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 positive pressure with respect to a pressure in the outside of the room.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 difference between the inside of the room and the outside of the room, and controls a ventilatory capacity of the ventilation device on the basis of the information related to the pressure difference between the inside of the room and the outside of the room to adjust a pressure in the inside of the room to a positive pressure with respect to a pressure in the outside of the room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

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] BACKGROUND ART In recent years, there has been a demand for air conditioners equipped with ventilation devices to adjust the pressure inside a room to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can adjust the pressure inside a room to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room, 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 for ventilating the room; A control device that controls the ventilation device; Equipped with The control device acquiring information about the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces; a ventilation capacity of the ventilation device is controlled based on information about a pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and the pressure inside the room is adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor space; 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, acquiring information about the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces; controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on information about the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and adjusting the pressure inside the room to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor space; 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 pressure inside a room to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure, 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] Flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 6] Timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 7] Flowchart of control of air conditioner according to Modification 1 [Figure 8] Timing chart of control of air conditioner according to Modification 1 [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration 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] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 12] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 13] Another timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 16] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 17] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 18] Another timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 21] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 22] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 23] Timing chart of control of air conditioner according to Modification 2 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, a first pressure sensor 70, and a second pressure sensor 72.

[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] The second pressure sensor 72 detects the outdoor pressure Pout of the outdoor pressure Rout. For example, the second pressure sensor 72 is disposed in the ventilation device 50. Information detected by the second pressure sensor 72 is transmitted to the control device 60.

[0025] 3 to 5 are flowcharts of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 60 of the air conditioner 10 executes steps S10 and S20.

[0027] In step S10, the control device 60 acquires information about the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout.

[0028] The information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout may be information that affects the indoor temperature Pin and / or the outdoor temperature Pout, or information that is affected by the indoor temperature Pin and / or the outdoor temperature Pout. For example, the information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout may be the pressure difference Pd itself between the indoor temperature Pin and the outdoor temperature Pout. Alternatively, the information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout may be information that enables the pressure difference between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout to be estimated. For example, the information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout may be temperature or humidity.

[0029] In this embodiment, the information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout is 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. That is, in step S10, the control device 60 acquires the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout.

[0030] The pressure difference Pd may be an average value of the pressure difference Pd over a predetermined time period, or may be a median value of the pressure difference Pd over a predetermined time period.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, step S10 includes steps S11 to S13.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 3, in step S20, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on information about the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout, and adjusts the pressure of the indoor pressure Rin to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure Rout. Specifically, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on 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. In this way, the control device 60 maintains the indoor pressure Pin higher than the outdoor pressure Pout.

[0036] The ventilation capacity includes, for example, a ventilation mode, a ventilation volume, an air supply pressure, etc. Note that the ventilation capacity may be any parameter related to ventilation.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control device 60 adjusts the pressure of the room Rin to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout by controlling the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50. For example, the control device 60 adjusts the pressure of the room Rin to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout by performing supply air ventilation based on the pressure difference Pd and the first threshold T1.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, step S20 includes steps S21 to S23.

[0039] In step S21, the control device 60 determines whether the pressure difference Pd between the indoor air Rin and the outdoor air Rout is greater than a first threshold value T1. For example, the control device 60 reads out the first threshold value T1 stored in the memory and compares the pressure difference Pd with the first threshold value T1.

[0040] The first threshold T1 is a reference value of the pressure difference Pd for controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. For example, the first threshold T1 is set to a value at which the pressure of the indoor air Rin is higher than the pressure of the outdoor air Rout. The first threshold T1 may be a predetermined value or a value set by the user. In this embodiment, the first threshold T1 is set to a value at which the pressure difference Pd is greater than 0.

[0041] If the pressure difference Pd is equal to or less than the first threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S22. If the pressure difference Pd is greater than the first threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0042] In step S22, the control device 60 controls the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation. As a result, the outdoor air A3 is supplied from the outdoor air Rout to the indoor air Rin, thereby increasing the indoor pressure Rin.

[0043] In step S23, the control device 60 maintains the current ventilation mode. That is, the control device 60 does not switch the ventilation mode. For example, if the ventilation device 50 is performing exhaust ventilation or supply ventilation, the control device 60 maintains exhaust ventilation or supply ventilation. Alternatively, if the ventilation device 50 is not performing ventilation, the control device 60 may not perform ventilation.

[0044] In this way, the control device 60 controls the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 based on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor air Rin and the outdoor air Rout and the first threshold value T1. Specifically, when the pressure difference Pd becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value T1, the control device 60 executes the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 as supply ventilation.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows an example of control in which the pressure of the indoor air Rin is adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor air Rout by switching the ventilation mode from exhaust ventilation to supply ventilation.

[0046] 6, when the pressure difference Pd becomes equal to or smaller than the first threshold value T1 while exhaust ventilation is being performed, the control device 60 switches the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 to supply ventilation. As a result, the control device 60 maintains the pressure of the indoor air Rin higher than the outdoor air Rout.

[0047] As described above, the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment includes a ventilation device 50 that ventilates the indoor air Rin, and a control device 60 that controls the ventilation device 50. The control device 60 acquires information related to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor air Rin and the outdoor air Rout. The control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the information related to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor air Rin and the outdoor air Rout, and adjusts the pressure of the indoor air Rin to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor air Rout.

[0048] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 can be controlled based on information about the pressure difference Pd between the room Rin and the room Rout, and the pressure of the room Rin can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the room Rout, thereby providing a comfortable pressure environment for the user in the room Rin.

[0049] For example, by adjusting the pressure of the indoor Rin to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout, it is possible to prevent dust and / or pollen from entering the indoor Rin from the outdoor Rout, thereby alleviating allergic symptoms for users who suffer from allergies caused by pollen or dust.

