner 1. The control device 31 determines whether or not the instruction for starting the heating operation (including the automatic operation) is made from the communication terminal 24 (S1). If YES is determined here, use of the second defrosting determination range is determined (S2). On the other hand, if NO is determined in S1, use of the first defrost determination range is determined (S3). If the use of the first defrost determination range is determined in S3, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the control device 31 proceeds to S2 and decides to use the second defrost determination range, it always determines whether or not the human sensor 37 has detected the presence of a person in the air-conditioned space (S4). . If YES is determined, the use of the first defrost determination range is determined, and the defrost determination range to be used is switched from the second defrost determination range to the first defrost determination range (S5). Thereafter, the process ends.

  As described above, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, a person is placed in an air-conditioned space and a house including the space, such as during remote operation where the start of operation is instructed by remote operation from the communication terminal 24. Select the special defrosting operation mode only when it is considered that there is a low possibility that people will enter the air-conditioned space and perform defrosting with higher capacity than the normal defrosting operation mode during normal operation. Do.

  As a result, compared with the configuration in which the normal defrosting operation mode and the special defrosting operation mode are switched in the absence or presence of a person in the air-conditioned space by the human sensor, the person is placed in the air-conditioned space where the room temperature has decreased during the defrost operation. The defrosting operation in consideration of people can be realized by minimizing the occurrence of uncomfortable situations.

  Moreover, in the air conditioner 1 which concerns on this Embodiment, if presence of the person in an air-conditioned space is detected by the human sensitive sensor 37, it will switch from special defrost operation mode to normal defrost operation mode.

  As a result, when there is a person in the air-conditioned space, such as when the user who instructed the start of operation by remote operation returns home, the user switches to the defrosting operation during normal operation in consideration of the person. There is no need to switch the operation mode of the defrosting operation. Moreover, even if the defrosting operation mode is switched to the normal defrosting operation mode after the defrosting is efficiently performed in the special defrosting operation mode and the frost is melted during a period in which no one is expected. The frequency | count of the defrost operation (normal defrost operation mode) implemented in a room | chamber state can be reduced, and the fall of the heating capability in a present state can be suppressed effectively.

  In the present embodiment, the timing of switching from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode is set when the presence of a person by the human sensor 37 is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the distance between the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 may be a certain distance (second distance) or less. This will be described later.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the switching of the operation mode of defrost operation was performed in the control apparatus 31 with which the air conditioner 1 is provided, the structure which gives the server 21 the function to switch the operation mode of defrost operation It is good.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and explanation thereof is omitted.

  In the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 1 described above, when the instruction to start the heating operation (including automatic operation) is made from the communication terminal 24, the special defrosting operation mode is selected as the defrosting operation. It was the composition to do.

  On the other hand, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, an instruction to start the heating operation (including automatic operation) is made from the communication terminal 24, and the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner instructed to start the heating operation When the distance from 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first distance D1, the special defrosting operation mode is selected as the defrosting operation.

  That is, even if the instruction to start the operation is made from the communication terminal 24, when the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 instructing the start and the air conditioner 1 is less than the first distance D1, The normal defrosting operation mode is selected without selecting the special defrosting operation mode. The first distance D1 can be determined that the communication terminal 24 is located outside the house including the air-conditioned space where the air conditioner 1 is installed, and the user of the communication terminal 24 is unlikely to suddenly enter the air-conditioned space. Distance.

  In the present embodiment, the server 21 acquires a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal indicating the current position of the communication terminal 24 and the like, and information on the current position of the communication terminal 24 or the current position of the communication terminal 24 and air conditioning. Information on the current separation distance calculated from the installation position of the machine 1 is transmitted to the air conditioner 1.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing switching of the defrost determination range in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from comparison with the flowchart of FIG. 6 of the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 1, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, S1-1 is inserted between S1 and S2. If YES is determined in S <b> 1, the process proceeds to S <b> 1-1, and it is determined whether or not the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 instructed to start and the air conditioner 1 is equal to or greater than the first distance D <b> 1. If YES is determined, the process proceeds to S2, and the use of the second defrosting determination range is determined (special defrosting operation mode is selected). When it is determined NO in S1-1, the process proceeds to S3 in the same manner as when NO is determined in S1, and the use of the first defrost determination range is determined (the normal defrost operation mode is selected).

