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

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner which can adjust a pressure in the inside of a room to a predetermined value.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes a ventilation device which ventilates the inside of a 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 controls a ventilatory capacity of the ventilation device on the basis of the information related to the pressure in the inside of the room to adjust the pressure in the inside of the room to a predetermined value.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 controls a fan motor to adjust the ventilation air volume so that the indoor humidity approaches a set indoor target humidity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-187334 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for air conditioners equipped with ventilation devices to adjust the pressure in a room to a predetermined value.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can adjust the indoor pressure to a predetermined value, an air conditioner control method, 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 for ventilating the room; A control device that controls the ventilation device; Equipped with The control device obtaining information about the pressure in the chamber; controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the information about the pressure in the room, and adjusting the pressure in the room to a predetermined value; 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 ventilates a room, obtaining information about the pressure in the chamber; controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on information about the pressure in the room to adjust the pressure in the room to a predetermined value; 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 adjust the indoor pressure to a predetermined value, an air conditioner control method, 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]Flowchart of control of air conditioner according to Modification 1 [Figure 7] Timing chart of control of air conditioner according to Modification 1 [Figure 8] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 9] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 12] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 13] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 14] Another timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. 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 ventilates the room Rin. For example, the ventilation device 50 performs supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation as ventilation modes. The supply ventilation blows outdoor air A3 from the outdoor Rout to the room Rin. The exhaust ventilation blows room air A4 from the room Rin to the outdoor Rout.

[0020] The ventilation device 50 is connected to the indoor unit 20 via a ventilation duct 52. The ventilation duct 52 connects the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout. One end of the ventilation duct 52 is arranged on the indoor Rin side. The other end of the ventilation duct 52 is arranged on the outdoor Rout side. 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 indoor Rin. In exhaust ventilation, the ventilation device 50 exhausts indoor 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 adjusts the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on information about the pressure of the room Rin. Specifically, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the room pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70.

[0031] The ventilation capacity includes, for example, a ventilation mode, a ventilation volume, an air pressure, etc. Note that the ventilation capacity may be any parameter related to ventilation.

[0032] In this embodiment, the control device 60 controls the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 to adjust the indoor pressure Pin to a predetermined value Tg1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, step S20 includes steps S21 and S22.

[0034] In step S21, the control device 60 sets a predetermined value Tg1.

[0035] The predetermined value Tg1 is a target value of the indoor pressure Pin that is to be achieved by controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. The predetermined value Tg1 may be a threshold value for controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. For example, the predetermined value Tg1 may be the value of the indoor pressure Pin before the ventilation device 50 is activated. In other words, it may be the pressure of the indoor pressure Rin when the ventilation device 50 is not activated. For example, when the ventilation device 50 is not activated, the first pressure sensor 70 acquires the pressure of the indoor pressure Rin. The control device 60 determines the acquired pressure of the indoor pressure Rin as the predetermined value Tg1 and stores it in memory.

[0036] The predetermined value Tg1 is not limited to the pressure of the room Rin when the ventilation device 50 is not operating. For example, the predetermined value Tg1 may be calculated using the pressure of the room Rin when the ventilation device 50 is not operating and a correction coefficient. Alternatively, the predetermined value Tg1 may be a value determined in advance or may be a value set by the user.

[0037] In step S22, the control device 60 determines whether the indoor pressure Pin is greater than a predetermined value Tg1.

[0038] If the indoor pressure Pin is greater than the predetermined value Tg1, the process proceeds to step S23. If the indoor pressure Pin is not greater than the predetermined value Tg1, that is, if the indoor pressure Pin is equal to or less than the predetermined value Tg1, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0039] In step S23, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform exhaust ventilation. As a result, the room air A4 in the room Rin is exhausted to the outside Rout, lowering the room pressure Pin. As a result, the room pressure Pin decreases toward a predetermined value Tg1.

[0040] In step S24, the control device 60 determines whether the indoor pressure Pin is smaller than a predetermined value Tg1.

[0041] If the indoor pressure Pin is smaller than the predetermined value Tg1, the process proceeds to step S25. If the indoor pressure Pin is not smaller than the predetermined value Tg1, the process ends at step S20.

[0042] In step S25, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation. As a result, the outdoor air A3 from the outdoor room Rout is supplied to the indoor room Rin, increasing the indoor pressure Pin. As a result, the indoor pressure Pin increases toward a predetermined value Tg1.