[0050] For example, by adjusting the pressure of the indoor Rin to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout, it is possible to prevent viruses and the like from entering the indoor Rin from the outdoor Rout, thereby preventing infectious diseases.

[0051] The information relating to the pressure difference between the room Rin and the room Rout includes the pressure difference Pd between the room pressure Pin of the room Rin and the outdoor pressure Pout of the room Rout. The control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the pressure difference Pd.

[0052] This configuration makes it possible to provide a more comfortable indoor pressure environment Rin for the user.

[0053] The air conditioner 10 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.

[0054] 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 accurately calculate the pressure difference Pd based on the indoor pressure Pin detected by the first pressure sensor 70 and the outdoor pressure Pout detected by the second pressure sensor 72. As a result, the ventilation capacity can be accurately controlled.

[0055] The ventilation capacity has a ventilation mode including supply ventilation that blows air from the outdoor room Rout to the indoor room Rin. The control device 60 controls the ventilation mode based on information about the pressure difference Pd between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room Rout.

[0056] With this configuration, the indoor pressure Pin can be adjusted by switching the ventilation mode.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the air conditioner 10 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 10 and the pressure gauge are connected via a network, the air conditioner 10 does not need to be equipped with the second pressure sensor 72. The air conditioner 10 may acquire the outdoor pressure Pout acquired by the pressure gauge, and the air conditioner 10 may acquire information about the outdoor pressure Pout from the pressure gauge via the network. Alternatively, the air conditioner 10 may acquire information about the outdoor pressure Pout via the network from a server that stores air pressure information. Alternatively, the air conditioner 10 may be connected to the pressure gauge via a wired connection.

[0059] Alternatively, the air conditioner 10 may be provided with a differential pressure sensor that detects the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout.

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

[0061] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device 60 maintains the current ventilation mode when the pressure difference Pd is greater than the first threshold value T1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the ventilation device 50 is performing supply ventilation, the control device 60 may switch from supply ventilation to exhaust ventilation, or may stop ventilation.

[0062] 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 or the air pressure of the ventilation device 50 as the control of the ventilation capacity.

[0063] <Variation 1> In Modification 1, the control by the control device 60 to adjust the ventilation volume based on information about the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and outdoor Rout will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to Modification 1. Fig. 8 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to Modification 1. In Fig. 8, the pressure difference Pd itself is used as an example of information relating to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor pressure Rin and the outdoor pressure Rout.

[0065] 7, step S20 in the first modification includes step S24. In the first modification, step S24 is executed after step S22 or S23.

[0066] In step S24, the control device 60 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. 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.

[0067] The control device 60 adjusts the ventilation rate in response to changes in the pressure difference Pd between the indoor air Rin and the outdoor air Rout. For example, when the ventilation device 50 is performing exhaust ventilation, the control device 60 may decrease the ventilation rate as the pressure difference Pd approaches the first threshold value T1. Alternatively, when the ventilation device 50 is performing supply ventilation, the control device 60 may increase the ventilation rate as the pressure difference Pd approaches the first threshold value T1.

[0068] 8, when the ventilation device 50 is performing exhaust ventilation, the control device 60 reduces the ventilation amount of the exhaust ventilation as the pressure difference Pd decreases, thereby suppressing a decrease in the indoor pressure Pin.

[0069] When the pressure difference Pd becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value T1, the control device 60 executes supply ventilation, thereby increasing the indoor pressure Pin.

[0070] When the indoor pressure Pin increases due to supply air ventilation, the pressure difference Pd increases. As the pressure difference Pd increases above the first threshold value T1, the control device 60 reduces the ventilation volume of the supply air ventilation.

[0071] Furthermore, when the ventilation device 50 is performing supply ventilation, as the pressure difference Pd decreases and approaches the first threshold value T1, the control device 60 increases the ventilation volume of the supply ventilation.

[0072] In this way, the control device 60 may adjust the pressure of the room Rin to be positive relative to the outdoor Rout by adjusting the ventilation volume.

[0073] In addition, in the first modification, an example in which the ventilation mode includes both supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the ventilation mode in the first modification may include at least one of exhaust ventilation and supply ventilation.

[0074] (Embodiment 2) An air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is another timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0077] Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the air conditioner 10A is equipped with a first temperature sensor 74 that detects the indoor temperature Tin of the indoor room Rin, and a second temperature sensor 76 that detects the outdoor temperature Tout of the outdoor room Rout. Embodiment 2 also differs from Embodiment 1 in that the information related to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room Rout is the temperature difference Td between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room Rout caused by the pressure difference Pd between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room Rout, and the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the temperature difference Td.

[0078] The ventilation duct 52 spatially connects the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 moves from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation duct 52, and the indoor air A4 moves from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. For example, when a pressure difference Pd occurs between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, the pressure difference Pd causes the outdoor air A3 or the indoor air A4 to move through the ventilation duct 52.

[0079] For example, when the indoor pressure Pin is positive relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, the indoor air A4 moves from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. When the indoor pressure Pin is negative relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, the outdoor air A3 moves from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation duct 52. As the outdoor air A3 or the indoor air A4 moves through the ventilation duct 52 due to the pressure difference Pd, the indoor temperature Tin or the outdoor temperature Tout fluctuates. Therefore, the pressure difference Pd can be estimated based on the temperature difference Td between the indoor temperature Tin and the outdoor temperature Tout.

[0080] For example, during cooling operation when the indoor temperature Tin is lower than the outdoor temperature Tout, if the outdoor temperature Tout drops and the temperature difference Td between the indoor temperature Tin and the outdoor temperature Tout decreases, it can be estimated that the indoor air A4 is moving from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. In this case, it can be estimated that the indoor pressure Pin is positive relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, and the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout is decreasing.

