Air conditioner, control method of air conditioner, program, and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner which can efficiently switch between an air supply ventilation and an air discharge ventilation.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes a ventilation device which performs an air supply ventilation for blowing air from the outside of a room into the inside of the room and an air discharge ventilation for blowing air from the inside of the room into the outside of the room, and a control device which controls the ventilation device. The control device acquires information related to a pressure in the inside of the room, and switches to the air supply ventilation or the air discharge ventilation on the basis of the information related to the pressure in the inside of the room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a control method for an air conditioner, a program, and a computer-readable storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an air conditioner that includes a circulation fan that is installed in the air conditioner body and blows air for heating and cooling, a ventilation fan that is installed in the body and exhausts indoor air or supplies outdoor air, and a means for setting the ventilation air volume of the ventilation fan in conjunction with the circulating air volume of the circulation fan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-291997 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for air conditioners that can efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation, a control method for an air conditioner, a program, and a computer-readable storage medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a ventilation device that performs supply ventilation to blow air from the outside into the room and exhaust ventilation to blow air from the room to the outside; A control device that controls the ventilation device; Equipped with The control device obtaining information about the pressure in the chamber; switching between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on information about the pressure in the room; An air conditioner is provided.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, A control method for an air conditioner equipped with a ventilation device that performs supply ventilation to blow air from outside a room into a room and exhaust ventilation to blow air from the room to the outside, comprising: obtaining information about the pressure in the chamber; switching between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on information about the pressure in the room; Including, A method for controlling an air conditioner is provided.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, A program for causing an air conditioner to execute the above-described control method is provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, A computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a program for causing an air conditioner to execute the above-described control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation, a control method for an air conditioner, a program, and a computer-readable storage medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 4]Flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 5] Timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 6] Another timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Timing chart of control of air conditioner according to Modification 1 [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 10] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 11] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 12] Timing chart of control of air conditioner according to Modification 2 [Figure 13] Timing chart of another control of the air conditioner according to Modification 2 [Figure 14] Timing chart of control of air conditioner according to Modification 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] It should be noted that, in this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of such features.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment comprises an indoor unit 20 arranged in the room Rin to be air-conditioned, an outdoor unit 30 arranged in the outdoor Rout, and a ventilation device 50 arranged in the outdoor Rout. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioner 10 comprises a control device 60 and a first pressure sensor 70.

[0016] The indoor unit 20 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and a fan 24 that draws the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows the indoor air A1 into the room Rin after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0017] The outdoor unit 30 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with outdoor air A2, and a fan 34 that draws the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows the outdoor air A2 out to the outdoor Rout after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32. The outdoor unit 30 is also provided with a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that execute a refrigeration cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

[0018] The indoor heat exchanger 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40 are each connected by a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows. In cooling operation and dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 38, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 in that order, before returning to the compressor 36. In heating operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 38, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 in that order, before returning to the compressor 36.

[0019] The ventilation device 50 performs supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation. The supply ventilation sends outdoor air A3 from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin. The exhaust ventilation sends indoor air A4 from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout.

[0020] The ventilation device 50 is connected to the indoor unit 20 via a ventilation duct 52. In supply ventilation, the ventilation device 50 supplies outdoor air A3 to the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 52. This supplies the outdoor air A3 to the room Rin. In exhaust ventilation, the ventilation device 50 exhausts room air A4 to the outdoor Rout via the ventilation duct 52.

[0021] The control device 60 includes, for example, a memory that stores a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The functions of the control device 60 may be configured solely by hardware, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control device 60 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in the memory and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0022] The control device 60 controls the components of the air conditioner 10. In this embodiment, the control device 60 controls the indoor unit 20, the outdoor unit 30, and the ventilation device 50.

[0023] The first pressure sensor 70 detects the indoor pressure Pin in the room Rin. For example, the first pressure sensor 70 is disposed in the indoor unit 20. Information detected by the first pressure sensor 70 is transmitted to the control device 60.

[0024] 3 and 4 are flowcharts of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 60 of the air conditioner 10 executes steps S10 and S20.

[0026] In step S10, the control device 60 acquires information about the pressure in the room Rin.

[0027] The information related to the pressure of the room Rin may be information that is directly or indirectly related to the room pressure Pin of the room Rin. For example, the information related to the pressure of the room Rin may be the room pressure Pin itself, or the pressure difference between the room Rin and the outdoor Rout. Alternatively, the information related to the pressure of the room Rin may be information that affects the room pressure Pin. For example, the information related to the pressure of the room Rin may be information that allows the room pressure Pin to be estimated, or information that allows the pressure difference between the room Rin and the outdoor Rout to be estimated. For example, the information related to the pressure of the room Rin may be temperature or humidity.

