Air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of improving comfort.SOLUTION: An air conditioner of the present disclosure includes an indoor unit. The indoor unit includes: a housing provided with a suction port and a blowout port for indoor air; an indoor fan 22 disposed in the housing and generating an airflow to the blowout port from the suction port; an indoor heat exchanger 23 located in an airflow passage; an airflow direction blade 24 disposed at the blowout port and changing an airflow direction, in a vertical direction, of the indoor air from the blowout port between a downward direction directing downward from the indoor unit and a forward direction directing forward from the indoor unit; and a controller controlling the indoor fan and the airflow direction blade. The controller executes a circulation operation for circulating the indoor air by controlling the indoor fan and the airflow direction blade to change at least either one of an air volume or an airflow direction from the indoor fan, and controls at least either one of the execution time or an execution interval of the circulation operation on the basis of information on an indoor environment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Some air conditioners that condition indoor air perform a circulator operation to move air that has accumulated near the ceiling to the floor. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that performs a circulator operation to move air that has accumulated near the ceiling to the floor when the temperature of the indoor space set by the user exceeds a predetermined threshold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5289392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of improving comfort.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can improve comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: An air conditioner having an indoor unit that conditions indoor air, The indoor unit is a housing provided with an intake port and an outlet port for indoor air; an indoor fan disposed within the housing to form an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an indoor heat exchanger located in the path of the airflow; an airflow direction vane that is disposed at the air outlet and changes the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet between a downward direction directed downward from the indoor unit and a forward direction directed forward from the indoor unit; a control unit that controls the indoor fan and the airflow direction blades; Equipped with The control unit a circulation operation is performed to circulate indoor air by controlling the indoor fan and the air direction blades to change at least one of the air volume and the air direction from the indoor fan; At least one of the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation is controlled based on information about the indoor environment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can improve comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] An enlarged schematic diagram of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in Figure 1 [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the internal configuration of the air conditioner of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the airflow direction blades of the indoor unit of FIG. 2 are in a first direction; [Figure 5] Schematic diagram showing the state in which the airflow direction blades of the indoor unit of FIG. 2 are in a second direction. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram showing an example of indoor airflow during heating operation [Figure 7] Schematic diagram showing an example of indoor airflow during circulation operation [Figure 8] Schematic diagram showing an example of indoor airflow during circulation operation [Figure 9] Time chart for explaining the flow of circulation operation during heating operation [Figure 10] Schematic diagram showing an example of indoor airflow during cooling operation [Figure 11] Schematic diagram showing an example of indoor airflow during circulation operation [Figure 12] Schematic diagram showing an example of indoor airflow during circulation operation [Figure 13] Time chart to explain the flow of circulation operation during cooling operation [Figure 14] A table showing the execution time and interval of circulation operation according to the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16A] A table showing the execution time and interval of circulation operation during heating operation according to the room floor temperature. [Figure 16B] A table showing the execution time and execution interval of circulation operation during cooling operation according to the indoor floor temperature. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] A table showing the interval and duration of circulation operation according to the thermal insulation performance of the controlled space of the air conditioner. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20A] A table showing the amount of shift in the execution interval and execution time depending on the floor temperature during circulation operation during heating operation. [Figure 20B] A table showing the amount of shift in the execution interval and execution time for circulation operation during cooling operation according to the floor temperature. [Figure 21] Table showing the amount of shift in execution interval and execution time according to insulation performance during circulation operation [Figure 22A] A table showing the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors [Figure 22B] Table showing the temperature above the bed [Figure 22C] Table of insulation performance scores [Figure 23] Table showing the interval and duration of circulation operation based on the total score DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Background to this disclosure) When an air conditioner is used for heating operation, heated air tends to accumulate in the upper part of the room, which can result in a lower temperature near the floor than near the ceiling. Conversely, when an air conditioner is used for cooling operation, cooled air tends to accumulate in the lower part of the room, which can result in a higher temperature near the ceiling than near the floor. In this way, when an air conditioner is used for heating or cooling operation, the temperature in the indoor space may not be uniform, resulting in temperature variations. Therefore, studies are being conducted to add a circulation function to air conditioners to agitate the air in the room, thereby reducing temperature variations and eliminating user discomfort.

[0010] For example, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 compares the perceived temperature with the set temperature during heating or fan operation, and only when the perceived temperature is higher than the set temperature, performs circulator operation, automatically moving air accumulated near the ceiling to the floor.

[0011] However, in the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, circulator operation is performed based on the sensible temperature, so it may be difficult to eliminate uneven temperatures in the room by operating the circulator.

[0012] The inventors have discovered that when there is a large temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces, temperature unevenness is likely to occur indoors, and that by operating a circulator, the unevenness in the indoor temperature can be eliminated and comfort can be improved. Therefore, the inventors have studied an air conditioner that can eliminate the unevenness in the indoor temperature and improve comfort, and have arrived at the following invention.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, occasionally with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the following content (e.g., the shape, dimensions, and arrangement of each component). Positional relationships, such as up, down, left, and right, are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings, unless otherwise specified. Each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each element are not limited to the ratios shown in the drawings.

[0014] In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish between multiple components, prefixes such as "first" and "second" are added to the names of the components. However, when the components can be distinguished from each other by the symbols attached to them, the prefixes such as "first" and "second" may be omitted in consideration of readability of the text.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioner 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the indoor unit 20 of the air conditioner 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the air conditioner 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the air direction blades 24 of the indoor unit 20 of Fig. 2 are in a first direction. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the air direction blades 24 of the indoor unit 20 of Fig. 2 are in a second direction.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment includes an indoor unit 20 arranged in a room Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 arranged in an outdoor Rout.

[0017] 1 and 3, the outdoor unit 30 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with outdoor air A2, and an outdoor 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 perform a refrigeration cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 23 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor unit 30 is also provided with an outdoor temperature sensor 42 that detects the air temperature of the outdoor Rout.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the indoor unit 20 has a housing 21, an indoor fan 22, an indoor heat exchanger 23, an airflow direction blade 24, and a control unit 25. The housing 21 of the indoor unit 20 is provided with an inlet 21a and an outlet 21b for indoor air A1. The indoor fan 22 is disposed within the housing 21 and forms an airflow F1 from the inlet 21a to the outlet 21b. In other words, the indoor fan 22 draws the indoor air A1 from the inlet 21a into the indoor unit 20, and blows the indoor air A1, which has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 23, out of the outlet 21b into the room Rin. The indoor heat exchanger 23 is disposed in the path of the airflow F1 formed by the indoor fan 22 and exchanges heat with the indoor air A1.