[0081] Furthermore, during cooling operation when the indoor temperature Tin is lower than the outdoor temperature Tout, if the indoor temperature Tin rises and the temperature difference Td between the indoor temperature Tin and the outdoor temperature Tout decreases, it can be estimated that the outdoor air A3 is moving from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation duct 52. In this case, it can be estimated that the indoor pressure Pin is negative relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, and the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout is decreasing.

[0082] In this way, the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout can be estimated based on the temperature difference Td between the indoor temperature Tin and the outdoor temperature Tout.

[0083] In the second embodiment, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on changes in the indoor temperature Tin or changes in the outdoor temperature Tout. Specifically, the control device 60 controls the supply air ventilation of the ventilation device 50 using the temperature difference Td between the indoor temperature Tin and the outdoor temperature Tout, which is caused by the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout, as information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 9, the air conditioner 10A is equipped with a first temperature sensor 74 and a second temperature sensor 76. The first temperature sensor 74 detects the indoor temperature Tin of the indoor space Rin. The second temperature sensor 76 detects the outdoor temperature Tout of the outdoor space Rout.

[0085] The first temperature sensor 74 is disposed in the indoor unit 20. For example, the first temperature sensor 74 is disposed near one end of the ventilation duct 52 disposed on the room Rin side. The first temperature sensor 74 may also be disposed at one end of the ventilation duct 53. Alternatively, the first temperature sensor 74 may be disposed at a position within the indoor unit 20 through which the outdoor air A3 discharged from one end of the ventilation duct 53 flows.

[0086] The second temperature sensor 76 is disposed in the ventilation device 50. For example, the second temperature sensor 76 is disposed near the other end of the ventilation duct 52 disposed on the outdoor Rout side. The second temperature sensor 76 may also be disposed at the other end of the ventilation duct 53. Alternatively, the second temperature sensor 76 may be disposed in a position within the ventilation device 50 through which the room air A4 discharged from the other end of the ventilation duct 53 flows.

[0087] The indoor temperature Tin detected by the first temperature sensor 74 and the outdoor temperature Tout detected by the second temperature sensor 76 are sent to the control device 60.

[0088] In step S10 of embodiment 2, the control device 60 acquires the temperature difference Td between the indoor temperature Tin detected by the first temperature sensor 74 and the outdoor temperature Tout detected by the second temperature sensor 76 as information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 10, step S10 includes steps S11A to S13A.

[0090] In step S11A, the first temperature sensor 74 detects the room temperature Tin of the room Rin. The room temperature Tin detected by the first temperature sensor 74 is sent to the control device 60.

[0091] In step S12A, the second temperature sensor 76 detects the outdoor temperature Tout of the outdoor area Rout. The outdoor temperature Tout detected by the second temperature sensor 76 is transmitted to the control device 60.

[0092] For example, steps S11A and S12A may be executed while ventilation is not being performed. That is, the control device 60 may execute steps S11A and S12A for a predetermined period of time while ventilation by the ventilation device 50 is stopped.

[0093] In step S13A, the control device 60 calculates the temperature difference Td between the room temperature Rin and the room temperature Rout. For example, the control device 60 calculates the temperature difference Td by subtracting the outdoor temperature Tout from the room temperature Tin.

[0094] In step S20 of the second embodiment, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the change in the indoor temperature Tin, the change in the outdoor temperature Tout, and the temperature difference Td.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 11, step S20 includes steps S21A to S23A.

[0096] In step S21A, the control device 60 determines whether the outdoor temperature Tout is changing. For example, the control device 60 determines that the outdoor temperature Tout is changing when the rate of change of the outdoor temperature Tout exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0097] If the outdoor temperature Tout has changed, the process proceeds to step S23A. If the outdoor temperature Tout has not changed, the process proceeds to step S22A.

[0098] In step S22A, the control device 60 determines whether the room temperature Tin is changing. For example, the control device 60 determines that the room temperature Tin is changing when the rate of change of the room temperature Tin exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0099] If the room temperature Tin has changed, the process proceeds to step S23 A. If the room temperature Tin has not changed, the process returns to step S21 A.

[0100] In step S23A, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the temperature difference Td. For example, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation. Alternatively, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume.

[0101] For example, when the indoor temperature Tin is changing relative to the outdoor temperature Tout, if the temperature difference Td becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it can be assumed that the outdoor air A3 is moving to the indoor room Rin through the ventilation duct 52. Therefore, it can be assumed that the indoor room Rin is at a negative pressure relative to the outdoor room Rout. In this case, the control device 60 performs supply air ventilation so that the indoor room Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor room Rout.

[0102] For example, when the outdoor temperature Tout is changing relative to the indoor temperature Tin, if the temperature difference Td becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it can be estimated that the indoor air A4 is moving from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation conduit 52. Therefore, it can be estimated that the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout. In this case, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity so as to maintain a state in which the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout. For example, when the ventilation device 50 is performing supply ventilation, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume of the supply ventilation. Alternatively, when the ventilation device 50 is performing exhaust ventilation, it may adjust the ventilation volume of the exhaust ventilation or switch to supply ventilation.

[0103] FIG. 12 shows an example of control during cooling operation.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 12, the indoor temperature Tin rises from a state in which the indoor temperature Tin is lower than the outdoor temperature Tout. The control device 60 determines whether the indoor temperature Tin is changing relative to the outdoor temperature Tout.