  After proceeding to S2 and deciding to use the second defrost determination range, the control device 31 detects the presence of a person by the human sensor 37 (determined as YES in S4). ) And S5, the use of the first defrost determination range is determined, and the defrost determination range to be used is switched from the second defrost determination range to the first defrost determination range (from the special defrost operation mode to the normal defrost operation mode). Switch to frost operation mode).

  As described above, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, at the time of remote operation instructed to start operation from the communication terminal 24 and the communication terminal 24 instructed to start, the air conditioner 1, Specially only when it is considered that there is no person in the air-conditioned space and the house including the space, and the possibility that a person will enter the air-conditioned space is lower, such that the separation distance is equal to or greater than the first distance D1. The defrosting operation mode is selected and the defrosting is performed with a higher capacity than the normal defrosting operation mode.

  Thereby, compared with the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of a situation in which a person enters the air-conditioned space whose room temperature has decreased during the defrosting operation and feels uncomfortable, Defrosting operation that takes into account can be realized.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and explanation thereof is omitted.

  In the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 2 described above, when the presence of a person in the air-conditioned space is detected by the human sensor 37 in the state where the special defrosting operation mode is selected, the operation mode is changed. The configuration was switched from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode.

  In contrast, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 instructing the start of the heating operation (including automatic operation) of the air conditioner 1 and the air conditioner 1 is determined in advance. When the second distance (third distance) D2 or less, the operation mode is switched from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode.

  The second distance D2 is a distance that can be determined to be close to the air-conditioned space where the communication terminal 24 may enter the air-conditioned space where the air conditioner 1 is installed, and is a distance shorter than the first distance D1. is there.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing switching of the defrost determination range in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from comparison with the flowchart of FIG. 7 of the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 2, in the flowchart of FIG. 8, S4-1 is performed instead of S4.

  In S4-1, the control device 31 always determines whether or not the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 is equal to or less than the second distance D2. If YES is determined, the process proceeds to S5, the use of the first defrost determination range is determined, and the defrost determination range to be used is switched from the second defrost determination range to the first defrost determination range (special removal). Switch from frost operation mode to normal defrost operation mode).

  As described above, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 instructed to start switching from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode. Based on.

  This makes it possible to switch to the normal defrosting operation mode during normal operation before a person enters the air-conditioned space, and at a more accurate timing than the configuration using the human sensor 37, the special defrosting operation mode. To the normal defrosting operation mode.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are set. However, only the first distance D1 is set, and whether or not the current distance is less than the first distance D1 in S4-1. It can also be set as the structure which progresses to S5 if this is determined and it determines with YES.

[Embodiment 4]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and explanation thereof is omitted.

  In the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 3 described above, the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 that has instructed the start of the heating operation (including automatic operation) of the air conditioner 1 and the air conditioner 1 is equal to or less than the second distance D2. In this case, the special defrosting operation mode is switched to the normal defrosting operation mode during normal operation.

  On the other hand, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the presence of a person in the air-conditioned space is detected by the human sensor 37, or the communication terminal 24 instructing the start of operation and the air conditioner When the separation distance from the machine 1 is equal to or less than the second distance D2 or at least one of the conditions is satisfied, the special defrosting operation mode is switched to the normal defrosting operation mode during normal operation.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing switching of the defrost determination range in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from comparison with the flowchart of FIG. 8 of the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 3, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, S4 is inserted before S4-1, and both S4 and S4-1 are replaced. carry out. If NO is determined in S4, the process proceeds to S4-1. If NO is determined in S4-1, the process returns to S4. If YES is determined in either S4 or S4-1, the process proceeds to S5, the use of the first defrost determination range is determined, and the defrost determination range to be used is changed from the second defrost determination range to the first defrost determination range. (Switch from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode).