[0028] In this embodiment, the information about the pressure of the room Rin is the room pressure Pin itself detected by the first pressure sensor 70. That is, in step S10, the control device 60 acquires the room pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70.

[0029] The indoor pressure Pin may be an average value of the indoor pressure Pin over a predetermined time period, or may be a median value of the indoor pressure Pin over a predetermined time period.

[0030] In step S20, the control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation of the ventilation device 50 based on information about the pressure of the room Rin. Specifically, the control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the room pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, step S20 includes steps S21 to S24.

[0032] In step S21, the control device 60 acquires the first threshold value T1. For example, the control device 60 reads out the first threshold value T1 stored in a memory.

[0033] The first threshold value T1 is a reference value for switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation. For example, the first threshold value T1 is the pressure of the indoor air Rin when the air conditioner 10 is not operating. Specifically, when the air conditioner 10 is not operating, the first pressure sensor 70 acquires the pressure of the indoor air Rin. The control device 60 determines the acquired pressure of the indoor air Rin as the first threshold value T1 and stores it in memory.

[0034] The first threshold value T1 is not limited to the pressure of the indoor air Rin when the air conditioner 10 is not operating. For example, the first threshold value T1 may be calculated using the pressure of the indoor air Rin when the air conditioner 10 is not operating and a correction coefficient. Alternatively, the first threshold value T1 may be a value determined in advance, or may be a value set by the user.

[0035] In step S22, the control device 60 determines whether the indoor pressure Pin is greater than the first threshold value T1.

[0036] If the indoor pressure Pin is greater than the first threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform exhaust ventilation.

[0037] If the indoor pressure Pin is equal to or lower than the first threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the indoor pressure Pin may fluctuate while the air conditioner 10 is operating. For example, when supply ventilation is performed, outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor air Rin, and the indoor pressure Pin may increase. Alternatively, when exhaust ventilation is performed, indoor air A4 is exhausted to the outdoor air Rout, and the indoor pressure Pin may decrease.

[0040] In the air conditioner 10, when the indoor pressure Pin is equal to or lower than the first threshold value T1, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation. As a result, outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin. When the indoor pressure Pin becomes higher than the first threshold value T1, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to switch from supply ventilation to exhaust ventilation. As a result, the room air A4 is exhausted to the outdoor Rout.

[0041] In this way, the control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure Pin.

[0042] FIG. 6 is another timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when a range hood installed in room Rin is activated, indoor air in room Rin is exhausted from the range hood, causing the indoor pressure Pin to decrease. As a result, the indoor pressure Pin becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value T1. If the ventilation device 50 is performing exhaust ventilation, the ventilation device 50 switches from exhaust ventilation to supply ventilation. As a result, outside air A3 is supplied to room Rin, causing the indoor pressure Pin to increase. Then, when the indoor pressure Pin becomes greater than the first threshold value T1, the ventilation device 50 switches from supply ventilation to exhaust ventilation.

[0044] As described above, the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment includes a ventilation device 50 and a control device 60 that controls the ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 performs supply ventilation, which blows outdoor air A3 from the outdoor area Rout to the indoor area Rin, and exhaust ventilation, which blows indoor air A4 from the indoor area Rin to the outdoor area Rout. The control device 60 acquires information related to the pressure of the indoor area Rin, and switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the information related to the pressure of the indoor area Rin.

[0045] With this configuration, the air conditioner 10 equipped with the ventilation device 50 can efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation. Specifically, the control device 60 can efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation in response to changes in the indoor pressure Pin. This reduces discomfort felt by the user due to changes in the indoor pressure Pin.

[0046] For example, in a highly airtight house, the indoor Rin may become negative pressure due to the exhaust of indoor air by a range hood or the like. In this case, it may become difficult to open the door to the indoor Rin. The air conditioner 10 can, for example, switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation so that the indoor Rin does not become negative pressure. This makes it possible to prevent the indoor Rin door from becoming difficult to open.

[0047] The information related to the pressure of the room Rin includes the room pressure Pin. The control device 60 acquires a first threshold T1 indicating the pressure at which supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation are switched, and switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the room pressure Pin and the first threshold T1.