[0043] In addition, in step S25, if the indoor pressure Pin is not smaller than the predetermined value Tg1, i.e., if the indoor pressure Pin is the same as the predetermined value Tg1, the control device 60 may perform either the exhaust ventilation or the supply ventilation ventilation mode, or may not perform ventilation.

[0044] In this way, the control device 60 controls the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 based on the indoor pressure Pin and the predetermined value Tg1. Specifically, the control device 60 switches the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 so that the indoor pressure Pin becomes the predetermined value Tg1.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 shows an example of control in which the ventilation mode is switched to adjust the indoor pressure Pin to a predetermined value Tg1.

[0046] 5, the control device 60 sets the indoor pressure Pin before the ventilation device 50 is activated as a predetermined value Tg1. When the ventilation device 50 is activated, the indoor pressure Pin changes, so the control device 60 switches the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 so that the indoor pressure Pin becomes the predetermined value Tg1.

[0047] For example, when the indoor pressure Pin is smaller than a predetermined value Tg1, the control device 60 executes supply ventilation. When the indoor pressure Pin is larger than the predetermined value Tg1, the control device 60 executes exhaust ventilation.

[0048] In this way, the control device 60 determines whether the indoor pressure Pin is greater than or less than the predetermined value Tg1 and switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation. The control device 60 adjusts the indoor pressure Pin to the predetermined value Tg1 by switching between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation based on the predetermined value Tg1.

[0049] In this specification, "adjusting the indoor pressure Pin to a predetermined value Tg1" may include adjusting the average or median value of the indoor pressure Pin per predetermined time to the predetermined value Tg1. Furthermore, "adjusting the indoor pressure Pin to a predetermined value Tg1" may include adjusting the indoor pressure Pin to within ±10% of the predetermined value Tg1.

[0050] As described above, the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment includes the ventilation device 50 that ventilates the indoor Rin, and the control device 60 that controls the ventilation device 50. The control device 60 acquires information related to the pressure of the indoor Rin, and controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the information related to the pressure of the indoor Rin, thereby adjusting the pressure of the indoor Rin to a predetermined value Tg1.

[0051] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 can be controlled based on information about the pressure of the room Rin, and the pressure of the room Rin can be adjusted to a predetermined value Tg1, thereby providing a comfortable pressure environment for the room Rin for the user.

[0052] Ventilation may cause a change in the pressure of the room Rin. For example, by performing supply ventilation, outdoor air A3 from the outdoor room Rout is supplied to the room Rin. This may increase the pressure of the room Rin. Alternatively, by performing exhaust ventilation, the air in the room Rin is discharged to the outdoor room Rout. This may decrease the pressure of the room Rin. Such pressure changes in the room Rin may cause discomfort to the user. For example, pressure changes in the room Rin may cause discomfort to the user's ears. The air conditioner 10 of this embodiment can control the ventilation capacity to maintain the room pressure Pin at a predetermined value Tg1, thereby suppressing pressure changes in the room Rin. This makes it possible to suppress discomfort to the user caused by pressure changes in the room Rin.

[0053] The predetermined value Tg1 includes the indoor pressure Pin before the ventilation device 50 is activated.

[0054] With this configuration, while the ventilation device 50 is performing ventilation, the control device 60 can control the ventilation capacity so as to maintain the indoor pressure Pin at the level it was before the ventilation device 50 was activated. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the indoor pressure Pin before and after the ventilation device 50 is activated. As a result, a more comfortable indoor pressure environment Rin can be provided for the user.

[0055] The information relating to the pressure of the room Rin includes the room pressure Pin of the room Rin. The control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity based on the room pressure Pin.

[0056] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity can be controlled based on the indoor pressure Pin, which allows the control device 60 to accurately control the ventilation capacity based on the indoor pressure Pin and the predetermined value Tg1.

[0057] The air conditioner 10 is equipped with a first pressure sensor 70 that detects the indoor pressure Pin. The control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity based on the indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70.

[0058] With this configuration, the indoor pressure Pin can be detected by the first pressure sensor 70. This allows the control device 60 to more accurately control the ventilation capacity based on the indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the ventilation device 50 is capable of performing both supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ventilation device 50 may be capable of performing at least one of supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

[0061] In the present embodiment, an example in which the control device 60 switches between ventilation modes has been described as an example of controlling the ventilation capacity, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 60 may adjust the ventilation volume of the ventilator 50 as an example of controlling the ventilation capacity.

[0062] <Variation 1> In Modification 1, the control by the control device 60 to adjust the ventilation volume based on information about the pressure of the room Rin will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the control of the air conditioner according to Modification 1. Fig. 7 is a timing chart of the control of the air conditioner according to Modification 1. In Fig. 7, the room pressure Pin is used as an example of information relating to the pressure of the room Rin.