  As described above, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal defrosting operation mode is normally used by using both the human sensor 37 and the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1. The timing for switching to the defrosting operation mode is determined.

  Thereby, for example, even when information on the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 cannot be acquired because the power of the communication terminal 24 is turned off, the special detection is performed using the detection result by the human sensor 37. It is possible to switch from the frost operation mode to the normal defrost operation mode.

[Embodiment 5]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and explanation thereof is omitted.

  In the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the defrost determination range used for the defrosting operation (reverse defrosting) is switched between the normal defrosting operation mode and the special defrosting operation mode. In the defrosting operation mode, the second defrosting determination range in which the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y with respect to the outside air temperature X is set higher than the first defrosting determination range used in the normal defrosting operation mode is used. .

  In contrast, the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to perform both reverse defrosting and bypass defrosting. In the normal defrosting operation mode, reverse defrosting and bypass defrosting are performed. And in the special defrosting operation mode, only reverse defrosting with a high defrosting capability is executed.

  FIG. 10 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment is compressed from between the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and the expansion valve 6 in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. A bypass circuit 41 that is connected to the discharge side (discharge pipe 11 side) of the machine 4 and that can be opened and closed by the on-off valve 40 is provided.

  By providing the bypass circuit 41, in addition to reverse defrosting that switches the four-way valve 10 to perform defrosting during heating operation, bypass defrosting that performs defrosting by opening the on-off valve 40 without switching the four-way valve 10 is performed. it can. Reverse defrosting is a method in which frost formation is melted by operating in a cooling cycle. Therefore, the defrosting capability is high, but the temperature of the air-conditioned space is reduced. On the other hand, the bypass defrosting is a method in which a high-temperature refrigerant is caused to flow through both the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 using the bypass circuit 41 to melt the frost, so that the defrosting ability is compared with reverse defrosting. Although it is inferior, the fall of room temperature can be suppressed.

  Select and adopt bypass defrosting and reverse defrosting, such as bypass defrosting and reverse defrosting properly, making it easier to enter bypass defrosting than reverse defrosting and shortening in time during heating operation. Thus, it is possible to realize a normal defrosting operation mode in which a decrease in room temperature is suppressed and the person in the air-conditioned space is hardly made uncomfortable.

  Therefore, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, there is no person in the air-conditioned space and the house including the space, such as during remote operation where the start of operation is instructed from the communication terminal 24, and the air-conditioned machine is in the air-conditioned space. When it is considered that there is a low possibility that a person will enter, only reverse defrosting is employed, and during normal operation, bypass defrosting and reverse defrosting are selected and employed.

  FIGS. 11-14 is a flowchart which shows switching of the defrost system in the air conditioner 1. FIG. 11 to 14 correspond to FIGS. 6 to 9 in the first to fourth embodiments. In FIGS. 11-14, it replaces with S2 in FIGS. 6-9, S11 which employ | adopts only reverse defrost is implemented, it replaces with S3, reverse defrost and bypass defrost (reverse / bypass defrost), S12 is selected and adopted. Moreover, in FIGS. 11-14, it replaces with S5 in FIGS. 6-9, and implements S13 which selects and employ | adopts reverse defrost and bypass defrost (reverse / bypass defrost), and reverse defrost Switch from using only to reverse defrosting and bypass defrosting (switch from special defrosting operation mode to normal defrosting operation mode).

[Embodiment 6]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and explanation thereof is omitted.

  In the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the defrost determination range used for the defrosting operation (reverse defrosting) is switched between the normal defrosting operation mode and the special defrosting operation mode. In the defrosting operation mode, the second defrosting determination range in which the outdoor heat exchanger temperature Y with respect to the outside air temperature X is set higher than the first defrosting determination range used in the normal defrosting operation mode is used. .