[0105] When the control device 60 determines that the indoor temperature Tin is changing relative to the outdoor temperature Tout, it determines whether the temperature difference Td is smaller than a predetermined value. If the temperature difference Td is smaller than the predetermined value, it can be assumed that the outdoor air A3 is moving from the outdoor temperature Rout to the indoor temperature Rin through the ventilation duct 52. Therefore, it can be assumed that the indoor temperature Rin is being warmed by the outdoor air A3, causing the indoor temperature Tin to rise and the temperature difference Td to decrease. In other words, if the indoor temperature Tin changes relative to the outdoor temperature Tout and the temperature difference Td becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it can be assumed that the indoor pressure Rin is negative relative to the outdoor temperature Rout.

[0106] When the temperature difference Td becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. For example, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation. As a result, the outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the pressure of the room Rin is adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0107] FIG. 13 shows another example of control during cooling operation.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 13, the outdoor temperature Tout decreases from a state in which the indoor temperature Tin is lower than the outdoor temperature Tout. The control device 60 determines whether the outdoor temperature Tout is changing relative to the indoor temperature Tin.

[0109] When the control device 60 determines that the outdoor temperature Tout is changing relative to the indoor temperature Tin, it determines whether the temperature difference Td is smaller than a predetermined value. If the temperature difference Td is smaller than the predetermined value, it can be assumed that the indoor air A4 is moving from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. Therefore, it can be assumed that the outdoor Rout is cooled by the indoor air A4, the outdoor temperature Tout drops, and the temperature difference Td becomes smaller. In other words, if the outdoor temperature Tout changes relative to the indoor temperature Tin and the temperature difference Td becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it can be assumed that the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0110] When the temperature difference Td becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. For example, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation and adjust the ventilation volume of the supply ventilation. For example, the control device 60 reduces the ventilation volume of the supply ventilation compared to when the indoor Rin is at negative pressure relative to the outdoor Rout. This allows the outdoor air A3 to be supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is maintained at positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0111] 13, the control device 60 may perform exhaust ventilation. In this case, the control device 60 may adjust the ventilation amount of the exhaust ventilation based on the temperature difference Td.

[0112] As described above, in the air conditioner 10A of the present embodiment, the information relating to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Tin and the outdoor temperature Rout includes the temperature difference Td between the indoor temperature Tin and the outdoor temperature Tout caused by the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout. The control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity based on the temperature difference Td.

[0113] This configuration allows for efficient control of ventilation capacity based on the temperature difference Td between the indoor temperature Tin and the outdoor temperature Tout. Also, the indoor pressure Rin can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure Rout based on the temperature difference Td.

[0114] The air conditioner 10A is equipped with a first temperature sensor 74 that is arranged near one end of the ventilation duct 52 located on the indoor Rin side and detects the indoor temperature Tin, and a second temperature sensor 76 that is arranged near the other end of the ventilation duct 52 located on the outdoor Rout side and detects the outdoor temperature Tout. The control device 60 calculates the temperature difference Td based on the indoor temperature Tin detected by the first temperature sensor 74 and the outdoor temperature Tout detected by the second temperature sensor 76.

[0115] With this configuration, the correlation between the temperature difference Td and the pressure difference Pd is improved, and the ventilation capacity can be controlled more efficiently based on the temperature difference Td.

[0116] (Embodiment 3) An air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0117] 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.

[0118] Fig. 14 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 18 is another timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

[0119] Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the air conditioner 10B is equipped with a first humidity sensor 78 that detects the indoor humidity Hin of the indoor room Rin, and a second humidity sensor 80 that detects the outdoor humidity Hout of the outdoor room Rout. Embodiment 3 also differs from Embodiment 1 in that the information related to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room Rout is the humidity difference Hd between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room Rout caused by the pressure difference Pd between the indoor room Rin and the outdoor room Rout, and the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the humidity difference Hd.

[0120] The ventilation duct 52 spatially connects the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 moves from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation duct 52, and the indoor air A4 moves from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. For example, when a pressure difference Pd occurs between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, the pressure difference Pd causes the outdoor air A3 or the indoor air A4 to move through the ventilation duct 52.

[0121] For example, when the indoor pressure Pin is positive relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, the indoor air A4 moves from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. When the indoor pressure Pin is negative relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, the outdoor air A3 moves from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation duct 52. As the outdoor air A3 or the indoor air A4 moves through the ventilation duct 52 due to the pressure difference Pd, the indoor humidity Hin or the outdoor humidity Hout fluctuates. Therefore, the pressure difference Pd can be estimated based on the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Hin and the outdoor humidity Hout.

[0122] For example, during cooling operation when the indoor humidity Hin is smaller than the outdoor humidity Hout, if the outdoor humidity Hout decreases and the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Hin and the outdoor humidity Hout decreases, it can be estimated that the indoor air A4 is moving from the indoor humidity Rin to the outdoor humidity Rout through the ventilation duct 52. In this case, it can be estimated that the indoor pressure Pin is a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, and the pressure difference Pd between the indoor humidity Rin and the outdoor humidity Rout is decreasing.

[0123] Furthermore, during cooling operation when the indoor humidity Hin is smaller than the outdoor humidity Hout, if the indoor humidity Hin rises and the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Hin and the outdoor humidity Hout decreases, it can be estimated that the outdoor air A3 is moving from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation duct 52. In this case, it can be estimated that the indoor pressure Pin is negative relative to the outdoor pressure Pout, and the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout is decreasing.

[0124] In this way, the pressure difference Pd between the indoor humidity Rin and the outdoor humidity Rout can be estimated based on the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Hin and the outdoor humidity Hout.