[0064] 6, step S20 in the first modification includes step S26. In the first modification, step S26 is executed after step S23 or S25.

[0065] In step S26, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 50 based on the indoor pressure Pin and a predetermined value Tg1. For example, the control device 60 may adjust the ventilation volume by controlling the rotation speed of the ventilation fan of the ventilation device 50.

[0066] The control device 60 adjusts the ventilation rate in response to changes in the indoor pressure Pin. For example, the control device 60 may decrease the ventilation rate as the indoor pressure Pin approaches a predetermined value Tg1. Alternatively, the control device 60 may increase the ventilation rate as the indoor pressure Pin deviates from the predetermined value Tg1.

[0067] For example, the control device 60 calculates the difference between the indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70 and a predetermined value Tg1. The control device 60 may decrease the ventilation volume when the difference is small, and increase the ventilation volume when the difference is large.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, when the indoor pressure Pin is greater than a predetermined value Tg1, the control device 60 performs exhaust ventilation. When the indoor pressure Pin decreases due to exhaust ventilation and approaches the predetermined value Tg1, the control device 60 reduces the ventilation volume of the exhaust ventilation. When the indoor pressure Pin decreases beyond the predetermined value Tg1, the control device 60 switches from exhaust ventilation to supply ventilation. When the indoor pressure Pin increases due to supply ventilation and approaches the predetermined value Tg1, the control device 60 reduces the ventilation volume of the supply ventilation. When the indoor pressure Pin increases beyond the predetermined value Tg1, the control device 60 switches from supply ventilation to exhaust ventilation.

[0069] In this way, the control device 60 may maintain the indoor pressure Pin at a predetermined value Tg1 by adjusting the ventilation volume.

[0070] In the first modification, an example has been described in which the control device 60 switches the ventilation mode based on the indoor pressure Pin, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the first modification, the ventilation mode does not have to be switched based on the indoor pressure Pin. For example, the user may determine the ventilation mode. The control device 60 may maintain the ventilation mode determined by the user and adjust the ventilation volume.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) An air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0074] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity based on information about the operation of the equipment caused by changes in the indoor pressure Pin.

[0075] For example, if a device such as a range hood that changes the indoor pressure Pin is installed in the room Rin, when the range hood is activated, the indoor air A4 in the room Rin is exhausted, causing a sudden drop in the indoor pressure Pin. In the second embodiment, the control device 60 acquires information about the operation of the device caused by changes in the indoor pressure Pin, and starts controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 using the information as a trigger.

[0076] For example, based on information that the range hood has been activated, the control device 60 switches the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 to supply ventilation and adjusts the indoor pressure Pin to a predetermined value Tg1.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S20 of the second embodiment, step S27 is executed before step S21.

[0078] In step S27, the control device 60 acquires information about the operation of the equipment caused by the change in the indoor pressure Pin.

[0079] For example, devices that are affected by changes in the indoor pressure Pin include devices such as a range hood or a ventilation fan that exhaust indoor air A4 from the indoor pressure Rin, or devices that supply outdoor air A3 from the outdoor pressure Rout to the indoor pressure Rin. These devices may be provided separately from the air conditioner 10.

[0080] For example, the control device 60 acquires information about the start of operation of the device as information about the operation of the device caused by a change in the indoor pressure Pin. The control device 60 starts control to switch the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 using the information about the start of operation of the device as a trigger.

[0081] For example, the control device 60 includes a communication device that communicates with the device. The control device 60 receives information from the device via the communication device. For example, the communication device includes a circuit that communicates with an external device in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. Examples of the predetermined communication standard include LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, HDMI (registered trademark), CAN (controller area network), and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

[0082] In step S21, the control device 60 sets a predetermined value Tg1 based on information about the operation of the equipment caused by a change in the indoor pressure Pin.

[0083] For example, the control device 60 sets the indoor pressure Pin before obtaining information about the start of device operation as the predetermined value Tg1. The "indoor pressure Pin before obtaining information about the start of device operation" may be the indoor pressure Pin immediately before obtaining information about the start of device operation, or the indoor pressure Pin at a time before the time when the information about the start of device operation is obtained. Alternatively, the "indoor pressure Pin before obtaining information about the start of device operation" may be the average or median value of the indoor pressure Pin during a predetermined period before the time when the information about the start of device operation is obtained.