[0019] Indoor air A1 drawn into the indoor unit 20 by the indoor fan 22 exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger 23 and is then blown out into the room Rin through the air outlet 21b. An airflow direction vane 24 is disposed at the air outlet 21b. The airflow direction vane 24 rotates along the arrow G1 in FIG. 2 to open and close the air outlet 21b and change the direction in which the indoor air A1 is blown out vertically. The control unit 25 rotates the airflow direction vane 24 to set the position of the airflow direction vane 24 to a first orientation, which is downward, so that the airflow direction of the indoor air A1 shown in FIG. 4 is directed downward from the air outlet 21b. When the airflow direction vane 24 is positioned in the first orientation, it is preferable that the airflow direction vane 24 be positioned at an angle between -42 degrees and -38 degrees relative to the horizontal. The control unit 25 can also rotate the airflow direction vane 24 to set the position of the airflow direction vane 24 to a second orientation that is more upward than the first orientation so that the airflow direction of the indoor air A1 shown in FIG. 5 is directed forward from the air outlet 21b. When the airflow direction vane 24 is positioned in the second orientation, it is preferable that the airflow direction vane 24 is positioned at an angle of −18 degrees or more relative to the horizontal. When the airflow direction vane 24 is positioned in the second orientation, the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is discharged more upward than when the airflow direction vane 24 is positioned in the first orientation. More specifically, when the airflow direction vane 24 is in the first orientation, the indoor air A1 is blown out from the air outlet 21b toward the bottom of the indoor unit 20. When the airflow direction vane 24 is in the second orientation, the indoor air A1 is blown out from the air outlet 21b toward the front of the indoor unit 20. The control unit 25 can change the direction of the indoor air A1 between downward and forward by rotating the air direction blades 24. Note that downward not only means that the direction of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is vertical, but also means that the direction of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is tilted slightly forward from the vertical. Similarly, forward not only means that the direction of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is horizontal, but also means that the direction of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is tilted slightly downward from the horizontal.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, when the airflow direction blades 24 are in a first direction, the indoor air A1 is discharged from the air outlet 21b toward the bottom of the indoor unit 20. As shown in Fig. 5, when the airflow direction blades 24 are in a second direction, the indoor air A1 is discharged from the air outlet 21b toward the front of the indoor unit 20.

[0021] 3, a control unit 25 is disposed in the indoor unit 20. The control unit 25 controls the indoor fan 22 and the air direction blades 24 to control a series of operations to draw indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and to discharge the indoor air A1 that has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 23 from the air outlet 21b.

[0022] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 20 is provided with an indoor temperature sensor 26 for detecting the temperature of the room Rin.

[0023] In this embodiment, the control unit 25 can perform a heating operation in which the indoor air A1 heated by the indoor heat exchanger 23 is discharged from the outlet 21b to the room Rin. During the heating operation, the control unit 25 sets the direction of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b to any direction between the downward direction shown in Fig. 4 and the forward direction shown in Fig. 5. That is, during the heating operation, the control unit 25 sets the position of the air direction blade 24 to any position between the first direction and the second direction.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 25 can also perform a cooling operation in which the indoor air A1 cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 23 is discharged from the air outlet 21b to the room Rin. During the cooling operation, the control unit 25 sets the direction of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b to any direction between the downward direction shown in Fig. 4 and the forward direction shown in Fig. 5. That is, during the cooling operation, the control unit 25 sets the position of the air direction blade 24 to any position between the first direction and the second direction.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 25 performs a circulation operation to circulate the indoor air A1 by controlling the indoor fan 22 and the air direction blades 24 to change at least one of the air volume and air direction from the indoor fan 22. The circulation operation is performed for the purpose of agitating the air in the room Rin during heating operation or cooling operation.

[0026] The control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution time or execution interval of the circulation operation based on information about the indoor environment. The execution time of the circulation operation is the time during which the indoor fan 22 and the air direction blades 24 are controlled to circulate indoor air. The execution interval of the circulation operation is the time from when the circulation operation ends to when the circulation operation starts. Information about the environment of the indoor Rin includes, for example, the temperature difference between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, the temperature above the floor of the indoor Rin, or the insulation performance of the control space of the air conditioner 10. In other words, the information about the environment of the indoor Rin is information about factors in the indoor Rin that affect the air conditioning efficiency of the air conditioner 10.

[0027] The operation of the circulation operation during heating operation will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the airflow of indoor Rin during heating operation. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the airflow of indoor Rin during circulation operation. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the airflow of indoor Rin during circulation operation. Fig. 9 is a time chart for explaining the flow of operation of the circulation operation during heating operation. Fig. 9(a) is a time chart showing the relationship between the movement of the air direction blade 24 and the passage of time. Fig. 9(b) is a time chart showing the relationship between the air volume of indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b and time.

[0028] During heating operation, heated air tends to accumulate above the room Rin. For this reason, the control unit 25 executes circulation operation at the appropriate timing to agitate the air above the room Rin and circulate the air within the room Rin. By circulating air within the room Rin, temperature unevenness within the room Rin can be reduced. In this embodiment, as described above, circulation operation is executed based on information regarding the environment of the room Rin.

[0029] In the circulation operation during heating operation, first, the control unit 25 moves the airflow direction blade 24 to the second direction to reduce the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b. That is, the control unit 25 reduces the airflow rate while changing the airflow direction of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b to forward. At this time, the movement of the airflow direction blade 24 is performed during a predetermined first period. When the airflow direction blade 24 is moved to the second direction, the control unit 25 increases the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b. Thereafter, the control unit 25 maintains the airflow direction blade 24 in the second direction for a predetermined period to keep the airflow rate from the air outlet 21b increased. The control unit 25 ends the circulation operation and continues the heating operation after a predetermined execution time has elapsed.

[0030] The operation of the circulation mode during heating operation will be described in more detail below.

[0031] As described above, the control unit 25 sets the airflow direction blade 24 to any position between the first and second directions and performs heating operation. By setting the position of the airflow direction blade 24 to any position between the first and second directions, the control unit 25 can generate an airflow AF1 that gradually descends from the indoor unit 20 toward the front, as shown in FIG. 6 . During heating operation, the control unit 25 can set the airflow direction blade 24 to any position based on the indoor temperature Rin detected by the indoor temperature sensor 26, a user setting, or the like. During heating operation, the control unit 25 can also set the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b to any value. The airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b during heating operation is controlled based on the user setting, similar to the airflow direction blade 24. The example in FIG. 9 shows that heating operation is performed from time t0 to time t1. Figure 9(a) shows that the air direction vane 24 is in a position between the first direction and the second direction, and Figure 9(b) shows that the air volume of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b is between Low and High.

[0032] The control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation during heating operation based on information about the environment of the room Rin. Note that the control of the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation based on information about the environment of the room Rin will be described in detail later.