[0125] In the third embodiment, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on changes in the indoor humidity Hin or changes in the outdoor humidity Hout. Specifically, the control device 60 controls the supply air ventilation of the ventilation device 50 using the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Hin and the outdoor humidity Hout, which is generated by the pressure difference Pd between the indoor humidity Rin and the outdoor humidity Rout, as information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor humidity Rin and the outdoor humidity Rout.

[0126] As shown in Fig. 14, the air conditioner 10A is equipped with a first humidity sensor 78 and a second humidity sensor 80. The first humidity sensor 78 detects the indoor humidity Hin of the room Rin. The second humidity sensor 80 detects the outdoor humidity Hout of the outdoor Rout.

[0127] The first humidity sensor 78 is disposed in the indoor unit 20. For example, the first humidity sensor 78 is disposed near one end of the ventilation duct 52 disposed on the room Rin side. The first humidity sensor 78 may also be disposed at one end of the ventilation duct 53. Alternatively, the first humidity sensor 78 may be disposed at a position within the indoor unit 20 through which the outdoor air A3 discharged from one end of the ventilation duct 53 flows.

[0128] The second humidity sensor 80 is disposed in the ventilation device 50. For example, the second humidity sensor 80 is disposed near the other end of the ventilation duct 52 disposed on the outdoor Rout side. The second humidity sensor 80 may be disposed at the other end of the ventilation duct 53. Alternatively, the second humidity sensor 80 may be disposed in a position within the ventilation device 50 where the room air A4 discharged from the other end of the ventilation duct 53 flows.

[0129] The indoor humidity Hin detected by the first humidity sensor 78 and the outdoor humidity Hout detected by the second temperature sensor 76 are sent to the control device 60.

[0130] In step S10 of embodiment 3, the control device 60 acquires the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Hin detected by the first humidity sensor 78 and the outdoor humidity Hout detected by the second humidity sensor 80 as information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor humidity Rin and the outdoor humidity Rout.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 15, step S10 includes steps S11B to S13B.

[0132] In step S11B, the first humidity sensor 78 detects the indoor humidity Hin of the room Rin. The indoor humidity Hin detected by the first humidity sensor 78 is transmitted to the control device 60.

[0133] In step S12B, the second humidity sensor 80 detects the outdoor humidity Hout of the outdoor area Rout. The outdoor humidity Hout detected by the second humidity sensor 80 is transmitted to the control device 60.

[0134] For example, steps S11B and S12B may be executed while ventilation is not being performed. That is, the control device 60 may execute steps S11A and S12A for a predetermined period of time while ventilation by the ventilation device 50 is stopped.

[0135] In step S13B, the control device 60 calculates the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Rin and the outdoor humidity Rout. For example, the control device 60 calculates the humidity difference Hd by subtracting the outdoor humidity Hout from the indoor humidity Hin.

[0136] In step S20 of the third embodiment, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the change in the indoor humidity Hin, the change in the outdoor humidity Hout, and the humidity difference Hd.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 16, step S20 includes steps S21B to S23B.

[0138] In step S21B, the control device 60 determines whether the outdoor humidity Hout is changing. For example, the control device 60 determines that the outdoor humidity Hout is changing when the rate of change of the outdoor humidity Hout exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0139] If the outdoor humidity Hout has changed, the process proceeds to step S23B. If the outdoor humidity Hout has not changed, the process proceeds to step S22B.

[0140] In step S22B, the control device 60 determines whether the indoor humidity Hin is changing. For example, the control device 60 determines that the indoor humidity Hin is changing when the rate of change of the indoor humidity Hin exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0141] If the indoor humidity Hin has changed, the process proceeds to step S23B. If the indoor humidity Hin has not changed, the process returns to step S21B.

[0142] In step S23B, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the humidity difference Hd. For example, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation. Alternatively, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume.

[0143] For example, when the indoor humidity Hin changes relative to the outdoor humidity Hout, if the humidity difference Hd becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it can be assumed that the outdoor air A3 is moving to the indoor room Rin through the ventilation duct 52. Therefore, it can be assumed that the indoor room Rin is at a negative pressure relative to the outdoor room Rout. In this case, the control device 60 performs supply air ventilation so that the indoor room Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor room Rout.

[0144] For example, when the outdoor humidity Hout is changing relative to the indoor humidity Hin, if the humidity difference Hd becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it can be estimated that the indoor air A4 is moving from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. Therefore, it can be estimated that the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout. In this case, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity so as to maintain a state in which the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout. For example, when the ventilation device 50 is performing supply ventilation, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume of the supply ventilation. Alternatively, when the ventilation device 50 is performing exhaust ventilation, it may adjust the ventilation volume of the exhaust ventilation or switch to supply ventilation.

[0145] FIG. 17 shows an example of control during cooling operation.

[0146] 17, the indoor humidity Hin increases from a state in which the indoor humidity Hin is smaller than the outdoor humidity Hout. The control device 60 determines whether the indoor humidity Hin is changing relative to the outdoor humidity Hout.

[0147] When the control device 60 determines that the indoor humidity Hin is changing relative to the outdoor humidity Hout, it determines whether the humidity difference Hd is smaller than a predetermined value. If the humidity difference Hd is smaller than the predetermined value, it can be assumed that the outdoor air A3 is moving from the outdoor air Rout to the indoor air Rin through the ventilation duct 52. Therefore, it can be assumed that the indoor air Rin is being warmed by the outdoor air A3, causing the indoor temperature Tin to rise and the temperature difference Td to decrease. In other words, if the indoor humidity Hin changes relative to the outdoor humidity Hout and the humidity difference Hd becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it can be assumed that the indoor air Rin is at a negative pressure relative to the outdoor air Rout.

[0148] When the humidity difference Hd becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. For example, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation. As a result, the outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the pressure of the room Rin is adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0149] FIG. 18 shows another example of control during cooling operation.