  On the other hand, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the pre-defrost control for performing the heating operation is executed as necessary before the defrost operation is started, and in the special defrost operation mode, the defrost operation is performed. Do not perform any pre-frost control. Hereinafter, performing the pre-defrost control as needed is expressed as selectively implementing (executing) the presence / absence of the pre-defrost control.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature change of the air-conditioned space with respect to time when the pre-defrost control is performed and when it is not performed. As shown in FIG. 15, by performing the pre-defrost control, it is possible to suppress a temperature drop during the defrost operation as compared with the case where it is not performed. However, when pre-defrost control is performed, there is a possibility that the amount of frost formation may increase compared to when no frost formation is performed. There is a possibility that the time for melting all the frost becomes longer, or that all of the frost cannot be melted, so that the heating capacity is lowered.

  Therefore, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, there is no person in the air-conditioned space and the house including the space, such as during remote operation where the start of operation is instructed from the communication terminal 24, and the air-conditioned machine is in the air-conditioned space. When it is considered that there is a low possibility that a person will enter, the control before the defrosting is not performed at all.

FIGS. 16-19 is a flowchart which shows switching in the air conditioner 1 whether it does not control before defrost or selectively performs. 16 to 19 correspond to FIGS. 6 to 9 in the first to fourth embodiments. In FIGS. 16-19, it replaces with S2 in FIGS. 6-9, S11 which implements the non-defrost control non-execution is implemented, and S22 which selects and employ | adopts the presence or absence of pre-defrost control is replaced with S3. carry out. In addition, in FIGS. 16 to 19, instead of S <b> 5 in FIGS. 6 to 9, S <b> 23 that selects and employs the presence / absence of the pre-defrost control is performed, and the pre-defrost control is not used. Switch to the selection and use of control (switch from special defrosting operation mode to normal defrosting operation mode).
S23 is performed.

[Example of software implementation]
The control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Good.

  In the latter case, the air conditioner 1 includes a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU). Alternatively, a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program, and the like are provided. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
The control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention is a control device for an air conditioner that can be remotely operated from the communication terminal 24 and that performs at least the defrosting operation in the normal defrosting operation mode during the heating operation. The air conditioner 1 has a special defrosting operation mode in which the defrosting capability is higher than that in the normal defrosting operation mode and the temperature drop of the air-conditioned space is large, and in response to an instruction from the communication terminal 24 When the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started, the special defrosting operation mode is selected, and when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started by an instruction from other than the communication terminal 24, the normal removal is performed. The frost operation mode is selected.

  According to this, when there is no person in the air-conditioned space and the house including the space, such as during remote operation where the start of operation is instructed from the communication terminal 24, it is unlikely that a person will enter the air-conditioned space. Only when possible, the special defrosting operation mode is selected, and the defrosting is performed with a higher capacity than the normal defrosting operation mode selected other than during remote operation.

  Thereby, the defrosting operation in consideration of the person can be realized by suppressing as much as possible the occurrence of a situation in which the person enters the air-conditioned space whose room temperature has decreased during the defrosting operation and feels uncomfortable.

  The control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to the aspect 2 of the present invention is a control device for an air conditioner that can be remotely operated from the communication terminal 24 and performs at least the defrosting operation in the normal defrosting operation mode during the heating operation. The air conditioner 1 has a special defrosting operation mode in which the defrosting capability is higher than that in the normal defrosting operation mode and the temperature drop of the air-conditioned space is large, and in response to an instruction from the communication terminal 24 When the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started and the distance between the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first distance, the special defrosting operation mode is selected and the communication When the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started by an instruction from a terminal other than the terminal 24 and when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started by an instruction from the communication terminal 24, the separation distance is the first distance. If it is less than the distance, It is characterized by selecting the serial normal defrosting operation mode.

  According to this, at the time of remote operation instructed to start operation from the communication terminal 24 and the separation distance between the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first distance. Select the special defrosting operation mode only when there is no person in the space and the house that contains the space and it is considered less likely that the person will enter the air-conditioned space. The defrosting is performed with a higher capacity than the normal defrosting operation mode.