[0033] In the circulation mode during heating operation, the control unit 25 first moves the airflow direction blade 24 to the second direction for a predetermined first period. The predetermined first period is the period from time t1 to t2 shown in FIG. 9, which is, for example, a period of 5 to 30 seconds. That is, the control unit 25 moves the position of the airflow direction blade 24 to the second direction shown in FIG. 5 so that the airflow from the air outlet 21b changes from airflow AF1 to airflow AF2 between time t1 and t2, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9(a). By changing the direction of the airflow direction blade 24 over a period of 5 to 30 seconds rather than suddenly, user discomfort can be reduced. The airflow AF2 is the flow of air from the air outlet 21b toward the front of the indoor unit 20. At this time, the control unit 25 reduces the volume of indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b, as shown in FIG. 9(b). The volume of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b can be reduced, for example, by lowering the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22. By reducing the volume of air discharged from the air outlet 21b while the air direction vane 24 is moving in the second direction, it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user of the room Rin due to the wind blowing on them. In the example of FIG. 9, the air volume is reduced to Low between times t1 and t2. In this embodiment, when the air volume is Low, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 is, for example, approximately 600 rpm to approximately 700 rpm.

[0034] After moving the air direction blade 24 to the second direction, the control unit 25 increases the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b. In the example of FIG. 9, the airflow rate is increased from Low to High between times t2 and t3. In this embodiment, when the airflow rate is High, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 is, for example, approximately 700 rpm to approximately 1200 rpm. The control unit 25 can increase the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b by, for example, increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22. At this time, the control unit 25 may increase the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 in a stepwise manner. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 may be increased at a rate of, for example, 100 rpm / 10 seconds between times t2 and t3. For example, when increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 from low (e.g., about 700 rpm) to high (e.g., about 900 rpm), the control unit 25 increases the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 in stages over 20 seconds. By increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 in stages, it is possible to reduce the discomfort to the user caused by the increase in airflow noise that accompanies an increase in air volume.

[0035] Between times t3 and t4 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 25 positions the airflow direction blade 24 in the second direction and maintains the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b at High. The period from time t3 to time t4 may be, for example, 20 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the indoor air A1 is discharged from the outlet 21b toward the wall in front of the indoor unit 20. By setting the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b to High, as shown by arrow C1, the indoor air A1 discharged from the outlet 21b hits the wall in front of the indoor unit 20, creating an airflow toward the floor. Furthermore, as shown by arrow C2, the air that hits the floor flows along the floor and hits the wall where the indoor unit 20 is located, creating an airflow toward the ceiling. In this way, circulating the indoor air A1 through the indoor Rin along the arrows C1 and C2 can agitate the air in the indoor Rin.

[0036] After the control unit 25 increases the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b, the control unit 25 maintains the state in which the airflow direction blade 24 is positioned in the second direction and the state in which the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is increased from time t3 to time t4. By operating the unit with the airflow direction blade 24 in the second direction and the airflow rate increased, the air in the room Rin can be sufficiently agitated.

[0037] After time t4, the control unit 25 returns the airflow direction vane 24 to an arbitrary position between the first direction and the second direction, sets the air volume of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b to an arbitrary value, and ends the circulation operation.

[0038] Next, the operation of the circulation operation during cooling operation will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 13. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the airflow of indoor Rin during cooling operation. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the airflow of indoor Rin during circulation operation. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the airflow of indoor Rin during circulation operation. Fig. 13 is a time chart for explaining the flow of operation of the circulation operation during cooling operation. Fig. 13(a) is a time chart showing the relationship between the movement of the air direction blade 24 and the passage of time. Fig. 13(b) is a time chart showing the relationship between the air volume of indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b and time.

[0039] During cooling operation, cooled air tends to accumulate below room Rin. For this reason, the control unit 25 executes circulation operation at the appropriate timing to agitate the air below room Rin and circulate the air within room Rin. By circulating air within room Rin, temperature unevenness within room Rin can be reduced. In this embodiment, as described above, circulation operation is executed based on information regarding the environment of room Rin.

[0040] In the circulation operation during cooling operation, first, the control unit 25 moves the airflow direction blade 24 in a first direction to reduce the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b. That is, the control unit 25 reduces the airflow rate while changing the airflow direction of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b downward. At this time, the movement of the airflow direction blade 24 is performed for a predetermined second period. When the airflow direction blade 24 is moved in the first direction, the control unit 25 increases the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b. Thereafter, the control unit 25 maintains the airflow direction blade 24 in the first direction for a predetermined period, thereby increasing the airflow rate from the air outlet 21b. The control unit 25 ends the circulation operation after a predetermined execution time has elapsed and continues the cooling operation.

[0041] The operation of the circulation mode during cooling operation will be described in more detail below.

[0042] As described above, the control unit 25 sets the airflow direction blade 24 to any position between the first and second directions to perform the cooling operation. By setting the position of the airflow direction blade 24 to any position between the first and second directions, the control unit 25 can generate an airflow AF3 that gradually descends from the indoor unit 20 toward the front, as shown in FIG. 10 . During the cooling operation, the control unit 25 can set the airflow direction blade 24 to any position based on the indoor temperature Rin detected by the indoor temperature sensor 26, a user setting, or the like. Furthermore, during the cooling operation, the control unit 25 can set the airflow rate of the indoor air A3 from the air outlet 21b to any value. The airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b during the cooling operation is controlled based on the user setting, as with the airflow direction blade 24. The example in FIG. 13 shows that the cooling operation is performed from time t10 to time t11. Figure 13(a) shows that the air direction vane 24 is in a position between the first direction and the second direction, and Figure 13(b) shows that the air volume of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b is between Low and High.

[0043] The control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation during cooling operation based on information about the environment of the room Rin. Note that the control of the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation based on information about the environment of the room Rin will be described in detail later.

[0044] During circulation operation during cooling, the control unit 25 first moves the airflow direction blade 24 in the first direction for a predetermined second period. The predetermined second period is the period between times t11 and t12 shown in FIG. 13, which is, for example, a period of 5 to 30 seconds. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13(a), the control unit 25 moves the position of the airflow direction blade 24 to the first direction shown in FIG. 4 so that the airflow from the air outlet 21b changes from airflow AF3 to airflow AF4 between times t11 and t12. By changing the direction of the airflow direction blade 24 over a period of 5 to 30 seconds rather than suddenly, user discomfort can be reduced. The airflow AF4 is a flow of air from the air outlet 21b toward the bottom of the indoor unit 20. At this time, the control unit 25 reduces the volume of indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b, as shown in FIG. 13(b). The volume of indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b can be reduced, for example, by lowering the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22. By reducing the volume of air discharged from the air outlet 21b while the air direction vane 24 is moving in the first direction, it is possible to reduce discomfort felt by the user in the room Rin due to the wind blowing on them. In the example of FIG. 13, the air volume is reduced to Low between times t11 and t12. In this embodiment, when the air volume is Low, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 is, for example, approximately 600 rpm to approximately 700 rpm.