[0084] Steps S22 to S25 are the same as the control of the air conditioner 10 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] 9 shows an example in which the control device 60 executes control to switch the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 when a range hood is activated as a device caused by a change in the indoor pressure Pin. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the ventilation device 50 performs exhaust ventilation before the range hood is activated.

[0086] 9, when the range hood is activated, the control device 60 receives information from the range hood indicating that the range hood has started operating via the communication device. The control device 60 starts controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50, triggered by the information indicating that the range hood has started operating.

[0087] For example, the control device 60 sets the indoor pressure Pin before receiving information that the range hood has started operating to a predetermined value Tg1. As a result, when the pressure in the room Rin is lower than the indoor pressure Pin before the range hood started operating, the control device 60 switches the ventilation mode to supply ventilation.

[0088] As described above, in the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, the control device 60 acquires information about the operation of the equipment caused by changes in the indoor pressure Pin, and controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the information about the operation of the equipment.

[0089] With this configuration, even if the indoor pressure Pin fluctuates due to the operation of equipment such as a range hood or a ventilation fan, the control device 60 can efficiently control the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. This makes it possible to efficiently provide a comfortable indoor pressure environment Rin for the user.

[0090] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device 60 starts controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 in response to information about the start of operation of the range hood as a trigger, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 60 may set the ventilation mode and / or ventilation volume based on information about the start of operation of the range hood.

[0091] For example, when the range hood is activated, the indoor pressure P abruptly drops. Therefore, when the control device 60 receives information that the range hood has started operating, the control device 60 may adjust the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 so that the ventilation volume of the supply air ventilation increases.

[0092] (Embodiment 3) An air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0093] In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the third embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0094] Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

[0095] Embodiment 3 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 3 also differs from Embodiment 1 in that the information related to the pressure of the indoor pressure Rin is the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout, and the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity based on the pressure difference Pd.

[0096] 10, 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.

[0097] In step S10 of the third 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.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 11, step S10 includes steps S11A to S13A.

[0099] In step S11A, 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.

[0100] In step S12A, 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.

[0101] In step S13A, the controller 60 calculates the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout. For example, the controller 60 calculates the pressure difference Pd by subtracting the outdoor pressure Pout from the indoor pressure Pin.

[0102] In step S20 of the third embodiment, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the pressure difference Pd between the room Rin and the room Rout, and adjusts the room pressure Pin to a predetermined value Tg2.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 12, step S20 includes steps S21A to S25A.

[0104] In step S21A, the control device 60 sets a predetermined value Tg2 based on the pressure difference Pd.

[0105] The predetermined value Tg2 is a target value of the indoor pressure Pin that is to be achieved by controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. The predetermined value Tg2 may be a threshold value for controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. For example, the predetermined value Tg2 may be a value of the indoor pressure Pin at which the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout is approximately zero. In other words, the predetermined value Tg2 may be approximately the same value as the outdoor pressure Pout. The term "approximately" includes an error of ±10%.

[0106] Steps S22A to S25A are the same as steps S22 to S25 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] Fig. 13 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 shows an example of control of ventilation capacity based on the pressure difference Pd when the indoor pressure Rin is negative relative to the outdoor pressure Rout.

[0108] 13, the control device 60 switches the ventilation mode so that the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout becomes approximately zero. Specifically, the control device 60 calculates the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout before the ventilation device 50 is activated, and sets the value of the indoor pressure Pin at which the pressure difference Pd becomes approximately zero to a predetermined value Tg2. For example, the control device 60 sets the predetermined value Tg2 to a value approximately equal to the outdoor pressure Pout.

[0109] In the example shown in Figure 13, the indoor pressure P in is lower than the predetermined value Tg2 because the indoor pressure R in is negative relative to the outdoor pressure R out before the ventilation device 50 is activated. Therefore, the control device 60 increases the indoor pressure P in by performing supply ventilation. When the indoor pressure P in exceeds the predetermined value Tg2, the control device 60 decreases the indoor pressure P in by performing exhaust ventilation. In this way, the control device 60 adjusts the indoor pressure P in such a way that the pressure difference Pd becomes approximately zero.

[0110] Fig. 14 is another timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 shows an example of control of ventilation capacity based on the pressure difference Pd when the indoor pressure Rin is positive with respect to the outdoor pressure Rout.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 14, before the ventilation device 50 is activated, the indoor pressure Rin is positive relative to the outdoor pressure Rout, so the indoor pressure Pin is greater than a predetermined value Tg2. Therefore, the control device 60 performs exhaust ventilation to lower the indoor pressure Pin. When the indoor pressure Pin becomes smaller than the predetermined value Tg2, the control device 60 performs supply ventilation to raise the indoor pressure Pin. In this way, the control device 60 adjusts the indoor pressure Pin to a value at which the pressure difference Pd is approximately zero.