  Thereby, the invitation of the situation that a person enters the air-conditioned space where the room temperature has decreased in the defrosting operation and feels uncomfortable is suppressed as much as possible, more than the control device of the air conditioner according to aspect 1. Defrosting operation in consideration of people can be realized.

  The control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to aspect 3 of the present invention detects the presence of a person in the air-conditioned space in the state 1 or 2 while the special defrosting operation mode is selected. Then, it is the structure which switches from the said special defrost operation mode to the said normal defrost operation mode.

  As a result, when there is a person in the air-conditioned space, such as when the user who instructed the start of operation by remote operation returns home, the user switches to the defrosting operation during normal operation in consideration of the person. There is no need to switch the defrosting operation mode.

  Moreover, even if the defrosting operation mode is switched to the normal defrosting operation mode after the defrosting is efficiently performed in the special defrosting operation mode and the frost is melted during a period in which no one is expected. The frequency | count of the defrost operation by the normal defrost operation mode implemented in a room | chamber state can be reduced, and the fall of the heating capability in a present state can be suppressed effectively.

  The control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to aspect 4 of the present invention is the above-described aspect 1, wherein the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 are separated in a state where the special defrosting operation mode is selected. When the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined second distance, the special defrosting operation mode is switched to the normal defrosting operation mode.

  The same operation and effect as the control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to the aspect 3 can be obtained. In addition, by appropriately setting the second distance, it is possible to switch to the normal defrosting operation mode before a person enters the air-conditioned space. It is possible to switch from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode at a more accurate timing than the configuration using the detection result.

  The control apparatus 31 of the air conditioner 1 which concerns on aspect 5 of this invention WHEREIN: In the state which has selected the said special defrost operation mode in said aspect 2, the separation distance of the said communication terminal and the said air conditioner is When the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined third distance shorter than the first distance, the special defrosting operation mode is switched to the normal defrosting operation mode.

  The same operation and effect as the control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to the aspect 3 can be obtained. In addition, by appropriately setting the third distance, it is possible to switch to the normal defrosting operation mode before a person enters the air-conditioned space. It is possible to switch from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode at a more accurate timing than the configuration using the detection result.

  In the control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to the aspect 6 of the present invention, the defrost determination range in which the defrosting operation is performed in the above aspects 1 to 5 is the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 5 of the air conditioner 1. The defrosting determination range used in the special defrosting operation mode is higher than the defrosting determination range used in the normal defrosting operation mode in relation to the temperature of the outside air. This is a configuration in which the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 5 is set high.

  According to this, the normal defrosting operation mode and the special defrosting operation mode in the defrosting operation can be easily realized.

  The control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to the aspect 7 of the present invention is the above-described embodiment 1 to 5, wherein the air conditioner 1 includes the compressor 4, the four-way valve 10, the outdoor heat exchanger 5, and the expansion valve 6. A refrigerant circuit in which the indoor heat exchanger 7 is sequentially connected, and is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 4 between the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and the expansion valve 6 in the refrigerant circuit, A bypass circuit 41 that can be opened and closed is provided, and reverse defrosting that performs defrosting by switching the four-way valve 10 during heating operation and bypass removal that performs defrosting by opening the on-off valve 40 without switching the four-way valve In the normal defrosting operation mode, the reverse defrosting and the bypass defrosting are selectively performed, and the control device 31 is configured to perform the special defrosting operation mode. In the reverse A configuration for executing the frost only.

  Also by this, the normal defrosting operation mode and the special defrosting operation mode in the defrosting operation can be easily realized.

  The control device 31 of the air conditioner 1 according to aspect 8 of the present invention is the air conditioner 1 according to aspects 1 to 5 described above, wherein the air conditioner 1 performs heating operation before starting the defrosting operation in the normal defrosting operation mode. It is comprised so that it may perform as needed the control before defrost which makes temperature of a to-be-conditioned space higher than preset temperature, and the said control apparatus 31 is the said defrost operation mode in the said special defrost operation mode. The configuration does not execute any control.