[0045] After moving the air direction blades 24 to the first direction, the control unit 25 increases the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b. In the example of FIG. 13, the airflow rate is increased from Low to High between time t12 and time t13. In this embodiment, when the airflow rate is High, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 is, for example, approximately 700 rpm to approximately 1200 rpm. The control unit 25 can increase the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b by, for example, increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22. At this time, the control unit 25 may increase the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 in a stepwise manner. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 may be increased at a rate of, for example, 100 rpm / 10 seconds between time t12 and time t13. For example, when increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 from low (e.g., about 700 rpm) to high (e.g., about 900 rpm), the control unit 25 increases the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 in stages over 20 seconds. By increasing the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 in stages, it is possible to reduce the discomfort to the user caused by the increase in airflow noise that accompanies an increase in air volume.

[0046] Between times t13 and t14 shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 25 positions the airflow direction blades 24 in the first direction and maintains the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b at High. The period from time t13 to time t14 may be, for example, 20 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the indoor air A1 is discharged from the outlet 21b toward the floor of the indoor unit 20. By setting the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b to High, as shown by arrow C3, the indoor air A1 discharged from the outlet 21b hits the floor and creates an airflow toward the wall surface located in front of the indoor unit 20. By circulating the indoor air A1 through the indoor Rin along arrow C3, the air in the indoor Rin can be agitated.

[0047] After the control unit 25 increases the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b, the control unit 25 maintains the state in which the airflow direction blade 24 is positioned in the first direction and the state in which the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is increased from time t13 to time t14. By operating the unit with the airflow direction blade 24 in the first direction and the airflow rate increased, the air in the room Rin can be sufficiently agitated.

[0048] After time t14, the control unit 25 returns the air direction vane 24 to an arbitrary position between the first direction and the second direction, sets the air volume of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b to an arbitrary value, ends the circulation operation, and performs the cooling operation.

[0049] Next, the control of the execution time or execution interval of the circulation operation by the control unit 25 based on information about the environment of the room Rin will be described.

[0050] During heating or cooling operation, the control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution time or execution interval of the circulation operation based on information about the environment of the room Rin.

[0051] For example, when the temperature difference between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout is large, temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin is likely to occur. Temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin may cause discomfort to the user inside the indoor Rin. Therefore, in this embodiment, by controlling at least one of the execution time or execution interval of the circulation operation based on the temperature difference between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, it is possible to reduce temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin and improve comfort.

[0052] FIG. 14 is a table showing the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation according to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout.

[0053] The control unit 25 calculates the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout based on the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 42 and the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 26. Based on the calculated temperature difference, the control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation. Here, the execution time of the circulation operation refers to the time from time t3 to time t4 shown in FIG. 9 or the time from time t13 to time t14 shown in FIG. 13. More specifically, the execution time of the circulation operation during heating operation is the time during which the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is maintained at High while the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the air outlet 21b is maintained at High while the airflow rate of the air outlet 21b is maintained at High while the airflow rate of the air outlet 21b is maintained at High while the airflow rate of the air outlet 21b is maintained at High while the airflow rate of the air outlet 21b is maintained at High while the airflow rate of the air outlet 21b is maintained at High. The execution interval of the circulation operation is the time from the end of the execution of the circulation operation to the start of the next execution of the circulation operation.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 14, when the difference between the temperature of the indoor space Rin and the temperature of the outdoor space Rout is the temperature difference T1, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a1 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b1 seconds. The temperature difference T1 indicates, for example, that the temperature difference between the indoor space Rin and the outdoor space Rout is less than the first threshold value. The first threshold value can be appropriately selected from, for example, a range of 3°C or more and 5°C or less. The execution interval a1 is, for example, a value in the range of 35 minutes or more and 55 minutes or less, and the execution time b1 is, for example, a value in the range of 10 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less. Also, when the difference between the temperature of the indoor space Rin and the temperature of the outdoor space Rout is the temperature difference T2, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a2 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b2 seconds. The temperature difference T2 indicates, for example, that the temperature difference between the indoor space Rin and the outdoor space Rout is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value. The second threshold value can be appropriately selected from, for example, a range of 15°C or more and 25°C or less. The execution interval a2 is, for example, a value in the range of 20 minutes or more and 40 minutes or less, and the execution time b2 is, for example, a value in the range of 30 seconds or more and 50 seconds or less. Further, when the difference between the temperature of the indoor space Rin and the temperature of the outdoor space Rout is the temperature difference T3, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a3 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b3 seconds. The temperature difference T3 indicates, for example, that the temperature difference between the indoor space Rin and the outdoor space Rout is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. The execution interval a3 is, for example, a value in the range of 5 minutes or more and 25 minutes or less, and the execution time b3 is, for example, a value in the range of 50 seconds or more and 70 seconds or less. The execution intervals a1 to a3 are preferably set such that a1 > a2 > a3. Similarly, the execution times b1 to b3 are preferably set such that b1 < b2 < b3. The greater the temperature difference between the indoor space Rin and the outdoor space Rout, the greater the temperature unevenness in the indoor space Rin. Therefore, as the temperature difference between the indoor space Rin and the outdoor space Rout increases, the execution interval of the circulation operation can be shortened and the execution time of the circulation operation can be lengthened to reduce the temperature unevenness in the room. Note that the numerical values of the temperature difference, execution time, and execution interval shown in FIG. 14 are examples, and can be appropriately adjusted according to the climate of the region where the air conditioner 10 is installed or the heat insulation performance of the control space of the air conditioner 10, etc.

[0055] [effect] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0056] The air conditioner 10 has an indoor unit 20 and investigates the air in the room Rin. The indoor unit 20 includes a housing 21, an indoor fan 22, an indoor heat exchanger 23, an airflow direction blade 24, and a control unit 25. The housing 21 is provided with an inlet 21a and an outlet 21b for indoor air A1. The indoor fan 22 is disposed within the housing 21 and forms an airflow from the inlet 21a to the outlet 21b. The indoor heat exchanger 23 is disposed in the airflow path. The airflow direction blade 24 is disposed at the outlet 21b and changes the vertical wind direction of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b between downward, directed downward from the indoor unit 20, and forward, directed forward from the indoor unit 20. The control unit 25 controls the indoor fan 22 and the airflow direction blade 24. The control unit 25 performs a circulation operation to circulate the indoor air A1 by controlling the indoor fan 22 and the air direction blades 24 to change at least one of the air volume and air direction from the indoor fan 22. The control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation based on information about the environment of the room Rin.

[0057] With this configuration, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can improve comfort.

[0058] The information about the environment of the room Rin includes the temperature difference between the room Rin and the outdoor Rout. The control unit 25 executes at least one of control to lengthen the execution time of the circulation operation or control to shorten the execution interval according to the temperature difference.