[0150] 18, the outdoor humidity Hout decreases from a state in which the indoor humidity Hin is smaller than the outdoor humidity Hout. The control device 60 determines whether the outdoor humidity Hout is changing relative to the indoor humidity Hin.

[0151] When the control device 60 determines that the outdoor humidity Hout is changing relative to the indoor humidity Hin, it determines whether the humidity difference Hd is smaller than a predetermined value. If the humidity difference Hd is smaller than the predetermined value, it can be assumed that the indoor air A4 is moving from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. Therefore, it can be assumed that the outdoor Rout is cooled by the indoor air A4, and the outdoor temperature Tout drops, thereby reducing the humidity difference Hd. In other words, if the outdoor humidity Hout changes relative to the indoor humidity Hin and the humidity difference Hd becomes smaller than a predetermined value, it can be assumed that the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0152] When the humidity difference Hd becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. For example, the control device 60 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform supply ventilation and adjust the ventilation volume of the supply ventilation. For example, the control device 60 reduces the ventilation volume of the supply ventilation compared to when the indoor Rin is at negative pressure relative to the outdoor Rout. This allows the outdoor air A3 to be supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is maintained at positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout.

[0153] 18, the control device 60 may execute exhaust ventilation. In this case, the control device 60 may adjust the ventilation amount of the exhaust ventilation based on the humidity difference Hd.

[0154] As described above, in the air conditioner 10B of the present embodiment, the information relating to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout includes the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Hin and the outdoor humidity Hout, which is caused by the pressure difference Pd between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout. The control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity based on the humidity difference Hd.

[0155] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity can be efficiently controlled based on the humidity difference Hd between the indoor humidity Hin and the outdoor humidity Hout. Also, the indoor humidity Rin can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor humidity Rout based on the humidity difference Hd.

[0156] The air conditioner 10B is equipped with a first humidity sensor 78 that is arranged near one end of the ventilation duct 52 located on the indoor Rin side and detects the indoor temperature Tin, and a second humidity sensor 80 that is arranged near the other end of the ventilation duct 52 located on the outdoor Rout side and detects the outdoor humidity Hout. The control device 60 calculates the humidity difference Hd based on the indoor humidity Hin detected by the first humidity sensor 78 and the outdoor humidity Hout detected by the second humidity sensor 80.

[0157] With this configuration, the correlation between the humidity difference Hd and the pressure difference Pd is improved, and the ventilation capacity can be controlled more efficiently based on the humidity difference Hd.

[0158] (Fourth embodiment) An air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0159] In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the fourth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0160] Fig. 19 is a schematic block diagram showing the main configuration of an air conditioner according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 21 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 22 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

[0161] In the fourth embodiment, the information regarding the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout is the voltage value of the motor 56, which varies depending on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, and the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 based on the voltage value of the motor 56, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0162] For example, when supply ventilation is performed, the volume of outdoor air A3 blown from the outdoor area Rout to the indoor area Rin is controlled by the voltage value of motor 56 that drives ventilation fan 54. For example, if motor 56 is a DC motor, the rotation speed of the DC motor decreases as the load torque increases. For this reason, the voltage value is increased as the load torque increases, and the voltage value is decreased as the load torque decreases, thereby controlling the rotation speed of motor 56 to maintain a target value.

[0163] When supply ventilation is being performed, if the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout and the pressure difference Pd is relatively high ("high positive pressure"), it is difficult for outdoor air A3 to move from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation conduit 52. That is, under "high positive pressure," the load torque of the motor 56 increases. For this reason, control is performed to increase the voltage value in order to maintain the rotation speed of the motor 56 at a target value. On the other hand, under "low positive pressure," the pressure difference Pd is relatively low ("high positive pressure"), it is easier for outdoor air A3 to move from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation conduit 52 compared to "high positive pressure." That is, under "low positive pressure," the load torque of the motor 56 is smaller compared to "high positive pressure." For this reason, control is performed to decrease the voltage value compared to "high positive pressure" in order to maintain the rotation speed of the motor 56 at a target value.

[0164] In this way, when supply ventilation is being performed, the air volume of the outdoor air A3 blown from the outdoor air Rout to the indoor air Rin is adjusted to a target value, and therefore, at "high positive pressure," the outdoor air A3 moves relatively less easily from the outdoor air Rout to the indoor air Rin, and therefore, the voltage value of the motor 56 becomes relatively large. On the other hand, at "low positive pressure," the outdoor air A3 moves relatively more easily from the outdoor air Rout to the indoor air Rin than at "high positive pressure," and therefore, the voltage value of the motor 56 becomes relatively small.

[0165] Therefore, when the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and outdoor Rout fluctuates, the voltage value of the motor 56 that drives the ventilation fan 54 fluctuates.

[0166] In the fourth embodiment, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilator 50 based on the voltage value of the motor 56, which varies depending on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, as information related to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout. For example, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume of the supply air ventilation based on the voltage value of the motor 56.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 19, the ventilation device 50 includes a ventilation fan 54 and a motor 56 .

[0168] The ventilation fan 54 is a fan for blowing air. In supply ventilation, the ventilation fan 54 blows outdoor air A3 from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rin through the ventilation duct 52. In exhaust ventilation, the ventilation fan 54 blows indoor air A4 from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52.

[0169] The motor 56 is a motor that drives the ventilation fan 54. The motor 56 is controlled by a control device 60.

[0170] The control device 60 controls the rotation speed of the ventilation fan 54 by controlling the voltage value of the motor 56. In this way, the amount of air blown by the ventilation fan 54, that is, the ventilation amount, is controlled.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 20, step S10 of the fourth embodiment includes step S11C.