[0048] With this configuration, it is possible to more efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure Pin and the first threshold value T1.

[0049] The air conditioner 10 is equipped with a first pressure sensor 70 that detects the indoor pressure Pin. The control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70.

[0050] With this configuration, the indoor pressure Pin can be detected by the first pressure sensor 70. This allows the control device 60 to efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70.

[0051] Note that, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the air conditioner 10 is equipped with the first pressure sensor 70, but this is not limiting. For example, if a pressure gauge separate from the air conditioner 10 is placed in the room Rin and the air conditioner 10 and the pressure gauge are connected via a network, the air conditioner 10 does not need to be equipped with the first pressure sensor 70. The air conditioner 10 may acquire the indoor pressure Pin obtained by the pressure gauge, and the air conditioner 10 may acquire information about the indoor pressure Pin from the pressure gauge via the network. Alternatively, the air conditioner 10 may be connected to the pressure gauge via a wired connection.

[0052] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which fluctuations in the indoor pressure Pin are caused by the ventilation operation of the ventilation device 50 and the operation of the range hood, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, fluctuations in the indoor pressure Pin may be caused by the exhaust of indoor air or the supply of outdoor air by other equipment such as a ventilation fan.

[0053] <Variation 1> In Modification 1, control for adjusting the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 50 based on the indoor pressure Pin will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first modification.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, the air conditioner 10 according to the first modification adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 50 based on the indoor pressure Pin.

[0056] For example, the control device 60 calculates the difference between the indoor pressure Pin and the first threshold value T1 and adjusts the ventilation rate according to this difference. For example, when the indoor pressure Pin is lower than the first threshold value T1 and supply air ventilation is being performed, the control device 60 increases the ventilation rate when the difference between the indoor pressure Pin and the first threshold value T1 increases, and decreases the ventilation rate when the difference decreases.

[0057] For example, the ventilation device 50 includes a ventilation fan that blows the outdoor air A3 or the room air A4. The control device 60 adjusts the ventilation amount by controlling the rotation speed of the ventilation fan.

[0058] This configuration suppresses fluctuations in the indoor pressure Pin and reduces the number of times that supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation are switched over.

[0059] (Embodiment 2) An air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0060] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the second embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0061] Fig. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0062] Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the air conditioner 10A is equipped with a second pressure sensor 72 that detects the outdoor pressure Pout. Embodiment 2 also differs from Embodiment 1 in that the information related to the pressure of the indoor air Rin is the pressure difference Pd between the indoor air Rin and the outdoor air Rout, and the control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference Pd.

[0063] 8, the air conditioner 10A is provided with a second pressure sensor 72 that detects the outdoor pressure Pout of the outdoor unit Rout. The second pressure sensor 72 detects the outdoor pressure Pout and transmits it to the control device 60.

[0064] In step S10 of the second embodiment, the control device 60 acquires the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70 and the outdoor pressure Pout detected by the second pressure sensor 72 as information related to the pressure of the room Rin.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9, step S10 includes steps S11 to S13.

[0066] In step S11, the first pressure sensor 70 detects the indoor pressure Pin in the room Rin. The indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70 is sent to the control device 60.

[0067] In step S12, the second pressure sensor 72 detects the outdoor pressure Pout of the outdoor unit Rout. The outdoor pressure Pout detected by the second pressure sensor 72 is sent to the control device 60.

[0068] In step S13, the control device 60 calculates the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout. For example, the control device 60 calculates the pressure difference Pd by subtracting the outdoor pressure Pout from the indoor pressure Pin.

[0069] In step S20 of the second embodiment, the control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and outdoor Rout.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10, step S20 includes steps S21A to S24A.

[0071] In step S21A, the control device 60 determines whether the pressure difference Pd is equal to or greater than the second threshold value T2.

[0072] The second threshold T2 is a reference value indicating the pressure difference at which the exhaust ventilation mode is switched to. For example, the second threshold T2 is set to a pressure difference value at which the indoor pressure Pin becomes positive relative to the outdoor pressure Pout. The second threshold T2 is stored in memory.

[0073] The second threshold T2 may be a predetermined value or may be a value set by the user.

[0074] If the pressure difference Pd is equal to or greater than the second threshold value T2, the process proceeds to step S22A. In step S22A, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform exhaust ventilation.

[0075] If the pressure difference Pd is smaller than the second threshold value T2, the process proceeds to step S23A. At this time, the control device 60 may maintain the current ventilation mode. For example, if the control device 60 is performing supply ventilation, the control device 60 may continue to perform supply ventilation.