[0059] With this configuration, when the temperature difference between the indoor Rin and outdoor Rout is large and temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin is likely to occur, the temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin can be manually alleviated by shortening the execution interval of the circulation operation and increasing the execution frequency. Alternatively, by extending the execution time of the circulation operation, the air in the indoor Rin can be agitated more, thereby reducing temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin.

[0060] The air conditioner 10 further includes an indoor temperature sensor 26 disposed indoors (Rin) to detect the indoor temperature, and an outdoor temperature sensor 42 disposed outdoor (Rout) to detect the outdoor temperature. The control unit 25 calculates the temperature difference based on the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 26 and the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 42.

[0061] With this configuration, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout can be detected with high accuracy.

[0062] The control unit 25 sets the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b to any direction between downward and forward, and performs heating operation in which air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 23 is discharged from the outlet 21b to the room Rin. The circulation operation includes reducing the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b and shifting the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the outlet 21b forward during a predetermined first period by the control unit 25. The circulation operation also includes increasing the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b after shifting the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b forward by the control unit 25.

[0063] The control unit 25 sets the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b to any direction between downward and forward, and performs cooling operation in which air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 23 is discharged from the outlet 21b to the room Rin. The circulation operation includes reducing the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b and shifting the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the outlet 21b downward for a predetermined second period by the control unit 25. The circulation operation also includes increasing the airflow rate of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b after shifting the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air A1 from the outlet 21b downward by the control unit 25.

[0064] With this configuration, circulation operation can be performed at an appropriate timing during heating or cooling operation, thereby reducing temperature variations in the room.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the indoor unit 20 includes the indoor temperature sensor 26 and the outdoor unit 30 includes the outdoor temperature sensor 42, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the indoor temperature sensor 26 and the outdoor temperature sensor 42 may be temperature sensors provided separately from the air conditioner 10. That is, the indoor temperature sensor and the outdoor temperature sensor may be devices external to the air conditioner 10, such as temperature sensors with communications capabilities. In this case, the air conditioner 10 may be provided with a communications interface for communicating with external devices, and the control unit 25 may calculate the temperature difference based on indoor temperature information and outdoor temperature information acquired from the external device via the communications interface.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 25 controls both the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation in accordance with the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout, but this is not limiting. The control unit 25 may control either the execution time or execution interval of the circulation operation in accordance with the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the information regarding the environment of the room Rin is the temperature difference between the room Rin and the outdoor Rout, but this is not limiting. The information regarding the environment of the room Rin may also be the temperature difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 set by the user and the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 26. In this case, the control unit 25 executes circulation operation when the temperature difference between the set temperature and the indoor temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the control unit 25 executes circulation operation when the indoor temperature is close to the set temperature of the air conditioner 10. By executing circulation operation when the temperature of the room Rin is stable, it is possible to further reduce temperature unevenness in the room Rin.

[0068] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 16B. In Embodiment 2, the same or equivalent configurations as in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In Embodiment 2, descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0069] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an air conditioner 10A according to a second embodiment. FIG. 16A is a table showing the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation during heating operation according to the above-floor temperature of the indoor Rin. FIG. 16B is a table showing the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation during cooling operation according to the above-floor temperature of the indoor Rin. As shown in FIG. 15, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the indoor unit 120 has an above-floor temperature sensor 27, and the outdoor unit 130 does not have an outdoor temperature sensor. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the information about the environment of the indoor Rin includes the above-floor temperature of the indoor Rin detected by the above-floor temperature sensor 27. The other configurations of the air conditioner 10A are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] As shown in Figure 15, in this embodiment, the indoor unit 120 is equipped with an above-floor temperature sensor 27 that detects the above-floor temperature of the room Rin. In this embodiment, the above-floor temperature refers to the temperature at a height of 0.15 m from the floor surface of the room Rin, for example. The above-floor temperature sensor can measure the temperature at a height of 0.15 m from the floor surface. The control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution time or execution interval of the circulation operation according to the above-floor temperature detected by the above-floor temperature sensor 27.

[0071] It is expected that the temperature above the floor will differ greatly between heating and cooling operations. Therefore, when the temperature above the floor is used as information related to the room Rin environment, the control unit 25 performs different control of the circulation operation during heating and cooling operations.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 16A, the control of the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation during the heating operation will be described. During the heating operation, the temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin is more likely to occur as the floor temperature becomes lower. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16A, the control unit 25 executes control to shorten the execution interval of the circulation operation and lengthen the execution time as the floor temperature becomes lower. More specifically, in the case of the floor temperature T11, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a11 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b21 seconds. The floor temperature T11 indicates, for example, that the floor temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined third threshold value. The third threshold value can be appropriately selected from, for example, the range of 20°C or higher and 30°C or lower. The execution interval a11 is, for example, a value in the range of 35 minutes or more and 55 minutes or less, and the execution time b11 is, for example, a value in the range of 10 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less. Also, in the case of the floor temperature T12, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a12 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b12 seconds. The floor temperature T12 indicates, for example, that the floor temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined fourth threshold value and lower than the third threshold value. The fourth threshold value can be appropriately selected from, for example, the range of 10°C or higher and 25°C or lower. The execution interval a12 is, for example, a value in the range of 20 minutes or more and 40 minutes or less, and the execution time b12 is, for example, a value in the range of 30 seconds or more and 50 seconds or less. Further, in the case of the floor temperature T13, the execution interval of the circulation operation is controlled to a13 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation is controlled to b13 seconds. The floor temperature T13 indicates, for example, that the floor temperature is lower than the predetermined fourth threshold value. The execution interval a13 is, for example, a value in the range of 5 minutes or more and 25 minutes or less, and the execution time b13 is, for example, a value in the range of 50 seconds or more and 70 seconds or less. The execution intervals a11 to a13 are preferably set such that a11 > a12 > a13. Similarly, the execution times b11 to b13 are preferably set such that b11 < b12 < b13.

[0073] Next, referring to FIG. 16B, the control of the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation during the cooling operation will be described. During the cooling operation, the temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin is more likely to occur as the floor temperature increases. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 16B, the control unit 25 executes control to shorten the execution interval of the circulation operation and lengthen the execution time as the floor temperature increases. More specifically, in the case of the floor temperature T21, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a21 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b21 seconds. The floor temperature T21 indicates that, for example, the floor temperature is less than a predetermined fifth threshold value. The fifth threshold value can be appropriately selected from, for example, the range of 15°C or more and 25°C or less. The execution interval a21 is, for example, a value in the range of 35 minutes or more and 55 minutes or less, and the execution time b21 is, for example, a value in the range of 10 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less. Also, in the case of the floor temperature T22, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a22 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b22 seconds. The floor temperature T22 indicates that, for example, it is equal to or more than a predetermined fifth threshold value and less than a sixth threshold value. The sixth threshold value can be appropriately selected from, for example, the range of 25°C or more and 35°C or less. The execution interval a22 is, for example, a value in the range of 20 minutes or more and 40 minutes or less, and the execution time b22 is, for example, a value in the range of 30 seconds or more and 50 seconds or less. Further, in the case of the floor temperature T23, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a23 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b23 seconds. The floor temperature T23 indicates that, for example, the floor temperature is equal to or more than a predetermined sixth threshold value. The execution interval a23 is, for example, a value in the range of 5 minutes or more and 25 minutes or less, and the execution time b23 is, for example, a value in the range of 50 seconds or more and 70 seconds or less. The execution intervals a21 to a23 are preferably set such that a21 > a22 > a23. Similarly, the execution times b21 to b23 are preferably set such that b21 < b22 < b23.