[0172] In step S11C, the control device 60 acquires the voltage value of the motor 56.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 21, step S20 of the fourth embodiment includes step S21C.

[0174] In step S21C, the control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity based on the voltage value of the motor 56. For example, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilator 50 based on the voltage value of the motor 56, which varies depending on the pressure difference Pd.

[0175] For example, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume based on the voltage value of the motor 56 and the second threshold value T2. For example, when supply ventilation is being performed, if the voltage value of the motor 56 is greater than the second threshold value T2, the control device 60 reduces the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 50. If the voltage value of the motor 56 is equal to or less than the second threshold value T2, the control device 60 increases the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 50.

[0176] The second threshold T2 is a reference value for adjusting the ventilation volume. For example, the second threshold T2 may be a predetermined voltage value of the motor 56 when the indoor pressure Rin becomes positive relative to the outdoor pressure Rout. The second threshold T2 may be a predetermined value or a value set by the user.

[0177] FIG. 22 shows an example of control of ventilation volume when supply ventilation is being performed.

[0178] As shown in Figure 22, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume of the supply air ventilation in accordance with fluctuations in the voltage value of the motor 56. Specifically, when the voltage value of the motor 56 is greater than the second threshold value T2, the control device 60 determines that the indoor Rin relative to the outdoor Rout is a "high positive pressure" and adjusts the ventilation volume so that the ventilation volume becomes relatively small. When the voltage value of the motor 56 is equal to or less than the second threshold value T2, the control device 60 determines that the indoor Rin relative to the outdoor Rout is a "low positive pressure" and adjusts the ventilation volume so that the ventilation volume becomes relatively large.

[0179] As described above, in the air conditioner 10C of the present embodiment, the information relating to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout includes the voltage value of the motor 56, which varies depending on the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout. The control device 60 controls the ventilation capacity based on the voltage value of the motor 56.

[0180] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 can be efficiently adjusted based on the voltage value of the motor 56.

[0181] In this embodiment, the control in supply ventilation has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to, for example, exhaust ventilation.

[0182] When exhaust ventilation is performed, when the indoor Rin is at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor Rout and the pressure difference Pd is relatively high ("high positive pressure"), indoor air A4 moves easily from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52. On the other hand, when the pressure difference Pd is relatively low ("low positive pressure"), indoor air A4 moves less easily from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout through the ventilation duct 52 compared to "high positive pressure". Therefore, at "high positive pressure", indoor air A4 moves relatively easily from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout, and the voltage value of the motor 56 becomes relatively small. On the other hand, at "low positive pressure", indoor air A4 moves relatively less easily from the indoor Rin to the outdoor Rout, and the voltage value of the motor 56 becomes relatively large.

[0183] For this reason, when exhaust ventilation is being performed, if the voltage value of the motor 56 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control device 60 may determine that the indoor pressure Rin relative to the outdoor pressure Rout is "low positive pressure" and adjust the ventilation volume of the exhaust ventilation so that the ventilation volume becomes relatively small. This allows the indoor pressure Rin to be maintained at a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure Rout.

[0184] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation capacity based on the voltage value of the motor 56. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 60 may adjust the ventilation capacity based on the current value of the motor 56.

[0185] <Variation 3> In the third modification, the control by the control device 60 to adjust the ventilation capacity based on the current value of the motor 56 that varies depending on the pressure difference Pd will be described with reference to FIG.

[0186] Fig. 23 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to Modification 3. In Fig. 23, the current value of the motor 56, which varies depending on the pressure difference Pd, is used as an example of information relating to the pressure difference Pd between the indoor Rin and outdoor Rout.

[0187] As shown in Figure 23, the control device 60 adjusts the ventilation volume of the supply air ventilation in response to fluctuations in the current value of the motor 56. Specifically, when the current value of the motor 56 is greater than the third threshold T3, the control device 60 determines that the indoor Rin relative to the outdoor Rout is a "high positive pressure" and adjusts the ventilation volume of the supply air ventilation so that the ventilation volume becomes relatively small. When the current value of the motor 56 is equal to or less than the third threshold T3, the control device 60 determines that the indoor Rin relative to the outdoor Rout is a "low positive pressure" and adjusts the ventilation volume of the supply air ventilation so that the ventilation volume becomes relatively large.

[0188] With this configuration, the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50 can be efficiently adjusted based on the current value of the motor 56.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] (Other embodiments) For example, in the above-described embodiment, the air conditioners 10 to 10C 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 10C 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 10C may be central air conditioning systems that include a heat source unit and multiple fan coil units and control the air conditioning of multiple rooms.

[0193] 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, indoor air A4 in the room Rin is exhausted, causing a sudden drop in the indoor pressure Pin. The control device 60 may acquire information about the operation of the device resulting from changes in the indoor pressure Pin, and use that information as a trigger to start controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 50. For example, based on information that the range hood has been activated, the control device 60 may switch the ventilation mode of the ventilation device 50 to supply ventilation, thereby increasing the indoor pressure Pin.

[0194] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0195] (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 related to the pressure difference between the room and the outside, controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the information related to the pressure difference between the room and the outside, and adjusts the pressure inside the room to a positive pressure relative to the outside.

[0196] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room.

[0197] (Technology 2) The information regarding the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces includes the pressure difference between the indoor pressure inside the room and the outdoor pressure outside the room, and the control device controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the pressure difference.

[0198] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be easily adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room.

[0199] (Technical Aspect 3) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 2, further comprising a first pressure sensor that detects the indoor pressure and a second pressure sensor that detects the outdoor pressure.

[0200] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be more easily adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room.