[0112] In this way, the control device 60 switches between supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation so that the pressure difference Pd becomes approximately 0. Specifically, the control device 60 performs exhaust ventilation when the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout, and performs supply ventilation when the indoor Rin is at a negative pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0113] As described above, in the air conditioner 10A of the present embodiment, the information related to 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 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the pressure difference Pd.

[0114] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity can be efficiently adjusted based on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and outdoor Rout, and the indoor Rin pressure can be adjusted to a predetermined value Tg2, thereby providing a comfortable indoor Rin pressure environment for the user.

[0115] The predetermined value Tg2 is the value of the indoor pressure Pin at which the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout becomes approximately zero.

[0116] This configuration provides a more comfortable pressure environment for the user in the room Rin. In particular, since the pressures in the room Rin and the room Rout are approximately equal, it is less likely that a door will become difficult to open or close due to a pressure difference Pd.

[0117] The air conditioner 10A is equipped with a first pressure sensor 70 that detects the indoor pressure Pin of the indoor room Rin, and a second pressure sensor 72 that detects the outdoor pressure Pout of the outdoor room Rout. The control device 60 calculates the pressure difference Pd between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room 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.

[0118] With this configuration, the indoor pressure Pin and the outdoor pressure Pout can be obtained by the first pressure sensor 70 and the second pressure sensor 72, so that the pressure difference Pd can be calculated accurately and easily.

[0119] The control device 60 performs exhaust ventilation when the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout, and performs supply ventilation when the indoor Rin is at a negative pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0120] With this configuration, the indoor pressure Pin can be easily adjusted to a predetermined value Tg2 so that the pressure difference Pd becomes approximately zero.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the predetermined value Tg2 is the value of the indoor pressure Pin at which the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout is approximately zero, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined value Tg2 may be the value of the indoor pressure Pin at which the indoor Rin is at a positive or negative pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0124] The predetermined value Tg2 may also be updated periodically. For example, the predetermined value Tg2 may be set every 10 minutes. This allows the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout to be adjusted to approximately zero even when the outdoor pressure Pout changes.

[0125] In this embodiment, the predetermined value Tg2 is the value of the indoor pressure Pin, but this is not limiting. For example, the predetermined value Tg2 may be the value of the pressure difference Pd. In this case, steps S22A and S24A may be determined based on the pressure difference Pd and the predetermined value Tg2.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] (Other embodiments) For example, in the above-described embodiments, the air conditioners 10 to 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 to 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 to 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.

[0130] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0131] (Technology 1) An air conditioner comprising a ventilation device that ventilates a room and a control device that controls the ventilation device, wherein the control device acquires information about the pressure in the room, controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the information about the pressure in the room, and adjusts the pressure in the room to a predetermined value.

[0132] With this configuration, the pressure inside the chamber can be adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0133] (Technology 2) The air conditioner according to Technology 1, wherein the predetermined value includes the value of the indoor pressure before the ventilation device is activated, or the value of the indoor pressure before an appliance is activated due to a change in the indoor pressure.

[0134] This configuration provides a comfortable pressure environment for the user.

[0135] (Technical Aspect 3) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 1, wherein the predetermined value is an indoor pressure value at which the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces becomes approximately zero.

[0136] With this configuration, it is possible to realize an indoor pressure environment Rin in which the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces is substantially zero, thereby providing a comfortable pressure environment for the user.

[0137] (Technology 4) The air conditioner according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the information relating to the indoor pressure includes the indoor pressure of the room, and the control device controls the ventilation capacity based on the indoor pressure.

[0138] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device can be efficiently adjusted based on the indoor pressure, and the indoor pressure can be easily adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0139] (Technology 5) The air conditioner described in Technology 4 further includes a first pressure sensor that detects the indoor pressure, and the control device controls the ventilation capacity based on the indoor pressure detected by the first pressure sensor.

[0140] With this configuration, the indoor pressure can be easily acquired by the first pressure sensor, and the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device can be efficiently adjusted based on the indoor pressure, thereby easily and accurately adjusting the indoor pressure to a predetermined value.

[0141] (Technology 6) An air conditioner according to Technology 1 or 3, wherein the information relating to the pressure inside the room includes a pressure difference between the room and the outside, and the control device controls the ventilation capacity based on the pressure difference.