[0074] By controlling the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation according to the floor temperature, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that reduces the temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin and improves comfort.

[0075] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. In Embodiment 3, the same or equivalent configurations as in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In Embodiment 3, descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0076] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an air conditioner 10B according to embodiment 3. FIG. 18 is a table showing the execution interval and execution time of circulation operation according to the insulation performance of the controlled space of the air conditioner 10B. As shown in FIG. 17, embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 1 in that the outdoor unit 230 does not have an outdoor temperature sensor. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 1 in that the information related to the environment of the room Rin is the insulation performance of the controlled space by the air conditioner 10B. The other configurations of the air conditioner 10B are the same as those of embodiment 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] The thermal insulation performance of the control space of the air conditioner 10B is an index that indicates how easily / difficultly the indoor space Rin, which is the control space of the air conditioner 10B, can be heated or how easily / difficultly it can be cooled. In other words, the thermal insulation performance indicates how well the indoor space Rin is insulated from the outdoor space Rout. The thermal insulation performance can be set, for example, based on the type of insulating material used in the building. During heating operation, the control unit 25 can calculate the thermal insulation performance of the indoor space Rin, for example, based on the rate of increase / decrease of the indoor temperature per unit time. During cooling operation, the control unit 25 can calculate the thermal insulation performance of the indoor space Rin, for example, based on the rate of decrease / decrease of the indoor temperature per unit time. In this embodiment, the control unit 25 classifies the thermal insulation performance into three levels: "high," which indicates a high rate of increase / decrease of the indoor temperature per unit time; "low," which indicates a low rate of increase / decrease of the indoor temperature per unit time; and "medium," which is intermediate between "high" and "low." When the insulation performance is high, the temperature of the room Rin is less affected by the outside air temperature Rout, and therefore the rate of increase / decrease of the room temperature per unit time is thought to be large. In other words, when the insulation performance is high, it is less affected by the outside air temperature, and it is thought that the air conditioner 10B can easily heat / cool the room Rin. Conversely, when the insulation performance is low, the temperature of the room Rin is more affected by the outside air temperature Rout, and therefore the rate of increase / decrease of the room temperature per unit time is thought to be small. In other words, when the insulation performance is low, it is more affected by the outside air temperature, and it is thought that the air conditioner 10B can hardly heat / cool the room Rin. In this embodiment, the control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution interval or execution time of the circulation operation according to the insulation performance.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 18, the control of the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation during heating operation or cooling operation will be described. The lower the heat insulation performance of the indoor Rin, the more it is affected by the outdoor Rout, and thus temperature unevenness is likely to occur in the indoor Rin. Therefore, the control unit 25 performs control such that as the heat insulation performance decreases, the execution interval of the circulation operation is shortened and the execution time is lengthened. More specifically, when the heat insulation performance is "high", the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a31 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b31 seconds. The execution interval a31 is, for example, a value in the range of 35 minutes or more and 55 minutes or less, and the execution time b31 is, for example, a value in the range of 10 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less. Also, when the heat insulation performance is "medium", the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a32 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b32 seconds. The execution interval a32 is, for example, a value in the range of 20 minutes or more and 40 minutes or less, and the execution time b32 is, for example, a value in the range of 30 seconds or more and 50 seconds or less. Further, when the heat insulation performance is "low", the control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to a33 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation to b33 seconds. The execution interval a33 is, for example, a value in the range of 5 minutes or more and 25 minutes or less, and the execution time b33 is, for example, a value in the range of 50 seconds or more and 70 seconds or less. The execution intervals a31 to a33 are preferably set such that a31 > a32 > a33. Similarly, the execution times b31 to b33 are preferably set such that b31 < b32 < b33.

[0079] According to the heat insulation performance of the controlled space by the air conditioner 10B, by controlling the execution interval and execution interval of the circulation operation, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that reduces temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin and improves comfort.

[0080] (Embodiment 4) Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, Embodiment 4 will be described. In Embodiment 4, the same or equivalent configurations as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and described. Also, in Embodiment 4, the description overlapping with that in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

[0081] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an air conditioner 10C according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 20A is a table showing the amount of shift in the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation during heating operation according to the above-floor temperature. FIG. 20B is a table showing the amount of shift in the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation during cooling operation according to the above-floor temperature. FIG. 21 is a table showing the amount of shift in the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation according to the insulation performance. As shown in FIG. 19, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the indoor unit 320 has an above-floor temperature sensor 27 in addition to the indoor temperature sensor 26. Also, as shown in FIGS. 20A to 21, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the control unit 25 controls the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation according to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout, and further shifts the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation according to the above-floor temperature or the insulation performance of the room.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the control unit 25 controls at least one of the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation in accordance with the temperature difference between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout. In the present embodiment, in addition to the control based on the temperature difference between the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout described in the first embodiment, the control unit 25 shifts at least one of the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation in accordance with the above-floor temperature or the insulation performance. That is, the control unit 25 increases or decreases the execution interval or execution time of the circulation operation in accordance with the above-floor temperature or the insulation performance. By determining the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation using multiple pieces of information, it is possible to further reduce temperature unevenness in the indoor Rin and improve comfort.

[0083] A case will be described in which the temperature above the floor is used in addition to the temperature difference between the room Rin and the room Rout as information about the room Rin environment.

[0084] The control unit 25 controls the execution interval and execution time of the circulation operation according to the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Rin and the outdoor temperature Rout, in accordance with the table of Fig. 14 described in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 25 further controls the circulation operation by increasing or decreasing the execution interval and execution time in the table of Fig. 14 according to the above-floor temperature, as shown in Figs. 20A and 20B.