[0201] (Technology 4) The air conditioner described in Technology 1, wherein the information regarding the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces includes a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature caused by the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and the control device controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the temperature difference.

[0202] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature.

[0203] (Technology 5) The ventilation device includes a ventilation duct connecting the indoors and the outdoors, a first temperature sensor located near one end of the ventilation duct located on the indoor side and detecting the indoor temperature, and a second temperature sensor located near the other end of the ventilation duct located on the outdoor side and detecting the outdoor temperature, and the control device calculates the temperature difference based on the indoor temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the outdoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0204] With this configuration, the correlation between the temperature difference and pressure difference between the indoors and outdoors can be improved, and the pressure inside the room can be more easily adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor pressure.

[0205] (Technology 6) The information regarding the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces includes a humidity difference between the indoor humidity and the outdoor humidity caused by the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and the control device controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the humidity difference.

[0206] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside based on the humidity difference between the indoor humidity and the outdoor humidity.

[0207] (Technology 7) The ventilation device includes a ventilation duct connecting the indoors and the outdoors, a first humidity sensor located near one end of the ventilation duct located on the indoor side and detecting the indoor humidity, and a second humidity sensor located near the other end of the ventilation duct located on the outdoor side and detecting the outdoor humidity, and the control device calculates the humidity difference based on the indoor humidity detected by the first humidity sensor and the outdoor humidity detected by the second humidity sensor.

[0208] This configuration improves the correlation between the humidity difference and the pressure difference between the indoors and outdoors, making it easier to adjust the indoor pressure to a positive pressure relative to the outdoors.

[0209] (Technology 8) The ventilation device includes a ventilation fan that blows air and a motor that drives the ventilation fan, and the information regarding the pressure difference between the room and the outside includes a voltage value or a current value of the motor that varies depending on the pressure difference between the room and the outside, and the control device adjusts the ventilation capacity based on the voltage value or the current value of the motor. This is an air conditioner described in Technology 1.

[0210] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room based on the voltage value or current value of the motor.

[0211] (Technology 9) An air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 1 to 8, wherein the ventilation capacity has a ventilation mode including supply ventilation that blows air from outside the room into the room, and the control device controls the ventilation mode based on information regarding the pressure difference between the room and the outside.

[0212] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be easily adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room.

[0213] (Technology 10) An air conditioner described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9, 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 regarding the pressure difference between the indoors and outdoors.

[0214] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be easily adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room.

[0215] (Technology 11) 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 regarding the pressure difference between the room and the outside; and controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the information regarding the pressure difference between the room and the outside, and adjusting the pressure inside the room to a positive pressure relative to the outside.

[0216] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room.

[0217] (Technology 12) A program that causes an air conditioner to execute the control method described in Technology 11.

[0218] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room.

[0219] (Technology 13) 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 11 is realized. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0220] With this configuration, the pressure inside the room can be adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outside of the room. [Industrial Applicability]

[0221] The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner equipped with a ventilation device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0222] 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 74 First temperature sensor 76 Second temperature sensor 78 First humidity sensor 80 Second humidity sensor

Claims

1. A ventilation device for ventilating the room; A control device that controls the ventilation device; Equipped with The control device acquiring information about the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces; a ventilation capacity of the ventilation device is controlled based on information about a pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and the pressure inside the room is adjusted to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor space; Air conditioner.

2. the information about the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces includes a pressure difference between an indoor pressure inside the indoor space and an outdoor pressure outside the indoor space; The control device controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the pressure difference. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. a first pressure sensor for detecting the indoor pressure; a second pressure sensor for detecting the outdoor pressure; Further provided with The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. the information about the pressure difference between the indoor space and the outdoor space includes a temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature caused by the pressure difference between the indoor space and the outdoor space; The control device controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the temperature difference. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

5. The ventilation device includes: a ventilation duct connecting the indoor space and the outdoor space; a first temperature sensor disposed near one end of the ventilation duct disposed on the indoor side and detecting the indoor temperature; a second temperature sensor disposed near the other end of the ventilation duct disposed on the outdoor side and configured to detect the outdoor temperature; Equipped with the control device calculates the temperature difference based on the indoor temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the outdoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 4.

6. the information about the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces includes a humidity difference between the indoor humidity and the outdoor humidity caused by the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces, The control device controls the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on the humidity difference. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

7. The ventilation device includes: a ventilation duct connecting the indoor space and the outdoor space; a first humidity sensor disposed near one end of the ventilation duct disposed on the indoor side and detecting the indoor humidity; a second humidity sensor disposed near the other end of the ventilation duct disposed on the outdoor side and detecting the outdoor humidity; Equipped with The control device calculating the humidity difference based on the indoor humidity detected by the first humidity sensor and the outdoor humidity detected by the second humidity sensor; The air conditioner according to claim 6.

8. The ventilation device includes: A ventilation fan that blows air, a motor that drives the ventilation fan; Equipped with the information about the pressure difference between the indoor space and the outdoor space includes a voltage value or a current value of the motor that varies depending on the pressure difference between the indoor space and the outdoor space; The control device adjusts the ventilation capacity based on the voltage value or the current value of the motor. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

9. The ventilation capacity has a ventilation mode including supply ventilation that blows air from the outside of the room into the room, The control device controls the ventilation mode based on information about a pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

10. The ventilation capacity includes a ventilation volume or a blowing pressure, The control device adjusts the ventilation volume or the air blowing pressure based on information about a pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

11. A control method for an air conditioner equipped with a ventilation device that ventilates a room, acquiring information about the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces; controlling the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device based on information about the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and adjusting the pressure inside the room to a positive pressure relative to the outdoor space; Including, A method for controlling an air conditioner.

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

13. 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 11 is realized. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

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