[0076] In step S23A, the control device 60 determines whether the pressure difference Pd is equal to or less than the third threshold value T3.

[0077] The third threshold T3 is a reference value indicating the pressure difference at which supply ventilation is switched on. The third threshold T3 is smaller than the second threshold T2. For example, the third threshold T3 is set to a pressure difference value at which the indoor pressure Pin becomes negative relative to the outdoor pressure Pout. The third threshold T3 is stored in memory.

[0078] The third threshold T3 may be a predetermined value or may be a value set by the user.

[0079] If the pressure difference Pd is equal to or less than the third threshold value T3, the process proceeds to step S24A. In step S24A, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation.

[0080] If the pressure difference Pd is greater than the third threshold value T3, step S20 is terminated. At this time, the control device 60 may maintain the current ventilation mode. For example, if the control device 60 is performing supply ventilation, the control device 60 may continue to perform supply ventilation.

[0081] 11, when the ventilation device 50 is performing supply ventilation and the pressure difference Pd becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold value T2, the control device 60 switches from supply ventilation to exhaust ventilation. The control device 60 continues exhaust ventilation until the pressure difference Pd becomes equal to or less than the third threshold value T3. When the pressure difference Pd becomes equal to or less than the third threshold value T3, the control device 60 switches from exhaust ventilation to supply ventilation.

[0082] For example, the pressure difference Pd fluctuates between -15 Pa and +100 Pa. For example, when the range hood is operating, the indoor pressure Pin becomes relatively smaller than the outdoor pressure Pout, and the pressure difference Pd becomes between -15 Pa and -10 Pa. Alternatively, when a strong wind is blowing outdoors Rout, the indoor pressure Pin becomes relatively larger than the outdoor pressure Pout, and the pressure difference Pd becomes between +50 Pa and +100 Pa.

[0083] If the pressure difference Pd becomes large, it may cause discomfort to the user's ears. For example, if the pressure difference Pd becomes 50 Pa or greater, the user's ears may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, the second threshold T2 and the third threshold T3 may be determined so that the pressure difference Pd does not cause discomfort to the user's ears.

[0084] As described above, in the air conditioner 10A of the present embodiment, information about the pressure of the indoor room Rin includes the pressure difference Pd between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room Rout. The control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference Pd.

[0085] With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and outdoor Rout.

[0086] The air conditioner 10A is equipped with a first pressure sensor 70 that detects the indoor pressure Pin and a second pressure sensor 72 that detects the outdoor pressure Pout. The control device 60 calculates the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout from the indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70 and the outdoor pressure Pout detected by the second pressure sensor 72.

[0087] With this configuration, the indoor pressure Pin can be detected by the first pressure sensor 70, and the outdoor pressure Pout can be detected by the second pressure sensor 72. This allows the control device 60 to easily obtain the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout, and to efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference Pd.

[0088] The pressure difference Pd is the value obtained by subtracting the outdoor pressure Pout from the indoor pressure Pin. The control device 60 performs exhaust ventilation when the pressure difference Pd is equal to or greater than a second threshold value T2, and performs supply ventilation when the pressure difference Pd is equal to or less than a third threshold value T3.

[0089] With this configuration, supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation can be switched efficiently based on the second threshold value T2 and the third threshold value T3, and therefore the pressure difference Pd can be prevented from increasing.

[0090] Note that, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the air conditioner 10A is equipped with the second pressure sensor 72, but this is not limiting. For example, if a pressure gauge separate from the air conditioner 10A is disposed in the outdoor Rout and the air conditioner 10A and the pressure gauge are connected via a network, the air conditioner 10A does not need to be equipped with the second pressure sensor 72. The air conditioner 10A may acquire the outdoor pressure Pout acquired by a pressure gauge, and the air conditioner 10A may acquire information about the outdoor pressure Pout from the pressure gauge via the network. Alternatively, the air conditioner 10A may acquire information about the outdoor pressure Pout via the network from a server that stores air pressure information. Alternatively, the air conditioner 10A may be connected to the pressure gauge via a wired connection.

[0091] Alternatively, the air conditioner 10A may be provided with a differential pressure sensor that detects the pressure difference between the indoor Rin and outdoor Rout.