[0085] In the case of heating operation, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the above-floor temperature is T11, the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by c1 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation by d1 seconds. The execution interval c1 is, for example, a value between +3 minutes and +7 minutes, and the execution interval is increased within a range between 3 minutes and 7 minutes. The execution time d1 is, for example, a value between -7 seconds and -3 seconds, and the execution time is decreased within a range between 3 seconds and 7 seconds. When the above-floor temperature is T12, the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by c2 minutes and the execution time by d2 seconds. The execution interval c2 is, for example, 0 minutes, and the execution time d2 is, for example, 0 seconds, and it is not necessary to shift the execution interval and execution time. Furthermore, when the above-floor temperature is T13, the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by c3 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation by d3 seconds. The execution interval c3 is, for example, a value between -7 minutes and -3 minutes, and the execution interval is decreased by a range of 3 minutes to 7 minutes. The execution time d3 is, for example, a value between 3 seconds and 7 seconds, and the execution time is increased by a range of 3 seconds to 7 seconds.

[0086] In the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the floor temperature is T21, the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by c4 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation by d4 seconds. The execution interval c4 is, for example, a value between +3 minutes and +7 minutes, and the execution interval is increased within a range of 3 minutes and 7 minutes. The execution time d4 is, for example, a value between -7 seconds and -3 seconds, and the execution time is decreased within a range of 3 seconds and 7 seconds. When the floor temperature is T22, the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by c5 minutes and the execution time by d5 seconds. The execution interval c5 is, for example, 0 minutes, and the execution time d5 is, for example, 0 seconds, and the execution interval and execution time do not need to be shifted. Furthermore, when the floor temperature is T23, the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by c6 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation by d6 seconds. The execution interval c6 is, for example, a value between -7 minutes and -3 minutes, and the execution interval is decreased by a range of 3 minutes to 7 minutes. The execution time d6 is, for example, a value between 3 seconds and 7 seconds, and the execution time is increased by a range of 3 seconds to 7 seconds.

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 25 may control the circulation operation by increasing or decreasing the execution interval and execution time in the table of FIG. 14 depending on the thermal insulation performance of the control space of the air conditioner 10C.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 21, when the insulation performance is "high," the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by c7 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation by d7 seconds. The execution interval c7 is, for example, a value between +1 minute and +5 minutes, and the execution interval is increased within a range of 1 minute and 5 minutes. The execution time d7 is, for example, a value between -7 seconds and -3 seconds, and the execution time is decreased within a range of 3 seconds and 7 seconds. When the insulation performance is "medium," the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by c8 minutes and the execution time by d8 seconds. The execution interval c8 is, for example, 0 minutes, and the execution time d8 is, for example, 0 minutes; it is not necessary to shift the execution interval and execution time. Furthermore, when the insulation performance is "low," the control unit 25 changes the execution interval of the circulation operation by d9 minutes and the execution time of the circulation operation by d9 seconds. The execution interval c9 is, for example, a value between -5 minutes and -1 minute, and the execution interval is decreased by a range of 1 minute to 5 minutes. The execution time d9 is, for example, a value between 3 seconds and 7 seconds, and the execution time is increased by a range of 3 seconds to 7 seconds.

[0089] The priority order when determining the information to be used as information about the environment of the room Rin is, in descending order, the temperature difference between the room Rin and the outdoor Rout, the floor temperature, and the insulation performance. Therefore, for example, when the floor temperature and the insulation performance are used as information about the environment of the room Rin, the control unit 25 controls the execution interval and execution time according to the table in Fig. 16A or 16B, and then shifts the execution interval and execution time according to the table in Fig. 21.

[0090] (Embodiment 5) 22A to 23, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In the fifth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0091] In Embodiment 5, as information regarding the environment of the indoor space Rin, the temperature difference between the indoor space Rin and the outdoor space Rout, the floor temperature, and the heat insulation performance are used, and each is scored. The control unit 25 controls the execution interval and the execution time according to the total score, which is different from Embodiment 4. Since the configuration of the air conditioner is the same as that in Embodiment 4, the description thereof is omitted.

[0092] FIG. 22A is a table in which the temperature difference between the indoor space Rin and the outdoor space Rout is scored. FIG. 22B is a table in which the floor temperature is scored. FIG. 22C is a table in which the heat insulation performance is scored. FIG. 23 is a table showing the execution interval and the execution time of the circulation operation based on the total score. According to the tables of FIGS. 22A to 22C, for example, when the heating operation is being executed and the temperature difference T2 between the indoor and outdoor spaces, the floor temperature T11, and the heat insulation performance are "high", the total of the respective scores is 12 points. The control unit 25 controls the execution interval of the circulation operation to be e4 minutes and the execution time to be f4 seconds according to the table of FIG. 23. In the table of FIG. 23, it is preferable that the execution intervals e1 to e5 are set such that e1 < e2 < e3 < e4 < e5. For example, the execution interval e1 can be a value of 5 minutes or more and 15 minutes or less, the execution interval e2 can be a value of 15 minutes or more and 25 minutes or less, the execution interval e3 can be a value of 25 minutes or more and 35 minutes or less, the execution interval e4 can be a value of 35 minutes or more and 45 minutes or less, and the execution interval e5 can be a value of 55 minutes or more and 65 minutes or less. Also, in the table of FIG. 23, it is preferable that the execution times f1 to f5 are set such that f1 > f2 > f3 > f4 > f5. For example, the execution time f1 can be a value of 55 seconds or more and 65 seconds or less, the execution time f2 can be a value of 45 seconds or more and 55 seconds or less, the execution time f3 can be a value of 35 seconds or more and 45 seconds or less, the execution time f4 can be a value of 25 seconds or more and 35 seconds or less, and the execution time f5 can be a value of 15 seconds or more and 25 seconds or less.

[0093] By using more information regarding the environment of the indoor space Rin, the temperature unevenness in the indoor space Rin can be further reduced, and the comfort can be improved.

[0094] (Supplementary Note) From the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed.

[0095] (Technology 1) An air conditioner that has an indoor unit and conditions the air inside a room, the indoor unit comprising: a housing with an indoor air intake and exhaust port; an indoor fan that is arranged inside the housing and forms an airflow from the intake to the exhaust port; an indoor heat exchanger that is located in the path of the airflow; an airflow direction blade that is arranged at the exhaust port and changes the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the exhaust port between downward, pointing downward from the indoor unit, and forward, pointing forward from the indoor unit; and a control unit that controls the indoor fan and the airflow direction blade; the control unit controls the indoor fan and the airflow direction blade to perform a circulation operation that circulates the indoor air by changing at least either the air volume or the air direction from the indoor fan, and controls at least either the execution time or the execution interval of the circulation operation based on information about the indoor environment.

[0096] With this configuration, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can reduce temperature variations in the room and improve comfort.

[0097] (Technology 2) An air conditioner as described in Technology 1, in which the information about the indoor environment includes the temperature difference between the indoors and outdoors, and the control unit executes at least one of control to extend the execution time of the circulation operation or control to shorten the execution interval depending on the temperature difference.

[0098] With this configuration, circulation operation can be performed taking into account the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, thereby reducing temperature variations in the room and improving comfort.