  Also by this, the normal defrosting operation mode and the special defrosting operation mode in the defrosting operation can be easily realized.

  The air conditioner 1 which concerns on the aspect 9 of this invention is the structure provided with the control apparatus of the air conditioner in any one of said aspect 1-8.

  The server 21 according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is a server that is connected to the communication terminal 24 and the air conditioner 1 that is remotely operated by the communication terminal 24 via the communication network 22. The control device 31 of any one of the air conditioners 1 to 8 is provided.

  The control device 31 according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control device 31 is operated by causing the computer to operate as each unit (software element) included in the control device 31. A control program for a control device realized by a computer and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner 2 Outdoor unit 3 Indoor unit 4 Compressor 5 Outdoor heat exchanger 6 Expansion valve 7 Indoor heat exchanger 8 Two-way valve 9 Three-way valve 10 Four-way valve 20 Remote operation system 21 Server 22 Communication network 24 Communication terminal 31 Control Device 32 Indoor temperature sensor 33 Outdoor air temperature sensor 36 Outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 37 Human sensor 38 Communication device 40 On-off valve 41 Bypass circuit

Claims (7)

A control device for an air conditioner that can be remotely operated from a communication terminal and performs at least a defrosting operation in a normal defrosting operation mode during heating operation,
The air conditioner has a special defrosting operation mode in which the defrosting capacity is higher than the normal defrosting operation mode and the temperature drop of the air-conditioned space is large.
When the operation of the air conditioner is started by an instruction from the communication terminal, the special defrosting operation mode is selected, and the operation of the air conditioner is started by an instruction from other than the communication terminal. In the case, the control device for an air conditioner, wherein the normal defrosting operation mode is selected. A control device for an air conditioner that can be remotely operated from a communication terminal and performs at least a defrosting operation in a normal defrosting operation mode during heating operation,
The air conditioner has a special defrosting operation mode in which the defrosting capacity is higher than the normal defrosting operation mode and the temperature drop of the air-conditioned space is large.
When the operation of the air conditioner is started by an instruction from the communication terminal, and the distance between the communication terminal and the air conditioner is equal to or greater than a predetermined first distance, the special defrosting operation mode When the operation of the air conditioner is started by an instruction from other than the communication terminal, and even if the operation of the air conditioner is started by an instruction from the communication terminal, the separation distance is When the distance is less than the first distance, the normal defrosting operation mode is selected.   The state is switched from the special defrosting operation mode to the normal defrosting operation mode when the presence of a person in the air-conditioned space is detected while the special defrosting operation mode is selected. The control apparatus of the air conditioner of 1 or 2.   In a state where the special defrosting operation mode is selected, when the separation distance between the communication terminal and the air conditioner is equal to or less than a predetermined second distance, the special defrosting operation mode is changed to the normal defrosting operation mode. The air conditioner control device according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner control device is switched.   In a state where the special defrosting operation mode is selected, when the separation distance between the communication terminal and the air conditioner is equal to or less than a predetermined third distance shorter than the first distance, the special defrosting operation mode is started. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the control mode is switched to the normal defrosting operation mode. The defrost determination range for performing the defrosting operation is set in relation to the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner and the temperature of the outside air,
The defrosting determination range used in the special defrosting operation mode is set such that the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger with respect to the temperature of the outdoor air is set higher than the defrosting determination range used in the normal defrosting operation mode. The control device for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: In the normal defrosting operation mode, the air conditioner performs a pre-defrosting control as necessary to perform a heating operation before starting the defrosting operation so that the temperature of the air-conditioned space becomes higher than the set temperature. It is configured as
The said control apparatus does not perform the said pre-defrost control at all in the said special defrost operation mode, The control apparatus of the air conditioner in any one of Claim 1 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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