[0092] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the second threshold T2 is a pressure difference value at which the indoor pressure Pin becomes a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, and the third threshold T3 is a pressure difference value at which the indoor pressure Pin becomes a negative pressure relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, but this is not limiting. For example, both the second threshold T2 and the third threshold T3 may be pressure difference values at which the indoor pressure Pin becomes a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure Pout. This makes it possible to maintain the indoor pressure Pin greater than the outdoor pressure Pout. Alternatively, both the second threshold T2 and the third threshold T3 may be pressure difference values at which the indoor pressure Pin becomes a negative pressure relative to the outdoor pressure Pout. This makes it possible to maintain the indoor pressure Pin smaller than the outdoor pressure.

[0093] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation using the second threshold value T2 and the third threshold value T3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 60 may switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on one or more threshold values. Alternatively, the control device 60 may switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on whether the pressure difference Pd is positive or negative. That is, the control device 60 may perform exhaust ventilation when the indoor pressure Pin is greater than the outdoor pressure Pout, and perform supply ventilation when the indoor pressure Pin is smaller than the outdoor pressure Pout.

[0094] <Variation 2> In Modification 2, control for switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference Pd and one threshold value will be described with reference to FIG.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the second modification.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 12, the air conditioner 10A according to the second modification switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout and a fourth threshold value T4.

[0097] The fourth threshold T4 is a reference value indicating the pressure difference at which supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation are switched over. For example, the fourth threshold T4 may be set to a pressure difference value at which the indoor pressure Pin becomes positive relative to the outdoor pressure Pout.

[0098] If the pressure difference Pd becomes equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value T4 while supply ventilation is being performed, the control device 60 switches from supply ventilation to exhaust ventilation. Also, if the pressure difference Pd becomes smaller than the fourth threshold value T4 while exhaust ventilation is being performed, the control device 60 switches from exhaust ventilation to supply ventilation.

[0099] Even with this configuration, fluctuations in the pressure difference Pd can be suppressed, and the number of times switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation can be reduced.

[0100] The fourth threshold value T4 may be set to a pressure difference value at which the indoor pressure Pin becomes negative relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, or may be set to a value at which the pressure difference Pd becomes zero.

[0101] <Variation 3> In Modification 3, control for adjusting the ventilation volume based on the pressure difference Pd will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] FIG. 13 is a timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the third modification.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 13, an air conditioner 10A according to Modification 3 adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 50 based on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout.

[0104] For example, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation rate of the ventilation device 50 based on the difference between the pressure difference Pd and the second threshold T2, or the difference between the pressure difference Pd and the third threshold T3. For example, when the pressure difference Pd is smaller than the second threshold T2 but larger than the third threshold T3 and supply ventilation is being performed, the control device 60 increases the ventilation rate of the supply ventilation when the difference between the pressure difference Pd and the second threshold T2 increases, and decreases the ventilation rate of the supply ventilation when this difference decreases. Alternatively, when the pressure difference Pd is smaller than the second threshold T2 but larger than the third threshold T3 and supply ventilation is being performed, the control device 60 decreases the ventilation rate of the supply ventilation when the difference between the pressure difference Pd and the third threshold T3 increases, and increases the ventilation rate of the supply ventilation when this difference decreases.

[0105] With this configuration, fluctuations in the pressure difference Pd can be suppressed, and the number of times switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation can be reduced.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and the technology in the present disclosure is also applicable to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate.

[0107] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

[0108] Furthermore, the general and specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized by a system, a method, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, and combinations thereof.

[0109] (Other embodiments) For example, in the above-described embodiment, the air conditioners 10, 10A have been described as separate-type air conditioners in which the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are separate. However, the air conditioners 10, 10A may also be integrated-type air conditioners in which the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are integrated. Alternatively, the air conditioners 10, 10A may be a central air conditioning system that includes a heat source unit and multiple fan coil units and controls the air conditioning of multiple rooms.

[0110] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0111] (Technology 1) An air conditioner comprising a ventilation device that performs supply ventilation, which blows air from outside the room into the room, and exhaust ventilation, which blows air from inside the room to the outside, and a control device that controls the ventilation device, wherein the control device acquires information about the pressure inside the room and switches between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on the information about the pressure inside the room.

[0112] This configuration allows efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

[0113] (Technology 2) An air conditioner as described in Technology 1, wherein the information regarding the indoor pressure includes the indoor pressure in the room, and the control device acquires a first threshold value indicating the pressure at which to switch between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation, and switches between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure and the first threshold value.

[0114] This configuration allows efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure.

[0115] (Technology 3) An air conditioner as described in Technology 2, further comprising a first pressure sensor that detects the indoor pressure, and the control device switches between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure detected by the first pressure sensor.