[0099] (Technology 3) The air conditioner according to Technology 2 further includes an indoor temperature sensor disposed indoors to detect the indoor temperature, and an outdoor temperature sensor disposed outdoors to detect the outdoor temperature, and the control unit calculates the temperature difference based on the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor and the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor.

[0100] With this configuration, the temperature difference between the indoors and outdoors can be calculated more accurately.

[0101] (Technology 4) The air conditioner according to Technology 2 further includes a communication interface for communicating with an external device, and the control unit calculates the temperature difference based on indoor temperature information and outdoor temperature information acquired from the external device via the communication interface.

[0102] With this configuration, circulation operation can be controlled using various information from external devices, such as a temperature sensor separate from the air conditioner or a weather forecast.

[0103] (Technology 5) An air conditioner according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, further comprising a floor temperature sensor that is placed in the room and detects the floor temperature in the room, and the information about the indoor environment includes the floor temperature in the room detected by the floor temperature sensor.

[0104] With this configuration, the interval or duration of the circulation operation can be controlled according to the temperature above the floor, thereby improving comfort.

[0105] (Technology 6) An air conditioner according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5, further comprising an indoor temperature sensor that is placed indoors and detects the indoor air temperature, wherein the information about the indoor environment includes a rate of rise or fall of the indoor temperature per unit time, and wherein the control unit extends the execution time of the circulation operation or shortens the execution interval when the rate of rise or fall is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0106] With this configuration, the interval or duration of circulation operation can be controlled taking into account the insulating performance of the space controlled by the air conditioner, thereby further reducing temperature unevenness in the room and improving comfort.

[0107] (Technology 7) An air conditioner according to any one of Technologies 1 to 6, further comprising an indoor temperature sensor that is placed indoors and detects the indoor temperature, wherein the information about the indoor environment is the temperature difference between the air conditioner's set temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor, and wherein the control unit executes circulation operation when the temperature difference between the air conditioner's set temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0108] With this configuration, circulation operation can be performed when the indoor temperature is close to the set temperature, thereby improving comfort.

[0109] (Technology 8) An air conditioner according to any one of Technologies 1 to 7, wherein the control unit sets the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet to any direction between downward and forward, and performs a heating operation in which air heated by the indoor heat exchanger is discharged into the room from the air outlet, and a circulation operation is performed while the heating operation is being performed, the control unit reduces the air volume of the indoor air from the air outlet and moves the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet forward during a predetermined first period, and after moving the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet forward, the control unit increases the air volume of the indoor air from the air outlet.

[0110] This configuration reduces the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the room when the heating operation is performed, thereby improving comfort.

[0111] (Technology 9) An air conditioner according to any one of Technologies 1 to 7, wherein the control unit sets the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet to any direction between downward and forward, and performs a cooling operation in which air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger is discharged into the room from the air outlet, and a circulation operation is performed while the cooling operation is being performed, the control unit reduces the air volume of the indoor air from the air outlet and moves the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet downward during a predetermined second period, and after moving the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet downward, the control unit increases the air volume of the indoor air from the air outlet.

[0112] This configuration reduces the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the room when the cooling operation is performed, thereby improving comfort. [Industrial Applicability]

[0113] The present disclosure can be widely applied to air conditioners that can perform circulation operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C Air conditioner 20, 120, 320 indoor unit 21. Cabinet 21a Intake port 21b Air outlet 22 Indoor fan 23 Indoor heat exchanger 24 Wind vane 25 Control Unit 26 Indoor temperature sensor 27 Floor temperature sensor 30, 130, 230 outdoor unit 32 Outdoor heat exchanger 34 Outdoor fan 36 Compressor 38 Expansion valve 40 Four-way valve 42 Outdoor temperature sensor

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an indoor unit that conditions indoor air, The indoor unit is a housing provided with an intake port and an outlet port for indoor air; an indoor fan disposed within the housing to form an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an indoor heat exchanger located in the path of the airflow; an airflow direction vane that is disposed at the air outlet and changes the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet between a downward direction directed downward from the indoor unit and a forward direction directed forward from the indoor unit; a control unit that controls the indoor fan and the airflow direction blades; Equipped with The control unit a circulation operation is performed to circulate indoor air by controlling the indoor fan and the air direction blades to change at least one of the air volume and the air direction from the indoor fan; and controlling at least one of the execution time and execution interval of the circulation operation based on information about the indoor environment. Air conditioner.

2. The information about the indoor environment includes a temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, The control unit performs at least one of control to lengthen an execution time of the circulation operation or control to shorten an execution interval, depending on the temperature difference. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes an indoor temperature sensor disposed indoors to detect the indoor temperature, and an outdoor temperature sensor disposed outdoors to detect the outdoor temperature, the control unit calculates the temperature difference based on the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor and the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. a communication interface for communicating with an external device; the control unit calculates the temperature difference based on indoor temperature information and outdoor temperature information acquired from the external device via the communication interface. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

5. Further, a floor temperature sensor is provided in the room to detect the temperature of the floor in the room. The information about the indoor environment includes the indoor floor temperature detected by the floor temperature sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

6. An indoor temperature sensor is further provided which is disposed indoors and detects the indoor air temperature; the information about the indoor environment includes a rate of increase or decrease per unit time of the indoor temperature; The control unit extends the execution time of the circulation operation or shortens the execution interval when the rate of increase or decrease is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

7. An indoor temperature sensor is further provided which is disposed in the room and detects the indoor temperature; the information about the indoor environment is a temperature difference between a set temperature of the air conditioner set by a user and the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor; the control unit executes the circulation operation when a temperature difference between a set temperature of the air conditioner set by a user and an indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

8. the control unit sets the vertical wind direction of the indoor air from the air outlet to any direction between the downward direction and the forward direction, and performs a heating operation in which the air heated by the indoor heat exchanger is discharged into the room from the air outlet; The circulation operation is The heating operation is performed during the heating operation. The control unit reduces the airflow rate of the indoor air from the air outlet and moves the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet forward during a predetermined first period; After the vertical wind direction of the indoor air from the air outlet is shifted forward, the control unit increases the air volume of the indoor air from the air outlet; Including, The air conditioner according to claim 1.

9. the control unit sets the vertical wind direction of the indoor air from the air outlet to any direction between the downward direction and the forward direction, and performs a cooling operation in which the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger is discharged into the room from the air outlet; The circulation operation is The cooling operation is performed during the cooling operation. reducing the airflow rate of the indoor air from the air outlet by the control unit, and shifting the vertical airflow direction of the indoor air from the air outlet downward during a predetermined second period; After shifting the vertical wind direction of the indoor air from the air outlet downward, increasing the air volume of the indoor air from the air outlet by the control unit; Including, The air conditioner according to claim 1.

Images