[0142] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device can be efficiently adjusted based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the room, and the indoor pressure can be easily adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0143] (Technology 7) An air conditioner according to Technology 6, 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.

[0144] With this configuration, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the room can be easily obtained, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device can be efficiently adjusted based on the pressure difference, and the indoor pressure can be easily adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0145] (Technology 8) An air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 1 to 7, wherein the ventilation capacity has ventilation modes including supply ventilation, which blows air from outside the room into the room, and exhaust ventilation, which blows air from inside the room to outside the room, and the control device switches between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on information regarding the pressure inside the room.

[0146] With this configuration, the indoor pressure can be easily adjusted to a predetermined value by switching the ventilation mode.

[0147] (Technology 9) An air conditioner described in Technology 8, wherein the control device performs the exhaust ventilation when the indoor pressure is positive relative to the outdoor pressure, and performs the supply ventilation when the indoor pressure is negative relative to the outdoor pressure.

[0148] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device can be efficiently adjusted, and the indoor pressure can be easily adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0149] (Technology 10) An air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9, wherein the control device acquires information on the operation of equipment caused by changes in pressure in the room, and controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the information on the operation of the equipment.

[0150] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device can be efficiently controlled based on information about the operation of the equipment caused by changes in the indoor pressure, making it easier to adjust the indoor pressure to a predetermined value.

[0151] (Technology 11) An air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 1 to 10, wherein the ventilation capacity includes a ventilation volume or a blowing air pressure, and the control device adjusts the ventilation volume or the blowing air pressure based on information related to the pressure in the room.

[0152] With this configuration, the ventilation volume or the air pressure can be adjusted to adjust the indoor pressure to a predetermined value.

[0153] (Technology 12) A control method for an air conditioner equipped with a ventilation device that ventilates a room, the control method for an air conditioner including the steps of: acquiring information about the pressure in the room; and controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the information about the pressure in the room, thereby adjusting the pressure in the room to a predetermined value.

[0154] With this configuration, the pressure inside the chamber can be adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0155] (Technology 13) A program that causes an air conditioner to execute the control method described in Technology 12.

[0156] With this configuration, the pressure inside the chamber can be adjusted to a predetermined value.

[0157] (Technology 14) A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the control method described in Technology 12 is realized. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0158] With this configuration, the pressure inside the chamber can be adjusted to a predetermined value. [Industrial Applicability]

[0159] The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner equipped with a ventilation device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 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 54 Ventilation fan 56 Motor 60 Control device 70 First pressure sensor 72 Second pressure sensor

Claims

1. A ventilation device for ventilating the room; A control device that controls the ventilation device; Equipped with The control device obtaining information about the pressure in the chamber; controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the information about the pressure in the room, and adjusting the pressure in the room to a predetermined value; Air conditioner.

2. The predetermined value includes a value of the indoor pressure before the ventilation device is activated, or a value of the indoor pressure before an appliance caused by a change in the indoor pressure is activated. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined value is an indoor pressure value at which the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces is approximately zero. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

4. the information about the pressure in the chamber includes an internal pressure in the chamber; The control device controls the ventilation capacity based on the indoor pressure. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

5. a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the chamber; The control device controls the ventilation capacity based on the indoor pressure detected by the first pressure sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 4.

6. The information about the pressure inside the room includes a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the room, The control device controls the ventilation capacity based on the pressure difference. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

7. 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 6.

8. The ventilation capacity has ventilation modes including supply ventilation that blows air from the outside into the room and exhaust ventilation that blows air from the room to the outside, The control device switches between the supply ventilation and the exhaust ventilation based on information about the pressure in the room. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

9. The control device When the indoor pressure is positive relative to the outdoor pressure, the exhaust ventilation is performed. When the indoor pressure is negative relative to the outdoor pressure, the supply air ventilation is performed. The air conditioner according to claim 8.

10. The control device acquiring information about the operation of the equipment caused by changes in the pressure in the room; controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on information on the operation of the equipment; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

11. The ventilation capacity includes a ventilation volume or a blowing pressure, The control device adjusts the ventilation volume or the air supply pressure based on information about the pressure in the room. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

12. A control method for an air conditioner equipped with a ventilation device that ventilates a room, obtaining information about the pressure in the chamber; controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on information about the pressure in the room to adjust the pressure in the room to a predetermined value; Including, A method for controlling an air conditioner.

13. A program that causes an air conditioner to execute the control method according to claim 12.

14. 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 12 is realized. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

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