[0116] This configuration allows the indoor pressure to be easily detected and efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

[0117] (Technical Aspect 4) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 2 or 3, wherein the control device adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device based on the indoor pressure.

[0118] This configuration reduces the number of times that supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation need to be switched over.

[0119] (Technology 5) An air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 1 to 4, wherein the information regarding the pressure inside the room includes the pressure difference between the room and the outside, and the control device switches between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference.

[0120] This configuration allows efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference between the indoors and outdoors.

[0121] (Technology 6) An air conditioner according to Technology 5, further comprising a first pressure sensor that detects an indoor pressure inside the room and a second pressure sensor that detects an outdoor pressure outside the room, wherein the control device calculates a pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces from the indoor pressure detected by the first pressure sensor and the outdoor pressure detected by the second pressure sensor.

[0122] This configuration makes it possible to easily detect the indoor pressure and the outdoor pressure and to efficiently switch between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

[0123] (Technology 7) An air conditioner described in Technology 5 or 6, wherein the control device performs the exhaust ventilation when the pressure difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and performs the supply ventilation when the pressure difference is less than or equal to a third threshold.

[0124] This configuration allows efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference.

[0125] (Technology 8) The air conditioner described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the control device performs the exhaust ventilation when the pressure difference is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold, and performs the supply ventilation when the pressure difference is smaller than the fourth threshold.

[0126] This configuration allows efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference.

[0127] (Technique 9) The air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the control device adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device based on the pressure difference.

[0128] This configuration reduces the number of times that supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation need to be switched over.

[0129] (Technology 10) A control method for an air conditioner equipped with a ventilation device that performs supply ventilation to blow air from outside to inside, and exhaust ventilation to blow air from inside the room to outside, the control method for an air conditioner including the steps of acquiring information about the pressure inside the room, and switching between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on the information about the pressure inside the room.

[0130] This configuration allows efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

[0131] (Technology 11) A program that causes an air conditioner to execute the control method described in Technology 10.

[0132] This configuration allows efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

[0133] (Technology 12) A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, the control method of claim 10 being realized when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[0134] This configuration allows efficient switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner that performs supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 10 Air conditioner 20 Indoor unit 22 Indoor heat exchanger 24 Fans 30 Outdoor unit 32 Outdoor heat exchanger 34 Fans 36 Compressor 38 Expansion valve 40 Four-way valve 50 Ventilation Equipment 52 Ventilation duct 60 Control device 70 First pressure sensor 72 Second pressure sensor

Claims

1. a ventilation device that performs supply ventilation to blow air from the outside into the room and exhaust ventilation to blow air from the room to the outside; A control device that controls the ventilation device; Equipped with The control device obtaining information about the pressure in the chamber; Switching between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on information about the pressure in the room. Air conditioner.

2. the information about the pressure in the chamber includes an internal pressure in the chamber; The control device obtaining a first threshold value indicating a pressure at which the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation are switched; switching between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure and the first threshold value; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the chamber; The control device switches between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on the indoor pressure detected by the first pressure sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. The control device adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device based on the indoor pressure.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The information about the pressure inside the room includes a pressure difference between the inside of the room and the outside of the room, The control device switches between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on the pressure difference. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

6. a first pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the chamber; a second pressure sensor for detecting the outdoor pressure outside the room; Furthermore, the control device calculates a pressure difference between the indoor pressure and the outdoor pressure based on the indoor pressure detected by the first pressure sensor and the outdoor pressure detected by the second pressure sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 5.

7. The control device performing the exhaust ventilation when the pressure difference is equal to or greater than a second threshold; The supply air ventilation is performed when the pressure difference is equal to or less than a third threshold value. The air conditioner according to claim 5.

8. The control device performing the exhaust ventilation when the pressure difference is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold; When the pressure difference is smaller than a fourth threshold, the supply air ventilation is performed. The air conditioner according to claim 5.

9. The control device adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device based on the pressure difference. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. A control method for an air conditioner equipped with a ventilation device that performs supply ventilation to blow air from outside a room into a room and exhaust ventilation to blow air from the room to the outside, comprising: obtaining information about the pressure in the chamber; switching between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on information about the pressure in the room; Including, A method for controlling an air conditioner.

11. A program that causes an air conditioner to execute the control method according to claim 10.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, When the computer program is executed by a processor, the control method according to claim 10 is realized. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

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